> The Tale of the Three Sided Medallion
>  by FlareGun45
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Starlight's Dream
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

ACT 1: Old Legends

One day over at Everfree Forest, Starlight Glimmer was trotting along a dirt path along side her best friend, Trixie. The sunlight was flaring through the trees, as the bugs were buzzing around before getting eaten by the various flytraps growing around the forest.

“Ahh, isn’t this nice?” Trixie asked Starlight. “Just trotting with my best friend, Starlight Glimmer!”

Just as a bug ate one of the flytraps, Starlight said sarcastically, “Yeah, it’s very peaceful walking down a very dangerous path.”

“Oh relax, Starlight! If anything ever gets us, we can just combine our magic to beat anything that’s in our way!” Trixie said. “After all, we didn’t even NEED magic to stop the Changelings from taking over Equestria!”

Starlight giggled and says, “Yep! You got that right, Trix!”

Just as they were walking, the duo stopped to discover in front of them, a mysterious cave with a mysterious symbol up on top of the cave. “Ooo.” Starlight commented. “I do not like the look of that. Come on, Trixie. Let’s head back.” Trixie did not respond as the sky grew dark. “Trixie? Hey! Where are you?” The wind began to blow as it started to rain. “Trixie?!” Starlight yells, feeling nervous. “This better not be some sick magic trick, because… I DON’T LIKE IT!” Just then, Starlight heard Trixie screaming from inside the cave in front of her. “TRIXIE!” Starlight shouted as she ran inside the cave. It was dark in there, so Starlight used her magic to light the way.

Starlight starts walking as the cave spikes dripped water. Starlight continued shouting out Trixie’s name, but there was no answer. “Trixie!” Starlight shouted. “Where are you?! Please just show your face!” Just then, as a cheap jump-scare, Trixie shows up right in front of her, only upside down, passed out, and covered in Changeling goo. Starlight screams her lungs out when she sees her. As she starts backing away slowly, she bumps into Twilight in the same situation. When she looks around, she sees that ALL of her friends are trapped in Changeling cocoons.

Queen Chrysalis laughs evilly as she descends from above. Starlight gasps when she sees her. “Queen Chrysalis!” Starlight yells.

“I’m back for you, Starlight Glimmer!” Queen Chrysalis says mischievously. “Not just for you, but for ALL OF EQUESTRIA! You will not stop me this time! NOPONY CAN!” She continues laughing as Starlight looks down and sees her covered in changeling goo as well. She begins to scream just before she wakes up on her bed, sweating up a storm. She tried gasping for breath as if she almost drowned.

“She can’t come back!” Starlight said nervously. “She just… can’t!”

The next morning comes, and Starlight explains to Twilight about her dream, so Twilight sends a letter to Princess Luna, asking her to come over to help out. Starlight felt like a nervous wreck. She sat on her bed as Trixie and Spike comforted her. They hear a knock on the door just before Twilight and Luna walk inside.

“Hello, Starlight Glimmer.” Princess Luna said.

“Hi… Princess Luna.” Starlight said as she was still feeling paranoid.

“She’s been like this all morning.” Twilight said to Luna.

“I see.” Luna said. “Are you feeling okay, Starlight Glimmer?”

“DO I LOOK OKAY TO YOU?!” Starlight yells out at anger, startling everyone in the room.

“Awkward.” Spike commented.

“I’m sorry, princess.” Starlight said calmly. “I haven’t felt like myself today.”

“All is forgiven.” Luna said. “Please, Starlight, if you can, tell me about the dream.”

“Well,” Starlight starts, “I was in the Everfree Forest with Trixie…”

“Of course I would be in the dream! I’m her best friend after all!” Trixie said boldly.

“Not helping, Trixie!” Twilight said to her angrily.

“As we were walking through the forest,” Starlight continues, “we walked towards a cave, and just after, Trixie disappeared, and everything went dark. I heard Trixie screaming from the cave, so I ran after her, and when I got in, I noticed that she, Twilight, and all of our friends were trapped in Changeling cocoons. Then Chrysalis shows up evening her revenge against me, and all of Equestria.”

“But she can’t, right?” Trixie asked. “I mean, the Changelings have reformed.”

“Oh she can come back.” Luna said. “Just because the Changelings are no longer on her side, doesn’t mean she can’t return for revenge.” Starlight began to breathe heavily again. Spike gave her a paper bag to breathe in.

“There, there, Starlight.” Spike pats her on the back.

Once she catches her breath, she smiles at Spike and says, “Thanks, Spike!”

“Way to make me look bad.” Trixie complains to Spike.

“She can’t come back!” Starlight yells.

“Ow my ears!” Spike yells as he holds his ears.

“Sorry, Spike.” Starlight said. “Queen Chrysalis… is she… really going to come back?”

“It’s hard to say, Starlight Glimmer.” Luna said.

“Wait a second!” Twilight stops her. “Starlight, did you just say you dreamt about a cave?”

“It took you that long to ask?” Spike asked Twilight.

“Yeah… why?” Starlight asked.

“Did you see a strange looking symbol on top of the cave?” Twilight asked.

Starlight was surprised when Twilight asked that. “Actually, yes. I did see a strange symbol on the cave. But… what does it mean?”

“Wait a minute! I also had a dream about that cave!” Spike said. “Only difference was, it didn’t have the Changelings in it.”

“Neither did mine.” Twilight said. “It was a nightmare though. I had a vision of the same cave. An old foe returning to exact his revenge on me – Lord Tirek, and he was draining the magic from all my friends right outside of the cave as it was raining.”

“But he’s in Tartarus!” Spike reminded her. “You and the girls stopped him!”

“He can break out again, Spike.” Twilight said. “Did he, Luna? Did he break out again?”

“Luckily, we had our annual Tartarus security check yesterday, and all the prisoners, including Tirek, are still in their cells.” Luna said.

“That’s a relief!” Twilight said.

“Wait a minute. Who’s Lord Tirek?” Starlight asked.

“Uh, you don’t know who he is?” Trixie asked. “Didn’t he come to your village and drain all the magic from all the ponies?”

“No, he didn’t.” Starlight said. “My old village was in a very secluded location. Nopony before Twilight and the others has ever found us, other than the ones that stayed.”

“What could it mean, Luna?” Twilight asked.

“I’ve seen this before.” Luna said. “These common dreams are of no coincidence. Something is trying to tell you something, and giving you your worst fears in the process.”

“What do you mean? Like someone is trying to scare us?” Twilight asked.

“Maybe.” Luna said. “If you all had a shared dream about a cave in the Everfree Forest, I suggest each of you to journey out to find it. Only there will you find the answer to your mystery.”

“So each of us had a nightmare?” Twilight asked. “Spike, what was your nightmare about?”

“Oh it was, uh…” Spike paused trying to think of an answer, but he just embarrassingly smiles and says, “Garble!”

“Garble?” Twilight asked, glaring at him. “You’re afraid of him?”

“Well I’m afraid of him being near my friends, and he was really close to Rarity! He was going to… err… marry her right inside the cave!” Spike said. “Yeah, and it made me furious! Grrr! Then I woke up, and all’s well that ends well!”

“Uh, did that really happen?” Twilight asked Luna. Spike was signaling Luna to keep quiet.

Luna just chuckles and says, “Dreams are of mine or the dreamer’s business. I cannot share dreams of others to the public, as they are sacred to the one that dreams about it. Only Spike can tell you, and if that’s what he says he dreamed about, then you must accept it.” Luna winks at Spike, and Spike gives her a thumbs up.

“I guess.” Twilight said. “So I guess we’re all off on an adventure, huh?” Twilight asked her friends.

“I guess so!” Starlight said. “Trixie, you down?”

“Oh I wish,” Trixie said dramatically, “but alas, the Great and Powerful Trixie must not cancel any show for any moral purpose! However, I do wish each of you the best of luck in solving your mystery! Trixie shall cheer for all of you!”

“Uh, thanks Trixie!” Starlight said awkwardly.
> A Walk in the Woods
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Twilight contacts her friends Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, and Fluttershy, and explains the situation to them, and afterwards, they agree to go on the journey with her, Spike, and Starlight. 

As the eight of them began walking through the Everfree Forest, Twilight asks her friends, “So all of you had nightmares about the same cave as us?”

“Ah guess we did.” Applejack said.

“Ooo it was soooo spooby!” Pinkie said hyperly. “I was never so scared in my life! I was like ‘aaaah’, and then the ponies were like, ‘booo, you’re not funny, Pinkie Pie’! That’s just terrible! I can’t live with myself if somepony calls me ‘not funny’!” Pinkie begins tearing up as she started binging eating taffies. “Ow, my teeth. Ow, my teeth.”

“I have to agree with Pinkie Pie.” Fluttershy said sadly. “It was the worst nightmare I’ve ever had!”

“Oooh! I don’t think I will ever be able to heal from that awful dream!” Rarity cried.

“HA! Big deal!” Rainbow Dash said boldly. “My nightmare wasn’t THAT bad!”

“Oh yeah, Rainbow Dash?” Applejack asked mischievously. “What was your dream about?”

“Well, I… I…” Rainbow stuttered nervously. “It was a dream about all of Ponyville calling me disloyal after I, err, abandoned all of you in that cave while it was raining, and… hmph! It wasn’t so bad, cause… ehh… I knew it was a dream! Yeah! How about you, Applejack?”

“Well ah didn’t know it was a dream at first to be honest.” Applejack said. “The family and ah were campin’ in Everfree Forest, but it began to rain so we took shelter in the cave, but once we got in, the family was gone. They just vanished. Ah never felt so scared in my life!”

“You lost somepony you cared about too?” Fluttershy asked. 

“Yeah.” Applejack said sadly. “What was your dream about, Fluttershy?”

“Oh it was terrible!” Fluttershy said as she started tearing up. “I had to give my best friend in the whole world! I had to… RETURN HARRY THE BEAR BACK INTO THE WILD!” The others just looked at each other awkwardly.

“Seriously?” Rainbow asked.

“Rainbow Dash!” Rarity angrily said to her. “That bear is a really good friend to Fluttershy, no matter how many, eh, fleas it might have.”

“Exactly.” Twilight agreed. “And it would be hard for her to let go of a friend. Do we need to remind you about a similar circumstance?”

“Well he DID return after Spring came!” Rainbow reminded her.

“Go on, Fluttershy. Tell us more about the dream.” Applejack asked as she comforted her.

“So… I-I had to return Harry to the wild, so I released him by the cave we’re going to now.” Fluttershy explained. “It started to rain as I cried.”

“Ah’m very sorry to hear that, Fluttershy.” Applejack said. “But we have to remember: it was just a dream.”

“Well MINE felt so realistic!” Rarity freaked out.

“Oh yeah, Rarity? What was yours about?” Rainbow asked. “Your dresses were ruined?”

“Sweet Celestia, Rainbow Dash!” Rarity yelled angrily. “Do you have to automatically assume that happened? Does everything have to be about dresses for me?”

“Sooo… what was it about?” Rainbow asked.

After an awkward silence, Rarity admitted, “It was about dresses being ruined, but you didn’t know for sure.” Everypony just rolls their eyes. “I was delivering these dresses over to Dodge Junction for a very important event, but it started to rain, and the dresses were RUINED! I had to take shelter in the cave just to dry them off, and just hope for the best, but the dresses just shrunk!”

“Uhh, you do realize dresses don’t shrink unless they’re in hot water, right?” Twilight reminded her.

“Uh, obviously!” Rarity answered. “It was a very unrealistic dream. I would NEVER go through Everfree Forest delivering an important order; and even if I did, they would’ve been in very secure waterproof plastic bags to keep them dry from the rain! Hmph! If somepony wanted to make a dream, they should’ve at least done it properly!”

Pinkie began to explain her dream in a very hyper way; “My dream was about ponies calling me unfunny AND unfun after the super doper party I through for them right in front of a super fun cave! I even made chocolate milk rain and everything! Nopony was happy!” She starts binge eating her taffy again, and then squirts whip cream in her mouth. “It wath the worth dream of my life!” She then tosses a bunch of cherries in her mouth.

“Wow, we really had some terrible nightmares, had we?” Starlight asked.

“So you really think the answer we might get is in the cave, Twilight?” Fluttershy asked.

“That’s what Princess Luna said.” Twilight said.

“There better not be more sad faces when we get to the cave!” Pinkie said. “What if our worst nightmares come true?! It would be the OPPOSITE of a fantastic theme park! It would be a… mean park!”

“Setting those jokes aside, Pinkie Pie does have a point.” Applejack said. “If you think something is summoning us to the cave, could it be a trap?”

“We can’t know until we find out for sure.” Twilight said.

“Do we even have ANY idea where we’re going?” Rainbow asked.

“Yeah, I don’t want to get my hooves dirty just because we’re ending up in the middle of nowhere.” Rarity said.

“Rarity’s got a point.” Starlight said. “We don’t even know where this cave is.”

“Well if we need to know any mysteries about the Everfree Forest, we can always ask a guide!” Twilight said. 

“Well if it isn’t Twilight and her friends that I see! Have you come looking for me?” Zecora asked as she was hiking through the forest with basket satchels around her.

“Zecora!” Twilight said excitedly. “Are we glad to see you?”

“I don’t know! Are we?” Pinkie asked. “I know I am! I can’t speak for anypony else!”

“So what are you doing out here, Zecora?” Spike asked.

“I went to go look for exotic plants for a special brew, but it turns out that I came and found you!” Zecora said.

“We need some directions to a cave.” Twilight said.

“Telling me a specific cave is a must, because there are a lot of different caves around this forest.” Zecora said.

“That… doesn’t rhyme.” Spike commented.

“Well… it’s a cave with a mysterious symbol on top of it.” Twilight said. Zecora raised an eyebrow hinting her to be more specific. Twilight continued, “Each of us had dreams about a particular cave with a mysterious symbol on top.”

“Hmm.” Zecora thought. “To your clues, I am stunned. Do your dreams have more in common?”

“Well… each of our dreams, it was also raining.” Starlight said.

“Ah! For your clues I can see much more clearly! I do know the dream that you seek!” Zecora said. “A historical wizard had a secret den around made, but the known of it’s existence has nothing but fade. This cave you seek is without a doubt, Star Swirl the Bearded’s Hideout.”

“Of course!” Twilight remembers. “The Private of Den of Star Swirl the Bearded!”

“Here we go.” Spike said as he rolled his eyes.

“I can’t believe it! The place we seek is Star Swirl’s Den!” Twilight jumped in excitement. “We’re going to Star Swirl’s Hidden Den!”

“Sheesh! The ways some ponies get excited!” Pinkie commented.

“What’s so special about Star Swirl’s Den?” Starlight asked.

“It’s been lost for ages!” Twilight explained. “Legend has that Star Swirl the Bearded needed his privacy to continue his research. It hasn’t been used since even before Nightmare Moon’s banishment. Nopony but Star Swirl and those he trusted most knew where his cave was. Not even Celestia and Luna knows of its whereabouts. But wait, Zecora? How did you find it?”

“I one time found it during my exotic plant hunt, only thing is, the doors are sealed shut.” Zecora said. “Outside the cave, the rain never stops, and it has a mysterious symbol right on top.”

“So to find the cave, we have to find the rain.” Twilight said.

“The rain is random throughout Everfree Forest, Twilight.” Rainbow reminded her.

“I think I might know of a trick.” Zecora said. “This rain can’t even be stopped by any magic.”

“Thank you so much, Zecora!” Twilight said gratefully. Zecora smiles with glee as she walks away.

“So what’s the plan, Twilight?” Applejack asked.

“Rain in Everfree Forest can be stopped by magic, but only temporarily.” Twilight said. “But if I use my rain stopping spell, and the rain doesn’t stop, the cave has to be nearby!”

“Honestly, Twilight, are there ANY spells you don’t know?” Spike asked.

“Come on!” Twilight leads the way as they went searching for the rain.
> Caving In
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Twilight and her friends begin searching for the rain that can’t be stopped. They find so much rain around Everfree, but each of them has been stopped by Twilight’s and even Starlight’s magic. On the way, they even find Manny the Manticore, who all except Fluttershy who scared of seeing. The Manticore recognized Fluttershy and began licking her. They even find a cragadile along the way, parasprites, and even Steven Magnet whose rain shower was interrupted by Twilight magically stopping it.

Twilight’s friends started to get tired. “Ugh! Are we done yet?” Rainbow complained. “We’ve been searching for seven hours already!”

“Uhh… actually it’s been 6 hours and 59 minutes.” Pinkie said tiredly as she looked at her watch that didn’t even have numbers on it, but just random icons like a cupcake and a rubber chicken.

“Twilight are we almost done getting our manes wet by all the rain?” Rarity asked.

“Not yet.” Twilight said. “We have to find this cave.”

“Twilight, who’s to know this cave even exists?” Starlight asked. “It was just a dream.”

“No, our dreams have to mean something!” Twilight said determinedly. “Luna knows it, Zecora knows it, it has to be around!”

“We have to have had looked through the entire forest already.” Fluttershy said.

“Yeah, and who’s to know we aren’t walkin’ in circles?” Applejack asked.

“How about this? One more rain stop. I’ll try to stop one more rain storm, and if it stops, we’ll go home and try again another day.” Twilight promised. “Do we have a deal?” Her friends all agreed. “Okay, I see another rain storm up ahead. I’ll give it a shot.” Twilight walks over to the rain storm, and uses her magic on it. However, it didn’t stop. Twilight tries again, and it still doesn’t stop. “Huh.” Twilight thinks. “Starlight, you try.”

Starlight uses her magic on the rain storm, and her magic doesn’t affect it either. “Nope. The rain’s still falling.” She said.

“This is it!” Twilight said excitedly. “This is the rain! The cave has to be close!”

“Alright, y’all! We should split up in groups of two to find it.” Applejack suggests. “Ah’ll go with Rarity-“

“You’re ALWAYS with Rarity, Applejack!” Rainbow informs her. “You two hang out non-stop!”

Applejack sighs. “Fine. Maybe ah’ll go with Fluttershy, Rarity will go with Twilight, Spike will go with Starlight, and-“

“Ooo, ooo! Can we stop for a second? Because I need to use the little filly’s room!” Pinkie said as she starts dancing.

“Ugh, fine!” Applejack sighs. “Go behind those bushes, and we’ll wait for you.”

“Actually can I go in that cave over there?” Pinkie points. “I could really use the privacy!”

Twilight and her friends all gasp as they spot the cave in front of them with the same exact symbol on top. “That’s it!” Twilight said. “That’s the cave we’re looking for!”

“And there’s the logo!” Starlight points to the logo.

“Wait… I know that logo!” Twilight said as she starts observing it. Just then Twilight starts having a flashback.

“Tirek tricked me into believing that he could offer me something more valuable than friendship.” Discord explains to Twilight with a medallion around his neck. “But there is nothing worth more. I see that now. He lied when he said that this medallion was given as a sign of gratitude and loyalty. But when I say that it is a sign of our true friendship, I am telling the truth.” Discord places the medallion around Twilight’s neck as a sparkling rainbow shines through it.

Back in the present, Twilight explains, “That’s the same logo as the medallion Discord gave me back when we were fighting Tirek.”

“What does it mean?” Spike asked.

“I don’t know for sure.” Twilight said. “But Princess Celestia told me that the medallion first belonged to Tirek’s brother Scorpan.”

“Well now that we found the cave, can we go in now?” Rarity asked. “Maybe finding some rare gems will make up for my ruined mane from all this rain!”

So the eight of them walked inside the cave all feeling nervous, but the cave just looked like any ordinary cave. “Well, ah don’t see any nightmares comin’ true.” Applejack said as Fluttershy peeks over while hiding behind Applejack.

“Looks like an ordinary cave.” Fluttershy said.

“Awww! I was hoping for nightmares!” Pinkie whined. “At least nightmares aren’t boring!”

“True that, sister!” Rainbow agreed as they bro-hoofed.

“Oh no!” Starlight said feeling really nervous. “I really hope Chrysalis isn’t here! I’m really scared, Twilight. I’m not ready to confront her again!”

“Starlight, you have nothing to worry about.” Twilight comforts her. “Remember what you said in the dream? Trixie was with you; but Trixie isn’t here – we are! So the dream can’t come true.”

“Yeah, I guess you’re right.” Starlight smiles.

“Yeah, Harry isn’t here either.” Fluttershy said.

“Neither is my family.” Applejack said.

“And neither is a party!” Pinkie said.

“Yeah, but I might still abandon you.” Rainbow said. “But, heh! That won’t happen!”

“I honestly hope not.” Rarity said. “Now… where are we supposed to go now, Twilight, darling?”

“I’m not sure.” Twilight said. “Zecora mentioned a sealed…” Just then Twilight’s jaw dropped as she saw what was in front of her. “…door.” She finishes the sentence as her friends notice the giant door in front of them. The door is made of pure gold, and had six gems on it, and even a carving of Star Swirl’s face on top.

“Wow! That’s a big door!” Fluttershy commented.

“Oooo! I hope those gems are for the taken!” Rarity said excitedly.

“Wait, look at the gems though!” Twilight observed them. “There are six of them, each different colors, and… wait, is that a carving of the Tree of Harmony?”

“There is still SO MUCH I need to catch up on.” Starlight said.

“It feels like it’s our destiny to be here.” Fluttershy said.

“Fluttershy’s right.” Applejack said. “If the door has the Tree of Harmony on it, then the Elements of Harmony might have somethin’ to do with it.”

“Too bad we don’t have those marvelous elements anymore.” Rarity said.

“So how do we open the door?” Spike asked. 

Twilight starts walking towards the door and gives it a poke. Just then, the earth starting shaking as a voice shouted, “Who DARES disturbs the sacred cave of Star Swirl the Bearded?!”

“Of course! The infamous voice that guards a passageway!” Spike said nervously. “What adventure would be without that?”

“I say… WHO?!” The voice yells as Fluttershy hides behind Applejack again in fear.

“It… it is us, the Keepers of the Elements of Harmony!” Twilight shouts. “We seek to solve a mystery of who gave us nightmares about this cave!”

“Ahh, so you heard my summon!” The voice said. “Good! I’ve been waiting for you to show up!”

“Sorry we couldn’t get here sooner. You could’ve given us better directions!” Rainbow complained.

“SILENCE!” The voice yelled.

“Who are you, mysterious scary voice who sounds like he’s faking it?” Pinkie asked.

“I am the Guardian of Star Swirl’s Den!” The voice said. “I protect his beloved secrets and treasures from ever going out to the public.”

“So why did you summon us?” Applejack asked.

“Before I give you the answer to that, you must complete a series of trials to prove that you are who you say you are!” The Guardian said. “But first, we must get rid of the extra weight.” Just then, a trap door opens below Starlight and Spike, and they begin to fall.

“STARLIGHT! SPIKE!” Twilight shouts as she hears their screaming as they fall. The trap door closes as Twilight yells at the Guardian, “Why did you do that?!”

“These trials are not for them.” The Guardian said. “Only the Keepers of the Elements of Harmony can complete these trials to reach me, and the answer to your summons.”

“What about Starlight and Spike?!” Twilight yelled.

“They will be fine.” The Guardian said. “You will reunite with them once the trials are complete. If you accept these trials, we shall begin immediately. If not, well, you might not see your two friends again. What’s it gonna be, Twilight Sparkle?” Twilight was left between a rock and a hard place of wondering what to do next.
> The Trails of Harmony
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“So what’s it gonna be, Twilight Sparkle?” The Guardian asked.

“I… I gotta ask my friends first.” Twilight answers. She turns around and asks, “You think we should do this?”

“Uh, yeah!” Rainbow agreed. “I didn’t go all around Everfree Forest a hundred times just to give up now!”

“Plus, Starlight and Spikey-Wikey are trapped in there! We must act!” Rarity said.

“Plus, it could be SUPER FUN!” Pinkie said excitedly.

“We can do this!” Fluttershy said.

“It’s not like we haven’t failed before!” Applejack said.

“You had to say that.” Rarity glares at Applejack. 

Twilight smiles and nods at her friends. She then turns around and says to the Guardian, “We’re in an agreement! We accept your challenge!”

“Very well then.” The Guardian said. “Each of you will be individually completing a series of tests.”

“And then we’re done?” Rainbow asked.

“Oh you’ll see.” The Guardian said as the doors slowly open revealing the dark abyss within it.

“And what might these tests be exactly?” Applejack asked.

“You will find out when you see them.” The Guardian said.

“Let’s do this girls!” Twilight said as she leads the group into the abyss.

Meanwhile, down below in the catacombs of the cave, Starlight and Spike continue to freefall, but before they reach the bottom, Starlight saves herself and Spike using her magic, and they safely glide down below.

“You know, Spike, as a dragon I’m quite surprised you don’t have your wings yet.” Starlight said.

“Yeah, heh, weird huh?” Spike asked. “Not even Twilight knows why. So, where are we?” They both look around the giant empty cave.

“I don’t know.” Starlight said. “The girls are up above still, and they must be worried sick about us.”

“So what do we do now?” Spike asked nervously as he hides on Starlight’s back.

“Well, hey, you’re Spike the Brave and Glorious, aren’t you?” Starlight reminds him with a snarky tone. “Maybe you should lead the way.”

“Nah, I’m good!” Spike admitted. “I mean, I am brave and all, but, I think it might be best if you lead the way. After all, you did lead Trixie, Thorax, and Discord through the Changeling hives, right?”

“Hmm!” Starlight chuckles as she begins walking. “Right!”

Back with the Mane Six, they continue walking through the dark abyss. “So, how long do we have to go through this abyss?” Rainbow asked.

“I’m sure we’ll find something eventually.” Twilight said. Just then, the six of them appear in a smaller cave with a smaller door.

“Ok, what just happened?” Rainbow asked.

“Welcome to the first test.” The Guardian said. “In this test, the Element of Honesty known as Applejack must complete this trial in order for all of you to advance to the next area.”

“Is there any way we can help her?” Twilight asked.

“She must complete this trial all on her own.” The Guardian said. “No assistance whatsoever.”

“Don’t worry, Twilight. Ah’ll be fine.” Applejack insisted. “Ah’ve delt with many situations mahself. Ah can handle it. It shouldn’t be too hard.”

“Ooooo, don’t jinx it!” Pinkie said nervously as she started biting her hoof-nails. Applejack walks into the next chamber, but feels a little nervous, but she knows what she needs to do. The door shuts behind her which startles her a bit, and all there was is pitch darkness.

“Uhh, hello?” Applejack called out. “Anypony here? Helloooooo?!” Just then, a door appears right across from her. Applejack walks over to it and opens it, and just like that, she ends up in the middle of the kitchen at Sweet Apple Acres. “Sweet Apple Acres? What the? What am ah doin’ here?” Applejack began searching around the barn to see if she could find anything useful to answer her question.

She walks into the living room, and there was still nopony around. “Uhh, Granny Smith?” Applejack called out. “Big Mac? Apple Bloom? Anypony here?” She then walks upstairs and checks out the upstairs rooms. She walks into Apple Bloom’s room and looks around. “Apple Bloom? You in here, sugarcube?” She searches around the room to see if she could find anything. Nopony was in there, but she does find something on the bed. A journal. “Apple Bloom’s journal? Ah didn’t know she had one.” Applejack takes the journal and starts reading it.

“Dear journal, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, and I went out for to help out other ponies in discovering their special talents. Unfortunately though, we got rained out and had to take shelter at Carousel Boutique.” Just then, thunder started rumbling outside. “What in tarnation?” Applejack asked as she then continued reading. “Rarity was feeling very angry today saying that somepony stole all her glitter. We offered to help once the rain stopped. We searched all around town but couldn’t find it. We decided to turn in for the night and continue tomorrow.” Applejack puts the book down and asks herself, “What is this about? When did this happen? Why would anypony steal Rarity’s- WHOA!” Just then, on Apple Bloom’s bed, there was a sack that just appeared out of nowhere. “That WASN’T there before!”

Applejack opens the sack and takes a look inside, and saw there was tons of glitter inside. “Apple Bloom?! Did you steal all this glitter?” Applejack asked. She then put the book up again and continued reading it. “Dear journal, the crusaders and I continued looking for the glitter. There was still no trace of it, but a number of other things were stolen today. Fluttershy’s hair brush, Rainbow Dash’s signed photo of Spitfire, Spike’s collection of gems, and even all of Cheerilee’s pencils. My friends and I were stumped and couldn’t find any clues on where they were hidden. We had to call it a day. We’ll find out the source tomorrow.” 

Applejack was getting more and more confused. “This is really gettin’ spooky. Ah don’t understand how- WAH!” Applejack gets surprised to see that a hair brush has suddenly appeared on the bed. “Is that… Fluttershy’s hair brush? But… no! It can’t be! Apple Bloom’s no thief! She can’t be!” Applejack then looks on the wall and sees a photo hanging on the wall. She reads it, “To Rainbow Dash, stay blazing. Spitfire.” And then Applejack finds an open chest and sees a collection of gems inside. “WHOA! Ok this is gettin’ way out of hoof!”

“But ah didn’t do it! Ah swear!” Apple Bloom cried from downstairs.

“Apple Bloom!” Applejack cried. She then runs downstairs and in the kitchen, Apple Bloom was getting interrogated by police officers.

“The evidence is right here, filly.” The officer said holding up a baggy full of pencils. “You think you’d have the chance to get away with this? You may be a filly, but that is no reason to be a criminal.”

“BUT AH AIN’T A CRIMINAL!” Apple Bloom cried. “AH DUNNO HOW THAT GOT THERE!”

“Apple Bloom… why? Why would you do this to us?” Granny Smith asked hysterically. “You… you disgraced us all!”

Big Mac sniffled and said, “Eeyup.”

“But this was all a set-up!” Apple Bloom yelled. “Somepony put it all there! Applejack! Help!”

“Applejack…” The officer puts down his sunglasses down to his nose and glares at Applejack. “You are the Element of Honesty, are you not?”

“Ah am.” Applejack said.

“I see you have Apple Bloom’s journal with you.” The officer saw.

“Umm… yeah.” Applejack said worriedly.

“Perhaps you could tell us the truth.” The officer said. “Did Apple Bloom steal a bunch of valuable merchandise?”

“Ah know mah little sister ain’t a criminal.” Applejack said. “Right, Big Mac? Do ya agree?” Big Mac doesn’t say anything. “Big Mac?”

“But does the evidence prove that?” the officer asked pointing to the journal. 

Applejack looks down at the journal and reads the next page. It reads: “I continue to look for the missing items with my friends. I’m so glad that they don’t suspect anything. They have no clue that I’m the one that stole all that.”

Applejack gasps after she read it. “Well?” the officer asked. “You’re the Element of Honesty. Tell us the truth. The evidence is in this house. Somepony took them. Somepony here is going away for a long time.”

“Yeah!” the other officer agreed. “Imprisonment! Or banishment! Or imprisonment where you get banished!”

“Ok, settle down, Star.” The first officer instructed him.

Applejack looks at her family, and then she looks at her sister who was tearing up and begging Applejack to help her. “If you don’t tell the truth, Applejack… you won’t get what you want.” The officer said. 

Applejack took a deep breath and said, “Ah did it.”

“What?!” everypony yelled.

“No! Applejack!” Apple Bloom cried.

“It was me. All me. Ah stole all that merchandise because we were incredibly in debt and ah needed to save the farm.” Applejack said. “If yer goin’ to take me away for a long time, then so be it.” Applejack picks up her hooves, waiting to get cuffed. “Ah’m ready to go.”

“APPLEJACK!” Apple Bloom cried.

“You’re a good filly, Apple Bloom.” Applejack said upsettingly as she magically appears in a cage. “You’re a very good… filly…” Just then Applejack suddenly wakes up back into the caverns. “AAAH!” she cried.

“Applejack?! Applejack what’s wrong?” Twilight asked.

“Yeah you sound like you saw a ghost.” Pinkie said as she lifts up her tail showing a sheet over it.

“Ah… ah… what happened?” Applejack asked.

“Are you ready to begin your trial or what?” Rainbow asked. “We’re in a tight schedule.”

“Rarity – the Element of Generosity – it is your turn to take the trials.” The Guardian said.

“Say what now?” Rarity asked. “But Applejack didn’t do hers yet!”

“I’m in charge of the trials. So it’s either you go in, or you won’t get what you came here for.” The Guardian informed her. “What’s it going to be, Rarity?”

“Good luck in there.” Applejack said to her. Rarity begins to nervously walk over to the open door, but she doesn’t go inside yet. “Ok what just happened?” Applejack asked.

“You passed the trial, Applejack.” The Guardian said.

“But ah wasn’t honest! Ah lied to save Apple Bloom from imprisonment!” Applejack said.

“Uhh… what?” Rainbow asked.

“Honesty works more than just being honest, Applejack.” The Guardian said. “Lying to save a loved one’s life can make a big difference.”

“Ok, I never thought I’d say this, but my brain is really feeling not right, right now.” Pinkie said as she flops face first on the ground.

“AAAH!” Rarity cried as she wakes up near the door.

“What’s going on, Rarity? Are you going to go into the door or what?” Rainbow asked.

“I WAS JUST IN THERE!” Rarity yelled.

“And… how was it?” Fluttershy asked.

“HOW WAS IT?!” Rarity yelled at her which made Fluttershy nervous. “HOW WAS IT?! I had to choose! I had all the gems in the world to complete my collection of dresses! I had to use them!”

“Wait… Rarity, what’s the choice?” Twilight asked.

“Well… Ponyville was starving.” Rarity said. “Everypony was homeless, starving, had no food. I had to do something. So I… I gave up all my gems to save everypony. I made all my customers from Canterlot disappointed. I sold them out!”

“Yep! And she did that all by laying down on the ground!” Pinkie said. “Story of my life!”

“Wait a minute.” Twilight thought. “The trials… they’re not real.”

“Oh I saw what happened, Twilight! It seemed very real! Very real indeed!” Rarity said.

“Well… they’re not.” Twilight said. “But we have to treat them like real life. The Guardian is testing our skills out. In all the trials, we have to sacrifice one thing to save things that are more valuable, like Apple Bloom, or the entire Ponyville population, but that would also mean making other ponies unhappy.”

“Well… you can’t make everypony happy.” Fluttershy said.

“Yeah, sometimes you gotta fail other ponies for a greater cause.” Applejack said.

“Fluttershy – Element of Kindness – you are next.” The Guardian said.

“Oh my.” Fluttershy said nervously.

“Fluttershy… good luck in there!” Twilight said.

“What if I fail?” Fluttershy asked.

“You won’t, because you’re the Element of Kindness.” Twilight said.

“Exactly! I would fail your trial by a heartbeat!” Pinkie said. Fluttershy nods her head at Twilight as she walks through the doors.
> Where Nightmares Come True
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“So do you know where we’re going?” Spike asked Starlight as she continued walking through the caves.

“No idea.” Starlight said. “To be honest, Spike, I’m not liking this one bit. This all feels really strange.”

“I hear you.” Spike said. “I’ve been in many weird situations in the past, I should know, I hang out with Pinkie Pie, but this is just overkill.” Just then, Spike gets levitated right out of Starlight’s back and starts getting pulled away from her.

“Spike!” Starlight yelled. Spike screams as he gets snatched by a mysterious figure. Starlight looks over to get a better look, and it was just as she suspected.

“Hello, Starlight Glimmer! Long time no see!” Queen Chrysalis said as she traps Spike in a Changeling cocoon and places him along side all of Starlight’s friends. Starlight felt really scared.

Meanwhile, the crowd at the comedy club chants for Pinkie and cheers out for her. At the dressing room in the back, the stage manager comes in and says to Pinkie, “Pinkie Pie, 2 minutes till you go on.”

“Woo hoo!” Pinkie cheers. “This is going to be the best magic show ever!”

“Comedy show.” The manager corrected her.

“Comedy show!” Pinkie said right away. “I said it first.”

“Well, you’re almost on.” The manager said. “This show is going to be make you rich and famous! You’re going to make all of Equestria laugh for all eternity! Good job cancelling out on your sister’s birthday for your own flame and glory and helping everypony else in Equestria smile! I’m so proud of you!”

“Wait… my sister’s… birthday?” Pinkie asked.

“You don’t need those lowlives that study… ROCKS! Worry about your own life and helping other ponies smile!” The manager said to her.

“Oh… but… but… I gotta go.” Pinkie suddenly runs out of the dressing room and through backstage, passing the ponies that want an autograph from her, and passing the agent with a contract, and even passing the plate of jelly donuts. But she reversed back to the donuts and ate one because who wouldn’t miss out on jelly donuts? She then runs out the back door of the club and yells, “I NEVER miss a sister’s birthday party! NEVER!” 

As Pinkie started running through the streets of Manehattan, passing by all her fame and glory, The Manehattan streets slowly merge with the rock farm, and Pinkie bursts through the door and meets up with her family who were sitting in the dining room, barely touching the still candle-lit rock cake. Pinkie cries out, “I am so sorry I am late! I wouldn’t give any of you up for all the smiles in Equestria!” Pinkie’s family smiles and welcomes her back. “Just one question though… which one of my sister’s birthday is it?”

Just then, Pinkie’s trial ends as she wakes up in front of the doors. “Aww!” Pinkie whined. “I can’t believe the dream ended right before the party started! That’s just wrong!”

“Well I hope it wasn’t has rough as mine.” Fluttershy said. “I had to save my animal friends from a group of very cute endangered animals who were bullying them! Luckily, I was able to befriend them all, even though it wasn’t easy for my animal friends to accept.”

“HA! Mine was EASY!” Rainbow said. “I had to trade in my wings to help Scootaloo finally have the ability to fly! Such child’s play! I already lived the Wonderbolt dream so many times, I would love to give Scoots the chance to live it herself!” Rainbow’s eye twitches after she says that.

“So is that all of us?” Applejack asked.

“No.” Twilight said. “It’s my turn next. I’m the only one that hasn’t gone yet.”

“That’s correct, Twilight Sparkle! The Element of Magic: the element that binds all of them together!” The Guardian said.

“Well, with me being the Element of Magic, I don’t think it’s going to be easy.” Twilight presumed.

“The final challenge is right through the door.” The Guardian said. “Only this time, it’s going to be a little different. This time – all of you are going in.”

“Say what now?” Rainbow asked. “You mean we had to go in alone, but Twilight gets to have all of us?!”

“Problem, Rainbow?” Applejack teased.

“NO! I can totally take care of myself! I just find this unfair is all.” Rainbow said.

“Let me ask all of you a question.” The Guardian started. “How can the Element of Magic be made without the other five elements?”

“It’s truelio!” Pinkie said.

“That’s right. When we first used the elements, the Element of Magic couldn’t be summoned without the other five elements.” Twilight explained. “That’s what binds us together.”

“So it looks like we’re all goin’ in.” Applejack said.

“I guess so.” Twilight said. “Just don’t think it’ll be easy.” Twilight said as each of the Mane Six walk through the door and into the black abyss.

“We better not be lying down outside once this is over.” Rarity hoped, just as a bunch of rocks appeared and started surround the Mane Six. Each of them tried to back away from them until they all covered their bodies leaving their heads to stick out. Twilight was the only one that the rocks haven’t covered. They all struggled to get out but the rocks barely budged.

“This really doesn’t look good for my image!” Rainbow said. “Trapped under a pile of rocks!”

“Don’t worry, Dashie. I’ll call in an expert to help us!” Pinkie offered. “Maaaaaud! Maaaaaaaud!”

“Speak louder, Pinkie. I don’t think she heard you.” Rainbow suggested sarcastically.

“Good idea – MAAAAAAUD!” Pinkie shouted, which made Rainbow cringe.

“Welcome to the final trial, Twilight Sparkle.” The Guardian said.

“What have you done with my friends, Guardian?” Twilight asked angrily.

“Incapacitated, but that’s not important.” The Guardian said. “In order to free them, you have to make a choice.”

“And what might that choice be?” Twilight asked.

“You must choose which one to set free.” The Guardian said. 

Twilight suddenly gasps. “What do you mean I have to choose which one to set free?”

“I mean you can only choose one of your friends to come with you to join you in your task.” The Guardian said. “Everypony else must stay here… forever.”

The Mane Six all gasp. Then Pinkie yells, “Forever?! That’s only a day more than forever minis one!” Twilight is now left with the biggest choice of her life. She tried to think it over, but it was just too impossible for her to choose.

Meanwhile, back with Starlight and Chrysalis in the catacombs, Chrysalis continues to taunt Starlight. “You can’t defeat me, Starlight Glimmer! Nopony can! I have captured your friends again, and I have to say, they just get easier and easier to capture by the day! They’re just so ridiculous at protecting themselves, let alone their kingdom!”

“Don’t talk to my friends that way!” Starlight yelled.

“Oh what are you going to do about it?” Chrysalis asked mischievously. Starlight was about to use her magic on Chrysalis, but a pile of goo lands on Starlight’s horn, stopping her from using her magic. Chrysalis laughs evilly and says, “Magic, huh? That’s your answer to everything, is it? Then there’s your second answer: friendship! HA! Come on! You couldn’t reform me then, you can’t reform me now! I am true to my task! You stole everything from me, and now you’re going to pay for what you did! I will have my revenge!” Starlight was never so worried in her life. She felt like a huge failure. “And when it’s all over, everypony will know that it was ALL YOUR FAULT!” She then laughs again.

Starlight suddenly regains her confidence and takes a deep breath. “No!”

“I’m sorry?” Chrysalis asked.

“No!” Starlight yells. “I am NOT afraid of you anymore! I know you will come back for your revenge! But when you do, I will be able to stop you, again and again! If not me though, I know somepony will! You were defeated every time you attacked Equestria, and you will be defeated again every single time! You only have two choices, Chrysalis: reform, or Tartarus! It’s going to end either way! The question is: will you make the right decision?” Chrysalis growls at Starlight and begins to scream in rage. As she goes berserk and runs towards Starlight, Starlight yells, “I’M READY FOR YOU!” Just then, Starlight suddenly wakes up lying on the cave ground. Chrysalis, nor the rest of Starlight’s friends weren’t around, just Spike whimpering and struggling as he laid on the ground by her.

Starlight begins shaking Spike gently and says, “Spike. Spike, wake up!” Starlight noticed the tears in Spike’s eyes as he was struggling. She felt really bad that he had to go through what he was going through, but suddenly, he wakes up and starts breathing heavily, much like Starlight did from her dream that morning. “Spike, are you okay?” Spike begins to tear up again as he gives Starlight a big hug. “Ooookay, that escalated quickly.” She commented awkwardly.

“Please, Starlight! Please, don’t abandon me! Ever!” Spike begged.

Starlight smiles and hugs Spike back as she says, “Don’t worry, I will never abandon you, and neither will your other friends!” Spike wipes his tears as he lets go of Starlight. “What happened? Another dream where Rarity marries your rival?” She teases.

“No… I lied about that.” Spike admitted. “That isn’t my biggest fear.”

“Oh?” Starlight asked. “Well I knew that dream was fake! I mean after all, your dream was the only one without any rain in it!”

“Heh, yeah.” He said. “But… my biggest fear, is… is… my friends not wanting me around anymore.”

“Really?’ Starlight asked.

“Really.” Spike said. “You know why I’m always so helpful towards my friends? Helping them out in their time of need? Because I don’t want them to leave me. Twilight, especially. Starlight, I don’t know if you understand it, but… Twilight’s the only family I got.”

“Hey, it’s okay!” Starlight comforted him. “Twilight’s the only family I got too, and you, and Trixie… I lost touch with my family.”

“No, you don’t understand.” Spike corrected her. “I NEVER knew my family.”

“Wait, what?!” Starlight asked, feeling surprised.

“It’s true. Twilight was the one that hatched me.” Spike said. “I don’t know where I’m from, how I was found, or even what my purpose is in life. I only do what I’m good at: being Twilight’s number one assistant. It’s all I can do without messing anything up.” He sighs. “I try so hard at making my friends happy, so I can stick around, and be useful to them. If I didn’t have my friends, Twilight… you… I’d be nothing.” Spike sits down on the ground and covers his eyes. “I’m sure you think me as some kind of loser.”

“What?” Starlight asked surprisingly. “Spike, you’ve been more open to me than you’ve ever had in the past! Yes, you are very helpful, and a good friend! I even think of you like family, like Twilight! Before I had Twilight, I was nothing but an evil ruler, stealing cutie marks! I was lost before Twilight found me. Looks like we have something in common, huh?”

“Hm, yeah, I guess.” Spike smiles.

“Also you’ve done a ton of things by yourself then didn’t involve assisting me or Twilight!” Starlight said. “You saved the Crystal Empire twice, you brought peace between the ponies and the dragons, and you befriended Thorax and helped him become accepted towards pony kind! If you didn’t do that, I wouldn’t have given him a chance, and we wouldn’t be able to save you and the others from Chrysalis! Not a bad track record, Spike!” She winks at him.

Spike chuckles. “Yeah, I guess that’s true!”

“Also, I know one day you’ll find out where you came from, and who you are!” Starlight said. “You just have to give it time; and when that happens, I will be there every step of the way to make sure you get it!”

“Really? Thanks, Starlight!” Spike said.

“Any time, buddy!” Starlight said as they hug it out again.

“Ok, well… heh… this is getting a little sappy, huh?” Spike asked embarrassingly.

“Yeah, umm… we should… probably keep moving.” Starlight suggested.

“Good idea!” Spike said as they both began walking to find a way out, or to find the others.
> Twilight's Choice
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Twilight, whatever you do… you have to choose wisely!” Rainbow said as Twilight was still choosing which of her friends to set free. “And quite frankly… anypony else but me is fine.”

“No! Rainbow has a future! Leave me be instead.” Rarity insisted dramatically. “With me gone, my name shall live on as my boutiques shall be more popular when their owner goes down in history, and goes out a hero!”

“Wow, Rarity, that’s deep.” Applejack said.

“Oh thank you! I was saving it for a future play I was one day going to act in!” Rarity said.

“No! Neither one of them! I should be the one to stay behind!” Fluttershy insisted.

“You, Fluttershy? Please! You wouldn’t last! You should definitely take her, Twilight.” Rainbow insisted.

“Honestly, Rainbow Dash! Is that any way to talk to her? And why choose her over me?” Rarity asked.

“You wanted to stay, and I was like… meh.” Rainbow shrugged.

“I don’t care who you pick, Twilight!” Pinkie insisted. “Maud will be here any minute and save us all!”

“Now hang on, this is Twilight’s choice. Let us not provoke her.” Applejack informed them.

“Oh now you’re going to make us all look bad and she might pick you, Applejack?” Rainbow asked angrily.

“Ah want Twilight to pick who she should pick without us blabberin’ about it, RAINBOW DASH!” Applejack said angrily.

“ENOUGH!” Twilight yelled. “If I’m going to pick, I need absolute concentration! I need to think!” So everypony stayed quiet as Twilight began to think about who she should save. It was the hardest decision Twilight has ever made. She has to choose one friend out of all the rest.

“C’mon, Twilight! You did this before! Think of the gala ticket!” Pinkie reminded her.

“Pinkie! Shush!” Rainbow instructed her.

“The gala ticket…” Twilight whispered to herself, and then her brain hatched an idea. “I have made my decision, Guardian.”

“I am listening.” The Guardian said.

“I choose…” Twilight started as all of Twilight’s friends paid attention dramatically, and just then, Twilight gives her answer, “Nopony.”

“Huh?!” All of Twilight’s friends asked surprisingly.

“Nopony?” The Guardian asked. “You mean you wish to go on alone without your friends?”

“Nope. Not me either.” Twilight said. “If one of us stays inside these catacombs forever, all of us stay in here forever.” Twilight looks back at her friends and they all smile. “Together. We are friends forever, no matter the cost; and even though we might never know why we were summoned here, it’s price I have to pay to make sure my friends are safe.” Twilight then tears up. “Just… if you see Starlight and Spike… tell them they mean the world to me, and I wish them the best!”

“Oh, Twilight, you didn’t need to do that.” Fluttershy said.

“I had to. How would I be able to live my life knowing that I abandoned my friends?” Twilight asked.

“I wouldn’t be able to survive that’s for sure!” Pinkie said. “I’d never be happy again!”

“Me neither!” Fluttershy agreed.

“Well done, Twilight Sparkle.” The Guardian said. “You have passed the final trial. You six truly are the Elements of Harmony!” Just then, they all wake up in the previous room again, only this time with the door opened and leading somewhere that’s not an abyss.

“You did it, Twilight!” Pinkie cried out in excitement.

“Yes! You solved the riddle!” Rarity said happily.
“Well I just did what my heart told me to do.” Twilight said. “My life means nothing without my friends!” They all share a group hug.

“And look! The door is open!” Rainbow pointed out. “And it leads somewhere!”

“We passed the trials! We can claim our prize!” Pinkie said excitedly. “I hope it’s pizza, or hayburgers! Or hayburger pizza!”

“C’mon, girls! Let’s go!” Applejack said as they all ran through the door and down the stairs. As they were running down the cave, they bump into Starlight and Spike who were running in the same direction.

“Starlight! Spike!” Twilight cried out in excitement as she gives them both a big hug, and the rest of the Mane Six joined along.

“What happened to you two?!” Twilight asked.

“We had weird dreams that were probably challenges!” Starlight said. “Ways to face our biggest fears!”

“Yeah!” Spike said. “I’ve never felt so close to my friends and so confident in myself in my entire life!”

“How about you girls?” Starlight asked.

“Oh nothing really!” Twilight teased.

“Nothing?!” Pinkie freaked out. “That was sooo not nothing! That was something! That was a whole lot of something!”

“Yeah, we had to face the biggest challenges in our lives!” Rainbow said.

“But that’s a story for another time.” Rarity said. “We have to find out who’s responsible for all this!”

“Rarity’s right.” Twilight said. “Down this tunnel we might find out who’s responsible for summoning us here. We deserve an answer! Come on!”

They all began running down the corridor, and at the end of the corridor came a huge cavern filled with books, some desks, and some alchemy stations. Twilight looked so shocked to see it all. “Whoooa!” Everypony said, feeling impressed.

“I’m… in… HEAVEN!” Twilight cried out in excitement in a high-pitched voice. She was so excited that she spread her wings out wide. Twilight started acting like Pinkie as she started looking at everything in the room. Even small unimpressive objects, like Star Swirl’s reading glasses.

“Alright, calm down, Twilight!” Starlight persuaded her. “I know it’s very impressive, but we still have a task to do!”

Twilight took a deep breath and said, “Sorry about losing my cool there! I mean thiis… this is what I’ve been wanting to see my entire life!”

“And I have been wanting to see you for my entire life.” A voice said from a dark part of the room. “Well… not exactly my WHOLE life, but for the past few years.”

“Alright, bub! You better tell us why you brought us here playing your games, or so help me, you will regret summoning us!” Rainbow threatened him.

“Rainbow Dash!” Twilight said angrily at her. Twilight then walked over closer towards the darkness and asked, “Who are you? Why did you bring us here? We mean no harm. We’re just concerned.”

“I feel more than concerned!” Rainbow said. Everypony glares at her.

The voice in the darkness chuckles and said, “You have the right to be angry at me. It’s true. I given you all those nightmares, and asked you to come here, and I did make you complete those trials; but I just wanted to make sure you are who you say you are.” The mysterious figure in the darkness walks out and reveals himself to the Mane Six. He is revealed to be a huge gargoyle with a medallion around his neck. Twilight and Spike both gasped, but everypony else was confused.

“You… you’re Scorpan, aren’t you? Tirek’s brother?” Twilight asked.

“Yes… I am.” The gargoyle said.

“Wait, what?” Applejack asked. “So this guy is supposed to be the brother of the most evil beast that Equestria has ever had?!”

“Please, Applejack, I know all of you hate my brother for what he did to all of you.” Scorpan said.

“You bet we hate him!” Rarity yelled. “He stole all the magic from Equestria and tried to destroy everything!”

“Plus, he turned our friend Discord against us!” Fluttershy said angrily.

“I know, I know, I saw through my visions.” Scorpan said. “You see, I’ve been watching you. I’ve had visions of you as I was mediating here for the past hundreds of years. I saw you use the Elements of Harmony against Nightmare Moon and Discord, and then I even saw you reform them both, including others, like Trixie, and Gilda, and even you, Starlight Glimmer.”

“What are you even doing here though?” Starlight asked. “These dark caves, all by yourself?”

“It was the only place I could go.” Scorpan said. “I abandoned my brother here. Once I returned home to my land, I was no longer accepted among them. I betrayed my brother, and I felt ashamed. I brought shame upon my family name.” Scorpan looks at his medallion as he said that. “It was foolish of me to leave Tirek here. I know what he did was wrong, but… I shouldn’t have left him here. I should’ve just brought him home! Can you imagine a bigger fool than me? Someone who would abandon their own sibling for the sake of pony kind?”

“Oh… I think I know a couple of sisters that know EXACTLY how you feel.” Twilight said.

“Really? Who?” Pinkie asked. “Not my sisters and me.”

“But you didn’t answer our question.” Starlight said. “Why did you summon us here?”

“Because all of you had experience in reforming those with corrupted minds.” Scorpan said. “I need your help. I want to make peace with my brother, Tirek.”

“No offense, but he seems far from gettin’ reformed.” Applejack said.

“I know there’s still some good in him.” Scorpan said. “I know he feels lost, and abandoned; however, you taught other villains that friendship is magic. All of you have reformed those who seemed impossible of reforming! If you can do that, then why can’t I do that to Tirek? I need to reunite with him, otherwise I can’t go back home. I need to be at peace, and I won’t be able to until I can reform him, and only you can do that! Teach me, please! Teach me how to reform my brother! I will reward you all!”

“With what?” Rarity asked. “Jewels? Fame?”

“A sandwich?” Pinkie asked.

“Anything you want!” Scorpan said. “Forbidden knowledge of my oldest friend, Star Swirl! Maybe his will! He gave his will to me. I can give it all to you! Perhaps I can even unite Equestria with my homeland! Anything your hearts desire! I just ask for you to help me reform Tirek! I know it’s a big risk, but… I have to do it. Please! I beg you to teach me!”

The eight friends all looked at eachother, and all nodded in agreement. “Okay, Scorpan! We’ll do it! We’ll help you reform your brother!” Twilight accepted.

“Really?” Scorpan asked gratefully. “Thank you! Thank you so much! Oh I can’t wait to see Celestia and Luna again! Are they still around?”

“They sure are!” Twilight said. “I bet you have a lot of catching up to do!” Just before they all started walking out, Twilight notices that something is on Spike’s mind. “Spike, what’s wrong?”

“I don’t know.” Spike said. “I’m so confused.”

“Why?” Twilight asked.

“It’s… it’s complicated.” Spike said. “I mean… I feel like I know him. I think I know Scorpan!”

“Really? When did you meet him?” Twilight asked.

“That’s just it… I haven’t met him.” Spike said. “I mean, not that I remember. I don’t know, but… I feel like I can trust him completely!”

“Well, maybe you can be in charge of looking after him!” Twilight suggests.

“Really?” Spike asked. “You think I’m ready for this kind of responsibility?”

“Spike, I got my hooves full right now with being the Princess of Friendship, plus teaching Starlight her friendship lessons, maybe you two can hang out!” Twilight suggests. “After all, like you, he’s a non-pony in a pony world! Maybe you can help him fit in again!”

“You know what, Twilight?” Spike asked. “I think I will! I think we’re going to be the best of friends!”
> An Old Friend
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

ACT 2: The Return of Scorpan

Over at Canterlot castle, Princess Celestia was having a meeting with Filthy Rich as she signed her signature on a piece of paper. “Here you go, Mr. Filthy Rich. My permission to rename the Canterlot stadium, Barnyard Bargains Arena has now been accepted!”

“Why thank you, your majesty!” Filthy Rich said as he laughed his dorkish rich-pony laugh. “I do hope the name change would help me sponsor my business, but I also hope to not make life any different for the folks in Canterlot! The rodeos and the Wonderbolt shows shall remain untouched!”

“I do hope so.” Celestia nodded.

“It was a pleasure doing business with you, your majesty!” Filthy Rich bows to Celestia, and then he walks out of the throne room, just as the Mane Six, Spike, and Starlight walk in.

“Ah, Twilight Sparkle and her friends!” Celestia said with glee. “You truly are a sight for sore eyes!”

“It’s honor to hear that, Princess Celestia!” Twilight said.

“Why would you say that though?” Rainbow asked. Everypony glares at Rainbow once she said that. “What?”

“Oh it’s just that Equestria is starting to turn into less of the land of friendship and more of the land of business.” Celestia said upsettingly. She then smiles and says, “But that’s a story for another time. To what do I owe the pleasure?”

“Actually, your majesty, we have a very special V.I.P. guest for you!” Rarity said.

“Oh?” Celestia asked. “And who might it be?”

“It’s-“ Twilight was about to say but gets interrupted by Pinkie.

“Guess!” Pinkie shouts in excitement.

“Pinkie!” Twilight said angrily at Pinkie.

“Ooo, I love guessing games!” Celestia said in excitement. “Hmm… it’s not Discord, right?”

“Nope! Try again!” Pinkie said.

“Actually it is!” Discord said as he poofs right next to Celestia on his very own throne while wearing a king’s crown and a gold scepter with his head on top. “Surprise! I am the new King of Equestria! Aren’t you surprised to be overthrown, Celestia… again?” Discord sighs and rolls his eyes at Discord.

“Hello, Discord.” Celestia said with an ‘oh you’ kind of smile.

“Hello, pony formerly known as Princess Celestia!” Discord said just before his throne tips over towards the edge and the throne along with Discord himself falls into the fountain below. “Oh don’t worry! I am okay, thanks for asking! I landed softly in this fruit punch fountain!” He poofs up a cup onto his claw, fills it with fruit punch, and gulps it all down, and then eats the cup shortly after.

“Uh, no, it’s not him.” Twilight said.

“Hmm… can I have a hint?” Celestia asked.

“He’s got a really cool belt!” Pinkie said.

“Oh yes, Scorpan has a VERY fabulous looking belt with those diamonds on it!” Rarity agrees.

“Wait, did you just say… Scorpan?!” Celestia asked, feeling surprised.

“Rarity!” Pinkie whined. “You ruined the game!”

“Woopsy!” Rarity blushed in embarrassment. “Sorry! It sort of slipped out.”

“Oh believe me, I know exactly how it feels to accidently have things slip out!” Discord said. “Like just the other day, Twilight claimed that she enjoyed the dinner Starlight made for her, but she told Spike that she thought it was disgusting.”

Starlight gasps and shouts, “TWILIGHT!”

“What? I, err, never said that!” Twilight said embarrassingly. “I just said it… could’ve been better.”

“Oh woops! I guess I let it slip out!” Discord said as his tongue slips out of his mouth.

“Ew!” Rarity commented.

“Relax, its taffy!” Discord said as he takes a bite of his tongue that turned out to be taffy.

“Just to let you know, Starlight, I liked your food!” Spike admitted to Starlight.

Just then, Scorpan walks through the throne room doors and reveals himself to Celestia. “Hello, Princess Celestia!” He greeted.

“Scorpan! My old friend.” Celestia said happily as she flew over towards him to give him a hug. “It has been too long.”

“So wait, they know each other?” Applejack asked.

“I’ve known Scorpan for a very long time.” Celestia said. “He was a dear friend to the ponies of long ago!”

“Yeah, but I couldn’t stay after what my brother planned.” Scorpan said.

“It’s okay, Scorpan.” Celestia said. “You are always welcome here! However, I must ask, what made you want to return yet again?”

“We actually found him in the caves we saw in our dreams.” Fluttershy said.

“Right, Luna told me about that.” Celestia said.

“Where is Luna anyway?” Scorpan asked.

“She went to a gathering over at Vanhoover, but she will be most pleased to see you once she returns!” Celestia said. “So why were you inside the caves in Everfree Forest? We could’ve given you a room here to take shelter in. How is your people?”

“Oh my people?” Scorpan asked, feeling stunned. “Well… I… umm…”

“You didn’t know, Celestia?” Twilight asked.

“What did I not know?” Celestia asked as she looked at Scorpan. “Scorpan, what is she trying to say?”

Scorpan sighs as he decides to tell Celestia the truth, “After I abandoned my brother here, I was no longer welcome amongst my people. My father banished me, and I had nowhere to go, so Star Swirl let me stay in his private den. I’ve been meditating ever since.”

Celestia was surprised when he explained that, and she felt really bad. “Scorpan… why didn’t you tell me? I could’ve helped you.”

“You already had problems of your own.” Scorpan said. “By the time I was banished, you and Luna were fighting Discord. He was a big problem during the time, I heard.”

Discord overhears the conversation as he was sitting and relaxing in a bubbly hot tub. He lowers his sunglasses and asks, “Excuse me? Who was a big problem during the time?”

“I didn’t want to bother you during the time. It was a very stressful time a thousand years ago for you.” Scorpan said as he comforts Celestia. “I thought it was best to just mind my own business, and be left alone with my thoughts, and Star Swirl.”

“Wait, was Star Swirl with you?” Twilight asked.

“I can communicate with his spirit telepathically!” Scorpan said. “I was never alone in there.”

Twilight could barely breathe because she was so excited. “So, what you’re saying is… you can talk to Star Swirl right now? What is he saying?! Does he know anything about me?! Does he know I’m a huuuuuuuge fan?!”

“You are not a huge fan, Twilight.” Discord said as he turns himself into a giant desk fan. “I am; and it proves that I am much ‘cooler’ than you!” Fluttershy giggles after he says that.

“Wasn’t that funny.” Applejack mumbles to her.

“Yes, he knows all about you, Twilight!” Scorpan said. “He thanks you for completing his spell, and he’s so proud of how far you’ve gone because of his knowledge for magic.”

“He’s proud of… ME?!” Twilight asks in a squeaky voice. She then starts shaking around all derp-eyed as she was about to faint. Rarity uses her magic to place her fainting couch on the correct spot so Twilight can faint on it.

“I always come prepared!” Rarity said.

“Where did you even GET that?” Applejack asked.

Pinkie gasps and whispers nervously, “She knows my secret!”

“Uh, what secret?” Applejack asked.

“Uhhh, forget I said anything!” Pinkie said.

“Don’t worry, I’m on it, girlfriend!” Discord said as he puts on sunglasses and uses a mind-wiping flashing device to erase Applejack’s memory.

“Well, Scorpan,” Celestia starts, “now that my friends have brought you here, and we’re now in good terms again, what is your plan now? You want me or Twilight and her friends to talk to your father for you? Think about accepting you back home?”

“I would love for that, Celestia!” Scorpan said. “But there’s nothing you can do to persuade my people to change their minds of me not being accepted.”

“I’m sure there is something we can do.” Celestia thought.

“There might be only one way to do it.” Scorpan said.

“And what might it be?” Celestia asked.

“I have to make peace with my brother.” Scorpan said.

“I’m sorry?” Celestia asked curiously.

“I’m going to reform him, and bring him home with me.” Scorpan said.

Celestia was pretty surprised to hear that. “But… didn’t you try reasoning with him already?” She asked. “Also I don’t think you have noticed, but he broke out of Tartarus and drained the magic of almost every pony in Equestria! He hasn’t changed a bit.”

“I am well-aware of what my brother did during my absence.” Scorpan said. “However, he is my brother, and it was foolish of me to leave him here. Twilight and her friends here are going to teach me how to reform him.”

“Uh huh.” Celestia nodded. “Twilight, may I have a word with you in private?”

“Uh, of course, Princess Celestia!” Twilight said as she smiled.

“We’ll be over there if y’all need us.” Applejack informed her as she and the rest of her friends walked over the other end of the throne room while Celestia and Twilight talked in private.

“So what do you want to speak with me about?” Twilight asked as a fly flew over and buzzed towards them.

“Twilight, I am very pleased to see Scorpan again, and I am really glad you found him!” Celestia said. “However, you met Tirek, and you know what he’s capable of.”

“I do know.” Twilight nodded.

“Twilight, I hope you can understand that not every villain can be redeemable.” Celestia said.

“But we’ve done it so many times in the past!” Twilight reminded her. Twilight then sighs and says, “Even though we should’ve just let SOME OF THEM stay imprisoned as a statue… Discord!” Twilight glares at the fly. 

Discord, as the fly, raspberries Twilight and says, “You’re just too good, you Mary-Sue.” He then vanishes.

“I know about all the reformings that you did in the past, Twilight.” Celestia said. “I’m not saying that reforming Tirek is impossible, but… if he doesn’t reform, the consequences can be severe, and… I’m just worried about Scorpan.” She looks over at Scorpan talking to Spike and laughing with him. “If he fails, it could break his heart. He will be filled in so much regret, much like I was when I had to banish my sister.”

“But we DID reform her!” Twilight reminded her. “She was the first one we reformed, and you two have reunited in perfect harmony! Scorpan and Tirek… it’s no different than what you and Luna had to go through. Trust me, I’m scared too, but if we could reform those who seem impossible like Discord…”

“Uh, I have EARS like a HAWK!” Discord said as he flies in hawk-form around above Celestia and Twilight. “Actually, hawks don’t have ears.” Discord snaps his wing and poofs up some elephant ears. “There we go! That’s better!”

“DISCORD!” Twilight and Celestia both yell at him.

“UGH, FINE!” Discord yells as he turns back to his regular form, and begins stomping his feet on the ground as he marches away, leaving cracks on the floor from every step.

“As I was saying,” Twilight continues, “if we could reform villains like him, or even Starlight, I think we might have a chance with Tirek! Trust me, I wouldn’t be doing my job as the Princess of Friendship if I didn’t do this.” 

Celestia looks over at Scorpan again, and she sighs and then smiles, “Okay, Twilight. I trust you! I trust Scorpan too! I don’t know what I was thinking. I guess… I just don’t want to see my subjects in Equestria get their magic drained again. I could somewhat tolerate Nightmare Moon’s or even Discord’s plots since they weren’t that dangerous to ponykind. Nightmare Moon just wanted forever night, and Discord just wanted to fool around and cause chaos, but he wasn’t physically harming anypony; but Tirek… he’s a monster.”

“And it’s up to us to make sure he doesn’t stay that way.” Twilight said.
Celestia smiles at Twilight and says, “You’ve grown to be very bold in your young age, my faithful student!” She puts her wing around Twilight. “Very well, Twilight, you have my permission. Help Scorpan redeem his brother, so he doesn’t have to live with the same regrets I’ve made in the past.”
> Welcome to Ponyville
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Mane Six, Spike, Starlight, and Scorpan all returned to Ponyville to help Scorpan settle in. Ponies were a little concerned to why there was a giant gargoyle walking among them, and the Mane Six saw that the ponies felt a little uneasy.

“What’s wrong with everypony?” Rarity asked. “Is there something in my hair? There’s something in my hair, isn’t it?”

“Relax, Rarity, they’re not lookin’ at yer hair.” Applejack informed her.

“Oh good!” Rarity said in relief.

“But ah think there might be a spec of hair stickin’ out.” Applejack teased.

Rarity began screaming as she covered her hair. “Don’t look at me! I’m hideous!”

“No, everypony is looking at me.” Scorpan informed her. “I’ve been gone for so long; these ponies don’t know who I am.”

“Trust me, I felt a little uneasy too when I first moved to Ponyville.” Starlight said.

“Oh, it’s okay. I’m fine!” Scorpan said. “Ponies accepted me before, and I’m sure they will again!”

“Uh, Princess Twilight?” Mayor Mare asked as she spots Scorpan. “I see you have brought a visitor to our town.”

“Yes!” Twilight said. “Mayor Mare, I would like you to meet Scorpan!”

“It is a pleasure to meet you, Scorpan! Welcome to our town!” The mayor said.

“Thank you! It is a pleasure to be here!” Scorpan said.

“He seems nice!” Daisy said.

“Yeah, I thought we’d have to over-panic again because we’re in a huge disaster!” Roseluck said.

“I like him!” Lily Valley said as she walked over to Scorpan with some flowers. “Uh, Mr. Scorpan, sir?”

“Please, no need to be so formal!” Scorpan insisted. “Just call me ‘Scorpan’.”

“Wow, what a gentlecolt!” Roseluck said.

“Here, will you take these flowers as a symbol of us welcoming you to our town?” Lily Valley asked.

“I would be delighted! Thank you!” Scorpan said as he takes the flowers and sniffs them. “They smell lovely!”

“Oh please, you’re making me blush!” Lily Valley said shyly.

“Wow, the ponies are really starting to like you, Scorpan!” Fluttershy said.

“Yes! I think I’m going to really like it!” Scorpan agreed. Just then, music started playing, and Scorpan was getting weirded out. “Okay what’s with the weird music?”

“It means we’re about to sing a song!” Pinkie said excitedly.

“Really? Now?” Scorpan asked. “Like some Bridleway musical or something?”

“No, more like a TV show musical!” Pinkie said.

“A what?” Scorpan asked.

“Just go with it.” Applejack said.

Twilight starts off the song, “Welcome to Ponyville! Where friendship comes in all types of forms!”

“Welcome to Ponyville!” Starlight sings. “It would clear your heart from the storms!”

“We all love, and tolerate anyone, who would give friendship a chance!” Twilight sings.

“Anypony who would come to comfort you,” Starlight sings, “even when your mind’s in a trance!”

“Even when your mind’s in a trance!” The Mane Six, Starlight, and Spike all sing.

“That all sounds great!” Scorpan said excitedly. “But what is there to do around here?”

“All aboard the Pinkie Pie Express Tour of Ponyville!” Pinkie said as she puts on a train conductor’s hat. “Please keep your hoovsies inside the tour bus at all times, for your own safety!”

“Uh, Pinkie, there’s no bus here.” Applejack informed her.

“I don’t have the money for a bus, so all aboard the PRETEND bus! Choo-choo!” Pinkie cries out. Everyone just went with it as they start the tour.

Over at Sweet Apple Acres, Applejack starts singing as Granny Smith offers Scorpan one of her apple ties, and Big Mac gives him a fork. “Come on down to Sweet Apple Acres! We have apple pies, apple fritters, and more!”

Over at Sugarcube Corner, Pinkie then sings as she offers Scorpan some sweets, “Come to Sugarcube Corner, we have cake, cookies, and s’mores! YUM!”

Over at Carousel Boutique, Rarity sings as she measures Scorpan’s body and offers Scorpan some suggestions in her catalog. “You can pick, a tux, a hat, and a ca-ane, just tell me your color and size!”

Scorpan flies alongside Rainbow Dash as they both start clearing clouds very quickly. “You can race, or clear out the clo-ouds, the only limit’s the skies!”

“And the only limit’s the skies!” Applejack, Pinkie, Rarity, and Rainbow all sing at the same time at their own various locations.

The music got more relaxing as the spotlight shined over Spike as he sang, “It may not be… so easy… to be an outsider in a pony land. You just need, the right idea… to have a life all planned! You have spent, your life in exile… away from your family and friends. Will it be better in Ponyville? Well it… all depends! It depends!”

“It depends!” Twilight sings as another spotlight shines on her.

“It depends!” Starlight sings as yet another one shines on her.

“It depeeeeeeeends!” The Mane Six, Spike, and Starlight all sang.

Scorpan joined with Fluttershy over at her cottage to pet her animal friends, including Angel. “You, can be kind, and pet a bunny or two. Or even a hug from a cuddly be-ear. does not matter which way you do!” Scorpan was about to give Fluttershy’s bear friend Harry a hug, but he just screams and runs away from him.

Scorpan and his friends all walked down the streets of Ponyville as everypony waved at him, and offered him different presents, like Derpy giving him a mail hat, Lyra giving him a foam finger, and Bulk Biceps giving him a 500 pound anchor, which started to make all of Scorpan’s gifts pretty heavy. Scorpan’s new friends all sang, “Ponyville is a place of peace… of mind and heart and soul! We have learned from and supported each other! Which persuaded us to reach our goal! Which persuaded us to reach our goal!”

“Come on, Scorpan! Sing something!” Pinkie persuades him as she gives him a nudge.

“We will learn a lot of each other!” Scorpan sings as he concludes the song. “And I can make peace with Lord Tirek, my brother!”

As the song ends, one of the Ponyville citizens, Merry May asks curiously, “Wait, did he just say ‘Lord Tirek’?”

“I think he also said ‘his brother’.” Parasol said.

“IT’S LORD TIREK’S BROTHER!” Daisy cried.

“This is a disaster! A horrible, horrible disaster!” Lily Valley cries.

“EVERYPONY RUN!” Roseluck yells as everypony runs away from Scorpan and takes shelter in their homes as Scorpan and his few remaining friends all stood there awkwardly. 

Bulk Biceps shows up as he grabs his anchor from Scorpan’s collection of gifts, and he yells, “I WANT MY ANCHOR BACK! BUT DON’T DRAIN MY MAGIC!” He then runs away and disappears in a heartbeat with his anchor.

“Well THAT was rude!” Pinkie commented. “Scorpan’s singing wasn’t THAT bad!” Scorpan sighs in grief.
> Friend or Monster?
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Scorpan, Twilight, Spike, and Starlight all returned to the Castle of Friendship to cheer Scorpan up after his failed attempt to make new friends. 

“Well that was a total bust.” Scorpan said upsettingly.

“I swear, some ponies wouldn’t know a good friend if they saw one.” Starlight said angrily. 

“Ponyville: the town of friendship. Heh, nice song, huh?” Spike said sarcastically. 

“I’m really sorry it had to go down like that, Scorpan.” Twilight said.

“No, it’s my fault for mentioning Tirek.” Scorpan admitted. “It’s not easy having an evil brother who would nearly destroy an innocent kingdom.”

“Yeah, I can relate to that.” Starlight said. “We need to fix this! We have to prove to the ponies in Ponyville that you’re not evil!”

“Shame to admit it though, I was on Tirek’s side before we came here and I discovered friendship.” Scorpan admitted.

“Yes, and I enslaved an entire village and stole their cutie marks, and then I went back in time and almost destroyed Equestria before I became reformed. What’s your point?” Starlight asked.

“No, no point.” Scorpan said. “You think you can vouch for me, Starlight?”

“Of course!” Starlight said.

“We can all vouch for you, Scorpan!” Spike said. “The question is: can you vouch for yourself?”

“Well… I can certainly try!” Scorpan said.

“That’s the spirit!” Starlight said excitedly. “But the question is… how can we do that?” She and the others started thinking.

“I got it!” Twilight cried out. “Scorpan, do you have a particular special event coming up?”

“I… don’t follow.” Scorpan said, feeling confused.

“You know… like a graduation day? The day you got your first book? The day your brother graduated from the EUP Academy?” Twilight asked. Scorpan still felt confused, so he looked over at Spike and Starlight to see if they knew what she was talking about.

“How about a birthday?” Spike suggested.

“Actually, yeah!” Scorpan said. “The day of my birth is actually tomorrow!”

“Really?” Starlight nodded. “That’s really convenient!”

“So it’s settled! We’ll throw Scorpan a birthday party!” Twilight said.

“A party of celebrating your birth?” Scorpan asked. “That does sound like fun! You think other ponies will come?”

“Are you kidding?” Twilight asked. “EVERYPONY in town can never say no to a birthday party!”

“Yeah! I remember my first birthday in Ponyville!” Spike said, feeling nostalgic. “I got a bunch of awesome gifts from my best friends… until…” Spike started to feel embarrassed, “everything got out of control, and… err… heh… I turned into a berserking adult dragon and almost destroyed Ponyville.”

“Real smooth, Spike!” Starlight teased.

“Well my SECOND birthday was much better!” Spike said. “I only got, like… seven gifts in the party, and I only grew a half a inch! I’d like to grow slowly.”

“Wait, you get gifts at a birthday party?” Scorpan asked.

“What? You never got gifts in your birthday?” Twilight asked.

“Uh, bro? What was YOUR first birthday like?” Spike asked.

“Oh, I… actually never had a birthday party before!” Scorpan said.

“WHAT?!” Twilight, Spike, and Starlight all yelled, feeling surprised.

“What? Is it traditional for you ponies?” Scorpan asked.

“IS IT TRADITIONAL?!” Pinkie yelled as she runs inside the castle really fast. “Birthday parties are the most traditionalist thing in the WHOLE WORLD!” Pinkie climbs up Scorpan stares really close towards his eyes as she squeezes his cheeks, and she cries out, “How can you NOT have had a celebration of your birthday?!” Pinkie begins shaking Scorpan’s head. “DO YOUR PEOPLE NOT EVEN CELEBRATE ANYTHING?!”

When Pinkie jumps off Scorpan’s face, Scorpan shakes his head all dizzily. He then said, “No, Pinkie Pie, we do actually have celebrations in our land. We celebrate our victories against the lands we conquered, we celebrate the anniversaries of when someone in our land has won their first duel, but we do not celebrate the days we were born.”

Pinkie gasps really hard and then screams, “WE NEED TO THROW SCORPAN A BIRTHDAY PARTY!”

“Hey, Pinkie? Can you scream a little louder? I don’t think they heard you in Yakyakastan.” Spike said sarcastically.

Pinkie inhales and was about to yell it again even louder, but Twilight immediately covers Pinkie’s mouth and says, “He was being sarcastic, Pinkie.” Twilight then glares at Spike, and he just shrugs.

“So what do you think, Scorpan?” Starlight asked. “First birthday party? You game?”

“Yeah, I love playing games!” Scorpan said excitedly.

“I mean are you down with it?” Starlight asked.

“Nah, I think I’d rather be up with it.” Scorpan said with an innocent smile. Starlight facehooves herself.

“I’m not sure if he’s being serious, or just messing with us.” Spike thought.

When the next day came, the rest of the Mane Six shows up so they can discuss the terms of Scorpan’s birthday. “Ooo! Birthday party! Birthday party! We’re going to have a Birthday Party!” Pinkie sang.

“Woo we! And this might be the most fun one yet!” Applejack said.

“I have excellent ideas for the table cloths!” Rarity said as she shows her friends a table cloth she brought with her. “It’s one that says, ‘Welcome to Ponyville’ and ‘It’s also my birthday!’ and ‘We need to make this the most fashionable party yet!’”

“Um, maybe you should leave the partying to the party experts?” Rainbow suggested as she points to Pinkie.

“I think I might have an idea!” Spike said excitedly.

“Ooo, ooo! I got something!” Pinkie shouts out with excitement. “What we need is spikey balloons! Gargoyles love pointy things, don’t they?”

“How should we know? We never met a gargoyle before Scorpan!” Rainbow reminded her.

“Alright, so you girls ready to plan a party?” Twilight asked.

“So do I help out?” Scorpan asked.

“No, silly! It’s YOUR birthday!” Pinkie informed him. “Silly little gargy! Plus we’re going to surprise you with the BEST looking party you’ve ever seen in your life! A Birthday / Welcome to Ponyville Party!”

“Yeah! Pinkie through me the same exact thing when I moved to Ponyville! It was on my birthday as well!” Rainbow informed him.

“Really?” Scorpan asked. “Did all of you have welcoming parties?”

“Well not ALL of us are from other towns.” Applejack informed him. “Some of us have lived in Ponyville for our entire lives. Like Rarity and me.”

“Mhm! But Pinkie through us each one anyway, because she was like, ‘why not’?” Rarity said.

“It’s true! That happened! I remember that!” Pinkie said.

“Really?” Scorpan asked.

“Yep! I threw one for Rarity, one for Applejack, one for Rainbow Dash, one for Fluttershy, one for me when I moved here, and even one for Twilight, and one for Starlight too!” Pinkie said excitedly.

“Wait, hang on a second.” Scorpan stopped her. “Didn’t you give Spike here a welcome party?”

“Well, it was a welcome Twilight / Spike party.” Pinkie said.

“Even though Spike’s name wasn’t on the banner.” Rainbow reminded her.

“Wait what?” Scorpan asked curiously. “How is that fair to him?”

“It’s no big deal, Scorpan!” Spike said. “I had fun at the party anyway! Made a ton of new friends in the process!”

“I see.” Scorpan nods.

“Ok, so let’s get started making the party!” Twilight said. “Scorpan, maybe you can make yourself busy and do something while we set up!”

“Anything I can do, Twilight?” Spike asked. “I really want to help decorate!”

“Actually, I thought you can go with Scorpan!” Twilight suggests. “Give you two a chance to hang out!”

“Sure! That sounds like a plan!” Spike accepts. “Scorpan, you good with that?”

“Uh, of course! Why not?” Scorpan shrugs. “Where to?”

“Anywhere you might not scare some ponies!” Spike teases. Scorpan chuckles after he says that.

“You know, there’s a really good deal at the spa!” Rarity informs them. “Maybe you two can have yourselves a 2 for 1 massage deal!”

“Great idea! I’ll go get my bits!” Spike said as he runs upstairs to his room to get his bits. Scorpan started to feel uneasy, and Twilight notices it.

“Something wrong, Scorpan?” Twilight asked.

“Huh? Oh no! I’m fine, Twilight! Thank you!” Scorpan said.

“Ok, if you say so!” Twilight said. “We’ll probably be done in about an hour, but don’t worry! After today, you’ll be making a ton of new friends!”

“I really hope so!” Scorpan nods.
> Talk the Talk, and Sit the Sit
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

So Scorpan and Spike began to walk down to the Ponyville Day Spa, but everypony keeps running away and hiding from him.

“Uh, Spike, did you have any trouble fitting in when you moved here?” Scorpan asked.

“Not really!” Spike said. “Nopony seemed afraid of me when I moved here!”

“Well that’s good to hear.” Scorpan said. “I really hope these ponies get used to me. They need to understand that I’m not a monster!”

“Don’t worry about it, dude!” Spike comforted him. “Look it took some time for everypony to get used to Discord and Trixie before they got reformed, but in the end, everypony got used to them when did something good! Maybe what you need to do at the party is to do something good for everypony! Let them know you want to be their friend!”

“I could try that.” Scorpan nods. “That’s a good idea, Spike! You’re really smart for your age!”

“Yep! Learned everything I know from my good friends!” Spike said. “Twilight and Celestia taught me academics, Twilight’s brother, Shining Armor taught me how to be tough, snarky, and have a nerdy side!” He chuckles. “Twilight’s parents, they were very supportive towards me! I think of all of them like family!”

“Really?” Scorpan asked.

“Yep!” Spike said.

“That’s good to hear!” Scorpan smiles.

Back at the party, the Mane Six were really decorating the place up to make it look nice for Scorpan. Everypony seemed satisfied to how it was looking, except for Rarity, who had to make sure the plasticware was straight enough.

“Okay, Rarity, okay! They look just fine!” Applejack informs her.

“No! They must be perfectly straight so they can look fabulous for the party, darling!” Rarity informs her. “I mean, it’s bad enough we have to use… eh, plasticware, instead of shiny and fancy silverware!”

“A fork’s a fork! They all work the same, no matter what it’s made out of!” Pinkie said.

“I try to keep plastic out of my cottage.” Fluttershy said. “Animals and plastic really don’t go together. That’s why my straws are made of paper.”

“Well everything looks perfect!” Twilight said.

“So are we ready for Scorpan yet?” Starlight asked. “It hasn’t been nearly an hour yet. It’s only been… I don’t know, five minutes?”

“I know, that’s because we need to invite everypony to the party.” Twilight said.

“Ah’m really not sure how we can persuade the whole town to come to this party.” Applejack said, feeling uneasy. “Ah mean, everypony is afraid of Scorpan.”

“I know it’s going to be pretty difficult, but I know we can persuade them!” Twilight said. “This might give us some ideas on how we can teach Scorpan had to reform his brother!”

“I like this idea!” Fluttershy said.

“I agree!” Rarity said. “If we’re going to teach Scorpan the right way, we need to get warmed up first!”

“WOO! Go team!” Pinkie cried out while wearing a cheerleader outfit. “We are the best! The seven friends of Harmony! Woo hoo!”

“But… I don’t have an element.” Starlight reminded her.

“Oh, Starlight, Starlight, Starlight.” Pinkie shakes her head at her. “You don’t need an element to have harmony!” She winks at her.

“Um, okay? I guess?” Starlight agreed awkwardly.

“Let’s do this, girls!” Twilight lead her friends.

“Gooooo FRIENDSHIP!” The Mane Six cried out as they all jumped into the air and hoof-bumped each other.

“Wait what?” Starlight asked, feeling confused, but once she got all caught up with the program, she hoof-bumps them. “Goooo friendship! Yeeeah!”

“You need to get with the program, Glimmer.” Rainbow informs her.

Over at the Ponyville Spa, Spike and Scorpan were relaxing in a mud bath, while wearing cucumbers on their eyes, and a seaweed mask. They were both lying there feeling relaxed. Scorpan sighs and says, “You’re right, Spike! I never felt so relaxed in my life! This spa really knows what they’re doing!”

“Yeah, good thing I persuaded the spa ponies they’re not evil!” Spike said.

“You’re really good at persuading!” Scorpan said. “After all, you did help Equestria gain alliances with both the dragons AND the changelings, by befriending the current leaders.”

“Yep!” Spike said. “You are correctamundo! Ember and Thorax are really good friends! It’s too bad they can’t stick around, since they’re running their kingdoms.”

“Yeah, but I should ask you, Spike, why did you give up the Dragon Lord title for Ember?” Scorpan asked.

“Because I didn’t want to leave my friends behind.” Spike said. “I knew I’d be needed here. After all, shortly after, I befriended Thorax, and if that didn’t happen, Starlight wouldn’t have been able to trust him, and be able to save us from Chrysalis.”

“Yeah, but it’s weird though.” Scorpan said. “Starlight, Trixie, Thorax, and Discord were all credited for saving Equestria from the Changelings, but… you weren’t.”

Spike chuckles and said, “Relax, dude! I’m already a hero of the Crystal Empire! I don’t need too many hero titles. Too many autographs to sign.”

“Why didn’t you stay at the Crystal Empire though?” Scorpan asked. “You’re well respected there. Much more respected than here.”

“What do you mean?” Spike asked. “I’m respected here! My friends all respect me very well. I’m not sure what gave you the idea that I’m not respected here.”

“Well, I mean, it’s just… you’ve been Twilight’s friend for… how long?” Scorpan asked. “Why weren’t you part of Twilight’s Magic of Friendship group?”

“Because I slept through the whole thing.” Spike said. “Hey, it’s no big deal! Twilight’s friends deserve what they got!”

“See? There you go! That’s the magic words: Twilight’s friends!” Scorpan said.

“Well hey now!” Spike leaned over and removed one of his cucumbers from one of his eyes to look over at Scorpan. “They’re MY friends too!”

“I wasn’t questioning that.” Scorpan corrected him. “But I mean, why are they your friends though?”

“Because they like me!” Spike said. “I’m really helpful to them!”

“Are you sure it’s not because you’re a friend of Twilight’s?” Scorpan asked.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Spike asked, feeling insulted.

“I’m just saying, they might like you because you’re close with Twilight.” Scorpan said. “If Twilight wasn’t there, just think about, would they be your friends?”

“Well, I… I…” Spike felt really confused after Scorpan explained that to him. He really felt like Scorpan could be right. Spike then got angry and asked, ‘Why do you care anyway? I just met you! You don’t know who I am!”

“I’ve meditated in that cave for a very long time.” Scorpan said. “I find you VERY interesting, Spike. I really respect you, and all that you do. You’re a very loyal friend to Twilight, and everypony you meet! But when I see you do all this stuff for your friends, it doesn’t look like you get the credit you deserve.”

“I get plenty of credit!” Spike said.

“What about the times you help Rarity out?” Scorpan asked. “You have a crush on her, do you not?”

Spike blushes in embarrassment. “Well… I mean, it wasn’t as strong as- ow, my eye! Ow! The mask stuff is getting into my eye!” Spike wipes his eye off with a towel, and places the cucumber back on his eye to stop any more of the chemicals from getting in. “Anyway, the crush isn’t as strong as it was before. I mean, before I was really loopy when I saw her! Now I just… you know… play it natural! I still really like her, but… there’s no floating hearts anymore! Besides, she rewards me for my hard work.”

“Uh huh, and what about when you slept in that library with Twilight?” Scorpan asked.

“What are you talking about?” Spike asked.

“You slept in that little doggy bed, didn’t you?” Scorpan asked.

“I have NO idea where you’re getting that from!” Spike said, feeling nervous. “I didn’t tell you that!”

“I meditate.” Scorpan reminded him.

“You mediate, but you’re stalking me?” Spike asked.

“I see what I need to see.” Scorpan said. “I don’t know if you noticed or not, but… Twilight hatched you and raised you, right?”

“I am well aware of that.” Spike said.

“And is she considered your mother?” Scorpan asked.

“I… I don’t know!” Spike answered, feeling uncomfortable with the conversation. “Scorpan, why are you asking me all these questions? This is getting really weird!”

“Spike, you’re a dragon living in a pony world!” Scorpan informed him. “All you’re doing with your life is doing chores and being the bag-boy of a princess! You’re her servant! Do you even have a destiny?”

“Ok, this is getting waaay too far.” Spike said as he stands up and places his towel around his waist. “I know who I am, Scorpan. I am Spike, and I’m my own dragon! I make my own decisions! I choose to stay with Twilight because I love her very much! She needs me as much as I need her!”

“Are you sure about that?” Scorpan asked as his questions started becoming more aggressive. “She goes on adventures without you, but do you ever go on any adventures without her? What do you do when she leaves you behind on your friendship retreats? Leaves you all alone? Do you even have a backup group of friends you hang out with?! And what about a destiny?!”

“ENOUGH!” Spike yells. “Enough, Scorpan! This spa treatment is over! You’re really making me feel uncomfortable! You’re telling me stuff that isn’t true! My friends all care for me deeply! I don’t need you or anyone else telling me otherwise!” Spike climbs out of the mud bath, and starts walking out of the room, but bumps into a pole on the way out.

“Uh, Spike?” Scorpan asked. “That’s not the right-“

“Ow!” Spike yells as he bumps into the wall a few feet from the exit door.

“Maybe you should take off those-“ Scorpan was about to suggest, but gets interrupted.

“I KNOW WHERE I’M GOING!” Spike yells as he turns around and walks towards the exit door, but ends up bumping onto the side. “Ow! Don’t you dare say anything, Scorpan!”

“I didn’t.” Scorpan corrected him. 

Spike removes the cucumbers from his eyes, and removes the mask from his face. “Ouch!” He then tosses the mask aside and walks out of the room. He starts walking towards the exit door while facing Scorpan angrily. “I’m leaving now, and when I see you again, I don’t want anymore questions about my relationships with my friends, or what my life choices are! Got it?”

“I got it,” Scorpan accepts, “but you should really face forward while-“

“OW!” Spike yells as he bumps into the wall in the hallway right outside. “Don’t!” He yells as he covers his nose. “Don’t say it, Scorpan! Don’t say a thing!”

Once Spike walks away, Scorpan shakes his head and says, “Tsk, tsk, tsk. That dragon needs to know the truth. I really care for him, but he’s blind... no pun intended. He doesn’t know that his life is going nowhere by staying with that neglectful princess!”
> Party at Friendship Castle
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Spike and Scorpan started walking back to the castle from the spa, but not looking eye to eye. Spike was feeling pretty mad at Scorpan for all the questions that made him uncomfortable, and Scorpan was starting to feel bad, but he didn’t say a thing.

“I can’t wait till my birthday party!” Scorpan said excitedly, trying to make conversation. “I’m not sure if anyone’s coming though.”

“Oh ponies will come.” Spike said. “If I know Pinkie Pie, she would know EXACTLY what would attract the crowd. Remember what I said, Scorpan: just be kind, and help them out.”

Once they got to the castle, Spike and Scorpan both open the separate double doors, and they notice the CROWD of ponies inside the castle. “SURPRISE!” Everypony cries out.

“Whoa! I was wrong!” Scorpan said in shock.

“And I was right! I like being right!” Spike teased.

“What happened?” Scorpan asked. “Why is everypony here? I thought they were afraid of me?”

“WE ARE STILL!” Bulk yells.

“Eeeee…yup!” Big Mac said nervously.

“But they’re giving you a chance!” Twilight said.

“I told them Tirek would just drain their magic without question.” Rainbow said. “He wouldn’t hide his plan and then pounce!”

“We also told them if ya did, we would use our Rainbow power to send you to where yer brother is now.” Applejack smirks at him.

“Welcome to your party, Scorpan! IT’S YOUR BIRTHAVERSARY!” Pinkie cries out. The music starts playing as everypony starts dancing. Scorpan just stood there in confusion.

“What is everypony doing?” Scorpan asked. “Are they all having seizures or something?”

“No, they’re dancing!” Spike said. “That’s what ponies do at a party! They music and dance! Don’t your people do that?”

“No.” Scorpan said. “In our parties, we just sit and eat, play some games, and argue about politics that no one cares about.”

“Politics?” Spike asked. “Are you kidding? Wrong party, dude! Come on! Let’s celebrate! Prove to the ponies that you’re cool!”  Spike runs in to join the party.

“Cool… okay, I’ll give it a try.” Scorpan said as he joins in. Ponies started backing away from him, as they didn’t completely trust him yet. Scorpan didn’t know what to do next, so he looked down at Spike as he showed him what he needed to do. Spike starts tap-dancing to the music. He then starts Irish step-dancing as he dances around Scorpan and everypony clops their hooves for Spike’s sick moves. He then slides with his knees across the floor and everypony cheers for Spike. He transfers the dance floor over to Scorpan so he can dance. He was feeling a little nervous as everypony watched him stand there. Spike provides an easier example for him as he bounces his body up and down while moving his knees inwards and outwards. Scorpan knew it couldn’t get easier than that, so he does the same dance move as Spike did. He was a little concerned at first, but ponies started to become impressed on how much he’s learning. Scorpan smiles at Spike as he got the hang of it, and Spike gave him a thumb up. Scorpan begins to dance even harder and having the time of his life. Ponies start cheering for him as he becomes the light of the party, until he accidently kicks Bulk Biceps across the room.

“I’M OKAY!” Bulk yells as he rubes his head in pain while climbing out of the hole he made on the wall. 

Scorpan chuckles in embarrassment as ponies start looking at me nervously again. “Heh… uh… woopsy!”

“Uhh…” Spike looks around to try to give Scorpan something to help him feel helpful. “Oh!” Spike spots a plate of donuts up ahead and hands them over to Scorpan. “Use these!”

“Oh I’m not that hungry right now for these… o’s.” Scorpan declined.

“They’re donuts, and they’re not for you; they’re for the other ponies!” Spike explained. “Offer them some donuts, and ask them some questions; and before you ask, no, not questions about their personal lives.”

“Drat.” Scorpan mumbled in defeat.

“Just try to make friends with them!” Spike instructed him. “Show them that you’re interested in what they have to say! Also, it’s probably best not to talk about your brother.”

“Yeah, I agree.” Scorpan nods. “Are you sure I can do this?”

“You did once a thousand years ago! You can do it again! I believe in you, bro!” Spike said. 

Scorpan and Spike walk their separate ways as Scorpan clears his throat and walks over to a group of ponies hanging out. The ponies include Merry May, Parasol, and Sea Swirl. “Uh, hi!” Scorpan starts the conversation.

“Uh, hi!” Sea Swirl said with an awkward smile.

“Scorpan is it?” Parasol asked.

“Yes, it is!” Scorpan was feeling pretty nervous, as he did not want to screw this up. “Umm… would you like donut?”

“That sounds rad! What kind of flavors do you have?” Merry May asked.

“Uhh.” Scorpan observes the donuts, and sniffs them out. He even takes one and gives it a bite, but he was still confused. “Uhh… donut flavor?” He smiles awkwardly at the ponies, and the ponies just stared at him in confusion. All Scorpan could hear was his heart beating faster and faster, and he could feel the sweat rolling down his face, and his cheeks were beginning to feel really sore from all the smiling. Just then, Sea Swirl snorts as she starts laughing, and her friends follow along hysterically.

“Scorpan you are sooo totally funny!” Sea Swirl said.

“I am?” Scorpan asked curiously.

“Of course! We love funny!” Sea Swirl said. Scorpan smiles with glee.

“So… what are your names? What do all of you… do for a living?” Scorpan asked.

“Well, my name is Merry May,” Merry May started, “I work as a supervisor at the Cloudsdale Cloud Factory!”

“Do you enjoy it?” Scorpan asked.

“Ehh, yes and no.” Merry answered. “I do enjoy the work there, but my employees… ugh! They’re such a huge pain in the flank! Like this one day, one of my employees, Hoops…”

As Scorpan was making friends with the other ponies, Spike was about to get some food from the table where Twilight stops him. “Oh there you are, Spike!” She said. “Are you enjoying the party?”

“Yep! I sure am!” Spike said. “I’m so proud of Scorpan! He’s really getting along with everypony!”

“I knew everypony would give him a chance sooner or later! They always do!” Twilight said. “Hey, Spike, you think you can do me a favor?”

“Well,” Spike started, “I was actually about to-“

“Great! I need to make notes on this project!” Twilight said. “I need you to get paper, and help me write down everypony’s opinions on Scorpan, and then afterwards, I need to talk to you about my friends’ and my strategies on how we persuaded everypony to give Scorpan a chance! He’ll need it for his lessons!”

“Well… can I do it later, Twilight?” Spike asked. “I’m really in a party mood right now, and-“

“Spike, please! This is important!” Twilight begs. “This is for Scorpan! This is about trying to get him to rekindle his trust with Tirek.”

“I understand that, Twilight.” Spike said. “But I’m really-“

“Please, Spike!” Twilight begs.

Spike saw the desperateness in Twilight’s eyes, and Spike could never say no to her. He sighs and says, “Fine, I’ll do it.”

“Eee! Thank you, Spike!” Twilight jumped and down in excitement. “I’m going to talk to my friends about strategies on ways to teach Scorpan what he needs to know.” Twilight trots off to join her friends, leaving Spike to feel concerned.

“Your friends?” Spike asked. “Twilight making me do a task in the middle of a social gathering?”

Meanwhile, Scorpan continued talking to the ponies he was talking to before, but even more ponies came to talk to him. “Hey, Scorpan?” Lucky Clover asked. “Can you tell us a bit about that medallion you have?”

“Of course!” Scorpan said pleasingly. “I made this myself! It’s the Symbol of the Three Sides.”

“Oooo.” The ponies said, feeling impressed.

“What does it mean?” Parasol asked.

“Well, each angle represents a certain point in life.” Scorpan explained. “This top angle represents the present; it represents what you need to do, how to reach your goal, and what you currently have. It is the most important angle of the three, as it connects to your past and future. The angle on the bottom left represents your past, your history, the lessons you’ve learned, and how you’ve learned them. You must never forget your past. The side also represents your origins – how you’ve came to be.”

“And I’m guessing the right angle is your future?” Lucky Clover asked.

“Lucky guess!” Scorpan said.

“No, it was pretty obvious.” Lucky admitted.

“It represents everything about your future.” Scorpan continued. “It represents your destiny, your goal, your meaning in life. Everyone has a destiny, but not everyone knows exactly what it is yet, and your destiny may not be what you think it is. The center of the medallion, all those shapes inside, represent the zig-zags that is your life. Life is not one big straight line – it does have zig-zags, and it sometimes comes in full-circle, or in this case, full-triangle, and your past may help you achieve what you need to do in your future; or your future might reveal some unanswered questions of your past.”

“Wow, that’s deep.” Sea Swirl commented.

“It is.” Scorpan agreed. “However, like I said, it all gets connected by the present. Because if you haven’t noticed, your past used to be the present, and your future will soon be the present. That’s what the Medallion of the Three Sides represents.”

Meanwhile, Spike has been talking to a lot of ponies, and taking notes of how the Mane Six persuaded them to give Scorpan a chance. Spike walks over to Trixie next to see what she might have to say. “Well, I wouldn’t say that Starlight really persuaded me to give Scorpan a chance.” She explains. “I just trust her judgment, and I decided to just go with it! I don’t care if he’s the brother of the biggest evil sorcerer in Equestria; I mean after all, you know how I was!”

“I have to admit to you, Trixie; you were not as bad as he was!” Spike teases.

“Trixie is so glad to not be the WORST!” Trixie said as she chuckles.

“Hey, Trixie, can I ask you something?” Spike asked.

“Ask away, Twilight’s dragon servant!” Trixie said.

“Oh… umm… okay.” Spike said, starting to feel uneasy. “Do you… uhh… do you think I really… fit in?”

“Well, you are a dragon in a pony world.” Trixie said. “I mean, heh, dragons are considered evil by pony standards. I’m sure you’re lucky everypony here likes you. I mean, if Twilight hasn’t said anything about you being nice and all, I don’t think anypony here would’ve given you a chance; much like Scorpan for example! You’re two of a kind!”

“Oh…” Spike said, feeling in doubt of himself.

“Of course there is Discord.” Trixie said. “But nopony really likes him. I don’t! I at least like you, Spike! Be lucky to consider the Great and Poweful Trixie as a friend!”

“Oh… thanks… Trixie.” Spike said in grief.

“Anytime! Feel free to chat whenever you want; you know, when ponies stop treating you like a punching bag.” Trixie chuckles as she trots away. Spike has never felt so hurt and lost in his life. Of course that was just Trixie talking, and Spike really doesn’t want to believe her, but Scorpan said the exact same thing, and that’s what made him feel in grief.

Starlight notices Spike standing around, so she walks over to him to chat. “Hey, Spike! Everything okay?” She asks.

“Oh I’m… fine!” Spike fakes a smile. “I’m really enjoying the party!”

“I can tell Scorpan is too!” Starlight said. “I can see the Cutie Mark Crusaders giving him a big present! Wonder what it is?”

“Um, Starlight?” Spike asks. “You think ponies would’ve liked me if Twilight wasn’t around?”

“Umm… I don’t know, I can’t really answer that question.” Starlight said. “I know dragons aren’t really considered to be on good terms with ponies, but I thought you were an exception?”

“I thought so too.” Spike said.

“Well ponies wouldn’t have liked me if Twilight didn’t vouch for me.” Starlight informed him. “Her friends gave me a chance only because Twilight said so, and I’m lucky to have them!”

“Ok, I guess, that’s… a good point.” Spike said. “How about my destiny? Do you think I might have one?”

“Isn’t your destiny to be Twilight’s number one assistant?” Starlight asked.

“Well… I… umm… kinda.” Spike said. “I love helping her out! But… I’m a dragon in a pony world, do you think I might, you know, have more of a purpose in living in a world full of ponies?”

“Spike, your destiny is whatever you want it to be.” Starlight said. “I understand you’re confused. I don’t know what my purpose in life is either. I’m still trying to figure it out. But for the time being, I’m just happy being Twilight’s pupil!”

“That’s good!” Spike said. “But if you had to guess, what do you think my purpose in life COULD be?”

“I’m not an expert at destinies, Spike.” Starlight informed him. “You should talk to somepony with a little more experience in that field. Maybe a cutie mark expert or something.”

“Hmm.” Spike thought. He then turns around and spots the Cutie Mark Crusaders giving Scorpan a huge homemade blanket.

“This is so nice of you! Thank you!” Scorpan said gratefully to them.

“Any time, Scorpan! A friend of our sisters is a friend of ours!” Apple Bloom said.

“And we really want you to feel welcomed here in Ponyville!” Sweetie Belle said.

“This is so sweet!” Scorpan said. “This is almost as nice as the first medallion my mother gave me. I gave it to Tirek before I left him, and- oh… woops!” Scorpan slaps his forehead in embarrassment. “Ugh! I mentioned my brother again! I’m sorry!”

“Nah, no sweat it!” Scootaloo said. “You’re nothing like that mean old brother of yours! Um, heh, no offense.”

“None taken!” Scorpan said as he rubs the blanket against his cheek. “This blanket is really soft and warm.”

“Granny Smith taught me everythin’ ah know about sewin’!” Apple Bloom said.

As Spike overhears the conversation, he smiles and says, “Perfect! Destiny, here I come!”

“HAPPY BIRTHEVERSARY, SCORPAN!” Pinkie cries out in glee as she blows on a streamer.

“HAPPY BIRTHEVERSARY, SCORPAN!” Everypony else in the room all yell out after. Scorpan felt really happy to finally be accepted into pony society again. He felt like he was right at home!
> Breakfast With Scorpan
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

ACT 3: Reformations and Destinies

When the next day came, Spike was sleeping peacefully on his bed, but he awoken by a sensational scent. “Mmm.” The smoke fumes ask Spike to come, so Spike’s tail starts spinning like a propeller as he begins floating out of his room, down the halls, right past a confused Owlowiscious, and down to the dining room where his eyes suddenly open in excitement as he yells, “CANDYSTONE WAFFLES!” He then suddenly falls on the floor with a thump, face-first, and then he climbs up to his seat and sees the gemstone waffles sitting right in front of him. “Twilight! Thank you! Thank you for making my favorite breakfast for me! But how did you know how to make them?! I never taught you!”

“She didn’t.” Scorpan said as the strange gargoyle statue from across the room turns back into Scorpan.

“WHOA!” Spike gets startled. “How did you do that?”

“I’m a gargoyle, Spike.” Scorpan said. “Us gargoyles can turn into stone. Sorry if I startled you.”

“Wait, you made these?” Spike asked.

“Candystone waffles are a favorite cuisine back in my homeland.” Scorpan said. “I’m not sure if you noticed, but us gargoyles can eat gemstones too!”

“You can?” Spike asked.

“Yep!” Scorpan said as he sits down on a chair across from Spike, and in front of Scorpan lies another plate of candystone waffles. “Ponies would be able to enjoy gemstones as much as we do,” Scorpan ties a bib around his neck, “but they have such fragile teeth.”

“Yeah, heh!” Spike chuckles. “One time, Pinkie Pie’s sister Maud was in town with some candy stones, Pinkie was so angry that she wasn’t able to eat them! She calls them the candy from Tartarus!”

“I can see why!” Scorpan said.

“Yeah, but Pinkie’s sister scares me.” Spike said. “She has the teeth of a dragon! She’s the only pony I know that has strong enough teeth to eat gemstones.”

“No way!” Scorpan said surprisingly.

“Yeah way!” Spike said as he takes a bite of the waffles. “Mmm! These waffles are really good, dude! Why did you make them?”

“Well, number one reason, I was craving them!” Scorpan said. “But the second reason, it’s an apology for yesterday. I really stressed you out with all my questions.”

“Ehh, all water under the bridge, as Fluttershy always says.” Spike said.

“Yeah, you really have some good friends, Spike!” Scorpan said.

“Yep!” Spike said as he takes another bite. “But you do have a point about one thing.”

“Oh yeah?” Scorpan asked.

“Yeah, you right about- OW! I bit my lip! OW! That really hurt!” Spike cried.

“Are you alright?” Scorpan asked.

“Yeah, I’ll be fine, but it’s going to be much easier to bite my lip again later. It’s so annoying how that works.” Spike said, and Scorpan nods. “So yeah, you were right about me trying to figure out what my destiny is.”

“I thought you were happy being Twilight’s assistant?” Scorpan asked.

“I am!” Spike said. “I’m not going to stop doing that! But that’s true, I am a dragon in a pony world, I have to be here for a reason. Why did I come here? What is my purpose in the pony world?”

“To be the comedic sidekick and punching bag?” Scorpan teases.

“Not funny.” Spike said, feeling insulted. “I’m so glad I haven’t been the target of bad luck ever since Starlight moved in.”

“Sorry about that.” Scorpan said.

“No problemo.” Spike said. “Anyway, I’m going to be out of the castle today to visit the Cutie Mark Crusaders. Maybe they can help me out.”

“You sure they’ll be able to help?” Scorpan asked. 

“There is nopony that could help me out more in this situation than Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo!” Spike said. “I really believe they can help.”

“Well, then I wish you the best of luck, bro!” Scorpan said as he gave Spike a thumb up. “I do hope you find what you’re looking for in life.”

“I do as well.” Spike said. “How about you, bro? What’s your plan for today?”

“Twilight and the others are going to start teaching me how to reform today.” Scorpan said. “I hope to learn as much as I can. They’re my only hope in reuniting with Tirek.”

“Well best of luck to you as well!” Spike said. “There are no better friendship teachers in all of Equestria than Twilight Sparkle, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, and the others who I don’t feel like naming because I think you get the picture.”

Scorpan chuckles. “Oh I do, Spike! I do very much so!” Scorpan raises his orange juice glass in the air and says, “A toast to friendship!”

“To reaching our goals!” Spike said with his glass in the air. They try to cling their glasses together, but the table is so wide that they can’t reach each other. “Umm… cling?”

“Cling!” Scorpan said.

After breakfast was done, Spike and Scorpan went their separate ways to perform what they have planned. As Spike heads out of the castle to visit the Cutie Mark Crusaders, Twilight takes Scorpan to visit each of her friends, so they each can provide a unique lesson for him. Scorpan and Twilight started to chat as they walked through Ponyville.

“Now, Scorpan, are you ready for your first reforming lesson?” Twilight asked.

“I’ve been ready since I summoned you to Star Swirl’s cave!” Scorpan said.

“I hope so!” Twilight said. “I hope you’re enjoying Ponyville so far! I’m really happy to see you and Spike have been really getting along!”

“Of course, I think of him as a brother!” Scorpan said. “He’s been such a good friend ever since I moved here; and the castle has been comfortable too! I love that giant bed you made for me!”

“Made of very comfortable, yet rough hay from Sweet Apple Acres!” Twilight said.

“Yep!” Scorpan agreed. “Sorry for breaking the original bed that was in that room. As you noticed, I’m not really pony-sized.”

“In all honesty, I pictured you to be a lot bigger.” Twilight teases as they both laugh. Scorpan’s size is more or less the same as Trouble Shoes, but maybe a little taller and wider. The first pony they go to is Rainbow Dash. She and her friend Gilda fly down from her house to greet Scorpan.

“Scorpaaaan!” Rainbow Dash greeted him as she gives him a hoof-bump. “How’s it hanging?”

“How’s what hanging?” Scorpan asked.

“You!” Rainbow said.

“Umm…” Scorpan didn’t know what to say since he didn’t know what she was talking about.

“Nevermind.” Rainbow said. “Scorpan, this is my oldest friend, Gilda the Griffon!”

“What’s up? You look pretty cool for a non-griffon.” Gilda said.

“Thanks!” Scorpan said. “It’s been ages since I’ve seen another griffon!”

“Can we hurry this up, Dash?” Gilda complains. “I want to hang some more before I head to the meeting in Canterlot. This ‘ambassador’ thing is a super boring job.”
“This won’t take long as all, Gilds! Once we’re done, I can show you some sick tricks I learned at Wonderbolts training!” Rainbow said as she spins around in the air. “Now listen up, Scorpan, and listen up good!” She boops him on the nose. “My friend Gilda here, she wasn’t always the kind griffon you see before you.”

“Just get to the point, Dash.” Gilda rolls her eyes in boredom.

“Well, my point is,” Rainbow explains, “she was really grouchy and mean since the other griffons at Griffonstone were pretty much a bad influence on her, and she puts her grouchiness out on my friends. But when Pinkie Pie and I were summoned by the Friendship Map to get to Griffonstone to help rebuild their society, Gilda remembered how much of a true friend I’ve always been to her, and then she was no longer mean to my friends! And because of her, Griffonstone isn’t AS grouchy as it used to be. Still a little bit, but not too much. Isn’t that right, Gilds?”

“Not very proud to admit it, but it’s true.” Gilda said. “I’ve finally seen the… hmph…” She cringes. “…error of my ways. Not that there was much wrong with me before, I mean come on! If you’ve seen the other Griffons, they were waaaaaaay meaner than I was!” She chuckles. Everyone just looks at her awkwardly. She clears her throat and continues, “Well, once Pinkie Pie reminded me how much of a true friend Rainbow Dash was to me, I guess you can say I was, you know, ‘reformed’, if that’s what you want to call it. Now we’re sisters to the beak again!”

“You got it, sister!” Rainbow and Gilda high-hoof.

“So, Scorpan, what do you think?” Twilight asks.

Scorpan nods his head and says, “So I guess I might have to remind Scorpan how much he means to me. That would reform him?”

“It could.” Twilight corrects him. “That’s one of the things you can do, but every reforming process uses a different tactic. I can show you what I mean when we get to Fluttershy’s.”

“Alright! Thanks for the help, Rainbow Dash! You too, Gilds!” Scorpan said.

“No, dude, no.” Gilda shakes her head. “Only Dash can call me that.”

As Twilight and Scorpan made their way to Fluttershy’s cottage, Spike heads over to the Cutie Mark Crusaders Tree House. Inside, Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle start up another crusader meeting.

“Here thee, here thee! The two-hundredth and forty-seven meeting of the Cutie Mark Crusaders is now in session!” Apple Bloom starts the meeting.

“Why bother keep doing these meetings, Apple Bloom?” Scootaloo asks. “We haven’t done that much Cutie Mark Crusadering in a long time.”

“Yeah, I mean, what’s the point?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“Mah point is, we need to talk about a strategy to get us back on track again.” Apple Bloom answered. “Yes, ponies in town haven’t been askin’ for cutie mark help lately, but that’s okay! Ah got the perfect solution to our problems!” She smiles with glee.

Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle look at each other confusingly, and Scootaloo comments, “Which is…”

“Cutie Mark Crusaders goin’ nation-wide!” Apple Bloom cries out in excitement.

“You mean travel all over Equestria to find cutie mark help?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“Ex-actly!” Apple Bloom said. “So what do you girls think?” Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo both glare at her.

“Didn’t we have this conversation already?” Sweetie Belle asked. “Didn’t we say before that we’re too young to do that?” Just then there was a knock on the door. “Ooo! Looks like somepony wants some cutie mark help!” She said excitedly.

“Either that, or its Snips and Snails pranking us again.” Scootaloo said.

“Come in!” Apple Bloom yells out. The door opens, and in comes Spike.

“SPIKE!” Sweetie Belle cried out in excitement. “I’m so glad you’re here!”

“Um, WE are so glad you’re here.” Scootaloo corrected her.

“Oh, well, I didn’t want to… you know… speak for you two!” Sweetie Belle blushes in embarrassment.

“It’s nice to see you too, crusaders!” Spike said. “It’s also nice to be seen!” He says snarkily. Sweetie Belle giggles, but the others just look at Sweetie Belle awkwardly.

“So what brings you here, Spike?” Apple Bloom asked.

“Well, I… you know, I actually wanted to talk to you about something… you know… personal.” Spike said nervously.

“How personal?” Scootaloo asked curiously.

“Well, since you’re the Cutie Mark Crusaders and all,” Spike begins, “and are good at helping others find their destinies, and since you did this sort of thing with a griffon before. I was wondering…”

“You want us to help you find yours?” Apple Bloom guesses.

“Yeah!” Spike answers. “I mean I’m not asking for a cutie mark, since… you know… dragons can’t get them.”

“Well that’s easy!” Scootaloo said as she walks over to Spike and puts her arm around him. “You want to know what your destiny is? Well you’ve come to the right fillies! There is nopony that knows destiny better than us!”

“Ah wouldn’t say THAT.” Apple Bloom comments.

“My point is, Spike, no matter if you’re a pony or not, everyone has a destiny!” Scootaloo said. “And I think I might just know what your destiny is!”

“You do?!” Spike asks in excitement.

“Absolutely!” Scootaloo said. “You’re good at helping ponies, right?”

“And other dragons and changelings too if you count them!” Spike added.

“Even better!” Scootaloo said. “And since you’re really good at helping others, and our last non-pony client is also good at helping others out, we shall dub thee...” Scootaloo places a crusaders cloak around Spike and ties it up. “…Spike, the first official DRAGON Cutie Mark Crusader! Yay, Spike! Woo hoo!” Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom both look at Scootaloo awkwardly. “What?” Scootaloo asks.

“Um, yeeeeeah.” Spike said awkwardly as he removes the cloak from his neck. “I appreciate the offer and all, and it would be nice helping ponies out like you guys do, but I don’t really know much about Cutie Marks like you, nor do I really care. I just want to know what my purpose in life is.”

“Well, we can do that too!” Scootaloo said.

“It’s a shame. It would’ve been nice to have you with us!” Sweetie Belle admits.

“But regardless, we will help you find your special purpose in life!” Apple Bloom said. “Although… ah thought your purpose in life was to help Twilight out?”

“Yeah, Starlight asked me the same thing.” Spike said. “I LOVE being Twilight’s number one assistant, and I never want to stop doing it, but I just think there might be more to my life than just that.”

“What about you being a hero of the Crystal Empire?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“That’s not really a destiny. That’s just a good deed.” Spike corrects them. “I didn’t even know what I was doing half the time, and the first time I wouldn’t have been able to make it without Princess Cadance saving me and the heart.”

“Well, if you really want us to help you find your purpose in like, Spike, we’ll do it! We never say no to a pony- err, dragon in need!” Apple Bloom said.

“Thanks, crusaders!” Spike said. “So where should we start?”

“We start how we always start!” Apple Bloom said.

Then, all the crusaders yell out, “THE CRUSADERS CHART!” As they show Spike their chart of different activities. Spike felt so optimistic of all the different options he has!
> Tea With Discord
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Next stop on Scorpan’s reforming lessons, Twilight takes him to Fluttershy’s for some tea.

“Of course I will tell you all about the time I reformed Discord, Scorpan!” Fluttershy said to Scorpan.

“That’s great! I really appreciate this, Fluttershy!” Scorpan said gratefully. “I’ve seen you reform him in my visions, but I couldn’t get too much detail out of it.”

“Please, join us for some tea!” Fluttershy offered as she flies over to her table with four chairs and some tea ready to go. “Discord should be here any minute now! Please, make yourselves comfortable while I get some treats!” Scorpan and Twilight both sit down on the table as Angel hops on the table.

“Ah, a bunny!” Scorpan said as he spots Angel. “How cute!” Angel looks at Scorpan confusingly.

“He sure is!” Twilight said as he pets Angel’s ears, causing Angel to happily thump his foot. “This is Angel, one of Fluttershy’s first animal friends!”

“He’s really cute!” Scorpan said.

“You want to pet him?” Twilight asked.

“Don’t mind if I do!” Scorpan accepts as he lifts his claw to give Angel a pet, but as Angel spots Scorpan’s huge sharp claws, he screams and runs away. “What? Was it something I said?”

Just then, Discord teleports into the cottage with a covered tray of hors d’oeuvres. “Oh Fluttershy!” He calls out. “I’m here for our weekly tea, and I brought some hors d’oeuvres!” Discord opens the tray to reveal some live crabs that are shaped like cookies. “I hope you like crab cookies! You can say they’re just little hermits living by themselves!” He chuckles. Once he turns around, he confusingly says, “You’re not Fluttershy.” He observes Scorpan. “Hmm. Ah, you must be Fluttershy’s brother! Pleasure to meet you! You’re exactly as I pictured you!” Discord shows Scorpan a drawing he made of crayon that is shaped to look like Scorpan but has green lines, horns, his arms and legs made to look like sticks, and blonde muffin-shaped hair, and his eyes were derped in the picture, and his mouth was like a huge O. 

“Uh, Discord, we met over a thousand years ago; and even if you don’t remember, we met again couple of days ago. You know me.” Scorpan reminded him.

“Oh, I can’t tell the difference between those I meet sometimes.” Discord said as he poofs himself to look like an old man in a golf uniform while carrying a walker. “My poor old mind isn’t what it used to be, sonny-boy.” He then starts coughing.

“Uh, Discord, we’re here because we want you and Fluttershy to discuss the time when you were reformed.” Twilight informs him.

“Hmm… was I reformed?” Discord asks as he deforms himself to make himself look like Picasso’s art. “Was this what I looked like back then?” Scorpan and Twilight both look at each other awkwardly.

“Uh, we’re talking about you were evil.” Twilight corrects him.

As Discord fixes his look as he then explains, “Ah, ah, ah. I was never evil. I was chaotic. Don’t you remember? If I was evil I would’ve actually hurt ponies. But I wouldn’t hurt a fly!” Discord starts petting a giant fly.

“You did hurt my friends and I pretty badly before.” Twilight informed him.

“Mentally, but not physically.” Discord corrected her. “I was only trying to bring you girls apart so you wouldn’t use the elements against me. It was nothing personal whatsoever.”

“Uh huh, if you say so.” Twilight just went with it.

“I have the treats ready!” Fluttershy said as she brings in some snacks. She spots Discord and smiles with glee. “Oh, Discord! You’re here! I see you got well acquainted with Scorpan!”

“Oh yes, we’re the best of friends now. We’re practically brothers!” Discord teases, but Scorpan just glares at him.

“So, Fluttershy, you think you can tell us a little bit about how you reformed Discord?” Twilight asked.

“Oh it wasn’t easy!” Fluttershy said. “I didn’t think I could do it at first! But Princess Celestia really trusted my judgment, so I decided to give us a chance.”

“To be quite honest, Celestia really has grown to be really bold for her age.” Discord said as he puts sugar and a bunch of random items into his tea. “She wasn’t always this smart, you know. For example: did you know, a long time ago, that she used the Elements of Harmony to turn me into stone? I mean, who does that? Even I know there is such a thing as overkill.” He takes a sip from his tea.

“That’s when I thought the best way to reform him is to give him a friend!” Fluttershy said as she hugs him. “I know some can be grouchy if they’re all alone.”

“Oh trust me; I have a friend that’s had experience in that field!” Twilight said.

“When Discord pushed me too hard and I decided not to be his friend anymore, he just lost it.” Fluttershy explains.

“Uh, for the record, I did have a moment of weakness there, but that doesn’t mean I ‘lost it’.” Discord corrects her in denial.

“So he decided to change his ways, and we’ve been the best of friends ever since!” Fluttershy concludes her story.

“Gotta hand it to Fluttershy!” Discord admits. “She may be soft on the outside, but hardcore as a diamond on the inside. I like that in a friend!” Fluttershy giggles.

“So, to reform Tirek, I have to be his friend again?” Scorpan asked.

“You just have to show him that you care!” Fluttershy said. “If he doesn’t believe you, maybe you can ask somepony else to be friends with him as well! The more the merrier!”

“Well, maybe Spike and him might get along well!” Scorpan suggests.

“Uh, no!” Twilight shuts him down immediately. “I don’t want Spike to get even near Tirek until I know he can be trusted!”

“But Twilight, he’s old enough to make his own decisions.” Scorpan reminds him.

“I don’t care, I forbid him to be in any part of that.” Twilight demands. “If you want to use a new friend, you’ll have to use somepony else.”

“How about you, Twilight?” Fluttershy asked.

“He DESTROYED my library, and drained the magic out of my friends! The chances of me being friends with him are way below zero!” Twilight said angrily. “No offense, Scorpan.”

“None taken, Twilight.” He said.

“Well maybe I would be friends with him, just as soon as I get an apology out of him.” Discord orders. “I do not take kindly to those who break their word. Also if he gets me a new jetski.”

“Can’t you just make one?” Fluttershy asked.

“You know I’m quite picky, Fluttershy. Have you JUST met me?” Discord complained.

“Well this was certainly an experience.” Scorpan comments.

Meanwhile, the CMCs begin on helping Spike find what he’s looking for in life, and they start off by taking him to their school. “Here are, Spike! The Ponyville School House! Perhaps your destiny is in there!” Apple Bloom said.

“Uh, Apple Bloom, I’m not really sure where you’re getting at.” Spike said, feeling confused.

“You’re smart, right?” Apple Bloom asked.

“I’ve hung out with Twilight for so long.” Spike said. “You tend to learn a thing or two when you’re helping her study.”

“Exactly! So why don’t you help Cheerilee out? Be her… helper teacher?” Sweetie Belle suggests.

“You mean be her assistant?” Spike asked.

“Yeah, why not? You’re already good at that!” Scootaloo said.

“Um… ok, I can give it a shot.” Spike went with it. 

The four of them enter the school while Cheerilee was fast asleep leaning back on her chair with her hind legs stacked on her desk. She was snoring really loud with a book covering her face. The crusaders yell out, “Hi, Miss Cheerilee!” Cheerilee jumps as she wakes up being startled by the crusaders’ yelling.

“AAH, where’s the fire? Manticore attack?!” Cheerilee yells. She then rubs her eyes and spots her unexpected guests. “Oh, hey girls! You’re early! You’re early by a…” Cheerilee checks her clock. “…by an hour! I thought only one of my students did that?” She points over and the crusaders looked in that general direction to see Truffle Shuffle as he waves at the crusaders.

“Teacher’s pet.” Scootaloo mumbles.

“Mornin’, Miss Cheerilee!” Apple Bloom greeted her. “We can tell you need some help with classes.”

“Uh… I never said that.” Cheerilee corrects her.

“No, but you did look like it,” Scootaloo said. “and we have you an assistant! Ta da!”

“Hey, Cheerilee!” Spike greeted.

“Hey, Spike!” Cheerilee said. “Now what was that about assistants?”

“Spike’s going to help you out with classes!” Sweetie Belle said. “He’s looking for a special purpose in life, so he’s helping you out! Maybe he can be your… apprentice!”

“So my destiny is to be a teacher?” Spike asked.

“Ain’t Twilight a teacher?” Apple Bloom asks. “You should know a thing or two of how it works!”

“I know all about being a teacher, but I never knew I’d actually do it.” Spike said. “Besides, Cheerilee here looks really busy, so, maybe I should just-“

“Actually, that doesn’t like a bad idea, Spike!” Cheerilee said.

“It doesn’t?” Spike asked.

“Of course not!” Cheerilee said. “Teaching alone has been hectic, and I teach multiple classes per day.”

“We’re in the morning class!” Sweetie Belle said.

“Once we’re teenagers, we can go to her night class!” Scootaloo said.

“Ooo, I don’t like the sound of that.” Sweetie Belle said, feeling frightened. “The night class does sound… scary.”

“So this is really convenient!” Cheerilee said. “You can help me grade papers and help out other students! I’ll give you 6 bits an hour!”

“Oh I don’t need your bits!” Spike declined. “I live with a rich princess, and I get a share, so I got more money than all the gems I could buy!”

“If you say so!” Cheerilee said. “I got these grades to finish up before tonight. Teenagers are smart if they actually listen and would stop passing messages in class.”

“Cool! I’m down with that!” Spike thumbs up. 

“Looks like our work here is done!” Apple Bloom said.

“Unless you girls want to help out as well?” Cheerilee offers.

“See you in class, Cheerilee! Bye!” Apple Bloom said quickly as all three of them run off. 

So Spike starts helping Cheerilee grade papers, and much to Cheerilee’s surprise, Spike’s been grading papers fairly quickly. “Wow, Spike! Slow down!” Cheerilee requests. “By grading papers, I actually mean looking at the answers and making sure they’re correct.”

“I am.” Spike said. 

“Are you sure?” Cheerilee asks as she checks out one of the papers Spike graded. “Pardon my language, but sweet Celestia! These are tough questions answered by ponies who are a bit older than you. How did you know these?”

“When Twilight was in Celestia’s school, she taught me how to study with her; and by studying with her, I actually learned a lot! Way more than a young dragon like me has ever done! You can say I’m the smartest dragon in all of the land, because you don’t normally see dragons be able to answer questions like these!”

“Well I have to hand it to you, Spike! I made the right choice in hiring you as my assistant!” Cheerilee said.

“Hey since you looked at one of mine, can I look at one of yours so we’re even?” Spike asks.

Cheerilee giggles and says, “Sure! Knock yourself out!” Cheerilee gives Spike one of her graded papers, and he immediately frowns. Spike picks up a red marker and changes Cheerilee’s correction to one of the teens’ papers. “What are you doing? I already have that one graded.” She said.

“This isn’t correct.” Spike points out. 

“Yeah it is.” Cheerilee corrects him.

“No it isn’t. Now allow me to explain it to you.” Spike starts.

Just then, Spike angrily marches out of the school house, and just before the classmates even got to the school grounds, Spike yells out to Cheerilee, “AND ANOTHER THING: OTHER SCHOOLS HAVE MULTIPLE TEACHERS WHO DON’T CARE WHO’S SMARTER THAN THE OTHER! BE LUCKY YOU’RE THE ONLY TEACHER IN PONYVILLE!” The students all awkwardly saw Spike yell out at Cheerilee, and just stood there looking at him. “What are all of you looking at?” All except the crusaders walk inside the school house. 

The crusaders walk up to him and Apple Bloom asks, “Uh, everythin” alright over there?”

“Yeah, I don’t think I’m much of a teacher’s assistant.” Spike said. “I corrected Cheerilee on a correction she had wrong, and she just got mad! She obviously doesn’t like it when others are smarter than her.”

“We’re sorry it had to be like that, Spike.” Scootaloo said.

“Also, didn’t I say I should have a destiny that involves me doing something on my own, and NOT being an assistant?” Spike reminded them.

“Right.” The crusaders all said, feeling guilty.

“Well, it’s alright!” Sweetie Belle says with optimism. “We’ll help him find a new destiny! We can’t give up just because one failed! I mean we ARE the Cutie Mark Crusaders!”

“Yeah! We never fail!” Scootaloo adds.

“Alright, Spike!” Apple Bloom said. “Come and meet us at the club house after class, and we’ll discuss what else you might have a purpose in!”

“Sounds good to me!” Spike thumbs up.
> Pie With The Cutie Mark Crusaders
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“So, Applejack,” Scorpan starts over at Sweet Apple Acres as he and Twilight sat on her sofa, “Twilight tells me you reformed Flim and Flam at Las Pegasus.”

“Well if she told you that, she probably miss-understood.” Applejack said as she puts a tray of cider mugs on the coffee table.

“But you two worked together to stop Gladmane, didn’t you?” Twilight asked.

“We had a temporary truce.” Applejack corrected her. “We both had a common enemy, so we wanted to stop him from ruining friendships just so he can make a quick bit. But the Flim-Flam Brothers never changed a bit. They just took over the resort and became more powerful than ever! Ah just made those con brothers a whole lot worse!” She tosses her hat on the ground in anger. Scorpan and Twilight both get startled by Applejack’s anger. “Uh, sorry about that. They just almost ruined our business so many times, and ah’ve had a grudge on them ever since.”

“All is understood, Applejack.” Scorpan said as he sips his cider. “WOO! This is cider is delicious!”

“Yeah ah get that a lot! Our cider is the best in the land!” Applejack said.

“So anyway, how did you get them to work together?” Scorpan asked. “Maybe if Tirek and I had a common interest, maybe it could encourage him to give me another chance.”

“Well, they were both fightin’ at the time.” Applejack said. “Ah really preferred them to keep fightin’ since they’re much less of a threat that way. But ah would never say no to the Friendship Map; no matter how much ah get mad at that stupid thing for makin’ me do the impossible.”

“I see.” Scorpan nods as he takes another sip. “I know very little about the Friendship Map. I only seen it once in my visions after Starlight Glimmer used it to go back in time which is how I saw her reform. If it knows that I could reform my brother, would it tell me?”

“I don’t think any of us can answer that question.” Twilight said. “We just trust the map’s judgment, and we never fail in the end! Not once!”

Just then, the front door opens as Spike walks in with the crusaders. “Oh hey, Spike! I didn’t expect to see you here!” Twilight said.

“I almost asked you the same thing!” Spike said.

“Come on, kitchen’s this way.” Apple Bloom lead the way.

“I’ll catch up with you in a bit, Twilight. How’s the reform training, Scorpan?” Spike asked.

“It’s going great” Scorpan thumbs up. 

“Great! I’ll catch up with you two in a bit!” Spike said as he follows the crusaders to the kitchen.

“Great kid that dragon is! Isn’t he, red guy?” Scorpan asks Big Mac.

“Eeeyup, but who you callin’ ‘red guy’?” Big Mac asks curiously. 

“Don’t take it too personally, Big Mac. He’s new to ponykind… again.” Applejack said.

Over at the kitchen sometime after Twilight and Scorpan leave, Spike picks up the oven mitts and careful removes the apple pie from the oven, and places it with the rest of the apple pies. 

Granny Smith takes a sniff at the pies and she says, “Well ah’ll be, little feller! These here pies smell 10x better than the last one ya made here!”

“Yeah, always room for improvements, eh Granny Smith?” Spike nudges her.

“Yeah, but look on the bright side, mah first pie wasn’t that good either!” Granny Smith said. “Once ah finished making that pie, none of the family would eat it, so ah just fed it to the rodents! Course they didn’t want it either. It’s a shame to waste all those apples.”

“Well practice makes perfect, even when it comes to cakes, as Pinkie always says! Or in this case, pies!” Spike informs her. “So now that I’ve really improved in making ol fashion Sweet Apple Acres apple pies, what’s my next lesson?”

“Eh? What lesson?” Granny asks.

“My next lesson!” Spike repeats. “Aren’t I your apprentice?”

“Oh heavens, Spike!” Granny Smith chuckles as she pats him on the head. “You’re a good little feller, but Sweet Apple Acres Apple Pies are a family secret! Only reserved for the trusted Apple family members!”

“So if I’m not your apprentice, what am I?” Spike asked.

“Why you’re mah assistant, of course!” Granny said as Spike’s jaw drops. “Ah must say, ya really know how to be helpful, sugarcube! Ah can see why Twilight loves you so much!”

That was when Spike angrily marches out of the farmhouse and slams the door behind him as he starts rumbling to himself. When he sees Big Mac raking leaves, Spike asks him, “Hey Big Mac, is Granny Smith always this picky?”

“Eeyup.” Big Mac nods.

“Well I can see why Applejack gets like that too.” Spike rolls his eyes and sighs. “Well, see you in our next O&O session.” He then begins to walk away in sorrow.

Spike returns to the Crusaders’ Club House and eats some slices of pie with them as he tries to figure out what to do next. “So what happened with Granny?” Apple Bloom asks.

“Well apparently she doesn’t want me to be her apprentice since I’m not ‘part of the family’.” Spike complains. “Does everypony always see me as just an assistant?”

“We have to try something else.” Sweetie Belle said. “Something that doesn’t make Spike think he’s just an assistant.”

“Right! He wants his destiny to have a big impact in Equestria, just like ours!” Scootaloo said.

“Well, impact in Ponyville for now.” Sweetie Belle corrects her.

“Whatever; but I know we can do it!” Scootaloo says with confidence. “If Spike doesn’t want to be an assistant, he doesn’t have to.”

“Uh, yeah, that was kind of the point, Scootaloo.” Spike informs her.

“Oh right!” Scootaloo remembers.

“Let’s check the chart to see what’s next!” Apple Bloom checks the chart to see what else Spike can do, and after a few seconds of thinking, her brain hatches an idea. “Ah know just the thing you’d want, Spike!”

So the crusaders start off by taking him to Zecora’s hut where he can brew his own potions, and learn under Zecora’s teachings much like Apple Bloom has. Unfortunately, before Spike was able to add any potions into the cauldron, Zecora refuses to have him go near it, and just gives him a broom. Spike angrily leaves and slams the door behind him, and the crusaders cross ‘brewing potions’ off the list.

Next, the crusaders take him to Sugarcube Corner, where Mr. and Mrs. Cake allow him to help deliver brownies to various locations around Ponyville. The crusaders assist him in delivering, which he doesn’t mind since they’re the assistances and not him. They take the brownies over to Derpy’s house, to Cranky and Matilda’s house, to Amethyst Star’s house, to Twist’s house, to Silver Spoon’s house, and finally to Diamond Tiara’s house, where Spoiled Rich was hiding behind the wall to avoid getting noticed. Once Spike and the crusaders leave, Spoiled Rich pops out and takes her share of the brownies in a haste, much to Diamond Tiara’s amusement. Once Spike and the crusaders return to Sugarcube Corner, Mr. Cake gives Spike a broom to sweep the shop, and that’s when Spike knew he had enough. So Spike angrily leaves, and slams the door behind him, as the crusaders check ‘deliverer’ off the list.

The crusaders then take Spike to the Ponyville Spa where Spike was massaging a relaxing pony, but the spa ponies didn’t much like it, much to Spike’s concern; and just then, the spa ponies give Spike a mop and a bucket, and like all other times, he leaves with the door slammed shut.

The crusaders take Spike to various other locations around Ponyville, but everywhere Spike tried, he just ended up getting the assistant role, and he slammed every single door as he left each place. After one of the doors he slammed shut, the impact caused the window on the door to shatter, which made him and the crusaders very nervous, and they all fled the scene of the crime.

Later that evening at Twilight’s castle, Twilight takes Scorpan to talk to Starlight and Trixie, and Trixie explains to him how she got reformed. “And the Great and Apologetic Trixie felt so guilty of what she did, which made her the most humble and honorable pony in all of Equestria by apologizing to her arch-nemesis, Twilight! Trixie has done the impossible!”

“Oh yeah, you’re absolutely right, Trixie! Nopony else ever apologized to their arch-nemesis at all in the past; you were the very first that has done that.” Twilight says sarcastically.

“That’s right! Trixie has made history that night!” Trixie cries out, feeling proud of herself, and Twilight just rolls her eyes.

“The Alicorn Amulet sounds like a very dangerous instrument. I have yet to know who created it, and why.” Scorpan said.

“I think it’s best we just never find out.” Twilight informs him. “Just leave it in a museum where it belongs.”

“Is Trixie’s name mentioned in the history lesson?” Trixie asks.

“I don’t think you want that, Trix.” Starlight informs her. “If your name is on it, it’s probably only going to mention what happened.”

“Oh.” Trixie felt pretty embarrassed, and a little nervous. “Well then, let’s hope my name ISN’T on it then.”

“Thank you very much for your lesson, Trixie!” Scorpan said. “You could be right. Tirek might be corrupted with something. He wasn’t always this evil. We were once brothers. Tirek wasn’t the nicest of all cerberuses, but he was fair. Perhaps finding out the source of it all can help out in reforming him. You think I should trick him as well?”

“I don’t think Tirek would be that gullible, but anything is possible!” Twilight said.

“Gullible, hmm!” Trixie pouts. “Trixie is anything but gullible!”

“So evil then?” Twilight teases. “You did say you were ANYTHING, but gullible.” She giggles awkwardly, as everyone just looks at her with blank expressions on their faces.

“Yeah, leave the jokes to experts, Twilight. You’re no good at them.” Trixie said.

Just then, Spike and the crusaders walk into the castle, catching the attention of Scorpan and the others upstairs. “Well that was a total bust.” Spike says pessimistically.

“You’ll find your destiny soon, Spike! I know it!” Sweetie Belle comforts him.

“Not at this rate, Sweetie Belle.” Spike sighs. “Maybe I’m not meant to have one.”

“Everypony has a destiny, Spike.” Apple Bloom said. “You’ll find yours one day. It took us so long to find ours! Your destiny will not come overnight.”

“Yeah, you’re right, Apple Bloom.” Spike smiles. “Thanks for helping me out, crusaders! I really appreciate it you taking the time to help me!”

“Hey, it’s what we do best!” Scootaloo said.

“Hey, look who’s finally back!” Twilight said as she walks downstairs with Scorpan, Starlight, and Trixie. “Where have you been today, Spike?”

“Oh just doing different things.” Spike said. “I’m looking to expand my horizons!”

“That’s great!” Twilight said, feeling proud of him. “I’m glad you’re out there doing other things, and being social! It’s not every day I see you hanging with the crusaders!”

“Yeah, they’re pretty fun to hang with!” Spike said.

“Yep, we sure are!” Scootaloo said boldly.

“You’re more fun to hang with, Spike!” Sweetie Belle said.

“Yeah, I get that a lot!” Spike says boldly just as he started getting a little nauseous.

“Well, it’s gettin’ late. We better head home.” Apple Bloom suggests. “Ah hope you have a good night, Spike!” Just as she finishes talking, Spike burps up a scroll from the princess.

“Heh, maybe his destiny is to be a mailbox!” Scootaloo teases.

“No, Scoots, that was low.” Sweetie Belle informs her.

“Yeah, ah agree.” Apple Bloom said.

“Heh, sorry.” Scootaloo said, feeling embarrassed. Twilight picks up the scroll and opens it.

“Is it a letter from the princess?” Starlight asks.

“No, it’s a pizza delivery.” Spike answers sarcastically. 

Twilight starts reading the scroll out loud as everypony listens; “Dear Twilight, we are having a friendship summit with all of Equestria’s allies today. I would love for you to come by to help out with the summit. Some of the allies don’t really get along with one another, and I don’t think I could do it by myself. Please bring Spike with you. Sincerely, Princess Celestia.”

“Please bring Spike?” Spike asks.

“Well, you are friends with the Dragon Lord AND the King of the Changelings.” Starlight informs him. “Maybe Ember and Thorax could use your perspective on things!”

“Well if BOTH of them are coming to the summit, I can’t say no to that!” Spike said.

“Sounds like a plan!” Twilight said. “Starlight, Scorpan, either of you want to go?”

“What? No Trixie?” Trixie complains. and Twilight glares at her. “What?”

“Nah, I don’t need to go, they’re always so boring!” Starlight said. “But thanks for the offer though, and tell Thorax I said hi!”

“Well if Starlight doesn’t want to go, I don’t want to either.” Trixie said.

“Thank Celestia.” Twilight mumbles in relief.

“What was that?” Trixie asks curiously.

“Nothing!” Twilight says suspiciously as she fakes a smile.

“Me neither, Twilight.” Scorpan said. “I still want to know Starlight’s story.”

“Oh you don’t need to hear my story, Scorpan!” Starlight declines. “It’s really not that special! You already learned a lot!”

“I could use all the information I could get.” Scorpan insists.

“Sounds like a good idea to me!” Twilight said as Starlight bucks herself on her forehead in defeat. “You go ahead and help Scorpan out, Starlight, while Spike and I are off at Canterlot.”

“Greeeeeeeat! Fantaaaaastic!” Starlight said, obviously faking her enthusiasm.

Just as the crusaders were walking out, Spike looks over at them feeling bad. He turns back to Twilight and asks, “Hey, Twilight. Can the crusaders come with us to Canterlot?”

“What?” Twilight asks.

“What?” The crusaders ask in shock.

“What?” Scorpan asks. “I’m not curious, I just wanted to be a part of it.”

“But Spike, we can’t go to Canterlot!” Scootaloo informs him.

“Besides, I might have to ask Rarity first.” Sweetie Belle said.

“So ask her!” Spike said. “The three of you can request permission to come to Canterlot so you can, you know, find more cutie mark help!”

The crusaders all smiled with glee at each other, and they all gave Twilight ‘the look’ as they started begging, “Can we pleeeeease go to Canterlot, Twilight?” Apple Bloom asks.

“Pleeeeease!” Scootaloo asks.

“Crusaders need to expand!” Sweetie Belle adds. Twilight thinks it over as she looks at the crusaders, and then to Spike who gives Twilight a pleading look as well. Twilight smiles and says, “If you girls have permission to come, you can come!” 

The crusaders all cheer in excitement and chant, “Cutie Mark Crusading in Canterlot! Cutie Mark Crusading in Canterlot!”

“I envy you, crusaders! I wish I would’ve had a strong friendship like that when I was younger!” Starlight said.

“Same!” Trixie agrees.

“I think we all are!” Twilight said. “Well, crusaders, you better go ask permission to come to Canterlot with us, because we’re leaving later tonight!”

“We will!” Apple Bloom said as Twilight, Starlight, Trixie, and Scorpan all walked upstairs leaving Spike and the crusaders alone.

“Spike, you didn’t have to do that!” Sweetie Belle said gratefully.

“But why did you?” Apple Bloom asked.

“Well,” Spike started to explain feeling grateful, “I… I really appreciate all that you did for me in helping me find what my purpose in life is, and even though we went absolutely nowhere today, you did say things have been slow lately for you three, so… I’m giving Canterlot a day with the Cutie Mark Crusaders!”

The crusaders all run over to give Spike a hug, and Apple Bloom cries out in excitement, “What are we waiting for, crusaders!? We need to talk to our sisters!” The crusaders all run out of the castle, leaving Spike alone in the room, feeling proud of himself.

“I don’t know what my purpose in life is yet,” Spike starts, “but I do know one thing;” he puts on sunglasses, “Spike gets all the fillies!”
> Coffee With Starlight
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

When the next morning came, Twilight, Spike, Rarity, and the Cutie Mark Crusaders all arrived at Canterlot, where the EUP guard’s numbers were extremely high, which really got Twilight concerned.

“Oh my, I haven’t seen this much security in Canterlot since the Royal Wedding.” Rarity commented.

“Is Canterlot under attack again?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“I don’t know. I’m going to ask.” Twilight said. When she approaches one of the guards, she says, “Excuse me?” and then all the guards suddenly bowed to her, which annoyed Twilight a bit.

“Welcome to Canterlot, Princess Twilight!” The new captain of the guard, Shining Armor’s replacement, said.

“Yes, thank you, Captain Chainmail. Can I ask my question now?” Twilight asks.

“Of course!” Captain Chainmail says with glee. “Anything for the Princess of Friendship.”

“That’s great.” Twilight says sarcastically. “What’s with the hefty security around here?”

“Well since the summit of Equestria’s allies is today, we can’t take any chances of a surprise attack.” The captain explains.

“What? It’s no big deal!” Apple Bloom said. “You’re only expectin’ some griffons, and some yaks, and some… changelings, and… err… dragons.” Apple Bloom started to get embarrassed. She clears her throat and says, “Ah see your point.”

“I don’t know about the yaks, but as long as I’m there, the changelings and dragons shall do no harm!” Spike said.

“For all of our sakes, I hope you’re right, Twilight’s servant.” The Captain said.

Spike started to get angry, but Rarity patted him on the back to calm him down. “Ignore him, Spikey-Wikey.” Rarity comforts him. “He doesn’t know the real you.” Spike did smile after she said that, but his feelings were still hurt.

“So girls, ready for some crusading?” Apple Bloom asks her friends.

“LET’S DO THIS!” Scootaloo yells out in excitement.

As the crusaders run off to the Canterlot streets, Rarity instructs them, “Don’t go too far now, dearies! Stay on the boutique street!” Rarity then turns to Twilight and says, “Anyhoo, I’m going to check things out with Sassy at Canterlot Carousel. I’ll see you in the castle later! Tata!” As Rarity walks off to visit her boutique, Twilight and Spike head over to the castle.

Meanwhile, back in Ponyville, Starlight was brewing herself in the castle kitchen as coffee as Scorpan walks in on her. “Good morning, Starlight!” Scorpan greets her.

“Morning, Scorpan! I hope you slept alright!” Starlight said.

“Like a little pebble!” Scorpan said as he leans on the kitchen counter. “You?”

“Nope! Didn’t sleep for one minute!” Starlight said with glee as she walks over to the counter with her coffee. “Why else do you think I’m having coffee?”

“I’m not sure.” Scorpan shrugs. “I don’t even know what coffee is!”

“It’s a special brew that stops you from getting tired.” Starlight said.

“That doesn’t sound so bad!” Scorpan said.

“But you would feel like garbage later.” Starlight adds.

“That sounds really bad.” Scorpan said.

“Mhm.” Starlight nods as she takes a sip from her coffee.

“So, Starlight,” Scorpan starts, “the whole reason I stayed here is because I want to hear about your past.”

“If I have to be honest with you, Scorpan, I don’t like even thinking about it.” Starlight admits. “It’s my past that keeps me up at night. I know everypony’s forgiven me for everything I’ve done, but… I still hear the screams in my head.”

“Visions, like what I have?” Scorpan asks.

“Ehh, something like that.” Starlight answers. “Visions of my past – it has already happened, all the trouble I caused, and I still regret them to this day.”

“Does Twilight know about this?” Scorpan asks.

“I assume so.” Starlight answers. “I haven’t said anything to her, but I think she might have suspicions.”

“If she had suspicions, she might’ve already told you already.” Scorpan said. “Spike told me she’s not one for holding in emotions.”

“Yeah, right. Another past mistake.” Starlight chuckles. “But luckily, that one’s not really that regrettable. Heh.”

“You’ve had a pretty bad past, huh?” Scorpan asks.

“You have NO idea.” Starlight chuckles. “Actually, I think you might, since you saw it in your visions and all.”

“Not by detail; that’s why I’m here asking you about it.” Scorpan said.

Starlight takes a deep breath and sighs as she looks down at her coffee cup in regret. “I might as well get it out of the way so I don’t have to mention it later. Then again, the past has a way of haunting you.” Scorpan started to feel full of regret after Starlight said that.

Back in Canterlot, Twilight and Spike approach the castle, and Spike smiles with glee as he sees Thorax entering the castle. “Thorax!” Spike cries out in glee as he runs over to him.

“Spike! Hey, I didn’t expect to see you here!” Thorax said as they both shared a broly hug.

“Yeah, Princess Celestia requested my presence!” Spike said.

“Well it’s really good you’re here!” Thorax said in relief. “I was feeling pretty nervous about this summit, since this is my first one and all. I was starting to think all these guards were here to keep an eye on me.”

“It made us so angry!” One of Thorax’s change guards said in anger as he hisses at one of the guards, and the guard glares at him back as his horn starts glowing.

“Easy, Trumble.” Thorax relaxes his guard. “Luckily, those guards aren’t here for us. When I heard the dragons and the griffons were coming, I wiped the goo off my forehead in relief. Phew!”

“Mhm.” Spike said, feeling a little insulted.

“Uh, Spike? Didn’t you tell Thorax about your deal with the dragons?” Twilight asks.

“Oh yes! Don’t take it the wrong way, Spike!” Thorax said defensively. “I know the dragons are on our side now, but… us changelings have been cured for our hunger for love, and dragons… I don’t think enough treasure can sustain them; and those griffons. They just scare me! Always so… on their own… and non-friendshipy.”

“Incoming! Spears at the ready! The dragons are coming!” One of the guards yelled out as every guard nearby aimed their spears at the incoming dragons, and the unicorns charged up their horns.

“Stand down, guards!” Twilight orders them.

“But, Princess Twilight, you don’t know what they’re capable of!” The guard said worriedly.

“I said STAND DOWN!” Twilight orders them.

“You heard her, guards.” The guard said to the rest of his team as they lowered their weapons. When the previous dragon lord, Torch, touches down in front of Canterlot castle as Ember flies off her father’s back with a couple of dragon guards that are about Ember’s size.

“Spike!” Ember smiles as she spots him. “Princess Twilight!”

“Ember!” Spike cries out in excitement as she runs over to give her a hug, much to Ember’s annoyance.

“Aaaaand there’s the hugging again.” Ember said, feeling embarrassed. “Yes, good to see you again, Spike.”

“Ember! I would like to introduce you to somepony special!” Spike grabs Ember’s claw as he leads her to Thorax.

“Uh huh, ok, what’s up?” Ember asks curiously.

“Ember this is my friend Thorax!” Spike introduces Thorax to Ember. “Thorax, this is Ember, a very good friend of mine!” Ember looks at Thorax pretty awkwardly and suspiciously, but Thorax smiles and lets out his hoof. 

“Nice to meet you, Ember!” Thorax said. “Spike’s told me all about you!”

“Uhh,” Ember slowly raises her arm to shake Thorax’s hoof, “yeeeeah, nice to meet you as well. Spike told me a bit about you in his letters.” Thorax saw by the look on her face that she didn’t trust him, but Spike was too happy to see his two best long-distance friends meeting for the first time to notice.

“Eeee!” Twilight squees in excitement. “I can already see this summit is going to be amazing!”

“I know!” Spike agrees excitedly.

“Um, well, I… I’ll just… go in then.” Thorax said embarrassingly as Ember smirks at him suspiciously. “I’ll see you inside, Spike!” Thorax and the rest of the changelings walk inside the castle.

“See you at the meeting, Thorax!” Spike yells out.

“So, Ember, are you excited for your first friendship summit?” Twilight asked.

“I would, but after noticing those changelings come in, I really think those guards are keeping an eye on them.” Ember said.

“But the changelings are reformed!” Twilight reminded her.

“I know, but a dragon never forgets.” Ember says bitterly. Spike and Twilight look at each other in confusion. “Anyways, I’ll see you two inside!” Ember and her dragon guards walk inside the castle, leaving Twilight, Spike, and Torch alone outside.

“Why aren’t you coming in?” Twilight asks Torch.

“Castle door is too small.” Torch said. “It’s okay though, I’m kind of claustrophobic anyway. Besides, I love the beautiful scenery that Canterlot has to offer! Uh, don’t tell Ember that.”

“Don’t worry, our lips our sealed.” Spike promises.

Just then, Prince Rutherford and the rest of his yak brethren march up to the front of the castle as the yaks glare at Torch. “DRAGONS AT SUMMIT?! PRINCESS NOT MENTION DRAGONS AT SUMMIT!” Prince Rutherford yells.

“Ugh! Not these idiots again!” Torch shakes his head in annoyance.

“IF PONIES WEREN’T SO FRIENDLY, YAKS WOULD SMASH YOU HERE AND NOW!” Rutherford threatens him.

“Yeah, I’ll just find a cave to rest in until Ember’s ready. I’m not in the mood for barbeque yak today.” Torch says as he flies away.

“Dumb dragons.” Prince Rutherford said as he walks inside the castle.

“Dumb yaks is more like it.” Spike mumbles behind their backs.

Meanwhile, Starlight and Scorpan continued talking in dining room as Starlight finishes her story. “…And that’s when we rescued everypony from the changelings. I finally learned the value of leadership, and now I’m no longer Twilight’s student! I still stick around; I mean, most of my friends live in Ponyville anyway!”

“Wow.” Scorpan says impressively. “Starlight Glimmer, out of all the reformed characters I’ve seen or heard of, yours is the most interesting of all.”

“Nah,” Starlight says modestly, “I’m sure there is a villain that has a much more interesting story than me! How about Discord? His backstory is interesting!”

“In all honesty, he’s not trying hard enough to be good.” Scorpan said. “You… you’ve done so much since you’ve been reformed. Not only were you actually learning hard to be the best you could be, you were also leading a team of former baddies to save the ones who reformed you.”

“Well, technically, Thorax was never really BAD.” Starlight corrects him. “But other than that, you have a point there! So, did you learn anything from my story? Please say you did! I don’t want to say it all again!”

“Yes, I learned a lot!” Scorpan said. “What your story did helped me pick out the perfect strategy to reforming Tirek! With Rainbow Dash’s griffon friend, I learned to remind him of our past relationship, and remind him how sacred it was to us. With Applejack’s con friends, I learned that we should team up despite our differences because there are things far worse out there. For Trixie, I learned that something could be corrupting his mind that makes him have a thirst for power against the ponies. He needs to get out of Tartarus, and back home. Perhaps if I promise to take him back home after it’s all over, that could help ease his mind of the pain and suffering he had in Tartarus.”

“Okay, that sounds like a plan!” Starlight approved. “How about me? You didn’t say what I taught you.” 

“Starlight Glimmer, you have a very interesting backstory, yet a very complicated one.” Scorpan said. “You said you were corrupted because your friend left you after he got his cutie mark, so you wanted to make sure you got rid of cutie marks for good. So… what might Tirek have against ponies that makes him want to take over?”

“You think that could be it?” Starlight asked.

“Wait… it’s coming back to me.” Scorpan starts remembering. “The whole reason Tirek wanted to overthrow Equestria was because of his mentor, Sendek the Elder. He wanted to impress him. He would do anything to impress him. Our mother and father weren’t always around for us when were children. Sendek was more of a father-figure than Tirek could ever have. I knew he was bad from the start, but I could never say no to my brother. That’s why I had to help him. Help him fulfill his destiny. He begged me to help him, and Tirek…” Scorpan starts to tear up. “He was… he was… he was the only friend I had.” Scorpan starts to sob as Starlight walks over to him to comfort him.

“Hey, hey, it’s okay, Scorpan.” Starlight gives him a hug. “It’s alright. I understand how you feel. Sunburst was the only friend I had, and when he left me, I… I never felt so angry in my life. Never so heartbroken. I’m guessing… that’s how Tirek felt when you… well, you know.”

“Yes.” Scorpan nods. “Trust me, it wasn’t easy to leave him behind. I had second thoughts, but Star Swirl the Bearded told me what I did was right. I would’ve been able to keep going to help him take over Equestria if I didn’t befriend Star Swirl. He’s been so kind to me, even when he knew the reason my brother and I even entered Equestria. He taught me reason, and the other ponies… they taught me friendship. I had to persuade Tirek to back down from the attack, but he never knew what a pony’s love felt like. Maybe… maybe that’s why he hates them so much. He never knew true friendship, and… wait a minute! That’s how every reform happened! They were reminded about friendship, or if they never had it, friendship changed them!”

“Ah, now you get it, Scorpan!” Starlight says excitedly. “You finally get it!”

“I do!” Scorpan agrees. “I never felt so alive when I first received the friendship I got from Star Swirl, and then again from you, Twilight, and especially Spike. He’s been a really good friend to me ever since I first came to Ponyville. I think of him like a brother. Perhaps… if Tirek could feel how I felt… that could reform him! I know now! I know what I must do! I know exactly how to reform him now, Starlight!”

“That’s great, Scorpan!” Starlight said excitedly. “I’m so proud of you! Twilight will be too! You have to tell her when she gets back!”

“Yes!” Scorpan said excitedly as he gives Starlight a big hug. “Thank you for your teaching me, Starlight! Thank you all for teaching me!”

“ACK!” Starlight gasps for breath as Scorpan squeezes her with his hug. “You’re… ack… welcome, Scorpan, but… I… ugh… I think you should!”

“Oh sorry!” Scorpan embarrassingly releases her, and she begins to catch her breath. “I just got pretty excited! I didn’t know it could happen, but I officially know how to reform my brother!”

“I’m really proud of you, Scorpan, but,” Starlight chokes a bit, “next time you hug ponies… don’t use all of your strength, okay?”

“Gotcha, pal!” Scorpan gives Starlight a thumb up and a wink.
> Lunch With The Delegates
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

As Twilight and Spike enter Canterlot castle and into the party hall, they see how many dragons, changelings, griffons, and yaks there are, chatting it up with some pony delegates from other Equestrian cities. 

“Wow! Ponies are really getting along with every non-pony!” Spike said proudly. “I think this summit is going to run along very smoothly!”

“Hmm.” Twilight thinks as she observes the room.

“What’s wrong, Twilight?” Spike asks.

“Well, everypony is talking to one another.” Twilight said.

“Yeah, and?” Spike asked.

“But no changeling is talking to any dragon, or vice-verse.” Twilight said.

“Maybe they just don’t have anything to say to one another.” Spike assumes.

“I don’t know, Spike.” Twilight says doubtfully. “The way Ember and Thorax talked to one another, and how they both assumed the royal guard is keeping a close eye on one another’s races; plus, Ember said ‘a dragon never forgets’.”

“This is crazy, Twilight! Thorax and Ember will get along great!” Spike said.

“And what makes you think that?” Twilight asked.

“Because I’m their friend of course!” Spike reminds her proudly. “Trust me, those two will get along as long as I’m their friend! I’ll treat them both equally, so one wouldn’t feel jealous of the other! We’ll get into a causal conversation, and those two will be the best of friends, like I am theirs! We can be one big group like you and the girls! We just need three more and then BAM! I think I could do Scorpan which is four, and Big Mac can be the fifth, and the sixth could possibly be-“

“Okay, I get it, Spike.” Twilight interrupts him, feeling annoyed. “I’ll give you a chance to befriend them, but… just don’t expect them to just get along just like that.”

Spike chuckles. “Twilight, not all of YOUR friends got along at first. I mean Applejack and Rarity, and Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash? They didn’t get along too well at first, but they eventually did! It’ll take some time, but I know it’ll happen!”

“Just don’t force them, Spike.” Twilight informs him as Spike runs off.

Princess Celestia walks over to Twilight and says, “So I see Spike is going to try to get his two of his best friends to get along!”

“I just hope he doesn’t mess this up.” Twilight says worriedly. “But… I’m confident for him! If anypony knows how to persuade others, it would be Spike!”

So Spike walks up to the first leader friend he made, Ember, who was talking to one of her dragons before he starts chatting with her. “Hey, Ember!”

“Sup, Spike?” Ember asked.

“Not much! How do you like Canterlot?” Spike asked.

“Meh.” She shrugs. “Too fancy and froo-foo for my taste, but… ehhh, I guess it’s alright. I would prefer living in Ghastly Gorge. Now THAT’S a rad-looking city the ponies got!”

“Actually, it’s not really a… you know what, nevermind.” Spike stops himself. “So you’re okay with the ponies?”

“Certain ones like Twilight and Rarity.” Ember admits. “A lot of ponies are still afraid of us, but ehh, they’re so judgmental anyway. I really don’t care. I can tolerate them. Your princess is nice.”

“Really? Which one?” Spike teases.

“Really? You have more than one princess?” Ember asks, feeling surprised. “I thought Celestia was the only one?”

“Heh, so did everypony else.” Spike chuckles. “But since you didn’t like the ponies at first but given them a chance, the changelings aren’t so different!”

“Oh they’re VERY different.” Ember says angrily. “I don’t even know why the ponies can trust those rotten swiss cheese creatures; and I don’t care about that color change they got going. That doesn’t cover the black hearts within them.”

Spike felt pretty confused on what she just said. “Ooooookay. Mind I ask what the changelings did?”

“I’d be glad to!” Ember starts. “It was about 10 years ago, back when my father was still Dragon Lord, we were just minding our own business during our migration – I was just learning how to fly. A couple of dragons started to bully me-“

“Wait, you were bullied too?” Spike interrupts her.

“If you DARE tell anybody I told you that, I’ll rip your scales off one by one!” Ember threatens him.

“I like my scales too much, so my lips are sealed.” Spike promises as he zips his lips and gives her a thumb up.

“Good.” Ember said. “Anyway, I was really weak flier, and pretty shy too. Those dragons were really testing my limits when it came to my experience of flying. My dad was busy stopping a couple of other dragons from fighting over an emerald, so he didn’t hear me cry out for help. When the other dragons released me from their grasp, I tried flying over to them, but when they popped up in front of me which really scared my scales off, I began to fall. Those dragons were evil!”

“Wow, I would have never expected that!” Spike said surprisingly.

“Why? Because I was a very weak dragon? No need to rube it in!” Ember said embarrassingly.

“No! Because you actually trust me enough to tell me this!” Spike smiles.

“Oh, well… don’t get used to it.” Ember tried to hide in her feelings.

“But what does this have to do with the changelings?” Spike asked.

“Well, during our migration, we were flying over the Changeling hives at the time,” Ember explains, “and when I finally fell, a couple of changelings broke my fall. I was then spotted by a patrol, and I apologized to them for knocking out a couple of their buddies, and I didn’t want any trouble, but they snatched me! They took me to see Queen Chrysalis. I was never so scared in my life! She told me I was trespassing, but I pleaded for her to let me go, and that I was just in the wrong place at the wrong time, and that landing on some of her guards was just an accident. She wanted to drain me of my love, even though I was only a baby dragon still! I was about your size by then, Spike. However, she didn’t care, and she started to drain me.”

“So did she?!” Spike asked nervously. “Did she drain all your love, and that’s why you don’t like hugs or friendship?!”

Ember just looks at Spike confusingly. “Uhhh, no.” She said. “I had no love within me. Dragons don’t do love. Chrysalis thought I was a waste of time and asked her guards to just throw me in the dungeon for no reason! Luckily for me, my dad and the other dragons attacked the hive just in time. The changelings were heavily outmatched by the strength of a dragon! My dad took me back, and destroyed the entire hive as payback! Those changelings are nothing but pure evil, Spike.”

“But that was Queen Chrysalis!” Spike informed her. “She’s an evil, corrupted queen! Thorax is in charge now, and he would never do that! Plus, that only happened one time!”

“That’s where you’re wrong.” Ember corrected him. “In the dungeons of the hives, there were griffons, ponies, zebras, and even other baby dragons that were enslaved by the changelings! BABY dragons! Younger than I was! Younger than you even!”

“Again, that was Chrysalis, not Thorax!” Spike corrects her again.

“What’s the difference between one changeling to another?” Ember asked. “Chrysalis didn’t even know I was there until her guards spotted me and brought me in. They could’ve let me go, but they didn’t. I don’t care what Equestria’s opinions are of them, I don’t care what Twilight’s opinion is to them, and I don’t care about your opinion of them. If you want to be friends with that rotten moosehead, then so be it. But us pure dragons will NEVER forget what they did to us!”

Spike sighs in defeat, but realizes that Ember has the right to be mad at the changelings for what they did to her. This felt no different to him than when he had to plead for Thorax’s innocence back in the Crystal Empire. But Spike knew that if anyone would give anyone a second chance, it would be Thorax, so Spike walks over to Thorax to get his side of the story, and hopes for him and Ember to be friends.

“Spike, I love you, and you’re my best friend,” Thorax starts, “but after what Ember’s dragons did to us, I can’t give her a second chance!”

“But you had no problems being friends with me.” Spike reminded him.

“I know, and I actually just learned about this whole scenario just recently.” Thorax informed him. “I wasn’t born yet when the dragons attacked our hive. I was just born when the hive finished reconstruction.”

“I was around though.” One of Thorax’s guards said. “It was a rough time that was!”

“Yeah.” Thorax said. “Even though I wasn’t there, I get the same exact story from every changeling I spoke to that was around at the time. A blue dragon, Ember it seems, fell from the sky and landed on some of our changeling guards. Of course, having an evil queen, we wanted to bring her in and she DID want to soak all of her love, even though she didn’t have any.”

“Soooo, that means you’re agreeing with Ember?” Spike asked.

“Not quite.” Thorax said. “When Chrysalis wanted to throw Ember into the dungeon, the dragons attacked our hive. I understand that they wanted to attack to rescue their lost one, but did they have to destroy our ENTIRE HIVE?! Everything was gone. All of our hard work; and they stole all of our precious treasures. Even after we were almost done with reconstruction, they just kept on destroying everything we built, and it turned into harassment! They even tried to steal some of our eggs to make meals out of!”

“Scrambled or over-easy?” Spike teases. Thorax glares at him. “Sorry.”

“Luckily we were always able to steal them back.” Thorax said. “That’s when Chrysalis decided that enough was enough. She modified her throne that drains magic to keep out the dragons as well. Ever since then, every dragon that came was unable to fly or breathe fire, and always fled like the cowards they are! I know what Chrysalis did was wrong, Spike, but they didn’t have to keep attacking us constantly!”

“Um, I think that was when Torch was Dragon Lord.” Spike informed him. “Ember wouldn’t do anything like that. I guess Torch held a grudge since your queen, you know, kidnapped his daughter.”

“It was overkill.” Thorax said. “Now if you want to be friends with those dragons since they’re your kind, then so be it. You’re the only dragon I will ever like.”

“Thorax, this is crazy! This is no different from when YOU had a hard time being accepted by the ponies!” Spike reminded him.

“At least I tried to get along with the ponies. All the dragons do is taunt us, insult us, and call us names.” Thorax said. “If your Dragon Lord friend wants to apologize, then I’ll accept it, no problem. But if those dragons are going to keep thinking we’re a bunch of freaks, then we don’t need them in our lives.” Thorax turns around to go back to talking to his fellow changelings, leaving Spike in defeat once again.

Spike goes over to see Twilight for some advice. As she was talking to Celestia and Luna, Spike walks over and taps on her shoulder. “Uh, Twilight?” Spike tries to get her attention.

“Hold on, Spike.” Twilight stops him and she finishes her conversation with Celestia and Luna. “And all those ponies got mad because I became a princess! What? They didn’t want me to move on with my life and fulfill my destiny? Some even thought I did it too easily, and it just came all the sudden.”

“Well, everypony IS used to just having two princesses.” Celestia said. “You’re not going to believe how certain ponies felt when Cadance came into the picture. But sometimes, everypony has their own opinions, and there’s nothing we can do about it.”

“I saw the spoilers. I knew you were going to become a princess, so it wasn’t very surprising.” Luna admitted.

Celestia giggles. “I might’ve told SOME ponies the news, and Princess Twilight toys were already being made.” She admits embarrassingly.

“Yeah, and just ruin the surprise just like that.” Luna complained. “I wasted half a season thinking it all over.”

“Anyway, what do you need, Spike?” Twilight asked him. “How’s it going with Thorax and Ember?”

“See that’s the thing, I… umm… I’m stuck.” Spike admits.

“You’re stuck?” Twilight asked.

“Yeah.” Spike said. “It turns out that Ember was kidnapped by changelings many years ago and Chrysalis tried to suck out all her love and to imprison her, but the dragons attacked and destroyed their entire hive repeatedly, so the dragons and the changelings are under some sort of conflict. So how about some help from the Princess of Friendship? Hmm?”

“Oh goodness! I would love to!” Twilight said.

“Uh, Twilight?” Celestia stops her. “Don’t you think it’s time to let Spike do his own thing?”

“What? He asked for my help.” Twilight reminded her.

“He is growing up, Twilight Sparkle.” Luna said. “Some day, he might have to rely on doing stuff himself.”

“But he’s only a baby dragon!” Twilight reminded them as she pats Spike’s head, which made him feel embarrassed. “He has his limits, and when he gave up, he did the most noble thing – asking his best friend to help him out!”

“Uh, actually, Twilight.” Spike stops her. “Maybe I’ll just do this myself actually.”

“Huh?” Twilight felt confused. “But you asked me for help.”

“Yeah, and Celestia and Luna are right!” Spike said. “I’m a big boy! I can do stuff myself! I’ve done it many times before!”

“I know, but… I’m a little afraid.” Twilight admits. “I know you can do it, Spike, but… umm… I don’t want to risk you messing this up.”

“Like I always do?” Spike asked, feeling offended.

“No, that’s what I mean at all!” Twilight corrected him nervously. “I… just… you know… if you mess this up, we might have an all-out war under our hooves! We must keep the peace, Spike, and I’m going to talk to them both to settle this!” Twilight starts walking over to where Ember is, and Spike started to get really nervous.

“Twilight, wait!” Spike yelled out as she ran after her. “You don’t know Ember and Thorax like I do!”

“This is going to get bad really fast.” Luna commented.

“I know! This is going to be the most fun summit ever!” Celestia mumbled to Luna excitedly.

Luna glares at her sister and says, “You have problems, you know that?”

“Twilight, stop!” Spike yells out at her, but she just kept on going. 

“Ember!” Twilight started talking to Ember.

“Twilight, please don’t!” Spike begged.

“Princess Twilight! What’s up?” Ember asked.

“I realize you have a conflict with the changelings, and I want to help you resolve that!” Twilight said.

“Yeeeeeah, I’m good thanks.” Ember declined.

“Twilight, I’m sorry for bringing this up to you!” Spike said.

“But I must insist!” Twilight said. “I’m sure you two have some common grounds. You’re both friends with Spike, aren’t you?”

“And Spike’s the only reason why WE’RE NOT FIGHTING RIGHT NOW!” Ember yells out from across the room.

“What are you saying about Spike?!” Thorax yelled angrily as he started walking over to her. “No one will insult Spike while I’m around!”

“I was NOT insulting him you rotten yellow moose zombie!” Ember yells at him angrily.

“You blue pointy horned unloved reptile!” Thorax responds angrily.

“You look even uglier now than you ever did in your old form!” Ember attacks.

“Us changelings have at least one positive song made by the ponies! Did the ponies ever make any positive songs about you?!” Thorax attacks back.

“Actually, I made the song.” Spike corrected him.

“YOU DRAGONS ARE BIG FAT MEANIES!” Prince Rutherford yelled.

“YOU CHANGELINGS STEAL OUR BABIES, AND SELL THEM TO SLAVERY!” Griffon Queen Greta yelled.

“YOU GRIFFONS STEAL AND CLAIM AS YOUR OWN!” Rutherford attacks Greta.

“YOU YAKS HAVE A BIG UGLY TEMPER! No wonder everyone finds you annoying!” Queen Greta attacks back.

“Then I guess there’s only one way to settle this!” Ember said.

“Have a big violent verbal debate!” Thorax cries out.

“NO! A big violent PHYSICAL debate!” Ember corrects him.

“Both are equally as hurtful and annoying!” Thorax yells.

“SMAAAAAASH!” Rutherford yells. Every non-pony species in the room began to yell and started fighting each other. Twilight and Spike both felt really bad about what happened, and Celestia and Luna both felt very nervous.

“Yeah, this isn’t so interesting after all.” Celestia admits. She uses her magic to freeze everyone into place.

“HEY! Puny pony princess put us down!” Rutherford orders.

“Yeah, you ponies stay out of this!” Greta yelled.

“This is all entirely lame.” Gilda complains. “When we’re done here, Greta, I’m quitting as ambassador.”

“There will be absolutely NO physical violence in this room!” Celestia orders. “Verbal debates only!”

“Just like what I’ve been saying!” Thorax reminded Ember.

“Oh shut your big mouth up!” Ember verbally attacks Thorax. “Your mouth is the only thing bigger than those stupid horns!”

“Thanks a lot, Twilight.” Spike said to her as he teared up and ran off.

“Spike, wait!” Twilight yelled out, but he just kept running. She sighs to herself in sorrow, realizing that even though she really didn’t want Spike to mess up, she ended up doing it for him.
> Dinner With Spike
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Alone in the gardens outside the castle, Spike was crying to himself while looking down at the fountain in the center. “A mess up.” He said to himself. “That’s all I’ll ever be. I can’t even keep friends from fighting. Maybe I had it all wrong. Maybe I am just meant to be Twilight’s assistant forever. I have no destiny.” Some of the animals in the garden came to cheer Spike up. Some birds sing on his shoulders, a bunny rubs against Spike’s waste, and a butterfly lands on his nose. “Heh.” Spike chuckles to himself. “So this is how it feels to be Fluttershy, huh?”

“Spike?” Twilight asked as all the animals ran or flew off and hid. Spike just angrily looks away from Twilight. “Spike, please talk to me!” She begs.

“Why? It’s not like you ever listen to what I have to say.” Spike said angrily. 

“You’re right.” Twilight admits. “I don’t really listen to you as much as I should. You’re my number one assistant, Spike, and I should treat you like one.”

“Is that all I’m going to ever be though?” Spike asked.

“Spike, you could be anything you set your mind to!” Twilight comforts him. “Do you not want to be my assistant anymore?”

Spike looks down on the ground and thinks. “I do want to be your number one assistant.” He said. “But I’m concerned. What is my purpose, Twilight? Why am I here? Why did my egg turn up at Celestia’s school, and why did Celestia give me to you? There has to be a reason.”

Twilight felt stumped. “I… I don’t know, Spike. Celestia just told me to keep an eye on you, and we would take care of each other. It was probably Celestia’s FIRST attempt to having me make friends.”

“Really?” Spike asked. “Is that my purpose?”

“Spike, I’m not in charge of your destiny.” Twilight explains. “Only you can find out what your destiny is, when, and only when you happen to find it. But right now, your destiny is back at the grand hall!”

“What? Aren’t you afraid I would just ‘mess up’?” Spike asks angrily.

“No.” Twilight said. “I think you can do this! You know Thorax and Ember, don’t you?”

“They’re my long-distance best friends, as I call them.” Spike said.

“Right; and they need you now more than ever!” Twilight smiles. “I know you know what to do, and I will not stand in your way!” 

Spike smiles back. “Come on, Twilight!” He stands up and begins running back to the castle. “We have a summit to save!” Twilight follows him in proudly.

Back inside the grand hall, the dragons, changelings, yaks, and griffons continue to argue with each other while still frozen into place. “And another thing, yaks, you smell! Have you ever heard of deodorant?” Gilda asked.

“US YAKS EMBRACE OUR FILTH! THE FILTH HAS CHOSEN US!” Rutherford informs her.

“Really? It was the yaks that smelled that bad? I thought it was the changelings?” Ember insults them.

“No, it was your breath.” Thorax burned her, configuratively. “Have you ever heard of breath mints?”

“What do we do, sister?” Luna whispers to Celestia. “Why don’t we say anything?”

“Twilight tells us not to, and that she has a plan.” Celestia whispers back.

“I hope it works.” Luna whispers.

“I don’t know WHAT the ponies see in you!” Ember yelled back to Thorax. “You attacked their wedding, you kidnapped the princesses, Twilight and her friends, INCLUDING Spike, and what did us dragons do? We just mind our own businesses!”

“One of your kind almost polluted the entire Equestrian air!” Thorax reminded her.

“That dragon was a rogue!” Ember corrects him. “He had nothing to do with us! Us dragons know how to keep our distance from the ponies!”

“Yeah, and unlike you, I actually tried to make friends with them!” Thorax said. “You know nothing about friendship or love, and your alliance with Equestria will not last!”

“Shut your mouth you filthy-“ Ember was about to insult him again, but gets interrupted by a familiar yell.

“ENOUGH!” Spike yells out, gaining everyone’s attention in the room.

“Spike! I’m so glad you’re here!” Thorax said in relief. “Tell your FRIEND here to get off our backs!”

“YOUR backs?!” Ember yelled. “YOU started it!”

“I wasn’t even BORN yet!” Thorax corrected her.

“I SAID ENOUGH!” Spike yelled in anger. “All of you, just STOP! You two are my best friends, and I just hate to see you two fight! Do you know these summits are all about?! FRIENDSHIP! You both gained an alliance with Equestria, and we want to make sure all of you comfort with it! By being friends with us, we hope all our friends can befriend eachother! That’s why these summits are made!”

“How can we befriend each other, if we’re all down each other’s throats all the time?” Greta asked.

“I know all of you had a bleak past, and I get it.” Spike explained. “All of you had history, but that’s all it is, history. Leadership has changed over the years hasn’t it? Thorax when the dragons attack, Dragon Lord Torch was in charge, and yes, he did overdo it with harassing all of you; and Ember, the changelings had no reason to keep you hostage, but that was when Queen Chrysalis was in charge! Thorax is a really good friend, and so are you, Ember! Both of you became the leaders you are meant to be because you had what other leaders did not! Queen Greta, you and Gilda brought peace to Griffonstone by learning how to share, and how is your civilization now?”

“Well… better than ever, I suppose.” Greta admits.

“It’s true.” Gilda said. “Rainbow Dash and Pinkie really helped open my eyes to this whole… bleh… sharing thing. It did stink at first, but it turned out… I felt good! I felt really good! I felt awesome in fact! The other griffons felt the same way, and our civilization was rebuilt, stronger than ever, without an Idol of Boreas to keep us together!”

“And yaks,” Spike continues, “when Pinkie Pie first taught you pony values, how did it feel?”

“Yaks felt… good.” Rutherford admitted. “Ponies is most friendly civilization yaks have ever met.”

“I know the changelings have given ponies so much grief in the past,” Thorax starts, “but if it weren’t for them, we’d still all be corrupted by Chrysalis’ ways; and yet, the ponies gave us another chance to redeem ourselves, and we proved them right!”

“Same.” Ember said. “I’m kinda embarrassed to admit this, but friendship feels pretty good, and the ponies have really brought friendship values to the Dragon Lands!”

“They forgave us after all we did to them.” Thorax said. “I guess I should be the first to say… I’m sorry, Ember. We’re all sorry for what kidnapping you all those years ago, and the other baby dragons.” His changelings agree with him.

Ember really wanted to hold it in, but she felt that she had no choice. “Yeah, I’m sorry too. Us dragons are a noble kind, but… we’re not the smartest, or the kindest. I guess you don’t really deserve all the hate not only we give you, but everyone else.” 

“You too.” Thorax said.

“Yeah, for a dragon, dragons are not so bad.” Rutherford said.

“Yeah, and for a yak, you don’t smell that bad.” Gilda admits. The griffons and the yaks are laugh.

“And for griffon weaklings, griffons make good sneaks!” Rutherford said.

“Yeah; our stealth with your violence, we’d make an unstoppable team!” Gilda suggests.

“Yaks agree!” Rutherford and his yaks all nod.

“You know, we can all be useful to each other!” Ember said. “We all have our unique strategies and strengths. We might all be unstoppable!”

“We would!” Thorax agrees. “And we have only one to thank for all of us realizing it!”

“That’s right!” Ember agrees as everyone starts looking at Spike.

“What?” Spike asked curiously. “Why are you all looking at me like that?”

“Because you helped us realize that we all made mistakes in the past, and that we can all be useful to one another, which is why the ponies all gained an alliance with us!” Thorax said.

“Oh, right, I knew that!” Spike blushes in embarrassment.

“You ponies are a smart bunch, but when it comes to strength, you need the dragons!” Ember said.

“And if you ever need any spies, the changelings are the way to go!” Thorax said.

“And no one is as fast as griffon!” Gilda said. “If it’s speed you want, you can call us anytime! On air, or on ground, griffons can do it all!”

“And yaks can smash!” Rutherford said. “Yaks can smash better than anyone else!”

“That we can agree on!” Celestia said. “I really hope our alliances will help us all build on a brighter future!”

“And we can hope to have more summits much like this one!” Luna said. “Well… maybe not completely like this one, but how it all turned out in the end!”

“And puny dragon must lead delegation!” Rutherford demands.

“Sure! Why not?” Greta agrees

“I agree!” Thorax agrees.

“Yep! Spike really knows how to bring us together!” Ember said.

Spike smiles really big in shock. “Really? All of you want me?!” 

“Then it’s settled!” Celestia said. “Spike, how about I offer you the position of Equestria’s Ambassador for Non-Pony Creatures?”

Spike was really surprised. He didn’t know what to say. All the delegates really wanted Spike to accept. “Are you sure about this, Princess Celestia?” He asked curiously. “You think I can do it?”

“Do you think you could do it?” Celestia asked.

“I asked you first.” Spike reminded her.

Celestia chuckles. “Well, they think you can do it. I think you can do it!”

“I think so as well!” Luna said.

“As do I.” Twilight smiles proudly.

Spike smiles back and says, “Okay then! You got yourself an ambassador!” 

All the delegates start to cheer for Spike’s decision, but the cheering stops once Thorax asks, “Um, I would be a lot better at cheering for Spike if I wasn’t frozen like this.”

“Oh, sorry!” Celestia giggles in embarrassment as she unfreezes all the delegates. Spike runs over to give Thorax and Ember a hug, and even though Thorax hugged back, Ember felt a bit uncomfortable.

“Oh… we’re doing this again. Okay, I guess?” Ember said as she patted Spike on the back lightly.

“Spike, I’m so proud of you!” Thorax said.

“Me too!” Spike said.

“So if you’re the new ambassador for Equestria, does that mean you’ll come and visit often?” Thorax asked excitedly.

“I guess it does!” Spike said. “I have to keep Equestria’s peace with every alliance it has, and that’s a BIG responsibility! I still don’t know much about yaks and griffons, so I might need Pinkie and Rainbow Dash to help me out.”

“Well hey, if you bring Rainbow Dash with you every time you come, we look forward to your visits!” Gilda said.

“Yaks will welcome puny dragon! Help him not be so puny anymore!” Rutherford suggests.

“And hey, maybe we can show you what it is to be a dragon!” Ember suggests.

“Those all sound AWESOME!” Spike said. “How about we all get something to eat from the buffet? You know, what’s left of it after the big fight!” Thorax and Ember both agree as they follow him to the buffet.

As Spike starts to bond with his friends, Twilight smiles proudly at him as Celestia and Luna start talking to her. “Well, Twilight, you should be really proud of your number one assistant!” Celestia said.

“I haven’t been this proud since Starlight’s graduation!” Twilight said excitedly. “Spike has been wondering what his purpose of his life was! I’m sure you had his destiny planned for him, as you did for mine!”

Celestia laughs. “Actually, I haven’t! I’m quite as surprised as you are!”

“Wait… you didn’t have anything planned for him?” Twilight asked curiously.

“Actually we had his egg stored away for a very long time.” Luna said.

“It wasn’t until your entrance exam was when we decided to use it.” Celestia said. “He’s a wonderful assistant, and to be honest, I’m glad he went beyond our expectations and became the source of Equestria’s alliances!”

“Yeah, I guess you’re right!” Twilight said. “Everypony, or in this case, every dragon, discovers their true purpose in life eventually, but I doubt he’ll ever leave my side as my number one assistant!” Celestia and Luna both look at each other awkwardly after she said that.

When the summit was over, Twilight, Spike, Rarity, and the Cutie Mark Crusaders all returned home from Canterlot. Spike told the CMCs the news of discovering his destiny, and they were pretty excited. Once they all went home, Twilight and Spike did as well, back to Starlight and Scropan, who were bonding in the throne room.

“Hey, look who’s back!” Starlight said excitedly.

“How was the summit?” Scorpan asked.

“It was great!” Twilight said excitedly. “You want to tell them the big news, Spike?”

“I’m Equestria’s newest ambassador!” Spike said excitedly.

Starlight and Scorpan both gasped in shock. “That’s wonderful, Spike!” Starlight said.

“Yeah, bro! I knew you could do it!” Scorpan said.

“So how about you two?” Twilight asked. “Anything special on your end?”

“Yep!” Starlight said. “Scorpan, do you want to tell Twilight the big news?”

“I know how to reform my brother now!” Scorpan said. “You were right, Twilight! After speaking to everyone you and your friends reformed, including Starlight here, I know exactly how to bring him back to the side of the good, and we can go home!”

“That’s amazing, Scorpan!” Twilight said excitedly. “So you want to go to Tartarus now and see him?”

Scorpan’s excitement stopped immediately. “Oh. Umm… actually, Twilight. I’m not sure if I’m ready to see him yet.”

“Well, you’ll have to see him eventually.” Twilight said.

“I know, but… I’m a little nervous.” Scorpan said. “Plus, I’m not 100% sure if my strategy could work. I’ll have to wait a little while until I’m ready.”

“It’s okay, Scorpan.” Starlight comforted him. “You can take as much time as you need. Tirek will be waiting for you when you’re ready!”

“I know he’s waiting there. But the longer he stays there, the more I disgrace him.... and myself.” Scorpan said upsettingly. “But… I can’t yet. I just can’t. I’ll need some time.”

“Well you can stay here as long as you need to, Scorpan!” Twilight offered.

“I really appreciate all that all of you have done for me!” Scorpan said happily. “And don’t any of you worry! I won’t be any trouble! It’s like I’m not even here!”
> Freeloader
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

ACT 4: Parting Ways

It’s been three weeks since Spike first became ambassador of Equestria, but things have been slow with him since he hasn’t been summoned since the summit. He was in the throne room one day playing Ogres & Oubliettes with Big Mac, Discord, and Scorpan. With Discord’s chaotic magic, the game once again comes back to life, with Garbunkle, Sir McBiggen, and Captain Wuzz journeying through the land of dice.

Spike starts narrating, “As the three heroes continue their journey through Spiketopia – the evil Squidzard sent one of his minions to steal a rare jewel; but it wasn’t any ordinary jewel! The jewel contained a huge amount of unforeseen powers that can control the weather of the entire kingdom.” Spike nods to Discord, and Discord nods back as he snaps his fingers and it begins raining cats and dogs (literarily).

“AAH!” Spike and Big Mac both screamed. They both then glared at Discord.

“Oh c’mon, it makes the game a whole lot more interesting!” Discord said. 

“Uhh, okay then.” Spike said. “It starts raining cats and dogs… literarily… as we knew we were close to the source of the problem.”

“Hey!” Discord complained. “I take offensive to that!”

“Not you!” Spike corrected him.

“Nnnope.” Big Mac said.

Just then, the three started to hear an evil laugh coming from the distance. Out from the shadows comes Scorpan with the bloodstone dragon scepter from the Gauntlet of Fire. “It was nice of Ember to let me borrow that for that game!” Spike commented.

“Hahahaha!” Scorpan laughs evilly while wearing an evil wizard outfit. “Well, well, well! If it isn’t my old friends!”

“Behold – the evil necromancer, and my former teacher who betrayed Spiketopia for wealth and power that the Squidzard promised him: Lavos Meren!”

“That sounds like a very stupid name.” Discord complained. “Why didn’t you like the name I suggested for you?”

“’General Batwing’ really doesn’t appeal to me.” Scorpan said.

“But tiz true!” Discord said as he teleports upside down in front of Scorpan while wearing a vampire outfit. “Are they not bat wings?”

“They’re gargoyle wings, Discord.” Scorpan informed him. 

Discord teleports back next to Spike and Big Mac returning to his Captain Wuzz outfit, and said, “Huh, suit yourself. But the name ‘Lavas Mendez’ really doesn’t suit you.”

“Lavos Meren.” Big Mac corrected him.

“Oh shut it, McFiggen.” Discord ordered him.

“Can we just get back to the game?” Spike complained.

“Eeyup.” Big Mac nodded in agreement.

“My old apprentice! I am so glad you have come!” Scorpan said.

“Lavos, why did you betray Spiketopia?” Spike asked. “Why team up with the evil Squidzard?”

“He promised me money and power!” Scorpan said. “He will promise you it too if you join us! We can be together again, Garbunkle!”

“I would NEVER betray Spiketopia for money and power!” Spike swore. “I would rather perish!”

“Eeyup!” Big Mac agreed.

“Well I’m willing to do it for power!” Discord said as he dresses up as a hobo while carrying a cardboard sign that says ‘Will betray my country for power’. “May I join you, all mighty Lavos?”

“Captain Wuzz! How could you?!” Spike asked in betrayal.

“Because I guess I’m not the good guy you thought I was! Woopsy doopsy!” Discord said as he teleports over to Scorpan while wearing a gray trenchcoat, everything on the top of his head disappears leaving behind a big bald spot, and he places his pinky near his lip mischievously.

“I guess we have double the trouble now, Sir McBiggen!” Spike said nervously.

“Eeyup!” Big Mac agreed.

“Now then, my new apprentice, ready to end Spiketopia once and for all?” Scorpan asked evilly.

“You betcha!” Discord said as he snaps his fingers as all the dice of Spiketopia began exploding into confetti, cake frosting, chocolate milk, pizza sauce, elephants, and pretty much everything else. 

“OVERDOING IT, DISCORD! OVERING IT!” Spike yelled as he and Big Mac flinched with all the exploding going on. Discord rolls his eyes as he snaps his fingers to bring everything back to the way it was.

“You people just don’t know how to live a little. Do you?” Discord complained.

“I think we should stop there for the night, don’t you think? Spike? Big Mac?” Scorpan asked.

“Eeyup!” Big Mac agreed.

“Yeah, we’ve been playing for 10 hours straight; I think we’ll just continue our normal session next weekend.” Spike said. “Makes a pretty good cliffhanger spot, doesn’t it?”

“For sure!” Scorpan agreed.

“Well,” Discord started, “that was fun, but if you boys excuse me.” Discord removes his goat antler, and long wavy brown hair pops out like that antler was the pin keeping it together. “I’m really in desperate need for a haircut. My boss has a ‘measurement limit’. I swear, I should just quit my day job and become a rocker. Adios amigos!” He teleports away.

Spike, Scorpan, and Big Mac walked out of the room they were having their adventure in, and started talking while walking through the castle corridors towards the entrance. “Woo! That was really fun!” Spike said excitedly.

“I’ll say! Thanks again for letting me join your game!” Scorpan said.

“Well, it gets tiring when it’s just the three of us!” Spike teased as he nudges Big Mac, and he nods in agreement.

“That was really fun!” Scorpan said. “Big Mac, you’re a cool pony, and Spike vouches for ya!”

“Well he’s not much of a talker, but he’s company when the girls aren’t around!” Spike said. “Sometimes I’m not inviting with the girls on the adventures, and sometimes Starlight is out of town helping Trixie with her shows, and with Thorax and Ember running their own kingdoms, I don’t have many friends to talk to.”

“Eeyup.” Big Mac agrees sadly.

“That’s when I started trying to make more friends!” Spike said. “I asked the CMCs, too busy crusading. I asked Lyra and Bon Bon, but they say they’re busy doing ‘top secret things’; they wouldn’t tell me what it is. I tried Granny Smith, and all she did was tell me stories of her past – and she keeps forgetting that she told me them so many times.”

“Ugh.” Big Mac groans and shakes his head. “Eeyup!”

“That’s when I asked Big Mac if he wanted to do anything, and as it turns out, we’re into the same nerdy things!” Spike said. “We used to watch Hoofball a lot, but then I taught him this game that Shining Armor taught me – Ogres & Oubliettes! We’ve been having fun since; and then Discord joined us when he was lonely. Turns out, we’re just a bunch of lonely nerds, and we gotta stick together!”

“Wow.” Scorpan said shockingly. “Nopony else is into that sort of thing?”

“Well, Snips and Snails are, but… ehhh… they’re not so fun to hang with all the time.” Spike admitted. The three friends approached the front door as Spike opens it, letting Big Mac out. “Well, Big M, it’s been fun! Same time next week?”

“Eeyup!” Big Mac accepted.

“See you then!” Spike said. “Or I’ll see you earlier around town! It’s a small town.”

“Good game, bro!” Scorpan waved as Big Mac exits the castle. After Spike closes the door, it’s just him and Scorpan.

“So what are you doing tomorrow, Scorpan?” Spike asked.

“Umm… I thought we were going to hang out?” Scorpan asked.

“Oh, dude, I wish! Believe me, I do!” Spike said. “But Mondays are the days that I go gem hunting with Rarity. She looks for gems for her dresses, and I grocery shop!”

“Cool! You think you can get me some gems too?” Scorpan asked.

“Absolutely!” Spike said. “Anyways, it’s late, I’m gonna hit the sack. I’ll see you tomorrow, bro!” Then both bro-bump.

“See ya tomorrow, Spike!” Scorpan said. Spike and Scorpan both go their separate ways of the castle. Scorpan walks through the corridor on his way to his bedroom, when suddenly, Twilight walks out of her library, yawning. She then spots Scorpan walking through the corridor.

“Scorpan! Good evening!” Twilight said as she got Scorpan’s attention.

“Hello, Twilight!” Scorpan greeted her.

“How was your gaming session with the boys?” Twilight asked as she started walking beside Scorpan.

“It was great!” Scorpan said. “I really wish we can make a movie out of these adventures, or a book, or something! We’re not just playing the game, we’re creating story!”

“I would LOVE to read that book!” Twilight said.

“Doesn’t surprise me. Are there any books you DON’T like reading?” Scorpan asked.

“Yes, actually, there is!” Twilight said.

“And what might that be?” Scorpan asked.

“Blank books!” Twilight cringed when she said that. “Ugh! A whole book just blank, and no story!” Just then, Twilight popped herself an idea. “No wait! Actually, I like those books! It would allow me to think about what the story is about! I make my own story as I read it! Really brings my imagination to the test!”

“So… why bother reading the book if you’re just making up a story in your head?” Scorpan asked.

“I think of the story, and I pretend to read it!” Twilight explains.

“Guess that makes sense.” Scorpan said. “You really remind me about Star Swirl by a looooooong shot!”

Twilight giggles proudly. “Well, I’ve been reading all about his work since I was a filly! He’s the reason I was inspired to do magic in the first place!”

“Well, I can hear that Star Swirl is glad to hear it… again.” Scorpan rolls his eyes.

“Anyways, can I ask him a little something?” Twilight asked. “I mean, if he doesn’t mind?”

“Well, if I have to be honest with ya, Star Swirl is getting tired of you asking all these questions constantly.” Scorpan admits. “Also he’s not revealing all his secrets to you. They’re secrets for a reason.”

“Heh, right!” Twilight understands, feeling embarrassed. “I’m sorry, Star Swirl! You’re just so amazing!”

Scorpan closes his eyes and places his index and middle fingers on the sides of his head. “He… forgives you.” Scorpan said.

“Phew!” Twilight wipes the sweat from her forehead. “That’s a relief! If Star Swirl hated me, it would REALLY ruin my self-confidence!”

“Star Swirl could never hate you, Twilight.” Scorpan smiles at her. “But sometimes he just wants to be left alone. He’s tired of me talking to him as it is through meditation. I only bother his eternal rest when it’s absolutely necessary. You forget, Twilight, much like how you were in the past, and how I was, he lived a life of solitude. Sometimes, certain ponies and creatures have their thoughts as their best friends.”

“Yeah, I agree.” Twilight nods. “Anyways, Scorpan, I have to ask you something really important.”

“What is it, Twilight?” Scorpan asked.

“It’s been… three weeks.” Twilight said.

“And?” Scorpan asked.

“Well… you promised you’d see your… ahem… brother.” Twilight said with an embarrassed smile.

“Oh… yeah... that.” Scorpan remembered. “Yeah, I’m still not ready to see him yet.”

“Well, the longer you take, the more you disgrace him, and yourself. Didn’t you say that to me?” Twilight asked.

Scorpan sighs. “Yes… I did, and you’re right. But I’m still not ready to… see him yet. Twilight, I betrayed him. Who knows if he’ll ever forgive me?”

“You won’t know for sure until you try.” Twilight explains as the duo enters the kitchen. “What my friends and I have taught you; you asked for our help, and we helped you!” Scorpan walks over to the fridge to grab a load of junk food. “Didn’t you summon us to that cave to meet us? We performed tests for you to prove to you who we are! We’re the Elements of Harmony, and we used what we know to reform those who were once rubbed off the wrong way! Trixie, Discord, what about Starlight?” Scorpan then walks over to the pantry to grab even more junk food. “She told you how evil she was, how I reformed her, and how my friends and I used what we know to teach her all about friendship! You even said you had a plan!”

“Mhm.” Scorpan said as he continued snatching all the food he could find that he thought he would like, and would just throw aside all the food he didn’t think he would like right on the floor.

“Scorpan, look at yourself!” Twilight yelled.

“I don’t have a mirror. Can you bring one in?” Scorpan asked.

“Scorpan, stop wasting all my food!” Twilight ordered him. “Every day I come in here, it’s a huge mess, and all the food is gone!”

“So? You’re a rich princess. You can buy more.” Scorpan informed her as he placed all the food he was carrying onto the counter, and he starts binge eating.

“Are you kidding? The money I get comes from royal funds! The money isn’t MINE!” Twilight corrected him. “I only use those royal funds when I deem it necessary, like food, or buying toys for sick foals, or buying tickets for trains so my friends and I can travel to other parts of Equestria to solve friendship problems! The money is for friendship purposes; and… maybe a new book or two every now and again.” Scorpan pauses his binge eating and glares at her. “Hey, don’t look at me like that! Sometimes I have to reward myself for doing such a good job!”

“Uh huh, whatever you say, princess.” Scorpan said as he continues eating.

“Scorpan, listen to me!” Twilight ordered. “I kind of got the feeling you might be abusing my hospitality! I let you stay in the castle so we can teach you how to reform your brother! Now you know how to reform your brother, and you’re not even doing anything! You’re just sitting there… eating!”

“Uh, correction: standing.” Scorpan corrected her.

Twilight started to get really angry. “THAT’S NOT THE POINT!” She yelled. “When you’re not eating, you’re just laying around all day! The only productive thing you ever do is hang out with Spike!”

“Spike’s my best friend. Why wouldn’t I hang out with him?” Scorpan asked.

“Is Spike the reason you’re still here?” Twilight asked.

“Well that, and I also I’m not ready to see Tirek yet.” Scorpan said. “

“Well, while I appreciate you being such a good friend to Spike, the main reason you’re here is to reform and reunite with Tirek!” Twilight reminded him. “That’s the reason we brought you in! So I think it’s time for you to stop being lazy all the time, and let’s head on over to Tartarus.”

“Fine,” he burps and starts walking towards the kitchen door, “we’ll go next week.”

“Next week isn’t good enough!” Twilight yelled. “If you keep putting it off, you’ll NEVER be able to reunite with him!”

“Well maybe I DON’T WANT to reunite with him!” Scorpan yelled angrily. “I’m happy here, Twilight! I made more friends here than I ever did in that lonely cave! Besides, there’s no hope in reforming Tirek! Face it! He’s a lost cause!”

“Scorpan, that sounds nothing like you!” Twilight said worryingly. “I thought you wanted to reform him and bring him home?”

“THIS is my home, Twilight!” Scorpan explained. “My old homeland… that was nothing! I didn’t have fun there! I didn’t have friends! I only had my brother! I was a prince, I had money and everything, but it just didn’t feel the same. All this time, all I needed… was friendship; and thanks to you, I got it! Thank you for rescuing me from that cave, Twilight! I appreciate it! Everything I could ever want is right here! I am never leaving! Spike’s my new brother now!” Scorpan then marches out the kitchen, and once he gets into the corridor, he starts flying over to his room.

“Scorpan, wait!” Twilight called out as she tries to follow him, but she knew it was no use. She then sighs in regret. Twilight knew Scorpan was becoming a lost cause, so she knew it was time to take action.
> Decisions
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The next day comes, and Twilight meets up with her friends for lunch at the Ponyville Café, and she explains the whole scenario to them.

“So Scorpan decided not to reunite with his brother, and just stay here forever.” Twilight concludes her story.

“Fantastic!” Pinkie cried out in excitement. “More friends means more fun; and he’s not a pony which makes things even funner!”

“Uh, Pinkie, you do realize ‘funner’ isn’t a real word, right?” Applejack asked.

“And you realize you’re such a square, AJ?” Rainbow asked, feeling annoyed.

“Exactly! Making up words is the funnest!” Pinkie yelled.

“You got that right, sister!” Rainbow said as she and Pinkie hoof-bumped.

“I know exactly how you feel, Twilight.” Fluttershy said. “I had the same problem with my brother a while back. He lost his confidence, so he just laid around and was lazy all the time. But when I finally kicked him out of the house, he realized how much he needed to finish his goal in order to get the things he wants.”

“Yeah, that’s a good point, Twilight.” Applejack said. “Sometimes ya gotta show a little tough love in order to get the things you want.”

“Wait, you mean I have to kick Scorpan out of the castle?” Twilight asked.

“It’s the only way he’ll learn, Twilight.” Fluttershy said.

“I mean, really, darling; he’s abusing your hospitality! Also, he’s wasting all the friendship lessons we did on him!” Rarity reminded her.

“But, you didn’t teach him anythin’.” Applejack reminded her.

“Again… squaaaaaare!” Rainbow said sarcastically.

“It won’t be so bad, Twilight!” Pinkie said. “You don’t want Scorpan anymore? I’ll take him in! We’ll be roomies! I never had a roomie that’s not a pony before; except for Gummy of course! We’re best roomies! BRs!”

“No, Pinkie, Scorpan must find a way to survive all on his own.” Fluttershy said. “We can’t help him, unless he promises he will go Tartarus to rekindle his bond with Tirek.”

“It won’t be an easy thing to do, but Fluttershy is right, Twilight.” Rarity said. “Oh, I hope he isn’t going to smell filthy by the time he returns after learning his lesson.”

“Already done, actually. He hasn’t taken a bath in weeks.” Twilight informed her.

“Ugh.” Rarity felt disgusted. “I think I lost my appetite.”

“C’mon, sugarcube, ah know it’s goin’ to be a tough thing to do, but you don’t stand up to yourself, Scorpan might be a problem for the rest of your life.” Applejack said.

“It is going to be hard, Twilight, but it’s for his own good, and yours.” Fluttershy said. Twilight felt uneasy for the decision she had to make, but she knew it had to be done.

Later at around dusk, Scorpan was sitting in his room, eating chips and reading comic books. Twilight knocks on his already opened door. Scorpan notices her, and says, “Come in, Twilight!”

“Scorpan, we need to talk.” Twilight said.

“I’m doing good, Twilight! How about you?” Scorpan asked.

“Fine, but we need to seriously talk.” Twilight said.

“I told you, Twilight, I’m not going to be able to reform Tirek. I just can’t do it!” Scorpan said.

“Then it’s time that I asked you to leave.” Twilight said.

“Leave? What do you want me to do? Pick up groceries that I keep eating?” Scorpan asked as he stands up from his pile of hay that he laid on. “Alright, I’ll take on more responsibilities around here. I had the feeling this day would come.”

“No, Scorpan. It’s not the responsibilities around the castle. It’s about your responsibilities with Tirek.” Twilight corrected him. “Not only are you being lazy, but you’re not confident enough to even try to reform him!”

“He can’t be reformed. I tried in the past, and it didn’t go so well.” Scorpan reminded her.

“But you’re more experienced now!” Twilight explained. “My friends and I taught you everything we know about reforming, and yet you’re not doing anything about it! You even said you had a plan, so why are you putting it off?”

“Cause I know now that it isn’t going to work!” Scorpan said. “Alright? So stop pestering me about it! I made my decision!”

“Then I made my decision as well! Go! You’re no longer welcomed to stay in my castle!” Twilight said angrily. “I tried to reason with you, and for the past three weeks, all you’ve done was talk about, steal my food, abuse my hospitality, and make a mess! I did my part, so you no longer have any use to us. Go!”

“I-I… I’m ready to see my b-brother.” Scorpan lied.

“Oh, is that so?” Twilight teased. “Then let’s go to the trainstation to Tartarus right now and see him!”

“NO!” Scorpan yelled nervously.

“Then you’re not ready to see him.” Twilight said.

“I need some time to think it over!” Scorpan yelled. “Stop bothering me about it!”

“I won’t bother you about it, because you’re leaving, and that’s final!” Twilight ordered him. “If you don’t leave, I’ll have to remove you myself. I got the magic capability!”

“Alright FINE!” Scorpan yelled angrily. “I’ll go! No problem! But what does Spike have to say about it? He lives here too.”

“Spike doesn’t have a say in this.” Twilight said.

“Oh so this is YOUR castle, and not his as well?” Scorpan asked. “Huh, odd. So you’re not giving him the rights he deserves.”

“It’s how Spike wants it! He said it himself that it’s my castle, and he told me I deserved it!” Twilight informed him. “Don’t believe me? Ask him!” 

“Are you sure about that, Twilight?” Scorpan asked. “Because he seems to think you’re holding him back.”

“He never said that!” Twilight corrected him.

“Oh, don’t believe me? Ask him!” Scorpan teases her, mimicking her voice.

Twilight was surprised after all that Scorpan explains to her. She finally discovers the source of Spike’s problems, and she did not hold back her anger. “It was you! YOU made Spike think his life doesn’t have a purpose!”

“I only told him of what was true.” Scorpan said. “Luckily that’s not a problem anymore, because he’s the new ambassador of Equestria!”

“But he wouldn’t have had that problem if you didn’t tell him!” Twilight yelled. “Spike thought his life was just fine, but then you showed up, and told him these lies! His life ALWAYS had a purpose! He’s my number one assistant, and he’s happy!”

“He didn’t seem that happy.” Scorpan said.

“You’re manipulating him!” Twilight accused him. “You’re using Spike for some reason!”

“He’s my best friend!” Scorpan yelled.

“If you were his best friend, you’d support him in everything he does; not telling him lies about his life!” Twilight explained. “I want you to stay away from him!”

“That is not your decision to make.” Scorpan said. “Spike is his own dragon, and I only told him my opinions. He wanted me to stop, and I did, but for some reason, he started to believe in the truth I saw in him! I only want what’s best for him, because I care about him!”

“WHY?!” Twilight yelled. “What is Spike to you?! Ever since we met, you wanted us to help you reform your brother, and then ever since we got out of that cave, you and Spike have been close! This is beyond any friendship I understand! There is something else, isn’t there?” Scorpan was silent. He felt pretty uneasy about the situation he was in, and Twilight saw it in his eyes. “What is your plan, Scorpan?”

“To leave.” Scorpan said as he started walking towards the door.

“Wait, I, you, just, and, I, WHAT?!” Twilight felt confused.

“I’m leaving, Twilight.” Scorpan said. “I… I will do what you ask. I won’t be an issue to you anymore. But please, let me say goodbye to Spike… before I go.”

Twilight felt very suspicious of him, but she knew Scorpan really cared about Spike, even though she didn’t know why, so she allowed him this last request. “Fine. You got five minutes.” She said.

Scorpan walked out of his room, and walked on over to Spike’s room to say goodbye. Twilight walked over to the front lobby and waited along with Starlight for Scorpan to show up.

“Twilight, are you sure about this?” Starlight asked.

“I’m sure.” Twilight said.

“You’re abandoning him.” Starlight said.

“He abandoned his task, he abandoned his brother, and worst of all, he abandoned our teachings.” Twilight said. “It’s time for him to go.”

“But there’s hope for him, isn’t there?” Starlight asked. “I mean, you never lost hope on me! Don’t lose hope on him too, Twilight.”

“I’m not.” Twilight said. “This is for his own good, Starlight. Once he realizes the error of his ways, he’ll want to come back, and when he does, he’ll want to rekindle his friendship with his brother. He’s been regretting it for a thousand years, and realizing he had everything in the world by being here, he has forgotten about the truth. I’m doing this because I care, Starlight.”

Starlight upsettingly nods in her head in agreement. “I guess that makes sense. Spike’s not going to take this well, is he?”

“He’ll get over it, I’m sure.” Twilight said with confidence. “He has always sided with me in every situation! He knows what’s right; and here he comes now!”

Scorpan starts walking down the stairs along with Spike by his side. Spike looked upset, as expected from Twilight, but she’s about to receive something unexpecting. 

“Hey, Spike.” Twilight said, trying to be comforting. “I hope you got the chance to say goodbye to Scorp-“

“Twilight, why?” Spike interrupted her.

“Because it’s for his own good.” Twilight said. “I know you’re upset about this, but it has to be done.”

“Well… I agree with Scorpan.” Spike said. Twilight and Starlight both felt surprised after he said that.

“Why?” Twilight asked. “What could you possibly agree with him with?”

“I don’t have a fair say, do I?” Spike asked. “I want Scorpan to stay, and he’ll go see his brother when he’s ready.”

“Uh, Spike?” Starlight asked. “I don’t think-“ But before Starlight could finish, Twilight started to get really angry.

“Are you kidding me?!” Twilight yelled. “Spike, you have always taken my side, and now you’re disagreeing with me for somepony you BARELY know!?”

“I know him, Twilight, and he will be better ready soon. You just have to give him a little time.” Spike informed her.

Twilight started steaming, “Spike, stand aside. Let Scorpan go!”

“No!” Spike refused.

“Spiiiiiiike…” Twilight said angrily. “I said… stand aside! You’re not allowed to see him anymore! He’s a bad influence on you!”

“He made me see things I never noticed before, Twilight!” Spike informed her. “He helped me achieve my full potential, and what did you do?! You make me write notes, you make me clean YOUR castle, and I do SO MUCH for you! I’m not even part of your Elements of Harmony! We’ve been friends much longer than you have with the girls!”

“It was destiny, Spike.” Twilight said.

“Yeah, a destiny you couldn’t share with your best friend!” Spike said angrily.

“It’s not like that!” Twilight said.

“It’s not just that though!” Spike continued. “I’m not even part of your group! You girls do all the work, and what do I do? Carry the luggage; especially Rarity’s. The only places I’m actually respected is the Crystal Empire, the Dragon Lands, and the Changeling Kingdom! Nopony really cares about me around here! I’m not even close to your family! I never even met my family! I don’t ever get a say, and you never listen to me when I’m right!”

“SPIKE!” Twilight yelled. “You are my number one assistant, and I also raised you! I given you a lot too! I could’ve just abandoned you, but I never did! Consider yourself lucky! Any other pony could’ve just thrown you in the trash, because nopony wants to take care of a baby dragon!”

Spike was shocked after she said that, and Starlight and Scorpan was too. “Twilight…” Starlight started, “how could you say that?”

Twilight just realized what she said, and she started to feel bad. She saw the tears in Spike’s eyes. “Spike, I-“ She was about to say, but Spike cuts her off.

“NO! Don’t say it!” Spike yelled, feeling heartbroken. “You know what, Twilight? You’re right! Scorpan should leave!”

“Well…” Twilight smiles a bit, “…I’m glad you think that, because-“

“WAIT! Let me finish!” Spike interrupts her. “Scorpan can leave… but I’m going with him.”

“B-but, Spike!” Twilight begged. “I-“

“No, I made my decision, like you made yours.” Spike said. “I knew this day would come, Twilight. It’s time for me to move on with my life. I’m going to go pack my things.” Spike runs off, and Twilight wanted to stop him, but Starlight stopped her.

“No, Twilight.” Starlight said. “He needs time.”

“Yes. This is, after all, his own decision.” Scorpan reminded her. He then walked off to help Spike pack, and Twilight never felt so heartbroken in her life. She started to cry as Starlight comforted her, feeling teary eyed as well. After a little while went by, Spike and Scorpan returned to the lobby. Spike, having a rag on a stick packed for his travels didn’t say anything. He just gave Twilight one last look before opening the castle door and leaving, and Scorpan follows him. The door shuts as they leave, and Twilight just cries even harder on Starlight.

“It’s okay, Twilight. It’s okay.” Starlight comforted her.

“NO! It’s not okay!” Twilight yelled. “I just let Spike go with that… that…” She really struggled to control herself, but she takes a deep breath, just like Cadance taught her. “How could I let this happen, Starlight?”

“Who knew something like this was going to happen?” Starlight asked.

“It’s all my fault.” Twilight blamed herself. “I’ve been such a bad friend to Spike over the years. I should’ve been better to him!”

“No, Twilight, listen to me. Look at me! Look… at… me!” Starlight ordered her.

“No, I’m pathetic!” Twilight hid herself.

“Look at me!” Starlight ordered her. Twilight eventually does so, as Starlight looks into Twilight’s red watery eyes. “This is NOT your fault. Scorpan manipulated him, confused him. He told him lies! It’ll be a matter of time before Spike realizes it, and comes back. Just like you said, Scorpan will come back too to rekindle with his brother, and Spike will too to rekindle with you. Just give him some space for a while, and some time.” 

Twilight wiped her eyes and smiled. “I taught you so well, Starlight! Thanks for being there for me!”

“Anytime, Twilight!” Starlight said as they both shared a hug. “Remember, you still have your friends! You have me, you have the girls, we’ll help you through this!”

“I’m gonna miss Spike, Starlight.” Twilight said upsettingly.

“I will too, Twilight. I will too.” Starlight admitted.

Back outside, Spike and Scorpan walked away from the castle, and didn’t look back. They were on their way to the trainstation, as Spike was felt determined, but also a bit sad inside.

“Spike, I’m sorry I made you do this.” Scorpan said. “You didn’t have to run away.”

“I just feel like I need some time away from Twilight.” Spike said. “I’m not leaving forever. I’m sure she’ll manage just fine without me. She is the Princess of Friendship after all.”

“So where are we going?” Scorpan asked.

“Where were you planning to go after leaving?” Spike asked.

“I… I’m not sure. Back to the cave, I guess?” Scorpan answered, feeling uneasy.

“Oh pfft! You’re not going back there!” Spike said. “I don’t want you to be alone again, well besides your so-called ‘mediations’ of Star Swirl.”

“So called?” Scorpan asked.

“I don’t know, maybe you were just insane for being alone for so long.” Spike guessed.

Scorpan shrugs. “Maybe, but I feel like he’s still with me. I think I could hear him, but… maybe you’re right. Anyways, where are we going?”

“I got a few places in mind.” Spike said. “We can stay at the Crystal Empire for a while. I’m well respected there, and I’m sure they’ll like you too!”

“Are you sure?” Scorpan asked. “Doesn’t Twilight’s brother live there?”

“Mhm.” Spike answered.

“Won’t he tell Twilight?” Scorpan asked.

“Nah, I’ll make up something, but for now…” Spike sighs and wipes a teardrop from his eye. “…I must make my own decisions. Goodbye for now, Ponyville.” Spike and Scorpan arrive at the trainstaion just in time to catch the next train. “Next stop: the Crystal Empire.”
> Orb King
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

When the next day comes, the train arrives at the Crystal Empire, so Spike and Scorpan exit the train to enjoy the wonderful scenery.

“Wow!” Scorpan said impressively. “The Crystal Empire is even more shinny and beautiful than I remembered!”

“Wait, you were here before?” Spike asked.

“Yeah, sometime before it disappeared.” Scorpan said. “If these crystal ponies are the exact same ones from a thousand years ago, I wonder if they’ll remember me?”

“Well, I can remind them if they don’t!” Spike offered. “After the crystal ponies see me, they’ll come right over, and perhaps they’ll recognize you too! They’ll also respect you a lot more since you’re friends with their hero!”

“Yeah, you told me about the story a dozen times already.” Scorpan rolled his eyes. “Look, dude, once I see that statue of yours, I’ll believe you.”

“Well then let’s go see it now on the way to the palace!” Spike suggested.

Spike and Scorpan start walking down the streets of the Crystal Empire, and the duo were just enjoying their walk when suddenly they were recognized by two crystal ponies. “Oh my gosh! Is that who I think it is?!” One of the crystal ponies that spotted them asked in shock.

“Yep! It’s who you think it is!” Spike said. “The Great and Honorable-“

“I’ve seen you before!” One of the crystal ponies said to Scorpan as they both ran over to him.

“Yeah! It’s been so long! Uh, Scorpan, right?” The other pony asked.

“Uh, yeah! I’m sorry, who are you again?” Scorpan asked embarrassingly. “Heh, it’s been a thousand years for me, so my memory of who I met is kinda slim.”

“Oh, how silly of us!” One of the ponies blushed in embarrassment. “I’m Amber Laurel, and this is Scarlet Heart!”

“So nice to see you again, Scorpan!” Scarlet said excitedly. “How have things been for you?”

“Oh, it’s been great actually!” Scorpan said. “I mean… it hasn’t always been like that, but ever since I met Spike here and his friends, things have great!”

“OH, Spike the Brave and Glorious!” Amber said surprisingly. “I’m so sorry, we didn’t see you there!”

“Oh it’s fine!” Spike said. “I’m always welcomed here, so it’s not very surprising; but I really appreciate you giving my friend here a good welcome!”

“Well any friend of Spike’s is a friend of ours!” Scarlet said. “You two staying long?”

“Yeah, for a little while.” Spike said. “I need some time away from home, so I came here!”

“Well I hope you two stay comfortable!” Amber said. “Need a place to stay? You can stay with Scarlet if you like!”

Scarlet glares at Amber. “Even though I really don’t like being volunteered like that, it is an honor having you both around!”

“I live in a one-bedroom house.” Amber said. “You two have too much honor to be sleeping on a couch! Also, I don’t think you want to sleep on MY bed.”

“I really don’t wanna know.” Scorpan said, feeling disgusted.

“That’s okay!” Spike said. “We’re staying at the castle! Much more room and all that! Scorpan here, he can be pretty spacey.”

“Oh shut up!” Scorpan nudged Spike teasingly.

The two ponies giggled. “Well we hope to see you two soon!” Amber said.

“Yeah, please enjoy yourselves!” Scarlet said. “Bye now!” The two ponies walk away, and at the same time, Spike and Scorpan start walking over to the castle.

“Wow, these ponies really respect you!” Scorpan said.

“Hey, they missed me; they noticed you first!” Spike reminded him.

“That’s true, but like you said, I take up so much space!” Scorpan teases, and they both laugh.

Meanwhile, inside the crystal palace, Princess Cadance was sitting on her throne as she talked to Sunburst. Sunburst was reading his journal to Cadance as he explains the best magic defense strategies. 

“So, if you use Shieldaria combined with other ponies doing the same spell, it would cause the defense shield to be even stronger, and you’d be able to save enough magic for other defensive strategies!” Sunburst explained.

“Well, this would’ve come in handy when King Sombra was around, or during the first changeling attack at the royal wedding!” Cadance said impressively. “I guess maybe the shields would’ve been stronger if Shining Armor and I had some extra help from Celestia, Luna, or even Twilight!”

“Exactly!” Sunburst said.

“Thank you for this useful information, Sunburst!” Cadance said gratefully. “I should send a message to Celestia, Luna, and Twilight right away about this discovery, and make sure you tell Shining Armor this once he’s done with Flurry.”

“I will! Thank you, Princess Cadance!” Sunburst bows. As he starts walking out of the throne room, he spots Spike and Scorpan entering the room just as he walks out.

“Oh, hey Spike!” Sunburst said as he trots passed him.

“Hey, Sunburst!” Spike greeted him.

“Oh, Spike!” Cadance said surprisingly. “What a pleasant surprise! I didn’t know you were coming!”

“Yeah, it was kind of short notice. I hope I’m not interrupting anything.” Spike said.

“No, not at all!” Cadance said. “Is Twilight with you?”

“Nah, just me, and my friend here!” Spike said.

“Oh, that’s too bad, I have something she’d be very interested in!” Cadance said. She then spots Scorpan next to Spike and finally asks, “Who’s your friend?”

“It took her that long to ask?” Scorpan asked with an attitude. Spike then elbows him, signaling him to be quiet. “Ow!”

“Cadance, this is my friend Scorpan!” Spike said. “Me, Twilight, and the others found him in a cave, and-“

“Wait, Spike, can I interrupt you for a second?” Cadance interrupts.

“Uh, did you have to ask?” Spike asked sarcastically.

Cadance rolls her eyes at that snark. “Did you just say his name is Scorpan?” She asked.

“I’m guessing you know the story about me and my brother.” Scorpan presumed.

“I presume that Tirek is your brother, right?” Cadance asked.

“Yeah, I’m not very proud of what he did.” Scorpan admitted. “I’m really sorry for all the trouble he caused.”

“Oh no, it’s okay!” Cadance said. “Please, I hope I didn’t offend you or anything!”

“You didn’t. I’m used to it.” Scorpan said.

“So, what are you doing here anyway?” Cadance asked.

“It’s a rather long story.” Scorpan said. “I-“

“Uh, we found him lost in a cave after his kingdom wouldn’t allow him back without Tirek, so he had nowhere else to go, so we decided to bring him in.” Spike explained.

“Oh! Well that’s very nice of you!” Cadance said.

“Yeah, and it’s been a while since he’s last been to the Crystal Empire since before it disappeared, so I decided to bring him here and take a trip down memory lane!” Spike explained.

“That’s wonderful!” Cadance said as she stands up from her throne and walks down passed Spike and Scorpan. “Please, make yourselves at home! I need to go find Shining Armor. I’ll be right back!”

“Take your time!” Spike insisted. “We’ll be waiting for ya! I promise not to eat your entire castle while you’re gone!” Cadance giggles as she walks out.

“Uh, Spike?” Scorpan asked confusingly. “Why didn’t you tell her about me wanting to reunite with my brother, and you kinda lied to her about why we’re here.”

“I don’t want her to be suspicious.” Spike said. “Cadance and Shining are very close to Twilight, and if they realized that I’m actually spending time away from her, they’ll want to contact her and ask her why. I’m not going to take that chance.”

“What about lying about the reason we’re here?” Scorpan asked.

“I didn’t lie. I just didn’t mention to her about my fight with Twilight.” Spike corrected him. “You did want to come back here, right?”

“I told you that right when we got here.” Scorpan reminded him.

“Yeah, so?” Spike asked.

“So, that’s still a lie, because that wasn’t your reason.” Scorpan informed him.

“Oh like you’re a total expert at friendship of friendship just by hanging around the girls for a few days.” Spike said sarcastically.

“I know enough, bro.” Scorpan said.

“Spike!” Shining Armor said as he walked inside the throne room with Cadance and Sunburst. “Good to see you! I didn’t know you were coming!”

“Well, I’m here now!” Spike said. “This is my friend, Scorpan! Yes, he is the brother of Tirek, but he’s not evil like him.”

“Oh I know!” Shining said as he walks over to greet Shining. “Pleasure to meet you, Scorpan! Welcome to the Crystal Empire! This is so far a much better meeting than the last friend Spike brought in!”

“Ugh.” Spike groans embarrassingly.

“Yes, Spike told me about the situation with Thorax.” Scorpan said. “I never met him yet, but he sounds pretty nice. Twilight told me a lot about you too!”

“Really?” Shining asked. “What did she say?”

“A lot! About how you’re her BBBBFF, or something.” Scorpan said.

“BBBFF.” Shining corrected him. “You added an extra ‘B’ there.”

“So does Twilight know you’re here, Spike?” Cadance asked.

Spike started to get nervous. He looked up at Scorpan and he just shrugs, not knowing what to say. Shining and Cadance were awaiting an answer as Flurry Heart giggles on Shining’s back. As Spike was nervously thinking, Shining and Cadance were concerned on why he wasn’t giving his answer, and then Spike finally lets out; “Yes. She knows.”

“Are you sure?” Cadance asked suspiciously.

“Hey, heh, would I lie to you?” Spike asked nervously.

“Uh, what Spike means is,” Scorpan takes over for him, “Twilight realizes that I’ve been spending too much time in Ponyville, so I decided to go travelling, and Spike here wanted to keep me company, and Twilight didn’t stop us. Absolute truth!”

“Well… okay then!” Cadance smiles, and Spike felt relieved. “You two are welcomed here for as long as you want! Just relax!”

“Well… if it isn’t too much to ask though, we… err… could use a little help, if you don’t mind?” Shining asked.

“No, not at all!” Spike said. “Since I’m already Equestria’s ambassador, assisting others shouldn’t be a problem for me anymore!”

“Well, I’m glad to hear that!” Shining said. “Cadance and I could use some help with the baby, and Sunburst here needs some help with some research.”

“Yes,” Sunburst agreed, “I think I’ve discovered a way to create holographic decoys without the use of magic, but by small devices, but I’ll need a test subject.”

“I’ll handle this, Spike.” Scorpan offered. “Since the baby knows you, I think looking after her might be the better thing for you to do.”

“Are you sure?” Spike asked. “I’m used to being a test subject, and it isn’t easy work. You have to make sure you don’t grow a third arm out of your belly button, or lose your sight of all colors except for red.”

“Spike, I don’t think you known, but I used to be Star Swirl’s test dummy!” Scorpan said. “His magical research was INTENSE! I think I can handle what Sunburst here has in store!”

“Well… I hope so!” Sunburst said. “Come with me to my haven, and I’ll show you!”

“Haven?” Scorpan asked.

“It’s a nice safe place for me to read in peace without disruptions!” Sunburst said.

“What about the library?” Cadance reminded him.

“They don’t allow food in the library.” Sunburst said. “I like to eat and read at the same time.”

“Ooooook, so… I guess we can get started on everything now?” Shining asked awkwardly.

As Spike goes with Shining Armor to take care of Flurry Heart, Scorpan goes with Sunburst back to his house to test out his new device. As Scorpan sits down on the floor leaning on Sunburst’s table (since he’s too big for a chair), Sunburst takes out a metal box with a magical glowy-glow around it, and with his magic, carries it to the table, and sets it down on it. Scorpan curiously touches the box as the magic shocks him.

“Ouch!” Scorpan yells as he then sucks on his finger.

“I should’ve told you not to touch this. The magical energy surrounding this box keeps it safe.” Sunburst said. “Only my magic, Cadance, or Shining Armor’s magic can even lay a spec on this box. I don’t want anything bad to happen to the prototype.”

“Noted.” Scorpan understood. “So what is it?”

“It’s a magical energy box of my own design!” Sunburst said. “Keeps others from-“

“Yeah, I figured THAT.” Scorpan interrupts him. “I mean what’s inside?”

“Oh, right!” Sunburst figured out. “Heh, anyway. What’s inside this box is a new defense magnesium. With my magical knowledge combined with Shining Armor’s magic, I was able to create little orbs those of non-magical users, or those that don’t know this spell, to be able to use it for their own advantage.” Sunburst uses his magic to stop the secured glow, and he takes out a key to unlock the box, and when he opens it, Scorpan looks inside and sees two green orbs sitting close together among a small pillow.

“Wow.” Scorpan said impressively. “You made these?”

“Well, with the help of Shining Armor!” Sunburst said humbly as he picks up one of the orbs.

“So how does it work?” Scorpan asked.

“I’ll show you!” Sunburst said as the orb began to glow. After a sudden flash of light that temporarily blinds Scorpan, he looks back at Sunburst who just smiles at him.

“Sooo… what happened?” Scorpan asked curiously.

“It worked!” Sunburst said excitedly.

“It did?” Scorpan asked.

“Yeah!” Sunburst cried out as he raises his hoof. “Give me a high-hoof, Scorpan!”

“Oh, sure!” Scorpan accepted as he gives Sunburst a hoof-bump, but Scorpan’s claw just goes right through his hoof as Sunburst’s body went static like a hologram. “What the?!” Scorpan got startled.

“Like I said…” Sunburst started just as he disappears into the green orb lying on the ground, and then another Sunburst shows up from behind the curtains and says, “…it worked!”

“HEY! What sort of witchcraft is this?!” Scorpan yelled confusingly.

“Wizardcraft.” Sunburst corrects him as he picks up the orb. “It’s a Decoy Orb! You don’t have to be a magic user to perform Nanabooalus anymore! With this, you can create your own decoy! Your foes can be focused on a fake holographic you, while the real you either escapes or sneaks up on your foe!”

“Wow, that’s so interesting!” Scorpan said impressively.

“I’ve got a ton of orbs ready for our guards for battle, just in case anything threatens Equestria in any way!” Sunburst said.

“Can I try out the Decoy Orb?” Scorpan requests.

“Of course! It needs all the testing it can get!” Sunburst accepts as he gives Scorpan the orb. When the orb began to glow, Scorpan immediately drops it out of fear, and then a huge flashbang glow occurs as Scorpan notices himself right in front of him.

“Whoa! Now that’s just trippy!” Scorpan said shockingly.

“I’ll say!” Decoy Scorpan said. “How am I talking if you’re there?”

“Yeah, that’s weird, isn’t it?” Real Scorpan said.

“That’s because the Nanabooalus spell creates a temporary copy of your mind, and can do pretty much anything before it deactivates itself!” Sunburst said.

“Well, maybe I don’t want to be deactivated.” Scorpan said. “How about that?”

“You’re the real Scorpan, you can’t get deactivated.” Sunburst informed him mischievously.

“Wow, he’s too good.” Fake Scorpan said as he deactivates himself, and Scorpan picks up the orb. 

“The orb projects a temporary clone of you.” Sunburst explained. “It can even do holographic magic, depending if you’re a magic user. It’s magic won’t touch your foe, but it can startle him or her, and if you’re lucky, maybe they’ll be able to run away!”

“This is cool!” Scorpan said excitedly. “You’re a genius, Sunburst!”

“Heeey, I only do what I do for the sake of pony kind.” Sunburst blushes in embarrassment. “You can keep that orb if you want!”

“Are you sure?” Scorpan asked. “Isn’t this the prototype?”

“I have two prototypes. Didn’t you notice the second orb in the box?” Sunburst reminded him. “Like I said, this thing still needs field testing, and I hope perhaps you can do it for me!”

“I would love to!” Scorpan said excitedly. “Spike’s really missing out on this! Can’t wait to show him! But… I’m sure he’s having a good time with the baby!”

Meanwhile inside the castle, Spike and Shining Armor were covered in mashed peas.
> More Decisions
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Spike and Scorpan stayed at the Crystal for five days, and they were having a good time those few days! They both took turns helping to take care of Flurry Heart, and they both took turns to helping Sunburst with his research, and most of the time, Spike and Scorpan just share their stories with the crystal ponies. Even one time in the middle, Spike and Scorpan played O&O with Shining Armor, which they found to be the most fun, even though Spike was a tad bit upset that they had to leave out Big Mac and Discord. 

Day Five was nearly done, and as Spike and Scorpan were both walking down the street of the Crystal Empire, one of the royal guards stopped them on the street. “Spike the Brave and Glorious?”

“That’s my name, don’t wear it out!” Spike said.

“Uh, Princess Cadance and Shining Armor need you in the throne room.” The guard said.

“Alright!” Spike accepted. 

“Huh, I wonder what they might want?” Scorpan asked as he and Spike began walking towards the castle. When they got to the throne room, they saw Shining Armor and Cadance with upset looks on their faces.

“Shining! Cay-Cay! What’s the good word?” Spike asked.

“There’s no good word, Spike.” Shining said.

“Why is that?” Spike asked.

“We got a letter from Twilight saying she wants to come and visit here because she’s really upset about something.” Cadance said.

Spike and Scorpan both got nervous. “Uhh… what do you mean by that?” Spike asked as he began to sweat.

“She didn’t say.” Cadance said. “She just said she would ‘explain it to us when they get here’.”

“They?” Spike asked. “I guess she’s bringing her friends?”

“Yeah.” Cadance said. “Do you know anything about this, Spike?”

“Well now I know they’re coming!” Spike said.

“I mean, did you know Twilight was really upset?” Cadance corrected herself.

“Uhh…” Spike tried thinking it over, but didn’t know how to explain it. “Well, funny thing about that. Heheheh. Umm… well… I didn’t think she would miss me too much if I left.”

“So she DIDN’T know you left?” Cadance asked as she glared at him.

“Spike, what happened between you and Twilight?” Shining asked.

“Nothing!” Spike yelled.

“It’s true. It’s all me.” Scorpan admitted. “Twilight didn’t want me around anymore, so I left, and Spike came with me.”

“You do realize that Twilight might be really upset about it, don’t you think?” Cadance asked.

“They’re on their way here now.” Shining said. “One of my guards said they just arrived at the trainstation. Once Twilie gets here, you two will need to explain what happened, and try to fix the problem.”

“Oh… umm… great!” Spike faked a smile. “Coool! Umm… you know… I think I might… umm… need some alone time with Twilight, so… I’ll try to meet her at the entrance and surprise her!”

“Hmm… okay.” Shining said suspiciously. “But I really want to know what happened between you two, and probably Scorpan too.”

“Absolutely!” Spike said. “Thank you both so much for all your help, and Sunburst too!”

“Well, we were glad to have you here!” Cadance said with a smile. “But… maybe it’s about time you and Twilight settled things.”

“Of course!” Spike understood. “Come on, Scorpan! Let’s go meet up with the others!” Scorpan just shrugs at Shining and Cadance as he follows Spike back into the corridor.

Scorpan felt a little curious on Spike’s decision. He asks him as the duo arrive at the bedroom Spike slept in during their time at the empire. “So, are you really going to make up with Twilight?”

“No! I’m not ready yet!” Spike said upsettingly as he runs over towards his bed and starts packing his stuff back inside his travel rag. “It’s too soon! I can’t see Twilight yet!”

“But you just said to Shining and Cadance that you would.” Scorpan reminded him.

“I know, and I feel so bad for lying to them again.” Spike said. “But… I just… I’m not ready to see her yet. I’m still mad at her after what she said to me… and did to you. We’re leaving.”

“Already?” Scorpan asked. “But I like it here! But… if you really want to go… we can go; but how are we going to get passed Twilight and her friends on the way to the trainstation?”

“Do your wings work?” Spike asked.

Back down at the Crystal Empire streets, Twilight and her friends in the Mane Six, including Starlight, walked over towards the castle. Twilight was still upset as her friends guided her towards the castle.

Rarity sighs and says, “I always love coming here to Crystal Empire! It never seizes to amaze me of how gorgeous it is!”

“But remember, we’re here to support Twilight durin’ her bad time.” Applejack reminded her.

“Oh I know!” Rarity said upsettingly. “Poor Spikey-Wikey! Lost… and alone! Well, not really alone, he has Scorpan. No wait! That’s even worse! That monster took Spike from us! Wait till I get my hooves on him for stealing MY CUTE LITTLE HANDSOME DRAGON!”

“I know!” Rainbow said angrily. “After all we did for him! He took advantage over us, used us, and he stole Spike from us! He’s no different than Tirek! We should send him straight to Tartarus to reunite him with his brother; and settle into his new home!”

“Oooo! Rarity can help him decorate!” Pinkie suggested. “I could throw him a super fun house-warming party! Ooo, and a reunion party!”

“But he’s not the monster we claim him to be.” Fluttershy said. “He still wants to reunite with his brother. I’m sure he’s just misunderstood, and Spike just doesn’t want to leave him.”

“Ah’m afraid ah’ll have to disagree with you, Fluttershy.” Applejack said. “He asked for help, and we did, and he’s not even takin’ our help into consideration. We just wasted our time.”

“But he’ll come back.” Fluttershy said. “I mean, that’s what the plan was, right?”

“Look, can we all just stop talking about Scorpan, and Spike, and… everything?!” Twilight asked angrily. “Can we talk about something positive for a change?!”

“Ummm… pizza? Cake? Pizza cake?” Pinkie asked.

Twilight sighs and says sarcastically, “Gee, thanks, Pinkie. That helps a lot.”

“Hmm… was that sarcasm?” Pinkie asked curiously.

“No.” Twilight said sarcastically.

“Oh! Okie dokie lokie!” Pinkie said excitedly. “Glad to help, Twilight!” Just then, her happiness fades away. “Oh, woops. THAT was sarcasm too, wasn’t it?”

“You really can’t tell?” Rainbow asked.

“Sure, like anypony could understand what sarcasm is!” Pinkie said sarcastically.

“Well, it doesn’t matter.” Twilight said angrily. “I don’t need him! I don’t need Spike! He’s his own dragon, just like what Scorpan said. I’m better off without him, and he’s better off without me! I’ve got you girls as my friends and number one assistants! Easily replaceable!”

Spike overhears the conversation from the balcony up above, and he begins to tear up again. “Let’s get outta here, dude.” He said as he climbs on Scorpan’s back.

“Now ah know you don’t mean that, sugarcube.” Applejack comforts Twilight.

“Oh do I, ‘sugarcube’?” Twilight asks, teasing her as Scorpan flies away from above without anypony noticing.

Applejack felt really hurt when Twilight said that, but Fluttershy pats Applejack on the back and says, “Don’t be upset with her, Applejack. She’s just going through denial.”

“Yeah, the five stages of grief. I remember that.” Rainbow said.

“But we’re her friends! We’ll always be there for Twilight during her grieving process, and Spike WILL come back; and when he does, we will party all night long, and won’t wake up till noon the next day with a huge headache!”

“Well, other than that last part, Pinkie is right!” Starlight said. “Spike will come back, and so will Scorpan! Just give them some time. I’m sure they’ll be home in Ponyville waiting for us by the time we get back!”

“For Twilight’s sake, ah hope you’re right, Starlight.” Applejack said.

Spike and Scorpan arrived at the trainstation to get buy their tickets. Spike gives a few bits to the ticket pony and says, “Two tickets to Appleloosa, please.”

“Appleloosa?” Scorpan asked. “Why are we going there? Are we going to see a buffalos next? You said you’re respected there too.”

“Yeah, but I haven’t kept in contact with any of them; I think it’s best I go see somepony I’m more close with.” Spike said as he receives the tickets from the ticket pony. 

“Who?” Scorpan asked.

“Appleloosa is the closest place the Friendship Express can go that’s nearest to the Changeling Kingdom.” Spike explained as he and Scorpan walked over towards the boarding area.

“So I’m guessing we’ll see Thorax?” Scorpan asked.

“Yep!” Spike said. “I can help him out at his kingdom, and since we’re really good friends, he’ll be alright with us staying!”

“No lies this time, right?” Scorpan asked.

“Nope! Thorax is closer to me than he is with Twilight, so he’ll for sure take my side!” Spike said. “I can’t wait for you two to meet!”

“I can’t wait to meet him!” Scorpan said.

“Just don’t go fighting over me, alright?” Spike teases. “I like you both just the same.”

“Oh don’t worry, I’ll make sure he wins the fight!” Scorpan teases back.

“Ooo burn!” Spike said as he and Scorpan both laughed.

As Scorpan and Spike hears a toot from the distance, Scorpan points out, “Here comes the train.”

“Well, now it’s goodbye Crystal Empire, hello Appleloosa, and then hello Changeling Kingdom!” Spike said.

Back inside the crystal palace, the Mane Six and Starlight enter the throne room as Cadance and Shining were waiting for them. When they spot her, they were both happy, but were more comforting towards her.

“Hey, Twily!” Shining said as he walks over to her to give her a hug.

“Hey, B.B.B.F.F.” Twilight said, trying to be happy, but can’t.

“How’s it been going at home?” Shining asked.

“Hectic, but I’ll survive.” Twilight said. “My magic hasn’t been working very well lately, but I guess it’s because of my mood.”

“Yeah, I’m sure it’s tough at home without Spike around.” Cadance said.

“Yeah.” Twilight agreed; but just then, she started to get suspicious. “Wait, how did you know Spike left? I didn’t mention it in the letter.”

Cadance and Shining both were stumped as they didn’t know what to say next, but they realized they had to let Twilight know the truth. “Uh, Twiliy, I don’t know how else to tell you this, but… you deserve to know the truth.”

“Well? Spit it out, big brother! What is it?” Twilight asked.

“He was… here.” Shining admitted.

“Wait… what?!” Twilight asked surprisingly.

“Spike was here?! For how long?” Rarity asked.

“Five days.” Cadance said. “I’m guessing that’s when he left?”

“Is he here now?” Rainbow asked.

“He said he would meet you at the entrance.” Cadance said suspiciously. “Wait… what happened? Where is Spike?”

Shining uses his magic to scan the whole castle from his one standing spot. As he was scanning, Twilight yelled, “Here’s here?! Spike’s here?!”

Shining sighs as he finishes his scan. “No. He’s gone.”

“SCAN THE ENTIRE EMPIRE THEN-“ Twilight yelled but immediately cut herself off. “Actually, I’ll do it!” Twilight uses her own magic to scan the entire Crystal Empire.

“I can’t believe Spike was here!” Fluttershy said surprisingly.

“Well, this is where he’s most respected.” Starlight reminded her.

“NO!” Twilight cried.

“What happened?” Starlight asked.

“Spike’s at the trainstation boarding a train!” Twilight yelled.

“Well, what are we waiting for?! Let’s go catch it!” Rainbow suggested.

“NO!” Twilight yelled in anger. “It’s too late! He’s gone! We will never make it in time!”

“I’m sure we can try to stop them.” Cadance suggested.

“FORGET IT!” Twilight yelled. “Some help YOU two were! You could’ve told me he was here! Why didn’t you tell me?!”

“Well… he kinda lied to us, and… said you knew he was there.” Shining admitted.

“AAAH!” Twilight screamed as her horn started glowing with her anger. “Don’t you find it suspicious that Spike was here without me?! I would always come with him so I can see my FAMILY! But noooooo, you automatically assume Spike would just waltz in here with gargoyle you don’t even know without me sending you a letter first to let you know AHEAD OF TIME!”

“Now, Twilight… deep breaths… just like I taught you.” Cadance nervously reminds her.

“Deep breaths?!” Twilight yelled as her magic started getting stronger. “DEEP BREATHS?! AAAAAAAAAAAH!” Twilight started screaming in rage as all her friends were really nervous. They thought Twilight was about to burst a large amount of magic out of her, but it turned out to be a dud. Twilight immediately gets tired out as the only thing that came out of her horn was a small spark.

“Huh, that was anti-climatic.” Rainbow commented.

“So I guess her emotion really is draining her magic, huh?” Pinkie asked.

“No… her anger should’ve made her magic stronger.” Starlight said. “Emotion is what makes magic strong, and Twilight was full of emotion.”

“So… what could this mean then?” Applejack asked.

“It means… her magic is being drained.” Starlight said.

“But why? Did she use a lot of magic like I did back at Cadance and mine’s wedding and her magic just drained?” Shining asked.

“No… she hasn’t.” Starlight said confusingly.
> Trespassing
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Over at the Changeling Kingdom, Thorax was just sitting on his throne, yawning in boredom, when suddenly a couple of changeling guards burst in with Scorpan and Spike while their limbs are trapped in changeling goo.

“Your highness,” one of the guards started, “we found these two around the main entrance, and they requested to see you. I think they’re spies!”

“Would spies burst through the front door?” Spike asked sarcastically.

“Yeah, seriously!” Scorpan agreed.

“Spike!” Thorax gasped in surprise. “How dare you, guards?! That’s my friend there! He’s always welcome into the hive! Release him immediately!”

“As you wish.” The guard said as he removes Spike’s goo bindings. “What about the fat one?”

“Fat?!” Scorpan yelled, feeling offended. “It’s muscle!”

“Indeed.” Thorax agreed. “Uh, Spike? Good to see you, buddy, but… who’s this?”

“This is Scorpan! I told you about him!” Spike reminded him.

“You didn’t say he was… not a pony.” Thorax informed him. “What is he?”

“He’s a gargoyle.” Spike said. “You can trust him, believe me! He’s my friend! He’s another misunderstood friend.”

“Oh, I can relate to that! Release him at once!” Thorax ordered his guards.

“You sure about this, your highness?” The guard asked.

“If Spike vouches for him, then I trust him too.” Thorax said. So the guard obeyed and removed Scorpan’s goo bindings as well.

“I am so sorry about that!” Thorax said to his guests. “Spike, you should be treated with far better respect around here.”

“Hey, I’m used to being an unsung hero at times. Sometimes literarily unsung.” Spike teases.

“Well, it’s really good to see you, Spike!” Thorax said. “And, so you’re Scorpan, huh? Pleasure to meet you!”

“The pleasure is all mine, King Thorax!” Scorpan said as he shakes his hoof. “Spike told me all about you!”

“Please, just ‘Thorax’.” Thorax insisted.

“Okay, ‘Just Thorax’.” Scorpan teases.

Thorax chuckles at his joke. “So what brings you two here anyway?”

“Well… I kind of had an outing with Twilight.” Spike said.

“It was my fault, really.” Scorpan admits. “I’ve been too lazy lately, and a little scared for reuniting with my brother, so Twilight kicked me out, and Spike came with me out of pity.”

“Not just that, but Twilight really offended me.” Spike added.

“Well then, I will not allow her here if she ever comes. You have my word on that, Spike!” Thorax promises. “After all you’ve done for me, I’ll make sure you two have your space!”

“Oh, don’t worry! I strongly doubt Twilight’s coming!” Spike said.

“Well, you’re welcome to stay as long as you two want!” Thorax offered.

“Thanks, bro!” Spike said. “Do you have anything for us to do while we’re here? I mean… since we’re here, we might as well do something.”

“Oh, well, I don’t want to be an inconvenience for you.” Thorax said. “I just want you to be happy and comfortable, and feel hospitable here!”

“I insist!” Spike said. “I don’t want us to be an inconvenience for you.”

“I agree.” Scorpan said.

“Well, you never can be an inconvenience for me, Spike!” Thorax said. “But if you’re really insisting, I’m sure I can use some help with the kingdom, even though things have been slow lately. Ever since I became the new leader, and we’ve all been giving each other love, there hasn’t been much plotting and such lately, so the changelings have gotten bored.”

“Ah, so you wish the assistance of Ambassador Spike?” Spike asked.

“That depends though.” Thorax said. “I mean we have no idea what to do next. We have our alliances with the other neighboring kingdoms around Equestria. Then again… there is one race that not even Equestria has an alliance with yet, and they’ve been a bit of a problem lately.”

“Who?” Scorpan asked.

“The cyclopes over at the Arimaspi Territory, just north of us.” Thorax said. “They usually keep to themselves and want nothing to do with pretty much any changeling, or any pony for that matter.”

“So how are they a problem?” Spike asked.

“They’re actually starting to expand their territory into our own.” Thorax said. “I don’t want to start a war with them or anything; I just want them to… you know… back off a little. That’s all.”

“And you need my help?” Spike asked.

“Only if you want to.” Thorax said. “You have really good reasoning skills, Spike, so maybe you might be reasonable with them and hopefully they can stop trespassing and go expand somewhere else.”

“I’ll be right on it, Thorax!” Spike salutes. “Maybe I’ll even start an alliance with them while I’m at it!”

“I doubt it, but you’re an Equestria ambassador, Spike. You can’t talk to them on my behalf, so I’ll have to do the talking; but I need your reasoning skills.” Thorax said. “I’m sure it won’t take long! Scorpan can come too as insurance.”

“I accept that!” Scorpan said.

“Alright then! I’ll arrange a meeting with Arimaspi Territory’s leader. I’ll let you know when I need you!” Thorax said. Spike and Scorpan both nodded in agreement.

The next day came, and Thorax, Spike, and Scorpan, along with some changeling guards exited the hive and travelled through the wastelands and headed over to where Arimaspi cyclopes were setting up a camp a few files from the hive. 

“Oh I’m feeling a little nervous.” Thorax says as he took some deep breaths. “I never talked to a cyclops before.”

“It’ll be fine, Thorax! Don’t worry!” Spike said. “Just be yourself, and try to be kind to them. If cyclopes are anything like any other race we’ve meet, it should go along smoothly!”

“Well… I hope you’re right.” Thorax said as he gulps.

“Pretty sure I am! I never doubt myself!” Spike said.

“Even when you failed to stand up for me the first time I met your friends?” Thorax reminded him.

“Ugh,” Spike groans in annoyance, “now I know how Starlight feels when her past gets reminded.” Just then, Spike started feeling weird. “Speaking of the past, I feel like I’ve been here before. Like kind of a déjà vu feeling.”

“Yeah, I get that sometimes.” Thorax said. “But weren’t you here before when you got captured by Chrysalis?”

“I’ve never been to this part of the wasteland though.” Spike said.

“There they are.” Scorpan points ahead where a cyclops camp lies.

“Let me do the talking, okay?” Thorax asked. “Spike, if you have any tips, just whisper them in my ear. Sound good?”

“You got it, dude!” Spike thumbs up.

Thorax takes a deep breath as he walks over towards the camp. The cyclopes were too busy to notice Thorax, so he tries to get their attention vocally. “Umm…” Thorax starts as he clears his throat. “Excuse me? Sirs? Umm…” The cyclopes direct their attention at Thorax and glare at him threateningly. “Umm… hi! I’m… err… King Thorax of the Changeling Empire, and… heh.” The cyclopes get more annoyed and angry as Thorax got more nervous.

“Dude, stop being so nervous. You’re going to show them how weak you are.” Spike whispers in his ear. “Be more assertive!”

“Uh, right, right!” Thorax understood. He directs his attention back at the cyclopes and acts all tough as he changes his accent into more of a western accent. “Hey, tough guys! Y’all think you have the guts to set your hooves on MY land?”

“Oh brother.” Spike shakes his head.

.”Who do you think you are, bug?!” One of the cyclopes asks threateningly. “You might know this, but YOUR turf is over there.” The cyclopes points to the hive. “It’s neutral turf over here, so we claim it!”

“Uh, no.” Thorax said. “This is changeling turf. I’m sure we can have a mutual understanding here.”

“Yeah we got a mutual understanding for ya!” The cyclops started. “None of us wants to get hurt, right? So turn around, walk back to your cozy little hive, and leave at peace!”

Thorax was stumped. He then pushes Spike in the middle and says, “I volunteer Spike the Dragon to represent on the changeling’s behalf.”

“Oh, c’mon! Really, Thorax?” Spike asked him, feeling sold out. Thorax just shrugs embarrassingly.

“A dragon… representing the changelings?” One of the cyclopes asked.

“I thought you two had some kind of conflict?” The other cyclopes asked.

“Uh, we did! We used to, but it got resolved!” Spike said. “Look, I understand that you are in need to expand your land, right?”

“Our territory is in need of it, as our population is growing rapidly.” One of the cyclopes said.

“We need more land.” The other cyclops said.

“I understand that.” Spike said. “Unfortunately, this area belongs to the changelings already.”

“Unfortunately?’ Thorax asked feeling insulted.

“Really? We don’t see their name on it!” One of the cyclopes tease.

The other cyclops laughs as he bro-fists his friend and says, “Heh, good one, Gearhorn!”

Spike sighs and asks, “Look, can we just talk to your leader, please?”

“You want Captain Corkscrew?” Gearhorn asked.

“Uh, sure. Bring in Captain Corkscrew.” Spike accepts. The cyclopes decided to grant their request as they walked towards one of their tents to talk to the captain. Thorax and his friends all followed.

“Are you sure this is going to work, Spike?” Thorax asked. “These cyclopes don’t seem that reasonable.”

“Hey, they agreed to let us see their captain, so that’s a great start!” Spike said.

“He’s right.” Scorpan said.

“I know! He would make a better leader than I!” Thorax admits.

“No I would not.” Spike said. “I may be a good ambassador, but leader? HA! Don’t make me laugh!”

“But you just did.” Scorpan pointed out.

“It was a figure of speech.” Spike corrected him.

When the guards escort Thorax and company to the tent where Captain Corkscrew is, Gearhorn says, “Captain Corkscrew…” But the captain immediately shoots a laser very closely towards Gearhorn and hits the side of the tent.

“What?! I’m busy!” Captain Corkscrew complained while testing out his laser gun. “I’m testing out our magic-captured laser.”

“Magic-captured laser?” Scorpan asked.

“Gearhorn, who are these clowns?” Corkscrew asked.

“This is King Thorax from the nearby hive, and his company.” Gearhorn said.

“Changeling, huh?” Corkscrew asked as he scans Thorax with his goggles.

“Wow, you really are pretty advanced with technology, huh?” Thorax asked.

“Some rely on magic, and some would rather invent. No magic usage required!” Corkscrew said. “You know, for a changeling, you look kind of different. In our files, it’s said you bugs looked more like rotten swiss cheese.”

“Ok, first off, that’s offensive.” Thorax said. “Second…”

“Bla bla bla, all that about being offended!” Corkscrew teases. “Come on, grow a backbone, even if you bugs have any!”

Thorax started to get pretty angry, but Spike comforts him to calm him down and decides to take over. “Captain Corkscrew?”

“Hmm.” Corkscrew scans Spike with his goggles. “A dragon, huh? I thought the changelings had some conflict with your kind?”

“We used to.” Spike said. “But we settled our differences with the help of the ponies!”

“Wow, this group is full of surprises!” Corkscrew says impressively as he scans Scorpan next. “A group containing a changeling, a dragon, and a gargoyle, and they have an alliance with the ponies! Races have been getting more tolerant with each other, huh?”

“It’s the magic of friendship, bro!” Scorpan said.

“Friendship?” Corkscrew asks curiously. “Hmm, never heard of a type of magic like that. I must know a bit about it! Our president would love to hear all about this!”

“Well, I’m sure we’ll be happy to tell you all about it!” Spike said.

“Great! This is going to make a fascinating new discovery for the cyclops people!” Corkscrew said excitedly.

“Under one condition,” Spike continued, “you have to get your property off of changeling land.”

“Granted!” Corkscrew said. “Anything to add to our research! It was pretty nasty here anyway, and it smelled.”

“HEY!” Thorax yelled, feeling offended.

“Yeah, I pretty much want us to find new land anyway that’s not here!” Corkscrew said. “However, I didn’t want us to come all this way here for nothing; so please, tell me everything you know about this ‘Friendship Magic’.”

“With pleasure!” Spike said with glee.

“But real quick, since you’re a dragon and all, can you relight this lantern here?” Corkscrew asked as he shows his burnt out lantern.

“Of course!” Spike accepted. He sparks up his mouth, and blows on the lantern to light it up; however, no fire ignited from his breath. Spike was feeling quite confused, so he tried again. He takes a deep breath, and when he exhales, nothing. “Huh, that’s odd.” He said.

“What’s wrong?” Thorax asked.

“My fire breath, it’s not working.” Spike said.

“Feeling nervous just like from the Equestria Games, I assume?” Scorpan asked.

“No!” Spike said. “I’m not nervous at all! I feel pretty excited that we got what we came for, but my fire breath isn’t working.”

“Huh… that’s odd.” Thorax said, feeling confused. “Do you know what it might be?”

“No, I have no clue at all.” Spike said. 

Scorpan was feeling pretty nervous for Spike. He then says, “Um, it’s no big deal really! Perhaps if we spark some rocks or something, we can relight it that way! I’ll go and, errr, get some! In the meantime, go ahead and tell the cyclopes your ‘friendship magic’, I’ll be right back!” He runs out of the tent in a flash, leaving Spike and Thorax to explain the magic of friendship to the cyclopes.

“Ooooookay then!” Thorax said akwardly, continuing their meeting with the cyclopes. “Shall we… begin?”

Meanwhile, outside of the tent, Scorpan mumbles to himself, “No! It’s too soon! Ugh… I think I might have made a terrible mistake. I just hope it’s just all in my head.”

When Spike and Thorax completed the meeting with Captain Corkscrew, the three of them exited the tent and rejoined with Scorpan, who was pacing outside. “Well, I’m glad we came to an agreement!” Thorax said.

“Absolutely! Sorry for intruding in your land, your highness.” Corkscrew said.

“Please, just Thorax is fine!” Thorax insisted.

“Don’t tell me what to do.” Corkscrew complained. He walks back inside his tent as Spike and Thorax proudly walked proudly towards Scorpan.

“So, all went well?” Scorpan asked.

“Sure did!” Thorax said.

“But why did you walk out on us, Scorpan?” Spike asked.

“It’s, errr, none of my business.” Scorpan said. “I’m here as protection, remember?”

“Right! Thank you both so much for your help!” Thorax said. “Both of you have been a great help, and I’ll make sure your time in the changeling kingdom will be hospitable!”

“Thanks, Thorax!” Spike said. “Even though I do forgive you for stealing this land from the dragons!” He teases as he nudges him.

“Oh right, my apologies!” Thorax teases as they both laugh.

“Huh?” Scorpan asked curiously.

“Oh, this land used to belong to the dragons before the changelings came.” Thorax informs him. “Well, kind of a family of dragons since there’s a dragon nest over there.” Thorax points East where an abandoned dragon nest lies.

“Whoa! I gotta check this out!” Spike excitedly runs over to the nest to check it out. Scorpan was feeling pretty uneasy on Spike’s discovery.

“Are you okay, Scorpan?” Thorax asked.

“I’m fine.” Scorpan said nervously. “I’m just… you know… why would Queen Chrysalis steal a land from the dragons?”

“There are changeling hives all over the world,” Thorax explained, “and Chrysalis wasn’t just the queen of this hive, she had one right before this. She was one time challenged by another queen, and the changelings turned on her, so she left, and she came here. She made a new changeling population, and used them to build a new hive right here. Her minions were already building this hive by the time she found out there was a local dragon population here, so with some help, she drove the dragons out. I mean, that’s what Captain Corkscrew said in the Cyclops History. I should ask some of my subjects if they heard of anything like this.”

“Huh.” Scorpan said as he watches Spike observe the nearby nest. Spike was really interested in the nest, but he started to feel weird again, so Scorpan walks over to check up on him. “So… how’s the nest, Spike?”

“It’s a very nice nest!” Spike said as he rolls around in it. “Very comfee! Very warm! Feels very secure! Then again… it feels awfully familiar.”

“Another déjà vu feeling?” Scorpan asked.

“Probably.” Spike said. “Anyways, I think I had enough.” He yawns widely as he stretches his arms upwards of him. “Anyways, it’s kind of been a long day. I’m going to take a nice long nap. Good night, Scorpan; or good… afternoon-night, whichever.” Spike makes himself comfortable in the nest as he was about to fall right to sleep. Scorpan shakes him a bit to wake him back up. “What? What’s going on, Scorpan?”

“Uh, why are you falling asleep in that nest?” Scorpan asked as he chuckles. “The hive is back that way.”

“Oh, heh, right!” Spike felt embarrassed. “I find a random fossil nest filled with shattered egg shells, and here I am, falling asleep on it like it’s my own crib. Pathetic, right?” He and Scorpan both chuckle at his remark.

“Here, you can relax on my back till we get back to the hive.” Scorpan offers as he carries Spike out of the nest, and places him comfortably on his back. Scorpan and Thorax walk back to the Changeling Hive as Spike falls right back to sleep. “Well… I just suddenly had that déjà vu feeling as well.” He mumbles.

“It’s been a weird day for that for you two, hasn’t it?” Thorax asks as he chuckles.
> Even More Decisions
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Two weeks and a half weeks went by since Spike and Scorpan arrived at the hive, and Spike was hanging out with Thorax at his throne room as Scorpan decided to help out the local changeling population with their daily life. They were really thankful for his help, and it made Scorpan feel good inside. That good feeling went away when she saw a familiar looking figure up ahead being escorted by some changeling guards. 

“King Thorax would love to see you, Starlight Glimmer!” One of the guards said.

“Well, Twilight’s been a hoof-full lately, so I wanted to stop in on an old friend, and maybe he could help me out with a problem we’re having back in Ponyville.” Starlight explained. 

Starlight walked right passed Scorpan in his statue form, and luckily she didn’t notice him. Once he turns back into flesh, he says to himself, “I gotta warn Spike!” Scorpan quickly takes a shortcut back to the throne room.

Meanwhile in the throne room, Thorax and Spike were hanging out, laughing at Spike’s story. “No, that wasn’t the best part!” Spike said excitedly. “After the mayor accidently dropped the scrolls, that was when I sneezed and all the scrolls completely disappeared!”

Thorax continued laughing. “Was THAT the best part?”

“No, no, the best part is coming!” Spike said. “The mayor got so furious that she had to start all over again! I did apologize though, but she said it was her clumsiness that did it.”

“Umm, was that the best part?” Thorax asked confusingly.

“Can you let me finish?” Spike complained. “Ok, this happened right after the mayor was done with the second batch of scrolls, but then, that was when Princess Celestia showed up, and she gave the mayor the scrolls I accidently sneezed up!”

“HA!” Thorax started hysterical laughing again. “I get it! I get it! It’s because your firebreath actually sends stuff to her!”

“Right?!” Spike asked as he laughed along. “The mayor now had TWO batches of the same scrolls! So she did all that work for nothing! It was classic!”

As the two were laughing, Spike suddenly stopped as he started to feel a little nauseous. Thorax noticed it and started to worry, “Are you okay, Spike?”

“I’m fine, I’m fine.” Spike said as he rubbed his head. “Probably just… a little tired is all.”

“You slept for 14 hours last night, and you barely did anything active today. How can you be tired?” Thorax asked curiously.

“Spike!” Scorpan calls out as he enters the throne room.

“What’s up, Scorpan?” Spike asked.


“I’m not sure if you noticed, but Starlight is walking down the corridors and is on her way over here.” Scorpan said.


“Oh no!” Spike started to worry. “What is SHE doing here?!”

“She wanted to see Throax.” Scorpan said.

Spike immediately stood up and upsettingly said, “Thorax, it’s been nice being here these past few weeks, but I really have to go.”

“Why? What’s the rush?” Thorax asked. “You said you were mad at Twilight, not Starlight.”

“If Starlight saw me here, she would immediately tell Twilight. Or worse, she might forcibly take me back to Ponyville!” Spike panicked. “No! I’m not ready yet! Scorpan, we have to get outta here!”

“Spike, are you REALLY sure you want to do this?” Scorpan asked. “Maybe it’s best to go back to Twilight.”

“Not yet!” Spike refused. “It’s time to go, Scorpan.”

“Okay, well… come back soon, okay?” Thorax asked.

Spike runs over to give Thorax a quick hug before leaving and said, “Thank you so much for everything, Thorax! I owe you one for this, bro!”

“It was a pleasure!” Thorax said. “Nice seeing you Spike, and it was nice meeting you, Scorpan!”

Both Spike and Scorpan ran out of the throne room and ran through the hive to escape, but Starlight was already approaching from the distance. “We have to hide!” Spike said to Scorpan.

Starlight sighs as she passes by a gargoyle statue and says, “I sure do miss the little guy; and the big guy too.” When she approaches the throne room, Scorpan turns back into flesh as Spike peeks out from behind him watching Starlight enter the throne room.

“Let’s get outta here.” Spike said as he climbs on Scorpan’s back, and Scorpan flies through the hive and exits hastily.

Over at the throne room, Thorax notices Starlight entering along with two of his guards. “Starlight! It’s, uh, good to see you!” Thorax said excitedly but weirdly.

“Hey, Thorax!” Starlight said. “It’s good to see you too! I really needed some time away from Ponyville. Twilight has been a hoof-full lately.”

“I know.” Thorax said.

“Uhh, how?” Starlight asked suspiciously. “How do you know how Twilight’s been doing?”

“Oh, um, it’s… uhh… well…” Thorax tried to keep her knowing, but it was no use.


“Spike is here, isn’t he?” Starlight asked.

“He… was.” Thorax admitted. “He just left.”

“Ugh! I knew that gargoyle statue I kept passing looked familiar!” Starlight yelled. “You just let him go?!”

“He’s my best friend, Starlight! What was I supposed to do?!” Thorax complained.

Starlight sighs and says, “It’s okay, Thorax. I would’ve done the same thing; but you don’t understand what’s at stake here!”



“What are you talking about?” Thorax asked.

“It’s… it’s Twilight.” Starlight said worryingly. “She’s… sick. She’s just getting worse by the day.”

“Oh my gosh!” Thorax said worryingly. “I’m so sorry! Do you know what it is?”

“No, I don’t.” Starlight said. “But I have the feeling I might know how to cure it.”

Outside of the hive, Scorpan was flying himself and Spike away from it as they journey out into the distance. “Spike, I hope you have a plan on where we’re going next.” He hoped.

“Well… I know of one place we’ll be welcomed at, and where I can blend in!” Spike said.

So Spike and Scorpan journey out East to the Dragon Lands. On the big stone throne on top of one of the volcanos sits Dragon Lord Ember, who was yawning in boredom. “I’m so bored!” She whined. “Someone entertain me!” So one of the dragons, tosses a rock at another dragon, hoping that would entertain her. “You call THAT entertaining?” She complained. “Get a bigger boulder!” The rock-throwing dragon points at a slightly bigger one, and Ember shakes her head. “Bigger!” She ordered. The dragon then pointed to a boulder shaped like a giant egg. “BIGGER!” Ember demanded. The dragon then points to the biggest boulder hanging on top of an unstable boulder underneath. “Perfect!” Ember said. Just as the dragon was about to pick up the huge boulder, Scorpan flies by, causing the boulder to tilt and fall right on top of the dragon. Ember then started laughing. She wiped a tear and said, “Okay – THAT was entertaining!”

Scorpan lands in front of Ember’s throne and Spike hopes off to greet Ember. “Hey, Ember!”

“Oh Spike! Thank you ol Dragon Gods!” Ember shouted out into the heavens. “Finally, a dragon who isn’t boring!” They give each other a fist-bump. “What’s up, bro? What brings you here in our little section of wasteland and nothingness?”

“Wow, first off, that’s deep.” Spike said. “Second, I’m just leaving home for a little while because of some personal issues with Twilight, so I decided to come here.”

“By a little while, he means a long while. A very long while.” Scorpan corrects him, and Spike glares at him. “Don’t give me that look. It’s true.”

“Ah, who’s this?” Ember asked. “Is the one… demon-winged, pointy-ear guy you told me about?”

“Scorpan.” Spike reminded her.

“Right, Scorpan! I knew that!” Ember fibbed.


“Pleasure to meet you, Ember!” Scorpan holds out his claw requesting a shake. “Spike told me all abo-ow-ow-ow!” Ember squeezes Scorpan’s claw tightly as she greets him.

“Pleasure to meet you too, Scorpan!” Ember said. “You’re pretty close to one of my closest bros who also lives long-distance, so I’ll trust you too!”

“Ah, ah! Well, thanks!” Scorpan said as he held onto his claw in pain after she releases him.

“For a big guy, you’re kinda soft! Thought you’d have a little more muscle.” Ember assumed.

“Well, I haven’t used much of my muscles lately after being in exile in a cave for so long.” Scorpan said. 

“Right, right, that’s cool!” Ember said. “Well, I’m glad you two are here! I’ve actually got a problem that needs sorted out, and I could use myself an ambassador for this!”

“Really? Gee, I wonder who?” Spike teases.

“Uh, you, of course.” Ember said obviously.

“I know, I was being sarcastic.” Spike informed her.

“You were being what?” Ember asked.

“Nevermind.” Spike said. “What do you need help with?”

“Well,” Ember explains, “even though I am a Dragon Lord, I’m only the Dragon Lord of a colony of dragons. There are a lot of other dragon colonies out there in the world that I have no control over. I have to make sure our relationship with the neighboring dragons is healthy. We don’t really have an ambassador since all these dragons are pretty dim-witted.”

“We heard that!” A dragon shouted from the distance.

“You were supposed to, pea-brain!” Ember shouted back. “Anyway, Spike, the water-dragons aren’t really comfortable with us accepting pony kind. That’s where you come in!”

“Well, that’s a good idea, but we don’t necessarily have another pony here for me to prove how nice ponies can be.” Spike said. 

“I’m sure you can think of something.” Ember said. “You’re the only other sane dragon I know; so if you can help me make peace with the water dragons, I’ll let you and your friend stay here comfortably! We got a deal?”

“You bet your sweet blue scales we do!” Spike accepted as he shakes Ember’s claw.

“Uh,” Ember felt a little uncomfortable, “please don’t call my scales that again.”

“Sorry!” Spike said embarrassingly.
> Everything is Water
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

When the next day arrives, Ember, Spike, Scorpan, and a couple of dragon guards fly over to the water dragons’ nest a few clicks away. “Whoa!” Spike said impressively as he sees the water dragons playing in the water or hanging out on the rocks. Spike sees a big water dragon dive from a high rock, and the water splashes on the guests. Spike laughed as he got wet, but Ember and Scorpan felt annoyed. “This place is so cool!” Spike said excitedly. Spike then gasps as he sees a dragon nest filled with purple eggs with purple polka-dots on them. He runs over to them to see the eggs hatching. “Oh my gosh! Ooooooh my gosh!” Spike’s eyes grow as he sees the baby water dragons. “That is soooo cute! They look like mini-mes!”

“Oh thank you, little fella!” The mama dragon said. 

“Oh you’re the mom? I’m sure you’ll do an excellent job as one!” Spike gives the mom a thumb up.

The mama dragon giggles and blushes as she said, “Oh you’re such a sweetheart!” 

“Ooooh! Look at these hatchlings!” Spike spots another nest of baby dragons. “Awww, they’re so adorable!” 

“Yes, they’re very adorable, Spike.” Ember said, feeling annoyed. “Don’t we have things to do?”

“Come on, Ember! Look at them!” Spike requests. “How come I don’t see many baby dragons over at your area?”

“Because the water dragons REALLY like to have a good time, if you know what I mean.” Ember said as she rolled her eyes. 

“Oh I do know what you mean! I love swimming! These dragons know how to have a good time!” Spike said. “Now come on, Ember! Look at these cute little hatchlings!” 

Ember sighs as she leans over towards the baby hatchlings. She smiles and says, “Hello! Hello little guys!” One of the baby dragons sneeze fire on Ember’s face, which starts to make Ember steam, literarily! “Why you little-!” 

Ember was about to lay a claw on one of the dragons, but Spike immeditaly stops her and says, “Uh heh, Ember, don’t we have, you know… stuff to do?”

“Hmph.” Ember groans. 

“This place looks like a tropical paradise for dragons!” Scorpan commented. 

“It is!” Spike agreed. 

“I prefer lava myself, but eh, it’s okay.” Ember shrugs. 

“Probably because you almost drowned in water, and I had to save you?” Spike snarks. 

“S-shut up!” Ember blushed in embarrassment. 

“DRAGON LORD EMBER!” A very large water dragon shouted from the distance. 

“That’s him.” Ember whispers to Scorpan and I. “That’s the water dragon king.”

“Dragon ‘king’?” Scorpan asked.

“Water dragons prefer ‘kings’ while us flying dragons prefer ‘lords’.” Ember explained. 

“Dragon Lord Ember.” The dragon king said as he walks over towards us. The dragon king is blue with green scales, and he kind of looks similar to Spike’s greedy form. 

“Dragon King Thales, I apologize for intruding.” Ember said. 

“Don’t apologize; just give me a reason why you’re here!” Thales ordered her. 

Ember paused for a moment, unknowng of what to say, as she started to get a little nervous. “You look well today!”

“Cut to the chase, Lord Ember. It’s a very busy day today.” Thales informed her. “I have to sleep, I have to divide the gems for the rest of the colony, and I promised my younglings I’d be their water slide today.” 

“Very well, King Thales, I do not wish to waste your time.” Ember said. 

“You wasted my time just by saying that.” Thales informed her. 

“King Thales, I wish to discuss with you terms of a neighboring alliance.” Ember said. 

“We already had this discussion, Lord Ember.” Thales said. “We can’t be friends with those who are friends with ponies.”

“So? What’s wrong with ponies?” Spike asked. 

“Excuse me, young dragon, but this is a matter between lords!” Thales informed Spike. “Also, I don’t think I’ve ever seen you here before, or… what’s is THAT?”

“THAT is a gargoyle. Have you not seen one before?” Scorpan asked. 

“How dare you speak to me like that?!” Thales asked feeling offended. “I am the proud leader and protector of this colony, and I should be treated with respect!” 

“Look, all I’m saying is that ponies aren’t so bad.” Spike informed him. “I can prove it to you too if-“

“You should run back to your mother now, young dragon.” Thales informed him. “If you haven’t realized it, ponies are evil creatures who keep back on their word and steal from us! So just run along now.”

“So what did the ponies do to offend you?” Spike asked. “Maybe it was just a misunder-“

“BEGONE, BABY DRAGON!” Thales yelled. 

“THALES!” A purple female dragon with yellow stripes yelled at the king. “Is that really any way to speak to a baby water dragon? He’s just lost.”

“Wait, ‘water’ dragon?” Spike asked confusingly. 

“Aquarius, I thought us dragons teach our young ones to respect their elders, as they have far more experience in life, and know what’s best.?” Thales reminded her while glaring at Spike. 

“I realize that this little dragon might’ve had spoken to you the wrong way, but it’s nothing to yell at him about.” Aquarius said as she walked over to Spike to check up on him. “Are you okay, little guy?”

“Uhhh… yeah! Yeah, I’m… I’m fine.” Spike said, feeling uneasy. 

“My name is Aquarius.” She said to Spike. “What’s your name?”

“I’m Spike!” He said. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Aquarius!”

“Yeah, a far better welcome than our first one!” Scorpan teases. Spike elbows him. “Ow! Sor-ry!”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you too… Spike!” Aquarius said as she smiled at him, and Spike smiles back. 

“How  touching.” Ember said sarcastically. 

“Really, Ember?” Spike asked curiously. “I thought you didn’t know what sarcasm was?” 

“That was sarcasm?” Ember asked. “No, that was just me mocking you.”

“Please do not talk to this young dragon like that, Dragon Lord.” Aquarius requested Ember. 

“Don’t worry, Aquarius! She’s with me!” Spike informed her. “Or, I’m with her, as I’m accompanying her on this mission to start up an alliance between the flying dragon and the water dragons!” 

“Really now?” Thales asked surprisingly. “Well… that changes everything. I knew I never seen you here before. You live among the flying dragons?”

“Well… not exactly.” Spike said. “I’m staying with them temporarily, but I mainly live in Ponyville.”

“Ponyville?!” Thales asked surprisingly. “That can’t be right. Dragons don’t live among pony kind. How long have you lived with them for?”

“All my life, ever since I was hatched!” Spike said. 

“Really now?” Thales asked curiously. “That’s… really strange. Are you… a slave?”

“Wha- NO!” Spike yelled. “I’m a friend of the Princess of Friendship! I’ve been by her side for all my life! Well… except for… recently.”

“Huh.” Thales began to think. “This is a very odd scenario we have here, Aquarius.”

“Indeed.” Aquarius agreed. “Are you happy with them?”

“Of course!” Spike said. “I’ve got a ton of pony friends back in Ponyville: Twilight Sparkle, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, Starlight Glimmer, Big Mac, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, Princess Cadance, Shining Armor, Flurry Heart, Sunburst, Cheerilee, Mr. and Mrs. Cake, Snips, Snails, Diamond Tiara, Silver Spoon-“

“OKAY, wow!” Thales interrupts him. “That’s… a lot of pony friends!”

“I got some non-pony friends too!” Spike said. “Ember, Scorpan, Discord, Thorax, Zecora-“

“Okay, we don’t need to hear a whole list.” Thales interrupts again. 

“Wow.” Aquarius says feeling impressed. “You’ve lived among pony kind for so long, and you adapted to their lifestyles?”

“I sure did!” Spike said. “I come to learn the magic of friendship, and because of that, I became Equestria’s ambassador!” 

“How wonderful!” Aquarius said excitedly. 

“Mommy!” A young dragon whined as he tugged on his mom’s tail. “I’m feeling hungry! Can I have a sapphire please?”

“Of course, Scales! Help yourself!” Aquarius accepted. “Just ONE though!”

“I will!” Scales promised. As he passes by Spike, he whispers to him, “I always take more than one.”

“I like your style!” Spike whispers to Scales as they fist bump. 

“Hmm, well, I suppose I can start an alliance with the flying dragon if you vouch for them, Spike, but I will NOT accept the ponies under any circumstances!” Thales said. “They’re nothing but bad news! We’ll discuss the dragon alliance at dusk. For now, my younglings need me. So please, excuse me.” Thales walks off towards the nearby shore where his kids are waiting for him. 


“Please, enjoy your stay! We’re always happy to have guests!” Aquarius said as she joins her family. 

Spike, Ember, and Scorpan all decide to enjoy themselves in the colony by sitting down on shore eating gemstones. “This is relaxing!” Spike said as he takes a bite from a ruby. “This should’ve been our FIRST stop!”

“Yeah, but if we didn’t stop at the Crystal Empire or the Changeling Kingdom, we wouldn’t have helped Sunburst and Thorax with their problems.” Scorpan reminded him.

“That’s true!” Spike agreed. “But there’s no use denying that this is a vacation luxury!”

“Well, we can’t get too comfortable here, you two. Don’t forget, we still have to make the alliance.” Ember reminded them.

“I’m glad Thales decided to give your dragons a chance, Ember,” Scorpan said, “but I don’t understand what kind of problem he has with ponies.” 

“Probably no different than the problems we use to have with them.” Ember said. 

“I don’t know.” Spike said. “He seemed very personal when it comes to them. He said they broke their word and stole from him. Why did your dragons hate ponies at first, Ember?”

“Because they think they run everything around here.” Ember said. “I mean, the pony princesses control on when day comes or when night comes. Plus, never share their rainy weather. Why else do you think the Dragon Lands is a desert wasteland while plant life is growing all around Equestria?” 

“Gosh, I never thought of it like that.” Spike said. “You don’t have your own weather around here?”

“We don’t know how to control weather like those pegasi do.” Ember said. “We don’t know how to control magic like the unicorns do; and we also don’t know how to grow crops like those earth ponies do. After a conversation I had with Thorax during the last summit, he tells me the changelings go through that problem as well. Plus the griffons, and the yaks, they all live in desert wastelands. Only difference is, the yaks have snow, which they cannot control. The ponies hog all the weather. If that dark forest outside of Ponyville can control it’s own weather, why can’t the ponies do anything about our homes?”

“Why haven’t any of you said anything before?” Spike asked. 

“Because the ponies have been really good to us.” Ember said. “We don’t want to let them down by complaining.”

“But the ponies would really want to help you!” Spike said. “You just have to ask for it! They don’t care if you complain that your land is a lifeless patch of volcano and rock! They would want to help! You should really bring this up in the next summit!”

“Well… I guess, if the other races would be alright with that.” Ember said. “We love our lands, but sometimes we would want life growing around as well, you know?” 

Just then, as the three of them watched as Thales’ children slide on their dad’s tail and into the ocean, Aquarius walks over to the guests and says, “Afternoon, you three! I hope you’re enjoying your stay!”

“We are, thank you!” Scorpan said. “These the best tasting gems I’ve ever tasted! What’s your secret?”

“I think you know the answer to that, Scorpan!” Aquarius said.

“Is it some kind of magical cave that produces these, or is it the kind of dragon that grows them?” Scorpan asked.

“My answer is: it’s a secret, and I can’t tell!” Aquarius says snarkily. 

“Ooo, she got you good, bro!” Spike laughed. 

“Yeah, well, I’m glad you enjoy my humor, Spike!” Aquarius said. “I’m a very snarky type! I might’ve been a late grower, but I never lose a chance for a little snark every now and again!”

“I like your style, Aquarius!” Spike said. “I’m kind of a late grower myself!”

“Really now?” Aquarius asked. “Guess the ponies made you too generous, huh? Well I wouldn’t blame you! I have to spoil my kids to make them grow, you know? These younglings were only born last week, and they’re all already three feet tall and 120 pounds!”

“How many kids do you have?” Ember asked. 

“2,398!” Aquarius said. Scorpan spits out the gem he had in his mouth in surprise. 

“That’s an army of kids!” Scorpan said surprisingly. 

“It’s not very surprising! Sooner or later, the world is going to be overrunned by water dragons!” Ember said. 

“Well, when most of my kids grow up, they decide to go out into the ocean and live their lives.” Aquarius said as she stares out into the ocean and let’s out a deep sigh. “Most of the time, I never see them again. But that’s just life. Even if one forgets their origins, they all have to achieve their destiny sometime.”

“Yeah, I hear that!” Spike agreed. “So really? Over 2,000 kids!”

“2,398!” Aquarius said. “I’m really good at keeping count! I would’ve had 4,452, but 2,083 of the eggs were duds.”

“2,398 plus 2,083 doesn’t equal to 4,452. It equals to 4,451. What happened to the other egg?” Spike asked. 

“Wow! You really know your math! I am impressed!” Aquarius said. “Yeah, I lost 1. It was when the ponies invaded our previous nest. Most of the younglings that year were hatched, but…” Aquarius paused to hold in her tears. “…I left one behind. We were so busy being on the run that… well… I didn’t realize that, one was left behind. I regretted it ever since. That’s why Thales hates ponies. They used to be there for us. They betrayed us and kicked us out of our own land. That’s why we came here.”

“Uhh, that doesn’t sound anything like the ponies.” Spike said. 

“I agree.” Ember said. “Us flying dragons weren’t always a fan of ponies either, but they never stole from us. That sounded more like the old changelings.”

“Changelings?” Aquarius asked. 

“Wait… Aquarius where was your land colony at?” Spike asked. 

“South of Equestria by the Macintosh  Mountains, why?” Aquarius asked.

“Ah ha! Ember, I think I might know how to start an alliance with no just between your dragons and the water dragons, but with Equestria and the water dragons too!”
> The Dragon Alliance
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

After a while went, Thales was ready to discuss the alliance, so the guests, Aquarius, and Thales all had a meeting among Thales’ throne area.

“Thank you for joining me, fellow dragons, and… weird goat-like creature.” Thales said.

“I look nothing like a goat, you sea serpent!” Scorpan said.

“And I’m not a sea serpent; I’m a water dragon! Two different things!” Thales corrected him.

“I know, it’s like calling wyverns dragons.” Ember said. “Pfft, please! Wyverns only WISH to be us!”

“What’s the difference?” Scorpan asked.

“Dragons have four legs and wings, and wyverns have two legs, and wings for arms.” Ember explained.

“Yeah, a lot of individuals make that mistake a lot.” Spike said.

“Anyhoo, shall we begin?” Thales asked.

“With pleasure!” Ember said. “So what are your conditions on this alliance?”

“Well,” Thales starts, “there are more gems over in your area of the-“

“NO WAY!” Ember yelled. “Get your own gems!”

“That’s too bad then.” Thales said. “Us water dragons are in control of the fresh springs around the Dragon Lands. I hear you dragons are in low supply of fresh water.”

“Ugh!” Ember groans. “You had to bring that up? We’re just fine drinking lava, no matter how… bitter-tasting… dirty… barf industing… okay, fine, it’s a deal. We’ll give you 5% of our gems in exchange for use of your rivers.”

“50%.” Thales suggested.

“15%.” Ember suggested.

“How about instead of exchanging water and gems, why not just collect them yourselves?” Spike suggested. “Anytime the dragons need water, they could use your springs, while you gather the gems yourselves in the caves up in the flying dragons’ territory. How’s that sound?”

Ember shrugs. “It’s more work that way. We’ll have to drink all the water just to collect it all.”

“Our scales are pretty sensitive to dry areas.” Thales said. “However, there are some of us who have stronger scales than the rest of us, so… alright fine.”

“Then we have our alliance then!” Ember said with her claw out.

“I guess we do! A new friendship has begun!” Thales shakes her claw.

“Yeah, it sure does, wet-scales!” Ember teases.

“Grrrr!” Thales growls at her, but Aquarius starts laughing.

“Good one, Lord Ember!” Aquarius said.

“You find THAT funny?” Thales asks Aquarius awkwardly.

“She was only joking.” Aquarius said to her husband. She then turns to Ember and smirks at her. “See you around, ‘dry-scales’!”

“Oooo, right back at me!” Ember said as she and Aquarius both laugh.

“So I guess our work here is done?” Thales presumed.

“Not quite.” Scorpan said. “Go ahead, Spike.”

“Huh? Oh!” Spike remembered. “As ambassador of Equestria, I would like to start an alliance between the water dragons and the ponies!”

“Nice try, but that isn’t going to work.” Thales refused.

“There has been a huge misunderstanding!” Spike informed him. “The ponies didn’t take your land!”

“I saw it with my own eyes!” Thales said. “It was the ponies that took our land from us!”

“Are you sure it was the ponies and not the changelings?” Spike asked.

“Sure, I’m sure!” Thales said. “If the changelings wanted it, why did they look like ponies?”

“Probably because they wanted to blame the ponies for the attack; ever thought of that?” Scorpan asked.

“And they build their nest over there.” Spike added.

“So… what you’re saying is… the ponies are not as bad as you say?” Thales asked.

“That’s right!” Spike said.

“So you’re saying I should attack the changelings then?” Thales asked.

“No!” Spike said. “The changelings are good now! A friend of mine helped the current leader get into power and reform the whole hive. Equestria has an alliance with them too.”

Thales sighs and shakes his head. “Of course they do! The ponies want to be friends with everyone, don’t they? They just don’t want to stop!”

“Yeah, pretty much!” Spike nods.

“Okay then.” Thales said as he stretches his arms. “I’m not sure if I could take your word on the ponies or changelings being as good as you claim they are; however, I can promise you that I’ll be able to think about your suggestions and take them into consideration. I can’t really know for sure unless I meet a pony or a changeling.”

“I can go talk to Thorax if you want me to, Spike.” Scorpan offered.

“That would be cool!” Spike said.

“What about a pony?” Ember asked.

“Every single pony I can trust with this situation will immediately tell Twilight where I am.” Spike said.

“You really have it out for her, do you?” Ember asked. “How about you just give her another chance? I gave the changelings another chance for you. If a dragon like me can forgive a changeling, you can forgive Twilight too.”

“She’s got a point there.” Scorpan agreed.

“Scorpan, you wanted me to come with you here!” Spike reminded him. “You said it was my decision to make; and now you want me to go back to Twilight?”

“Spike, YOU wanted to come with me.” Scorpan corrected him. “Yes, it is your decision to make; and if you don’t want to go back to Twilight, I won’t force you. However, I’m sure she misses having you.”

“I know she misses me, dude, and I miss her too.” Spike admits. “But… she won’t let you back! I can’t leave you alone. Twilight has plenty of friends to keep her happy, but you have nopony else! I won’t let you be alone, Scorpan. You’ve been alone for a thousand years.”

Scorpan sighs. “Alright then. You still want me to go get Thorax?”

“As long as Starlight isn’t there.” Spike said. Scorpan flies off, and Spike turns back towards Thales and asks, “So, Lord Thales, will you give a changeling a chance?”

“Maybe, but it doesn’t seem like I’ll be giving the ponies a chance now will I?” Thales asked. Spike looked down in sorrow as Ember pats Spike on the back. “I guess for now, meeting adjourned.” Thales said as he walks away.

“Well… thanks, Spike!” Ember said. “My dragons now have an alliance with the water dragons! I guess we can go back to the Flying Dragons’ Lair now.”

As Spike takes a look around the Water Dragons’ Lair he smiles and says to Ember, “Actually, Ember, I’m kind of liking it here!”

“What?” Ember asked feeling surprised.

“I mean if it’s okay with the water dragons!” Spike said as he looks up at Aquarius.

“I’m fine with it!” Aquarius said. “All water dragons are allowed here!”

“Why are you calling him a water dragon?” Ember asked.

“Well, you don’t see wings on him, do you?” Aquarius asked.

“She’s got a point there! I’m also a good swimmer!” Spike said. “Could it be true though? Could I really be a water dragon all this time?”

“Well… it would explain why you don’t really fit in with us flying dragons… no offense though.” Ember said.

“None taken, and I agree!” Spike said. “Plus it’s way too humid up there in the volcanic mountains for me. It’s nice and cool down here! Unless you really want me up there with you.”

“Well I wish you would, but if you’re happy here, I’m happy for you!” Ember said. “But since you’re around, visit often, and maybe Scorpan can fly you up there to see me!” Ember starts to blush. “I mean, not that I have the URGE to see you, but… you know… if you want, I guess. Doesn’t bother me either way.” Spike smirks at her. “Don’t give me that look!”

So Ember flies off with her dragons back to her lair leaving Spike to make himself at home with the water dragons. Ever since Ember left, Spike was having the time of his life. He made friends with Thales’ and Aquarius’ kids, and they instantly hit it off. Thales even trusted him enough to let Spike slide on his back. Spike played games with the other dragons that he really enjoyed, had all the gems he wanted, had eating and swimming competitions (sometimes both at the same time), and had all the dragon smoothies he wanted. He began to get more and more tired out, and started to even get nauseous to the point where he couldn’t play games anymore, and he was barely able to eat. Spike still wanted to have fun with the others, so he told them jokes and stories about his time in Equestria, but he barely talked about Twilight. Out of all the time Spike spent with the others, Scorpan just watched over Spike and felt more and more worried. Ember even visited a couple of times and Spike got her to join the fun, and she did have fun, but she never stayed long as she had other Dragon Lord business to attend to.

Almost three weeks later, Spike and Scorpan were sitting down and relaxing on the beach. Scorpan was sitting down next to Spike, but he shortly stands up and says, “I’ll be back, Spike. I want to try one of the tasty-looking pink gem smoothies I keep seeing around here. You want me to get you one?”

“Uh, no thanks, dude. I’m not very hungry right now.” Spike said.

“You haven’t been hungry for a while.” Scorpan informed him. “Are you o-“

“YES!” Spike yelled. “I said yes for the… oh… ugh, that was a douse.” Spike felt a little nauseous after he raised his voice.

“Okay, if you say so.” Scorpan said as he walks away.

Shortly after, Aquarius walks over to Spike and asks, “Mind if I sit with you?”

“No, of course not! By all means!” Spike accepted.

“Thank you!” Aquarius said as she sat down next to Spike with a slam, causing some sand to pile up on Spike. “Woops, sorry! Heh, probably made the whole island shake!”

“It’s cool, I’m used to it.” Spike chuckles.

“So, do you like it here, Spike?” Aquarius asked.

“I love it here, Aquarius!” Spike said excitedly. “It’s so relaxing! It’s not Ponyville though, so it would take some time getting used to. But this is like a relaxing vacation if I want to get away!”

“What are you getting away from anyway?” Spike asked.

“Well… I don’t really want to talk about it.” Spike said feeling uneasy.

“It’s okay, you don’t have to.” Aquarius said.

“However, I do feel like I can trust you, so I can tell you.” Spike said.

“I… said I was okay with you not telling me, but alright go ahead if you can’t make up your mind.” Aquarius teases.

“I was having some issues at home.” Spike said. “The pony I live with, Twilight Sparkle, we didn’t really see eye to eye on something.”

“What is it?” Aquarius asked.

“Scorpan.” Spike said.

“What? Was Twilight and Scorpan, uh… a thing?” Aquarius asked.

“I don’t know what kind of thing you’re talking about,” Spike said, “but Twilight and her friends were supposed to teach Scorpan how to reunite with his brother.”

“And they didn’t?” Aquarius asked.

“No, no, they did.” Spike said. “Scorpan just wasn’t ready to face his brother, so he just laid around, and Twilight started to lose her patience. She… gave up on him. It’s something she would never do.”

“This Twilight pony sounds like a real jerk.” Aquarius said.

“Hey!” Spike said in surprise. “Twilight’s not perfect, but she is the most amazing pony, and the best friend anypony can ever ask for.”

“I’m sorry.” Aquarius said feeling bad. “I shouldn’t have said that. Please forgive me, Spike.”

“It’s okay.” Spike understood. “I only told you Twilight’s negatives, but I never told you her positives. She’s the Princess of Friendship.”

“The unnamed ‘Princess of Friendship’ character from your tales on the bondfire?” Aquarius asked.

“Yeah, that’s her name.” Spike said. “I didn’t want to say her name because… well… I just… I don’t want to really think about her right now. However, she was always there for me when nopony else was. She always believed me. When everypony just ignored me or was afraid of me because I was a dragon, Twilight was there to stand up for me. I didn’t really fit in at first, but I eventually was accepted and made a lot of friends! Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, Starlight Glimmer, the Cutie Mark Crusaders, Big Mac, and even some non-pony friends as well like Discord, Ember, Thorax, Scorpan, and recently you and the other water dragons!”

“Yep, that’s us!” Aquarius said. “And you said you were with the ‘Princess of Friendship’ ever since you were hatched, right?”

“Never left her side since!” Spike said. “Well… except for now, but… I’ll be back.”

“If you don’t mind me asking this, Spike, when will you go back?” Aquarius asked.

Spike had a sudden pause. “Gosh… I… I don’t know. I’ve never been away from Twilight for this long before. It feels weird. I always felt like… after I left… my life was missing something. I love it here, no doubt, but… it just isn’t the same without Twilight.”

“Maybe… you should go back.” Aquarius suggested.

“After what she did to Scorpan?” Spike asked. “That gargoyle is like a brother to me, I can’t just abandon him like this!”

“But you abandoned Twilight.” Aquarius said.

“No, I just…” Spike really didn’t know what to say. He couldn’t find the right words of how he felt about this scenario, and Aquarius just gave him a look. Shortly after, Spike finally comes out and admits it. “You’re… you’re right. Aquarius, you’re… ugh… you’re right! I have abandoned Twilight! What have I done?!” Spike started tearing up. “I’ve been away from Twilight for so long, I’ve been mad at her, and… oh my gosh… sweet Celestia! I have to go back! Aquarius, you’re right! I’ve been a fool! I’m so stupid! I abandoned the only one who’s ever been there for me! She wouldn’t do the same! How could I have done this?!” Spike starts crying on the sand, and Aquarius scoots over and comforts him.


“Hey, hey, shhh.” Aquarius picks him up and gives him a hug. “It’s okay, Spike. You learned your lesson.”

“Twilight’s going to be furious at me.” Spike pouted.

“No, Spike… look at me.” Aquarius ordered him. “Look at me, Spike!”

“No, I’m ugly.” Spike hid himself.

“Spike. Look. At. Me. Now.” Aquarius orders him. Spike eventually looks up at her and sees her smile, which makes him smile. “Twilight will always love you. She will always love you no matter what. She’s going to be happy to see you once you reunite with her; just like I’m happy to see you reunite with me.”

“You knew, huh?” Spike asked. Aquarius nods. “At least I can close the book on that. I know now where I’ve come from.”

“And I know it too.” Thales said as he joins Aquarius and Spike and joins in on a group hug. “My son… my son has returned!”

“I’m so glad to finally meet you!” Spike says happily. “I’m so grateful to have gotten to know you! But… my home is in Ponyville, and that’s where I’m needed.”

“Please come visit often.” Aquarius requests.

“Indeed, you’re always welcome here, and your friend Twilight too!” Thales said.

“Thanks.” Spike said, but his smile fades away. “Ugh… why do I feel… oh… ugh.”

“Spike?” Thales asked. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I’m… ugh. I feel like I’m gonna... vmf!” Spike felt like he was about to vomit, but he swallows it back in.

“Ew, that’s gross.” Thales commented.

“No kidding.” Spike said snarkily. “Ugh. I can’t… I can’t move. I don’t feel so good.”

“Spike! What’s happening to you?” Aquarius asks worryingly.

“I know what it is.” Scorpan said as he flies over to the dragons. “I shouldn’t have kept him away from Twilight for so long. I let him make his own decisions, but it’s just made things worse. I have to make this decision for him.”

“She’s got it, doesn’t she?” Aquarius asked.

“She does.” Scorpan nods. “She’s the one he shares the bond with.”

“Then I’m not his true mother.” Aquarius says upsettingly. She then gives Spike over to Scorpan and flies away sadly.

“Aquarius, I’m so sorry.” Scorpan said.

“Go!” Thales orders him. “Take him to her! It’s where he belongs!” Scorpan nods in agreement, and he quickly flies off.
> No More Decisions
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Meanwhile, over at the flying dragons’ lair, Ember and Starlight were talking. Starlight worryingly asks, “Please, Ember, if you have any info on where Spike might be, now would be a good time.”

“I’m sorry, Starlight, but Spike promised me not to tell you that he’s in the water dragon’s lair.” Ember said.

“Uh, you just told me where he is now.” Starlight informed her.

“Wait, I did? Oh… crud.” Ember said in defeat.

“Starlight!” Scorpan cries out as he flies down with Spike in his arms.

“Ugh! I don’t wish to see you right now, Scorpan!” Starlight said angrily to him. “I just want to know where… SPIKE!” Starlight runs over to Scorpan to check up on Spike passed out on Scorpan’s arms. “Oh no! It’s happened to him too!”

“I know, I’m sorry!” Scorpan said. “We must get Spike to-“ Starlight immediately fires a magic blast on Scorpan’s shoulder. “Ow! Hey, what’s the big ide- OW!” Starlight uses her magic to grab Spike from Scorpan’s arms, and she sets him on her back. Starlight then fires more magic blasts on Scorpan, including a giant fire fist that punches down right on him. “STARLIGHT!” Scorpan yells out. “What are you doing?!”

“This is YOUR fault!” Starlight yells as she picks Scorpan up and throws him on a pile of rocks. “If it weren’t for you, Spike wouldn’t have ran away, and he and Twilight would’ve be okay!” Starlight then throws Scorpan again, landing right on a target of a dragon fire shooting range, and a dragon immediately breathes fire on Scorpan’s hind quarters mistaking it as a target. Scorpan screams as he runs across the volcano with an ignited flank, and he jumps into the lava feeling relieved.

“Ahhhh.” Scorpan says in relief; but he immediately gets picked up by an enraged Starlight again. “Oh no, not again!” She then throws him right on Ember’s throne, and the top of the throne breaks off and lands right on top of him.

“HEY!” Ember yells. “That’s my throne!”

“Sorry, but this has become personal!” Starlight said angrily.

“Starlight…” Spike mumbles. “Starlight, please… stop. It’s not worth it. He’s not worth it.”

Just before Starlight would be able to beat up Scorpan some more, Starlight takes a deep breath and uses her magic to move the rock that was lying on top of Scorpan. Scorpan moaned in pain as he got back up on his feet. “Get up, you good for nothing monster!”

“Ok… I deserve this.” Scorpan admits as he spits out a tooth. “I shouldn’t have agreed to have Spike come with me. It was a big mistake. I’m sorry, Starlight.”

“You have A LOT to apologize for!” Starlight yells at him as she pushes Scorpan on the ground and climbs up to his face. “Listen, because of you, Twilight is sick! She isn’t eating, she isn’t doing magic, she barely moves, and the same thing has happened to Spike too!”

“I know, I know!” Scorpan admits.

“So you know about the bond, huh?” Starlight asks.

“YES! I know about the bond!” Scorpan said. “I wanted Spike to decide on his own to go back to Twilight, because I knew he would want to eventually! He wanted to! He said he wanted to go back, but then this happened to him at the worst time possible!”

“You bet your sorry burned flank it did!” Starlight yelled. “Now listen, we are going to take Spike back to Twilight, who is under intense care in Ponyville General. Once this is done, we’re done! You are never to show your face in Ponyville again, and you stay away from us, especially Spike!”

“Ok, I will!” Scorpan promises.

“Good, now let’s go!” Starlight said angrily as Scorpan stands back up, and Starlight climbs on his back so he can ride them back to Ponyville.

“Will Spike be okay?” Ember asked worryingly.

“I seriously hope so.” Starlight said in worry, and then Scorpan flies out of the Dragon Lands as fast he could. Starlight held Spike close to her to keep him secure, and all the talking Starlight did was to Spike, assuring him that he will be okay and that they’ll be back in Ponyville soon; but Starlight didn’t say a word to Scorpan, and he didn’t say anything back.

After a few hours, Scorpan lands in front of Ponyville General, and Starlight climbs off Scorpan with Spike on her back. Both Starlight and Scorpan run into the hospital to find Twilight. Inside Twilight’s room, Twilight was surrounded by her friends, her family, and the princesses who all worried for her.

“Oh, Twilie.” Shining Armor said worryingly. “I should’ve stopped him when I had the chance!”

“There is no need for regrets.” Cadance comforted him. “Starlight will be back with Spike soon.”

“Ah hope so, this is becomin’ too much for me.” Applejack said.

“I don’t want Twilight’s ‘Feel Better’ Party or Spike’s Welcome Back party to be cancelled!” Pinkie freaked out. “Such a waste of perfect cake and balloons!”

“Uh, I think wasting cake is the least of our problems right now, Pinkie.” Rainbow informed her.

“Hey, there are foals starving in the slums of Manehattan that would kill for some cake!” Pinkie informs her. “Ooo, maybe I should throw a slums party at Manehattan for all the homeless ponies!”

“Not helping right now, Pinkie.” Applejack informed her.

“Oh, sorry.” Pinkie said upsettingly.

“In all things considered, Twilight looks really peaceful right now.” Fluttershy said, trying to act positive.

“Yeah, if you get rid of all the wires she has on her hooves and that ugly looking hospital gown, I’d agree.” Rarity said.

Just then, the door slams open with Starlight and Scorpan coming in with Spike. “We’re here!” Starlight yells. “And we have Spike!”

“Quickly, put him near Twilight!” Celestia orders her. Starlight quickly walks over to Twilight to set Spike down next to her. As some of Twilight’s friends were happy to see Spike back, some were angry to see Scorpan again.

“Uh, what’s HE doin’ here?” Applejack asked angrily.

“Yeah, you have the nerve coming back here, busto!” Rainbow said as she pokes Scorpan’s nose.

“I know I made a mistake.” Scorpan admits.

“You sure made a lot more than a mistake… Scorpan.” Applejack glares at her.

“Yeah, Scorpan!” Pinkie said angrily. “We’re saying your name angrily because we’re angry at you!”

“I know, and I’m sorry.” Scorpan said. “How many times do I have to say it?”

“You took our Spikey-Wikey away from us, and you got both him and Twilight sick!” Rarity explained. “You have A LOT to apologize for!”

“But you’re the icons of friendship in Equestria. I’m sure you can forgive me.” Scorpan said.

“It might take a lot of time for you to earn our forgiveness.” Applejack said.

“I know the bond he and Twilight have.” Scorpan said. “I kept asking him to come back, but I wanted to give him a choice!”

“And look where that got you.” Rainbow said.

“I have to agree, Scorpan.” Celestia said. “This is a pretty grave mistake on your part.”

“In this case, you might not be so better off than Tirek.” Luna said.

“We should put you to Tartarus for this!” Shining yelled.

“I wouldn’t blame any of you one bit.” Scorpan said in sorrow.

“Ugh.” Twilight moans as she starts to wake up. All her friends quickly went over to her to see her wake up. Once she opens her eyes, she sees all her friends on top of her. “Ok, this is making me feel a little uncomfortable.” She commented.

“TWILIGHT!” Everypony yells as they all give her a hug.

Twilight was enjoying the hug at first, but being surrounded by all her friends, it’s barely making her breathe. “Ok, maybe there is such a thing as too much love!” Once everypony lets go of Twilight, she notices Spike yawning in front of her. She gasps in surprise. “SPIKE!” Twilight cried out in excitement. She then grabs him and gives him a big hug, and their friends join with them.

“Ok, maybe there is such a thing as too much love.” Spike commented as he was barely able to breathe either.

“Spike! I’m so glad you’re back!” Twilight cried.

“Oh Spikey, we’re never letting you go again!” Rarity said.

“It wasn’t really fun without our number one dragon around!” Pinkie said.

“Where were you all this time?” Fluttershy asked.



“Crystal Empire first, obviously, and then Changeling  Kingdom!” Pinkie said.

“I’m guessing the other one was the Dragon Lands.” Rainbow assumed.

Spike shrugs. “They pretty much answered your question, Twilight!”



Twilight giggles and says with tears in her eyes, “Spike, I’m so happy you’re back! You have no idea how devastated I was when you left!”

“We all were.” Applejack admitted.



“If we all we knew what the main reason why you came to the Crystal Empire in the first place.” Cadance said.

“I know, I’m sorry.” Spike said. “I really didn’t want to leave in the first place. I missed you, Twilight! I missed all of you!”

“All of you as in all of Twilight, or all of us?” Pinkie asked.


“But a lot has happened when I was gone that makes me glad I went!” Spike said. “I found myself!” Everypony just looked at him and eachother curiously.



“Sooo, you went into the mirror pond?” Pinkie asked.

“No, it means I know where I came from!” Spike explained. “I found the old nest where my egg was originally near the Changeling  Kingdom; and then over at the Dragon Lands, I met my parents! I met my entire family! I have so many brothers and sisters!”

“That’s fantastic, Spike!” Twilight said excitedly.

“Ah hope you’re not lookin’ to surpass the Apple family’s numbers.” Applejack teased.

“Maybe!” Spike smirks at her. “And I learned something about myself too! I’m actually a water dragon!”

“I guess that would explain your lack of wings.” Rainbow said.

“But what about you, Twilight?” Spike asked. “What have you done since I was gone?”

“Well… not a crazy adventure like you’ve been on, heh.” Twilight said embarrassingly. “Pretty much just, uh…”

“She was a hooffull; wouldn’t stop reading. She wouldn’t even go outside.” Starlight said.

“She did miss quite a few summits.” Luna said.

“Well now that Spike is back, my life is back to normal! Our lives back to normal!” Twilight said. “I’m glad you found your origins, Spike, but I was still devastated.”

“I know, and I shouldn’t have left.” Spike said. “I’m sorry, Twilight.”

“No, I’m sorry.” Scorpan said. “I knew full well of his bond with you, Twilight, and I didn’t explain it to him just so he would be happy; but at what cost was it?”

“What bond? What are you talking about?” Spike asked.

“Dragon eggs hatch through their parents’ love.” Celestia explained. “When their eggs are hatched, that have bond towards their mother and father. They can’t be away for too long, or both the child and the parents would go into a deep coma. The average dragon can only go a few hundred years away from their parents.”

“But he was only gone for a month.” Fluttershy said.

“The younger the dragon is, the more bonded they are to their parents.” Celestia said. “Since Twilight was the one that hatched Spike, she’s… technically his mother.”

“Wow, and you were a mom at a quite young age, Twilie!” Shining teases her.

“I hope Spike wasn’t too much of a hooffull as Flurry Heart is to us!” Cadance giggles.

“Oh he was an angel!” Twilight teases.

“Heh, I know that face!” Spike smirks at her.

“So what about you then?” Twilight asks as she glares at Scorpan. “Are you actually going to come through, or do you have to leave again?”

“No!” Scorpan said. “I’m not leaving again, yet. I don’t want Spike to go through that again.”

“So you’ll do it then?” Twilight asked.

“Yes, I’ll do it.” Scorpan promises. “I’m not just saying it this time. I’m actually going to do it. I’m going to see my brother first thing tomorrow and at least try to make peace with him.”

“That’s great, Scorpan!” Spike said excitedly. Everypony cheers for Scorpan, congratulating him on finally pulling through.

“However, I can’t go alone.” Scorpan adds.

“We’ll go with you to Tartarus, Scorpan!” Applejack suggests.

“Absolutely! But what should I wear for the occasion? Something nasty. I don’t want to attract the other prisoners.” Rarity said.

“Oh, I don’t think I want to go.” Fluttershy said.

“We’ll be fine, Fluttershy!” Rainbow said. “The place is well protected! Nopony’s going to touch us; and if they try, we’ll turn those inmates into burnt crisps on plates!”

“So you all better get ready for tomorrow.” Celestia suggests.

“Indeed.” Luna agrees. “Tartarus isn’t a place that knows harmony and friendship. You’ll be safe there with us and the guards, but I don’t want to be held responsible for whatever nightmares you might posses over there.” The ponies start to get nervous, especially Fluttershy.

“Um, I think that’s too over the top, sister.” Celestia suggests.

Luna chuckles, “It was worth a shot!”

“Well, it’s good to be back, mom!” Spike said as he hugs Twilight.

“It’s good to have you back as well, son!” Twilight said as she hugs back.

“Let’s never call each other that again.” Spike suggests.

“Oh definitely not!” Twilight agreed.
> Tirek's Return
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

ACT 5: Brothers Unite

The news of Spike being back and Twilight feeling better spreads all over Ponyville very quickly, and Pinkie throws a big party for Spike’s return and Twilight getting cured!

“We’re so glad you’re back, Spike!” Sweetie Belle said excitedly.

“Eeyup!” Big Mac agreed.

“Where have you been this whole time?” Apple Bloom asked.

“Did you fight any monsters where you were?” Scootaloo asked.

“Ok, fine, I’ll tell the story one more time!” Spike said. “Sweet Celestia, everypony is asking for the same exact thing!”

Over where Twilight was watching Spike hanging out with some friends, she smiles at the fact that he’s back. Scorpan walks over to her with a piece of cake. “Hello, Twilight!” Scorpan said. “Feeling better, I see!”

“Oh I’m feeling much better!” Twilight said. “I’m just glad to see Spike again! My life was a mess when he left.”

“I know, and I apologize once again for being the cause of it.” Scorpan said upsettingly. “I didn’t want any of this to happen.”

“Well, in all things considered, it worked out for the best!” Twilight said. “We all learned a little something about this experience! I learned how much I need Spike in my life, and he learned about his origins!”

“And I learned not to take you and your friends for granted.” Scorpan said.

“We can drink to that!” Twilight agreed as she and Scorpan clanged glasses and took a sip of their punch. He then grabs the cake off his plate with his claws and eats it all in one gulp. “Uh, shouldn’t you use a fork for that?”

“The forks are too tiny for me to hold.” Scorpan said. “Besides, cake is finger food for my size.”

Twilight giggles. “Yeah, that’s true. So are you sure you’re ready to reunite with your brother after all these years?”

“Don’t make me change my mind, alright? I said I’d do it.” Scorpan said.

“Ok, alright, I’m sorry! Let’s just enjoy the party. We have a long day tomorrow!” Twilight said.

“Absolututly!” Pinkie said. “Today fun, tomorrow dangerous adventures, and then the next day FUN AGAIN!”

“Or maybe another dangerous adventure the next day!” Rainbow informed her.

“Oh, please, just one would be fine.” Fluttershy hoped.

“Hey, I’m just saying, it’s possible!” Rainbow said.

“Well, let’s hope not.” Applejack said. “Ah don’t really feel so good about this adventure to be honest.”

“What’s wrong? You sick, AJ?” Pinkie asked.

“Wha- no!” Applejack said.

“Well all this is going to be is a family reunion, right?” Rarity asked. “Scorpan would just do what we taught him, and Tirek will be reformed, just like every other villain we’ve faced!”

“Err, not EVERY villain.” Applejack informs her.

“So what’s the big deal?” Rainbow asked. “If he doesn’t want to forgive Scorpan, he can just stay in the cell for the rest of his life.”

“And then what’s goin’ to happen with Scorpan then?” Applejack asked.

“Applejack does make a good point.” Fluttershy said. “Scorpan’s counting on our advice to work.”

“And it will!” Rainbow said. “Since when did our plans ever fail?”

“I really wish you didn’t say that.” Fluttershy said worryingly.

After a few hours, the party ends, and everypony returns home. Twilight, Spike, Starlight, and Scorpan all returned to their rooms for a good night sleep to get ready for the next day.

Meanwhile, over at Tartarus, a strange figure sneaks around the prison gates. Cerberus is fast asleep, but as the strange figure sneaks by, one of the heads start to feel a strange disturbance in their mist, and they started to wake up. However, they weren’t awake for long, as the strange figure places an enchanted harp down next to them, and it starts to play music. The relaxing music puts Cerberus right back to a deep sleep, which gave the strange figure the chance to move into the prison. Tartarus is filled with monsters that endangered Equestria, including bugbears, wasp creatures, a giant sphinx, Grogar, and even though worst of them all in the most secure cage in the prison: Lord Tirek himself. He was still trapped in there with his enchanted chains and all.

“Pssst!” The strange figure tries to get Tirek’s attention. “Psssst! Psssssssst!”

“I hear you! I’m not interested!” Tirek said feeling annoyed.

“I want to help you out of here.” The figure whispered.

“Uh huh, cool story sis.” Tirek said, not buying it. “Now leave me alone.”

“Don’t you want to get out of here and have revenge on those who brought you here?” The figure asked. “I can help you gain power again! You can drain all the magic from all the ponies in Equestria yet again, but only with my help, as well as the help of every other prisoner in Tartarus.”

“Who are you?” Tirek asked curiously.

“My name… is Queen Chrysalis.” The figure revealed herself.

“You’re the Changeling Queen.” Tirek said.

“No, I’m the ice cream pony.” Chrysalis said sarcastically.

“What do you want with me? My love? I have none.” Tirek said.

Chrysalis chuckles evilly and says, “No, I don’t need your love. I want the love of everypony else. With their magic gone AND their love gone, they won’t stand a chance! However, my hive has… turned against me, and therefore shall pay for their treachery! They will fall, as well as the rest of the Equestria! We must work together to get what we desire.”

“Oh yeah?” Tirek asks with a mischievous smile. “Well, perhaps we can work something out. We must try to get the other prisoners on our side though in order for this work. Plus, I think I might know someone who’s willing to help me out!”

“Oh yeah? Who might that be?” Chrysalis asked.

Tirek takes a deep breath and chuckles. “My brother… he stirs! I can feel it! I see you, brother! You want to reunite with me, you think you can reform me!” He chuckles again. “Oh don’t you worry, Scorpan. We’ll be together again! Come and find me!”

Scorpan gasps as he wakes up from his bed sweating up a storm and breathing heavily. He quickly walked over to the bathroom to wash his face, and he looked at himself in the mirror seeing his paranoid bloodshot eyes.

Spike yawns as he sees Scorpan in the bathroom. “Scorpan?” He asks.

“AH!” Scorpan yells in surprise. “Oh, Spike, you startled me, buddy!”

“What’s wrong?” Spike asked.

“Oh… just a nightmare.” Scorpan said.

“Yeah, I know how that feels, but I’ve faced them! That’s how I got to you in the first place, remember?” Spike reminds him.

“No, this is different.” Scorpan said. “This isn’t just a nightmare… it’s a vision.”

“Like the ones you gave my friends and I to come find you?” Spike asked.

“Yes, exactly that!” Scorpan said. “I’m not the only one that knows that trick. My brother, Tirek, he sent me a message.”

“What’s going on?” Spike asked. “Does he know you’re here?”

“I don’t know, but he knows I’m around, and he knows my plan.” Scorpan explains. “He knows I’m going to try to reform him.”

“So what are we going to do?” Spike asked.

“I have to go.” Scorpan said. “He’s expecting me, so I have to go confront him.”

“That’s crazy!” Spike said. “He’s in prison, and don’t you want Twilight and the others with you too?”

“No, it’s too risky. Something ain’t right.” Scorpan said. “It’s not just that though. Queen Chrysalis is there.”

“What?!” Spike asked in surprise.

“I know, what?!” Scorpan agreed.

“What is she doing there? I hope she’s turning herself in!” Spike said.

“No, she’s trying to break my brother out, and she’s going to use the other Tartarus prisoners against Equestria.” Scorpan said.

“That’s terrible!” Spike yelled. “We have to tell Twilight immediately!”

“No! There’s no time!” Scorpan stops him.

“Uh, yeah, all we have to do is wake her up and explain the news, it shouldn’t take more than a minute as long as she doesn’t talk back right away.” Spike said.

“No, if we tell her, she’ll tell Celestia, and then they’ll devise a plan.” Scorpan explained. “She won’t let me go in this case. Perhaps if I go there now, I might be able to stop Chrysalis in time.”

“Well you’re not going alone.” Spike said.

“Spike, I have to. It’s too dangerous.” Scorpan said.

“I don’t care!” Spike said as he grabs his arm. “I’m not going to let my brother go alone! Please, Scorpan!” Scorpan sees Spike’s puppy-dog eyes, and not even he is immune to them.

Scorpan sighs and says, “Just stay close to me, and do exactly as I say.”

“I will.” Spike promises.

“I’m not kidding.” Scorpan said in a serious tone. “Whatever I tell you to do, you do it. If I tell you to abandon me and save yourself, you’ll do it. I will not let harm come to you again, Spike. I made a promise to both you and Twilight about that.”

“I promise to do exactly as you say.” Spike swears. “Now, come on! Time’s a-wasting!” Scorpan nods. “Oh, but hold on. We should at least leave a note to Twilight.”

“Agreed.” He nods.

So Spike quickly leaves a note to leave behind for Twilight right on her night stand before he and Scorpan fly off to Tartarus. The note reads:

“Dear Twilight, 

Scorpan and I went to get a head start to Tartartus to confront his brother. Scorpan had a dream, or more of a vision, about Tirek getting broken free by Queen Chrysalis, and she plans to team up with all the prisoners in Tartarus to take over Equestria. Tirek also knows of Scorpan’s intentions of reforming him, so we headed over to stop Chrysalis before it is too late. I don’t know what will happen, but if we fail, you might have an entire monstrous army heading your way. Do whatever you need to do to save Equestria, as you always do. Best of luck! I wish for all of us the best!

-Spike”

“Oh my gosh! This is terrible!” Fluttershy said nervously after she and her friends hear Twilight read the letter to them the next morning.

“I’ll say! But however strong these monsters are, we can take them! Right, girls?” Rainbow asked.

“No,” Twilight said, “this is an entire prison of very dangerous monsters teaming up against us! If Chrysalis comes through with the team up, Equestria won’t stand a chance!”

“So what do we do, Twilight?” Applejack asked.

“I don’t know, but we have to tell Celestia and Luna immediately!” Twilight said.

“Oooooh! Why did Spike leave us AGAIN for that monster?!” Rarity asked angrily.

“We have no time to worry about that right now. We have to go!” Starlight said. So everypony gets their stuff packed, and using Twilight and Starlight’s combined magic, all seven of them teleport over to Canterlot in a blink of an eye.
> Brothers Unite
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Twilight, Starlight, and the rest of the Mane Six all move as fast as they could over to Canterlot castle to explain the terrifying news to Celestia, Luna, and Cadance. They even read the letter Spike left to prove it.

“This is very terrifying news indeed.” Luna said. “We were barely able to fight Tirek himself last time he grew to power; but this is the entire prison that’s going to attack.”

“Equestria is in grave danger if we don’t think of something fast!” Cadance said.

“Can’t we just use Rainbow Power to defeat Tirek again?” Applejack suggested.

“Oh we looked fabulous that one time we used it!” Rarity said. “Would be delighted to go through it all again!”

“Yeah, only we used it once and we never used it again when Equestria was in trouble. We should’ve used it more.” Rainbow said.

“It’s going to take a lot more than Rainbow Power to stop that flock.” Luna said.

“Indeed.” Celestia agreed. “The last time there was a break out in Tartarus, Equestria was barely able to fend it off; and now that there is way more prisoners than last time, and more powerful, we won’t stand a chance by ourselves.”

“So what are we going to, princess?” Fluttershy asked.

“We need to call upon all of Equestria’s allies.” Celestia said.

“All of them?” Twilight asked.

“All of them.” Celestia said, feeling determined. “This isn’t going to be easy. This is probably going to be the most intense battle any of you have ever witnessed. More than every battle you’ve ever faced.”

“Then the best thing to do is split up.” Twilight suggested. “Rainbow Dash, call upon the Wonderbolts and then the Griffons over at Griffonstone.”

“You got it!” Rainbow salutes as she immediately flies off.

“Pinkie Pie, you go over to Yakyakistan as fast as you could to summon the yaks to help us.” Twilight instructs her.

“Pink pony will do what purple pony asks!” Pinkie agrees in a yak accent and she runs off.

“I’ll go with her.” Shining Armor said. “She can drop me off at the Crystal Empire on the way so I can get the troops ready for battle.”

“Okay, good idea!” Twilight agrees. “Fluttershy, you head over to the Dragon Lands to call upon the dragons.”

“Ummm…” Fluttershy mummers nervously.

“You’re kidding, right darling?” Rarity asked.

“My mistake.” Twilight corrects herself. “Rarity, you head over to the Dragon Lands. Fluttershy, you head over to the Changeling Kingdom.”

“That’s much better!” Fluttershy agrees.

“I agree! But who’s going to take us?” Rarity asks. “These poor hooves can only take so much stress.”

“Guards will chariot all of you there.” Twilight said. “Finally, Applejack, you go get the buffalos as well as anypony in your family who wants to help fight.”

“Sounds like a plan, Twilight!” Applejack agrees. “But are you goin’ to do?”

“I’ll stay here with the other princesses and we’ll work up a strategy.” Twilight said.

Just as the Mane Six all split up to do their required tasks, Starlight walks over to Twilight and asks, “Anything I can do to help, Twilight?”

“Yes, Starlight – I need you to beat Spike and Scorpan over to Tartarus and stop them any way you can. Hopefully we’re not too late and they didn’t make it there yet.” Twilight instructs her.

“In ‘any’ way I can?” Starlight asked. “Like I can hurt them?”

“NO!” Twilight yells. “Well, not Spike, don’t hurt him. Scorpan, however… maybe a little bit.”

“Oh with pleasure!” Starlight said angrily as she teleports away.

“So, what’s the plan?” Twilight asks the princesses.

Cadance sighs and says, “This will not be an easy battle. Celestia, what are the odds of us winning this one?”

“I’d rather not think about it.” Celestia said. “If our friends from the other lands agree to help us, and as long as we have our wills up high, maybe we’ll have a chance to go through this without much innocent.”

“Let’s hope so, dear sister.” Luna comforted her.

Meanwhile, just right outside of Tartarus, Scorpan and Spike look down to see the entrance within the giant dark hole that’s miles wide in all directions, and magical walls keeping anypony out, and a magical force field flashes on and off.

“Behold… Tartarus.” Scorpan said.

“I feel like all the joy within me has suddenly disappeared.” Spike said.

“That’s one of the things that protects Tartarus.” Scorpan said. “It keeps prisoners from breaking out, by having them lose hope. Tirek didn’t have much hope in the first place, which is probably how he got out the first time.”

“What’s that magical thing flashing?” Spike asked.

“That… is the force field that keeps anypony from coming in or out.” Scorpan said. “It’s been breached it looks like. The magical generators that keep it running must’ve been damaged.”

“So we’re going in then?” Spike asked.

“I have to, but you still have a chance to not come along for your own protection. It would be wise if you didn’t come.” Scorpan advised.

“I can’t let you go in alone, Scorpan.” Spike said.

“Spike, I hope you know the reason why you keep wanting to come with me on these adventures.” Scorpan said. “It’s not because you really want to. It’s the-“

“I don’t care! I’m coming with you and that’s final! Nopony should go anywhere alone, not even swimming!” Spike explained.

“But this isn’t swimming.” Scorpan corrected him.

“We’re swimming through the underworld itself.” Spike said. Scorpan knew Spike was determined not to let him go alone. There was no stopping him, so he just had to nod in agreement, and he quickly flies through the force field in between flickers; then the duo enters the prison.

During their flight down there in the canyon, they see ghostly spirits flying around making strange noises that starts to freak Spike out. “What’s wrong with them?” He asked.

“They’re the guards of Tartarus; spirits who guard the inside, but they seem to be cursed. Chrysalis is here, and she set a curse on them.” Scorpan said.

“But Chrysalis isn’t capable of anything like that.” Spike informed him.

“She’s not acting alone it seems.” Scorpan assumed. “Stay close, Spike. I don’t want to lose you again. I brought you to Equestria, and I will bring you back.”

“What do you mean?” Spike asked.

“I should’ve told you before, but I only didn’t tell you to protect you.” Scorpan said. “You had the right to know.”

“Know what? Stop with the hints! Just spit it out already!” Spike demands.

“Spike… I found you as an egg.” Scorpan said. “I found you at that nest next to the Changeling Kingdom. After all the dragons left, I found that lone egg sitting there in that nest. It was sometime after Tirek went to Tartarus, I was wondering around, not knowing where else to go. I found that little purple egg with the purple polka dots on them.”

“I thought it was a purple and green egg?” Spike asked. “That’s what I thought Twilight told me?”

“She must be colorblind then because there was no green on that egg.” Scorpan corrected him. “I didn’t know what else to do with you, so I brought you to Princess Celestia. I left it for her, telling her to take care of that egg, and to keep it safe. ‘This egg could be a chance to make a difference in pony kind,’ I said to her; and you did do that, Spike. With your help, you created the Princess of Friendship, you saved the Crystal Empire, you started the alliance between ponies and dragons, AND ponies and changelings. You did more than I could ever imagine hoping you’d ever do. That’s why I’m proud of you, Spike. That’s why I wanted what was best for you.”

Spike was very surprised to hear the news. He had a moment of silence to think about all the new information about his life. “I knew I met you before!” He said. “I didn’t know what it was, but this makes sense! That’s why I trusted you when I first met you! You saved my life! You gave me this life! Scorpan… I’m who I am because of you!”

Scorpan nods in agreement. “I gave you to the ponies, Spike, as I thought it was best for you! It’s what any me in any other universe would’ve wanted!”

“Gosh… I-I don’t know what else to say.” Spike said in amazement.

“How about keeping it quiet? Cause we’re here.” Scorpan said as he flies over to the cage where Tirek is supposed to be located. “This is it, Spike.”

“Is that him?” Spike asked as he pointed to a dark shadow within the cage.

“It has to be. That’s the cage he’s always been in – cell #425.” Scorpan said as he lands over by the cage. He and Spike slowly and carefully walk over to the cage. The shadow stood up from its seat, and immediately turns around and looks at us with it’s glowing eyes, which startles both Spike and Scorpan. Their screams startle whatever was in the cage.

“Oooh, please don’t hurt me!” The little elf creature creature said in a Gollum-like voice. “I just wanna turn your hair into pumpkin juice! I need my pumpkin juice! Everypony in Equestria will go bald for a tasty pumpkin juice! It’s nothing to throw little ol me in prison for!”

“Uhh, wrong cell.” Scorpan said. “This isn’t Tirek.”

“Oooh, if it’s him you want, he’s in Cell #426! He transferred there a few months back.” The creature pointed out.

“Oh, okay, thanks buddy.” Scorpan said as he and Spike rush over to the other cell next door.

“WAIT!” The creature cried. “Gargoyle has lovely hair to make lots of pumpkin juice with!”

Once Spike and Scorpan got to the other cage, to their surprise, the cage door was opened, and chains were piled up underneath. “We’re too late!” Scorpan said. “He’s out!”

“It might not be too late yet though!” Spike suggested. “He could still be around – we just have to- WHOA!” Just then, Spike and Scorpan suddenly get pushed right into the cage and the door slams behind them. Just then, they heard an evil laugh from a familiar villain.

“Well, well, well!” Chrysalis said mischievously. “You must be Scorpan! Tirek said you’d be coming!”

“Chrysalis!” Spike cried.

“Ah, and Twilight Sparkle’s little pet slave too!” Chrysalis said. “I’m quite surprised you showed up so far away from your master.”

“Twilight is NOT my master!” Spike corrected her. “She’s my best friend!”

“Best friend? HA!” Chrysalis laughed. “Don’t make me laugh!”

“But I just did.” Spike pointed out.

“Well, er, regardless would a ‘best friend’ make you do all her chores and carry her belongings all the time without pay?” Chrysalis asks.

She starts to get under Spike’s scales, but Scorpan steps in to change the subject. “Enough of that, Chrysalis.” He demanded. “Where’s my brother?”

“Oh he’s out draining magic of some volunteers to make him powerful again!” Chrysalis said. “It’s like you’ll barely recognize him once he comes back!” Just then, the ground immediately starts to quake as the three of them hear some large stomping heading their way. “Ah, and he must be done already!” The large stomping starts to get louder as Tirek draws nearer. Once he arrives, he already drained enough magic to be as tall as he was when he captured the princesses last time.

“Brother!” Scorpan gasped.

“Brother!” Tirek said mischievously. “It’s been a long time, hasn’t it?”

“It has.” Scorpan agreed.

“Now let’s see, the last time I saw you, I was in the cage. My have the tables turned to my favor!” Tirek said.

“You see, Scorpan,” Chrysalis starts, “we’re working together to-“

“Quiet, bug queen! I’m talking to my brother!” Tirek demanded.

“Alright, no need to be so shaky about it.” Chrysalis backed off.

“So, you finally decided to come and visit.” Tirek said. “I’ve been here for over a thousand years, Scorpan, and not once have you visited me. What? You don’t care about your old brother anymore?”

“I had some personal issues to take care of, Tirek.” Scorpan said. “There hasn’t been a day since I forgot about you. I’ve regretted my decision to leave you here for all these years. In a way, I was in prison too – morally.”

“You abandoned me, brother.” Tirek said. “Not only have you betrayed me, but you abandoned me too. You left me here to rot in a prison in a foreign land! I wanted us to take over Equestria together as a family! You were the least I expected to turn his back on me.”

“I had a change of heart.” Scorpan said. “Star Swirl showed me that there was a better way.”

“That fossil was just deceiving you, brother.” Tirek said. “What did he promise you? Money? Power?”

“He promised me friendship from all.” Scorpan said.

“And what is that worth?” Tirek asked. “You would’ve had friendship either way, brother. You would’ve had me. I would always be your friend. Maybe I am evil, maybe I am selfish, maybe I can even be quite destructive; but one thing I’m not… is disloyal. That title falls to you, brother.”

“Brother, I did what I did for the sake of all.” Scorpan said.

“Sheesh, I wish I had a bit every time they said the word ‘brother’.” Spike mumbles.

“I did what I did to protect not only pony kind, but ourselves.” Scorpan explained. “You know I tried to reason with you at first. You think I wanted you to be here?”

“You were an intruder too.” Tirek reminds me. “You were trespassing in Equestria soil just like I was with the same exact plan. Why didn’t they arrest you? At least we could’ve been here to rot together. It would be us against the world, brother!”

“I’ve seen you in my visions, brother.” Scorpan said. “You escaped here once before and nearly destroyed pony kind! I know you wanted to take over, but merely to destroy it?”

“You made me this way by leaving me here!” Tirek yelled. “I would’ve merely just taken over if you didn’t sell me out! I felt enraged, and I have to destroy everything! I will steal every piece of magic to every earth pony, unicorn, princess, alicorn, changeling, dragon, griffon, yak, and every other creature I can find! I will be the most powerful being the world has ever seen!”

“Wait, every changeling too?” Chrysalis asked.

“Relax, dear, I make exceptions to the ones who serve me well. You’ll get the love you desire.” Tirek promises.

“Now that’s what I like to hear!” Chrysalis smiled.


“He’s going to deceive you, Chrysalis.” Spike informed her. “He did the same thing to Discord!”

“I’m not as weak willed as that so-called ‘lord of chaos’.” Chrysalis said. “He let his emotions get to him. I wasn’t so weak. I don’t care about friendship, so there’s no way you can reform me; and neither can you reform Tirek here either!”

“Indeed.” Tirek agrees. “All that work you put in learning about how to reform me has come to waste, brother! I’ve seen you in my visions too. You think you’re the only one who has them? I saw everything you’ve done ever since you left that cave – from the parties, to the learning how to reform, to when you kept stalling your meeting with me because you’re too much of a coward as you always were; and… my replacement.”

“What are you talking about, brother? What replacement?” Scorpan asked.

“Think about it, Scorpan! Who’s been with you the entire time since you left that cave?” Tirek asked as he uses his magic to grab Spike out of the cage.

“AAH!” Spike yelled.

“SPIKE!” Scorpan yells. Spike starts struggling as he Tirek brings him close to him.

“Yes, you kept saying how much of a ‘brother’ he is to you, right Scorpan?” Tirek reminds him.

“LET GO OF HIM, TIREK!” Scorpan yells. “This is between you and me! Leave him out of this!”

“Oh no, I need him for my plans!” Tirek said. “I’m so glad you brought him here, brother! I want to get to know my replacement a bit.”

“Um, yeah, I don’t think I have any plans to make new friends today. Can we meet on Tuesday instead?” Spike asks nervously.

Tirek laughs. “I like him already! Him and I are going to chat in private.” Tirek runs off with Spike screaming as he carries him away.

“SCORPAN!” Spike cries.

“SPIKE!” Scorpan yells as he uses all the strength he could to break the cage opened.

“Oh don’t bother wasting your strength, Scorpan, that’s a magical cage. It kept Tirek inside for years, and that’s where you’re staying in when he finally deals with you!” Chrysalis said. “It’s a shame really. You could’ve had everything. You could’ve ruled along side Tirek with an iron hoof or claw. But since you left him, I’m the one that’s going to be taking your place! I’m your replacement, Scorpan, just like Spike was his. There’s a storm coming, Scorpan, and I will finish what I’ve started!” Chrysalis laughs evilly as she flies off.

Scorpan collapses on the ground in regret. He starts to tear up as he mumbles to himself, “What have I done?”
> Prison Breakout
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

After a while of sorrow, Scorpan just sobbed in his cage regretting everything he’s ever done. “This is all my fault!” He said to himself. “I shouldn’t have brought Spike! Maybe Twilight was right, I should’ve just stayed away from him. Equestria is doomed! I would’ve made it if I didn’t delay! I could’ve stopped Chrysalis!”

“Yeah, you could’ve.” A familiar voice echoed outside of the cave.

“Huh? Who’s there?” Scorpan checked.

“It’s me, you pathetic weasel.” Starlight said as she uses her magic to make herself visible again.

“Starlight! Thank goodness you’re here!” Scorpan said in relief.

“Looks like you finally had the guts to face your brother.” Starlight said. “Unfortunately, you had to drag Spike along with you again. You don’t need him to hold your claw all the time. Speaking of which, where is he?”

“Uhhh…” Scorpan was stumped because he knew Starlight would get mad at him again if he told her.

“SCORPAN!!! WHERE IS HE?!” Starlight yelled in anger as red smoke popped out of her horn.

“He took him!” Scorpan yelled.

“What?” Starlight asked.

“My brother, he took him! He’s planning to do something to him, I don’t know what!” Scorpan said.

“UGH!” Starlight groaned. “I can’t believe you! You put Spike in danger AGAIN! Twilight is going to get even more furious than I am now!”

“Perhaps not, if we could find him.” Scorpan suggested. “Just get me out of here, and we’ll look for him.”

“Maybe I should leave you in there.” Starlight suggested. “You’ve done enough crimes to earn yourself a nice long stay here!”

“And you haven’t?” Scorpan asked.

Starlight became stumped because she knew he had a point. “Ugh, I hate you.” She uses her magic to open the cage and let Scorpan free.

“How did you do that?” Scorpan asked.

“Celestia gave me magical clearance to any cell in this place.” Starlight said. “Now where did your brother take Spike?”

“I don’t know. They could be anywhere!” Scorpan said nervously.

“I swear if anything bad happens to Spike, this will be on YOU!” Starlight threatens him.

“And I’ll take whatever punish you want, but right now, we have to stop my brother and Chrysalis.” Scorpan said. Starlight agreed and the two of them stormed off.

Meanwhile, over at another end of Tartarus, Tirek walks with his magical grasp holding Spike. “So, you and my brother are close, huh?” Tirek asked him.

Spike gulps. “Umm, well, not THAT close. I mean, we are good friends, but… more like acquaintances more than friends.”

“Or more like brothers.” Tirek said. “I know you’re happy around him, but it isn’t like what you think. He took you away from the pony you loved most. He was deceiving you. He always has.”

“That’s not true! Scorpan cares about me!” Spike said. “So does Twilight, and I should have never left her! How could I be so disloyal to her?”

“You’re loyal to her because you have the bond with her, right?” Tirek asked. “She’s basically your mother. Well, my little friend, that’s one half of the bond. Where’s the other half? Who’s the father?”

“Err, I don’t know.” Spike shrugs. “Shining Armor? Twilight’s dad? Wait, no, that’s weird, it can’t be them. Look, I don’t care, alright?! I met my parents, and now I know where I’m from and what my destiny is, so I know who I am! Do what you want to me, Tirek, because you will be stopped! I’m sure Twilight is on her way right now to stop you!”

“It’s going to take a lot more than Rainbow Power, or even the Equestrian army to stop me this time!” Tirek said. “I have Chrysalis rounding up the other prisoners, and making sure they remain loyal to me. Later, I will see you burn everypony you love!”

“I would NEVER turn against my friends!” Spike yelled. “Do what you want to me, because nothing will have me join you! You can’t force me to do anything! Like what Scorpan says, I’m my own dragon! I make my own decisions!”

“Ooooh, that’s okay!” Tirek smiles. “I’m proud of you, Spike. You’re old enough to make your own decisions, and for that I shall reward you!”

“With what? Some kind of torture?” Spike asked. “Am I going to feel the tickler? Are you going to tickle me? No, I’m probably going to get 40 lashes! It’s okay, I’ll probably look awesome with a giant brush of hair on top of my eyes. Maybe I shouldn’t be giving you ideas. I’m ready for any kind of torture you might- whaaaaat?”

Before Spike’s eyes, Tirek takes him to a room full of gems. Mountains of gems all over the place. “Like I said, your reward!” Tirek said.

“I’ve never seen so many gems in my life!” Spike said as his mouth starts drooling.

“Well, dig in, my friend!” Tirek offers as he let’s go of Spike. “They’re all yours!”

“DON’T MIND IF I DO!” Spike cried out in excitement. He jumps into the ocean of gems and starts swimming in them. He throws the gems around and stuffs a lot in his mouth. He starts picking them up and piling them in one place as well, and Spike eyes began to look corrupted. “MINE! ALL MINE!” He yells and he laughs, and Tirek starts to laugh along. “What’s so funny?” Spike asked. Just then, he realized what was going on. “Oh no! Oh no, I know what your plan is, Tirek!”

“Oh do you now?” Tirek asked mischievously.

“NO! I… this is all mine… I… no! I must… I must stay in control! Stay in control, Spike!” Spike struggled to stay in control, but parts of his body began to grow. “It’s all… no… no, you’re better than this, stop! No! It’s all… mine, I… AAAAAAH!” Spike started screaming as his voice started to get deeper, and he started growing.

Meanwhile, as Starlight and Scorpan were exploring Tartarus, Starlight felt a radical taste of displeasure and sorrow. “Ugh!” She groans. “What is this feeling I’m getting? It’s a feeling I haven’t experienced since… since…”

“It’s the dark security measures Tartarus has.” Scorpan said.

“Why isn’t it affecting you?” Starlight asked.

“It is.” Scorpan said.

The duo starts to hear a familiar sounding evil laugh in the distance. “I know that laugh!” Starlight said nervously. “Shhh, tread lightly.” Starlight and Scorpan both snuck over around the corner, and they notice Queen Chrysalis using some kind of orb to unlock some cages to let free some Tartarus prisoners.

“Is that one of Sunburst’s orbs?” Scorpan whispers.

“I think so.” Starlight whispered back. “He did say recently that a lot of the magical orbs from the Crystal Empire armory has been stolen. He said Cadance went down there last and claimed to check up on things, and Cadance denied going into the armory recently, so this explains a lot.”

“Chrysalis stole all the orbs?” Scorpan asked.

“Just the lockpicking orbs.” Starlight said.

Once Chrysalis sets some prisoners free, they all pounce into action and try to attack her. “No, no, no!” Chrysalis says mischievously as she takes another orb out of her satchel and uses it on the prisoners. The prisoners all immediately stop and stare at the orb. “That’s better! We need your help with taking over Equestria. Once we win, you will be free, but you have to help us out first! Equestria’s armies are on their way, and with your help, Equestria will be ours! After all the love I capture from every pony in Equestria, my children would be begging for me back, and I will be queen once again, and that traitorous Thorax will rot with the rest of Equestria!” She laughs evilly.

“We must stop her!” Starlight whispered as she springs into action. Starlight shoots a magic blast right onto Chrysalis, and she suddenly disappears. “Heh! That was easier than I expected!”

“Uh, Starlight? That was actually a holographic orb.” Scorpan points to the orb lying on the floor.

Another magical orb rolls over towards Starlight and it explodes, magically tying up all of Starlight’s hooves, and covering her horn. Chrysalis emerges from the shadows as she laughs evilly at Starlight. “Well, well, well!” Chrysalis said mischievously. “Starlight Glimmer, long time no see!” Scorpan charges in an attempt to save Starlight, but Chrysalis tosses another orb over to him, and he ends up tied up as well. “No, no, no!” She says to him.

“Chrysalis… it’s been a while.” Starlight said bravely.

“It has been!” Chrysalis agreed. “I’m so glad you’re here, Starlight. It would be nice to complete all of my revenges at once!”

“Chrysalis, I hope you realize that my brother’s going to betray you once this is all over.” Scorpan informed her.

“Of course he won’t!” Chrysalis said. “Because I’m going to betray him first! Tirek doesn’t realize he belongs to me! This entire army belongs to me! Tirek is just my strongest weapon against Equestria! He really wants you to be a part of the big battle ahead, Scorpan; and I want you to be a part of it too, Starlight!” Chrysalis leans over towards Starlight’s ear and whispered evilly towards it, “I want you to watch as I take everything you’ve ever built, including reforming the changelings. The entire of land of Equestria will fall, and you will be the blame for it! This wouldn’t have happened if you didn’t steal my children from me.”

“You would’ve taken over Equestria anyway if I didn’t.” Starlight reminded her.

Chrysalis chuckles. “So you just delayed the inevitable! No matter! It will only be a matter of time before the changelings realized how much they missed me, and how much they would want me back! I’ll forgive them, and give them all the love Equestria has to offer – if they won't give it to us, we'll take it from them.”

“But the changelings have been given love!" Starlight said. "You can be given that too if you just gave it a chance!"

“Just you wait, Starlight Glimmer! Doom is upon all of you! It’s only a matter of time!” Chrysalis said as she takes another orb out of her satchel. “Time you won’t even have by the time you wake up!” Chrysalis tosses the orb towards Starlight and Scorpan, and gas bursts out of it, causing the duo to fall asleep. Starlight witnesses one more evil laugh from Chrysalis before she falls unconscious.
> Calm Before the Storm
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Starlight wakes up eventually, and groans in pain. She rubs her head, and realizes that she is no longer tied up; but on top of that, she’s also no longer in Tartarus, and neither was Scorpan. “Oh no!” She freaks out. She rushes over to Scorpan and shakes him, trying to wake him up. “Scorpan, Scorpan, wake up!”

“Noooo, I don’t wanna go to school, mommy.” Scorpan mumbles. “I’m coming down with hay fever.”

“Uh, what?” Starlight asks confusingly. Starlight continues to shake Scorpan, but no such luck. She then climbs on top of him and leans over towards his face,  and she squirts water out of her horn in hopes of waking Scorpan up; and eventually, it works. Scorpan coughs as his slumber gets disturbed, and he shakes his head as he looks over at Starlight. “Are you my prince charming?” He teases.

“Gross.” Starlight comments as she teleports off him. Once Scorpan stands up and scratches his flank, he looks around and says, “Huh, Tartarus looks different.”

“That’s because we’re not there anymore!” Starlight informed him. “Chrysalis must’ve made us fall asleep and used that chance to drag us out.”

“We have to go back though.” Scorpan said. “Spike is still there!”

Starlight sighs and says, “I think we might already be too late. We need to regroup with Twilight and the others. She’s not going to like this news, but they have to be warned what’s coming to them!”

Just then, they both heard a horn in the distance. “Uh, I think you can tell them now.” Scorpan points up towards the South. Up in the distance marched an army of ponies heading towards them. Leading the attack is Twilight and her friends, as well as the princesses standing beside them. Another horn started blowing as an army of yaks led by Prince Rutherford approached from the Southeast, along with another army of griffons led by Queen Greta and Gilda backing them up. An annoying sound of bug wings approached from the Southwest, as Thorax led an army of changelings into battle, along with Ember and the dragon armies supporting them from up above. Each of the different armies held a flag up, representing their kingdoms. Starlight and Scorpan began to run towards the pony army, and eventually, they spot her.

“Uh oh, here they come!” Pinkie cries. “ATTACK!” She throws cupcakes at both Starlight and Scorpan rapidly, causing them to flinch.

“Pinkie, STOP!” Rarity yells. “It’s Starlight and Scorpan!”

“Starlight, there you are!” Twilight said in relief.

“Twilight, I’m so glad you’re here!” Starlight said. “I have-“

“Where’s Spike? Is he with you?” Twilight interrupts.

“Well,” Starlight starts, “actually Twilight, there’s-“

“WHERE IS HE, SCORPAN?!” Twilight immediately flies over and yells at him to his face. “Spike was with you! I know he was! TELL ME WHERE HE IS!”

“First off, hello Twilight.” Scorpan said. “Second… err… my brother took him.”

“WHAT?!” Twilight yells.

“Oh my.” Fluttershy said in surprise.

“What’s happenin’?” Applejack asked. “Where is Spike?”

“TIREK HAS HIM!” Twilight yells.

“Wait what?!” Rainbow asks in surprise. “What are your orders, Twilight? Want us to start the attack and rescue him?”

“No, we must be stealthy on this.” Applejack suggested.

“There’s no time to be stealthy!” Rainbow yelled. “Spike is still in there, and we have to save him! Who knows what horrible things Tirek might be doing to him!”

“No.” Twilight said as she takes a deep breath. “Spike will be okay. We’ll get him back, I know we will! He’s strong, he’s brave, and he is glorious, and he’s also smart! I have confidence in Spike! For now, we must keep our heads!”

“Twilight’s right.” Starlight said. “The entire prison of Tartarus is heading this way, and they’re all under Chrysalis’ control.”

“Not Tirek though.” Scorpan said. “He’s got strong motivations, and he seems to think more independently than the other prisoners. Basically it’s him and Chrysalis who are the main threats.”

“The only thing that’s stoppin’ us is an army of Equestria’s baddest and meanest.” Applejack said.

“That’s why we have an entire army of Equestria’s allies backing us up!” Rainbow said. “They’ll take care of the army – we need to take care of the bug queen, and the horse-monster hybrid.”

“Well, that horse-monster hybrid happens to be my brother.” Scorpan said. “I have to be the one to take care of him.”

“Haven’t you caused enough trouble?” Applejack asked.

“I agree, we lost our Spikey-Wikey AGAIN because of you!” Rarity reminded him. “Plus we get to be all colorful and fabulous again!”

“Uh, what?” Scorpan asked confusingly.

“The Rainbow Power.” Rarity said.

“That needs to have a better name than that though. How about Glittery Goodness?” Pinkie asked.

“Ooo good one, Pinkie Pie!” Rarity agreed.

“I don’t think this is the right time to be thinking of a name of our power right now.” Rainbow said. “We need to use it take down Tirek! I think he’s the biggest threat!”

“But don’t you see? The whole reason I’m here now is try to reform my brother!” Scorpan reminded them. “If you use your Rainbow Power on him, he’s just going to end up back into the cage, and we’re back to square one. He’ll be back with a bigger plan than this one. I have to try to talk some sense into him!”

“Are you sure you can do this?” Twilight asked.

“Twilight,” Scorpan crouches down and places his hand on Twilight’s shoulder, “you and your friends taught me so much about friendship. The only thing is, I’ve been a terrible friend. I have to make it up to you, and to Spike.”

“I still don’t understand why you care about him so much!” Twilight said.

“Because Scorpan was the one that brought Spike’s egg to me when it was abandoned.” Celestia informed her. “He saved Spike’s life.”

“Wait… you did?” Twilight asked feeling surprised.

“I knew it was him since before I even sent you those dreams.” Scorpan said. “In fact, I knew it was him when he got hatched. He didn’t know me, but I knew him. I’ve been stupid to put him at risk like this, I’ve been stupid to put all of Equestria at risk like this, and now… I’m going to make up for it! I will reform my brother, and we will return home... and… we won’t be problems to you anymore. Just let me make up for my past mistakes.”

Twilight and her friends all looked at each other, and they came to an agreement. “We’ll give you some time to talk to him.” Twilight said. “We’ll be ready if you need us to work our magic on him.”

“I’ll take care of Chrysalis.” Starlight offered. “We have a score to settle.”

“Very well then.” Twilight accepted. “We’ll help out in the battle as much as we could, but we have to be there in case Scorpan or Starlight fail.”

“Good luck to you, Scorpan.” Celestia said. “Reunite with your sibling.”

“Yes, a life without one’s family is no life at all.” Luna said as she looked at Celestia, and Celestia looked back and smiled.

Suddenly, an army of roars echoed from the distance. “It’s time.” Celestia said. Up ahead came a huge line of darkness and evil. The strongest of all evil things came in large numbers and prepared to gain their revenge upon those that imprisoned them, and the ones who sided with the ones they despise. Leading the attack is Lord Tirek himself, with Queen Chrysalis along side him.

Chrysalis laughs and yells out, “My, my, that there is a big army you have there, Celestia! What? You can’t even take care of yourself? You have to rely on other armies, including my children to fight along side you? Pfft, how sad!”

“What?!” Celestia calls out.

“I SAID, my, my, that there is a big army you have there, Celestia! You can’t even take care of yourself?!” Chrysalis yelled louder.

“I can’t hear you! You’re too far away!” Celestia yelled.

“What?!” Chrysalis yelled.

“I SAID, you’re too far away! I can’t hear you!” Celestia yelled.

“Hold on a second.” Chrysalis reached into her satchel and brought out of one her orbs. She spoke into it and her voice amplified across the wasteland.

Celestia used her magic on her throat and said as her voice amplified as well, “Yeah, I can hear you! Can you hear me?”

“Yeah I can hear you!” Chrysalis said.

“Good! Can you repeat what you said before?” Celestia asked.

“Yeah, I said: my, my, that there is a big army you have there, Celestia!” Chrysalis repeated. “What? You can’t even take care of yourself? You have to rely on other armies, including my children to fight along side you? Pfft, how sad!

“This is your last chance, Chrysalis!” Celestia calls out. “Surrender – we do not have to fight! We can all figure this out!”

“In what way can we figure this out? Hmm? Convince me!” Chrysalis asks.

“By the magic of friendship!” Twilight said as she uses the amplifying spell on her throat.

All the prisoners begin to laugh. “Classic! Very classic!” Tirek said.

“Well, you can try!” Chrysalis said. “Can you reform an entire army of villains at once? You all are good at reforming, so why not give it a try? Reform all of us! I dare you!”

“Can I use that for a second, Chrysalis?” Tirek asked.

“Sure.” Chrysalis said as she gives her amplifying orb to Tirek. He then says in it, “Go on, Scorpan! Isn’t that why you’re here? To reform me? You think it’s going to be that simple? It’s not too late for us to team up against everypony! Equestria will be ours!”

“And mine!” Chrysalis reminded him.

“Mhm, right whatever.” Tirek said.

“Twilight, a little help please?” Scorpan asked. Twilight uses her amplifying spell on Scorpan and he says, “It’s not too late for you either, brother! Please, let’s reunite once again! Let’s go home, and move on with our lives! Get back to the things how it used to be! Just you, me, and our kingdom! We’re princes, Tirek! We can run our kingdom the way we see fit! Just leave the ponies alone!”

“Don’t be a fool, Scorpan, you know why it won’t work!” Tirek said.

“Why won’t it work?” Twilight asked.

“Tirek, please! We don’t need to fight!” Scorpan said. “Let’s talk this out, make an agreement!”

“Sure!” Tirek said. “Give me the magic of every creature in Equestria, and give me the throne, and everypony will live in perfect harmony as me as their ruler! Sounds fair to me! What say you, royal sisters?”

“I say let’s put these monsters back in their place, sister.” Luna suggested. Celestia sighs.

Just then, Discord teleports right in front of Tirek. “Ah, Tirek, my old friend! How’s it going?” Discord asked. “Yes, things have been looking up to me lately! Did you know I helped defeat Queen Chrysalis’ flank and save all of Equestria? Ponies know me as a hero now instead of a villain! Plus, my friend Flutershy and I have grown even closer! Also, did you know I have the magic to defeat you and your entire army in the snap of my fingers? Like this one time, I-“ Just then, Tirek immediately drains all of Discord’s magic and claims it as his own. As Discord slithers onto the ground, powerless, he whines, “Oh poo, not again.”

“That was annoying.” Tirek said.

“Can’t believe you didn’t do that sooner.” Chrysalis said.

“Well that was a bust.” Luna said. “Shall we charge now?”

“TIREK!” Twilight yelled. “If you want to fight then so be it – just tell me… where is Spike?!”

“Spike?” Tirek asked as he laughs. “You mean that little dragon servant that you always kicked around and abused?”

“Abused?” Pinkie asked. “That hasn’t happened in a looooong time! Some kind of group wanted that abuse to stop so we stopped it.”

“He’s not abused! We love him dearly and we support him for every choice he makes in life!” Twilight yelled.

“That’s a relief!” Tirek said. “Would you support him even if he’s… my minion now?”

“He would NEVER join you!” Twilight yelled.

“Don’t be so sure of that!” Tirek said mischievously as he snaps his fingers. A group of prisoners move out of the way to make way for a giant shadow approaching the front. The shadow roared as it reveals to be a giant dragon; but not just a giant dragon.

“SPIKE?!” Twilight yelled.

“What has happened to him?” Scorpan asked.

“He belongs to me now!” Tirek said as he laughs evilly. “I gave him the motherlode of all treasures! It gave him enough greed to become even more powerful, and completely under my control! Your little dragon slave… he’s my full-grown dragon slave now, used for not cleaning up after my messes (because that’s Ryan’s job over there), but to be a monster, just as every dragon should be!”

The entire dragon army growls at him. “Can we attack now, Twilight?” Ember asked angrily.

“I agree!” Thorax said. “He took Spike from us! He shall pay!”

“Can’t you do anything about this, Ember?” Twilight asked.

“Don’t bother, Dragon Lord!” Tirek said. “He’s got too much greed to listen to you!” Ember just shrugs at Twilight.

“ENOUGH OF THIS TALKING!” Chrysalis yelled. “Minions… ATTACK!” Just then, the entire army of Tartarus began to charge.

“ATTACK!” Celestia yells at her army.

“CHARGE!” Ember yells at her army.

“RAAAAAH!” Prince Rutherford yells.

“GET ‘EM!” Queen Greta yells.

“PROTECT OUR ALLIES!” Thorax yells.

And so, the biggest battle Equestria has ever seen has begun!
> The Storm
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The ponies, dragons, griffons, yaks, and changelings all started battling against the dark forces of Tartarus. With Equestria and all of their allies present, it’s pretty much an even battle since Tartarus’ dark forces are extra powerful and come in very large quantities. The yaks were smashing evil forces left and right with the griffons clawing at their faces. Changelings fool the dark forces with their disguises, and dragons burn the forces to a crisp. Of course there are causalities in all ends – with fellow friends falling for the sake of their lands. However, now is not the right time to regret the fallen, for the enemy is still nigh, and every allied force must work together to keep the dark forces away from Equestria, because there are so much more friends back home that needs protecting, and who knows what might happen to them once the forces reach them?

In the middle of the battle, Scropan comes face to face with his brother. Tirek says, “So we’re really doing this, huh?”

“We don’t have to.” Scorpan said. “I’d rather us just forget about all this. Fight along side me, Tirek. I’ve redeemed myself. Can you do the same? The princesses will let us both go – but you’re going to have to trust me.”

“I trusted you many centuries ago!” Tirek said as he sucks up the magic of nearby allied forces at once. Ponies collapse on the ground all tired out, yaks lost the will to smash, griffons and dragons fall from the sky, and changelings can no longer change. When Tirek absorbs all their magic, he grows. “But I had to regret that trust.” He continued. “And you must PAY!” Tirek fires a huge magical beam at Scorpan, but he immediately turns himself into stone to protect himself. “Is that seriously all you can do, Scorpan? Turn yourself into stone?”

“Nope, I’m just getting warmed up!” Scorpan said. “You think you’re the only one who can absorb and perform magic?” Scorpan opens his mouth, and starts absorbing the magic from some of Tirek’s forces, and he starts to grow as big as Tirek. “We’re brothers, Tirek. We know the same magic.”

“Grrrr!” Tirek growls as he and his brother start having the biggest magical duel since Tirek’s battle with Twilight. Speaking of Twilight, the Mane Six were contributing all they could to defeat the Tartarus forces in their own unique ways. Rarity had a magical crystal shield much like her human counterpart that was used to reflect the magical blast from the evil forces right back towards them. She also uses the shield as a mirror the admire herself for a job well done, and also to fix her hair when it gets messed up in the middle of battle. Pinkie Pie helped out with the battle by using her party cannon, but it wasn’t very affective on the evil forces.

“Hmm.” Pinkie thought. “Not feeling the party? Oooh, wait! This party is too small for you! You need something more your size!” That was when Pinkie brought out a much bigger party cannon. “Say hello to the Super Speedy Cake Squeezy 6000!” She fires it as the evil forces get piled on from the cake, who couldn’t resist the sweet taste of it. “I really hope I don’t get sued for that name.” Pinkie said.

Applejack lassos up the enemy forces and rode them like a rodeo so she can tie them up and bring ‘em down! Rainbow Dash flew along side the Wonderbolts to try to confuse the enemies and have them knock into each other or make them dizzy. Fluttershy didn’t really fight any of the enemies, but teamed up with the medical team so she can bring the fallen allies to safety to get healed up.

“Good job, girls!” Twilight congratulated her friends. “At this rate this battle will be won in no time!”

“Ah know this battle will be won, but let’s just hope it gets won by the correct side.” Applejack said.

“Of course we’ll win! Good always prevails!” Rainbow said. Right after she said that, a few of the Wonderbolt cadets and a couple of full-time Wonderbolts, in this case Thunderlane and Misty Fly, get sucked up by Tirek’s magic as he continues to fight his brother. Celestia and Luna help out in the battle as well, and even though they are very affective against the enemies, there’s only so much they can do to help themselves, as they are at the same time commanding the EUP.

Meanwhile with Starlight, she takes down three strong enemies, including the Bugbear that attacked Ponyville a while back; however, before she was able to fight the dreaded Hydia, Queen Chrysalis pops in and blasts Starlight by surprise. Luckily for Starlight, she thought fast, and protected herself with a magical field. Starlight fired back at her, but Chrysalis’ quick reflexes help her with dodging the blast. Chrysalis then takes out an orb out of her satchel and tosses it at Starlight. She teleports out of the way, and instead of Starlight, the orb hits Hydia, causing her to get tied up with the orb’s special ability. Chrysalis starts to get even angrier as she is very determined to taking down Starlight.

As Scorpan claps his claws which causes the ground to crack in a line, Tirek dodges out of the way and says, “You have power, Scorpan, power that you never used until now! You have potential, dear brother! I know you want to make amends with me, and I’ll gladly accept if you just come back. Let’s take over Equestria together like we planned!”

“I’m done fighting, I’m done running away, I’m done ruining lives, and I’m done with avoiding you!” Scorpan said. “All I want now is to go home, but I can’t go back without you.”

“That’s why you wanted to make amends with me, isn’t it?” Tirek asked. “It’s the only way for you to return home. Well, guess what, brother? You think they’ll let you back even with me with you? Our parents never wanted us to take over Equestria! They won’t let us back no matter what! It’s too late, so we must make this our new home!”

“They will forgive us, brother!” Scorpan said. “Twilight and her friends can make it happen!”

“Seriously why is it ‘Twilight and her friends’?” Pinkie asked.

“Yeah, who elected her leader?” Rainbow asked. “I thought this was a friendship thing?”

“I can’t believe you’d side with these weak ponies over your own flesh and blood!” Tirek said. “Where did your life go so wrong, brother? That fool Star Swirl, he never understood potential whenever he saw one! He corrupted you! He became your new brother, and after that, this dragon friend of yours!” Spike roars loudly as stomps towards the allies. “Who’s next after him, brother? Are you just going to keep finding more brothers to make up for your betrayal on me?”

Spike starts taking down some of the allies unintentionally. Just before he took down some dragons, Garble in the middle whimpered and said, “Uh, Spike, I’m sorry for all the harassment I’ve given you! I was just having fun, I always thought you were cool! No hard feelings, right?” Spike didn’t accept, and just stomps on him.

“Spike!” Ember cries out as he flies up to him along with Thorax. “Snap out of it, buddy! You’re better than this!”

“Please!” Thorax begs. “I want my friend back!” Spike suddenly exhales some fire breath towards their direction, but they both dodge out of the way.

“Spike, quit being dumb!” Ember yells. “We’re your friends! They’re the enemies! Fight them!” Spike just whacks both Ember and Thorax out of the way as he starts charging towards the princesses. “Where did he go so wrong, Thorax?” Ember asked as upsettingly. “What happened to Spike?”

“That’s not Spike, Ember.” Thorax said. “That’s just a monster using Spike’s body.”

“Hey, that ‘monster’ happens to be a dragon, you know.” Ember reminded him, feeling insulted.

Chrysalis tosses orbs everywhere to try to get Starlight out of hiding. Don’t look away from me, Starlight Glimmer!” Chrysalis yelled. “I want you to look at me when I take you down!” She continues searching for her. “I know you fear me. Ever since I swore revenge on you, you’ve been afraid of me! Tirek told me how much you’ve been afraid! I think you should face your fear, and just let me destroy you, and get it over with!” Starlight was about to ambush Chrysalis from behind, but Chrysalis notices her coming and tosses an orb at her which causes a fume of smoke to screen her, and Starlight starts coughing. Chrysalis uses this advantage to tackle Starlight down. “Now I gotcha! Take a look around you, Glimmer! None of this would’ve happened if you didn’t steal my hive from me!”

“This is YOUR doing, Chrysalis!” Starlight informed her “If you would’ve just accepted our friendship then and there, we’d all be at peace! You would get the love that you needed! You don’t have to be evil! You have nothing to gain from it!”

“But it tastes so delicious!” Chrysalis said as she licked her lips.

“Ew that tongue.” Starlight commented as she suddenly teleports out of Chrysalis’ grasp and returns to dueling her.

Spike was getting closer towards the princesses, but they were too busy fighting and ordering that they don’t notice him coming. However, Twilight notices him, and she said, “Spike!” She flies over as fast as she could to protect the princesses. Spike was about to exhale some fire on them, and just as the princesses notice him, there was nothing they can do, but Twilight jumps in the way and uses her magic to shield the princesses from the fire blast.

“Spike, stop this! It’s me, Twilight! Your best friend!” Twilight tried to snap Spike out of it.

“My only best friend is gems, and Tirek promised me so much more if I help him take down the princesses… and you!” Spike said.

“Trust me, Spike, the only thing Tirek will promise you is a one-way ticket to betrayal and disharmony.” Twilight said. “Please, snap out of it, Spike! I know you’re in there! Fight, Spike! Fight through the greed! I believe in you!” Spike exhales another breath of fire towards Twilight, and even though she protects herself from burning, the impact is causing her to get pushed back. Some of the allies start attacking Spike, which is causing him to fight back. “Stop!” Twilight yelled. “Stop hurting him! You’re making it worse! It’s Spike, everypony! STOP!” Nopony could hear her, and as Tirek and Scorpan were fighting, Scorpan gets distracted as he saw his friend getting attacked. Tirek fires a magical blast at Scorpan, which causes him to fall to the ground in pain.

“Why do you care about that dragon so much, brother?” Tirek asked. “You met a random dragon, you befriended him, and now you two trust each other like you’re family! This is not like your friendship with Star Swirl, or any of your friendships with anypony else. This is something different. What could it be?” Scorpan fires a magical blast at Tirek to push him back so he can get back up and fight him fairly. “You found him as an egg, and you gave him to the ponies. Twilight Sparkle hatches the egg, and gets a bond with him. Yes, I know about the bond. She’s his mother. But wait a minute, brother? Isn’t there something missing there? Who’s the father?” Scorpan levitates some huge boulders and throws them at Tirek, but Tirek cuts each boulder in half and they miss him completely.

“In dragon culture,” Tirek continues, “when the mother gives the egg love, the mother and the hatchling have a sacred bond that shall never be broken. As for the father, the bond between him and the child is he who protects the egg. Is it not?” Scorpan charges at his brother and screams as he runs towards him with his fist out. Tirek steps out of the way and Scorpan keeps charging as he punches the nearby boulder, causing it to shatter. “Spike’s father was never there for him when he needed it, so the egg had to trust a new protector. Who was the one who rescued the egg, Scorpan? Who? Dear brother, your bond with this dragon isn’t a coincidence. It was meant to be! But you knew that already… didn’t you?”

“AAAAH!” Scorpan cries out in rage as he fires the biggest magical blast he ever made which causes Tirek to get pushed back and he slams into the nearby mountain.

Spike keeps fighting with the allies and trying the hardest he could to reach the princesses. “Spike, please!” Twilight begged. “Remember all the good times we had? Spike, remember Owlowiscious?” Spike breathes more fire over at Twilight, and she blocks it with her magic again. “Okay, not the wisest story to remind him. I got it! Spike, remember the last summit we went to? All of Equestria’s allies were fighting with each other, but who stopped the fight? You did, Spike! I was so proud of you! I’ll always be proud of you, Spike! I’ll always love you! You’re my family, Spike! You always will! Do you trust me, Spike?” Twilight holds her hoof out in hopes for Spike to take it. Spike didn’t even think twice about it, and just slammed Twilight aside. Rainbow saves her life. “Thanks, Rainbow Dash!”

“Don’t mention it!” Rainbow said as all of the Mane Six rendezvous with each other. “That’s it! This battle has gone way out of hoof!”

“I agree.” Rarity said. “Can’t we just go fabulous again and just defeat Tirek once and for all?”

“Scorpan really wants to reform his brother.” Twilight said.

“Yeah, well, too many ponies are falling because he’s not going fast enough!” Rainbow said.

“Please, Twilight, I can’t afford seeing any more hurt ponies!” Fluttershy begged.

“I’m all out of ammo!” Pinkie said as she fires her cannon, but all that comes out is a drop of frosting and some sprinkles.

Twilight takes a deep breath and sighs. “Scorpan really wanted to reform his brother – I thought it could happen. Can we at least ask him first?” Twilight’s friends felt uneasy about it, but they decided to take a chance.

Tirek moans in pain as Scorpan marches over to him. “Yes, brother, it WAS meant to be! That’s why I had to see him! No more sneaking around! If I didn’t see him, both he and I would be in a coma. His bond to Twilight is stronger so at least the coma wouldn’t be as quick.”

“Scorpan!” Rainbow yells. “Can we do it now? Can we get this over with?”

“NO!” Scorpan yelled. “I will reform him! Just hang on!”

“We’re losing fellow ponies and friends too fast!” Fluttershy yelled. “Is it really worth their sacrifice?”

“You just need to give me a little more time!” Scorpan begged. “Please, I know what to do!”

“Oh do you know?” Tirek asked. “Well if you really don’t want them to use Rainbow power on me again, perhaps I can just do this!” Tirek uses his magic to grip on the Mane Six so they can’t escape, and he starts charging up his magical beam. “Say goodbye to Equestria’s only hope, Scorpan! Nothing can stop me now!”

As Spike was fighting more of the allies, he spots Tirek up ahead who was about to finish off the Mane Six. When Spike saw his friends in danger, he started to remember them, and all the good times they had and the love they shared. Spike started to fight his greed, but that’s when Spike started to lose his strength, so he had to act fast. He ran towards Tirek, and before he could blast the Mane Six, Spike suddenly tackled Tirek, and held him on the ground much to his surprise. Before he fell though, he fired the magical blast to a random part of the battlefield, and the Mane Six fell since Tirek was no longer holding them.

“Spike, what are you doing?” Tirek asked.

“Protecting my friends!” Spike said.

“I promised you riches!” Tirek reminded him. “I promised you more treasure than any dragon could ever have – unlimited! You’re willing to sacrifice all that?”

“I would sacrifice my life for my friends!” Spike said. Just then, the magical blast Tirek fired hit one of the Tartarus creatures that had a body like mirrors, it reflected on it, and it blasted right back on Spike which made him collapse.

“NOOOOO!” All of the Mane Six yelled. “Spike!” Spike fell unconscious as he shrinks back to his original baby dragon self. The Mane Six all run over to him to comfort him, and Tirek laughed.

Starlight eventually notices Spike’s fall, and her being distracted caused Chrysalis to get the upper half, and finally hold Starlight down and defeat her.

“That couldn’t happen at a better time!” Tirek said as he was hysterical laughing. “’I’m willing to sacrifice my life for my friends’, and then BOOM, bye-bye! That was classic!” Scorpan felt so bad. He let his best friend and son figure take the fall, and all of the Mane Six weeped over him, and his brother just laughed. Scorpan’s sadness became rage.

“Do it.” Scorpan said to the Mane Six.

“W-what?” Twilight asked as she sniffled.

“Do it… now!” Scorpan demanded.

Twilight took a deep breath, and held back her sorrow for a little while so she can get the job done. The Mane Six did what they had to do, and with the power coming from the Castle  of Friendship, the Mane Six became colorful again for the first time in a long time. Tirek was still laughing hysterically, but eventually stopped as he saw the Mane Six performing their rainbow magic. “No!” He yelled. “No, no, no! Not again! No!”

“Yes, again!” Scorpan said as he jumps in and holds Tirek close. “But this time, we’re going down together… my brother!”

Just then, for the first time, Tirek felt a small sense of happiness. He smiles just as he and Scorpan were suddenly hit by the blast, and all the magic that was within him returned to their rightful owners. Everypony and ally in the battlefield who had their magic taken away from them was brought back, including Discord’s.

“Yes!” Discord cried out in excitement. “I am back, baby! Sike! Now I think I had enough of fooling around with those petty monologues, let’s just cut to the case!” Discord snaps his fingers, and every creature from Tartarus in the battlefield was suddenly in a cage. Chrysalis gets distracted, noticing her allies has been captured, and that’s when Starlight gets the upper half. She uses her magic to blast Chrysalis off of her, and during the impact, one of her orbs fell out of her satchel. “Please be a useful orb!” Starlight hoped as she tossed it at Chrysalis, and she suddenly gets tied up.

“NO!” Chrysalis cried. “I will not be defeated by you again!”

“You already have, and this time, you’re not going anywhere!” Starlight said mischievously.

And just like that, the Battle for Equestria was over!
> Calm After the Storm
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Right after the battle was finished, everypony and ally cheered for their victory. The Mane Six all laid down to catch their breaths after performing the climax of the battle. “We did it, girls!” Fluttershy said.

“We sure did!” Rarity said. “We were… fabulous!”

“We were… phew… awesome!” Rainbow said.

“Wait… SPIKE!” Twilight yells as she rushes over to Spike who was still laying on the ground unconscious filled with bruises and burns. The rest of Twilight’s friends joined her shortly after, and so did Starlight once the royal guards capture Chrysalis. As Ember and Thorax were cheering for their victory, they shortly notice Spike lying on the ground, which got them worried.

Twilight held Spike close to her as she started to cry on him. “Spike… how could I let this happen? It shouldn’t have been him! I… I…” Twilight couldn’t talk – all she could do was sob. Her friends tried to comfort her.

“Spike did what he thought was right, Twilight.” Applejack said.

“Yeah, he’s a true hero. A true friend.” Fluttershy said as she teared up.

“He’s… he’s… HE’S MY LITTLE SPIKEY-WIKEY!” Rarity yelled as he cried louder than anypony else.

“He is truly awesome.” Rainbow said. Pinkie’s hair then deflates.

“He’ll be alright though, right?” Ember asked. “Somepony PLEASE tell me he’ll be alright!”

“I don’t know, Ember.” Starlight comforts her as she tears up. “Th-that was a pretty heavy blow.”

“No! It was not, he’s fine! I’m sure he is!” Ember started to tear up, but she looked away, hoping nopony would notice. Thorax notices though, and he gives her a hug, but Ember quickly pulls away. “I’m fine!”

“I’m not.” Thorax admitted.

The princesses join over, and Celestia puts her hoof on Twilight’s shoulder. “I’m very sorry, Twilight.”

“Spike is so selfish!” Twilight yelled in anger. “He sacrificed himself for us, and I couldn’t even have a say in it! He just makes that decision and goes through with it! So selfish! So sel…” Twilight starts sobbing again, and all Celestia and Luna could do was just pity.

Just then, there was a screech in the distance as a phoenix flies by in the sky. Everypony except Twilight looks up at the phoenix as it circles around in the sky. After a few circles it flies down towards Spike and his friends who are circling him. “Philomena?” Fluttershy asks.

“No, the color patterns are different.” Celestia said.

The phoenix looks down at Spike, and that’s when Twilight finally notices it. Everypony turned out confused on why there’s a phoenix there, and what it’s doing, but then the phoenix starts tearing up and screeching softly. Its tears fall on Spike’s body, and Spike starts moaning, and everypony smiles with glee. Spike opens his eyes and looks over at Twilight, and he says, “Wow, just the thing I needed to wake up to. You’ve seen better days, Twilight!”

“SPIKE!” Everypony cries out in glee as they give him a big hug; and Ember suddenly pushes everypony out of the way.

“OUT OF MY WAY!” Ember yells as she picks up Spike to give him a hug. “Spike, you idiot! You’re stupid, a-a-and dumb, and… NEVER scare me like that again! I don’t want to lose you, fool!”

“Oooookay, I’m a wee-bit confused here.” Spike said. “What just happened? What did I miss?”

“The biggest battle Equestria has ever had!” Pinkie cried out in excitement as her mane inflates again. “It was some party! There was lasers, and fighting, and… and fire everywhere! There was so much fire it might as well have been a BBQ party!”

Spike raises an eyebrow. “Uhh… what?” He asked.

“Spikey-poo, what was the last thing you remember?” Rarity asked.

“Um, Tirek was offering me a load of gems, and… I don’t know, it became bleak afterwards.” Spike explained. He then gasped. “Did I turn into a monster again? Oh I’m so sorry! I couldn’t help it! I…”

“Shhhh.” Twilight shushed him as he gave him a big hug. “It’s okay, Spike. This wasn’t your fault.”

“Yeah, Tirek pretty much mind-scrambled you reeeeeeeally good!” Pinkie said.

“But even though you did side with Tirek for a little bit, you saved our lives in the end!” Fluttershy said.

“So we ponied up and now Tirek had his just desserts!” Rainbow said.

The phoenix that cried on Spike pets his head on him, and Spike pats him on the head. “Hey, little guy! I hope the battle wasn’t too much for you!”

“He pretty much healed you, Spike!” Starlight said. She then nudges him and teases, “I guess you owe him a life-debt, huh?”

“Uh, no, I learned that friendship lesson already, I don’t have to go through that again, Starlight.” Spike said. He then looks at the phoenix deep into his eyes, and he finally recognizes it. “Peewee?” The phoenix smiles and chirps happily. “Peewee, you’re… you’re all grown up!” Spike shares a hug with his former pet. “You saved my life! B-but… how did you know I needed the help?” Peewee flies over towards a couple of familiar looking water dragons, and he lands on one of their shoulders.

“Hello, son!” Thales said.

“Mom! Dad!” Spike said excitedly. “How did YOU know I needed the help?”

“You told me about Peewee once, so I went looking for him after you had before you left.” Aquarius said. “We felt you might’ve needed him. You were pretty ill.”

“Well, I needed Twilight here!” Spike said. “Wow, there is so much that I missed! This must’ve been a pretty intense battle! So I guess Tirek has been defeated, and- wait… where’s Scorpan?”

Just then, Scorpan appears nearby and says, “This a message for Spike the Dragon.”

“Scorpan!” Spike said excitedly as he runs over to him, and he tries to give him a hug, but he just goes right through him. “Huh?”

“If this isn’t Spike the Dragon, please locate him and give him this orb.” Scorpan instructed, and Spike looks down and sees the orb right underneath the hologram of Scorpan.

“Oh.” Spike said.

“Spike,” Scorpan starts, “you are a wonderful friend! You always have been! I thank you and your friends for helping in reuniting with my brother. By the time you see this though, Spike, your friends already used Rainbow Power on both me and my brother, which has sent us back to our home kingdom. I asked Twilight that if she ever decides to use Rainbow Power on Tirek, I would be hit too, and it would send us back home where we belong.” Spike starts to tear up. “I know it’s difficult for me to leave without saying goodbye, but you are always welcome back with us. With us back home, I can talk to my parents and we’ll see how things go with Tirek and I returning. We WILL see each other, Spike. I mean, we have to.

“I never told you this,” Scorpan continues, but… you have a sacred bond with Twilight, as you already know. She’s technically your mother since she’s the one who hatched you; but me… I was the father.”

“Wait, WHAT?!” Twilight cried.

“I’m pretty sure Twilight just said ‘what what’ just now, and probably thinking that we used to be an item in the past.” Scorpan assumes.

“Uh no, I probably would’ve remembered something like that.” Twilight said nervously. “This didn’t happen, we were never a thing.”

“I’ve visited you in the past, Spike.” Scorpan continues. “You were always asleep though. Celestia knew, so she made sure to keep you and Twilight asleep as I visited in the middle of the night to recharge our bond. I didn’t just summon you and your friends to reunite with Tirek, I also wanted to finally meet you professionally. You’ve always meant a lot to me, Spike, and I will always be proud of you! But your destiny is mainly with Twilight and your friends in Equestria. Equestria needs you, buddy. You’re an ambassador; and I’m also really glad to have these adventures with you and we could finally catch up. Time for things to go back to normal. I assure you, I will be okay, Tirek will be okay. We’re home now. I should’ve done this before – instead of leaving Tirek there, I should’ve brought him home. If he has any chance to being reformed, it’s here.”

“Twilight Sparkle?” Scorpan turns his attention to Twilight. “You, and your friends, thank you so much for everything! I’ve been a hooffull, I understand that, and I made mistakes, but I hope all of you can forgive me. I promise I will never take Spike from you again. I will never put his life at risk again.” Scorpan turns back to Spike. “Your life is your own, Spike. Do what you see fit. I don’t see you as just some comedic sidekick or a voice of reason, I see you doing even greater things; let’s just hope that the gods can see it in you. Anyway, that’s all I have to say. Farewell for now, everypony. Thank you for the most interesting experience in my life!” The orb gets disabled, and then it suddenly shatters.

Spike smiles and continues tearing up, and he says, “See ya around, Scorpan!”

“Well, I have certainly misjudged him!” Starlight said.

“Soooo, what are we goin’ to do with her?” Rainbow asks as she points to the captured Chrysalis.

“Let me go?” Chrysalis asked. “Just throwing that on the table.”

“Well, since Tirek’s cell in Tartarus is now available, I know of the perfect new home for her!” Luna suggests.

“That wouldn’t be necessary, Princess Luna.” Thorax said. “Scorpan was right, if Chrysalis were to be reformed, perhaps it’s best to take her home.”

“Why? Why should I go with a traitor like you?” Chrysalis asked. “You all betrayed me! I hope Tirek will finally be free from Scorpan’s clutches and rain terror on you all!”

“We miss you, our queen.” Thorax said. “We want you back, and we forgive you.”

Chrysalis sulks, but Thorax could tell by the look on her face that she’s at least a little happy. “Just… get me away from these stupid ponies.” She orders him. Thorax nods at some of his changeling soldiers, as they escort Chrysalis away. “Stop looking at me, you fools!”

“Didn’t you want me to look at you?” Starlight teases.

“I will destroy you someday, Starlight Glimmer!” Chrysalis threatens her.

“Wish I had a bit every time I heard that!” Starlight chuckles.

“So… Ambassador Spike,” Celestia starts, “if you’re feeling better, I have a job for you if you’re interested. We need to gain an alliance with the cyclopes, if you’re up to it.”

“Nooo thank you, your highness.” Spike declines. “Maybe another time, but for now, I just want to go home. I want to go home, and go back to being a number one assistant. Life was so much simpler that way – but the ambassador thing could be a part-time job! I could use the extra money! Should be better than what Twilight pays me!”

Twilight nudges him and said, “I don’t pay you at all!”

“Then in that case, I demand a raise!” Spike teases, and everypony laughs. “I’m serious, Twilight! You want me to leave you again?”

“You wouldn’t dare!” Twilight laughs.

“You’re right, I wouldn’t!” Spike said. “I guess that explains why I went with Scorpan when you two had that fight, like what parents do sometimes, but if it was anypony else I would’ve always taken your side.”

“I know you would’ve!” Twilight said. “I don’t blame you one bit! I blame the bond!”

“Hey, you know something else?” Spike asked. “You know Scorpan’s medallion, right? It represents future, past, and present? Well, it turns out my adventures were kind of like that. I found my calling in life, I found out where I came from, and best of all, I know my present, and it’s with the friends I made with all of you! As it turns out, I have experienced The Three Sided Medallion!”

And so, the allies have gathered their forces, and the wounded have eventually been healed. The griffons, yaks, dragons, and changelings return to their own separate kingdoms. The EUP escorts the rest of the Tartarus prisoners back to Tartarus, and increase security so something like this would never happen again. Twilight, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Fluttershy, Rarity, Spike, and Starlight Glimmer all return back to Ponyville to continue their lives. Spike hears back from Scorpan from time to time via letters, Starlight visits the Changeling Kingdom from time to time to help Queen Chrysalis reform, but her presents just makes Chrysalis angrier. But best of all, Spike got the character development he needed! Now if only this story were canon!