Chapter 1: Whats More Important Than Friendship ?

Spike's Undertale
By Animefan608

Green to start music and Red to stop music

“As you all know, there are many races in our world. The Ponies, the Deer, Dragons, Griffons and much, much more. But the most powerful, and the most terrifying of them all, were the monsters. There was a time where we lived in harmony with the monsters, until a war broke out between the ponies and the monsters. It lasted for a hundred years, and than finally the ponies were victorious. Yay !! Anyway, the Princess didn’t want her ponies living in fear of the monsters, and she knew she couldn’t wipe out an entire race. So she decided to banish the monster race deep underground, below us so they can live their own peaceful lives their own way. Rumor has it, in the mountains near Ponyville, there is a particular mountain named Mount Ebott. Within it is a cave that holds the entrance to the monster world, but no pony dares to ever go to seek this mountain. Any pony that succeeds in finding this mountain, never returns. Many believe that any pony that enters the monster world, is immediately captured by Asgore Dreemurr, the king of Monsters. And is then killed, their souls collected by the king. Because he believes if he collects seven pony souls, it will break the spell. And the monsters shall return to the surface, to take their revenge on the pon-“

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AOx1L7ctC4o

“Wait,wait,wait,wait……am I supposed to be scared Twilight? Because I’m not scared one bit of your little made up fairytale;” said Rainbow Dash, flying through the air with her cocky grin.

Twilight frowned at her friend for interrupting her. She was trying read a classic legend to her friends while they were having a picnic in the park. Pinkie Pie on the other hand was doing somersaults and cartwheels around the park, without a care in the world.

“O-oh my, I can’t imagine Celestia doing that. Did she really put them underground ?,” asked Fluttershy who felt sorry for the monsters.

“Well I say good riddance, we don’t need anymore monsters wandering around here. We al’ ready got enough problems to deal with in Equestria. Changlings, dragons, not to mention our own monsters we have in tha Everfree forest,” says Applejack; hitting her hooves against the ground.

Rarity nodded. “I must agree. If Celestia put those beasts underground, then it must be for a good reason.”

“Come now girls. This is all just a myth. I’m surprised that none of you heard of this story before. This story is known by many kingdoms around the world!,” exclaimed Twilight.

“If the story is true, those monsters must be really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, REALLY bored down there;” said Pinkie who kept flipping in the air until she stopped suddenly. “……and also freezing.” She said putting her arms around herself tightly, shivering and acting all cold.

While they were all having a good time, Spike was sitting on a bench reading his comics. Before he could even get to the good part, he couldn’t help but notice there so many families out today. He looked away from his comic, and watched all the families have good time. Having picnics, a father playing catch with his son; a mother playing on the swing with her daughter. Even the Cutie mark crusaders were out with their parents, except for Applebloom, who was with Granny Smith and Big mac.

“Come on mom, we’ll be late !!” Said Button Mash, trotting passed Spike.

“Button Mash, slow down!!” Shouted his mother, who was having trouble keeping up.

Spike was observing the whole thing in front of him. They all looked so happy together. It was like they were friends, but he noticed it was a different type of friendship. It was love and friendship mixed together, to create something much more special. It was family. That was something Spike never had. He spent his whole life living as Twilight’s assistant, he never ever experienced what it meant to have a mother or father. This always bothered Spike a little, and he barely showed that it was bothering him. But now that there were so many families out today, it made him feel empty inside. He had friends who supported him, but he couldn't help but feel that there was something important that he was missing in his life. He looked down at the ground frowning at this realization, knowing what problem was. He was an orphan.

Suddenly Pinkie Pie clapped two banda turca cymbals together, making a loud sound behind Spike. He shot up into the air in panic.

"AAAAHHH !!"

Pinkie Pie giggled in enjoyment as she saw Spike's startled expression. Spike picked himself off the floor, cleaning the dirt off his body, while Rainbow Dash joined in on the laughter as Spike glared at them with anger. "Don't do that !!!"

"What? I just thought I'd cheer you up. I couldn't help see you making frowny faces,” said Pinkie; still holding the two instruments in her hooves.

"You should have seen your face when Pinkie scared the living daylights out of you!" Said Rainbow Dash, who was still laughing out loud while rubbing Spike's head.

"Thats not funny!" Spike slapped her hoof off of him, then angrily walked away.

"Hey whats wrong Spike? We were just messing with you,” said Dash.

"I'm not in the mood,” Spike replied, as he continued to walk.

"Spike where are you going? Spike!" Twilight tried to call out to him. Twilight knew Spike heard her, but still he continued to ignore her.
"Gee, I hope I didn't hurt his feelings,” said Pinkie Pie with a concerned expression.

"I don't think it was you Pinkie. Something must be eating the poor feller." Said Applejack who joined in the conversation.
Fluttershy couldn't help feeling concerned too,"But what ?" She asked.

The main six watched him disappear in the distance. Twilight couldn't help but wonder what was bothering Spike. Twilight knew that he doesn't like being teased at times, but it wasn't that. She knew something else had to be bothering Spike for him to just walk away and pout.

Spike was walking in the streets of Ponyville, and everywhere he looked there were more families having a good time. He even noticed Applejack's aunts, uncles, and cousins, were making their way towards the Apple farm for another family reunion.

"What in a Equestria is going on around here ?!" Said Spike, as he noticed that so many families were out today. Far more than usual.

"Hey Spike!”

The purple dragon turned his head towards two familiar faces. It was Shining Armor, and his wife Cadence.
"How've you've been?

"Cadence, Shining Armor ? What are you two doing here?" Spike asked as he ran up to them.

"Don't you know? Tomorrow is the Sunset Celebration. Today's the day where every ponies family comes over for a family reunion before the holiday begins." Said Cadence with a smile.

"Damn, how could I forget that...." Spike mumbled.

"Yeah, however Twily's parents won’t be coming, since our mom fell ill. We decided to stop by and say hello." Said Shining. "So how have you been Spike?"

"I've been uh.....busy" Spike replied, while scratching the back of his head. "Y-you know. Twilight's been giving me a lot of work lately.”

"Well Actually more like all the time. She works me to the point where I barely have time for myself.” He thought.

"Well, you know my sister can be a real work-o-holic sometimes. I wouldn't be surprised if she over worked you a lot." Shining said as he put his hoof to his chin.

"By the way Spike, don't tell Twilight, but we’re thinking about starting a family of our own one day. We haven't decided what the foal's name would be. If it’s a girl, I think the name should be Flurry Heart." Cadence said, looking all excited about the idea. "So what do you think ?"

"That’s great, I always wanted to be an uncle...or cousin....or whatever. That’s just fantastic. It’s good to have a new member of the family." Said Spike who was very happy for them, and also himself a little. He was never really close to Twilight's family. And even though he is good pals with Shining, he was hoping he could, in some way, grow closer to them."This could be good for me. I-I mean I am the savior of the Crystal Empire, and who else would they ask to babysit for them instead of Spike the brave and glorious. It could help me grow closer to them. Soon they won't look at me as just some ...friend. They’ll see me as a member of-"

"Well......yeah. I suppose that’s a good way of looking at it. I guess if you were part of our family, our child would look up to you as an older cousin."

Spike paused at the word if', he wanted to think that they viewed him as part of their family until Shining made it obvious thats not what they saw him as. "Ah, Ooh." Spike hung his head down in sadness as he tried to hide how he really felt.

"Spike, is something the matter ?" asked Cadence looking at him with concern. She than noticed Spike was shedding a tear.

"I-its nothing, I think I hear Twilight calling me. I-I gotta go." Spike than ran. Cadance tried to call out to him to come back but he choice to ignore her.

He didn't care where, just far away from them. He just wanted to be alone. Spike knew if ran back to the library that’s where they would check first, so he decided to go somewhere else. Somewhere they would least expect him to be.

Five minutes later, Spike sat against a tree that was actually the Cutie Mark Crusader's tree house. He couldn't get over how he was feeling. He just felt stuck.

"Why do I feel this way ? I mean, I have what I need right ? I mean Twilight takes care of me, and even though she doesn't treat me like one, but I'm kinda considered as a brother to her right ?"

He let out a sigh, looking down at his feet. "Get real Spike, you’re her friend and assistant; you’re not her little brother. But still…”

"I mean its not like I need a family anyway right? I’ve got friends. Friends who care about me. Then again now that I think about it, they’re more like Twilight's friends than mine. I mean that doesn't mean we’re not friends, but every time they go on an adventure I'm left behind most of time. And when I do go with them, I feel like a useless side kick compared to them. Yeah, they’re more like Twilight's friends. I don't even think I have friends of my own," He thought again.

"....Spike ?"

Spike than snapped from his thoughts, as he heard his name being called. He noticed The CMC were standing in front of him with question filled expressions on their faces. He must have been daydreaming a bit too much.

"Oh hey Applebloom, Hey Sweetie Bell, Hey Scootaloo. What’s up?"

"...Nothing. What are you doing hanging around our tree house?" Applebloom asked with her eyebrow raised.

"Uh sorry. This was the only place I knew where I could be alone for a while." Said Spike scratching the back of his head with an awkward smile.

"Why would you want to be alone ?" asked Sweetie Bell.

"Yeah tell us," Scootaloo added.

Spike didn't want to drag them into his problems. Especially them actually, since they would do anything to get a cutie mark. Spike didn't want them to help, knowing how they take things too far when it comes to helping other ponies, just to get their cutie marks. "I guess, I could tell them a little bit about what’s going on."

Spike stood up on his feet, while fiddling with his fingers. "Well, do you guys ever get that feeling. Like something is missing in your life. Something important ?"

They were baffled by Spike's question.

"Like what?,” asked Applebloom.

"Like a blow dryer?,” asked Sweetie Bell.

"Like a pet animal?,” asked Scootaloo.

Spike nodded sideways."No, it’s something much more important than those things. I guess you could say it is just as important as friendship."

"Just as important as friendship?,” asked Applebloom. "You mean like family."

"Yes, yes!” Then suddenly Spike realized he just told them his problem. "I-I-I mean no. You know what, forget I said anything."

"Spike if you’re feeling lonely maybe you should go Crusading with us?" Suggested Sweetie Bell with a kind smile. Applebloom and Scootaloo agreed.

"You both know I can't. I'm Twilight's assistant. She needs me at the library. Besides, I'm a dragon. We don't get cutie marks." He said.
"He's got a point. And I don't think there’s a Cutie mark in this. Come on girls," Said Scootaloo.

Then the CMC trotted up to their tree house, begging to climb up it; until Applebloom heard some pony call her name. When she turned around she saw her older sister Applejack coming. "Oh hey Applejack."

"I thought ah told you three not to leave yet." Applejack scowled at her sister, until she noticed the baby dragon. "Spike ? What in tarnation are you doing here?"

Her younger sister approached Applejack, and whispered something to her. "I think Spike is sad because he doesn't have a family."
Applejack looked at her sister."Did he tell yah that ?"

"No, I mean, well… I'm not entirely sure, but I believe that’s what been bothering him.” She said putting her hoof on her chin.

"Alright, you three keep doing your crusading. I'll talk with him."

Once Applebloom went up to the tree house with her friends, and began climbing up the ladder too; Applejack walked towards Spike, who was still sitting against the tree.

"Howdy Spike !"

All he wanted was to be alone, but there was no way around it. Spike sighed as he greeted her back.

"Hey AppleJack."

"Mind if I sit down next to you?” She asked in a cheery voice.

"Go on ahead."

So she sat down next to him, enjoying the beauty of mother nature.

"Hooo Doggy, what a nice day out it is today. The sun’s shining brighter than a crystal pony. So what’s been eating at yeh Spike ?"
Spike knew there was no lying his way out of his, not with the element of honesty. So he had no choice but to come clean with her.

"I didn't want to drag any pony into my problems but....I just wish I had parents like you guys do,” Spike said, leaning his head against his knees.

The cowpony frowned. She had a feeling that was the case."Ooh Spike, so that’s what this about. Doesn't Twilight know anything about yer kin?”

"No, she said she hatched me, and I came out of an egg. That’s it. I tried find out where I came from by joining the dragon migration, and nothing. Just found a dead end. All the dragons over there were total jerks."

Spike remembered the time when he tried to be friends with the teen dragons. It didn't go so well. "Did yah ask Princess Celestia if she knows anything ?"

"No, but I don't want to bother the princess with my problems."

"Spike, she may be the princess of all ponies, but she cares bout all her subjects. Dragons, donkeys, whatever. Even though she's busy she'll understand.”

Applejack scratched the back of head with an unsure smile.

"Um, listen Spike, maybe it's better to take what's given to you. I mean you have a home, and friends that care about you. Perhaps you shouldn't think about what you don't have. Trust me partner, don't make the same mistake I made. When I was a filly, I wanted to live tha high life with ma upper class relatives, but than I realized something. I didn't know how good I had it at the farm until I made the wrong choice, so I came back.” Said Applejack, as she put her hoof on his shoulder to comfort him.

But what she said didn't change how Spike felt.

"But....is it too much to ask for a family?,” he asked.

Applejack slowly frowned. She couldn't help but feel sympathy for Spike. "No, I guess it isn't."

Applejack wanted to say something else, but she knew if she wanted him to get over how he felt, she needed to be a little bit more open to him. "Can't say I don’t know how yah feel Spike."

"Your just saying that."

"Nah, I do. Spike have you wondered why you've meet every family member in ma clan, except for my mah and pah?”

Spike’s eyes widen in surprise. He never realized that until now.

"You see Spike, ma folks are gone. I miss them very much. Even though you never met your parents, we’re both kinda in the same boat. We’re both parentless." She exclaimed with a sympathetic smile.

That was first time Applejack ever opened herself up like that. Spike and Twilight, and the rest of her friends, always knew there was a reason why her parents never showed up to any of the family reunions. And they knew she never liked talking about them; now he knew why. She was just like him. Even though she probably knew who her parents were, there isn't a day that goes by where she doesn’t think about them.

Applejack got up on her four legs, and helped Spike onto his feet. "Spike, what you feel won't go away easily. Especially at your age........but try to hang in there okay. Now come on. Lets take you back to Twilight’s.”

The sun was beginning to go down as Spike and Applejack finally got to the library. Twilight opened the door as she noticed them approaching from the distance.

"There you are Spike. I was so worried about you. Where have you been?"

"Don't worry Twi, he's been with me all day. We just went out for ice cream and such. Right Spike?,” said Applejack, who winked at Spike while tapping him on the shoulder, trying to keep Twilight calm.

"Y-yeah. That right."

"Well thank Celestia you’re here. And thank you Applejack, for bringing him home. I don’t know what I would do without my number one assistant,” said Twilight with a small smile.

"Thank nothing. It was my pleasure,” said Applejack while tipping her hat to her friend.

"Alright well, better head back to the farm. Good night."

Twilight let Spike inside as she waved Applejack good bye. "See you later Applejack."

Spike went upstairs to bed, until was stopped by Twilight, who looked at him with an angry frown.

"Spike where have you been this whole time. You were supposed to come back to watch over the library. It's not like you to just skip work like that. What’s with you today?!"

"Sorry Twilight. It won't happen again,” said Spike, looking down in shame.

"I hope not. I was worried."

"Really?"

"Yes of course, I can't imagine me losing my number one assistant. You are my responsibility Spike. Its my duty as your guardian and friend to look after you,” said Twilight lifting; her head up in the air with pride.

That wasn't what Spike expected her to say, but at least she cares for him. Twilight has always looked after him, ever since he first hatched.

"Oh." He said.

"So don't do that again." She said with a serious look.

"Okay Twilight. Won't happen again. I promise.”

Twilight than grinned at him. "Now Pinkie Promise."

".....Twilight no. You know what will happen if I break a Pinkie Promise." Spike looked around, checking all over the library, making sure Pinkie Pie was nowhere in sight.

"Which is exactly why I want you to do it. Now say it."

Spike sighed, he really really didn't want to do it ; because if he did break a promise, Pinkie Pie will find out. He then saw Pinkie Pie looking at him through the window. Giving him an ‘I’m watching you' gesture, while her eyes looked at him like daggers.

"No turning back now Spike." Spiked sighed again in defeat, and started to make the Pinkie Promise.

"~Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye~. Alright I did it. Can I go to sleep now ?!"

Both Twilight and Pinkie Pie smiled, they were both satisfied.

Spike sat in his basket and covered himself with blankets. Before he went to sleep, he heard Twilight call his name.

"Oh Spike before I forget, I forgot to mention that Cadence and Shining came by. They asked me where you were. They seemed worried about you too. Did something happen?"

"Oh uh it’s nothing. They were probably wondering where I was at too,” he said, sweating. He didn't want to spill the beans about what they were talking about earlier.

Twilight just shrugged it off and went to bed.

Spike didn't mean to lie to Twilight about what was going on. He just didn't want his friends getting involved in something so personal to him. Applejack understood how he felt. So should Twilight and the others. Maybe one day, once he was more comfortable, he’d tell all of them. Spike than finally closed his eyes, and escaped into his world of dreams.

The next day, Spike decided to finally write a letter to Celestia. He needed to know who his parents were, and if any pony knew, it had to be her. He took out a feather, a jar of ink, and a piece of paper and started to write. His hand writing wasn't perfect compered to Twilight's hoof writing, but it was good enough to understand.

“Dear Princess Celestia,

this is Spike. I'm sorry for writing you a letter at this time. I know you must be very busy, especially with the Sunset Celebration, but I can't help but ask you something really important. It’s been bothering me for a while now, and I can't seem to move on from it. I was wondering if you know where I came from? Who were my parents? I'm sorry for bothering you with these questions, but I need to know the truth about myself. I just can't stand feeling so empty inside. Could you please help me Celestia?
I could really use your help right now.

Yours truly,

Spike.”

Spike rolled the letter up into a scroll, and blew his fire onto it as it disappeared into thin air. He than heard Twilight call his name, so he made his way downstairs.

"There you are Spike. Where were you?,” She asked.

Spike was about to answer until she cut him off.

"It doesn't matter, me and the girls are heading to Canterlot. Celestia invited all of us to go see her sister and herself raise the sun. That’s not even best part! I'm gonna be a part of the ceremony !” Twilight shouted in glee. She jumped up and down in excitement. "We’re also going to stay at the palace, and have dinner with the princesses

"Thats great Twilight. Sounds like fun. Can't wait to go tonight." Responded Spike in excitement. He was happy that he could have some fun tonight with Twilight and the others. It would help him get his mind off of things.

"Oh, um sorry Spike, but I actually need you to stay here to look after the library for me." She said. Spike frowned in disappointment.

Twilight took out her list of things that needed to be done. "I have a whole list of things for you to do today, and I expect them be done when I get back."

Spike's jaw dropped as he was dumbstruck, while watching the long list roll its way towards the door until it was outside still unrolling. His pupils were small, like little dots, as he saw it stop a foot away from the library. Spike sighed in annoyance, as Twilight handed him the list of things to do.

Spike sigh in depression."Alright Twilight. I'm on it."

"Thank you Spike. I'll be back tomorrow afternoon," she said with a smile.

Twilight made her way out the door with a saddlebags on her back. When she closed the door behind her, Spike gave out a irritated growl. Meanwhile Owlicious flew by and rested on his standing perch.

"I don't understand… Why ? Why me ? How come I have to stay here all day; while she goes out and has a good time with her friends,” Spike said as he started to get to work.

"She constantly bosses me around, and forgets about me almost all the time. And she's always gone too.”

"Hoo, Hoo?" Owlicious hooted.

"Twilight that’s who. I mean its like this all the time. I love my friends like a family but....Aren't families supposed to stick together no matter what. Isn't that what family is all about. I-I never knew what it meant to be a part of a family, I mean Shining Armor already made it clear that I wasn't really a part of their family."

Spike started to put all the books in the proper place as he went on about his problems. "Back in Sombra's Castle, my greatest fear used to be about Twilight not needing me anymore. I mean it still is to this day, but now I'm starting to fear Twilight and the others are using me."

"Hoo, Hoo?" Owlicious hooted again.

"Applejack, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash.....even Rarity.."

He looked down at his feet in sadness at that fact. He didn't want to think that his crush was taking advantage of him too. But it made sense, even though he didn't want to admit it.

"They all do the same thing. They almost always leave me behind whenever they go somewhere cool. Some friends! I mean I know I'm not an element of harmony, and I probably never will, be but still."

He finished the last section of the lower shelves and than climbed the ladder to the upper part of the book shelves.
"I just hate it when they leave me behind. I didn’t even get to go to Canterlot for Twilight's birthday party that one time."

"Hoo,Hoo, Hoo,” Owlicious hooted in a sympathetic tone.

Spike was tearing up, but he managed to pull himself together. He climbed down and picked up one of the photos of him and the mane six. They were all in the picture together, and a cut out picture of him was attached to it.

"Maybe Twilight's friends don't really like me. Perhaps it was all just pretend. Just because they’re nice to me doesn't mean they really like me, and to them I'm just a pest that they don't want around."

Spike kept staring at the picture, and thought back to everything he and his friends had been through. Like the Changeling invasion, Candace and Shining's wedding. His friends and him saving the Crystal Empire, and how they helped him when he grew into a giant greedy dragon. They were, undoubtedly, his friends…so then, why did he doubt their friendship?

However, what about everything else he missed out on. He never got the chance to meet Pinkie Pie's sister. He didn't go see the tryouts for the Equestria games. He didn't want to think about them anymore. There were good things and bad things, he just didn't know the answer.

"I miss the old days. Back when it was just me and Twilight in Canterlot. Back then she wasn't a perfect friend, but it was always just me and her no matter where we went. We were like partners back then, but that changed when we came to ponyville. I will always love Twilight as a mother, or a older sister, but I can't help but feel......so neglected."

"Hoo..." Owilicous said in a sad tone.

"I sometimes wonder what my life would have been like if I lived with my parents instead of Twilight. Would my life have been better, or worse, I don't know. I mean I'm grateful to live with the ponies. Because of them, I learned many things; like how to be kind, loyal and true. I'm proud to call Ponyville my home. It’s a kind and peaceful place to live.....but I can't help but feel out of place."

Spike Singing:

Is it so wrong to ask for more. To regain what you should of had before?

Why is it so hard for them see. The pain inside of me.

I live inside a hollow tree. What would my parents think of me ?

I should be grateful for what I have, But why do I, feel so sad?

I got no family, I got no friends. Is this how my life is really…..going to end

In this world, beneath all I’ve known, a place I’ve come to call my own.

They go on journeys , near every day; they don’t see me but merely walk away.

Do those who call me friend even care? When they don’t see my broken stare.

No they can’t possibly be, for they don’t see the shattered pieces of me.

Duty hides what I desire, I lie to them though I’m internally dire.

I want more than I need, or is that what they think of me?

What kind of dragon am I, when my claws have no treasure by my side.

The others were right to laugh as I cried, my draconic failure hurts my pride.

A torrential storm tries to break the dam, the facade I put up on command.

I should feel happy but I feel mad, I should be grateful but instead I’m sad.

Emotions fly by in a rush, like the Mane-iac after a bust.

After this flood ends, it’s like I’m missing more again.

Every time a part of me goes, leaving me more morose.

Why do I bother to carry on, step step by step my mind has gone.

I feel desire, but it brings me pain, a lonely heart with myself to blame.

Tears trickle down my cheeks, how can I feel so empty?

I have scales but no burning fire, why lie to myself to hide my ire.

It’s like I’m going through the motions, feeling nothing despite feigning devotion.

Would they notice if I was gone, my scales no longer among their throng.

I doubt they would even care, but do I really dare?

This complicated pain brings me to weep, but all I want to do is sleep.

Yet I force myself to carry on, a burden to where I once belonged.

For they cannot possibly see, this complicated pain inside me.”

Than suddenly something grew in Spike. His expression changed from sad to determined. He felt.....DETERMINATION !!

"You know what. No. You know what I'm gonna do. I'm gonna do exactly what Twilight is an expert at, and that’s making friends. I need new ponies to hangout, with but the only question is, who ?"

"Hoo !"

"Exactly !" Spike replied, as he made his way to the door.

" Owilicous, Take over for me! I'll be back."

But before he could exit the library, he then turned around, facing the owl. He pointed up to the ceiling with a confident grin, as he was full of determination at that moment.

"From now on things are about to change. Wish me luck!”

The owl saluted him, and flew towards the list of things Spike needed to do and read it to top to bottom.

Chapter 2: No Time For Scaredy Sidekicks

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Spike was walking around ponyvile, trying to figure out who he should be friends with. " Now, lets see who would be friends to a dragon like me. The Cutie Mark crusader would be a good option but they tend to get themselves into trouble a lot. Yeah, that probably wouldn't be the best idea. Although I suppose I could give a shot anyway....right." Spike was a little nervous about that but he knew he couldn't be too picky.

"There is also big Mac. He's strong, kind....and is known for not being very talkative. I'll put him on the maybe." Spike Then notice Button Mash walking by. "Botton Mash seems to be a good choice for a friend. I mean we both like video games. Then again, Botton Mash tends to be a crybaby all the time. I'll put him on the Maybe too. Than there's Cranky."

"Do I look like a Toby Fox to you. For the last time I didn't order this huge thing. I ordered a new toupee!!" shouted Cranky. He was yelling at Derpy Hooves for getting his order wrong as he was pointing at a huge box.

Spike thought about if Cranky was a best choice of a friend."Hhmm.....no." Then Spike saw a florist shop. "Hey that a good place to start." He said, and he ran to the place.

A while later, Spike decided to help out ponyvile's three well known florists Daisy, Lily, and Rose, hoping to gain their friendship. "Thank you for your help Spike. We've been kinda fallen behind on our orders." Said Rose.

"Yeah, its very nice to offer to help us." said Lily.

"No problem, what are friends for." Spike replied as he watered the flowers. Things were going smoothly so far until he Suddenly had an urge to sneeze. "Um L-lily."

"Yes"

"W-what....K-kind o-of flowers a-are these?" He than realized he was great an allergic reaction from the flowers he was holding.
"Begonia, why ?"

"I-I..can't..I.... AAAAACHHOOOOOOOOO !!!!!" Spike sneezed like a flame thrower burning all the flower in front of him including all the flowers on display outside. "Uh-oh."

"NOOOOOOOOOO !!!!" they all shouted as they screamed in horror.

"This is a disaster !!" said Daisy.

"The horror, the horror !!" shouted Rose.

"Oh no. I"m so sorry I didn't mean to. W-where there a bucket ?!" Spike looked around for a bucket of water but then instead found something better. A garden hose. He turned the knob and put the fire but also got the florists completely wet. Even though he put out the fire there was nothing left. The fire burn't everything in front of the shop. "I am so sorry I never meant to-"

"YOU FLOWER BURNER !!!" shouted Daisy, as the three florists glared at Spike with extreme anger burning in their eyes.

"HOW COULD YOU BURN ALL OUR FLOWERS?! WHAT HAS AN INNOCENT FLOWER DONE TO YOU !!!" Screamed Rose.

"Lets get him girls !!" They both aggressively walked towards Spike as he slowly backed away from them. Spike was getting nervous by the way they were approaching him.

"Whoa come on. I-it was an accident." Spike knew he was in hot water now. The only option now was to run. "Oh Celestia, if this was a game I would reset."

"YOU CAN NEVER RESET !!!" screamed Daisy as they both charged at the small purple dragon.

"AAAAAAAAAHHHHH !!!!" Spike fled as fast has his small legs could take him.

Later on, Spike managed to get away from the crazy florists, and continued to search for some pony who would be his new best friend. "Alright, well, being friends with them didn't work. Okay who else."

Spike then noticed kids were having recess at the school. He walked in front of fence, watching all the kids his age have fun. A part of him wished he could go to school like every pony else but if you have librarian for a guardian there actually was no need for one. Twilight always tries to teach him about things, and always gets him good educated reading materials even though he never reads them. The only thing he likes reading the most is comics. "Maybe it's better if I make friends my own age."

He tried to get over the fence until he was stopped by Ms. Cheerilee's voice. "Don't even think about it Spike !" He got off the fence as the Ponyvile's frowning teacher Ms. Cheerilee walked by. "Sorry Spike, you know the rules. Students only."

"But I just wanted try to hang out with the other kids."

"Why not just ask Twilight to sign you up. Your still a kid Spike. You can be a part of my classes if you want." Suggested Cheerilee as her voiced soften.

"Tempting, but you know I can't Ms. Cheerilee. Twilight barely gives me any time to myself as it is. I'm her assistant and she expects me to always help her out. Even though she floods me with work I have to play my part." Spike sighed, as he stared at the ground in sadness. "Besides, I bet you only teach ponies not dragons."

"Spike thats not true. My doors are open for every child of ponyvile ether if it's a Griffin, Dragon, heck maybe even a Changeling. My doors are open for all children who want to learn and be educated." Said Ms. Cheerilee as she trotted back to her class, who were heading inside. Spike felt disappointed that he couldn't be with the other kids unless he was a student, but he was glad to know that he could always sign up if he wanted. But, he knew that wouldn't happen. He would have to get Twilight's permission first, and Spike knew if he asked her, she would say no and go on and on about how much she needed him.

"Guess hanging with school kids is out of the question." Spike walked away as he continued to search somewhere else.

A while later, Spike decided to check out City Hall to see if mayor Mare needed a friend. He wasn't sure if the mayor herself had any friends but if she didn't, this could be a good chance for him to be friends with her. "This might not be the best idea since she is the mayor and she's probably very busy, but friends do help one another so here goes nothing."

Spike walked towards the information desk and greeted the pony here. "Good afternoon Tadwell."
The nerdy pony looked at Spike with a small smile. "Well welcome to Ponyvile city Hall. How may I be of service ?"

"I'm here to see Mayor Mare. Is she here ?" he asked.

"Why yes she is. May I have your name please ?" Tadwell asked.

Spike flinch in surprise."Uh Hello, Tadwell its me Spike ? Remember ? We see each other everyday ?" Tadwelll just cocked his eyebrow in question as he shrugged his shoulders. "I mean I know we don't necassarly hang out an all but we've surely know each other right ?" Spike said with a fake smile but Tadwell just looked at Spike with a blank stare. "Nevermind. Where's the Mayor ?"

"Why what is ever is problem Spike ?" The small dragon turned around and saw a gray mane mare with glasses trotting towards young dragon and greeting him with a kind smile.

"Hello Mayor Mare. I could'n't help but noticed that you've awfully busy these days. I was wondering if I could be assistants ?" asked Spike, folding his hand behind his back while forcing himself to smile at her.

The Mayor's eyes grew wide as she than smiled with excitement."Why yes. I could use a hoof indeed. Thank you Spike !"

"Well its my pl-Gyaaaaaah !!" He suddenly grabbed by the Mayor and was dragged all across City Hall, and into her office. He found himself sitting in the mayor's chair as they zipped through her whole office in excitement as she grabbed huge amount of paperwork on her hooves and and stacked him in front of Spike, which got bigger and bigger as she kept bringing more and more paperwork. Than the mayor grabbed a briefcase full of stuff and was wearing sun glasses and a flower neckless around her neck.

"ThankyouspikeIdon'tknowhatI'vecould'vedoneifyouhadn'tcomealong,byyyeee !!!!" She said so fast her words sounded mash together than she zoomed away and ran out of city hale like she was trying to catch a flyet.

Spike was dumbstruck as he stared at the huge paper in front of him. ".......You've got to be kidding me."

five hours later, after he had taken care of that, Spike was now running out of time. The day was almost over and he had little time left to make friends. However things weren't turning out so well for him, as all the other ponies were way too busy with their jobs, other ponies were too busy with their own friends. He tried to reach out to them but they just kept ignoring him. It made Spike realize, who else would be friends with a dragon like him anyway ?

"I don't understand. What am I doing wrong ? Twilight and the others makes it look so easy." Spike sighed in disappointment, as he looked around almost all over ponyvile. "I tried to be friends to Vinyl Scratch, but she wouldn't stop for one second and take off her head phones and just listen to me. Tried to be friends with Mr. and Mrs cake but there too busy. Flax Seed and Wheat Grass are having a bit of an argument that I don't want to get in a middle of. Zecora's out of town so she's out of the question, although when she gets back I should hang out with her more. Especally when we got to know each other a little more when me and her tried to find cure when every pony in ponyvile got sick."
Spike thought for moment more. "Well...there always Derpy-" Spike train of thought broke when he herd a familer voice he was hoping to avoid.

"THERE HE IS. GET HIM !!" shouted Daisy as she and the two other florist chase after Spike.
"WAAAAAAATH !!!!" Spike ran as fast as his small legs could take him as he was being chased by the three crazy florists all over again.

Afterwards, he got away from those florists.....again. He walked by the Apple Acres, and noticed the Cmc were being picked on by Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon again. "Oh great, those two again. I'm getting so sick of this. Why can't they leave Applebloom and the others alone ?!" Spike said, as he made his way towards them.

"Don't you two have anything better to do than to tease us ?" asked Applebloom as she and her friend were getting angry at the two bullies who won't leave them alone.

"Yeah, just leave us alone !" Shouted Scootaloo.

"Hah, like a punch of Blank Flanks can tell use what to do." Said Dimond Taria, in a snobby tone.

"Yeah, like these desperate Cutie mark blank Crusaders can tell us anything. They are so desperate for a cutie mark tha'll do the most stupidest things." agreed Silver Spoon.

"At least we try. Unlike you two who just magically get their cutie marks out of thin air." SweeteBell retorted.
"Because unlike you three, we're special that way." Dimond Taria grinned.

"Who cares if there blank flanks, why having an image on the side of flank matters anyway ?!" Taria and Silver Spoon turned towards Spike who approached them.

Taria grinned."Well, well, well, if it isn't Spike the servant."

"I am nopony's servant !" he retorted back.

"Yeah, yeah, hey why don't you do us a favor and go clean our toilets." The two school bullies started to laugh at that joke. "I mean that all your good for right? Being a useless servant who sleeps in a basket?"

"I am NOT....wait.... How'd you two know where I sleep ?" He asked with a raised eyebrow.

"does it matter? Every pony in ponyvile knows that your just servant that Twilight takes advantage of."

"Leave him alone !!" Shouted Sweetiebell. The cutie mark Crusaders didn't like how they were talking to their friend and decided to defend him too.

"Yeah, don't talk to him that way !" said Applebloom.

"Oh please, why are you defending him anyway. Don't you know he is a ferocious dragon. There suppose to be mean, scary and greedy."

"Thats not Spike." Said Sweetiebell.

Taria smiled a evil grin."No, not now at least, but he will in the future, or at least in everypony's eyes."

"What do you mean ?" asked Spike.

"Oh Spike, every pony in ponyvile may be nice to you now, but will they treat you the same way in the future? You're just a baby dragon in their eyes, but what will happen when you get older ?" Spike's eyes opened in realization and shock. He never asked himself that until Tiara has brought it up. What would the ponies think of him in the future ?

"I don't think any pony in Ponyvile would allow a fifty foot dragon roaming their streets Taira." said Silver Spoon. "Yet alone a teenage dragon."
"Face it Spike, no pony in this village would accept an older dragon living here. Tha'll be too afraid of you to allow it."

"Thats not true !! I'm not like those type of dragons. I was born and raised in equestrian, and I'm not selfish and greedy like the dragons ponies stereotype about. Besides, not all dragons are bad anyway, there just as much bad ponies in the world as there are dragons." Spike explained. "....and your one of those bad ponies !"

The CMC nodded in agreement as they both shouted "Yeah !!"

"Thats not the point Spike !! Every pony will still look at you as a monster. Especially after what you did, when you got BIG and started terrorizing Ponyvile."

"Every pony has forgotten about that."

"And they will remember it when you get older." Said Diamond Taria, as she and Silver Spoon began started to circle around. "Now I may be just a filly but it doesn't take a genius to know how everypony typically acts around a monster. Tha'll run and scream, then once they have had enough, tha'll get together and form an angry mop and drive you out of town. You know it's true Spike."

"Yeah!" Silver Spoon chimed as she than imitate what the ponies of ponyvile would act like. "Ooh no a fifty foot dragon. The horror, the horror !!" Then the two school bullies laughed. Spike wanted to shout back at them for that, but he couldn't get himself to say anything. He frowned in total sadness. He couldn't deny that it they were right. Knowing how ponies are, they would probably throw him away when he gets taller, and scarier. Not even Twilight would protect him. If there is anything pony hates in Equestria, is a monster.

"HAhahahaha-" Taria and Silver Spoon were still laughing until"........Aaaaaaaaaahhhh !!!" Applebloom sprayed them with the water hose.
"I had enough out of you two. Get out of our property !!" Yelled Applebloom, who continued to spray the two bullies with the hose as they began to ran off. She and the other girls ran after them until they exited Apple acres. "And don't you come back, yah here!?!"

Spike stood there, staring at the ground. He didn't know why, but today was just a bad day for him. How come he didn't realized that before? There're so many realizations these past two days, and it made him feel horrible and worried about what his future would look like. "Perhaps I was better off with the dragons." he thought.

He didn't notice that the CMC were approuching him. They looked at each other, hoping that one of them would say something to him. Scootaloo walked in front of him and place her hoof on his shoulder. "Cheer up Spike. Don't let them get you down."

Then they both walked away mumbling to each other. "That's all you could say ?!"
"Thats was all I could think of !"

Spiked sighed, as he slumped his shoulders. He then stood up straight, and was about head home until he bumped into some pony that smells old. Spike fell off his feet, and landed on his butt as he rubbed his sore forehead.

"Watch where yah going?......Oh hello Spike." Shouted Granny Smith who dropped a box full of old new papers. "I thought I'd recognize yah. My eye sight an't as good as it use to be."

Spike got back up on his feet and dusted off the dirt on his legs and stomach. "Granny Smith, can I ask you something ? do you think I'll grow up to be a monster ?"

"MONSTER, WHERE ?!!" She than grabbed a bat out of thin air and looked like was about to hit some pony. "Those darn monsters arn't taken my soul. No sirry !!"

"Uuhhh.....No granny do you think I'll grow to be a monster." asked Spike again. Granny threw the baseball bat away and cleaned her ears.
"You ? A monster ? Unless you have the ability to take a pony's soul, then yep, but you're a dragon so no." She said. Spike didn't understand what she was saying as his depressed expression changed to confusion.

"Wha ?"

"Has any pony ever told you the story about.....the monsters underground ?" asked Granny while flashing a flash light to her face making her look which didn't work so well since it was day time. "..... dangnabbit, I messed it up."

Spike though for a moment."I-I think so. I might have over heard Twilight talking about it."

"Many ponies believe it to be a myth, but I'd say its all true. I'd seen it with my own eyes. Back before Applejack and Big Mac was even born I'd saw one of those monsters come to our town, carrying a dead filly in its arms. I'd never forget those massive horns that looked like hooks, and blood-red eyes that pierced into your very soul." She exclaimed.

"So what happened ?"

"Well we chased that monster back to the mount Ebott from where it came."

"Mount Ebott ?" he repeated.

"Yep, and you wanna know where mount Ebott is ?" Granny smith pointed at the mountain Canterlot was on.
"Canterlot is on Mount Ebott ?.....How do you know this ?"

Granny Smith shrugged her shoulders. "EEEeeee.......We fallowed it. When you get to the mountain there is a path that takes you to a hidden cave. That's the only entrance to the underground."

Spike didn't exactly believe in Granny's story knowing how she can be a bit crazy sometimes but he was interested in seeing it for himself one day but knowing Twilight and her friends they would probably try to stop him.

"And don't you think of headin over there. Any pony that goes there.....never returns." Said Granny Smith using her spooky voice. Spike felt a cold shiver up his spine as he felt his legs were uncontrollably shaking by her warning.

Then suddenly, the frightening moment was gone as Granny unexpectedly fell asleep while standing. "Uuh...um....well, see you later Granny Smith." Still asleep, she mumbled to him, saying bye to him, as he went home.

Later on the sun was finally setting as Spike closed the door behind him and went up stares to his room. He noticed Owlicious was dusting the books. "Owilicous, I'm back. You can stop with the choirs. Just call it a day."

"Hoo, hoo !" The owl replied as he stopped with the choirs and flew up with Spike into his and Twilight's room.

"I'm gonna be honest with you Owilicous, it didn't go the way I was expecting." Said Spike as he lye down on his basket.

"Hoo, Hoo ?"

"Don't get me started." he said as he tried to relax himself on the basket. He began to think out loud of all his choice of ponies he could be friends with. "I just don't understand. What am I doing wrong ? Maybe I should continue looking. I can't try to reach out to Zecora since she's out of town. Bulk Biceps seems like a nice pony but......H-he kinda scares me. Lotus Blossom and Aloe are nice but I don't think there is anything I could relate to those two. Lemon Hearts is in Cantorlot. Nurse Red Heart is busy as well, and I don't think me being friends with Dr. Hooves would work out since I know nothing of science. Lyra and Bon Bon don't even know I'm there half the time. So all those ponies except for Zecora wouldn't work out." Spike then thought harder about the ponies that he hasn't even considered being friend with yet. "Well, Snips and Snails always have some time on their hooves. I could try to hang out with them, and Daisy Jo always has time talk to some pony, so...thats it. I will try to hangout with those three tomorrow."

The owl flinched when it remembered something. "Ho,Hoo,hoo,hoo ?"

"Don't worry, Twilight wont be back till tomorrow afternoon. I just need to wake up earlier, that's all." Spike reached out his claws to turn the lamb off. "Good night Owilicous."

"Hoo, Hoo" Owilicous replied as they both went to sleep.

Spike awoke the next morning, with sunlight beaming through the windows and not a cloud in the sky. He hopped out of bed with a smile, as he was confident that this day would be better than the last. "Alright, let's see if Snip and Snails is up at this time. I know Dairy Jo is always up early in the morning."

Spike noticed that Owlicious's perch was empty, so Spike opened the bedroom door and ran down the stairs to see if Owlicious was down in the library, until his heart stomped complete as he was frozen in one place as he saw a femiler purple alicorn sitting at the table with her hooves crossed and an angry look on her face.

"Hi Twilight," Spike said weakly. He didn't like the way she was looking at him. When Twilight makes that face, it means trouble....for him. Spike tried to act natural as he possible can as he continued to walked down the stars "Y-your here early."

He also noticed Owlicious was giving him a apologetic look. Could Twilight know that he wasn't in the library yesterday ? He was about to find out.

Twilight didn't say anything for a minute as she looked over him before using her magic to bring the list she gave and read it to top to bottom. Spike knew there was no way she could know that he didn't do what he was suppose to. Owlicious did the work for him right ? or at least most of it ?

"I've noticed that library hasn't changed much when I left. Did you do everything on the list like I asked you to ?" she asked him in an emotionless tone as she scanned his expressions.

"Yeah, I-I mean I havent did all of it but I manage to get a lot of it done." He said trying to pull himself together as Twilight eyed him like a hawk.

"....Oh really ?.......So I bet you picked up the new sets of ink that I ordered from the store ?" She asked still with a emotionless voice.

"Y-yeah." He replied. Twilight just stared at him for a minute than continued look at the list.

"So I'm guessing you took out the trash ?"

"Yes."

"Which is right outside on the floor instead of a trash can." She than showing a tint of anger.

Spike tried his best to keep looking natural as possible. He looked at Owlicious who replied with apologetic smile. Spike should have known that the trash was too heavy for the owl to pick up.

"I'm also guessing you re-shelved all the books like I asked you too ?" She asked. He nodded to her but she wasn't buying it as her glare started to show more and more. "Oh really ? I noticed that the library isn't dusty anymore, but where's my ink ? Where's my scrolls ? Did you even pick up the new lab equipment, like I asked you to ?"

"U-uh..I.."

Her eyes seemed to pierce through Spike has she than leaned closer to him grinding her teeth. "No you didn't. Don't lie to me Spike. You had Owlicious do all the work, Didn't you ?" She said in a emotionless tone. "Where were you yesterday ?"

Spike knew there was no way around this. Trying to lie to Twilight was pointless. He had to come clean. "Um....I-I was out."

"....Out doing what ?" she asked with a suspicious tone. "What could you have possible have done witch was more importent than your own choirs ?"

".....Trying to make new friends." he replied in shameful tone while hanging his head down.

Twilight expression soften as she stared at the small dragon with confusion. "What ?? But Spike, you have friends. Me, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy and Rarity. Why would you go look for more friends instead of doing your job ? I-I mean there is nothing wrong with making more friends and I'm glad that....." Deep down Twilight felt happy that Spike was trying to make new friends for himself, but she was still angry that he didn't do what he was told. She wanted to praise him, but she also wanted to yell at him. Twilight didn't know what to say to him. She gave him a small smile. "S-Spike I'm glad hear that your making new friends but....." She then shook her head. Spike wasn't getting off that easy. He's her assistant, and he's suppose to do what he is told. She needs to remind him whose boss. She glared at him again."No...no...NO Spike your not here to goof off. Your here to assist me. You already have friends here, and I have no use for an assistant who doesn't do his job. You already failed to do what you were suppose to do when you didn't come back to the library two days ago and now your doing it again. I'm VERY disappointed in you Spike, and I don't know what has gotten into you these past two days. That nonsense stops NOW !!!"

"But Twilight you don't unders-" Spike wanted to tell her whats been going on but she wouldn't listen to him.

"I don't wanna hear any excuses from you Spike !! Do you have any idea what how much work you skipped ? You know as well as I do that this library isn't gonna take care of itself. How could you be so childish and selfish!? I taught you better than this !!" she yield at him as her eyes.

Spike was stunned by her cold words. Twilight calls him selfish and yet she always leaves him behind for him to do all the work while she gous out with her friends. He felt his anger begin to raise up and he just wanted to scream in her face. "Me ?! Selfish ?! I never once complain about the work you gave me. While I'm here working my tail off, your out with your friends and by the way, there YOUR friends not mine !!" Spike shouted as glared at her.

"WHAT ?! How could you say that ?! After everything they have done for you. They were there for your birthday !" Twilight said in disbelief.
"And where was I for your birthday ? While you and the girls went to cantarlot to meet Rarity for your birthday party, you had me stay here. You knew how badly I wanted to go, especialy to see Rarity, and yet you had me stay here instead because you were worried of how much work would pile up." Spike exclaimed as he glared back at Twilight.

"I'm sorry you had to miss that Spike, but some pony had to look after the library."

"No it doesn't! how come it's okay for the Carousel boutique to be closed or Sugercube corner's worker Pinkie pie gets a day off but its not okay for the library to be closed ?! News flash Twilight, ponies don't come to the library that often. If they did this library would be flooded with ponies who want to check out a book but most of the time, its just you and me."

"Spike you know as well as I do that this library get busy sometimes and we have to be there when it does. We don't live in this library for free. We have to work-" said Twilight until she was cut off by Spike.

"WE ?! No I have to work. It's not even we anymore Twilight. Before we came to ponyvile it was but not anymore. We were suppose to do this together. Celestia said that I'm here to learn about friendship too, but you'd rather take advantage of me so you could hang out with your friends or learn something new. I'm suppose to be your assistant Twilight but why do I feel like I'm your servant ?! ALL YOU CARE ABOUT IS YOURSELF. YOU CARE ABOUT ME !!!"

Twilight eyes were burning in anger as she glared at her assistant. Spike felt daggers pierce through him but he didn't care at this point. "EXCUSE ME !!?? YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHAT YOUR TALKING ABOUT SPIKE !! I LOOKED AFTER YOU, I RAISED YOU AND ALL I'VE DONE IN MY LIFE IS HELP OTHERS !!!! HOW DARE YOU TALK TO ME LIKE I'M SOME BAD PONY !!!"

"So why do you and the other girls forget about me ?! You call yourself the princess of friendship and yet you neglect the only friend that has been with you since the very begining. Y-your nothing but a hypocrite !!"

"Spike, I'm warning you-" Twilight tried to interject but Spike shouted her down. Twilight clenched her teeth in anger as she was becoming more angry to point where should say something she mite regret.

"NO !! I'm not done Twilight. Enough is enough !! You and the others never want me around unless you want help with something. You never take me with you when it’s just time to have a little fun! You know, for a pony who talks like she an expert on friendship, she still knows nothing at all about it. Sometimes I wonder if you even asked for an assistant because a assistant is suppose to help, NOT do the work for them." Yield Spike. "Your nothing but a big jerk Twilight. The Princess of JERKS !!"

Twilight was so mad that she couldn't control herself anymore. She was grinding her teeth in frusteration. "You're right, I didn't asked for assistant. I didn't even ask to be the one to watch over you, but I did because Celestia asked me to. NOT because I wanted to. Did you really think I wanted you when I hatched you when I was a filly?! Of course I didn't. I greatly respect Celestia, but what was she thinking for having a filly raise a baby on her own?!"

Each one of her cruel words pierced through him harder and harder. He felt his heart sink. It was never a good idea to make Twilight mad but he didn't expect he would push her to the point where she would say such horrible things. His whole body was shaking as he felt hot tears swimming into his eyes.

"You made my whole childhood a living nightmare. All the pain and stress that you put me through !! Back when I attended the school for gifted Unicorns I was failing in all my classes because I couldn't even get a good enough sleep with your constant crying. I was always LATE !! and kept disturbing all my classes and the WORST OF ALL, YOU HUMIlATED ME IN FRONT OF CELESTIA !!!" She screamed in his face with pure rage. "You were a nuisance back than and your a nuisance NOW !!"

Spike couldn't believe the words he was hearing. He didn't mean to make this mad. He forced himself to put on a fake smile. "Uh...T-twilight, y-you don't really mean that.....d-do you ?"

"YES I DO !!! CELESTIA WAS SUPPOSE TO TAKE CARE OF YOU, BUT SHE PUT THE RESPONSIBILITY ON ME !!! AND THE REASON WHY ME AND GIRLS ALWAYS LEAVE YOU BEHIND IS BECAUSE YOUR ALWAYS A NUISANCE !!!" Twilight immediately stopped when she herd sobbing.

She opened her eyes and saw Spike sitting on the floor crying. Twilight than just realized what she just said to him. She was so full of rage that she couldn't control what she said. It hurt her that Spike accused her for being a horrible Princess of friendship but it was no excuse for her saying something even more hurtful but despite how angry she was, part of it was actually the truth.

"S-spike, I'm so sorry. Please forgive me?" She pleaded but the young dragon stood up, ran up to his room, and locked the door. She could still hear him crying upstairs. Hearing him made her heart sink, However she couldn't help but feel that Spike was right. It was thoughtless of her not to include him in any of the past events. Remembering it all made even her worse. Maybe she was a horrible friend. "W-why did I say those things? Am I really a horrible friend?"

To Be Continued.

Chapter 3: Broken Friendship & Burning Determination

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As the day moved on, Spike never got out of his room. He just laid in his basket sobbing all morning. He knew Twilight wasn't a perfect friend, but he would have never expect her to think of him as a nuisance. However maybe she was right ? Twilight and her friends charge into danger with no hesitation, while he stands on the side lines or is hiding in fear. He is not an element of harmony, nor is he even an expert on friendship. No pony wants to be friends with a scaredy cat like him.

"Sigh, maybe Twilight was right. Maybe I am a nuisance."

Unexpectedly he suddenly was overcome by an urge to hurl until...

"BURP !!!"

Spike spat out a scroll as it fell into his hands.

"It's a letter from Celestia. It must be for me!"

He was about open it until he realized something. What if Celestia tells him the truth and it isn't something he wants to hear. What if his parents were bad. What if they were killed. There was so many reasons why he shouldn't open this letter, then again he won't get another chance. He took a deep breath and tried not to think about it. With determination building up inside of him, he than proceeded to opening it.

"Okay, here it goes,” he said as he slowly began to unroll it.

"Dear Spike, I can't not imagine what you’re going through right now. Especially at your age, which is why it pains me to tell you this. Many years ago, your egg was discovered in an abandoned cave by my fellow ponies. You were given to The School for Gifted Unicorns, that then used you to test other filly's to see who might be qualified to be my personal student. The reason is Spike, most spells are not very effective on dragons. Which is why not many unicorns can hatch a dragon's egg. It had to be raw magic that is so powerful that it is very rare for any unicorns to possess it at all. Why do you think Twilight has been studying friendship all these years? To become the next princess Equestria deserves. I'm afraid I do not know who your parents are Spike, and I wish I could help you, I really do. But the dragon lands are too dangerous for any pony to enter, even for me. I am deeply sorry Spike. All I can do is wish you happiness.
Your friend Celestia."

Spike felt more fresh tears making their way down his face as they dripped down onto the wooden floor. Once again he was at another dead end. There was no pony left who could help him find out where he came from now. He had wanted this letter to at least give him some hope that he had a place he belonged, but no. Things did not look good for him. Twilight hates him, his friends neglect him, No pony in Ponyville seems to be interested in being friends with him. And now the wisest, most caring, the most powerful and the oldest pony in the world. The pony that was his last hope, his last clue to finding out where he belonged doesn’t know anything.

"What am I going to do now?,” he asked himself as he laid back down on his basket as his inner grief overwhelms him.

Meanwhile Twilight, Applejack and Rainbow Dash were at the Hay Burger eating. While Applejack and R.D were talking amongst each other Twilight couldn't help but stare off into space, not even touching her food.

"What’s tha matter sugarcube ? Ya haven't even eaten anything yet,” asked the cow pony.

"Yeah, The way you're staring off like that is starting to creep me out." Rainbow Dash commented with a raised eyebrow.

Twilight manage to snap out her train of thought and look at her friends. "Oh uh s-sorry girls. I-I just can't stop thinking about Spike."

"W-why, did you two get in another fight again?,” asked R.D with her mouth full of food. Twilight nodded confirming that she did get into an argument with him.

“Want to tell us what happened?" The rainbow maned daredevil inquired.

Twilight scratched the back of her head. She didn't feel like telling her friends what happened in their argument especially the things she said to Spike. But she was not the type who liked to lie to her friends.

"Well.......it all started when I noticed Spike was acting strange. I gave him a list of chores that needed to be done and surprisingly, he didn't do any of them."

At that Applejack and R.D both gasped in surprise. Every pony knew that Spike has always been the loyal type. It wasn't like him to not do his work.

"Well perhaps there was a reason?" suggested A.J.

Twilight frowned. "There was no reason, at least not a good one. He's been going around Ponyville trying to make new friends with other ponies, but why would he do that if he already has us as his friends?"

"Well admittedly Twi, he's not always with us." Said Rainbow Dash while Applejack nodded in agreement. "Maybe he should try to make friends with other ponies."

"Yeah I know..but still what has gotten into him? He hasn't been the same since before the Sunset celebration." Than she turned to A.J who sighed knowingly.

"Twilight, there's something ah need to tell yah,” she said with a sad frown while scratching the back of her head.
"What " Twilight asked with a concerned tone.

"Ya remember the day before we left for tha Sunset celebration, when Spike didn't come back to tha library ?"

"Yeah, I remember. You said you and Spike went out for ice cream."

"Yeah well, Ah might have lied about that." A.J admitted.

"Applejack? That seems very unlike you. Lying goes against your element."

“Ah know." Than she paused for a moment. She thought about keeping her promise to Spike and allowing him to tell Twilight himself, but she couldn't just let her friend worry like this.

"Even though ah hate lying. Ah-ah just had to this time. Because ah was hoping Spike would tell ya himself when he was comfortable."

"Tell me what?" asked Twilight.

Rainbow Dash was curious as well, as she leaned closer to listen what she had to say.

Applejack took a deep breath. She knew she was going to regret doing this, but her friend just had to know. Especially now, she just couldn’t keep her in the dark. In a serious tone and lacking any of her usual country drawl, she told what she knew of the truth behind Spike’s behavior.

"Twilight, I believe the reason why Spike's been acting this way is because.....He's been feeling depressed about not knowing who his parents are. I guess every pony spending time with their family at the Sunset Celebration made Spike jealous. I tried to make Spike feel better about it, but I knew he wasn't gonna get over it that easy."

Twilight became silent. The purple unicorn's pupils shrunk while tears began to fall down her face, giving form to the emotions that were beginning to overtake her. The purple unicorn felt something strike her heart, she suddenly, definitely knew she made one of the biggest mistakes of her life. She felt nothing else but guilt coursing through her at the revelation Applejack had just revealed to her.

In a guilt filled. shocked voice she gasped. “Oh Celestia, so that’s what’s been going on…”

Applejack and Rainbow Dash noticed her sobbing as they looked at their friend with concern.

"Are you alright Twi?" asked Applejack with worry in her voice.

"Yeah, why are you crying? Did something happen?" asked R.D as she stopped eating for a moment. "Did Spike say something that hurt you?,”

Rainbow Dash was hoping she wouldn't have to head over to the library, and force Spike to apologize to Twilight.

Twilight shook her head. "No....well he did say something but I said something much worse."

She tried to sob quietly, hoping she wouldn't draw too much attention to herself. Her friends were still listening, but when she didn't continue Applejack spoke.

"Twilight, what happened between you and Spike."

Twilight looked up with guilt filled wet eyes “He-he accused me of being a bad friend. He actually accused all of us of being bad friends."

"What?!" shouted Rainbow Dash, who became slightly angry at the mere idea. "After everything we've been through he accused us of being terrible friends. I oughta give that little twerp a piece of my mind!!"

"Rainbow Dash calm down. I'm pretty sure he didn't mean it. Besides ya said it yourself, we don't bring him along with us all the time. Now that ah think about it Spike doesn't come with us in our adventures most of the time. We basically just leave him behind…” Said Applejack lowering her head in shame.

"Yeah but he's a baby dragon. Some of the places we go to are just too dangerous." R.D responded still irritated.

"Y'all let him be apart of the dragon migration by himself." Applejack retorted.

"That's because me, Rarity and Twilight were secretly following him. We were making sure he wasn't in any danger." R.D snorted back to her orange cow pony friend.

"You two need a little bit more faith in Spike. Don't forget it was because of him that the Crystal empire was saved. He even saved my life once when those darn Timber Wolves came and attacked us when ah got my hoof stuck in a rock.” Applejack said, remembering that time when the timber wolves came. "Besides not every adventure we go on is a dangerous one. We can't keep leaving Spike out!”

"Okay, Okay I see your point. Maybe we haven't been exactly sensitive towards Spike's feelings." Said Rainbow Dash before turning to the still sobbing purple unicorn. "So what did you say to him Twilight?”

"I-I uh…,” the unicorn stammered unsure if telling her friends what she had said during the fight was a good idea.

"Well go on Twi, whatever you told him I'm sure it wasn't that bad." Applejack and Rainbow waited for her to answer them.

Twilight took a deep breath and told her friends what she told Spike. She went on about how she never asked for a dragon assistant and how Celestia was suppose to take care of him. She told them every word and how she called him a nuisance. The more she went on, the more shocked and angry her friends became. She noticed them glaring at her as if she was a monster.

Rainbow Dash shook her head while folding her hooves. ”Not cool Twilight, Not cool!"

"Twilight, what in Equestria would make ya say something like that ?!" Applejack snorted out in anger and shock at the revelation Twilight had given them.

Twilight looked down in disappointment. She knew her friends would be angry, and she couldn't blame them for being upset. She deserved it. "I-I just lost my temper. Spike made me so mad that I just couldn't control myself. I should've never said those things. If Spike told me what was going on in the first place, we would have sat down and talked about it. I feel so ashamed of myself." Her eyes seemed to focus on some obscure spot on the ground soaked with her tears.

“Ah know it isn't easy being a princess and all, but Spike does have a point. Maybe ya shouldn't work him too hard. He may be a dragon, but he's still a kid and kids should go out and play, not spend all day cooped up in a library.,” said Applejack as her voice softens. "And you should have taken him with us to the Sunset Celebration in Cantorlot."

"I know, but you know how I am Applejack. I just like to get things done." Twilight responded back in a strained voice.

"And being a neat freak. We know." Said Rainbow Dash rolling her eyes.

"I have O.C.D Rainbow Dash. I can't help it." (If you haven't Noticed)

"We know Twi but ya better tell Spike you’re sorry." A.J told her with a serious tone.

Twilight sighed as she couldn't help but think how hard it will be to tell him that. He probably didn't even want to see her, but she had to fix their friendship. Spike was the oldest friend she had. She didn't want to lose him, so she had to make it up to him. Her mind made up, in a voice still tinged with guilt but now determination as well she looked her friends in the eyes and declares. “You’re right, I'm gonna go apologize to him right now."

Twilight was about to leave, until Applejack got off her seat and blocked her friends way. "Uh that sounds like a good idea Twi, but ah think it would be better if you give him some space first. You should apologize to him tomorrow. Trust me pardner, its better this way."

Twilight moves, trying to get past her friend when a voice startles her from behind.

"Besides, don't forget about Pinkie Pie's slumber party!” R.D shouted from the table.

Suddenly Twilight eye widen and she freezes in place, she had almost forgotten entirely about the party.

"Oh my gosh, I almost forgot about that!" She shrieks.

"And you pinkie promised too!" Said Pinkie Pie as she entered the restaurant, mane poofed up and staring at Twilight with an odd intensity.

"Yup, You know how Pinkie Pie is with a Pinkie promise,” Applejack says, her voice still calm and soft; but her eyes now looking over her purple friend's shoulder at the approaching pink pony.

"And what are you girls still sitting around for. We have got a lot of stuff to prepare for the sleep over! Lets go, lets go, LETS GOO !!!" shouted Pinkie at the top of her lungs lunging forward, as she was eager to get things going.

She then grabbed every pony around the table. With strength that would make an earth pony stallion jealous she begins to pull her friends in the direction of the door.

"Whoa Pinkie!!" Applejack explains as she is pulled from her spot.

"Okay, okay, we’re going !!" R.D shouts back at the determined party pony.

"Ouch!!,” is all Twilight can manage to say as she is dragged out of the restaurant by her pink friend.

A small purple dragon, in his bed motionless. He didn't know what to think anymore. All he could think about, was Twilight calling him a nuisance. He felt like he didn't have a purpose here anymore.

"Well ... If Twilight and the others really think I'm a nuisance, then what reason do I have staying here?"

So without a second thought, he grabbed his things - including the picture of his friends with the cut-out picture of him - and wrapped it in a red polka dot blanket and tied it to a stick.

"I'll just go somewhere far. Somewhere they will never find me. I'll be doing them a favor," Spike decided, as he made his way downstairs.

As Spike did, Owlicious saw Spike coming down the stairs, and immediately noticed something was wrong as he saw Spike with a stick that had a bag on it.

"Ho hoo!"

Owlicious flew in front of Spike, standing in between him and the door.

"Ho ho hoo?!" Owlicious hooted with concern.

"I'm sorry Owlicious but.......I-I'm leaving."

"Hoo ho!"

"I-I know I should stay determined but what's the point if I'm not needed here. I thought I could be like Twilight, but the truth is I'm not Twilight ... or Pinkie pie, or Rainbow Dash, or any pony for that matter. I'm just Spike. A useless, good-for-nothing dragon," he said, starting to weep. He tried to cover his eyes so that the owl couldn't see, but Owlicious didn't even need to look at his face to know that the baby dragon was crying.

"Hoo" Owlicious hooted sympathetically.

Spike then kneeled down to the owl's level. "Goodbye Owlicious. You've been a good friend. Take good care of Twilight for me will yah?" Spike then walked around Owlicious and headed to the door. Owlicious was at a crossroads. After an argument like that, he wouldn't blame Spike for running away but he didn't want Spike to leave, and he is sure that Twilight doesn't either.

Owlicious finally made up his mind and decided to stop Spike. But before he could Spike already closed the door. Owlicious was trapped inside as he flew around the library, looking for an open window, but they were all closed. He flew up all the way to the top floor and notice that there was one open window. The owl flew through the window and looked for Spike. He looked around as best he could, turning his head around and around until he saw the little dragon disappeared behind one of the buildings. Owlicious flew where he saw him disappear to, but found a huge crowd of ponies in his way. He flew up again to see if he could see Spike but saw nothing but ponies in the area. There was so many that it was impossible find Spike.

"Ho ho," hooted Owlicious as he realized he lost Spike.

Spike made it to the train station. He wasn't really sure where to go. He could to the crystal Emperor. They love him there. Than again Candace and Shining would probably be wondering why Twilight isn't with him. He could always go live with his own kind in dragon town in Fillydelphia. Mina would happy to see him.

He ran up to the ticket booth where the train conductor was standing going through the schedule. "Excuse me, how many pits douse it cost to get to the crystal Emperor ?"

"Five hundred bits." The simply conductor replied.

Spike shot wide open with shock as he was surprised at the new prices. "Five hundred bits? Since when the prices were this high ?"

"Ever since the last Equestria games I suppose." He replied.

".....dang it." Said Spike as sigh at his own disappointment. "Well, how much will this get me ?" Spike asked as he poured about fifty pits down in front of the conductor.

"That's enough to get yah to Canterlot or Saddle-T but the only ponies who go Saddle-T are rock climbers and traveling sells ponies who stop by there once and a while. There’s nothing really over there except the old abandoned Crystal Mines,”

Spike thought for a moment. He could try to hitch a ride from one of the traveling sells ponies and head to the Crystal emperor from there. Than finally Spike made up his mind "Alright, one ticket to Saddle-T please,” Spike said giving the conductor his bits.

The conductor raised an eyebrow, but not wanting to question the young dragon he gave him his ticket anyway. Spike than boarded the train. Once he sat down he stared out the window, taking a good look at Ponyvile as he knew he wasn't gonna see this town again.

"Maybe this wasnt' such a good idea. I normally never travel on my own. There was that time when I had to watch the girl's pets and than Angel snuck on the train. Wasn't alone but I don't know if that counts." Spike took a deep and sigh. "I just hope I'm able to get there by myself. I mite not have friendship like the others do, but I have determination. I just hope that’s enough.”

As the train departed and started to roll off to Saddle-T, Spike had some trouble getting his mind off his friends. He just stared at the window trying to get himself to think about something else. Than he notice they were getting closer to mount Ebott which was holding Canterlot on its side. Spike than remembered something Granny Smith told him about the mountain. His stop is wright where the cave should be.

"If I remember correctly didn't Granny Smith say that there were monsters living under the mountain ? And that there is a cave which is the entrance to the where the monsters live. Even thought its just a myth I should probably check it out before I leave Equesteria." Said Spike. He than turned to the rock climbers sitting in the seats across from him.

"Excuse me.” he says, his young voice caught the ponies attention instantly. "Is there a cave in the mountain ? If there is you wouldn't know where I could find it would you?"

The ponies thought for a moment until a large stallion spoke, thinking the young dragon a fellow climber starting out in the sport. "Well, we had heard a rumor that if you take this creepy road in the woods, it should take you to the left side the mountain, it should lead you to a hidden cave."

"But no pony has ever dared take that path. There are warning signs telling you not to. I heard stories that the cave is cursed." Said a visibly frightened mare.

The stallion rolled his eyes. "Oh honey, there are no such thing as curses,” He said while the other ponies listened in to their conversation. Curious as to why someone starting out in the sport of rock climbing would want to go to such a place as their first attempt.

"No, I'm serious, I heard other ponies say that the cave below the mountain was once one the entrance to the Crystal Caves beneath Cantorlot. Until the miners that once lived there mysteriously abandoned it for some reason. Rumor has it they discovered something evil, and when Celestia found out about it she ordered them to leave the caves and forbid any pony to enter the caves again." The mare explained with a concerned expression, worried for the young dragon before her.

Spike's eyes widened in surprise. "The Crystal Caves ?! Is she talking about the same caves that Queen Chrysalis had Twilight imprisoned in during the Canterlot wedding ?" He thought.

"Oh come on. There is no proof of that. If that were true, every pony would know about that,” said her husband. His wife looked and frowned at her husband for not believing in her. But then ever pony noticed that they were at their stop. So they started gathering their stuff for the rock climb, and bid the young dragon farewell and good luck.

Once the train made it to the destination, every pony including Spike got out. While every rock climber followed their guide, Spike looked around for the hidden pathway the stallion was talking about. He looked around until he noticed a wooden sign nailed to a tree. When he got closer he noticed it said "Danger. Stay away."

Spike looked at the creepy pathway. He was starting to have second thoughts about this. As he looked closer at this path it looked no different from Everfree Forest. He could even see more signs up ahead saying similar things. But he had to do this. He was tired of being afraid, tired of not being noticed by every pony. The Crystal Empire looked to him as a hero, but the ponies here looked to him as he was nothing. Spike knew one thing was true. The only way things would change was if he stopped being afraid. Remembering this alone fills him with determination.

"Well, here I go." Spike ignored his fear and took the path into the woods, which will lead him to the cave.

It was a long walk, so long that it got to the point where Spike felt very dehydrated. He could feel the sweat from his head making it’s way down his face. He had to walk up a rocky hill to the point where his legs felt tired and as if they were made of wood. It wasn't an easy journey but he had finally made it. Passing through some more trees he could see the cave. "There it is ! Finally !!" Not wanting to waste any more time, he quickly ran towards the cave.

When he got closer he noticed the cave looked just as creepy as the forest was. He noticed one last sign in front of him that said "Those who go in. Never come back."

He looked at the cave entrance and walked towards it before freezing. Before he could enter the cave itself, Spike started to have that second thoughts again. Something else besides the sign told him to go back, but he wasn't gonna let his own fear take control of him. So he continued to make his way inside, despite a nagging feeling in his head. "Well, It was long walk just to get here. Mite as well continue on."

He was now inside the cave. As he looked around it was dark and even creepier inside than it was outside. The cave looked like it went on for miles as he stared deeper inside. "Hellooo?" he shouted as he heard his own echo repeat itself over and over across the cave.

He noticed in the distance that a beam of light from the ceiling was shining at ginormous hole in the ground. He went to take a closer look at it.

"That’s one big hole in the ground." He commented as he stopped right in front of it. “Wait..Whats that ?" He noticed something at the bottom of the deep hole.

He squinted his eyes to try to make out what it was. "Are those......flowers ?" he could see tons of them blooming at the bottom of the hole.
"Interesting. I wonder what’s at the bottom of this hole? I should've asked those ponies if I could rent some rock climbing gear." He walked closer to the edge.

Spike tried to lean closer to the hole in order to get a better view. The closer he had gotten the more he unbalanced he seemed to be getting. His claws tried to grip the edge. Suddenly he began to lose his footing as the rocky edge he was standing on began crumbling down.

”WOAH, Woah, WOAH!!!" He dropped his stuff on the ground as he fell down into the hole, arms and legs flailing at empty air. "GYAAAAAAAAAaaaaaaahhhhhh.....!!!!!!

Images of Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Rarity and Twilight all began to flash in his head. His whole life began to flash before his eyes. Like he was never gonna see them again. He even saw memories of Celestia and Luna. Than suddenly he saw an image of someone he had never seen before. Someone that wasn't even a pony. It was a small bipedal creature with hair on its head. Who was he ?

Than suddenly Spike hit the bottom, hearing a soft smack as he blacked out completely.

..............."Your fate has been Decided.............There is no going back."

To be Continued.

Chapter 4: Fallen Into The Unknown

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Green to start music and Red to stop music

“Spike…….Spike……Spike wake up !”

Spike heard a voice call his name, echoing a bit, as he began to regain consciousness, and slowly rose up from the bed of flowers he landed on. He looked at his surroundings, and noticed he was all alone in this dark place. “Who was calling my name? W-where am I?”

He then looked up and noticed how high he had fallen. There was a small light far above him, and from where he was, not too far from a skyscraper-sized fall. “Whoa, that a long way down. How am I still alive?”

“Now, how do I get out of here?” Spike wondered. He looked around and noticed there were accent structures everywhere. He than noticed a path that lead to another room just in front of him. “Maybe if I go this way. It will lead me out of this mountain.”

The next room was much darker than the last. The baby dragon noticed a light was shining down a path. It was hard to see, but he could have sworn he noticed some stairs that led to another opening. “That must be my way out of here.”

Spike made his way towards the stairs until he heard something pop from the ground behind him. He turned around and saw another yellow flower in the pathway that he just passed. Sitting there all alone. “Was that flower there before ?”
Spike shrugged his shoulder and continued on until...

“Howdy !”

Spike spun around towards the direction the flower was, but when he did. nobody was there. Just a single flower. “W-who’s there ? Who said that ?” He asked. Spike felt a little nervous by this. He felt like he was being watched, but there was still no pony around. Then again it was too dark to see very far off. All he saw was a single flower. “M-my ears must be playing tricks on me.”

He was about to continue on until he herd someone speak to him again. “I wouldn’t go that way if I were you.”

The voice startled him again. He turned towards where the flower was and noticed something was happing to it. The flower now had a face; It had a mouth, eyes, teeth, and they all weren’t there before. “That the heck ?” said Spike who raised an eyebrow. “Who are you ?”

The flower looked at him with a friendly smile. “Howdy, I’m Flowey, Flowey the flower !” It said with a kind and friendly voice.

“Oookaay, I didn’t know flowers could talk.” Spike maybe a baby dragon, but even he knew that this wasn’t natural. Flowers don’t talk, and if they did, he’s pretty sure Daisy, Lily and Rose (three ponies who worked at the florist shop back in Ponyville) would know about it. One word from this flower would send them in a dramatized fall - as per usual.

“No, just me. I’m a special kind flower. Wowy, it's been centuries since I seen a pony from the outside come down here, let alone a dragon.” said the talking flower, who blinked at Spike.

“So ... your saying I’m the first dragon you’ve ever seen ?” asked Spike.

“Yep, I’ve seen Earth ponies, I’ve seen Unicorns, I’ve seen Pegasus's. I even seen a Crystal pony come down here once, but never a dragon,” Friendly flower exclaimed but than realized something. “Your lost arn’t you?”

“Yeah, I climbed up this mountain because I've herd so many rumors about this place. I just wanted see what was here and just leave. Falling down a hole was not a part of the plan.” Spike frowned and he scratch the back of his head in embarrassment.

“That's okay. However you don’t wanna head that way. That way takes you to the ruins of a abandon city where the monsters use to live.”
Spike was surprised at this. “So the stories are true.”

“Yep, all true," Flowey answered. Spike had managed to hear a few stories from Twilight Sparkle's many books time and time again, about where this sort of place where monsters lived. He just shrugged it off as a old mare's tale before, but now he wasn't so sure about that.

"It's still there, even though the old city is abandon there are still some monsters roaming around there. You wouldn’t want them to take your soul do you?” asked Flowey. Spike gulped.

“Golly, not in a million years. So How do I get out of this place?” asked Spike, as he looked around again. It was still too dark to see the rest of the room though, so, wandering around was out of the question.

Then the flower thought for a moment, until he got an idea. “I could show you a special way to get out here.”

Spike sighed in relief on hearing that. “Really? Well that's a relieve. So what is this special way to get out of here ?”

“Come closer and I’ll show you.” Spike then walked closer to Flowey until he was right in front of it, and then waited to see what this special way out was.

“Okay, now what ?” Spike asked. Then unexpectedly, Flowey grabbed him with his thorny vines and lifted him up off his feet until he was thirty feet in the air! Spike began to panic, as he noticed Flowey lifted him very high up, about twenty feet up at most, and started to feel Flowey hurting him as his big thorn began to dig through Spike’s scales. “Hey, Hey, Fowey what are you doing ?! Why are you hurting me ??”

Spike felt his blood poor out where the thorns were digging through. He felt his bones being crushed by Flowey’s un-usual strength. Spike than herd a sinister laugh from Flowey as he noticed Flowey’s evil grin showing. He could see Flowey’s crossed eyes and his sudden sharp teeth show. “F-Flowey ?”

“YOU FOOL !!! DID YOU HONESTLY THINK I WOULD SHOW YOU THE WAY OUT !!! The truth is, THERE IS NO WAY OUT. THATS WRIGHT, NO PONY ESCAPES THIS PLACE. YOUR STUCK HERE FOEVER. Now, DIEEE !!"

"HAAAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAAAAAAAAAAA !!!!!!!"

Tears began to come of Spike’s eyes. “No, please.” He tried to get out but the crazy flower’s vines were too tuff to escape. “Is this really it ? I never asked for this. All I wanted was to prove to the girls that I was brave. I should have never snuck out. I should have stayed there. Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Rarity……Twilight……I’m so sorry.”

“DIE,DIE,DIE,DIE,DIE,DIE,DIE !!!! HAahahahahahaaaa…..uh ?” Flowey than turned around as he than noticed a fire ball coming right at him. “-AACK !!!”

Flowey was now on fire, burning to death, so he quickly retreated underground letting go of the helpless dragon. Spike than fell to the ground landing on his arm. “AAAAAHH !!!!”

He clutched his arm as he felt it was broken from the fall. He was in too much pain to even noticed someone else was approaching him. He herd the mysterious creature gasp, as Spike felt her arms wrap around him and picked him up and carried him away.

“Oh dear, you poor child. Don’t worry, I’ll patch that arm of yours in no time.” He herd the women say. Spike didn’t get a good look at her, but he knew she had to be very tall compared to a normal pony. He started to feel woozy than suddenly blacked out.

——-

Spike slowly began to open his eyes as he felt the soothing breeze on his scales. He notice he was lying on the ground while there was bonfire in front of him that was like a light in such a dark place. He also noticed he had a big blanket or something over him. When he pushed it off he noticed he had a arm sling on and his wounds were all healed up. This left so many questions like what who saved him ?, What happened to Flowey ? and wha-

Suddenly he heard someone coming so he quickly got up his feet and hid behind a broken pillar. Spike poked his out from the pillar to see who this stranger was and was surprise beyond believe what it was. It was white, tall bipedal monster with horns who was holding a torch to light her way. For a monster she was quiet beautiful, even though she looked a little bit like a gout with visible fangs. She wore a purple rob with white sleeves and some kind of symbol in the center of it.

She noticed that Spike when missing so she looked around with a worried expression. Spike tempted to peak his head once again until he found himself face to face with her. “GAAAAH !!!”

Spike was startled as he fell on his bottom. He than was attempting to crawl towards a another hiding spot until he was stopped by the women soothing voice. “Wait child, there is no need to be afraid of me. I will not harm you.” He than looked towards her as she gave him a warm smile. "Don't push yourself. Even though your wounds are healed, your arm is still broken. Using magic to heal bones is a difficult process. It will take time to heal."

“Are…..are you a m-monster ?” asked Spike, shaking a little.

She giggled at that. “That's what the ponies call us. We generally go by many names but I suppose the name monsters fit us well since we don’t have a specific name. Speaking of which, my name is Toriel. I am a caretaker of the ruins. What's your name child ?”

“My name is Spike. Spike the dragon.” he replied.

“A dragon ? You must be far, far away from home than.”

“What do you mean ?” Asked Spike, eyebrow raised.

“I mean the Dragon Lands is far, far away from here. Your parents must miss you.” said Toriel feeling concerned for the baby dragon.

Spike shook his head. “Oh no, I’m not from the dragon lands. I was born and raised in Canterlot and I live in Ponyvile which is the closest village near the mountain.”

“Ponyvile.” She repeated in surprise.

Spike nodded in response. “Yep, and as for my parents…” Spike than felt his heart sink a little as he frowned in sadness. “I-I….d-don't have any parents”

Toriel couldn’t help but feel sympathy for Spike as she rubbed his head to make him feel better. “It's okay. I know how you feel. Losing a loved one or not knowing what it means to be loved by the people who made you is never an easy feeling. I once had children of my own until…….” She paused for about moment.

“W-what ?” he asked.

“Oh, It's nothing. Forget I said anything.” She then rose up and grabbed her blanket off the floor that Spike was resting on which was actually her cape/hood than wrapped around herself than offered her hand (claws or whatever) to help him. Spike hesitated to grabbed her hand. Toriel is a monster so why was she helping him and not stealing his soul as Twilight read about in her books? Could this be a trick? “Don’t worry child. I know what your thinking and no, I would never steal your soul. All I want is to help you but we must hurry. I still need to finish healing your arm.”

“Maybe she isn’t like the monsters Twilight read in her books.” He thought. Without any more hesitation, he grabbed her hand and she help up to his feet than they soon walked together into the ruins.

There were many traps and puzzles on the path they took. Toriel explained to him that monsters underground are not evil but misunderstood. Some might want to fight him but that doesn’t mean he can’t convince them to stop. “So remember you must try to talk to the monsters instead of fighting them. However, I suppose fighting back in self defense is an option if necessary. but never ever take a life. They might attack you but you must remind yourself that these monsters could have families of their own too.”

“Oh don’t worry, I would’t hurt a fly,” said Spike.Then he thought back about his injuries. “What about that homicide flower that tried to kill me ? D-dose he deserve mercy ?”

Toriel than looked at with a small smile. “It's okay. As long as I’m here, I will make sure he won’t lay another tentacle on you. I’ll make sure no monster in these ruins will hurt you. I promise.”

Spike noticed the kind of look she gave him. A caring, motherly look. He blushed at the fact that she cared for him, as it began to remind him of Twilight when she took care of him in his infancy before he could even talk. “T-thanks but there is no need. I can take care of myself just fine. Really I mean, I’m not a baby-“

“Stop being such a silly child. Even the bravest of dragons need protection. Now come, we're almost halfway there. I have a cinnamon butterscotch pie in the oven waiting for us.” She said, winking at him.

“Cinnamon Butterscotch pie? That does sound yummy. I just hope we don’t run into any monsters on the way. Can’t imagine me fighting another monster like Flowey. I was completely helpless back there. I should've known that flower was up to no good. Yet again how could I have known? I can’t just jump the gun like Rainbow Dash does all the time, but how do I know Toriel isn’t who she says she is. I mean she did save my life which is why I didn’t run from her but what if she saved me just so she could take my should for herself.” Spike thought long and hard about this, but discarded that thought and realized she seems too sweet to do that. Yet again, he shouldn’t let his guard down. After all, if a tiny flower could break his bones, what could this tall creature do to him?!

“So Toriel, can you tell me about yourself?" asked Spike studying her a bit like Twilight would do to anypony she deemed suspicious. Spike might as well at least try to get to know her, so he could know what he's dealing with.

“…..Ooh…..well, I’m afraid there isn’t much to say about me. I’m just a silly old lady who worries too much about others. Especially for ponies who have fallen down here. This place can be very dangerous for them, which is why I live close to where they fall, so that way I could find them and guide them to safety,” Explained Toriel, as she continued holding on to Spike’s hand. Then it was her turn.

“Spike, can I ask you a question?” Spike looked up at her and nodded. “If you had a choice of which single flavor of pie you would want me to make. What would it be? Cinnamon or butterscotch?”

Spike was taken back by this question a little. Although he gave his most honest answer. “Well I do love cinnamon. So I guess I’d go with cinnamon.” Then suddenly Spike noticed her expression changed a little. Her eyes were wider as if she was surprised by something.
“…..What?”

“It's nothing child. I just had a feeling you would say that. I guess a lot of species love cinnamon.” Spike wondered why that was so surprising to her but shrugged it off in the end. “Now keep close, Were about to cross the bridge.”

The next puzzle consisted of an array of sharp spikes laid out across the bridge. Spike looked nervous, but Toriel guided him across as she still held his hand tightly. She knew the patterns of where to walk on. Spike Fallowed her closely as the metal spikes sunk down into the bridge which made them cross it un-harmed. “See, made it across in one piece.”

Spike was surprised by this, for he didn’t think it would be that easy.

A couple of minutes later, Toriel and Spike continued their way through the ruins. Spike noticed some monsters wandering around the ruins. Most of them were just over size frogs with small creatures underneath them, and some rounded creatures with horns and one big eyeball. They didn’t seem to want to bother Spike and Toriel, but Spike wasn’t stupid to let his guard down, not after what happened with Flowey.

Suddenly, the two travelers heard a sort of rumble. “Whats going on?” asked Spike. Toriel noticed the ceiling was about to collapse on top of them! When it came down, she pushed Spike out of the way as the rocks and rumble almost got him. Spike was coughing as the dust irritated his lungs. “Toriel ?” He asked as she vision was being to get clear.

“SPIKE, SPIKE !!! CAN YOU HEAR ME CHILD !? ARE YOU OKAY ??!” Shouted Toriel, who sound extremely worried. Spike couldn’t see her through the rumble but he could hear her voice loud and clear.

“I’m okay, but I’m blocked off from the path!” said Spike, as all he saw a path that headed the opposite direction. “Toriel what do I do ?”

Toriel sigh in relief as she tried to hard to keep herself calm. “Listen Spike, there is way to get to me but your gonna have to do it on your own. Take the path heading the opposite derection and whatever you do fallow the arrows. It will take you longer but it will lead you to the same
direction to my house. I’ll try to meet you halfway.”

“But what about the monsters ?” asked Spike worriedly.

“Just try to avoid them as much as possible.” Spike was nervous. Never before has he did anything dangerous on his own. He may have climbed the mountain on his own but that was only because he didn’t believe the stories were true.

“I-I don’t know if I can-“

“Spike my child, you have to trust me. I promise, I’ll meet you half way.” She said wait for him to respond.

“O-okay, I can do it.” He said, feeling a little determined. “…..I’ll meet you on the other side.”

“Good Spike, Thats what I like to hear. Now go.” So than Spike went the opposite direction searching for arrows on the wall pointing him to where he needed to go.

Five minutes later Spike continued his way through the ruins.“Okay so its this way.” He said as he fallowed another arrow. Suddenly he hid behind he hid behind a rock when he saw more of those giant frogs talking to one another. They were both standing in the way in the path he needed to take. He peeked his head out from behind the rock looking at the monster. Little did he know one of those monster with the big eyeballs was standing wright behind him.

“GYAAAAAAAAH !!!!” Screamed Spike as all the other monsters were now alerted of his presence. Spike than found himself being surrounded by them as they started to get closer and closer. “G-Get back. I-I’m warning you !”

Than suddenly the floor collapsed below his feet and fell into a dark hole. “AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH !!!!!!!!”

Spike was slowly regaining conscious as he was begining to open his eyes. He slowly started to back up on his feet as he found himself in the lower part of the temple. He looked up at where he fell and clutch his head in agony from his headach he got from falling on his face. "I really need to watch where I'm going."

"Alright lets see where this gous." He continued to walk down the path the temple was leading him and tried to find any arrows painted on the walls but so far none.

When Spike reached the end of the corridor he noticed a line of metal spikes in his way. "Hhm, how am I gonna get around this ?" He than noticed a platform poking out from the ground. When stepped on it the metal spikes sucked into the ground. "Well that was easy." When Spike walked off the platform the metal spikes than sprung up from the ground almost piercing Spike in the foot. "GYAAAAH !!!"

"That was a bad idea. I should probably find something heavy to put on this." He said as looked around the room until he spotted a rock that was big as him. "....That'l do."

He used all his strength to push his rock to where the platform was. "AAAAAARGH, for crying out load. If only Twilight was here." It almost took him about five minutes to get the rock where he wanted it to be as he finaly got the big rock where he wanted. The metal spikes suck into ground clearing the path for the small dragon allowing him to proceed to the next room.

However before Spike could enter the next room he noticed something flying above him, staring at him. Spike shot his head up and noticed a creature with two drooping antennae, two small wings, and two little arms and legs. Its body shape resembles that of a sad ghost.

"Gyaaaaaaaaaah !!!!!!" screamed Spike.

"AAAAH !!" the creature than burst into tears than flies away from Spike. Spike was breathing heavily as he tried to calm himself from what he saw. "Pull it together Spike. You can do this." He than took a deep breath and continued on.

In the next room Spike notice something white lying on the on ground. "ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ" It said. Spike wondered what this was and what it was doing as he cocked his eyebrow at this awkward moment.

"Is this thing pretending to sleep ?" thought Spike. He cleared his throat and decided to approach it. "Um excuse me."

Whatever it was flouted up and turned to look at Spike. He manage to get a better look at it. Its was a translucent, white, see through blob with eyes and it resembled a ghost. "Uuh....sorry to bother you but-" Spike than noticed something about this creature. It looked sad.

Spike wasn't sure why he was scared of this thing. It looked harmless. He assumed it was ghost, but this ghost looks like it came from a foul's drawing. "Is this thing what I think it is.....a ghost ? Can't be. Looks too.....I don't know. Twilight was the type of ponies that never believed in ghost so there never any books in her library about them."

"Hi I'm sorry but could you please move ?" He asked. Than Spike noticed the ghost began to cry as acid tears poor'd out from his eyes burning the floor below him. Spike felt guilty as he tried to make the ghost feel better. "Oh I'm sorry. I didn't to offend you or anything. I just need to um.." Spike thought about ways make the ghost feel better until he came up with an idea.

Spike cleared this throat and started telling the sad ghost jokes. "What did the pony say when he or she fell.......Give up ? I've fallen and I can't giddyup!" Spike laughed at his own joke.

The ghost stood there silently. His lips shifted into a small smile and laugh a little. "....heh"

Spike than continued on. He pretended to knock at a door."Knock, knock!"

"Who's there?" asked the ghost.

Spike ansered."Dragon!"

"Dragon who?"

"Dragon your feet again?" Than the ghost laugh a little bit more.

"Hey, let me show you something." Said the ghost as his tears went up his head and formed a fancy top hat. "I call it dapper blook. Do you like it ?"

Spike grew wider in amazement as began to cheer. "Wow, thats pretty cool." The ghost's expression didn't show much but he was flattered by Spike's comment.

"Oh gee. Thanks." said the frowning ghost. "I didn't mean to make you worry about me. I usually come to the ruins because there's nobody around....but today I met somebody nice.......Oh, I'm rambling again." The ghost wanted to not to make things awkward by talk about himself too much. "I'll get out of your way. Oh where are my manners. The names Napstablook by the way."

Spike smiled. "Nice to meet you. My names Spike."

"Hello Spike. Don't usually see meet other monsters here I-.......Sorry I'm rambling again. I'll just get out of your way. Bye." Then Napstablook faded into thin air allowing Spike to continue on his way to find Toriel.

A while later Spike continue walking through the ruins. So far he found no arrows. After he fell into that hole he couldn't find his way again. "Darn it, I'm lost." He clutched his stomach as it growled in hunger. "Boy, am I hungry."

Suddenly the ground below hims shook as something big came up from the surface. It looked like a giant carrot with a creepy face. It approached Spike with a wide smile as the little dragon back himself against the wall in fear. "Gyaaah !!" He was shaking uncontrollably as this thing got closer and closer to him. He shut his eyes close tight with his arms shielding his face hoping the monster would not eat him.

Spike was expecting something to happen......but nothing did. Spike slowly opened his eyes and he saw something un-expected happened. The Monster offered Spike a healthy meal. "Eat your greens !" It said with a cheery voice. A small potato popped from the ground and into the air and Spike manage to catch it as it fell. "Part of a complete breakfast."

His mouth hung opened in shock as this was very awkward for him. Spike was lost for words and didn't know what to say until he finally manage to speak.".........Uh......Thanks."

"Your welcome !" It said and it dived back into the ground throwing dust everywhere as it was digging.

".....Well....that was weird." said Spike as he started to eat the potato. "Wish'd this was cooked though." He shrugged his shoulders and made his way deeper into the ruins.

Five minutes later he manage to find the arrows again as he was starting feel confidence over whelm him as she ran faster and faster making his way towards finding Toriel. Than suddenly fear took him as he saw a big frog monster in his way. The frog approached him agressively making Spike back away from it. "H-hi there, what a nice day it is. Isn't it ?" asked Spike with a fake smile but the frog didn't respond. It looked like it wanted to fight him.

"H-hey, C-can we work this out-" Suddenly the lashed it big tonge out at Spike. It missed by an itch but it made Spike jump in fear. "AAAAAAAHH !!! Leave me alone !!!" He shouted as he ran from the frog monster.

Spike ran a good distance from the beast but it was catching up to him as it jumped closer and closer. Spike made a turn taking the right path and when he got to the end of the corridor he tripped on his own feet and fell. He sprain his ankle and could not move as he saw the frog monster get closer. Spike didn't know what to do. All he did was stare in fear.

Than suddenly out of no where a femiliar tall she-beast got in between him and the frog monster. She spread her arms wide like she was shielding him from the frog. Her hands were engulfed in burning flames as she shot her head into the air and blew a river of flames from her mouth....like a real dragon.

The frog started to jump away in fear if she was a scarier monster than he was. As the frog disappeared into the Horizon Toriel's flames were put out as they fading into smoke. She turned around picked him into her arms. Carrying him and having him rest against her warm body. Toriel could hear Spike grunting in pain from the soreness of his ankle. "Ssshhhhh.....Its okay. Its okay. Just rest my child. You don't have to suffer no more because for now on, I'll protect you."

To be Continued.

Chapter 5: At Goat Mom's House

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Spike slowly opened his eyes, and he found himself staring at the celling. He realized he was in a room, lying in an unfamiliar bed. The walls were painted an unusual shade of orange. He slowly got out of bed, it was then he noticed he had a cast on his arm that seemed to have been rewrapped recently. Spike looked around the room, and noticed it looked like a kid's room. There was a chest in front of his bed full of cool toys to play with. As tempting as they looked, Spike felt he was too mature to play with children toys. At least that is what he kept telling himself, despite the fact he was a kid himself. There were stuffed animals on the left side of his bed, and a dresser on the right side. He saw a drawing of a golden flower taped on the side of the wall, an empty photo frame on a desk, and beside it a box of metal horse shoes.

Spike smelled something in air, something sweet and delicious. He noticed a plate with a slice of pie on the carpet in front of him, just waiting to be eaten. Spike picked it up, and took a whiff of it. Inhaling the smell up into his nostrils. "MMmmmm....." He than grabbed the spoon and started to eat it. "This tastes good."

Once Spike was done eating the delicious pie, he opened the door to the hallway.

Toriel was sitting in her reading chair with her glasses, reading a book called the 72 Uses for Snails while getting warm next to a fireplace.

Toriel noticed Spike peeking his head out from behind the wall, and smiled.

"I see your finally up. After everything that has happened to you yesterday, it was no surprise that you slept for so long. I'm glad you’re alright."

Spike gave her a small smile. "Thank you Toriel, for saving my life.....twice. I am in your debt."

Toriel looked surprised at first, then she began to chuckle.

Spike glanced at her confusion on his face. “What ?"

"Spike my child, you don't have to owe me anything. I saw a child in need so I helped him. It’s only natural." She said as she shrugged her shoulders.

Spike shook his head. "No, I must repay you somehow." Then his expression turned to a sheepish smile as he began to scratch the back of his head. "I know it sounds silly but when some po-.....I mean if someone helps a dragon, the dragon must help that person in return. Its part of the-"

"Dragon code ?" Toriel finished his sentence with small smile.

Spike looked at her with a surprised expression. "Y-you know about the dragon code?"

Toriel nodded. She got up from her chair and walked towards the book shelf. She put the one she was reading before back, and grabbed a new one. She sat back in her chair and got comfortable. Once she opened the book she showed one of the pages to Spike.

Spike gasped as he saw the images on one page were pictures of dragons. "I-It can't be. You have a book on dragons?!”

"Mmm-hmm."

"But how? My friend Twilight is a librarian and she looked all over Equestria for a book on dragons, and she found nothing. She said ponies are just too afraid to even talk to dragons." said Spike.

".....Not for monsters. Would you like to read with me?" She asked.

Spike smiled with excitement "Sure." He than looked around the room for something to sit on. "Where should I sit?"

Unexpectedly Spike was picked up by Toriel, and she placed him so he could sit on her lap and see the book better.

"Comfortable ?" She asked with a warm smile.

Spike felt this was weird. He wanted to get off of her and tell her to stop treating him like he's a little kid, but for some reason, he didn't. He wanted to but he didn't. Because for some reason, he also felt at peace with her.

She than started to read the book. "Dragons, are the oldest, and most terrifying species that have ever lived. They are believe to have been around before ponies have even existed. The oldest dragon could live up to a thousand years. There are many types of dragons in the world, there are the Tatsu Dragons which are the dragons that live in Niepon, the ice dragons that live in the north and than there is the famous Two-Headed Dragons."

Toriel went on and on about the variety of dragons in the world, and Spike listened to every word. Many hours had passed as she read almost half of the book. Spike was still listening to her read, as he looked at the amazing images of dragons on each page. Spike than realized that this was the first story that he had ever sat down and listened to for this long. Normally he would fall asleep when Twilight read to him, but this was different. Not only was this a book he was into, but it was the way she was reading it. When Twilight reads, she always has that narcissistic know it all tone in her voice. But when Toriel reads, she reads it like she is reading a bed time story to a kid.

Toriel glanced at her watch and noticed that two hours had passed. "Ooh my, look at the time. I'm afraid we have to stop for now."

"Aaaw, come on Toriel. Could we read just a little more ?" Spike begged, which made her chuckle again as she smiled at Spike.

"Sorry Spike, but I have to start preparing dinner." said Toriel as she got up and and picked Spike off her lap and set him down on the floor. She than made her way to the kitchen.

"Its dinner time already?" Spike asks. Wondering how she knows how much time has passed. Spike then realized something important.

"Take a seat at the table, your food will be ready any moment." said Toriel as she went to the kitchen.

"Twilight and the rest of the girls are probably looking for me by now. Not to mention all of Ponyville.” said Spike as he then noticed Toriel bringing a plate of food to the table.

"Spike, your food is ready." she said as she set his food on the table. "Come eat."

"Okay I'm comin-"

He then was unexpectedly picked up by Toriel. "Hey, HEY, Put me down. I'm not a little kid!" He was about to yell at her more until he saw something that made his mouth water as he stared at the food in front of him. He was given a plate of gemstones and a cup of juice. All his frustrations were replaced with the overwhelming desire of wanting to eat the delectable gemstones.

Toriel smiled at Spike's expression. "Go ahead Spike, dig in."

He finally snapped out of his hunger induced trance. Spike didn't waste anymore time as he began to eat. "This is great, Twilight never lets me have this many gemstones."

"Hungry aren't you. Well don't worry. There is a lot more where that came." Said Toriel as she finished cooking herself some steak, with some mashed potatoes and some beans.

Spike suddenly stopped eating as he noticed the cooked meat on Toriel's plate.

"Y-you guys eat meat?" asked Spike as he felt a little unsettled. He wasn't too bothered with this though, since he knows there are species who eat meat like the griffons. He had lived with ponies for so long that he was brought up only eat like the other ponies did. He knew eating meat was deeply frowned upon in Equestria, which puts other species like him in a tough position because it’s considered cannibalism to ponies.

Toriel stared at him with a curious expression. "Yes ? You don't eat meat?" Toriel asked as she cleaned herself with a napkin. "I've read dragons are omnivores, so why don't you eat meat my child?"

Spike shook his head. "Its frowned upon to eat meat in Equestria. Trust me, the last thing you want is too eat fish in front of a crowd of ponies." said Spike.

"Oh dear, things must be complicated up there."

Spike shrugged his shoulders. "Nah, not really. I mean, I guess it would be for other species who are new to Equestria." Spike continued to eat the gems on his plate until he noticed Toriel cute a piece of her steak and offer him a taste. "Oh, uh no thank you. Me being raised by ponies, I don't think I could ever get myself to eat-"

"Just one bite." said Toriel. "I guarantee that you'll like it."

Spike thought for a moment. "Well, I think I saw Twilight eat a strip of bacon when we were at Canterlot High. Not to mention it isn't uncommon in the human world." He thought.

When he decided he’d give it a try, he took Toriel's fork from her hand to avoid her trying to feed him. Toriel frowned a little at that, but she didn't want to force him to do something he didn't want to. Spike hesitated at first as slowly tried to force it into his mouth, then finally tasted it.

Spike relaxed a bit as he tasted the new flavor. It was actually surprisingly good. It was nothing like fruit or vegetables, but it tasted good in a way he never experienced. "Wow, this is actually pretty good. Where does this meat come from anyway?"

"I bought it from the market. I believe it comes from a cow." said Toriel.

Suddenly Spike's entire body went pale as snow as he began to regret eating them morsel. He started to have flash backs about Daisy Jo, who is a friend to many ponies in Ponyvile. He remembered all the times Daisy Jo had been nice to him. "......what have I done !"

Later on, Spike spent most of his time in the bathroom sitting on the toilet trying to forget the steak incident. Suddenly he heard a knock on the door.

"Spike......Spike! You've been in there for hours. Please come out. I know you’re upset about the steak but there no need to stay in there. If it will make you feel better I just finish baking some snail pie?"

That didn't make Spike feel any better. In fact he felt like he was gonna hurl but he knew he couldn’t lock himself in the bathroom forever. Spike knew he had to move on from this, so he got off the toilet and opened the door.

"Feel better?" asked Toriel, looking at him with concern.

At first Spike glared at her, but then took a deep breath and sighed as he calmed down. "Its fine. Sorry for making you worry like that." Spike replied with a sheepish smile. "Um.....is there any more steak left ?"

Toriel looked surprised and than started to laugh. Then Spike laughed with her.

A little while later, Spike was helping Toriel clean the dishes. She did the washing while he did the drying. "Thank you for helping me Spike."

"Don't mention it. Normally I do all the cleaning back at home." Said Spike as he finished drying one plate and moved on to the next.
Toriel looked towards Spike's direction a couple of times, as she couldn't help but wonder about the pony he was living with.

"Spike my child. Who did you say you were living with again? Twilight right ?" She asked. Spike nodded confirming his friend's name. "And she takes care of you?"

"Yeah she....." Spike paused for a moment as he remembered all his memories he had with her. Spike frowned at a sudden realization, as he remembered the things he and Twilight were fighting about. Despite how much he loved his friends, a part of him didn't want to go back. Spike was still angry at Twilight and he didn’t know if he could forgive her so easily. But knowing Twilight, she'll probably feel guilty for what she said and apologize for it.

"Naw, She use to take care of me when I first hatched, but that was a long time ago. Now I basically take care of myself. I get the groceries, I wash the dishes, I cook, I clean. I do it all while she's away with her friends on their adventures. She still takes care of me when I get sick, but that's about it."

Toriel looked disgusted. "What?! What kind of foster parent forces a child your age to take care of himself."

"Twilight's not my foster mother. She's just a teenager. She looks after me while I am her assistant for the library." He informed Toriel.

"You may be old enough to start learning responsibility, but that doesn't give a parent or guardian any excuse to start having a child fend for themselves. You’re still too young, and on top of that she lets you do all the work!!"

"Toriel for the last time, I'm not a little kid !" Spiked mumbled as he was getting irritated by the way Toriel was treating him.

"Of course you are Spike. You shouldn't try growing up so fast." Toriel rubbed Spike's forehead. "Because being a child, is supposed to be the best years of your life."

Spike wanted to slap her hand away, but he knew she was just being nice to him; and for some reason a part of him started to like being mothered like this. It was no surprise that Toriel would dislike how he lives with Twilight. Many would think their way of living was a bit odd compared to how most fillies and colts live with their parents. However most ponies don't exactly find it odd when it comes to him and Twilight. because every pony know Twilight isn't his mother or sister. He gets the feeling that many ponies in Ponyville see him as Twilight's pet due to the fact that he's a dragon. He was hoping that wasn't the case, but the more he thought about it, the more it made sense. Not everypony sees him that way, at least the ponies who know him. The majority of dragons who live in Equestria are not well liked. Spike remembered that the Dragons in Fillydelphia were mistreated. He even remembered in the comic books made by ponies, the dragon was always the super villain in the story.

"Well thats the last plate. You wanna go finish reading that book?" Toriel asked as she dried her hands.

Spike smiled and replied with a nod. "Alright lets go."

An hour later, Spike was sitting on the carpet floor listening to Toriel read. Spike than thought of something that made him wonder. "Toriel."

Toriel than stopped reading as she herd the baby dragon call her. "Yes my child ?"

"D-do you mind telling me another story. Like how the monster race ended up underground." He asked.

Toriel was a little taken aback by at Spike's sudden interest but was also confused as well. "Don't you have books in your friend's library that explains our history ?"

Spike scratched the back of his head with another sheepish smile "We do, in fact thats one of Twilight's favorite books. But the book doesn't really go into details like who started the war, most ponies these days believe you guys are just a myth and I Kinda wanna know a monster's side of the story."

Toriel thought for a moment and decided to set the book down and took off her reading glasses and set them to the side. "Okay, long ago before Equestria even existed there were three.....no there were five pony races."

"Wait a minute, I always told there were three pony tribes." said Spike.

"Well in Equestria yes but there originally there are five. The forth pony race are the Sea ponies. The fifth are the...."Toriel paused as Spike waited for an answer. "Uh...never mind. Anyway as the forth and fifth pony races kept to their own lands the other three pony tribes explored other lands. As you must know, back in those days both Earth pony, Unicorn and pegasus were not friends. Not only were they not friends but they were arch enemies. They were constantly at each other throats and they did not trust each other what so ever but there was one problem they both shared and it was us. When the earth ponies came they tempted to take our land for themselves until the monsters scared them away out of their land. Than the pegasus came tempted to do the same thing as they tried to fight us but in the end were no match for us. Than finally the unicorns. A great battle was waged between the unicorns and Monsters and despite how powerful the magic of unicorns were even they were no match against the magic the monsters used against them and so they lost the battle and fled back to their Queen."

"So than what happened ?" asked Spike.

"Many years later, both pony tribes started to befriend each other and united themselves against monsters as they attempted to invade us once more. Now with their new leaders on their side they became stronger than ever. Their new leaders were none other than Princess Celestia and her sister Princess Luna. A war was waged once more as it lasted for years and years. It was the most longest, most bloodiest wars in history. Than finally, the monsters were defeated. Celestia could not get herself to destroy us so she sealed us underground with a powerful magic spell. A spell.....that can not be broken." Toriel exclaimed as she finished telling her story.

Spike was sadden by her story as could not get himself to believe such event happened. "But why ? Equestria was originally your land. Why would Celestia agree to help ponies with such selfish intentions."

"Oh who knows, it was a long time ago." She replied with a smile.

"But still that..." Spike stopped for a while as he thought long and hard about Toriel's story. He couldn't get himself to believe that Celestia was some kind of bad pony. Celestia is the most caring, most selfless pony in Equestria and every pony knows that.

"I wouldn't over think it Spike. After all, perhaps we deserve to be trapped down here." She said with a sad frown.

Spike looked at Toriel with symphony as he didn't like seeing her sad. "You don't deserve it."

Toriel smiled at him. "Many mite disagree with you Spike."

"True, but I don't care at this point." Said Spike with determination showing in his face. "If I learned anything from being down here, is that just because your a monster, doesn't mean your bad. In fact your the most nicest , most beautiful monster I've ever met." Toriel looked at him with a growing smile with her checks glowing red as she was happy to hear Spike say that.

"Thank you Spike. It was very nice to hear you say that." Said Toriel as a tear dripped down her face.

Spike never noticed it as he was distracted by something familiar next to Toriel's chair leaning against the wall.

"Is that a guitar? I rarely see those,” asked Spike as he noticed the old classical guitar leaning against the wall.

Toriel looked at her guitar, and she picked it up and started to fix the strings.

"So do you play Guitar ?" Spike asked.

"Oh yes." She said with a bit of a blush. "But I haven't played in a very long time not since before....."

Toriel paused for what seemed like thirty seconds. Spike could tell something was bothering Toriel, even though he had only known her for a short time. It made him feel concerned for her.

"Toriel?" Spike snapped her out of her train of thought, as Spike looked at her with a worried expression.

"Oh Sorry Spike, I didn't mean to make you worry." Said Toriel as she continue to fix the strings on her guitar. "So they don't have guitars up on the surface?"

Spike scratched the back of his head. "They do, but ponies don't have fingers so its a bit awkward for any of them trying to play a guitar." He said with a fake laugh.

Toriel giggled at that."Indeed." She than tested the guitar to see if it sounded right. "Would you like to hear a song Spike ?"

"Sure." He said while shrugging his shoulders. "What’s the song about if you don't mind me asking ?"

She paused as she looked at him with a smile. "You'll find out." Spike sat on the floor trying to get comfortable in front of Toriel and watched her play.

Toriel Singing:

(There is a video of the song down below at the end of the story. I would play it while reading the lyrics if I were you.)

You are my star
You are my sky
When you are lost
I'll be your guide

When you feel sad
I'll dry your eyes
When you get scared
My arms are wide

My child, my child
Let me lay your weary head to rest
All of my time
Was spent waiting for your call
Your heart was making
Unbelievable sounds
The flowers mended
where you'd fallen down

I was a mother
I was a bride, but
I must admit, eheh
it's been awhile

I'll keep you warm
and safe inside
with butterscotch
& cinnamon pie

My child, my child
Let me lay your weary head to rest
All of my time
Was spent waiting for your call
Your heart was making
Unbelievable sounds
I'm here to catch you
when you've fallen down

You are my star
You are my sky
Before you leave
I'll hold you tight

Your heart was making
Unbelievable sounds
I'm here to catch you
when you've fallen down

Toriel sang her last words as she carried the sleeping dragon in her arms to bed. She gently laid him down on the sheets and tucked him in. "Good night my child." Toriel whispered. When she was done with that she closed the door behind her letting Spike sleep soundly.

Chapter 6: Where the Flowers Shine

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The next day, Spike was waking up as he rose up from his bed and stretched his arms. He jumped out of bed and went to the bathroom to brush his teeth. While he was brushing his teeth, he couldn't help but stare at himself in the mirror thinking about his friends back home. He's been missing for two days; there was no doubt in his mind that they’re looking for him already. He pushed those thoughts aside as he stared at his cast that Toriel wrapped around his broken arm in. He just didn't feel like leaving yet. Toriel been so hospitable to him and saved him three times. He should at least do something for her in return before he leaves.

"Spike! Breakfast!" shouted Toriel as Spike made his way to the main room. As he walked across the hallway, he couldn't help but notice some stairs that lead to the basement, at least he thought they result in a basement. Spike looked to where Toriel was setting up the table and decided to take a look what is downstairs while Toriel was distracted as he went down the steps. "I'm sure Toriel wouldn't mind if I take a peek at what’s downstairs." He thought.

Once Spike got downstairs he saw long passage. He couldn't see what was at the end of the corridor but before his curiosity could take him, he heard Toriel behind him. "Spike?"

Spike turned around and saw her look at him with worry. "Hey Toriel, what’s down here?" asked Spike but Toriel forcefully grabbed his hand and rushed him upstairs.

"Nothing, now come along before your breakfast gets cold." She said, quickly. Spike noticed that Toriel was acting a little strange for a moment.

Later on, when Spike sat down at the table, and he was about to eat his pancakes that Toriel just cooked for him. Before he could even take a bite, though, Toriel got his attention. "Spike." Spike looked at Toriel. "I don't want you going down there anymore. It’s a bit dangerous down there which is why I’d prefer you to play in the front yard," she asked in a calm yet serious tone. Toriel smiled at him. "Do you understand?"

Spike sigh as he was still somewhat irritated at the way she mothered him. "Okay, I promise I won't go down there anymore."

"Good, I am glad we’re at an understanding." She said with a cheerful voice. Spike wasn't completely sure why Toriel didn't want him down there, and so many questions popped in his head. "Is there something down there?"

"Nothing that should concern you. Now eat up." She said. Spike raised an eyebrow but decided to just leave it at that for now. "By the way Spike, I was wondering if you would like to come with me tomorrow to my favorite bug hunting spot. We’re running low on snails, and I could use your help to find some."

"Why can't we do it today ?" asked Spike.

Toriel began to scratch the back of the back of her head. She smiled at him with as she blushes in embarrassment. "I-I have been falling behind on taking care of the house. It is a bit messy around here so I must clean up."

"Oh okay. Then can I help you?"

Toriel chuckled. "Spike I have said this before. You do not need to assist me in the house."

"But I want to. PLEASSSSE?" Spike begged as he gave her the sad puppy dog look. Toriel thought for a moment. She admitted to herself that she did need help because there was so much that needed to be done in this house.

"Well, if you insist. I suppose I could use some help around the house."

"YES!" shouted Spike as he jumped up in glee. Toriel giggled at his excitement.

Later on, Spike was sweeping the floor, dusting everything and finally mopping the floor. Spike spent ten minutes cleaning the house, and he was almost complete with the whole thing. "Almost done."

"Spike? Is everything okay? I could offer you my help if you're . . . " Toriel looked around and noticed how clean her home was now. Spike laughed on the inside at Toriel's shocking expression as he could how surprised she was. "Oh goodness, Spike thank you so much. I would never have expected you to be this good at cleaning."

With a sheepish smile, Spike scratch the back of his head. "Well, I've done it for so long I've gotten very good at it."

"I can see that." She replied with a warm smile.

"I'm almost done here. After this, I'll be cleaning the tables next." Spike wanted to continue cleaning for her, but Toriel had other ideas.

Toriel laughed. "Oh, Spike, you don't have to do so much work. I think that is enough for now. Finish up here, and then wait for me outside." said Toriel as Spike watched her walked towards the hallway and into her room.

"Okay?" This made Spike cocked his eyebrow in confusion. Spike was outside in front of Toriel’s house standing around as he spent most of his time kicking rocks around. "Wow, monsters sure are weird. Especially Toriel, she's been so kind to me ever since I got here. I mean, I'm doing the same things, yet the reactions are different. When I was Twilight's assistant, she used to complain about me being slow but over here with Toriel; she was surprised at how fast I was despite how much she was against it at first. When I was with Twilight, she always gives me more work after I finished with one thing, especially when something comes up but with Toriel, she laughs at me and says I don't have to do so much work." said Spike as thought more and more about his past. "Hmm....You know. Toriel has been nothing but nice to me these past two days. She treats me like I'm her real son. Which is even more weird, because I've never had a mom before."

Toriel's actions made Spike stare at the ground as he got lost in his thoughts when the word “mother” popped into his mind. There was no way Toriel could love him that way, but he couldn't help but feel like that what was happening at the moment.

Getting his mind off of things, Spike noticed a strange looking dummy that was in Toriel's front yard. Spike approached it as he examined it head to toe. It had a rather odd shape to it, but Spike could tell that it was a dummy made for spring. Since Spike was so bored, he decided to mess around with the dummy for a bit as he approached it while acting all tough. "So, you think you could take me down?" He said pretending to examine his claws. "Well, I’d like to see you try. Take your best shot!" shouted Spike as he was challenging the dummy to fight, but the dummy stood there.....because it was just a dummy. "Too scared to take on huh? Well, I've got something to say to you. You’re a big, fat-" Spike paused for a moment then whispered it to the dummy then he fell to the ground laughing.

"Spike?" The baby dragon turned his attention to Toriel who had a sun hat on and was holding a basket. She looked at him with an odd expression. "What are you doing?"

Spike's face grew red as he panicked a little as he felt embarrassed at what Toriel caught him doing. "I-uh-I was just.......I was bored." Spike said as he folded his hand behind his back while kicking the rocks on the ground.

Toriel smirked as she shook her head "Ah children, such interesting beings indeed. Come along now, you silly dragon." Toriel took Spike by his hand as they walked through the Ruins.

"So where are we going anyway? I thought you said that you’d be too busy cleaning today," asked Spike.

"I did, but since you managed to do half of the work for me in such a short time, I decided it was best to take advantage of this and just head over to my favorite bug hunting spot. I am truly grateful for the all the work you put into cleaning my house."

Toriel's words made Spike blush. "Aww, it was nothing. So where exactly is this bug hunting spot?"

"You will see."

It turns out the bug hunting spot was the same place he fell into when he first got here. It was the place with the bed of golden flowers he fell on earlier. Toriel was singing another song while sitting on a rock playing her guitar as Spike was sitting down on the grassy ground and watched her sing.

"~You are my sunshine, my only sunshine. You make me happy when skies are gray. You'll never know dear, how much I love you. Please don't take my sunshine away.~" When Toriel finishes her
song, Spike clapped and whistled at her performance.

"Ooh stop it, Spike. You're making me blush!" She was trying to hide her blush from Spike, but she knew he could see it.

"Wow, you’re an amazing singer Toriel. You should do that for a living!" Spike complemented.

"Stop it," She said as he placed her hand on her cheek and waved at him. "Besides, I could never sing as a career. I just love singing to children."

"You seem to like kids don’t you?"

"Indeed I do. In fact, I have always wanted to be a teacher. I know that may not be very surprising but . . . STILL. I am glad to have you living here with me."

"Yeah, me too. I would never have expected to meet someone like you." Said Spike.

"What do you mean by that?" She asked with a concerned voice. "Are the ponies up on the surface not friendly?"

"Oh no, don't get me wrong the ponies are VERY nice. It's just . . . I kind of . . . feel like an outcast up there." Toriel looked at him with curiosity.

"Everypony up on the surface is kind to me, but sometimes I think they are also weary of me. Since everypony knows that dragons are known to be violent and ruthless, I feel like that puts me in a weird spot. Also . . . I'm the only dragon in Ponyville, so it's rough because I'm all alone and most of the dragons I've met are mean and greedy."

"Oh . . . Spike, I am so sorry to hear that." Toriel said sympathetically.

"Eh, don't be. You get used to it. Nopony's perfect. We all make mistakes. I've learned that lesson from living with Twilight and her friends. They all made similar mistakes. They misjudged a zebra, who's our friend now. They even have a tough time giving misguided ponies another chance.

"You are correct Spike. No one is perfect. All we could do is learn from our mistakes." She said as she nodded in agreement. "I am curious though. Things must have changed up there. I don't recall dragons ever being greedy and violent."

Spike raised an eyebrow "How do you know that?"

"Well....I-I...uuhh..." She was unable to answer his question as Spike notice her cheeks changed to a pinkish color as she was blushing. Not wanting to answer that question, Toriel quickly changed the subject. "Oh, Spike, I almost forgot to show you my books I brought with me. I thought we could read them together. There are so many old books that I want to share with you which by the way, Spike have you ever read a book called Mrs. Frisby And The Rates of Nimh?" asked Toriel.

"Never heard of that series. What’s it about?"

"It’s about a mouse who is a mother and puts her own life on the line to save her son who became horribly ill." Toriel took out a book from her basket and showed it to Spike as she sat down on the rock. "You see, her son was suffering from pneumonia, which prevented him from going outside, but because of the danger that was about to come, she is forced to take desperate measures by going to dangerous places where predators try to eat her."

"So . . . this story is about a mouse??" Spike asked again. "I hardly doubt a book like that will be popular in Equestria. A lot of ponies don't like mice."

Toriel giggled. "I can imagine." She then sighed as she stared at the book for a while. "A part of me can relate to this mouse."

Spike watched Toriel curiously. "Why do you say that?"

At first, it was silent, but then Toriel finally spoke. "She is so determined to save her child that she is willing to put herself in danger just for him and all her children." She paused. ". . . Just like how I am ready to put myself on the line to protect you."

Spike looked surprised as he stared at Toriel's eyes. He was starting have mixed feelings about her words. Spike smiled and gave a faint chuckle while scratching the back of his head. "Aw shucks Toriel." He was tempted to tell her that he didn't need it, but he knew he couldn't deny that anymore. He just couldn't do things on his own. But he felt safe with Toriel. That dreading feeling of powerlessness Spike felt in his belly when Flowey attacked him. At that moment he knew, he couldn't do things on his own. Spike was not brave like Rainbow Dash, he wasn't strong like Applejack nor was he smart like Twilight. Spike knew that he could never be like his friends. If he couldn't beat a small flower, then what makes him think he could take care of himself at all?

"What is wrong Spike? Did I say something?" Asked Toriel.

There was a moment of silence between them until he replied. "No, it’s just, back on the surface, I was always the one that needed protecting. I'm a lot of things on the surface. A scaredy cat, the sidekick. I was always the one on the sidelines while my friends go and save the day. I mean....." Spike paused for a moment as he sighs. "It’s not like I don't want you to protect me Toriel. You care about me and don't want to see me get hurt. My friends are the elements of harmony, and I'm . . . a nobody."

"Spike, look at me," Toriel said in a stern voice. He looked up until he made eye contact with hers. She had a slightly angry frown on her face as her hands were on her shoulders, "You are not a nobody. You are a kind dragon who is both brave and very determined."

"How do you know? You've only just met me yesterday."

"True," She replied as she sat down next to him. "But . . . Spike, my child, do you truly believe a coward would travel through the dangerous ruins all by himself. Nobody, your age could have done that. The truth is . . . you don't need to be an Element of Harmony to be somebody. Even though you do not have the elements on your side, that doesn't mean you are weak either.

"But then what good am I?!"

"My child. Friendship is not the only powerful magic out there. There are all sorts of magic out there. Even stronger than friendship itself." Toriel explained.

"What could be more powerful than...." When Spike faced Toriel, he noticed she smiled at him warmly. "....friendship?"

Toriel got down her knees and placed her hand on Spike's shoulder and says. "My child, the answer is what you longed for since the beginning. What every child needs in their life. The love of a mother, the guidance of a father. The most important thing in every creature's life is-"

"family." Spike finished the sentence. Toriel nodded in response. Then suddenly Spike's blinked a couple of times and as he cocked one of his eyebrows. "That’s something I don't have Toriel. I never knew my father or my mother, so I don't know anything about family. The closest thing I have to a family are my friends."

Toriel shook her head. "That is not true either Spike. You have a mother, and she's right in front of you."

Spike's eyes shot wide open as his pupils shrunk as surprise took him on what Toriel was trying to tell him. Never before as anyone wanted to take him in like this. The purple dragon didn't even know what to say. "....Toriel."

"Spike I, um, I want you to live with me for now on. We tell stories, read books, catch snails. I will raise you as my own. I know we do not have much here, but . . . I promise I will take good care of you.”

Toriel's offer took Spike by surprise. Never has anyone ever asked to take him in before. He doesn't even know how to respond to something like that. Spike was completely speechless. "I......I um......I uhh.....Wow, I've never been asked that before. Toriel.....Are you-" He paused as he was trying to put together on what was happening. "Are you asking me to be your . . . son?"

Toriel looked like she was about to respond happily but then slowly became a frown. She looked away from Spike for a while but then got back up. She sighed in regret. "I am sorry, I didn't mean to put you in an awkward spot. Forget I said anything. Just me being a silly old lady." Toriel walked back to the rock and sat back down.

Spike couldn't help but just stare at his feet in silence. He was deep thought of Toriel’s offer. It was tempting for him to take her up on that offer but he wasn’t sure if that was a good idea. Spike had no attention in landing underground where monsters live in the first place. He just wanted to go some place where he could fit in and not feel like he wasn’t important to any pony. However, now that he thinks about it, living with Toriel doesn’t seem so bad. She is smart as Twilight, sweet and kind as Celestia herself. Then again he barely knows her, yet he trusts her more than any monster he has come across in this crazy place.

He lost his train of thought as Toriel spoke to him. “You know Spike; this place isn’t just my favorite snail hunting spot. I sometimes come here to take great care of these flowers.” She said as she pointed at the golden flowers the light up above was shining on. “Beautiful are they not? I just love how the light up above shines on these golden flowers. The light makes them shine even brighter.”

“Yeah, weird,” Spike commented.

“Monsters use to come here at this exact spot. Always looking up where the surface is, hoping one day could see the warm sun again. It is such a shame that many of those monsters will never get the chance to see it. I have lived for a very long time and seen generations of monsters come and go......and I find it so sad, that none of them will ever get the chance to see the surface.”

“Not to be rude Toriel, but how old are you anyway ?” asked Spike with a raised eyebrow. “You sound like you’ve been living for a very long time and yet. You look like you're in your mid-thirties. You don’t even look like an old lady.”

Toriel giggled as she blushed at the question. It was a question she never felt comfortable answering, but she knew that every monster that looked at her would not assume that she was extremely old. “Oh dear, how embarrassing. Well if you must know I am actually 90,000 years old.

Spike’s jaws drop just it reached the ground. “WHAT?! That old?? You're even older than Celestia !!”

"Yep, Celestia was just a filly when I was in my te.....you know let us change the subject. Oh, are you hungry Spike ?" Toriel grabbed her basket and went through what she packed. "I think I pack some more gems in here."

While Toriel looked through her picnic basket, Spike took a moment to stare at the flowers as he wondered what made this place so special to Toriel. As Spike pondered this, he suddenly felt his head pounding while both his vision and his hearing started to fade as he clutched his head in agony. It was like a knife pierced through his skull and into his brain. Spike had never felt a headache like this before as his hearing became fuzzy and his vision became black and white like he was watching a colorless movie. He could hear Toriel calling to him as her voice became harder to understand by the second until all he could hear was ringing sounds.

When the ringing sound stopped, the could see the flowers he was staring at before were drenched with blood. When he looked up, he saw Toriel in front of him dressed differently. She was on her knees crying. He couldn't hear what she was saying because of the fuzzy sound that he was still hearing, but he could tell by the tears streaming down her face as Toriel looked like she was screaming out to him. She wasn't alone either. Spike couldn't tell who it was, but someone much bigger than Toriel was behind her as he was holding her tight as she tried to reach out to him. The only thing he could make out about this mysterious giant is that he wore armor and a cape. Spike was very confused on what was happening on a small, furry hand covered in blood appeared in his vision as it tried to reach out them back. The small furry hand was shaking as whoever it belonged to was obviously struggling to live. Spike felt his body shake as he watched the furry hand slowly turning into dust. He was starting to hear Toriel call his name as his hearing was getting better again.

"Spike . . . Spike . . . Spike . . . SPIKE!!!" Spike snapped back to his senses as he saw Toriel looking at him with worry in her eyes. Spike saw both her hands on his shoulders as he realized it was her who was shaking him.

"W-what happened?" he asked.

"I do not know. You just . . . zoned out while you were staring at the flowers. Are you alright, my child?" asked the concern goat monster.

Spike had never had anything like that happen to him before. It was so weird and terrifying at the same time. It was almost like he had a vision. He had read that powerful Alicorns like Celestia and Luna could have visions due to their overwhelming magic, but he's just a dragon. How could he have visions? What made Spike worry was what he saw in his vision. So many questions ran through his head. Why was Toriel crying? What was she saying? Who were those other monsters with her? It was also like he was looking through the eyes of someone else.

"Yeah . . . yeah, I'm . . . fine. Toriel, do you know what just ha-" Spike didn't finish as he felt something drip down his nose.

"Oh dear, Spike you’re bleeding." Toriel took out a napkin and cleaned the blood off of Spike's nose.

"Weird, my nose never bled like that before," Spike said as he looked worried.

"Um," This made Toriel concerned, so she got up and grabbed her things. "You know, how about we just leave. I think we have been here long enough." Toriel said once she was done grabbing her things.

"But you didn't even read the book you were gonna read," Spike complained. Toriel then grabbed Spike's hand and walked.

"I'll read it to you later. Let just get home" as they exited the area the Spike couldn't stop thinking about the vision he had. It was like he was looking through the eyes of someone else. This made him feel very uneasy like something bad must have happened here. He felt like telling Toriel what he saw but for he knows she'll probably think he's crazy. Spike suddenly felt like someone was watching him from behind. Spike looked back he noticed in the distance a flower that was out of place and it wasn't there before. He could see the white center, the golden petals. Spike saw the light glinting off the teeth in the grin. The pupils in Spike's eyes shrunk as fear started growing inside him. Flowey was still alive as he was staring at the dragon with those crazed eyes of his full of evil and murder. Spike suddenly understood one thing; this wasn't going to be the last time he'll come across Flowey.

To be Continued.

Chapter 7: Burning Heart Break (Un-edited)

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The next day was a relaxing one in Toriel's home. Spike was eating a massive stack of ruby pancakes while Toriel was sitting in her chair knitting something. Even though Spike enjoyed Toriel's pancakes, he couldn't stop thinking about what she asked him yesterday. Nopony has ever asked to adopt him before. He had always wondered what it was like to have a mother, but he didn't even think about how to be a good son.

Are there lessons on how to be a part of a family? I know there are friendship lessons but are there family lessons? What am I supposed to do?He thought.

Spike stopped eating as he set down both his knife and fork on the table and jumped off his chair and walked towards Toriel. "Hi, Toriel. What are you doing?"

"Oh, I'm just knitting a cloth. It is a little hobby of mine." She replied. "Why? Did you need something?"

"Oh, no. But... do you mind if I ask you a question?"

Toriel smiled brightly at him. "No, go on ahead. Ask me anything. "

"...Toriel, did you… have kids?"

Spike wasn't sure if it was a good idea for him to ask such a personal question, but he couldn't help but wanted to know more about her. When Spike asked, as he expected, she started acting oddly as she suddenly stopped knitting and froze. Spike immediately regretted asking her that. There was nothing but silence in the room as Toriel laid her incomplete cloth down beside her.

"...Yes... I did..." she replied with a small but sad smile. "It was rather obvious from the start, was it not? I even mentioned it in my song as well."

"What were their names...?" he asked.

Toriel stared at the fireplace as she didn't respond right away, "...I had a son named Asriel, and a daughter named Chara. They were around your age."

She paused once more as her expression became unsure, "...Maybe a little younger. You act so maturely for your age. I cannot tell."

"Yeah, I know. Everypony up on the surface thinks the same." Spike chuckled as he thought about everypony that has said the same thing to him. He can thank Twilight for that. She’d taught him so much that it made him smarter than most ponies his age. "So... what happened to them?

Toriel looked at Spike and didn't say anything for at least a minute before she finally spoke up, "...Chara fell very ill... and to this day I still do not know what had caused it… and Asriel... he... he..." Toriel sigh at the end. Spike could have sworn he saw a tear streak down her face. This made Spike feel like he was one big jerk. He saw the signs; he knew she didn't like talking about them... and yet he asked anyway. Spike felt regret from asking such a question. "I apologize, Spike. I do not know why I keep hesitating like that."

"No...I'mthe one that should be sorry," Spike said as glanced down in shame. "I should’ve been more sensitive towards your feelings. I knew there was a reason you tried to avoid talking about your kids... but I still pushed you into talking about them anyway. Just... never mind." Wanting to give Toriel some space, Spike decided to go into his room for a while. Toriel watched him with concern, wondering if he was alright.

"...Spike?" Toriel mumbled.

Hours later, Spike was still in his room while looking at the drawing Toriel's kids drew. There was a drawing of a filly in a green shirt with a yellow stripe. She was next to a miniature bipedal goat with no horns right next to her. It was a kid's drawing so it was hard to tell if that's what they really looked like, but it gave him the idea of what theycouldhave looked like. They were both wearing heart shaped necklaces. Spike thought that was girly at first, but then again when you’re a cute, innocent kid you can get away with almost anything. He also noticed another drawing, but this one was torn. This one had both the two children and with a taller goat figure which he assumed was Toriel and what was rest of the picture had been ripped off... like someone wanted to forget the other person. The rest of them were just more pictures of golden flowers. That came off as a little weird. He could have sworn he has seen these flowers before. But where…? After a few seconds, Spike realized where.

"Wait a minute, are those-" Before he could finish, there was a knock at the door.

"Spike, can I come in?" Spike immediately tried to hide the drawings in the door before Toriel let herself in. Spike forced a fake smile that could be easily noticed by Toriel as she entered the room. "Spike? Are you hiding something?" She asked raising an eyebrow.

"W-What? Of... Of course not..." Spiked said laughing nervously as he kept darting his eyes back and forth.

Toriel frowned as she crossed her arms. "You are not a very good liar, young man." She was going to question him again, but she wasn't in the mood to force the boy to reveal what he was hiding. "Never mind. I'll ask later." She walked toward the bed and sat down. She tapped the mattress signaling Spike to sit down next to her. "I would like a word with you, Spike. Please sit down."

Spike did what he was asked and sat down next to her. Spike was a bit nervous. He wasn't sure what she wanted to talk about, but he had an idea that it might have something to do with the questions he asked earlier. He was hoping she wasn't mad at him about earlier.

"I could not help but notice... Something has been bothering you. If it is about what happened this morning, you don't-"

Spike shook his head and faced Toriel. "No! No! But... well... I did feel kinda bad for sticking my nose where it didn't belong but... I don't know." Spike couldn't figure out what was wrong with him. He felt so confused. He didn't know what to tell her. "I guess... I just wanted to know what it was like to be a part of a family."

"Oh, well... where do I begin?" Toriel thought for a moment as she tried to think of a way to explain to Spike about being in a family, "Come on Toriel, you've lived for over nine thousand years. Can’t you explain this to a baby dragon?" She mumbled as she couldn't figure out how to tell Spike in a way he could understand. "Well… being a part of a family is not the same as being friends with another pony, monster, or dragon. It is far... deeper than that. It is an extraordinary bond between child and parent, brothers and sisters. It... it is hard to explain. Usually, you learn this type of thing while living with your family. You learn it by being with them."

"How?" Spike asked as he just had to know the answer. "If there are any lessons on this than please teach me ?"

"...I beg your pardon?"

"Well if there are lessons on friendships, then there gotta be lessons on being a part of a family right? If you have any books-"

Toriel shook her head, giggling madly at the boy's nonsense as he didn't understand at all. "Oh stop being so silly, this isn't something you learn in books, or from a teacher." Torel gently placed her hand on Spike's cheek and shifted his head facing her as he looked at her into her eyes, "You learn it from your heart." She said with a warm smile as she placed one of her hands against her chest.

Spike was a little taken back by that. He'd heard something like that before. "...my heart. What does my heart have anything to do with it?" Spike thought harder, but the more he tried to figure out the answer it just never came. Spike sigh as she gave up. "I-I don't get it."

Toriel chuckled as she unexpectedly gave him a warm hug. "One day you will, my child. One day." Spike hugged back. He embraced her warm love.

"I had believed that asking about your past would help me understand what it all meant to be with someone who shares the same blood loves you." He looked up at her. "I guess finding out for yourself is part of the experience."

She nodded in reply. Spike hugged her tighter and allowed himself to stay like that for a while. "Thanks, Toriel." Toriel chuckled at that. "And you know what?"

"What is it?"

He looks up at her as he smiles. "I think it's starting to make sense."

She giggles in reply. "That is nice to hear, but you still-"

Spike yawned as he was getting sleepy.

"Oh, dear looks like someones getting tired." She said as she checked her watch. "It's getting late, might as well rest my eyes as well. Good night Spike."

"Good night Torial," Spike said as he put what he was hiding away and crawled into the sheets. Spike than he thought of something that was on his mind. Before he planned on going to the Crystal Emperor but now Spike had something else in mind."Hey, wait, Torial."

"Yes, Spike?" She stopped before she could exit his room and looked back at the little dragon.

"I was thinking since I have nowhere else to go. Would you mind if I stay with you?" he asked.

Torial smiled as she felt very happy that he asked he could stay with her. "Of course my child. Of course." She then exited the room allowing the small dragon to sleep.

Pitch Black

Spike... Spike... Spike!

"Twilight?"

Spike... Spike!!

"I'm here… Can you hear me?!" Spike called out, "All I see is darkness." His visions started to get a little better as he started to see Twilight, at her desk, crying. "Twilight?"

"Spike, where are you? Where did you go?!" Twilight continued to sob and didn't bother to turn around.

"I'm here, Twilight! Can't you hear me? Hello?!" Spike shouted as he tried to get her attention, but it was like he wasn't even there. Then he noticed Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Fluttershy, Rarity & Rainbow Dash walked passed him and approached Twilight as they all gave her a warm hug. They were saying things along the lines of:

"We're so sorry, Twilight," and, "We're all here for you."

"Hello? guys?!" They couldn't hear him either.

"I won't boss him around anymore. I won't do any more hurtful things. So please Celestia. Please bring back Spike!" Said Twilight as she wept and wept, begging for his return. This was completely nonsensical. Why couldn't they hear him?

He felt nothing but guilt while looking at her cry like this. He never wanted to hurt her, but he felt like he didn't have a choice. He was angry, sad and confused. He just wanted a better life. A life where he had hisownfriends, hisownfamily. Hisowndestiny. An experience where he could go to school, and play, and just have fun like other kids. He just didn't want to be somepony's assistant anymore. He wanted more than that.

"Ah'm so sorry Twi, Ah understand that you and Spike were close." Applejack had her hoof on Twilight's shoulder as she tried to make her feel better. "You two were almost like brother and sister." She added.

Twilight slowly rose up from her desk to face. "Some big sister I turned out to be." She mumbled.

"Hey." Twilight turned to Rainbow Dash. "Cheer up! We’ll find him Twilight! He couldn't have gone far. Even Celestia has her guards looking for him, so you don’t have to be so worried. We’ll find him for sure!"

“But I made such a big mistake," Twilight sobbed, “I told Spike that he was useless and that he was just a burden to me. Even if wedofind him, he probably won’t forgive me.”

Applejack nodded sadly, “Yer probably right about that, Twi. Sure, he ain’t gonna forgive yaright away, but he will one day. It’ll just take time.”

"*sniff*... Thanks, girls. That means a lot to me." Twilight replied with a growing smile. "Let's go find Spike." As she wiped away her tears, she went with her friends to find him.

"Yeah, that's the spirit!" Cheered Pinkie Pie as she jumped in joy.

"What are you waiting for? Come on let's go find him!" Said Rainbow Dash as she flew lighting speed towards the door until Twilight spoke out.

"Wait! ...Just, give me minute girls. I'll catch up." While Twilight walked up to her room, her friends stared at her. They wondered if she will ever be okay with this. They had seen Twilight sad before, but not like this. She had done nothing but grieve ever since she first found out about Spike's disappearance.

Fluttershy shook her head as a single tear slid down her face. "Poor Twilight, I wish we could do more."

"But whatcanwe do? We've been searching for two days now. Spike could be anywhere!" said R.D. while flying above her friends.

"Ah asked around to see if anypony'd seen Spike, but Ah didn't find nothin'. He might have taken that train somewhere far from here." Applejack informed.

Spike "followed" Twilight up the stairs into their room. When he opened the door, he saw her reading a book. When he got closer, he saw that it was the old photo album Twilight's mother used to show them. Her mother must have given it to her before they moved to Ponyville.

Spike, what are you doing?!He thought to himself as he slowly began to open his eyes.

He was starting to have an idea what Torial meant earlier about learning from his heart. It was something similar to him and Twilight? He wasn't really sure. There were times when he and Twilight were very close. Their bond grew into something more than just friendship. They never outright said it, but it was more of a brotherly/sisterly relationship. Then things essentially went downhill from there. Twilight got more and more attached to her work, and the bond they had was less noticeable than before. Are some relationships just something ponies and every other creature learns on their own? But Applejack was right. It wasn't like he could just forgive Twilight. Not immediately. It was her fault that he left. She needed to deal with it. At least for now.

But Spike knew that he shouldn't think like that. Holding a grudge against his friend is never a good idea. "I'm so sorry Twilight." He said as he placed his claw on her shoulder. "I've never meant make you sad. I've should have known that you still cared for me. I was sad and confused. I thought what I needed was a family but now.....I-I want to see you again." Tears began to sting his eyes as they slid down his face. "I want to tell you that I'm sorry, for turning my back on you and the others. Twilight...I-I...I lo-"

Suddenly the purple pony closes the book and turned around and facing him. Spike looked at her directly at her eyes as she looked like she was looking back at him as he saw her pain.

"Spike.....I won't stop till I find you." She mumbled to herself. "I may not be your mother or your sister.....but you are my family," she said with determination in her voice. Twilight walked through him like he was a ghost as she ran downstairs and out the door.

Spike grew a small smile as he felt the same way but suddenly he noticed something in the off with the photo of him and his friend by his bed. When he walked closer to it he noticed that he was slowly fading away in the photo. "....What?"

Suddenly his memories literally flash before his eyes like a photo flip until the very at the very end of it he saw an image of a young child reaching out to him.

"Spike you must stay determined !"

Suddenly Spike's eyes shot open as he rose up from his bed and looked around as he found himself in the room he was sleeping before. He was still in Toriel's house. "What the heck am I doing!? I-I can't just abandon Twilight. I-I should have never left."

Spike thought long and hard until he finally made up his mind. "I have to go back." He said as he jumped out of bed and walked towards the door.

Once he made it to the hall he noticed it was dark. When he got to the living room he noticed the fireplace was out so that must mean Toriel is asleep. He frowned a little as he realized he was about to abandon Torial. Thinking about it made him feel guilty but she was an understandable woman. "Torial would understand would she?!"

Spike decided to go downstairs as he had a feeling that this led to the exit. It was dark. So pitch black he couldn't see. He wasn't sure if this was safe but this had to be the way out. He blew his dragon flames to light the way. When he made it to the end of the hall he saw a door with the symbol that was on Torial's purple robe.

When Spike about to open he noticed that it was locked. "It's locked. Torial must have..the...key" A fire was lit behind him. Spike felt nervous as he knew who it was that was standing right behind him. He slowly turned around as it was none other than the monster who protected him and loved him as her own.

Spike saw on her face that she wasn't very pleased. She wasn't angry, but she wasn't happy either. ".......I knew you would come down here one day Spike. Just like all the others. You wish to return home, do you not?"

In defeat, knowing that he could not keep a secret from her he nodded his head.

"I must ask. Why?? You have no family in the service and yet you want to back up there? To a bunch of ponies who do not see you as one of them. I-I'm confused. Please explain, my child?" asked Torial as she sounded heartbroken.

"I'm....I'm sorry Torial, I just can't stay here. I've made a mistake and so...I must return home. I know they don't sound like it after what I told you about them but, Twilight and the others are my family." the young dragon explained but the goat mother still didn't understand.

"But...I thought I was your family?" She said as she looked hurt. "I still don't understand, is friendship really more important than family?" She said as she balled her fists.

"I-...I don't know...but look the truth is I really do like you Torial and I really did have a great time with you but I must return home so if you can please give me the key to this door-"

"No!" She interrupted. "Even if I let you go, you will not survive out there. You must stay with me so I could protect you." She raised her arm out as her hand engulfed in flames. "Be a good boy Spike and go upstairs. I must destroy this exit so no one will ever leave again."

"WHAT?! NO!! Torial stop this. This is going too far!!" Yield Spike as he refused to move. "I won't let you hold me, prisoner, here!"

"Spike every pony that falls here meets the same fate. I've warned them many times but they refused to listen. I've seen it again and again and I refuse to see it happen to you. I know we have only known each other for a couple of days but...I would not bare losing another one of my children. I just can't stand it. If you leave the ruins, Asgore WILL KILL YOU!" She warned but Spike still refused to move.

"Than I will fight him," he said with confidence.

"Thats what the others said too before they were killed. They were powerful too but none could defeat Asgore. Don't you see that I'm only trying to protect you Spike."

"But traping me here won't solve anything Torial. I must return home. Twilight and the others are looking for me." He said as he continue to hold his ground. Spike didn't want to fight her let alone disobey her since she was only trying to look after him.

"...Spike, this is your final warning. Be a good boy. and go upstairs. To your room." Torial demanded him like how a mother says it but even in that tone, he still refused to move.

"I'm sorry Torial, I know you wanted me as your son." Spike smiled at her. "and I would love to have you as a mother. But I can't. I've made a mistake and I have to fix it. You understand right?"

"...I do understand, which is why I'm stopping you cause I refuse to make my own mistake again," said Torial as she then lowered her arm. "There is only one solution to this. Prove yourself that you have it takes to survive!"

"What?"

Suddenly a wall of flames blocked Spike's way between him and the exit as Torial got into a fighting stance. "Torial no, don't do this!"

"Silence boy, and fight me!" She demanded as she threw a fireball at him.

"TORIAL NO!" Yield Spike as he was now being forced to fight the she-monster who took him in.

To be Continued.

Spike's UnderTale

by Animefan608

Chapter 1: Whats More Important Than Friendship ?

Chapter 2: No Time For Scaredy Sidekicks

Chapter 3: Broken Friendship & Burning Determination

Chapter 4: Fallen Into The Unknown

Chapter 5: At Goat Mom's House

Chapter 6: Where the Flowers Shine

Chapter 7: Burning Heart Break (Un-edited)