> Awoken
>  by Dashie1791
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Chapter One
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

It had been two years since Spike had helped his friends bring the old pillars of Equestria back from being stuck in limbo, but in reality Spike didn't really do anything. He just for the most part just watched his powerful friends help take down the pony of shadows and not destroy the elements of harmony. Since that day Spike watched his friends go on numerous missions that helped ponies with their friendship problems and also helped save Equestria, and in the young drakes mind he felt like he was being left out. The last two years had been tough for the young drake, he was almost now at Twilight's height and his other pony friend's height when he stood up on his two rear legs. His tail was now slightly longer, and on his back he could feel just the spines and ridges on his back were a little bit longer. But unfortunately no wings! He hated having no wings! He hated that he still needed the assistance of Twilight, Rainbow Dash, his changeling friend Thorax who was the leader of the changeling hive and his dragon friend Ember who was the Princess of the dragons to fly around. 

And to make things worse, his pony friends especially Twilight just for some reason couldn't see that he wasn't a baby dragon anymore and that he was more than capable of being declared a full grown teenage dragon. As he got older his body shape had indeed changed as he "as mentioned earlier" was now a bit taller then he used to be, and he now had a huge improvement in his body strength. He could now grab items in Twilight's castle that he couldn't reach before, and he could now lift heavier objects that he couldn't lift before. Like when he would help Applejack, Big Mac and Applebloom at Sweet Apple Acres he showed that he could now buck apples of the trees and carry a full tub of apples to the barn with no problems. But every time he did this, Applejack would get all worried and always interfere.

"I got these here Apples Spike, don't need to be hurting yourself now y'here! Y'are still a baby afterall." 

Eventually Spike stopped going to the farm as he felt that his friend didn't need his help after all. Then when it came to making the huge deliveries of baked goods from Sugarcube Corner which he could carry by himself with ease, Pinkie Pie would also make it look like the deliveries were too much for him to handle.

"I appreciate the help Spike, but these cakes and pies have to be delivered to the Crystal Empire all in one piece. The Cake's would be upset if you happened to have an accident and drop them. I can't have that happen, no siree! Maybe when you are not a baby dragon anymore I can trust you with this." She then would take the large heavy deliveries and bounce down the road with them. You think by doing that they would for sure ruined, but that pink pony had a way to make sure that she was perfectly balanced as to not disturb them. After she did this several times, Spike eventually as well stopped going to Sugarcube Corner, which was too bad considering that it was one of his favorite places to go.

As for helping Rainbow Dash, he didn't have to do much heavy lifting. It was just when he would hang out with her she constantly joked about him having no wings yet, she would joke about his size and she would also constantly prank him whenever she got the chance. Spike didn't mind a good prank here and there, but when she would do it practically everytime they hung out it was beginning to get old and very annoying. 

"You are too much of a easy target Squirt, you gotta be more on your feet if you plan to out best me at pranking! Oh wait that will take awhile because your still a baby dragon!" Rainbow knew she was only joking and that she knew Spike was a pretty cool guy but Spike began to get sick and tired of being called "Squirt" and "Shrimp" constantly, and being pranked on. He then stopped hanging out with Rainbow Dash, and when she asked if he wanted to hang out with her, he would just tell her that he was busy and that it would have to be another time. 

For Fluttershy she would also treat him just like he was just another animal and not Twilight's close friend and assistant. When he would try to help look after her animal friends, especially the bigger ones she would panic and tell him that she could handle that herself. 

"It's okay Spike, I am more than capable of handling this on my own. If that's okay with you?" Spike grew even more frustrated with hearing her say that. This was Fluttershy! The most kind pony in Equestria telling him that she didn't need his help! How was he going to learn how to properly do the job if she kept interfering? He kept telling her that he was more than capable of doing the job, but she kept denying it and told him that he was still a baby dragon, and she didn't want him getting hurt and having to hear from Twilight later. Spike then decided to not go over to her cottage anymore, considering she was just going to treat him like an animal and not mention a baby dragon!

Now for Rarity to treat him like he was still a baby dragon felt like needles to his heart. He would constantly help her find gems for her dresses, and help her with her shopping duties with no problem considering he was used to this. Spike was just so in love with her that he had to pluck up the courage to ask her out on a date! When the day finally came, Spike got a nice bundle of flowers from Roseluck and had his nicest tuxedo cleaned for the occasion. But when he finally got the courage and asked her out, just like the others gave him the same response.

"Spikey Wikey. I must say that you look fabulous in that tux and I love these flowers. But darling you're still a baby dragon, and I don't want other ponies to get the wrong idea about us. I really do appreciate all that you do for me, and I do like you but just a friend and I think that's what should remain between us". Spike's heart sank and he went back to the castle and cried all the way there. But before he got home he ripped the tuxedo from his body and threw it in a garbage can. He then quit going over Rarity's from that day on, and he stopped trying to win over her heart. Even though how painfully difficult it was.

When Twilight and her friends would leave Ponyville to go on a friendship mission, Spike wanted to come with them even though he didn't have powers like they did he still wanted to help them. But Twilight would say no and tell him to remain at the castle and spend time by himself and do the chores that she would assign him. 

"Sweep the floors"

"Dust the bookshelves off and re-stack them"

"Mop the floors"

"Get the meals ready"

The never ending chores that she made him do were like second nature and very repetitive. He told her that he didn't need to be told what to do or how to do them considering he had been her assistant from day one. But he wanted to help her and his friends on a friendship mission just to feel more useful. Especially on the one mission where they had to deal with not one but three ursa minors in western Equestria.

"Spike, It's too dangerous. Just stay here and look after the castle while we take care of these ursa minor problems!" Twilight said to her dragon friend.

" Aw c'mon Twi. You don't bring me on friendship missions that much anymore and you never even stop to think that I may be of some help!" He complained. Rainbow Dash over hearing what the young drake was saying began to laugh.

"You? Help? That's rich Spike, what can you possibly do to help? Do you speak their language or something now? Just stay here so you're not in the way!" She finished.

"Dash is right Darling, we wouldn't something to happen to our little Spikey Wikey!" Rarity chimed in.

"One day you can help us, just not today partner" said the always honest Applejack.

"How awful it would be if one of the ursa minors were to hurt you Spike". Fluttershy said quietly.

"You Just need to grow a little more and you'll be going on missions with us in no time" Pinkie Pie said enthusiastically. 

"Yeah Spike, plus you get the castle for yourself and you don't have any chores to do. You can just sit back and have time to yourself with no worries." Starlight pitched to her friend.

"Precisely! Just stay here till we get back. Read those new books that I ordered or read that new comic book that you just got". Twilight said with a smile on her face. "I don't want you get hurt, you are still a baby dragon after all! 

Spike became even more annoyed that they still kept calling him a baby dragon. He then blew a big puff of smoke from his nostrils and then stormed his way up the stairs to the castle. 

"Aren't you going to say goodbye?" Twilight asked. Spike didn't turn to face his friends, he just slightly turned his head.

"Good-bye!" He mumbled, then he grabbed the door to the castle and slammed it shut so hard that cracks formed in the door and on the walls of the castle. Twilight and her friends were surprised by Spike slamming the door shut. They looked at each other and then began to head to the Ponyville train station to head to western Equestria.

"I wonder what's wrong with Spike?" Twilight asked herself. Her friends were also thinking the same thing, but before one of them could say anything the train had arrived at the station. 

Meanwhile back at the castle, Spike just sat in his room looking up at the ceiling. He felt sick and tired of being called a baby dragon, and he especially sick of not being able to help his friends on any missions.

"Once again, there they go! Off to save Equestria again while I sit back and do nothing!" The purple drake grumbled to himself. The frustrations were so bad, he slammed his face into the pillow and cried himself to sleep. 

End of Chapter one.
> Chapter Two
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

It was a beautiful sunny day as Twilight flew through the air with Spike riding on her back. The two were heading to the Dragonlands to pay Princess Ember a visit and tell her about Spike's upcoming birthday in the next four days. Twilight was happy to go back to the land of fire breathing dragons, and this time without having to disguise herself in a dragon costume now that she and Princess Ember were now friends. Spike would usually be happy about going to the dragonlands but was in a rather bitter mood. He wanted to go by himself and take his time getting there, but Twilight insisted that she go with him.

"I'm sure I am more than capable to going to the dragonlands and paying a visit to Ember all by myself." Spike groaned to the Princess of Friendship. But Twilight just denied what he said and said that she was going with him.

"I have no doubt you can Spike, but your still a young dragon and it is a long way to go". Twilight declared. "Besides it's been awhile since I've been there and I wouldn't mind paying Ember a visit. Maybe she can give me a personal tour of her new palace!" Spike tried to reason with her and get her to not come, but no matter how much he argued with Twilight it was no use. He had been rather quiet on their trip and Twilight was beginning to worry about her friend.

"Spike are you okay?" 

Spike didn't respond right away. He was still upset that Twilight just couldn't except the fact that he wasn't a baby dragon anymore and wouldn't let him travel to the dragonlands by himself. 

"I'm fine." He mumbled. 

"Are you sure? Is something bothering you?" She asked worriedly. 

"I said I'm FINE!" Spike snapped. Twilight just couldn't figure out what was wrong with him, so she decided to not push him anymore.

"Okay, if you say you're fine then I believe you." Spike just rolled his eyes and sighed as quietly as he could.

Soon the dragonlands could be seen from above, and Twilight began to make her descent. They landed in front of the massive palace that looked like it had been crafted with some of the most rarest and most commonly used gems in all of Equestria. This was Ember's new palace. In front of the entrance way were two rather tall dragons both wearing a suit of armor. As Twilight and the rather grumpy Spike approached the entrance, the two armored dragons blocked their path. 

"Who goes there? The princess isn't expecting any visitors today! State your business!" The first dragon boomed to the unfamiliar visitors. Twilight smiled and tried her best to sound as professional as possible.

"I am Princess Twilight Sparkle, the Princess of Friendship and this is Spike the friendship ambassador to the Dragons. We have come to pay Princess Ember a visit." She finished. The dragons were not familiar with what the princess of friendship looked like, but they did recognize the friendship ambassador Spike.

"How do we know if you really are Twilight Sparkle? You could be an imposter!" The second dragon guard mentioned with a serious voice. "Friendship ambassador Spike, is this pony really the Princess of Friendship?" 

The young drake who had been rather quiet the whole time didn't even look at the two guards when they asked him the question.

"Oh, she sure is alright." He declared with a rather annoyed tone, while getting a glare from Twilight. The two guards then looked at each other and began to whisper among themselves, and after a few seconds returned their gazes to the purple alicorn and the purple dragon.

"Okay if you say so Spike. But we will both accompany you to see Princess Ember considering we still don't know for sure if that is in fact Princess Twilight Sparkle"!  The two armored dragons declared. Twilight huffed to herself and roller her eyes. Spike just shrugged and proceeded to walk with them into the palace. They soon passed through the large hallway until they entered the large throne room where Ember was sitting on her throne.

"Princess Ember, you have some guests that are here to see you!" The dragon guard announced loudly. Ember was sitting on her throne which was in fact a rather large pile of different colored gems that matched the palace and some gold treasure mixed in. The dragon lord then quickly hopped off the top of the pile and slid her way to the bottom in front of her two guests. 

"Twilight! Spike! How nice to see you two, it's been far too long!" Ember said excitingly. The two guards were surprised to see that the pony they thought had been an imposter was the real Twilight after all. They both bowed before their princess and looked at the Alicorn princess.

"We're sorry if we caused you to much trouble. We just didn't know for sure that that was really you!" The second armored guard apologized. Twilight just chuckled and accepted their apologies. Ember then told them that they were dismissed and that they were no longer needed at the moment. They then stood back up and proceeded to walk back outside.

"Sorry about that, they're both pretty new and have not seen you before. But I'm sure they won't make that mistake again." Ember chipped in. Twilight giggled and then smiled at her other dragon friend.

"It's fine really. No harm done!" 

Ember then looked over at her purple dragon friend who to her appeared more quiet than usual.

"Hey Spike! Long time no see!" Spike looked over at her and gave her a small wave.

"Hey Ember." He said quietly. 

"How have you been? What can I do for you two?" 

Twilight looked over at Spike and gave him a nudge.

"Spike. Aren't you going to tell Ember why we are here?" 

Spike then sighed and approached his dragon friend.

"I..."

"WE!" Twilight budged in. Spike growled slightly and let a little smoke escape from his nostrils.

"We! We were wondering if you can make it to my birthday party in four days?" He finished. Ember looked at her friend and grinned.

"Of course Spike! I wouldn't miss it for the world!" Where is it going to be? Is it going to be at the castle?" She asked. Twilight then shook her head.

"No we are going to have the party at the community hall this time. The mayor is letting us use the banquet hall for the event." She declared. 

"Okay that's cool." Ember said. "Now since you two are here, do you guys want a tour of my new palace?" 

Twilight knew it was an offer that she just couldn't pass up and immediately agreed. Spike on the other hand decided to not join them and declined the offer.

"No thanks, I am just going to go for a walk around outside". 

Spike then made his way out of the throne room and shut the door. Ember was put off by how much Spike was acting so differently. She knew that Spike was always a very kind and happy dragon but this was different from what she was used to.

"What's wrong with Spike? I've never seen him like this before!" Ember mentioned. Twilight just looked at her hooves and sighed.

"I wish I knew. I have been trying to figure out the problem but he won't talk to me about it!" She admitted. Ember felt bad for her and then put an arm around her shoulder. 

"Maybe I can try and talk to him, after I give you a tour of my palace first!" She grinned. Twilight gave a small smile and nodded. Maybe talking with another dragon would help him get out of his funk. They then walked out of the throne room to begin the tour.

Meanwhile Spike had been walking around and was thinking to himself. He had been so occupied with all the things going on in his head that he had completely drifted away from the palace and was making his way to where the other dragons lived. When he arrived he watched as all the other dragons were doing their own things. Some were sleeping, some were flying overhead and some were even bathing in the large pool of lava. To Spike watching them do their different routines made him slightly jealous. They were doing whatever they wanted, whenever they wanted and no pony or dragon was telling them what to do. Spike then decided to join with the dragons who were having a lava bath right by a group of teenage dragons who appeared to be having a contest of some sorts. As he got closer he could recognize one of the older dragons in the group, and that dragon was non other than Garble and his group of thugs. 

From the first day that he met Garble, the two dragons just could not come to agree with each other and become equals. Garble always picked on Spike for living in Ponyville and being taken care of by ponies instead of being raised by dragons. And when Princess Ember became a loyal ally to Twilight and the other Princess's of Equestria he became more enraged. But as Spike got older he began to ignore the hateful comments that he would direct at him and just simply stayed out of his way. As Spike walked by the group of teenage dragons, Garble quickly noticed the familiar non resident dragon and quickly intercepted him by landing in front of him.

"Well well well, look who it is! The friendship ambassadork for the namby pamby pony Princess Twilight!" He exclaimed while laughing. His dragon friends whose names were Burgle, Impact, and Stryker joined in as well. The red dragon continued to laugh but when he looked back he noticed that Spike had simply walked away towards the lava pit. Garble growled and then flew back and cut the purple drake off.

"You've got a lot of nerve ignoring me like that!" He snapped, "you should show some respect around here pony lover!" His three dragon friends then chanted with agreement. Garble was expecting Spike to say something to defend himself but what he said surprised the teen dragon.

"Get out of my way Garble! I'm in a bad mood and I don't feel like talking to a uneducated pea brained idiot like you!" Spike declared in a lower agitated tone. Burgle and Impact quickly looked at the purple dragon with eyes as wide as saucers. Stryker had gasped and had his claw placed in front of his snout. Garble eyes went wide with anger and rage. He then stomped on the ground with his right foot hoping to scare Spike who appeared to not be fazed at all. 

"What did you call me?" He asked while blowing smoke out of his nostrils. 

"Are you deaf and dumb? Or do you have brimstone in your ears? I called you a uneducated pea brained idiot!" Spike repeated. The three thug dragons were now completely taken off guard. They liked to tease Spike as much as Garble but this was a side of him they had never seen before and were now completely shocked. Garble then let out a large growl and moved his face in front of Spike till their eyes were exactly at even level.

"You think you're so tough just because you've gotten bigger?" Garble asked broadly. "You may be taller and you're tail might be longer but you still don't have any wings! And that doesn't make you a true dragon!" 

By now a large crowd of dragons was beginning to form around the group of teenagers. They wanted to see what the commotion was and hoping that a fight would break out. Spike continued his stare down with Garble and was trying hard not to lose his cool.

"And without wings, you'll be nothing but a pathetic, useless and wingless pony loving loser!" Garble ragged on. By now the anger was too much for Spike. Without any hesitation he quickly stepped back with his left foot and drove his right clenched fist directly to the unsuspecting Garble's snout. The red teenage dragon then flew backwards more than three feet until he landed on top of Stryker. A hush came around the crowd of older dragons as they looked at the purple dragon who had become wide eyed and was looking at his fist. 

"Where did that come from?" He asked himself. He had never hit somepony of even some dragon before, and had never been in a fight before either. Garble was soon on his feet and was now fully enraged. He began to shoot thick dark smoke from his nostrils and he even let out a mighty roar. The crowd of dragons got excited and began to tightly form a circle around the two combatants. 

"Fight! Fight! Fight! Fight! Fight!" The crowd roared. Garble then lunged forward with the attempt to throw a fist of his own at Spike, but then failed due to the fact that Spike had ducked and moved over to the side. But predicting his move Garble then used his tail to knock Spike over and land on his rear. A chorus of laughs came from the ground as they looked down at Spike who then sprang back onto his feet, but then was knocked over again by Garble this time punching him back with his fist directly square against his chin. Spike felt the pain in his jaw surge through his face and quickly got back to his two feet and faced the angry red dragon. 

"You gonna cry now?" Garble asked, "Is the pony loving dragon going to cry for his momma?" His three thug friends then began to laugh, as well as some of the other dragons that were there watching. Spike then smirked and clenched his fist again.

"What? Is that the best you got?" Spike ragged on which only infuriated Garble even more. This was Spike's very first fight, but considering the mood he was in, and the pain in his mouth didn't hurt that much he was ready to continue. "C'mon meat head, you want a piece of me? Give me your best shot!"

The crowd of dragons were now jeering and began chanting for the two dragons to continue the fight!

"Arrrggghhhhhhhh!" Garble growled loudly. "I've been waiting for this for a long time!"

"Well I'm right here! BRING IT ON!" Spike shouted at the top of his lungs. The crowd of dragons yelled excitingly and began to cheer on the two competitors. Spike prepared to throw another fist but Burgle and Impact held his arms and legs back so he couldn't move. He struggled to try and get the thugs off him but of no use, and then watched as Garble came charging in, his eyesight targeting his prey. Spike just closed his eyes and prepared for the worst but to his confusion it didn't come. When he opened his eyes he noticed that Garble was covered in a glowing purple aura. Twilight had flown in and stopped Garble right in his tracks. Then Princess Ember quickly flew down and landed in front of Spike. 

"That's enough Garble!" Ember bellowed. "Leave Spike alone! You and your gang have done enough already".

"I didn't do anything, he started it!" Garble replied.

"You Liar!" Spike shouted. "He started it!"

"Stop it Spike!" Twilight snapped, "This fight ends now!" 

"Why did you have to barge in?! I can take care of myself!"

"I SAID QUIET!" Twilight yelled. Spike growled then crossed his arms and looked away blowing a stream of smoke from his mouth.

"How many times have I told you to leave Spike alone!' Ember asked the stunned red dragon who had been released from his purple imprisonment. "You have a lot of nerve going after our friendship ambassador. You really will never learn!"

"Aw be quiet! I could care less about that namby pamby pony lover!" Garble scoffed, "It's not like I care about our agreement with the ponies, or do I think of you as my Princess! I can't accept that dragons and ponies are allies, it's just wrong on so many levels. The day is coming that I am going to overtake your throne and then I'm going to become the new dragon ruler and put those ponies in their places!" Then Ember quickly using her tail smacked Garble across the face and knocked him over, getting a gasp from the crowd of dragons, including his three thug friends and even one from Twilight. 

"Know you're place, or I will make sure that you and your thugs are sent to the dungeon!" She sternly demanded. Garble then crossed his arms and let out a loud hiss. The crowd then thinned out as Twilight flew down and approached Spike.  She tried to examine him but he quickly adverted her concerns and refused to be checked over. Twilight then let out a sigh.

"Let's go home Spike". Spike grunted and then stood up and began to walk away towards Twilight. But Garble decided to poke some fun at him once more.

"Looks like you still need your friends to fight for you and save you!" Garble teased. "Hey? You cowardly baby dragon!"

Then Spike's anger quickly boiled over to a point where he began to see red. He then charged towards the red dragon with fire escaping rapidly escaping from his mouth and screaming at the top of his lungs. 

"AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!"

But before he could get any closer he then suddenly blacked out and collapsed to the ground. Twilight had used a sleep spell on him and stopped him before anything worse could happen. Garble was surprised as he saw Spike go down in such a heap, he couldn't help but laugh. 

"I stay correct! C'mon guys let's get out of here!" He demanded while flapping his wings. Stryker, Burgle and Impact then began to flap their wings, and then the four dragons took off into the air. 

"One day Spike, you and me will have it out! One on one! And no pony or dragon will get in our way. Just you wait! This isn't over!!!" Garble shouted as loud as he could as he took off. Twilight frowned as the group took the sky. Ember roared and sent a stream of flames into the sky, but unfortunately missed the four getaways.

"I'm sorry Twilight." Ember apologized. 

"Me too. I'm sorry for how Spike acted today." She responded. "I wish I knew what was wrong with him."

"Will he be okay?"

"Oh Yeah, it's just a harmless sleep spell. He'll wake up in about an hour and be completely fine."

"I'm sorry about Garble. The day will come when he finally accepts that ponies and dragons are allies and I'm sure his feud with Spike will end one day." Ember added. Twilight smiled and then looked at her dragon friend who was fast asleep.

"I can only hope so." Twilight agreed, "And you're still coming for his birthday party right?" Ember chuckled.

"Absolutely. Like I said, I wouldn't miss it for the world." Ember replied boldly. 

Later on Twilight was flying back to Ponyville with Spike resting on her back. It didn't take long for the spell to wear off and he was now fully awake. Spike didn't say a word to Twilight the entire way back to the castle. When they finally arrived they were greeted by the others who were eager to know what happened.

"Hey you two, how was your trip to the dragonlands?" Rarity asked. Spike then hopped off of Twilight's back and still didn't say a word.

"The trip was fine."Twilight replied, "Ember gave me a tour of her new palace and we told her about Spike's upcoming birthday party and she agreed to come!" 

"Yayyy!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed. "This is going to be the best birthday party ever!"

"But what happn'd to Spike? He looks ah little scratched and banged up?" Applejack asked. But before Spike could give a reply Twilight cut him off.

"Spike got into a fight with Garble. Luckily Ember and I got there in time before it could get worse!" Twilight ranted. Spike just snorted and blew smoke.

"Oh. My!" Fluttershy winced. The thought of any ponies let alone dragons fighting scared her terribly.

"So who won?" Rainbow asked with curiosity.

"Rainbow Dash!" Twilight snapped.

"What? I just wanted to see who won that's all. By the looks of it, it didn't go well for Spike here!"

"SHUT UP!" Spike shouted and then pushed his way past the group of mares.

"Spike!" Starlight called, only to get no reply as Spike opened the castle door and slammed it shut till it started to crack some more. He then stormed his way to his bedroom and shut the door with a mighty bang! The noise echoing all throughout the castle. 

Twilight and her friends were completely shocked by his sudden outburst of anger. 

"What's his problem?" Rainbow Dash asked. Applejack then gave her friend a whack on the back of her head with her hoof, to which she winced out in pain with a yelp. 

"Yeah, what's gotten into him darling?" Rarity asked. Twilight just let out a sad sigh and looked at her hooves.

"I don't know. But something is definitely bothering him!"

End of Chapter Two
> Chapter Three
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The inside of the Castle of Friendship had become rather quiet for the past three days. Since Spike had traveled to the Dragonlands with Twilight and had his confrontation with Garble, he had locked himself inside his room and refused to talk to any of his friends. All of them came to see if he was okay and wanted to talk with him, but no matter how much they tried he still refused to talk with them or come out of his room. Spike didn't eat nothing but the gems that he had saved in a box that was under his bed. He had read every comic that he owned at least four times each, and would lay on his bed and look out the window. He knew in the back of his mind that Twilight and the others were worried about him, but it agitated him so much that they just couldn't see that he was now a little bigger and was now a teenager. The anger that had been building inside him for the past few days had subsided somewhat, but he knew eventually the time would come for him to tell his friends why he had been acting so strange for the last little while. But the question he asked himself, would he ever be able to tell them how he truly felt?

The day before his birthday, Twilight and the others were each sitting in their respective thrones that each had their cutie marks on the back of them. Twilight looked over at the smaller throne that had been empty for the last few days and sighed sadly. No matter how much she tried to attend her Princess duties, or even try to do any of her duties at home it was not the same without Spike. There was just something about him just being in her presence that made her feel whole and confident with herself. But now he had become distant. Something was bothering him so much that he had shut himself away for the past few days and that made her feel like a part of her was missing, the same went for the others. They missed his laugh, his smile and just him being around in general.

"Spike still won't come out of his room?" Rarity asked the Princess of Friendship. Twilight just sadly shook her head.

"No, and I'm worried sick! He hasn't opened that door of his once and no matter how much I plead him to open the door, he just won't come out".

"Why don't you just teleport into his bedroom and get him to come out by force?" Rainbow Dash added with a serious tone.

"I could. But I feel by doing that, I will only make the situation worse". Twilight admitted. "I think if we wait a little bit longer, he will come out of his room when he is ready!"

"But Twilight, his birthday party is tomorrow." Pinkie Pie whimpered, "And I have already got the decorations and the cake ready to go! This party was going to be the best birthday for him that he would probably ever have!" By now Pinkie had tears forming in her eyes.

"And he could be getting sick in there from not eating." Fluttershy declared with a serious tone. "I'm going up to his room and I'm going to get him out of there!"

"You can't darling! What if Spike gets really upset and then decides to not come out at all?" Rarity pointed out. Fluttershy then whimpered. 

"Oh umm, i guess you're right."

"Well somethin has to be done! Spike is our friend and there is somethin wrong with him that is getting him down in the dumps". Applejack mentioned, "And if we don't get to the bottom of it, then ah believe Spike ain't gunna be at his birthday party tomorrow!" Pinkie then whimpered even more and began to lightly sob, which then Fluttershy then joined in as well. 

"I miss Spikey Wikey". Rarity cried. "It really isn't the same without him around!" 

Twilight couldn't agree more. She just lowered her head and slightly sobbed.

"Oh Spike, what is going on with you?" She asked herself.

The next day was the day of Spike's birthday. Twilight decided that the party should happen anyway and had been helping Pinkie Pie all morning and into the afternoon preparing for the party. Pinkie had sent out invitations for Spike's birthday all over Ponyville and sent invitations to the Crystal Empire, Canterlot and the Changeling hive. As the day went by guests were starting to show up and beginning to fill up the banquet room at the community hall. Princess Celestia and Princess Luna sadly were unable to attend the party as they were needed for a meeting back in Canterlot. Princess Cadence and Shining Armor made the trip from the Crystal Empire so they could attend the savior of their kingdom' birthday. 

"Hey Twilight!" Called Cadence to her sister in law. Twilight was always very happy to see her former babysitter and big brother come to Ponyville for a visit. Normally Twilight would do her special greeting with Cadence, but this time she didn't feel the time was right. Cadence was worried about her sister in law, and the three began to have a conversation. 

"Hey Twily, it's good to see you. Where's the birthday boy? We've got a cool present for him from us and the ponies of the Crystal Empire." Shining Armor asked. Twilight just shook her head and looked down.

"What's wrong Twilight? You don't seem yourself!" The Princess of Love questioned looking concerned. Shining Armor had a worried look too.

"Spike has not been acting like himself these last few weeks. So I'm not sure if he will be even attending his party!" She said sadly.

"Well what's wrong exactly?" The royal couple asked.

"I wish I knew. I tried asking him but he won't come out of his room. He has been stuck in his room for the last four days!"

"Did something happen that might of upset him?" Shining Armor questioned. 

"Well he did get into a fight with Garble the other day when we went to the dragonlands. I didn't want him getting hurt so I kinda interfered and stopped it from getting worse."

"Maybe that's why he's upset. Maybe he thinks that by you interfering made him think that he can't take care of himself." Cadence mentioned. Twilight looked at the Princess of Love with a confused look.

"But Spike is a young dragon. I didn't him getting hurt!"

"Well I hate to break it you Twi, but Spike ain't exactly a young dragon anymore. He's now a lot older and can probably look after himself." Shining Armor put in. Twilight gave her brother a death glare.

"How I look after Spike is my business. He may be a bit older than he was before, but to me he is still my baby dragon."

"I can understand that Twilight, but if you're really worried about Spike, you need to confront him and get him to admit what his feelings are." Cadence said kindly putting her hoof on her sister's shoulder. Twilight knew that Cadence was right and that she had to get Spike out of his funk. It was his birthday afterall and he wasn't anywhere to be seen.

Twilight soon arrived back at her castle and was now standing outside Spike's bedroom door. She gave the door a couple knocks and called inside.

"Spike? It's me, can I talk to you please?" What seemed like had been minutes but had actually been a few seconds she could hear footsteps coming from inside the room. She then saw that the door had opened slightly and a pair of emerald green eyes were staring at her from inside. 

"I don't want to talk Twilight. I'm not in the mood!" Spike grunted with a low voice. Twilight then opened the door even more and looked her assistant directly in the eyes.

"Please Spike, this is very important and I have to talk to you!"

Spike then sighed and then backed away from the door, leaving it slightly open so that Twilight could come in. The Princess of Friendship couldn't believe her eyes at the state of his room. The sight of comics not stacked just splayed all over the floor, the sight of a unmade bed and half eaten gems all over his bedside table broke the Alicorns heart. Spike had now gone and sat in the corner and had his back turned to her. Twilight then sucked up her courage and begin to speak to the young drake.

"Spike? Are you by chance upset about what happened the other day? If you are I'm sorry for barging in like that, but it was for a good reason. You are my friend and I don't nothing to happen to my number one assistant and favorite dragon. I just want you to know that if there is anything you want to tell me I am all ears and ready to listen."

Spike wanted to tell her everything, but for some reason he just couldn't sum up the courage to tell her what was bothering him. He just remained silent and didn't move a muscle. Twilight sighed and then stood up hinting to him that she was ready to leave. 

"But I have to ask Spike, are you going to by any chance make an appearance at your birthday party tonight? Me and Pinkie have worked our tails off all day getting it ready for you, and a lot of ponies are going to be there. I saw Thorax on my way here and he said that he is worried and is looking forward to seeing you. So I think it would do you real good if you attend, and if there is something bothering you, you can tell me when you feel like you're ready. You can't spend the rest of your days cooped up in your room!" Twilight finished as she proceeded to open the door to head outside.

"No matter what Spike, we're having this party whether with you there or without you!" She then walked out the door and closed it shut. 

Spike had listened to what his friend had said, and he knew that he had to at least go and show his face at the party. He then quickly stretched and got a whiff of a rather putrid odor coming from his body. The smell it gave was almost like a sulfur smell with a hint of garbage, not the most pleasant smell in the world! Spike sighed and then made his way to his bathroom and began to prepare himself a shower, while doing so he happened to get a glimpse of himself in the mirror. The thoughts began to ring throughout his head. Was he really ready to come out of his room and then show himself to his friends that cared about him? Was he ready to tell them how he truly felt? Spike thought about it long and hard till he couldn't think no more. He knew what he had to do.

"Okay Spike, this is your big night. Time to get yourself back into action and go to that party!" He said to himself.

The day had now turned to night, and all the guests that had showed up to attend Spike's party were beginning to wonder if he was going to show up at all! Twilight had finally arrived from the castle after her talk with Spike and her friends were eager to find out what had happened.

"So what happened?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"Is Spikey coming?" Rarity to asked with curiosity. 

"Well like before he didn't tell me anything, but I told him that it will do him a world of good to appear tonight for his party." Twilight explained. 

"Oh I hope he shows up! Even though this is his party it's not the same without him! He always tries to make himself the life of the party!" Pinkie Pie added with a worried look. 

An hour later there was still no sign of Spike and everypony was now beginning to get even more worried. Twilight looked at the clock and then to her friends. Pinkie's face drooped and her hair went from bouncy to flat in an instant. The guests were about to announce that they were getting ready to leave when the door to the banquet hall opened with a loud creak. All the ponies that were present turned their heads to see who it was. Sadly it wasn't Spike as it was a janitor would thought the hall was empty considering how quiet it had become. Everypony sighed sadly with disappointment and began to make their way to the exit. Twilight felt truly awful and began to tear up, and the others were just as upset. 

"Sorry everypony, but it doesn't look like Spike is coming tonight." Twilight called. But no sooner she said that, the door had begun to open very slowly until a figure had appeared inside. The figure turned out to be Spike who had finally come out from hiding and had cleaned himself up to look respectable for the night. 

"Hey everypony. Sorry I'm late." Spike said quietly with a slight grin. Then almost immediately the room exploded with a chorus of cheers and excitement.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY SPIKE!" Everypony called out in excitement. Spike was then tackled by Pinkie Pie with shear excitement, and then was brought it in a massive group hug from the rest. Spike let out a small smile as Twilight put a birthday cap on his head. 

"Glad you could make it birthday boy." Spike blushed a slight shade of pink and nodded.

"Let's get this party started!" Pinkie shouted, and everypony else agreed. Soon Vinyl Scratch began to play her party music.

The party began with every pony congratulating Spike on becoming a year older and began to hand him his presents. 

Spike received from the Apple family a giant picnic basket full of Apple pies, Apple turnovers, and Apple fritters. Spike was elated, he loved the Apple's baked goods.

From Rainbow Dash he got the newest book about the complete history of the Wonderbolts that was signed by every member of the group including her. Spike thought it was really cool to get this from Rainbow considering he did know every member already.

Spike got a beautiful sweater and a hat made for him from Rarity. It made him feel happy to get things like this from Rarity. Considering he still felt sad that she turned down his offer to go on a date, he still appreciated her generosity and he loved her for that.

Fluttershy got him a nice necklace that was made entirely out of turquoise. Spike loved turquoise the most besides rubies and he loved the necklace Fluttershy had gotten him. Although he didn't guarantee that he not eventually eat it later on.

Pinkie Pie baked the largest chocolate cake that Spike had ever seen in his life, and he couldn't wait to dig into it when the time was right. She also prepared a box of cupcakes that had blue sapphires embedded on the top of them, she really knew him very well which always brought a smile to his face. 

Twilight couldn't decide what to get Spike for his birthday, so she went and got him the easiest gift that she could think of. A book! 'Of course! Shouldn't expect anything different' Spike joked to himself. 

Starlight Glimmer got him a very nice card from her, Trixie and Sunburst. It was the nicest card that Spike had every gotten as it was nicely decorated in beautiful cursive handwriting and covered in glitter. Definitely Trixie's work!

Cadence and Shining Armor and a lot of the citizens of the Crystal Empire got Spike a large collection of comic books, including some of the rarest copies of The Power Ponies. Spike was amazed that they got him such an amazing gift, he almost cried when they presented him with it. 

Thorax was very happy to see his dragon friend, he gave him a package of different kinds of food from the changeling hive and as well as an assortment of different gems. Spike was looking forward to trying them later on. 

And finally Spike received the gift that he got from Princess Celestia and Luna. It was a giant ice sculpture of himself, and it was perfectly crafted to look like him in every way. There was also a special letter attached to the sculpture from the Princesses for Spike telling him that he was the guest of honor at the upcoming summer sun festival. Spike was amazed and so were the others and congratulated him for his award. Spike simply didn't know what to say, but he made sure to write a special letter to them to say thank you.

As the party continued Spike for the most part had forgotten to be upset and began to feel like his old self again. Twilight and the others all joked and had fun with their friend which made the young drake feel warm inside. Then Mayor Mare went to the very front of the banquet room and called for the attention of everypony in attendance. 

"Tonight, we are here to celebrate a very special night for an even special dragon. Tonight we are here to celebrate Spike the dragons birthday. Happy Birthday to you Spike!" She said happily and then raised a glass of punch with her hoof and raised it into the air. 

"To Spike! The Birthday Dragon!"

"To Spike!" The crowd repeated. Everypony began to drink their glasses of punch including Spike who thought it was very thoughtful for the toast. But before he could say a word, the Mayor then spoke up loudly again.

"And this toast, is for the greatest group of Ponies that any village or town can be thankful for. They have done everything that they can to keep this town, Canterlot and the whole country of Equestria safe. Here's to the bravest, strongest and most loyal ponies of Equestria. Please put a hoof together for Twilight Sparkle the Princess of Friendship and her friends!" She said happily. "Princess, please come on up here!" 

Twilight smiled brightly as she made her way to the front of the crowd. The others followed behind her, and soon everypony began to cheer for them loudly. Twilight then raised a glass of her own to the air and proudly declared.

"Thank you everypony. Thank you all so much." she replied happily. "To Harmony!" She bellowed as her friends did the same. 

"To Harmony!" The crowd roared and began to cheer even louder than before.

And just like that, Spike's happiness had immediately vanished. For what had started off as his night, had now become the night where his friends, the Ponies that have saved Equestria countless times 'The Elements of Harmony' were now being cheered on and congratulated even more than him. Spike could feel the anger burning deep down inside his gut.

"They picked this night! The one night that was supposed to be mean't for me, to congratulate and honor my friends? Why? Why does it have to be like this? Doesn't anypony else care about me? WHY? WHY DID THEY HAVE TO DO THIS TONIGHT? WHY DOES THIS HAVE TO HAPPEN TO ME!!!" He shouted in his head. 

The frustrations began boiling deep inside his mind. The crowd of ponies that had been there for his party turned their attention to Twilight and the others. All the other ponies that were around Spike began to talk about them and spoke highly of them. Spike began to have trouble breathing and he also began to sweat profusely. It became too much for Spike to bear, and then he bolted out through the door of the banquet hall and made his way outside. 

Spike panted heavily as he grabbed his chest and tried to get a hold of himself. 

"Why? Why? Why did this have to happen tonight?" He asked himself again and again. 

"Aren't you supposed to be inside at your party?" A voice above him asked. Spike looked up and saw that Princess Ember has arrived and had a worried look on her face.

"Sorry I'm so late, but my flight here took longer than expected. I'm really sorry Spike!" 

Spike could see in her eyes that she was indeed sorry, and then noticed that she was holding something under her arm.

"What's that?" He asked. Ember smiled and presented him with a medium sized statue, but as he looked closer he saw that it was made of different color gems. But these were no ordinary gems.

"It's your gift! I made it for you from some of rarest gems you can find in the Dragonlands, like the one's I used for my new palace!." She presented happily.

Spike had always wanted to see what these rare gems looked like, better yet he wanted to know what they tasted like. He thought the gift she gave him was by far one of the best gifts he had ever received. He tried to crack a small smile, but he could sum up his own strength to do so. He then began to tear up as Starlight came running outside.

"Spike?" She asked with a worried tone. "Are you okay? You ran out going faster than a shooting star!" Spike looked at his purple unicorn friend and then looked down at the ground.

"Hey Ember." Starlight said to the dragoness.

"Hey Starlight." Ember replied kindly to Twilight's star pupil. They then both sat beside Spike who now looked even more sad than before.

"Seriously Spike, what's wrong?" Starlight asked worriedly.

"Yeah why have you been acting so strange these last few days?" Ember put in. Spike could feel his anger soothing as the voices of his concerned friends made him feel slightly better. After taking two deep breaths he began to tell them everything.

"It's my friends!" He admitted. Starlight and Ember were confused with what Spike had said.

"What do mean? What about them?" Starlight asked as she was one of Spike's closest friends. 

"Yeah what did they do?" Ember demanded. Spike then gulped and then let his anger out in a low agitated tone.

"Everything!"

His two friends were taken back in absolute shock. This was clearly an answer that they were not expecting to come from him.

"What do you mean Spike? What did Twilight and the others do or say to you?" Starlight asked with an eyebrow slightly raised. Ember just remained silent and listened as Spike continued.

"They all treat me like I'm still a baby dragon especially Twilight! No matter what I do or what I say they all just joke and declare that I'm still too young. When I try to help Applejack at the farm, or Fluttershy with her animals, Pinkie Pie with baking and deliveries at Sugarcube corner, Rainbow Dash all she does is make fun of me and prank me, Rarity definitely won't accept me for being grown up! And don't get me started about Twilight! She especially won't let me do much on my own and she treats me more like a baby than the others. She makes me do every single one of her chores and never gives me the benefit of the doubt. All I want is for them to treat me like a teenager and not like a baby anymore!" Spike ranted till he was red in the face. 


"I don't think of you as a baby dragon Spike. I have thought of you as a teenager for the past two years." Starlight admitted. 

"Really?" Spike asked while looking over at her. Starlight then smiled and wrapped her hoof around him. 

"Of course I do!" Ember nodded as well.

"Yeah Spike as do I. Just look at you, you're not a short little dragon anymore. You are now big enough for anypony or anydragon to tell that you are in fact a teen." She proclaimed boldly.

"And Twilight and the other's really think that you are still a baby dragon?" Starlight added with a confused look. Spike looked her in her eyes and nodded his head. 

"Yes."

Starlight frowned and then looked away. Even Ember was disappointed by what Spike had said.

"How can they not think of you as a teen Spike? It doesn't take a blind pony to tell that you in fact are more grown up than you were when we met for the first time!"

Spike this time didn't know how to respond to Ember's question. But that wasn't the rest of why he was so upset.

"There's a lot more to this than being called a baby dragon" He admitted. His two friends then listened carefully as Spike stood up and faced them.

"I'm jealous of them!" Starlight cocked her head in confusion. Ember was also taken aback at what just came out of his mouth.

"Your jealous?" Ember asked.

"Why?" Starlight added. 

Spike then continued to tell them his reason.

"I am jealous that they are braver than me, they're more dependable than me and even stronger that me. All I want to do is help them and give my assistance. I can't use magic like Twilight and Rarity, I can't fly like Rainbow and Fluttershy and I'm definitely not as strong as Applejack and Pinkie Pie. But all I want to do if help them as much as I can, and show everypony that I am more than her assistant! No matter how many times I ask Twilight and the other's they just tell me that I should just stay behind. All everypony does is talk about them and hardly about me! Even tonight at my own birthday party, they all just go and gloat about all that they do for Equestria and completely forget about me! I don't want to be left out in the shadows anymore, I want to be there to help my friends. I want to be stronger! I don't want to be useless!" Spike cried loudly. Tears were forming and his breathing was beginning to get out of hand again. He sniffled and sat back down on the stairs and let out a sad sigh while holding his head in his claws.

It made Starlight feel sorry deep down inside her for how Spike was feeling. She knew that he didn't like being called a baby dragon but hearing that he was upset for not being strong enough and feeling useless made her feel horrible. 

"How can you say that you are not strong enough? You got into a fight with Garble and stuck up for yourself!" Ember admitted to her scaly friend. "But I gotta ask you, why did you get into a fight with him in the first place?" Spike then cleared his throat.

"Because he was saying rude things about me and he called me a pathetic wingless loser! He has been making fun of me for far too long and I wanted to shut him up!"

"But Twilight interfered and that made you upset and made you think that you can't take care of yourself right?" Starlight added. Spike nodded.

"Yeah that's right! And I didn't get in that fight because he made fun of me. He has been making fun of my pony friends and I don't like it when he does. I was sticking up for them and they treat me wrong and think of me as a weakling!"

Ember and Starlight now understood the pain and the frustration that Spike was having, and knew that he had to do something to make things right before things got worse.

"Have you told Twilight, or even the others how you feel and what's been bothering you?" Ember asked. Spike looked over to the dragoness and shook his head.

"How can I? Even when I try to tell her or the others how I feel, it seems that most time they are busy or they don't want to listen!" 

Starlight then gave Spike a small jab in the side with her hoof.

"It seems to me that they have been trying for awhile now Spike!" She admitted. "You need to tell her and your friends how you truly feel!"

"That's right!" Ember added, "If you do that, then you are going to feel a whole lot better about yourself. It's not healthy for you to bury all that anger and frustration inside you. You have to let it out and get it off your chest!"

Spike took in what his two friends were saying and he knew that they were right about everything.

"You're right! I let my anger and emotions get the better of me that I couldn't bring myself to tell them all about what I am going through. I guess I'm still a baby dragon inside after all." He said with his head down. "I have to tell them everything!" 

"Spike are you out here?" Twilight called. Spike then turned around and saw Twilight with a worried expression on her face, he also noticed that Thorax was with her.

"There you are Spike!" The changeling leader called out, "We were looking everywhere for you."

"Yeah I was beginning to think that you left." Twilight included. "Are you three coming inside? It's time for Spike to blow out the candles so we can have cake!"

Starlight and Ember nodded with excitement and began to walk inside. Spike in the meantime stayed on the steps of the staircase with his back turned. 

"Spike?" Twilight called. "You coming birthday boy?" 

Spike then got a grasp of things just as Twilight began to step back inside. He then stood up and called out to his Alicorn friend.

"Twilight!" 

She then stopped and turned to face Spike. 

"Yes? What is it Spike?" He then took a deep breath and stood straight up.

"I need to talk with you and the other's later tonight. It's really important and I need to discuss what's bothering me!" He declared looking her right in her violet eyes. Twilight nodded and then smiled.

"Okay Spike. I'll be sure to tell the girls what you said". Spike then gave a small smile.

"Thanks Twi." Twilight smiled back and waved him over.

"Now c'mon before Pinkie eats all the cake!" 

Spike then chuckled and proceeded up the stairs. He then glanced over at Starlight and Ember and gave them a wink.

"Thanks for listening you two. I appreciate it."

The unicorn and dragoness smiled brightly and winked back.

"Happy to help." Starlight replied.

"Yeah, what are friends for?" Ember said with a smirk.

End of Chapter Three.
> Chapter Four
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Spike made his way to where the gigantic cake was, standing on the table almost exactly in the middle of the room. The cake had been decked out in candles, and the light that came off it lit up the room. Spike thought it was the most delicious looking cake he had ever seen, even though it was chocolate he didn't mind one bit. Besides ponies can't eat gem cakes.

All of Spike's friends and eveypony else had now gathered around the cake and began to sing 'Happy Birthday' to the birthday dragon. This made him crack a smile and then he took a deep breath and blew out all of the candles in one go. The crowd cheered loudly as every candle had it's flame snuffed out, but then the cheers went to utter shock as a wave of chocolate icing went splattering in every direction. Spike looked up at the half destroyed cake that had a rather ecstatic pink pony practically swimming in the cake.

"PINKIE!" Twilight screamed loudly. Pinkie then took a massive gulp from the cake and then let out a toothy grin.

"Sorry, I couldn't help myself. This cake is just soooooo goooooood!" 

Everypony began to laugh and even Spike had to chuckle. Only Pinkie could act this way and there was no changing her. Spike was then handed a large piece from the half that wasn't ruined from Pinkie and then dug into the tasty dessert. Soon all the guests and his friends were soon munching on the cake and were all agreeing that it was definitely the most tastiest cake they have ever had. 

"So Spike what did you wish for when you blew out your candles?" Asked Applejack.

"Was it something exciting?" Pinkie asked.

"Was it something awesome?" Rainbow Dash asked with curiosity. 

"Was it something good?" Fluttershy added. 

"Was it something that's beautiful?" Rarity put in. Spike looked at his friends and shook his head.

"I'm not telling. It's bad luck to say what you wish for on your birthday when you blow out your candles!" Spike said trying to sound serious. His friends groaned with disappointment. 

"Of course Spike! You don't want nothing bad to happen because of that! No sireeeee." Pinkie Pie agreed.

"I'm sure that whatever the wish was, it was something that hopefully comes true in the end. Right Spike?" Twilight asked with a smile on her face while facing him.

"Yeah heh-heh, me too." Spike replied while doing a slight gulp. Shining Armor then came up and gave Spike a noogie while wrapping his forehoof around his shoulder.

"So big guy, now since you're one year older, you think that Twily here will finally let you go on some of those serious friendship missions with her and the others?" The guests chuckled after hearing his question. Spike was just about to give his reply when Twilight barged in to the conversation.

"Don't be silly Shining, Spike doesn't need to go friendship missions with us. Some of them are dangerous and I don't want him to get hurt." Spike then looked at his Alicorn friend and his attitude changed. 'I can't believe she said that!' He said to himself. Spike began to feel his uncontrollable breathing creeping it's way into his body. He tried to fight it, but the conversation just made it to difficult.

"I understand that sis, but I mean look at Spike. He's now older than he was when he saved the Crystal Empire, so I'm sure that he can go on a few missions here and there!" Shining Armor proclaimed. Spike's breathing then began to get more uncontrollable.

"What I decide for Spike to do is my business as I have told you earlier. Spike is not suited to go on friendship missions with us, he is better off at home where he is safe!" She declared while the others all nodded in agreement. Spike could then feel the frustrations and the anger returning and his breathing was now becoming difficult. Starlight then budged into the conversation. 

"But Twilight, don't you think Spike has deserved to go on more missions with us? I'm sure he'd like it if we brought him along more often! It beats sitting around here all the time by himself." Spike then began to pant rapidly and sweat profusely while his vision began to get blurry. 

"No Starlight. I'd love to but Spike is still a baby dragon!"

There were those words again. The words that caused Spike more emotional pain than being denied by Rarity. He could feel the anger beginning to boil inside of him, like a pot of water being left on the stove. He clenched his teeth and then released all the pent up anger in one massive scream.

"I AM NOT A BABY DRAGON!"

The sound of Spike's massive scream echoed throughout the entire banquet room. Twilight and the others were completely shaken after what he had just did.

"Spike?" Twilight asked with worry. "Wha...."

"SHUT UP! SHUT UP!!! I'M NOT A BABY DRAGON ANYMORE AND YOU ARE STUPID TO THINK SO! I MEAN LOOK AT ME TWI?! DO I LOOK LIKE A BABY DRAGON TO YOU? DO I LOOK LIKE A SMALL BABY DRAGON THAT CAN'T TAKE CARE OF HIMSELF? DO I LOOK LIKE I NEED HELP TO GET BOOKS OFF THE HIGH SHELF FOR YOU AT HOME? WELL NEWS FLASH FOR YOU TWILIGHT, THE ANSWER IS NO!" Spike continued to scream. He didn't care what the others would say or think, he had to get this out of his system. This was his moment! This was his time! Twilight just watched in shock as Spike tore a piece out of her and berated her for being a terrible friend. She began to cry as Spike continued his rampage.

"ALL YOU MAKE ME DO IS WRITE DOWN ALL YOUR WORK, CLEAN YOUR CASTLE FROM TOP TO BOTTOM, AND MAKE ME COOK ALL YOUR MEALS EVERY SINGLE DAY! AND YOU CAN'T EVEN GIVE ME THE BENEFIT OF THE DOUBT. YOU TREAT ME LIKE A BABY, YOU NEVER TAKE ME WITH YOU ON TRIPS OUT OF TOWN OR ON FRIENDSHIP MISSIONS AND TO TOP ALL THIS YOU BARGED IN MY FIGHT WITH GARBLE WHEN I CLEARLY HAD EVERYTHING UNDER CONTROL! YOU NEVER LET ME DO ANYTHING ON MY OWN ANYMORE, YOU WON'T EVEN LET ME HELP YOU HALF THE TIME. YOU TWILIGHT SPARKLE ARE A TERRIBLE FRIEND!" Spike finished trying to catch his breath. For the first time in her life, Twilight was completely speechless. She never thought that Spike would get so angry with her and call her out on all the faults that she did when she didn't realize what she had done wrong.

"AND SO ARE YOU!" Spike shouted while pointing at the rest of his friends.

"APPLEJACK, EVERYTIME I TRY TO HELP YOU AT THE FARM AND TRY TO TAKE THE HEAVY BUCKETS OF APPLES AWAY, ALL YOU DO IS MAKE OUT THAT I AM WEAKLING, YOU THEN TAKE THEM AWAY AND YOU DON'T LET ME HELP YOU WITH ANYTHING ELSE!" He berated to the farm pony. Applejack was shocked from Spike's ranting at her, she then pulled her stetson hat over her face to hide her ashamed look.

"RAINBOW DASH, ALL YOU DO IS MAKE FUN OF ME FOR BEING WEAK AND YOU CONSTANTLY PULL PRANKS ON ME ALMOST EVERY TIME WE HANG OUT! DOESN'T IT EVER OCCUR TO YOU THAT MAYBE I'M SICK AND TIRED OF BEING CONSTANTLY TEASED AND PRANKED ON? YOU'RE A SENIOR MEMBER OF THE WONDERBOLTS TRYING TO BECOME CAPTAIN FOR LUNA'S SAKE, ACT LIKE IT ALREADY!" The angry drake shouted to the cyan pegasus. Rainbow was known for being brave but seeing how angry Spike was at her made her very nervous, her ears drooped quickly and she looked away.

"FLUTTERSHY, YOU TREAT ME LIKE JUST ANOTHER ANIMAL OF PONYVILLE AND NOT AS TWILIGHT'S ASSISTANT! I MAY BE A DRAGON BUT THAT DOESN'T MEAN YOU CAN TREAT ME LIKE AN ANIMAL! EITHER TREAT ME AS ONE OF YOUR FRIENDS OR NOT AT ALL!" He bellowed at the shy pegasus. She let out a small 'eep' and then quickly hid under her mane trembling all over her body. She didn't like being shouted at, and having Spike shout at her made her feel small and very scared.

"PINKIE PIE, YOU NEVER LET ME TAKE CARE OF ANY OF YOUR CAKE DELIVERIES FROM SUGAR CUBE CORNER. YOU JUST MAKE LIKE I CAN'T GET A SIMPLE DELIVERY DONE AND JUST PUSH ME ASIDE. WHAT KIND OF FRIEND DOES THAT?" He boomed to the normally happy pink pony. Pinkie didn't like seeing her friend getting upset with her and her mane slightly deflated and she went and hid behind one of the pillars in the banquet room.

"RARITY, YOU SHOULD OF KNOWN THAT I HAVE HAD SERIOUS FEELINGS FOR YOU ALL THIS TIME WE'VE KNOWN EACH OTHER! IT TOOK A LOT OF COURAGE TO ASK YOU OUT ON THAT DATE WITH ME AND YOU STILL TURNED ME DOWN, EVEN WHEN I HAD EVERYTHING PLANNED FOR THAT NIGHT! ALL YOU DID WAS SAY I WAS TOO YOUNG AND JUST TURNED ME AWAY FOR SOMEPONY ELSE! DIDN'T IT EVER OCCUR TO YOU THAT YOU HAD SERIOUSLY HURT My FEELINGS? IF NOT THEN YOU ARE NOT A TRUE FRIEND!" He loudly admitted to the fashionista. Rarity knew deep down that Spike was a good friend, and she did think that he looked cute in the suit he showed up in that day. But seeing him so upset and calling her out in front of everypony was not only embarrassing but made her feel really sad that she hurt him so much without realizing it. She then teared up and slunk down on the floor.

But Spike wasn't finished, he still had to get what was on his chest out.

"YOU WANT TO KNOW WHAT I WISHED FOR? I WISHED SO THAT I AM NO LONGER A WEAK, PATHETIC AND USELESS DRAGON! I HAVE BEEN JEALOUS OF YOU ALL THESE LAST FEW YEARS! THAT'S ANOTHER THING THAT HAS BEEN BOTHERING ME. ALL OF YOU GO ON THESE FRIENDSHIP MISSIONS AND ALL OF YOU GET ALL THE CREDIT AND YOU DON'T TAKE ME! I KNOW THAT I AM NOT STRONG, NOT ABLE TO FLY OR EVEN USE MAGIC LIKE YOU PONIES CAN BUT DIDN'T IT EVER OCCUR TO YOU THAT MAYBE I'D LIKE TO AT LEAST OFFER A HELPING CLAW? I HATE BEING LEFT OUT BEING PUT ASIDE IN THE DARK WHERE NO PONY PAYS ANY ATTENTION TO YOU, BEING TOLD THAT YOU CAN'T HELP AT ALL AND MAKES YOU FEEL USELESS AND WEAK! I DON'T WANT TO BE LIKE THAT ANYMORE, I WANT TO BE LIKE THE OTHER DRAGONS! THEY'RE WAY STRONGER THAN ME AND AT LEAST THEY CAN FLY! I DON'T WANT TO BE LIKE THIS ANYMORE, I WANT TO BETTER THAN THIS! ALL I WANT IS TO HELP, BUT YOU ALL DON'T CARE ABOUT HOW I FEEL AND YOU JUST PUSH ME AWAY!" Spike finished while catching his breath. 

Tears were now streaming down his cheeks uncontrollably and he then collapsed to the floor landing on his knees.

"I hate being weak and not being able to fly! I hate being useless! I HATE IT! I HATE IT!" Spike cried.

The crowd of guests and friends of his that had attended the party were all wide eyed and remained silent. Some had even hidden themselves away behind the tables that contained the punch and the cake, some of them just looked down at their hooves. Spike looked up at Twilight who had tears in her eyes and had the most bewildered look on her face. The rest of his friends were also showing the exact same emotions.

"Spike? Did you really mean what you just said?" She asked shakily.

"YES!" Spike snapped, "I mean't every word of it!" Twilight then approached Spike and tried to put a hoof to his cheek but he quickly swatted it away. 

"Spike! I'm so sorry for everything that's happened over these last few years. I'm sorry for continuing to call you a baby dragon when you are clearly a teenager, and I'm really sorry for not letting you come on more friendship missions with us. Believe me Spike, I really am sorry!" Twilight apologized. Applejack, Rainbow, Pinkie, Rarity and Fluttershy then stood up to face their dragon friend.

"We're sorry too Spike. For everything! We didn't mean to hurt your feelings like that." They all said at together. Spike glanced at his group of friends and then looked away. Twilight then put a hoof on his shoulder to make him face her.

"But Spike believe me when I say to you, you are fine just the way you are." Twilight mentioned while trying to stay calm. Spike then glared at her right in her eyes which sent a shiver down her spine.

"What... What did you just say?" He demanded, "What did you just say to me?"

Twilight then gave Spike a reassuring smile. "I said that you are fine the way you are!"

"Yeah. Yah don't need tuh act like those other dragons. You are Spike and that's what makes you 'you' sugarcube." Applejack included.

"You don't need wings to be cool. You just need to be yourself!" Rainbow Dash chipped in.

"Being like one of those beastly creatures is just not what you are supposed to be darling. You are better than them in every way." Rarity beamed. "They're too uncouth for a dragon like yourself."

Fluttershy then peeped from under her mane and spoke quietly.

"Dragons are scary Spike. But not you, we don't want you to be scary. I know I don't want you to... If that's okay with you that is..." 

"That's right Spike. Everything about you is perfect the way it is!" Twilight finished. "So there's nothing about you that needs to change. We don't want you to change!" Spike frowned at them even more and raised an eyebrow.

"You don't mean that! Do you?" He asked sternly.

"Of course we do silly" Pinkie jumped in. "Just look in this mirror Spike. You are you and that's what makes you better!"

The explanations that Spike had heard were all but a blur inside of his mind. His friends all but basically told him that they didn't want him to change or even get stronger. Spike just looked into the mirror that Pinkie had pointed out to him and stared deeply into the reflection of the sad, heartbroken and angered dragon that stared back at him. As he stared even deeper, tears began to trickle from his eyes and run down his cheek. Twilight and the others noticed and tried to get through to him.

"Spike? Are you okay?" Twilight asked. Spike didn't say a word, he just continued to stare into the mirror at himself while being lost inside of his own mind. He began to envision laughter and the words 'useless', 'pathetic' and 'Baby Dragon' echoing inside of his head. Spike's vision began to get even blurrier until the anger and all the rage that had made it's appearance before began to come flooding back until he was lost in a sea of red.

His friends then noticed that Spike's expression had changed from sad to that of utmost anger. Spike began to breathe uncontrollably again, he clenched his teeth together and then he balled up both of his fists. 

"Spike? What's wrong?" Ember asked as she was beginning to get concerned as were the others. It had soon become aware by everypony in the room that the temperature had began to get slightly warmer. The ice sculpture had began to melt and the icing on the cake even began to turn to liquid and run down off the table and onto the floor. Then they all saw that Spike's face was now even angrier than before, and he had began to growl.

"Spike!!!" Twilight and the others cried. But then............

SMASH!

The mirror then cracked from side to side and had most of the glass removed. Spike had taken his right fist and slammed it into the mirror breaking it, which proceeded to repeat several times.

"NO!" He shouted. "NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NOOOOOOOOOO!" Spike had completely destroyed the mirror and then began to take his anger out on the ice sculpture. Everypony ran to the other side of the room and watched in horror as he began to destroy the sculpture while he was screaming at the top of his lungs. For now Spike had gone from the most important guest of the party to the horror of the party. He continued to show his rage and horrid temper while smashing anything that he could get his claws on, and then his body began to cover itself in what appeared to be smoke. He let out another massive scream as he then grabbed the dessert table with the cake and punch and threw it against the far end of the room with a loud bang. Twilight was in absolute shock and the fears of Spike rampaging on his birthday because of greed came back to haunt her. The visions of him that day still hung fresh in her memory, but tonight this was something different. This was a rampage of pure anger and rage, a side of Spike not her, her friends or anypony else had ever seen. 

Spike then appeared to calm down and the anger and the rampaging stopped. Twilight could no longer see Spike from the cloud of smoke that covered his body. She began to move closer with Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Fluttershy, Starlight, Ember and Thorax walking with her side by side. Cadence and Shining Armor also joined in and walked next to them ready for anything. As they approached the plume of smoke started to dissipate and Spike's body could be shown, he had his back turned to them and he was panting lightly.

"Spike?" Twilight asked carefully. 

"Twi stay back!" Rainbow called.

"Twilight, just please be careful!" Shining warned. 

Twilight nodded and tried to put her hoof on Spike's back. But then Spike quickly turned around and had a death glare directed at Twilight. She was now face to face with a creature that she had never seen before and had become frozen in fear. Spike's teeth were now elongated, his claws had now doubled in length, the fins on his head had become sharper looking and his once pleasant emerald green eyes were now a horrid bright shade of red. 

"Spike?" Twilight asked nervously. Spike looked at Twilight and then the crowd of guests. Then the crowd of ponies were scared even more when Spike unleashed the loudest and mightiest roar he had ever done. 

"RRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAWWWWWWWWWRRRRRRR!"

The noise was deafening as everypony quickly covered their ears and then screamed loudly with fright. The force from the roar shook the entire building, and all the windows began to crack and then eventually shatter.

"Everypony RUN!" Mayor Mare called. The crowd of guests then started to thin as ponies went everywhere to try and get out of the banquet hall. Earth ponies ran out through doors and windows, pegasi flew away as far as their wings would take them, and the unicorns used whatever magic they had in order to get away from the angry dragon. 

Spike continued to unleash his anger via a massive roar which continued to shake the town hall till parts of the roof came falling to the floor. Twilight and Starlight quickly managed to deflect all the pieces of the roof away from them and the others while using a magic barrier. But because of the vibrations from Spike's roar the force was too strong for the barrier to hold, it then broke apart sending Twilight, Starlight and the others flying across the room like it was from an explosion. Twilight winced in pain as she checked herself for damage, she then noticed that Spike had stopped roaring at the top of his lungs and was now looking straight at them. 

Spike just stood still stiff as a board while standing over them and looked at his friends who had the most frightened looks on their faces. They were shaking with fear and adverting themselves from trying to make eye contact with him. Twilight then noticed that Spike's fins started to form back into their real shape, his claws then retracted, his elongated teeth disappeared back inside his mouth and his eyes returned to their colorful emerald green color. She also saw Spike began to look at his claws that were all scratched and cut up from his earlier rampage. Afterwards he then looked up showing that he had a horrified look on his face. 

"Twilight?" The confused dragon asked while trying to come to grips with everything that happened. "What did I just do? What just happened to me?"

Twilight didn't know what to say at this point, she was completely taken off guard by Spikes massive temper tantrum and the way he showed an incredible amount of power that she had never expected to see. Neither of them had! Spike continued to look at his friends who seemed to be keeping their distance from him, the looks on their faces told him that whatever he did had really terrified them. Tears then began to start streaming down his cheeks uncontrollably, the gut feeling of potentially hurting his friends that he cared about dug into his heart like a knife. He quickly turned around and ran out of the door as quickly as he could and disappeared into the night.

"SPIKE!" Ember called. She quickly went after her friend with Thorax right behind her. Starlight looked over at Twilight and the others.

"I'm going with them!" Starlight using her magic quickly teleported from the banquet room, leaving the others behind. Cadence and Shining Armor were a bit surprised by what Spike had done, but deep down they felt bad for him. Shining then gave a Cadence and Twilight both a hug and took off after Spike to help bring him back. 

"Twilight?" The Princess of love asked her sister in law, "Are you going to be okay?"

Twilight looked over at Cadence and then began to cry. She hugged her sister while burying her face into her shoulder. Twilight couldn't come up with any words as they just couldn't seem to find their way to come out. Cadence then noticed that the others had also began to tear up as well. It had become a sad night for all of them, it should of been a night for celebration but it turned out to be one of the saddest nights that they have ever experienced. 

Meanwhile Spike was running through the darkness, going as fast as his legs could carry him with the outskirts of Ponyville getting further and further behind him. He could hear Ember, Thorax and Starlight calling for him in the distance and he could swear that he heard Shining Armor calling his name as well. But Spike didn't want to talk to anypony, especially his friends. How could he? He had almost destroyed the entire building of city hall and had almost seriously hurt Twilight and the others. He had let his anger take control of his emotions and it led to him turning into a monster. He saw that he was close to the everfree forest, and then began to run even faster into the dark void. 

'Nopony will find me in there!' He said to himself. He ran through the forest, his chest burning deeply from running so much but he didn't stop and continued till he eventually came to a rather large pond deep in the middle of the forest. The young drake then looked into the still and calm water to look at his reflection. The only light that could be seen was the moon high above that barely penetrated through the thick brush and trees, but Spike could get a full glimpse of himself. The dragon looked deeply into the eyes of the reflection of himself, and began to get the same feeling of anger building deep inside him once more.

He then growled loudly while jamming his fists into the water over and over again, splashing himself with every thrust of his fists jamming into the water. He then finally stopped while panting heavily and trying to catch his breath. He then could see that his eyes had returned to that bright fiery shade of red, the fins on his head had become sharper, and could also see the smoke forming around his whole body. Spike then took several deep breaths and tried to calm down as much as he could. He then could see the new form of himself beginning to disappear and return himself back to normal. When Spike saw what he looked like after this strange transformation he began to cry again and this time he broke down falling to his knees while caressing his head in his claws.

"What have I become? Why is this happening to me?" He screamed in his mind. He wailed into the night, the noise echoing throughout the area of the swamp with no animals or anypony to hear him. 

End of Chapter Four.