> Spike’s True Secret
>  by jw278
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Chapter 1
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

It all started like any other day, Spike had woken up and done his chores for Twilight in the morning and now was free for the rest of the day. As he was lying on his bed flicking through another one of his favourite comics of The Power Ponies. He wasn’t really paying much attention to anything else. He was bored and thinking of things he could do to kill some time. That’s when he heard Twilight calling him from one of the many study rooms of the Crystal Castle.

With a speed that would impress Rainbow Dash, Spike was flying down the halls toward the study where Twilight was reading.

“Hey Twi, what’s up. You want something done, or maybe need a refill on the coffee?”

With an eagerness for something to do to beat the boredom he had, the dragon waited with a smile to see what he could do to help his closest friend.

Twilight stood up from her cushion and placed the book she was reading back on the shelf. With a gentle smile & a little shake of her head. Twilight looked upon the dragon and said, “No Spike, I don’t think more coffee would be a good idea. With all the coffee I’ve drank so far today, I’ll be lucky if I can sleep tonight.”

As a little chuckle could be heard from the number one dragon assistant, he looked at Twilight cheerfully.

“So what did you call me for? I mean if you don’t need anything or want some help.”

Twilight stood there for a moment lost in her own thoughts before speaking. 

“Oh, nothing important really. I just thought you may be bored and was thinking if you had nothing to do, you could have the rest of the day off. Rarity did mention that she would be working on some new dress designs today. I’m sure she could do with a spare hoof or a claw in your case,” Twilight put a hoof to her mouth and let out a few giggles. “If you want to go help her. I don’t think I’m going to be doing much today, though there are a few books I’ve been dying to read and Starlight’s out helping Trixie do Celestia knows what. So I don’t mind if you want to go help Rarity for the rest of the day.”

Before she even noticed, Spike was hovering just off the floor with a goofy smile and hearts in his eyes. 

“I take it that’s a yes then” She remarked with a cheeky grin before letting off another little giggle to herself. “Ok Romeo off you go & rescue your fair maiden from her nightmare of working all alone.”

Spike snapped out of his trance of the thought of being alone with Rarity and with a little red blush on his face and said, “Come on Twilight, you know I’d help any of our friends if they needed it. After all, you of all ponies know how important it is to help a friend in need. Princess Of Friendship.” 

Spike took a little bow & had a little smirk on his face.

“Ok, ok. Point taken, I’ll stop teasing you about your little crush on Rarity, now stop with the bowing. You know I don’t like it,” she says, giving him a half serious look and a playful shake of her head. “Whatever would I do without you, my wise number one assistant.”

After a little giggle of his own, Spike said, “I don’t know, probably get lost in all those books of yours and forget to eat. Which reminds me; I made some daisy sandwiches and put them in the fridge earlier. There’s also a salad made up, just in case I’m not back in time for dinner ok. I’ll go make a fresh pot of coffee for you now, so you don’t have to worry about running out.”

As Spike turned around and walked out the room, all he heard was, “Really, What would I do without you, little bother?” Though he couldn’t see her face, he was sure she had a smile on her face. He was sure because he knew without looking, that he too had a smile on his. As he walked away, he only had one thought: There’s nothing I wouldn’t do to keep that smile on your face big sis, for that is a smile that fills me with more hope and love than you will ever know.

After the coffee was made and a few cupcakes were placed in the fridge for Twilight to snack on, Spike headed out the door shouting his goodbyes and reminding his book worm sister to make sure to eat. With the echo of "be safe" coming from the castle as he shuts the door, Spike looked up & saw another beautiful sunny day without a cloud in sight. He set out on his way to Carousel Boutique, but first he had one stop to make on the way.

As Spike made his way through the streets of Ponyville, he could see and hear all sorts of ponies walking around or working from the market stalls. Most of them giving him a small nod or a hello as they passed by. It always put a smile on his face when he saw so many happy ponies walking around and some fillies and colts playing, having a nice quiet day. He always thought that the ponies here in Ponyville were special because no matter how many times the village was attacked or destroyed, the ponies here were always able to rebuild their homes and businesses together. In the end they were just glad to have one another in their lives.

As he made his way past some more shops, he finally came to the one shop he needed before going to Rarity’s. He opened the door and a little bell rang out to let the shopkeeper know someone just came in. 

“Why hello there Spike. What can I do for you today?”

As Spike looked at the smiling mare with a pale yellow coat, raspberry mane that had light raspberry streaks going through it, and a rose on her flank for a cutie mark. He smiled back and said, “Hey, Rose. How are you doing today?”

With a little giggle she answered, “You know, busy selling my flowers, just the usual. Nothing to write home about. How about you? I bet Twilight has got you running around doing all sorts, hmm Mr. number one assistant?” 

Another light giggle escaping her mouth.

Spike with a simple light shake of his head responded, “Nope, not today. Seems after doing all my morning work, I get the rest of the day off. It’s the reason I’m here actually.” 

Rose still with a smile on her face said, “Let me guess, you need some flowers for a certain white unicorn fashion designer?” letting off another giggle.

With a slight red blush now showing on his face and feeling like Rose was looking right through him, he quickly started to look anywhere but the mare, herself.

“I see you’ve got some lovely lilies in today,” Spike said as he walked over and gave them a quick sniff. “They smell great,” he continued, hoping by the time she answered the blush from his face would be gone. 

Rose just looked warmly at him with a soft gentle look in her eyes. 

"Oh Spike everypony in Ponyville knows about you’re not so little secret crush on Rarity," She thought. "It wouldn’t surprise me if all of Equestria and beyond knew about it with how bad you are at hiding it, but I guess that’s one of the cute things about you." 

She giggled to herself and said, “Thanks, Spike. The lilies are always a crowd pleaser. Though if you want my opinion, I think some roses would be better in your case.” 

Spike turned to look at the mare, thankful that the red from his cheeks was now gone and with a smile said, “Na, that’s ok. I already know what flowers I’m after. Do you have any dragon lilies? They’ve always been my favourite.”

“Yep sure do, let me just grab you some,” Rose answered before she started to wrap some lilies up for him. “I’ve always liked dragon lilies myself, though always thought the name was a bit strange. But then again who am I to say what’s strange, with all the weird stuff that’s happened around here.” 

At that they both burst into laughter. 

After wiping a tear from his eye from the fit of laughter, Spike responded with a smile, “That’s true, but we always bounce back. So what do I owe you Rose?”

Rose shook her head as Spike reached for his bits and said, "It's on the house, Spike." 

Spike looked at her and asked, “Are you sure? You know I don’t like taking things without earning them or paying my way."

Rose just shook her head and said, "You and your dragon code. Fine. You can consider payment made for services rendered.” 

Spike looked at her confused and said, “But I haven’t done anything." 

“Not true Spike. You put a smile on my face and we had a good laugh," Rose said. "I’d say that was worth every bit, wouldn’t you?” 

Spike let out a little giggle and said, "Fair enough, Rose,” with a smile.

As Rose passes Spike the dragon lilies, she said with her own smile to match his, “It's always a pleasure doing business with Ponyville’s favourite dragon.”

With a look of confusion on his face, Spike replied, “I’m the only dragon in Ponyville though, Rose.” 

Rose just looked at him while still smiling and said, “And even if you weren’t the only dragon in Ponyville, you would always be our favourite, Spike.” 

"Well thanks Rose. That means a lot to me hearing it come from a friend. I best be off though. I got a certain pony to help, see you later.” 

As Spike starts to walk out the door, Rose shouts, “Say hi to Rarity for me, lover drake.” 

He shouts back with a blush now showing on his face again, “Very funny, Rose," and gives a little playful shake of his head. "Enjoy the rest of your day.”

With the dragon lilies in his claw, Spike starts making his way to Carousel Boutique, home of the element of generosity, fashion designer and mare of his dreams, Rarity. Spike soon finds himself standing outside the boutique, with a slow breath and a knock on the door. He waited for the mare to answer and after what felt like a lifetime but was in fact only a minute before the door opened and there was the most beautiful mare he had ever seen. "I could get lost in those blue eyes of hers forever and be happy for all eternity," Spike thought before quickly snapped out of his trance when he heard her speak.

“Spike, what a pleasant surprise darling," Rarity said. "Whatever brings you here on such a lovely day?” 

Spike looks at her, hoping he wasn’t blushing from staring at her too long. 

“Hi Rarity, nothing much. Twilight mentioned you had a bit of work to do today and since I have the rest of the day off, I thought I’d come over and see if there was anything I could help you with. You know if you want. Oh I almost forgot, these are for you. Rose says hi by the way.”

Rarity looks down at his claws and sees the dragon lilies. 

“Oh Spikey-wikey, you didn’t have to do that, but thank you darling," she said with a small smile and blush showing on her face. "They're beautiful. Really, thank you. I do hope Rose is doing well. Such a kind mare. I must remember to pay her a visit the next time I'm out shopping.”

Spike smiled and mumbled under his breath, “Nothing's as beautiful as you Rarity.”

“Mmm, what was that darling did you say something? I didn’t quite hear you.” 

Panicked with what he just said out loud instead of in his head, like he thought, Spike tries to change the subject. 

“I said you should put these in a vase,” He lied. 

Rarity looked for a moment and said, “Oh yes, yes of course. How rude of me here. We are standing on my doorstep like strangers. Where are my manners. Please, Spike, won't you come in?” 

Rarity steps back inside with Spike following just behind.

As they walk to Rarity's work area, all Spike could see was fabrics, bits of paper & all sorts, all over the place. "This was Rarity’s organized chaos," was all that crossed his mind as he looked around with a smile.

“Please excuse the mess, darling, but you know how I can get when I get in the zone as it were,” Rarity said, holding her hoof to her mouth to stifle a giggle.

Spike always liked the way she laughed. He thought it just made her more dazzling, if that was at all possible. Joining in on the little giggle, he said, “That’s ok, Rarity. If I’ve learned anything with my time with you, it’s that beauty can come from anything. You just have to be willing to look past what’s on the outside and see the beauty within.” 

Spike reached down to pick up a bit of fabric off the floor as he continued. “Other ponies may see this as a mess, but we both know that this is organized chaos and I have no doubt that given time, this mess will shine brighter than any star in the night sky. I give you my word as a dragon on that." 

As Spike looks up and over at Rarity, she quickly turns around to hide her face from him. 

“Everything ok, Rarity?” Spike asked, unsure of why the mare was so quick to turn around.

In a very calm voice she responds, “Yes, Spikey-wikey and that’s very sweet and kind of you to say. I’ll be right back,  please make yourself at home. I’m just going to stick these flowers in a vase.”  

As Rarity leaves the room, Spike gets a little worried. 

"I wonder if I said something to upset her," he thought. "I don’t think I did, she said she was ok. I’m probably just thinking about it too much."

He started chuckling to himself and said, "Wow, me thinking too much. Twilight would be proud.

Now that Rarity was in the kitchen, she could wipe the tear from her eye. She could tell without looking she had a blush on her face brighter than Big Mac’s coat. 

"Oh, Spikey-wikey, you don’t know how much that meant to me," she thought. "How is it you always seem to be able to say such heartfelt and sweet words to me? With such ease and sincerity, you just don’t know how special you are to me." While putting the flowers into the vase, Rarity gives them a sniff. "Element of generosity indeed, that title is his and always was," she thought. "He’s always giving and helping not just me but every creature he comes across and he asks for nothing in return. To everypony else I’m the element of generosity, but when it comes to him. I’m more greedy and selfish than any dragon." 

The blush now gone from her face and just a sad small smile sits in its place. 

"Oh, my precious scales, you truly are a prince among princes." 

With one last sniff of the gift from Spike, Rarity heads back into the other room.

“Sorry, darling,” she says, giving him a small smile. “I had trouble finding a vase. I do hope I didn’t keep you waiting to long.” 

Spike just smiles back and said, “Not at all, Rarity.”

"I’d wait forever for you," he secretly thought. Before asking, “You sure you’re ok?”

Rarity looks at him with a big smile and said, “Yes, dear. Perfectly fine. It’s just I have a lot of work to do and don’t think I could get it done as fast as I would like. But with the number one assistant in all of Ponyville by my side, there’s nothing we can’t do.” 

"Oh sweet Celestia, just one wish. If nothing else, I don’t care what any pony thinks or what I have to give up. Just let me be greedy and selfish with this dragon, my knight in shining scales," she thought. 

“Ok, Spikey-wikey. Let’s get to work, shall we?” She suggested. 

Spike stands ready and salutes saying, “Ready when you are, Rarity.”

Both give off a little chuckle. 

The time just flew by as they worked side by side in harmony together. 

"Here you go, Rarity. I thought you could do with a drink," Spike said. "I hope you don't mind but I grabbed myself one as well." 

“Not at all. Thank you, Spike, I could do with a break," Rarity said with a smile. "Although, I'm almost done now. Just a few more bits of fabric to finish on this one last design and we can call it a day. Why don’t you go sit down over there and rest. This won’t take long.”

“Well, okay, Rarity. If you're sure you don't need anything. But if you need any help at all just call, ok?”

Rarity gives him a small nod as she continues with her work, clearly in the zone. 

“Yes, Spike, I will call if I need something. Thank you. You've worked very hard today dear, so go relax for a bit.” 

Satisfied with the work he helped Rarity complete, Spike takes a seat and watches her work. Even though nothing was being said, Spike was happy just to be near her and decides to have a stretch on the comfy chair. 

"To be fair, you could probably fit three stallions of Big Mac’s size on this chair and they wouldn’t be squashed together either." Spike thought to himself. "It never did make sense to me. Why would Rarity need such a big chair? Oh well I’ll leave the thinking to Twilight." 

Happily Spike closed his eyes for just a moment.



************



“Spikey-wikey, wakey wakey eggs & haybakey.” 

Spike could feel somepony watching him and as if he was hit with lightning, Spike suddenly remembered where he was and shot up.

“Rarity I’m so sorry I fell asleep. How long was I out for?” 

Rarity who was now standing over him just smiled and said, “Relax, Spike, you were only asleep for about 30 minutes. It's ok with all the work you’ve done today, I'd say you were entitled to have a little nap. Now I hope you don’t mind but I prepared a little dinner for us as my way of thanking you for all your help today.” 

Spike just looked at her and said, “Rarity, you didn’t have to do that. I'm just glad I was able to help you.”

“That really is very sweet of you to say Spike, but I must insist that you allow me to do this small thing as a way of thanking you for everything you've done for me today," Rarity said firmly. "My pride as a lady will have it no other way and besides it would be considered very rude for a gentledrake to refuse a lady's offer."

"Well if you put it that way, then there is no way I can refuse," Spike said. "After all, I am a gentledrake, so lead the way, my fair lady." 

After hoping down from the chair, Spike takes a small bow & raises an eye to look at Rarity.

After holding back a small filly-like giggle, Rarity said, "Oh, come now, Spike it’s just a little salad, nothing fancy. Now won’t you join me in the kitchen?” 

As Rarity and Spike walked into the kitchen, Spike saw all sorts of foods like swiss cheese, cucumber, tomato, romaine lettuce, and sandwiches. He could hear his stomach rumbling at the site of the food. Rarity let off a little giggle and Spike rubbed the back of his head & blushes a bit. 

“I guess I’m hungrier than I thought.”

“That’s quite alright, Spikey, truth be told, I’m a little hungry myself after all the work we did today. I've worked up quite the appetite myself. Please have a seat, would you like some nice cold cider to drink?” 

Spike sat down opposite to Rarity and said, “Sure thing, Rarity. Thanks again for this. I really appreciate it.”

Rarity puts his drink down on the table and says, “Think nothing of it, dear. It’s the least I could do for all you’ve done to help me today. Why, if it wasn't for you, it would have taken me all day to get these new designs done. May be even longer, so I assure you. It is I that am grateful and although this isn't much in the way of paying you back for all you have done, it comes from the bottom of my heart. So thank you, Spike."

Time seemed to pass by as they ate. They spoke about what their friends have been up to, how Rarity’s businesses where doing, how Spike got to spend some time with the princesses on what they called royal business, just about anything and everything they could think of. Before long, the meal was over and Spike, being the gentledrake he is, offered to clean up as thanks for the dinner, but Rarity just said to leave it there for now. As they went back into the other room, Spike sat on the comfy big chair again, but to his surprise, Rarity was sitting next to him instead of in her chair that she normally sat in when entertaining guest.

Spike turned to look at Rarity and was about to say something, but he stopped himself when he saw the mare looking down at her hoofs and had such a sad look on her face as if she was about to burst into tears at any moment. He had to find out why she was so sad. 

“Rarity, what’s the matter? I’ve already said I don’t mind doing the dishes and cleaning up after that wonderful dinner you prepared for us.”

Rarity just shook her head slowly and then looked at Spike with a gentle smile. 

“Oh Spike. You really are something else, so caring, kind, honest, loyal and ever so very loving," she said sweetly.

Spike could feel his face starting to get hot, but couldn’t look away from the mare. 

As Rarity continued to look at him, she went on, saying, “Spike, it seems our roles are reversed for you are the most generous creature I’ve ever known. While I am nothing but a greedy and selfish mare.”

Spike went to say something, but Rarity just put a hoof to his lips.

“It’s rude to interrupt a lady while she’s still speaking Spike,” she said. Spike just slowly nodded and Rarity removed her hoof from his lips. “What I meant to say, Spike, is I’m greedy and selfish when it comes to you. I’ve known about your crush on me for a long time and that’s all I thought it was until the day you gave me that lovely fire ruby.” 

A blush now coming to her face as she remembers that day, where a big scary dragon foalnapped her and how said dragon turned out to be Spike. “Even after that I tried to convince myself that it was just a crush and you would grow out of it, but you just kept coming up with new ways to creep into my heart and before I knew it you were the first thing I thought of when I woke and the last as I went to sleep.”

Spike gulped and with his heart feeling like it would burst out of his chest and his whole body feeling like it was about to erupt into flames at any moment, he had to ask - no, he needed to ask, “Rarity wh... What are you trying to say?”

With a light giggle, she answered, “Spike, I know how everypony sees me. Just some mare using your crush to get you to do free labor for me, but like that organized chaos mess from earlier. That’s all they see, a mess. The truth is, Spike, I find reasons to get you to help me because I’m greedy, selfish and want you all to myself. I want you to only look at me, to be near me.” 

Rarity slowly starts to move her face closer to Spike, their lips almost touching as she finishes what she’s wanted to say for so long. 

“Because, My Spikey-Wikey,” in almost a whisper that would put Fluttershy to shame she says. “I love you.”

As their lips finally meet, Spike couldn’t believe what was happening. The mare of his dreams loves him and they were kissing. 

"If the world comes to an end right now, I wouldn’t care," he thought as they continued to kiss tenderly for what felt like forever to the drake. 

They eventually pulled away from each other both with crimson faces and breathing a bit heavier. 

Spike looked at Rarity and said, “I’ve always dreamt of a day like this. I love you Rarity and I always have since the first day I saw you.” 

With a smile on her face bigger than even Pinkie Pie could do (that’s saying something), she leaned forward to kiss him. 

Then all of a sudden, the room grew cold and dark. Spike started to feel sick as a cold sweat came over him and a sinister laugh seem to come from the dark shadows. Spike started to panic, pushing Rarity back a bit.

Rarity started to look around the room but could see nothing. So she asked, “Who’s there? Show yourself, this is most improper to come into somepony else’s house uninvited & interrupt their privacy in such a manner.”

But instead, the laughter grew louder. They could both see a shape coming from the kitchen but couldn’t make it out, then the laughter stopped and all the shape said was. “I see,” the voice said and his laughter got louder once again but before either one could say anything, they froze in place, out of fear. For as they looked at the dark shape, all they could see from it was the reddest eyes, almost like they were crimson blood. As the dark shape kept laughing it said, “I know your real secret.” 

With one final evil laugh, the room went blacker than the night sky.

Spike shot up screaming at the top of his voice into the darkness, “NNNOOOOOO!!!!!”

“Spike calm down dear. You just had a bad dream.” 

Spike, now looking around and gasping for air, saw Rarity coming over to him from where she was working, with a glass of water for him. Spike looking petrified, after taking a few gulps of water to calm down asked, “I... Was just dreaming?” 

Rarity looking a bit worried, nodded her head. “Yes dear, I was just finishing up my last design when you must have nodded off. I'd say it’s only been about 15 minutes.”

Spike looked at her with tears forming in the corner of his eyes.

“So we didn’t have dinner in the kitchen or anything like that?”

Rarity looking at him less worried and a bit confused.

“No, Spike, but if you are hungry. I can whip us up something to eat now, with a small smile on her face. I could do with a break, what do you say to a light lunch?"

Spike just shook his head, still clearly shaken by what just happened and still sad that it was all just a dream. 

“No thank you, Rarity, maybe some other time," he said. "I think I’m just going to head home for the day, if that’s ok with you."

Rarity looked a bit sad and hurt that Spike had said no to her offer of lunch. It was the first time she could think of that Spike had flat out said no to her, but after what just happened to him, she could understand him not wanting too. 

“O..o... Of course Spikey-wikey. If that is what you want to do. I do hope you're feeling a little better now.”

Spike got up out the chair and hugged the mare as tightly as he could. 

“I am now, thanks to you,” he said.

Rarity, now holding Spike in her own embrace and satisfied that the dragon had calmed down from his nightmare, gave him a small smile. 

After letting go, Spike walked towards the door. He turned and looked at Rarity one last time before leaving, with a smile now on his face. 

“Thanks again Rarity, you always seem to have a way of calming me down," he said. "It means a lot to me to have somepony like you in my life. I just wanted to let you know that.”

Now with a bit of a blush on her face, Rarity gives him one last smile and says, “Anytime Spikey-wikey. For you, any time. Please take care going back to the castle won't you dear,"

"Of course Rarity," Spike replied.

With that Spike left Carousel Boutique and started making his way back towards the Crystal Castle. Try as he might though, he couldn't forget that dream. 

"It was all a dream. Nothing more, just a dream," he thought to himself. 

Feeling a bit sad at the thought of him and Rarity kissing being just a dream, he suddenly remembered that voice and shape.

"Those red eyes & that laugh. It felt so real. It can’t be, it was just a dream that’s all. It was... A dream."
> Chapter 2
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Spike had made his way back to the Crystal Castle and stood outside the door, still unsure and shaken of what that nightmare was. He remembered a breathing exercise that Twilight and the other princesses used to calm down, so in the hope that it would help do the same for him, he decided to give it ago.

"Breath in and slowly breath out," he said to himself. 

After doing this a few times, he was feeling a bit better and decided to just push it to the back of his head for now.

"Hey Twi, I'm back," he announced 

As he walked back into the castle, he looked around and saw books everywhere he looked. There in the middle of a mountain of books, he saw Twilight with her head in a book.

Twilight looked up to see Spike standing there and placed the book she was reading on a table next to her coffee. 

"Oh, welcome home Spike. How did it go with Rarity? Was she able to get her new designs finished?"

"Yeah all done. It was a lot of hard work but you know Rarity, when she gets in the zone there's no stopping her," Spike answered. "And considering the mess of books all over the place, I'd say somepony managed to get some reading done. You did remember to eat, right?

Letting of a little giggle at the dragons question, Twilight answered, "Yes, Spike I remembered to eat and thanks for the cupcakes by the way, they were delicious. You know what Spike? I really love days like this." 

A warm smile came onto her face as she stretched. "Just being able to read a good book without having to worry if the worlds gonna end. Days like this really are the best."

"I couldn't agree more, I should probably go whip up something for Starlight and Trixie," Spike said. They'll probably be hungry when they come back to Ponyville and you know Trixie. That mare can eat."

"Oh that's ok, Spike, I got a letter from Starlight shortly after you left," Twilight said. "She said they are going to be staying in Fillydelphia for a week or so. Something about helping Trixie with her great and powerful show, so I wrote her back and told her not to rush back and to enjoy herself. After all, spending time with your friends is just as important than studying."

Holding back a little giggle of his own after hearing Twilight say that, Spike said, "You of all ponies saying that always makes me laugh, but I'm glad she's having fun though. So you want me to cook up some food for just you and me then?"

"No, that's ok, Spike," Twilight replied. "I'm full and I still have some leftovers I can eat later. Unless you want then saved, you can make anything up for yourself."

"Na, I'm not really hungry just yet, but thanks," Spike replied. "Besides, I got some gems in my room if I want a snack, so I'm good. I guess I can just help around here for a bit. Why don't you go back to reading whatever it is you were reading, I'm just going to sort out that pile of book over there. You finished reading those right?"

"Yep sure have," Twilight answered. "They were some great reads to. Thanks Spike, don't put them to far out of hoof though, I may want to re-read them after I'm finished with this one."

"You got it Twi. Well, better get started then."

Time just seemed to pass by quickly as the once book-covered floor was now clean once again. Then there was a knock on the castle door. 

"I think somepony's at the door. You mind getting that, Spike?" Twilight asked.

"Sure, No problem. I just finished sorting out that mess of a pile of books any ways," Spike answered.

"Thanks Spike, I just got to the really good part in this book. It's abo..."

Cutting of the mare before she went any further, Spike quickly said, "Got to get the door remember? Be right back." Spike ran to the front door wondering who it could be. They were not expecting anypony today.

As he opened the door, his pupils shrank and he stuttered, "Hi, what can I..I... Rarity, hi. What are you doing here? Come in, come in." "I wonder why she's here, not that I mind but it hasn't been that long since I left her," he thought.

Making her way inside, she turned to look at Spike and said, "Thank you Spikey. I'm sorry to come over so soon after you left, but you see, I.. I.. Wa.. Wan..." 

"Come on, Rarity. He's standing right there," she thought to herself. "Just say it. Come on. You said you weren't going to run. You said you were going to be honest for once. I mean look at him. Don't you think he has a right to know how you feel after all this time? You owe him that much, but more importantly, you owe it to yourself! come on!!!!" 

Rarity feels her face going red as the small dragon looked at her with wonder. 

"I wanted to... Oh Twilight dear, how are you?"

Twilight started to walk towards her friend by the door. 

"Hey Rarity, I'm great thanks just finishing up some light reading," she answered before looking at Rarity a bit worried and confused. "Not that it's not great to see you, but is everything ok? You're looking a little flustered."

Giving off a little smile, Rarity looked at the other mare and said, "Oh, that's sweet of you to ask dear. Everything's fine. I assure you." 

Spike still looking at Rarity said, "Well, that's a relief, I thought that maybe we forgot to finish something before I left. I'd hate the idea of just leaving when I said I was going to help you."

"That's very sweet of you, Spikey. There is one thing we did forget to be honest with you though and that is why I'm here." After taking a quick breath and said, "You see Spike, we finished all the work but I never got the chance to thank you properly before you left."

"Rarity, that's ok. I'm glad to help you any time, you know that. You don't need to do anything for me. Just knowing I was able to help you, Is all the thanks I need," he said as he looks at her with a gentle smile.

"Oh dear sweet Celestia, give me strength. This drake has no idea what he's doing to me," Rarity thought.

"NO!" A bit surprised at her own outburst, she calmed herself down and started again after clearing her throat. "What I mean to say is. I'm afraid that won't do Spike, I must insist that you allow me to thank you properly. Anything else would be an insult to you and myself as a lady. Now you mentioned something about dinner earlier, if you haven't already eaten. How would going out for dinner sound to you?"

Spike was sure his face was redder than anything he could imagine. The mare of his dreams was asking him to dinner. He knew this was only as friends and to thank him for his help but still, she was asking him. It didn't help that he was remembering that one great bit of the dream he had earlier, where he and Rarity kissed. Spike realized that he was spacing out and snapped himself out of it.

"Sure Rarity. I haven't eaten yet and dinner sounds like a great idea to me. So what's the plan?"

Rarity just looking happy with herself, stood there for a second to take in his answer before smiling. 

"Excellent, dear nothing to fancy. Though I do like to dress up at times. Tonight I was just thinking a nice quiet meal at The Rustic Hoof would be the best thing after all our work today. wouldn't you agree?"

"Yeah, sounds like that's just what I need, I can't wait. shall we say 8 o'clock?" 

Spike couldn't stop the goofy smile coming on his face, even if he tried.

stifling a giggle, as she looked at him. 

"Yes, 8 o'clock is fine. It gives me enough time to get ready. Oh, of course, where are my manners?" Turning to look at Twilight. "You're more than welcome to join us of course Twilight, if you wish. 

"I know this is selfish but please say noooo!!!! I just want it to be me and spike!!" She thought.

"Thank you for the offer, Rarity but if it's all the same, I think I'll pass," Twilight says. "I've already eaten and I still have a book to finish, not to mention the leftovers from earlier. Thanks all the same."

"Well, as long as you're sure darling, I guess I really should take my leave. I still need to sort a few things out before tonight. I'll see you at The Rustic Hoof at 8 o'clock then, Spikey-wikey." 

Giving him a smile as she looked at him, she takes her leave.

"Wait, Rarity. If you don't mind, I'll come by the Boutique to pick you up," Spike offered. "That is if you don't mind me escorting you to The Rustic Hoof. After all it's the least I can do. Not to mention it's the gentleman's duty to escort a lady to dinner, wouldn't you agree, my lady?" 

Taking a small bow and looking at her with a toothy grin on his face.

Rarity giggled and said, "Yes, quite right, Spikey-Wikey. Very well, I look forward to seeing you later. Please get to the Boutique at quarter to eight then. It'll give us some time to get there." She starts walking out the castle, and said "Ta-ta."

Spike starts to wave as Rarity walks away and said, "Ok, Rarity I'll see you then. Take care on the way home." 

Once she's out of view, Spike closes the door and turned to see Twilight with a big smile on her face.

"Oh my CELESTIA!!!! Spike you're going on a date with RARITY!!!!" She exclaimed. "I...I... I can't believe this! My little brothers got a date! It's amazing your first date Spike and with one of my closest friends! I couldn't be happier for you!"

After thinking on what she just said out loud, her smile vanished and panic started to take over. 

"Wait, my brother and one of my best friends are going on a date. What if it doesn't work out? What if they have a fight? It could ruin all our friendships forever!" Twilight starts to freak out.

"Twi, calm down, that won't happen," Spike said calmly. "No matter what we will always be friends. Besides you're reading too much into this. Rarity's just taking me to dinner to thank me for all the work I helped her with today. It's not a date. So stop freaking out."

After taking a few deep breaths to calm herself, Twilight turned to Spike and said, "I don't know, Spike. Rarity seemed pretty happy about going to dinner with you. In fact, if you ask me, I kind of got the feeling she didn't want me to tag along."

"Come on Twi, that's not true. She offered you to come because we're friends. And besides, it can't be a date," Spike said, before he started to get a goofy look in on his face. "I mean come on. She's the most beautiful and generous pony around. Not to mention one of the top fashion designers in all of Equestria,"

Then he stops, like something just hit him. Spikes goofy look disappeared before he said, "And what am I?" Spike starts to look at the reflection of himself on the floor. "Just some dumb baby dragon who likes to make believe he's more than an assistant."

"HEY! how dare you talk about yourself like that. Just an assistant, REALLY!?!" Twilight rebuked using her hoof to raise his chin to look at her. "Could an assistant save a whole empire, not once but twice? And don't forget it was you that made friends with the changelings, First Friend Spike. Now the changeling are living with us in peace and we have become friends with them. You took part in the Gauntlet of Fire and won. Then after becoming dragon lord, you gave it up in a heartbeat for us and made a friend in the process, insuring not only the safety of all of Equestria but bringing dragons and ponies closer together than ever before. That's not even mentioning what you do for our friends or myself on a daily basis. So Spike just an assistant, I think not. You are so much more than you see but I see it, Rarity sees it, we all do. You are amazing and don't you ever forget that."

"Y..you really think that?" Spike asked as he wiped the tears from his eyes as he looks at her.

"I don't think it, Spike, I know it." Twilight said while pulling him into a loving embrace and wiping a tear from her eye. "And if you ever forget that, I'll be here to remind you of it every time, my number one assistant."

Returning the hug, Spike said, "Thanks Twilight. You're the best and I know I don't say this much but I love you, sis." Spike pulls away and smiles at her.

"I love you too little brother," Twilight replied with a warm smile. "Ok, it's time for you to start getting ready. Go have a shower and sort yourself out for your big night."

"Will do. Oh, and Twilight, I have a favor to ask," Spike said. "While I'm getting ready, you think you could run to Rose's shop and grab me some flowers? I can't go empty clawed when I go to get Rarity. What would she think? I'd go myself of course but, by the time I've got ready the shop will be closed."

"Sure thing, Spike," Twilight replied. "I'll go now just to be sure I can get some nice ones. Any flowers in particular?"

"Yeah, I think roses would be a nice change," Spike answered. "Oh, and one last thing, please don't tell anypony about this dinner tonight. I wouldn't want to start any rumours, you know how ponies like to talk."

"Rose. Got it. And don't worry, Spike I won't say anything to anypony. I pinkie promise."





************






Meanwhile, on the other side of Ponyville, Rarity finds herself standing outside her mom and dad's house. 

"Ok you can do this." she thought. "It's just talking to them. It's nothing to freak out about. Deep breath Rarity. You got this."

"Hello mother, father. I'm home for a visit." she announced as she walks through the door, looks around to find her parents and hears her mother shouting from the kitchen.

"Hi sweetheart! I'm in the kitchen! Come on in!" She called out.

Rarity walked through to the kitchen where she saw her mother putting out some fresh baked cookies. 

"Seems I made it just in time for some cookies," Rarity said. "I do hope you have some oatmeal one's. You know how much I like those."

Cookie Crumbles gave a nod of her head and said, "But of course, dear. I wouldn't dream of leaving my little diamond's favourite cookies out now would I? Not that I'm ungrateful for the surprise visit or anything, but to be honest I wasn't expecting to see you today. I thought you had work to do."

After taking a seat at the kitchen table and helping herself to a cookie, Rarity replied, "Oh well, yes mother, I had quite a lot to get done but was able to finish earlier than I had planned, thanks to a little help. I thought I'd pop by for a visit since I don't get enough chances to visit as of late with all the orders and business I've been getting. It can be a bit troublesome finding time to come see you and father. Speaking of which, Where is Father and Sweetie Belle?"

Cookie takes the seat opposite Rarity and said, "You know your Father. He's out fishing down by the lake. Says he's gonna catch a big load today. I never see the point myself but it keeps him happy," she puts a hoof to her mouth to stifle a giggle. "As for your sister. She's out with the other CMC members. Something about a little filly needing there help to find their cutie mark. Whatever they're doing, I just hope they don't cause to much trouble."

"Yes well they do have a knack for getting themselves into trouble, but I'm sure they are fine," Rarity said, holding back a little giggle of her own before finishing her cookie. "So how have you and father been any way?"

Cookie just looks at her and said, "We're doing just great Rarity," before letting out a sigh, "Look, Rarity it's not that I don't like it when you come to visit. Far from it in fact. It's just I can tell something is bothering you and I'm guessing that's the reason you've really come here today, so out with it my little filly. You know you can tell me anything."

After taking a deep sigh herself, Rarity said, "I should of known better. You always could see right through me, no matter what. Just like the time I wanted to open a shop and run my own business. I was so worried about how I was going to tell you and if you would thing it was a good idea. Then boom, just like now you looked right through me and told me to say what was on my mind. How do you do it?"

After a little giggle, Cookie replied, "I may not be an element of harmony or a princess, like you and your friends, but it's kind of like a super power everypony gets when they become parents. We can just tell. You'll understand one day when you have foals of your own. So what is it. Somepony giving you trouble? Or is it something else? Maybe boy trouble?"

"I see, that power of yours is truly something, Rarity remarked. "Ok mom. I really don't know how to say this so just bear with me. You are right though, it has to do with a boy. I don't know what to do mom. He's the most caring, kindest, hardworking and loyal creature I've ever met. That's only a few things I could say about him. He's funny and ever so smart but tries to hide it. He always gives any challenge he faces 100% and never backs down when faced with adversity and there's nothing he won't do to help a friend."

"In short, he's everything I've ever dreamed of and I like him, mom. Really, really like him. But I'm so scared. What if this doesn't work out? What if we fallout? It could ruin everything. Not just our friendship but all the friendships we have. Not to mention what other ponies will think. It could even ruin my businesses. I don't know what to do. I can't understand myself lately. He's all I think about. I find any reason to be near him. I get upset if I can't see him or jealous of others being around him. It's like he's mine and no other creature can have him." 

Feeling the tears starting to well up, she puts her hoofs to her face and starts to sob.

"Wh..what do I do mom?"

Cookie stands up and walks over to Rarity and pulls her into an embrace.

"It seems it's finally happened. My little diamond has found love and by the sounds of it, you've fallen hard." 

She giggled to herself before she continued.

"Yes, you've had little crushes here and there, some of which I question who you get your taste from. This is different though isn't it? In all honesty, I can't help you Rarity, even though I want nothing more than to do so right now. I can't help you because this is something only you can do. It has to be your decision whether you go forward or stay where you are. It's all part of growing up, my little one and sometimes it hurts. But if we're lucky, it can be the most magical thing in the world. Even better than the Magic of Friendship."

"Yes it's risky. You could very well lose it all, but you could gain so much more. Just like the day you told us about wanting to open up a shop. The risk was there and you faced it head on. Now look at you, one of the top fashion designers in all of Equestria and a hero to all. You and your friends inspire all around you to be better than they are, to have the courage to stand for what they believe in. I couldn't be more prouder of you." 

Using her hoof to stroke her mane, Cookie smiled and said, "Now the only real question you need to ask yourself is, are you ready to take the risk?" She lifts Rarity's head up to make eye contact, "Well, my little diamond are you ready?" 

Rarity wipes the remaining tears from her eyes and smiles.

"Thank you mother. You always know what to say," she said standing up from the chair and pulling Cookie into her own hug, "You are amazing and I'm the luckiest mare around to have you as my mother." she broke the hug and looked at her mom saying, "You're right. What is the point if I'm not prepared to take the risk? Well no more standing around. I hate to leave so soon, but I have a date to get ready for. Before I go though, don't you want to know who I was talking about?"

Cookie burst into laughter and said, "That's a good one, Rarity," before wiping a tear from her eye. "Please, any pony with a pair of eyes can see who you are head over hoofs for. It's not hard to see. That little dragon is crazy about you and just so we're clear, I'm sure I can speak for the rest of the family when I say this, couldn't be happier for you. That dragon is one fine catch." 

Cookie started to burst into laughter again after she saw Rarity go bright red.

"Mother!!! Really what are you a little filly!?!" Rarity exclaimed after taking a breath to try to calm down. "It's really ok? You know that he's a dragon. It doesn't bother you at all?"

"Nope not one bit," Cookie said reassuringly. "He could be a changeling for all I care. The only thing that matters to me is that he makes you happy and if he ever makes you cry, not even Celestia herself will stop me from making him pay. Dragon or not, he will rue the day he hurt you."

"Spike would never hurt me, mother, you know that," Rarity said with a smile. "Well now that you know, I feel much better and thank you for understanding and for your help. I really must be off though, I need to get ready." 

After one last hug, Rarity starts to walk out the kitchen when she hears, "bye-bye, my little one. Better hurry. Wouldn't want to keep your Spikey-wikey waiting now, would we? Have fun tonight, my little diamond." 

And shortly after that, another fit of giggles followed.

"Seriously, that mother of mine," Rarity thought, Shaking her head to try and get rid of the blush now on her face. In a deadpan voice to try and hide her embarrassment she replied, "Yes, Mother. I will and see you later ok?" 

Now stepping outside she takes in a deep breath of fresh air. 

"Right, no more hiding or running, it's time to take a risk. Ready or not here I come," she thought as she makes her way back home to start getting ready.
> Chapter 3
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"This is it. I'm 5 minutes early, but I'm sure that she'll be ready." Spike thought standing in front of Carousel Boutique, with one claw holding the roses Twilight got for him. He took a slow, deep breath to calm himself and used his free claw to knock on the door. Inside he could hear the sound of hoofs getting closer towards him, until the door opened.

"Spikey, you're here and 5 minutes early no less," Rarity said happily.

The white mare stood at the door with a smile on her face as she looked at him and a red tint started to come across her face as she looked at what he had in his claws. 

"Are those for me?" she asked.

Spike just stood there frozen on the spot, looking at the white mare that shined in the night, like he'd never seen before. He cleared his throat to compose himself and said, "Yes, sorry, these are for you. I hope you don't mind. I Just thought you may like them."

Starting to panic a bit, he lifted the roses towards her and said. 

"It's ok if you don't like them. I just wanted to get you some nice flowers. Oh, you look amazing by the way," he said as a blush started to appear across his own face.

Letting out a little giggle, Rarity replied, "Oh, Spikey-wikey, you didn't have to do that but thank you. They are beautiful."

Using her magic, she took them from Spike and held them to her nose, giving them a good sniff before saying, "They smell divine," then placed them on a table. "You are looking quite handsome yourself, Spikey." Her face began to go a darker red, clearing her throat to change the subject as the dragon looked at her with a red face. "Though I must admit, I'm not quite ready yet. If it's ok with you, would you mind taking a seat? I just need to go grab something from upstairs. I promise it will only take a moment."

"Not at all Rarity, I'm a few minutes early any way. I don't mind waiting for you, please take your time," Spike replied.

Making his way inside, Spike took a seat as Rarity closed the door and trotted off upstairs.

"I'll just be a moment," Rarity said as she went upstairs.

Spike took this time to calm himself down a bit from the shock that Rarity thought he looked handsome. It was the first time he could think of that she had said that about him. 

"She thinks I look handsome! Rarity thinks I'm handsome!" He thought while having a little giggle to himself. He heard her coming back down the stairs where Rarity noticed his giggling and asked, "What's so funny, Spikey-wikey?

Spike turned to look at her as she made her way down the stairs and said, "Oh, Nothi- WOW!!!!" Spike clasped his claws to his mouth, in shock and amazement. Before he had the chance to recover or say anything else, Rarity started making her way over to him, letting out a laugh and with her face completely red as she stood there in front of him.

"I take it, that means you approve of my choice of accessories this evening then?" She asked, putting a hoof to her mouth to stifle another laugh from escaping. There she stood in all her natural beauty with nothing else but a Fire Ruby necklace hanging from her neck. 

Spike was in awe as he stared at Rarity while asking, "Is that the Fire Ruby I gave you?"

Looking pleased with herself, Rarity answered, "Yes, Spikey. This is the same Fire Ruby you so selflessly gave to me on your birthday. I hope you don't mind. I know I said we didn't have to dress up. It's just I never get many chances to wear this and I thought tonight was the perfect time."

"Not at all. I mean you look absolutely amazing. What I mean is, you always look amazing of course but tonight you look perfect," Spike said before throwing his claws over his mouth after realizing what he just said and turning bright red.

"Good one, idiot. What the hay were you thinking?" He thought to himself.

Leaning over, Rarity kisses him on the cheek and said, "You really do know what to say to make a mare feel special, Spikey." 

Looking at him, she couldn't help go bright red herself as he got that goofy look on his face that she loved so much. It was a look he only ever did for her. It was her goofy look and she loved it.

Spike snapped out of his trance and placed a claw where Rarity had kissed him. 

"It's a good thing I'm a dragon, cuz if I wasn't I think I'd of burst into flames by now," he thought.

"Hey Rarity, I know we have to go and all, but do you think I could borrow a bit of parchment and a quill real quick?" He asked. "I have something I want to show you. It will only take a moment."

"Something you want to show me?" Rarity asked with a twinkle of curiosity in her eye before she summoned some parchment and a quill over to Spike with her magic. "I'm sure whatever it is, I'm going to love it, darling." 

She watched the little drake scribble something down and set it alight in a green flame before he said with a nervous smile.

"I hope so. The truth is I've had it for awhile but I guess I've just been to nervous to show you or anypony really. I sort of got the idea from you in all honesty," 

Just then, a blinding flash of purple light appeared around Spike's neck, forcing Rarity to close her eyes.

When Rarity opened her eyes, she was astonished at what she saw around Spike's neck. "Sp- Spike is tha-" she began before clearing her throat to compose herself at what she was looking at. "Spike is that a necklace with a Sapphire encased in it? It looks absolutely amazing and I must say suits you very well."

Letting out a little giggle, Spike smiled at the mare and said, "It sure is, Rarity. Like I said before, I was sort of inspired by you. After I saw what you did with the Fire Ruby, I wanted to do something with this." Spike held the sapphire part of the necklace in his claws and looked down at it saying, "It's my greatest treasure because this was the first gem you ever gave me when I helped you mine for gems for the very first time. You said it was my reward for helping you but the truth is, the real reward is I've gotten to know the real you." 

Letting go of the necklace, Spike looked back up at Rarity only to find her with hoofs over her mouth and tears streaming down her face. 

"Rarity, what's the matter? Did I do or say something to upset you? Is it this necklace? Shouldn't I have made it?"

Spike began to panic, not knowing what to do.

Moving her hoofs away from her mouth, Rarity started to wipe the tears from her eyes and said, "Oh, Spike, that is the most generous and kindest thing anypony has ever said to me. The truth is I just thought you ate it after I gave it to you."

Pulling the little dragon into a hug and holding him close to her, she whispered, "You really do know how to make me feel special. Please don't ever change that kind heart of yours."

Breaking the hug, Rarity wipes the last few tears from her eyes. With the two of them now standing there with blushes on there faces, Rarity looks at Spike and asked, "Well then, Spikey-wikey, are you ready to go have some dinner?"


************



They leave the boutique and start making their way through Ponyville walking side by side. A few onlookers either gave a nod and smiled or just looked amused at the sight they were seeing, as the two passed by with smiles on there faces. Neither one spoke but just enjoyed being next to each other. As they started to get closer to The Rustic Hoof, Spike broke the silence.

"So Rarity, I've got to admit I've never been here before. What's it like?" He asked.

As they approach the main door, Rarity replied, "Hmmm, if I had to describe it, even though it's only been open for about a year, it's gained a reputation for having great food with an over all homely feel to it, I suppose that is why it's called Rustic Hoof, with a touch of Canterlot elegance thrown in. You wouldn't think a combination like that would work well together, but somehow it does." 

As they stepped through the door, Spike could see that it was full of ponies happily enjoying their meals. He could even see Octavia and her orchestra friends on stage playing a soft melody. As he looked over at Rarity, she was just standing there with a smile on her face, admiring decorations until the host came over to them.

"Good evening madam and sir. What can I help you with tonight?" He greeted.

"Yes, good evening to you as well, sir," Rarity replied politely. "Myself and my young dragon friend here would like a table, if you please."

"I see," the host said with a frown. "Unfortunately, because of the orchestra playing tonight, we are currently full and are unable to provide you with a table this evening. I'm terribly sorry."

Rarity looked heartbroken as she listened to the stallion. 

"Of all the nights to be full, why didn't I think to book a reservation?" she thought to herself. 

"I..I see, that is unfortunate," she said before turning to look at Spike, "I'm sorry, Spike but it seems in my hasted to ask you to dinner this evening, I forgot to book a reservation and they are full tonight."

Trying his best to put on a smile at the mare who looked like she was about to burst into tears right then and there, he had an idea. 

"Oh, that's a shame," he said. "I was looking forward to enjoying a meal with you. These things happen I guess. But it's not the end of the world. How about we just head home and I'll cook us something instead?" 

Rarity gave a little smile at the thought of her and Spike having a home made meal for just the two of them and said, 

"Oh, Spike, I-"

Just then, Rarity was cut off as a voice comes from behind her saying, "Spike, is that really you? Oh Celestia, this truly is turning out to be a great night for me. First Octavia and her orchestra friends agreed to play here tonight and now you of all ponies or should that be of all dragons come walking in?" Before letting out a laugh as he corrected himself.

Rarity and Spike both turned to look at the stallion. He was a gray unicorn, about as big as Big Mac. Spike looked at him for a second before he regonized him. 

"Platinum Night, is that really you?" He asked.

"HAHAHA! You better believe it my young dragon friend," the pony replied while grabbing Spike and pulling him into a hug before he had a chance to say anything more. "It's been too long Spike, I've missed you."

Spike hugs back the best he can, then breaks the hug to look at him. 

"Wow, it really has been to long. I've missed you to my old friend," Spike said. "Whatever are you doing in Ponyville?

Platinum lets out another laugh and said, "Oh, you know. Just living the dream. I'm the owner of The Rustic Hoof." 

As he said this he looks at the little dragon, giving him a warm smile.

"WHAT!?!" Spike exclaimed. 

For a moment, everyone in the restaurant stops what they are doing to look at what was going on before continuing with their evening. Scratching his nose and with a little blush on his face. 

"Hehehe. Sorry about that, I guess it just caught me by surprise," he said. "You know, you being the owner of this place and all. Wait, where are my manners, Rarity, this is Platinum Night an old friend from back in Canterlot."

Stretching out her hoof and giving him a smile, Rarity said, "Oh, an old friend of Spike's what a pleasant surprise. It's very nice to meet you, Mr. Night."

Reaching out his own hoof to shake hers, he said, "It's nice to meet you as well, Miss Rarity. Please just call me Platinum." After they had finished greeting each other, Platinum asked, "So what can I do for you folks tonight?"

Spike looked at him and scratched the back of his head as he let out a little giggle. 

"Well, the truth is we came to have dinner but it turns out this place is fully booked and we forgot to book a table. So we were just about to head home."

Platinum gasped and said, "I think not, my friend. If a meal is what you came for, then that is what you shall have." Turning to look at the host, he commanded, "You are to give this dragon and his friend the best table we have. In fact give them the one we keep for dignitaries. They are to be given anything they want and not a bit is to leave their claws or hooves. Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes sir, of course," the host replied.

"Wait, Platinum, you don't have to do that for us," Spike said. "I mean I appreciate it, of course, but it's to much, my friend."

"To much? Surely you jest, my little dragon," Platinum said. "It is because of you I'm standing here today as the owner of The Rustic Hoof." Platinum closes his eyes as if he was remembering some fond memories and continues. "While I loved working in the Royal kitchens, most ponies just shrugged off the thought of a low level porter having his own restaurant. Some even laughed at my dreams, but then there was you. The only dragon in all of Equestria to live with ponies."

Platinum opened his eyes to look at Spike. "You never once laughed or shrugged off my ramblings as nothing more than dreams. If anything, you encouraged me to push forward and never give up, even when I myself didn't think I could do it. So, too much, Spike? No, my dear friend, this is nothing compared to what you have done for me." 

Giving a little giggle at the now red faced dragon and placing a hoof on Spike's shoulder, he said, "There will always be a table at The Rustic Hoof for the dragon that gave me the strength and courage to make my dream come true. Now go and enjoy your evening."

Letting out a sigh, Spike said, "You know how I feel about taking something I haven't worked for, Platinum, but at the same time I know I'm not gonna win this one." Spike looks at Platinum and smiled saying, "Just this one time, ok? The next time I come here I expect to be a paying customer. Thank you, my friend."

Plantinum smiles back and says, "Of course, Spike, I am running a business after all." With one final hug Platinum gives a little bow to Rarity then turns and starts walking away "Now go enjoy your evening with your marefriend, I got work to do and don't be a stranger." 

"Wa..Wait she's not my mar.." Before Spike could finish correcting Platinum, he was already gone. "Oh great that's all I need, what must Rarity think now," he thought. "Here she is just trying to thank me for helping her and now ponies think we're on a date." 

He turns to look at Rarity, who at this point had a slight blush on her face and was about to apologies for the misunderstanding when the host spoke.

"Sir, madam. Please follow me to your table." The host then began to walk off. Quickly looking at each other the two just shrugged and started following.

As they make there way through the restaurant and towards there table, Spike spotted some ponies having a quick glance. Some even gave a little smile at them as they passed by. 

"I wonder do they all think we are on a date?" Spike thought. "Oh Rarity, I'm sorry, I guess I should make sure she's ok with this. The last thing I want is to have some horrible rumors start up, it could really hurt her."

Arriving at the table, a mare pulled out a seat for Rarity and the host did the same for Spike. Taking there seats Rarity thanked the mare. The host left as the mare said, "My name is Honey Cake and I'll be your waiter this evening. Can I get you anything to drink while you look at the menus?"

"Hmmm, I think a bottle of chilled cider will do, what do you think, Spike?"

"Hmmm? Oh yeah, that sounds great thank you."

Honey Cake smiled and said, "Excellent choice, madame. I'll just go get that for you. Please take your time." She trots off leaving the two alone.

For a few minutes, nothing was said as they looked over the menus. Then Spike suddenly spat out, "I'm sorry Rarity. Maybe this wasn't a good idea after all. I mean what was I thinking coming to a restaurant with you and wearing this thing of all things?" Now gripping the necklace with one of his claws he said, "It's no wonder Platinum thought you were my marefriend and that we were on a da..date." Blushing a bit at what he was saying. He closed his eyes and went on. "What must ponies think? I'm so stupid, I hope I haven't embarrassed you and I completely understand if you just want to call it a night and head home."

"He thinks I'm embarrassed to be seen with him like this. Oh Spike," Rarity thought. 

"Enough of that. Do you hear me?" Rarity commanded. "Spike, although that necklace was a surprise, it was a wonderful one and I assure you, I couldn't be happier to be here with you tonight, after all this was my idea." 

"This is it Rarity. Time to take a risk," she thought. "I don't care what other ponies think. Is it so wrong to think of this as a da..date?" 

Feeling her face getting hotter, Rarity looked down at the table in embarrassment.

Spikes eyes shot open at what he just heard and looked over at Rarity only to see her looking down at the table with a blush on her face. 

"She..She thinks this is a date?" He thought. "She didn't just ask me out to say thank you. She asked me out on a date!!!!" "Ra...Rari... Rarity?"

Hearing Spike saying her name, she looks up at him. With a nervous smile she blushes and said, "Well, Spike, is it so wrong?"

His face was so red at how cute she was being it felt like flames were coming out his ears. His heart was beating so fast that he could swear the whole restaurant could hear it beat against his chest. "No!! I mean, no not at all, I think it's great," he said, trying his best to hold back bursting into fits of joy and screams of happiness, Spike started to giggle while scratching the back of his head. 

"Yeah, there's nothing wrong with it. Lets just enjoy the night," he said giving her the best smile he could with all the embarrassment he was feeling.

Rarity for her part sat back up and let out a little chuckle in delight after seeing Spike with a goofy smile and said, "Indeed, let's." Holding the menu to her face to try and calm down. "Have you decided what to order? I think I'm going to try the Blackened Mahi Chopped Salad. What about you?"

Taking a breath to try to calm down, Spike looked at the menu and said, "Well, I don't think they serve gems here," letting out a little giggle at the thought of a restaurant serving gems. "I was thinking of trying the House Salad myself, it doesn't sound too bad."

Just as Rarity was about to say something Honey Cake came back over and said, "Sorry for the wait folks, but Mr Platinum said that he wanted you to have this." She held out a bottle that said Crystal Wine and in smaller print just underneath, it said "From the Royal winery of the Crystal Empire."

Rarity let out a gasp and her mouth fell slightly open. "Crystal Wine? I've never had it before. No matter how many bits or how high up you stand in Equestria, you can't buy this anywhere. It's said that only the Royal family has this. How in Equestria did Platinum get a hold of such a rare bottle of wine?" Composing herself, Rarity cleared her throat. "Forgive me, it was rude of me to ask such a question. I was just taken back by the surprise."

Honey Cake let out a little giggle and said, "That's ok. Truth is I asked him the same question. He just said it was a gift from the princesses for all his hard work back when he worked in the Royal kitchens."

Spike looked at the mare and said, "Miss Honey Cake please thank Platinum for us, but we can't accept such a generous gift. He-"

Honey Cake giggled and said, "Yep. Mr Platinum said you would say something like that. Which is why he told me to tell you that he had planned to open this on launch night with you as his special guest of honor. But he never got around to asking you because he knew how busy you were with helping The Princess Of Friendship and he knew that no matter how tired you were, you would of pushed yourself to come out of loyalty to your friend and he didn't want that. So he's held onto it for when you came. He said that he couldn't think of a better night for you to have it." 

"He wants you to enjoy it with your lady friend and he said, even if you say no I am to give it to you. So allow me."

With that, she popped the cork and started to pour the wine into their glasses. After pouring there drinks, she set the bottle into an ice bucket. "Have you decided on what you would like to eat or do you need more time?" She asked.

Giving up on the idea of sending the wine back, now that it was opened, Spike said, "No, we are ready to order. I would like the House Salad please and the lady would like the Blackened Mahi Chopped Salad." Looking over at Rarity, he couldn't help but smile at seeing how pleased she looked at the thought of getting to try the Crystal Wine.

"Ok, not a problem. I'll go get that for you. If you should need anything else, please just call. Enjoy your evening."

"Thank you. Please do thank Platinum Night for all he's done for us this evening," Rarity said. "And tell him if he should ever be in need to pop by the boutique, I will be more than happy to help him in any way I can. My door is always open to friends." 

Giving a little smile as Honey Cake noded and walked away. Rarity turned to find Spike holding two glasses, and she used her magic to float one over to herself. 

"Thank you Spikey. Though I must admit I didn't take you for much of a drinker."

Spike let out a little chuckle and said, "Well, I don't really drink much but growing up in Canterlot Castle I was trained in all sorts of things, one being proper social edicate. Celestia used to joke that while Twilight was a genius at magic and studying, I was a natural at everything else. She used to say that we were two sides of the same bit. So while she studied I sometimes had to attend social events." Letting out another giggle. "In fact, that's how I met ponies like Fancy Pants and Hoity Toity, to name a few," he added, giving Rarity a toothy smile. 

"What!?!" Rarity screamed, almost losing her glass at what she just heard. "I had no idea that you knew ponies like Fancy Pants and Hoity Toity. You never said anything before."

Spike just smiled at the face she was making and said, "Well, to be honest you never asked. No pony did. I mean come on, I thought it would be obvious since I lived in Canterlot Castle with Celestia. Of course, I was going to rub shoulders with the elite. It's one of the reasons Hoity Toity came to Ponyville."

Looking confused and a bit hurt at the thought of Hoity Toity only coming to Ponyville to see Spike and not her fashion designs like she thought. She had to ask. "What do you mean?"

Spike realised what he just said and saw the worried look on her face. "Whoa, Whoa, let's get one thing straight right now. Hoity Toity wrote to me asking how I was settling in, in Ponyville. He can seem quiet snobbish when you first meet him, but he's quite laid back when you get to know him. Anyway, he had said he was looking for the next big thing, as he always is in his line of work. So I told him about this mare that had a way with fashion that would knock his hoofs off." He gave her a warm smile, he went on. "Hoity was intrigued and decided to come to Ponyville to see you. He said it worked out great cuz he could kill two birds with one stone, he would see this fashionista I had spoke of and come to see me at the same time."

"Of course, no pony expected Twi and the others to have a go at fashion," he said, letting out a giggle at the memory. "Though when I explained to him Twi and our friends had got a bit carried away, he came back to see your show and he told me after that I was right, you blew his hoofs off. That's not something any pony can do, trust me on that." Looking at her, he could see the worry and confusion fade from her face and the smile return. "It was all you, Rarity, you worked hard for what you achieved. Don't ever think otherwise." Giving her a smile.

"Thank you, Spikey. It means a lot to me to hear you say that, it really does. Now what shall we toast to I wonder? Hmmm, how about to getting to know one another better?" Rarity said raising her glass to meet his.

"Yeah" Spike doing the same "And to a new beginning." As the glasses clinked together, a red blush came over Rarity.

"To a new beginning," she agreed, taking a sip of wine before she let out a giggle. "I must say this taste delicious. It's no wonder the Royal family drinks it."

Spike nods his head in agreement and said, "Yeah, it's always been one of my favs. It's got a nice fruity taste with a bit of spice and it's very soft, allowing you to taste the flavour without overpowering you.

"My Spikey, you are just full of surprises today," Rarity said impressed. "Friends in the Canterlot elite and you seem quite the expert when it comes to wine. I must say." Letting out a little giggle as she took another sip from her glass. "I wonder what else have you been keeping from me?"

"What can I say? When you've had the up bringing I've had. You're bound to pickup a few things. Of course living with a study obsessed perfectionist never hurts either." 

Spike couldn't help but let out a laugh before taking another sip of wine. Rarity placed a hoof over her mouth to try and stifle the giggles that were escaping but couldn't stop herself at the thought of a younger Twilight and Spike studying into the early hours. 

"I'm sure it wasn't that bad," she said, taking another sip of her wine. "You know it occurs to me, Spike. I know about your life here in Ponyville with us but you never spoke of what your life was like before you and Twilight came to be with us."

Just then, Honey Cake came back to the table and said, "Hi folks. Sorry for the wait," before placing there meals down on the table. "I hope everythings to your liking. Here let me top you up." Taking the bottle out of the bucket, she topped the glasses back up and said, "Well, I'll leave you to enjoy your meals. I hope you like them and if there are any problems please call," before she walked away.

Giving her food a quick look over while taking another sip of wine, Rarity said, "I'm sure they taste as good as they look. Wouldn't you say, Spikey?" She lifted some of her meal onto a fork and put some in her mouth, "Mmmm, this is really good. How's yours?"

Placing his glass back on the table after having some more wine, Spike said, "Mmmm smells great. Can't wait to try it. Truth is I'm rather hungry now." 

Taking his fork, he digs into his salad and takes a bite. "WOW! I know this is just a salad, but it's really good. No wonder you said the food here was good. I never got chance to ask before but have you been here already?"

Rarity placed her fork down and had a sip of wine and answered, "Yes. I came here a few months ago with the girls. We had planned on asking Twilight and yourself to accompany us, of course, but I believe you were called to Canterlot for royal business at the time."

"Oh right, I think I remember Twilight telling me something about missing going out with you all after we got back," Spike said. "Still, I'm here now so I guess it all worked out in the end." 

As they both continued to eat there meal, Spike remembered that Rarity wanted to know about his life before Ponyville.

"So you want to know what my life was like before I met you," he said as stared into her eyes and started to lose track of what he was going to say. He quickly pulled himself back and cleared his throat as he heard the mare giggling. "and the others, of course. There's not much to tell, really. I was hatched by Twilight and became her assistant." 

He started to let out a nervous giggle, which Rarity caught. Rarity looked at him a bit worried. As nervous as Spike could get sometimes, she'd never seen him look so sad. Like he just remembered something that had hurt him. 

"Spikey, what's the matter? You know you can tell me anything, darling, I promise whatever it is I won't think any less of you."

Spike gulped some of his wine down to try and calm himself down before he said, "Sorry, I didn't mean to worry you. I guess I'm just not used to talking about myself." He gave her a smile to show he was ok and asked, "How much do you know about dragons, Rarity?" As he picked up his glass to take another sip and waited for her reply.

"Hmmm, about as much as anypony else, I suppose. No, maybe a little more considering the time I've spent with you and Twilight. Why do you ask?" She queried while taking another sip of her wine.

Giving her a little smile, Spike said, "That's what I thought. What I'm about to tell you, not even Twilight knows and I'd appreciate it staying that way. I think it would break her heart if she knew." Giving her a serious look, the mare just gulped and noded. "It's no secret that Twilight hatched me for her entrance exam the day she.. the day you all got your Cuite Marks. What she doesn't know is what happend after. I was taken into a room and placed on a table by Celestia. Of course, I didn't know her name then, let alone that she was ruler of all of Equestria."

Taking another sip of his wine and topping his and Rarity's glasses back up, he went on. 

"Did you know that dragons as soon as they are born, they are able to understand language even if the hatchling itself is unable to talk? Celestia thinks it's a survival instinct to make sure we are safe. Mind you, I don't think she knew that day. If she did, I don't think she would of brought me into that room." Spike started to grip his glass a bit tighter and looked down at the table as he recalled the memory, "I lay there, Rarity. A newborn who knew nothing of the world, as these creatures gathered round me to decide my fate. Some thought I should be returned to the dragons, in hopes of not being killed off as unwanted and being taken into a family. While others wanted to..to."

Spike stopped when he felt Rarity's hoof on his claw and looked up to see a tear roll down her cheek, he wiped it away and took a breath. He decided to continue after another sip of wine. "Others wanted to lock me in a cage and experiment on me. Even kill me. One thing was certain, I was nothing more than a monster to them that had no right to live." Clenching his fist, he said, "I know not all dragons are good, but not even they would kill a newborn. That's when I heard a loud bang and the room of ponies fell silent. That's when I saw Celestia standing over me again. She looked so sad, it was heartbreaking to see. I remember her just giving me a little nuzzle and to this day I've never forgot what she said next."

"'How dare you suggest such things about an innocent creature!!! He may not of been laid in Equestria, but he was hatched here and as far as I am concerned that makes him an Equestrian, with the same rights and freedoms afforded to any that live here.' She didn't use any magic but instead opted to carry the baby dragon close to her chest like a mother would a newborn foal and left the room."

Spike giggled at the thought of being carried around by Celestia and looked at Rarity who at this point was sobbing at what he had just revealed about his past to her. He started to wipe away the tears with some tissues. 

"Hey, come on now. It all worked out in the end, I mean I'm here right now after all," he said, giving Rarity a little smile.

"Forgive me Spikey, It's just for most ponies the day they get their Cutie Mark is one of the happiest days of their lives and the thought of you having to go through something like that on the day you were born. It's... it's just so horrible," Rarity sobbed. "I can see why you never told Twilight. For her, that was the best day of her life. She not only got into the School for Gifted Unicorns but became her hero's personal student, not to mention being the only unicorn to hatch a dragon. I Pinkie promise I'll never tell her Spike." Taking one last sniff and wiping away the remaining tears, she gave him a soft smile.

"Thanks, Rarity. You know apart from Celestia, you're the only one close to me to know that. Well, I'm sure Celestia probably told Luna at some point, but I guess you could say that it's my biggest secret."

Letting out a little giggle and taking in some more wine, they both just smiled at each other.

"Although that wasn't the greatest day of my life, I went on to do many things after," Spike said looking at Rarity as she carried on eating, eager to hear more of his life in Canterlot. "I spent time with Twilight, of course, but she was just a filly and had her hoofs full, so in the begining I spent a lot of my time with Celestia." Leaning over to whisper in Rarity's ear so no pony could hear, he said, "I even slept with her at night." Letting out a little giggle as he leaned back into his chair.

Rarity looked gobsmacked at what he just said and almost spat food out her mouth. 

"What, you shared a bed with the Princess!?!" she exclaimed. Picking up her drink, she took a mouth full trying to get over the idea of Spike and Celestia sharing a bed. She knew he was only a baby baby dragon then, but still the thought bothered her a little.

"Yeah, I guess I didn't know it back then but she must of been lonely," Spike said. "It's hard to explain, but when she's around ponies they are always looking up to her as an example, somepony to aspire to be like. She is their princess and must always stand above them, ready to lead and make the choices they can not. But with me it was different. She was just Celestia. She didn't have to pretend to smile and wave, she could just be herself. And let me tell ya she's got one wicked sense of humor. That's why when Luna returned and we found out that she was her sister, I was truly happy for her cuz it meant she didn't have to carry the burden all on her own." 

After taking another bite of his food and a sip of his wine, Spike said, "Anyway, like I was saying, after about a month I was walking, reading, writing and talking with the best of them. Again Celestia put it down to the fact I was a dragon and that's why I was able to pick things up so easily. Well, apart from helping Twi with her studies, which in turn helped me at the same time. Celestia saw I was spending a lot of time getting Twi's meals from the kitchen and asked the cooks there to teach me how to cook, which worked out great for them once I learnt how to control my fire." He giggled at the thought as he poured some more wine.

"That's where I met Platinum and we became good friends. It was the same for a lot of the staff around the castle, really. I spent so much time running around the castle helping ponies. I learned a lot like cleaning and just everyday chore stuff. You know how Twilight is the youngest unicorn to ever graduate from the School for Gifted Unicorns, right?"

"Yes, of course. It's no secret, she was Princess Celestia's student after all. Why do you ask?" Rarity asked while taking another sip of her wine and wondering to herself why Spike would ask such an obvious question.

Spike got a smug grin on his face, knowing full well that Rarity would give that answer. "Well, that's because she might be the youngest unicorn to graduate from the School for Gifted Unicorns, but I'm the youngest and only none unicorn to graduate from there."

Rarity started coughing and had to dab her mouth with tissue before she looked at Spike and spoke. "What?! Bu... but how, you can't even use magic apart from your fire breath to send letters. How did you graduate from a school of magic?"

Spike laughed at listening to Rarity trying to figure out how it was all possible and said, "It's quiet easy to explain, really. Although like you said, I can't use magic, I studied just as much as Twilight and for some reason I'm able to understand how magic works. Twilight used to joke that if I ever could use magic, I would be a force to be reckoned with." Letting a little giggle out at the shocked look on the mares face. He carried on his story.

"After spending so much time with Twilight in class and getting into some heated debates on magic, Professor Inkwell and some other professors took an interest in me. As time went on, they protioned to get the school to enroll me as a student. Which wasn't easy believe you me. Oh and on a side note, although Celestia helped me to learn to send letters by fire breath, that was actually what I did for my final exam before I graduated. No pony was expecting it. You should of seen the look on Professor Inkwell's face that day. Poor mare looked like she was going to have a heart attack." 

He let out a loud laugh before he realised ponies where starting to look at him. He chuckled nervously before he had some more food and topped his and Rarity's glasses up.

"Well, that's just some of the stuff I got up to back in my younger days with Twi. There's loads more. Like I was taught by the finest dance, music and art teachers in all of Equestria. Celestia said it was important for a proper gentleman to know of these things, though between you and me I think she just liked making me do all sorts of things to kill time. I was even taught hoof to hoof combat and swordsmanship, not to mention tactics and survival training."

"Well, Spikey-wikey, I must admit you have done nothing but surprise me this evening and although I know why, I can't help but wonder if you have really done all these things. Then you could clearly be doing so much more than being Twilight's assistant. Have you ever thought about it I mean? Doing something else?"

Taking another sip of wine, Spike thought for a moment and said, "Hmmm, in truth I have once or twice before I came to Ponyville. I would see one of my paintings hanging in an art gallery or I would hear one of the songs I wrote for a singer being played. And although I still do some music and art as a hobby from time to time, I do believe you are forgetting the most important thing, Miss Rarity." Giving her a toothy grin. "I am no assistant, I am the number one assistant. I hold that title because I can do so much and I do it all for her and my friends." Letting out a giggle and raising his glass, he says, "Friendship is magic after all."

Rarity picks up her glass to meet his. 

"I should of known better. What was I thinking asking such a question? That's just the kind of dragon he is. Loyal, kind, generous, hard working, brave and just a bit dorky. But then again, that's why I love him,"

With a blush on her face there glasses clink together as she says, "Friendship is magic." letting out a giggle of her own.

"I'm sorry, Rarity. I guess I got a little carried away talking about my past in Canterlot. It's just when you wanted to know about my life before Ponyville, I got a bit excited that you wanted to know more about me and went on a bit." Chuckling a little and taking a sip of wine and another bite of his food before he continued. "Truth is I'd love to hear more about you and your past like opening Carousel Boutique and what made you get into fashion designing."

"That's quite alright, Spikey. I've really enjoyed hearing about some of the things you got up to before coming to Ponyville," Rarity said, placing her glass back down on the table. "Hmmm, where to start? Well, my love for fashion came from the fact that when I was a filly I would spend my summers visiting my grandparents in Manehattan. Socializing with the upper crust, the glitz and glamour of it all was just so enthralling and the dresses where just to die for. So I started to learn how to make my own dresses." Taking another sip of wine and with a bit of a sad smile on her face she continued. "An old filly friend of mine was asked to perform in the school play. She was a sweetheart, but was a little hard on herself about the way she looked and she asked me if I would make the costumes for the school play. I jumped at the chance, of course, but as I stood there looking at my creations and my friend, I just kept thinking there was something missing. That what I came up with didn't show the real her and then of course you know what happened next. I saw Rainbow's rainboom, finished the designs and got my Cutie Mark, they were a huge hit, of course, but I never forgot the look on my friends face. Oh, Spike, she was so happy. It was like her smile could light up the night itself." Her smile returned to normal at the memory of her friend's face.

"I knew then in that moment that becoming a fashion designer was my calling; to show ponies the beauty that was within themselves. That's why at the core of every dress I make, I remember that mare's smile and that the true secret to making a great dress comes from knowing that the dress itself while beautiful, is nothing more than an accessory to allow the pony who wears it to shine." 

Taking another sip of wine and allowing Spike to top their glasses back up, she went on. "Opening up the Carousel Boutique is another story altogether. I was still young but my skills had gotten a lot better with time and practice. I knew I had to have a shop to let my creativity come alive. I was so scared back then. What if I failed? What if my family thought it was a bad idea? Those sort of thoughts were always on my mind, till one day I told my parents about wanting to own a shop. At first I thought they would say no straight away, but as I went on telling them about how good it made me feel seeing ponies happy from something I made and how it had become my dream - that I knew I had to do it because that is what my heart was saying, they just smiled and said they understood."

Letting a little giggle out, she said, "I was taken aback, of course. I was expecting the worst, but my parents just said I should follow my heart. I was so happy, but I couldn't understand why they were so understanding. I had been so scared to tell them about my dreams of owning a shop and making dresses. Was it really that easy? Had all my worrying and doubt been meaningless? So I asked them, how could they be so willing to accept the fact I wanted to own a shop so easily. I was just a young mare, not a bit to her name. Was it because they were my parents and wanted to support my dreams. That is when my mother laughed and told me a story I had never heard before about my family; about a mare that followed her heart."

Having a bit more wine, she smiled at Spike. "Would you like to hear the story she told me? It's one I've never told anypony before."

Leaning forward on his chair a bit, Spike said, "Are you kidding? You can't stop there. I really want to know what this story your mom told you was about."

Smiling at him, she went on. "You see, it turns out that my mother was a member of the upper crust like my grandparents back in Manehattan. One day when they were having a little soiree, my mother met my father. They hit it right off and spent the night talking and having fun. The only thing about it was, my father wasn't there as a guest, he was the help. Of course my mother didn't know this at the time and asked to meet him again. They met up a few times after that and started spending a lot of time together. Eventually, he told her the truth in hopes that she would accept him as he was. Mother wasn't pleased at the fact Father had been lying to her, as you can imagine, but in the end they worked it out."

Rarity let out a sigh as she continued, "My grandparents, however, where a different story altogether. They were furious at the idea of their daughter dating a commoner. She was a member of the elite and shouldn't mix with riff-raff. They tried to keep them apart, even went so far as to try and buy off my father to stay away from her. But he refused and told them he loved her. That didn't sit well with my grandparents one bit. They even highered ponies to beat him up in hopes of keeping them apart. In the end, my grandparents gave my mother a choice; either stop seeing my father or leave and never return."

Rarity took another sip of wine as her throat started to dry up as she said, "So my mother made her choice and followed her heart; she left with nothing. Not a bit to her name. All she had was him and she said she couldn't be happier." Letting out a giggle, she said, "It all sounded so romantic, fighting for love and overcoming social barriers. It's hard to picture my father being like that. I guess that's where I get my romantic side from. After being told that story, I was heartbroken at the thought of my parents having to go through that and it hurt even more knowing it was because of my grandparents. Mother told me that after she left, they didn't have any contact with them until the day I was born. My grandparents had shown up at the hospital. Mother said it didn't go so well, but in time they managed to put the past behind them and moved on."

"She told me that was the reason why they were so understanding of my dreams of opening a shop and why she told me to follow my heart. Well, that and the fact that I was their daughter. She said it was there job to make sure I followed my dreams. I'm ashamed to admit it, but I hated my grandparents for what they did. I didn't talk to them for a bit but mother told me not to hate them. That they've all moved on and forgave each other, so in time I to forgave them and moved on."

"I eventually opened Carousel Boutique with a bit of financial aid from my grandparents, but at first business was very slow. Just a few friends and family members were all the clients I had. There were many times in the beginning I felt like giving up, but I pushed on and all my hard work paid off in the end. I was able to pay back my grandparents for there help in getting me started. In fact, part of the reason I wanted to open up a shop in Manehattan was for them. So they could see just how far I've come and I was there in part because of them, which is why I called it Rarity For You." Rarity gave Spike a weak smile. "If you could, please don't tell Sweetie Belle. She doesn't know any of this and I don't want her to know."

Spike made the action of a Pinkie Promise and said, "I promise I won't tell a soul." Smiling at the mare, he laughed. "It seems we've learned quite a bit about each other's past tonight. I don't know why but it just seems so easy talking to you about it all." He turned to top there glasses back up only to notice that the bottle was empty. "I'm sure it has nothing to do with this, hehe, should we order another bottle and maybe a dessert?"

Stifling a giggle of her own, Rarity said, "Yes, I'm sure that has nothing to do with it. Another bottle of wine does sound nice and I must say some of these desserts look to die for. Though I am watching my figure, I think it's ok to treat myself every now and then." Raising her hoof, she could see Honey Cake making her way over to them.

The night went on with more laughter and talk about what their friends were up to. As they came to the end of there night, they had left The Rustic Hoof after thanking Platinum once again for all he had done for them that evening and they found themselves at the door to Carousel Boutique.

The door opened and Rarity turned to face Spike with a light blush on her face and said, "I just want to thank you for a wonderful evening, Spike. I haven't enjoyed myself this much in a long time. No, I take that back. I've never enjoyed myself this much. Truly, Spike, tonight really has just been magical, thank you."

Spike stood there with a blush and a goofy smile on his face and said, "No, Rarity I should be the one thanking you. I don't think I've had this much fun in a long time." Giggling a bit nervously, he scratched the back of his head. "Well, it's gotten pretty late. I should probably head back to the castle."

Looking a bit sad of the thought of Spike leaving, Rarity moved her head and said, "Yes, you're right. Good night and thank you again for a wonderful night, Spikey," trying her best to give him a smile.

Spike gave her a little warm smile back, "Well... good night, Rarity," he said. With that he turned and started to slowly walk away in the direction of the castle.

"WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?!" She shouted to herself in her mind. "He's walking away! Are you just going to let it end here after the night you've just shared?! Come on, girl, pony up! Remember take the risk!!!" 

"SPIKE, WAIT!!!" Rarity screamed as she started to dash towards him.

Spike turned around at hearing Rarity call his name and started to say, "Wha...?"

Before he had a chance to finish, Rarity was standing in front of him with a red face and said, "Did you really plan to leave without finishing our date properly? For shame. And you would think a gentleman with your upbringing and education would know how to treat a lady."

Spike just stood there shocked at what he was hearing. 

"But... but Rarity..."

Putting her hoof over his mouth to stop him talking, she got closer as she said, "No more buts, what if's or maybes. I'm done waiting, my dragon." 

Moving her hoof away from his mouth, she moved her face in and kissed him on the lips, closing her eyes as she did. "This feels warm. No, more like hot but not in a bad way," she thought. "I'm feeling so much love from him in this kiss. I've never felt this loved before. It's wonderful." 

Spike, for his part, was amazed at what was happening and kissed back the best he could.

As she kept her eyes closed and started to part from him, she thought, "That really was nice." As she was about to open her eyes, she felt Spike's claws on the side of her face pulling her back in and before she had a chance to say or do anything felt his lips on hers once again. "Oh sweet Celestia, I've always wanted him to kiss me! This feels so right! I'm his and he is mine!" She thought. Lost in the passion of the kiss, Rarity had no idea how long it had lasted, but she didn't care. She wanted - no, needed this just as much as him.

All good things must come to an end and they parted from each other. Both of them were making small gasps for air and their faces were red at what had just took place. Rarity let out a little giggle and a squeal much like the one her little sister makes. Snapping herself back to reality, she cleared her throat.

"Yes well... good night, Spikey," she said, giving him one last quick kiss on the cheek before dashing off back into Carousel Boutique and slamming the door shut.

Spike just stood there like a red statue, unable to move for a few minutes. Finally, he snapped out of it and the biggest smile came on his face. He turned around and dashed back to the castle. It didn't take him long to get back home and as he walked through the door, he noticed no one was up so he decided just to go straight to bed and relive the greatest night of his life again in his dreams.
> Chapter 4
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Spike woke up to Celestia's sun shining through the window and birds chirping outside. As he sat up he heard a clinking noise on his chest. Looking down he saw the necklace he was wearing last night. 

"Oh, I guess I forgot to take this off after I got back last night," he thought. "Weird though. I thought I took it off. Just shrugging his shoulders, he hopped out of bed. 

"Oh well," He thought before he took the necklace off and placed it back in it's case as he remembered what happened last night. He put it inside the drawer by his bed with a smile on his face.

After taking his time in the shower, he headed downstairs to make some breakfast only to find Twilight already up and eating some haycakes while reading a newspaper with a cup of hot coffee next to her at the table. 

""Morning, Twi. Sorry I'm a bit late getting up," he greeted. "I'm a bit surprised to see that you made breakfast though. Congrats on not burning down the kitchen this time." The little dragon let out a laugh at the memory of the time his sister tried to make breakfast for him and herself.

Placing her paper down and giving him a little smile as she blushed at the mention of the kitchen burning down. 

"Oh haha, Spike. Really, when are you gonna let that one go? I learned my lesson and I've gotten better at cooking now. I can even cook some proper meals, thank you very much," she remarked, giving the dragon a nod that reeked of, "See? I'm a big pony now."

Spike let out a giggle at the proud look on her face and said, "Yes, yes. You've come a long way, my number one cooking student. I couldn't be happier for you." Making his way over to the table to join her, he helped himself to some haycakes and topped up Twilight's coffee while pouring some coffee for himself.

Twilight sat there for a few minutes and just watched as Spike was eating. Eventually, she couldn't wait anymore and just said, "So, how did it go last night, Romeo?" Snickering as she went on. "Did my little drake brother have a good time on his first date?"

Spike finished his haycakes, wiped his mouth and took a sip of coffee before he calmly said, "If you must know, it went just fine. We had a lovely dinner and talked a bit about our pasts. It was a pleasant evening, thank you for asking. Oh, did you know that Platinum Night was the owner of The Rustic Hoof? Cuz I didn't. That one came as a surprise to me."

"What? Really? I had no idea," Twilight replied. "I guess I should go say hi to him when I get the chan- Wait a minute. What do you mean you had a pleasant evening? THAT'S IT!?! I don't think so. This is something you've been dying for since... well the first day we got to Ponyville, and all you can say is, it was pleasant?" She leaned into his face, her nose touching his. "Ok, spill it, mister. I want details." After seeing the little dragon go a bit red she sat back in her chair and waited. 

"Ok, ok, fine," Spike said. "We had a great dinner and we just talked about our past and what all our friends have been up to, that much I already told you. Oh, and before I forget, I told Rarity that yours truely was the youngest non-unicorn to graduate from the School for Gifted Unicorns." Laughing at the memory of when he told Rarity he graduated from the school. "Let's just say she was a bit shocked to say the least. Then like a true gentleman, I escorted her home." He started to go red in the face before he said, "Then she kissed me..."

As Twilight saw the little dragon's face go red, she couldn't help but chuckle. 

"Well, Spike, sounds like you had a great night. Though I do hope you remembered to wash your cheek. I really don't want to have to chase you around again." Giggling at the memory of Spike not wanting to wash his cheek because of Rarity kissing it. As she started to drink her coffee, that's when she heard Spike finish what he was saying.

"On the lips."

"WHAAATTTTT!?!?!?!" Is all that came from Twilight as she spat coffee all over the place in shock. Taking a few deep breaths to try and calm down, she took a cloth with her magic and started to mop up the coffee. As she did this, she couldn't help but see just how red Spike had gotten from telling her, so she decided to ask Spike more questions as her curiosity was now more peaked than ever before. Sitting back in her chair and taking a sip of coffee from her now newly refilled cup, she cleared her throat and asked, "So Rarity kissed you and then what happened?"

Spike started to twiddle his claws together and looked at her sheepishly as he answered, "Well, it's hard to describe, but I was amazed to say the least. I mean there I was with the mare of my dreams and she was kissing me but at the same time it just felt right. Like it had to happen. I just remember as she was pulling away from me, I thought to myself, 'mine' and pulled her back into another kiss. I don't even know how long we were there, but it just felt perfect. Like everything was right and how it was meant to be. Twi, the truth is I've never felt so calm and terrified all at the same time." 

Twilight sat there with a bit of a blush on her face, but had the biggest smile at the same time as she said, "Oh, Spike. That's great. I really mean that. I couldn't be happier for you. So what happened next?"

Spike scratched the back of his head and giggled saying, "Well, after that, she thanked me for a great night out and ran straight into her house, then I came home. She was probably embarrassed or something."

Twilight giggled at hearing how Rarity reacted, though she always went on about romance and stuff like that. She knew Rarity wasn't the type of mare to just go around kissing any old stallion. "Wait, so are you and Rarity marefriend and drakefriend now?"

Spike shrugged his shoulders to Twilight's question, "I don't know we haven't really had a chance to talk. I don't even know what she's thinking or why she kissed me. I mean, I would like to be, of course, but it's all going to come down to what she wants. I think we need to talk about it and sort out what that kiss really meant for the both of us. Was it just the wine? Does she really feel the same way about me that I do for her? There's a lot to sort out, you know? No matter what happens though, I'm glad it happened and above anything we will always be the closest of friends."

Twilight smiled at her little dragon brother and took another sip of coffee and said, "Well said, Spike. I'm sure Rarity's probably thinking the same sorts of things as you and is just as concerned about it all as well. One thing is certain though, no matter what you will face it together. Our friends and I will be there to help if and when you need it."

Twilight placed her cup back down on the table and gasped in realization. "I've just remembered. We're all meant to be meeting up for a picnic a bit later. Maybe if you go to Rarity's a little before we all meetup, you could talk and see where you both want to go from here. You know, sort things out."

Spike took another sip of coffee while listening to Twilight before he said, "Hmmm, that's not a bad idea. Thanks Twi, i'll finish my breakfast and tidy up around here a bit, then go see Rarity and we can meet you later at the picnic. Sounds like a plan to me." 

And so, with a plan in mind, the little dragon got to work doing his daily chores. Before he even knew it, time seemed to pass by in a flash and he found himself standing outside Carousel Boutique, knocking on the door.

"I'm sorry but the shop is clos... Spike!" Is all Rarity could say as she realized who was standing at her door. With a light blush now on her face, she asked, "What are you doing here? Not that I'm not happy to see you, of course. It's just I thought the picnic wasn't for another hour or so. Anyway, please come in."

As Spike walked into the Boutique and sat down, he watched as Rarity locked the door and take a seat opposite him. He took a breath as he looked at her and thought to himself, "This is it. Time to find out if we are gonna be more or stay as we are. 

"That's why I'm here Rarity. I was hoping to talk to you before the picnic, if that's ok?" As he asked, he started to twiddle his claws together nervously.

With a smile on her face, Rarity couldn't help let out a giggle and said, "Why, Spikey, of course it's ok. You can talk to me whenever you want. You know that. Would you like anything to drink or maybe a snack while we have our little talk?" Rarity couldn't help smiling, she was just so happy Spike was in her shop with her. He looked so cute to her when he got nervous like this.

"No thanks, Rarity. I'm good for now," Spike answered, clearing his throat and looking at the happy mare across from him. He decided to just come out and speak about what happened last night. "Ok, before I say what I want, promise not to say anything and just listen till the end."

Rarity tilted her head to the side in curiosity at what Spike wanted to say. She nodded her head before saying, "I promise to let you finish speaking and won't interrupt. Now, dear, what is it that you wanted to say?"

"Ok, Rarity, here goes. The truth is last night was amazing. I've dreamt of kissing you since the first day I came to Ponyville, but last night; that was so much more than any dream could ever be. I'm guessing by now that you know I had a crush on you. It's ok. I know you know. I wasn't the best at hiding it." Letting out a little giggle as he saw Rarity keeping her word not to speak and just nodding to confirm that she knew about his crush on her.

"Well, I say had a crush because, I haven't had a crush on you in a long time". As Spike looked at Rarity with her mouth open and about to say something, Spike raised an eyebrow and she closed her mouth and nodded with a bit of a worried look on her face. "Like I was saying, I stopped having a crush on you the day I gave you that Fire Ruby. I don't know how to explain it, but as I changed back and we were falling, I was gonna tell you about my crush on you but you stopped me and I'm glad you did."

"I'm glad because after that, I took some time to think about everything we did together and how much you mean to me and...and..." Taking a gulp and breathing out slowly, he looked down at the floor and went on. "And the truth is I'm in love with you, Rarity. Every day since then it feels like I'm still falling and all I can see is you. There's nothing else but you. So here I am just a silly little drake with nothing to offer you. No titles, no bits, no dreams of grandeur. I mean I still live with my sister, for Celestia's sake. All I can offer is my heart and a promise to love you till my dying day. What I'm trying to say is..." He looked bak up at Rarity and asked, "Will you be my marefriend, Rarity?"

Rarity just burst out in tears at what she just heard. Of course, Spike started to panic and throw his arms around unsure at what to do before Rarity just pounced on him like a manticore that just found its prey, knocking them both to the floor. Rarity put her hoof over Spike's mouth before he had chance to say anything.

"You've had your say, Spikey, now it's only right I have mine. I have never heard such sweet words spoke to me before and if I am to have your heart, it's only fair you get mine. I love you, Spike." Removing her hoof from his mouth, she kissed his lips and as they lay there on the floor in a passionate kiss. Both knew that they had found the only one that could make them truly happy.

After heavily kissing for a while, they parted lips and just looked at each other totally at peace before Spike decided to ask, "So, does this mean that's a yes to being my marefriend?" Wiggling his brows as he looked at her with a grin on his face.

Rarity lightly tapped him on the chest with her hoof and chuckled with a red face. "You are such a dork, you know that Mr. The Dragon?

Spike giggled at how cute Rarity was looking and just said, "Yep, but I'm your dork."

At that Rarity went bright red and leaned back in for another kiss. Just before their lips met again she said, "You most certainly are, Spikey". 

As time went on, they realised that they were gonna be late for their friends picnic and so decided to make there way to the park. As they did, they walked side by side both with stupid looks on there faces. The ponies that they walked past just snickered happily for them both, knowing that they had finally found happiness, but they didn't care. They were just happy to be with one another.

As they got closer to their friends, Spike turned to look at Rarity, with a bit of a concerned look. "What do you think they will say about us being a couple?" he asked. "I know Twi will be ok with it, but I'm a little worried how everypony else will take it if I'm being honest."

Rarity just giggled lightly and stroked his head saying. "I think our friends will be more than happy for us, Spikey. Truth be told, even if they're not I could care less. For I don't care what anypony thinks. I've found the one for me and if anypony has a problem with that, that's their problem not mine and most certainly not yours." She smiles as she continued, "Now while I do like to be fashionably late, I think we've kept our friends long enough. Come along, my dear."

Smiling back at the mare he loved, Spike was about to agree with her when all of a sudden the sky went black as night and the wind howled like the timber wolfs. Worried about what was going on, Spike instinctively looked over at his friends only to see them all lying on the floor and started to hear a sinister laugh. Worried, he turned to look at Rarity but found she had disappeared. When he looked back at his friends, he saw her laying with them. A chill ran down his spine as he looked at them. It didn't look like they were breathing from where he was, so he started to fly towards them only to crash back down to the earth screaming in agony.

As the drake managed to get back to his feet, he looked over his shoulders only to see his wings had gone. He didn't know what was going on, but he knew no matter what he had to get to his friends. He started running to them, but as he was running, he could see the world around him turn to black and it seemed no matter how fast he ran, he wasn't getting closer to his friends. He fell to his knees gasping for air. When he looked back up, his friends were gone. There was nothing but a cone of light around him and darkness as far as he could see. He was a lone and yet it felt like something or someone was watching him.

As he looked around, not knowing what to do. All of a sudden he heard the girl's voices in the dark. The first voice he heard was Fluttershy's.

"I'm so scared, Why? Why didn't you help us, Spike?"

Confused and worried, Spike stood up and called out, "Fluttershy? Where are you? I can't see you. I want to help but I don't know what to do." 

Then he heard Rainbows voice.

"Really, squirt? You don't know what to do? That's so not cool. And here I was thinking that you were our friend."

Spike spun around and shouted, "RD? what do you mean? Of course, I'm your friend. Please tell me where you are. I want to help. Please." 

The next voice was Applejack's.

"Well, truth be told younglin', even if you wanted to I doubt there's anything you could do. I mean yer just a baby dragon."

Looking around to hear Applejack, Spike cries out, "But just because I'm a baby dragon doesn't mean I can't help. Why are you all saying these things? I don't understand." 

Then he heard Pinkie Pie giggling and turned to look for her.

"Oh, silly Spikey," giggling some more, she went on. "Of course, you don't understand. But that's not your fault. I know we should all have a Spike doesn't-understand-but-will-one-day party, hahaha."

"Really, Pinkie, I wish you would take this a bit more seriously."

Spike knew that voice all to well and shouted, "Twi!!! Where are you? Whats going on?" Spinning around to look for his sister in a panic, he heard her say.

"You know, Spike we've been together for so long. You were always there for me. No pony knows just how much you've done for me, how just having you around always helped me. So here's my question, my number one assistant, why did you let this happen? I needed you. We needed you. So why didn't you help us?"

Spike drops back down to his knees and starts to get tears in his eyes. 

"Twi, I don't understand. There's nothing I wouldn't do for you. You know that better than most. Please, sister tell me what I need to do," he sobbed. 

The voice he heard next was that of the mare he loved most, Rarity.

"Oh my dear Spikey-wikey, the drake of my dreams. The truth is darling, there's nothing you can do. It's too late."

Spike spun around frantically looking for Rarity. Suddenly, he heard the sinister laughter from before again and as the laughter died out, he heard the voice speak.

"She's right you know. It's to late for them. It was always there destiny to end up here ever since the day they got their cutie marks and you were hatched. This was always going to happen and there's nothing you can do to stop it." 

The evil laughter started back up again.

Spike stood back up and shouted out into the darkness, "I don't know who you are, but we'll stop you. We'll find a way. There's always a way." Just then, appearing in front of him on the floor, were the girls lifeless body's and two red eyes behind them in the darkness as the evil laughter got louder. 

Clenching his fist and closing his eyes Spike screamed into the darkness. "NNNOOOO!!!!"

When he opened his eyes again, he found himself on the floor next to his bed with the sun shining through the windows. 

"Just what the hay is going on?" he thought. "I'm gonna have to talk to Twilight about this. That's the second time I've had a nightmare with that creature in it. What or who is he and why does he keep showing up in my dreams?" 

Standing up and taking a breath to compose himself, he made his way out of his room and towards the dining area where they usually had breakfast.

As he walked into the room, he could see Twilight at the table with her newspaper and a jar of hot coffee in the middle. His cup had been placed on the opposite side where he normally sat for breakfast waiting for him. He walked over and took his seat, pouring himself a cup and refilling hers. "Mornin Twi, you been up long?" he asked.

Moving the paper a way as to get a better look at Spike, Twilight said, "Morning, Spike. Wow, you look awful. Did your date last night keep you up all night. It doesn't look like you got much sleep. Knowing you, you were probably too hyped to sleep." She couldn't help but giggle at the thought of Spike lying there with a big smile on his face throughout the night.

"No, the dinner last night was fine. Great even," Spike answered. "It's just I had a bit of a bad dream, is all. I..."

Before Spike had a chance to say anything about his nightmares and the creature he keeps seeing in them, he burped up a scroll with a royal seal on it, meaning it was from either Luna or Celestia. Opening it up as Twilight looked on, he read it out to her.

Dear Twilight,
I'm sorry to write to you so early this morning. However, I have need of you and the other Elements of Harmony. It is of utmost importance that you gather your friends and meet me and Luna at the Castle of the Two Sisters. I fear a great evil is upon us; one that threatens not only Equestria but all that live in this world. I will explain more when you and your friends arrive. Please hurry.

Your former teacher and friend always
Princess Celestia 

After hearing what the letter from Celestia said, Twilight jumped of her chair and sighed. 

"Looks like it's gonna be one of those days, Spike," she said sadly. "No time for breakfast today and I'm sorry but you'll have to tell me about your dream later." Floating some ink, parchment, and a quill towards him, she continued, "I need you to write a response to Celestia, just tell her we're on our way."

As Spike set the letter a light and watched the ashes fly out the window, he turned to look at Twilight. "Done. Now we need to go get everypony else and hurry to the Castle of the Two Sisters." But as he started making his way towards the door a purple aura held him in place. He turned to look at Twilight and asked, "What gives, Twi?"

She released the hold on him as she shook her head and said, "Sorry, Spike but you're not going. I need you here."

"What?! You can't be serious, Twi. There's trouble coming and you want me to what? Sit on my back side while my friends, my sister." Taking a gulp he went on, "And the mare I love risk their lives? It ain't happening, sister. I'm coming."

Twilight used her magic to pull him into a hug and said, "Oh, Spike, I know you want to help, to keep us safe, but thats why I need you here. I'm one of the few ponies that know just what you can do. If anything happens I need you here to keep Ponyville safe. The ponies here are our friends, but they can't fight. Not like you. You were trained by the best. If anything happens, I need you to keep them and our homes safe. Ponyville doesn't have royal guards like Canterlot and the other big cities. Please understand."

Stepping back out of the hug, Spike looks at her and gives her a cheeky smile as he said, "I understand, but it still sounds like you just don't want me to come in case I get hurt."

Twilight let out a laugh and said, "Well, that too. I mean what kind of sister would I be if my baby brother got hurt? After all I've only got one baby brother." She pulls him back into another hug. "Thank you for understanding." Releasing him from the hug, she runs off out the door, she called out, "I love you. Be back soon."

"I love you too, Twi. That's why I'm going even if you don't want me to," Spike thought. "After that dream, I can't help but feel that something bad is going to happen. If you or any of the others got hurt and I could of prevented it by being there, I'll never forgive myself."

So Spike waited in the castle for a bit to give Twilight time to get the others and to start making their way towards the Castle of the Two Sisters, before setting off after them. He soon caught up to the 6 ponies, making sure to fly low and kept his distance through Everfree Forest as not to be spotted by them. They all arrived at the castle entrance and made there way inside. Spike kept to the shadows using his training not to be seen by anypony. Luckily, him being a dragon gave him better hearing and eye sight than ponies so he didn't have to be close by to hear them when they talked.
> Chapter 5
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

As the girls walked in to what was once the throne room of Celestia and Luna, Spike managed to quickly find a pillar to hide behind. It was far enough back as not to be seen but just close enough for him to see and hear what was going on. As he hid, he could see the girls approaching Celestia, but he couldn't see Luna anywhere.

"Twilight, girls, thank you for coming so fast," Celestia said.

Twilight and the girls bowed before the princess of the sun and co-ruler of Equestria.

"Please my friends, there is no need to bow before me," Celestia said.

Twilight and the girls raised their heads and Twilight giggled and said, "Sorry Celestia. Old habits I guess. Your letter didn't really say much, only that you needed us. What's the emergency?

"I'm sorry to have to call on you and your friends like this again but I'm afraid there is a great threat to not only Equestria but indeed to every creature that lives on this earth and we need your help once again," Celestia answered grimly.

"Um...It's just, um... You said we but it's only you and us here," said Fluttershy barely loud enough for everypony to hear.

Celestia smiles at the timid mare and nodes her head, saying, "Yes, my little pony, I did indeed say we. For as we speak, my sister, Luna is off gathering the others that will be aiding us in this quest. As I said moments ago, this is a threat that threatens not only ponies but all that dwell on this earth."

Listening to the princess talk about how dangerous it could be caused Fluttershy to shake in fear of what was to come. Just then, she felt a wing around her and saw Rainbow smiling at her. 

"Don't sweat it, Shy, we've faced off against Changelings, Nightmare Moon, Tirek and even the Storm King. There's nothing we can't do cuz we're awesome. I mean we'll probably have this done before dinner. Hehehe."

Hearing how confident her friend was made Fluttershy feel better and start to smile as Applejack couldn't help but shake her head while smiling.

"I don't know about the rest of y'all, but if you ask me, I'd say the biggest danger to this world is that ego of yours RD," she said.

"Hey! I can't help it that we're awesome," Rainbow said while giving Applejack the stink eye.

This made the girls burst out into laughter and even Celestia had a little chuckle at the antics of the girls in front of her.

"Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh, do you know what this means," PInkie Pie said. "I have to start getting a party ready for when we all save the day. I mean parties don't just happen. This is gonna take some careful planning. Hmmm, now let me think. How about we saved the world yet again party and..and..." 

As Pinkie starts to get hyped up and bounce all over the place, Rarity clears her throat and says, "Yes, yes, Pinkie dear, a party would be a great idea but maybe you could turn it down a little for now and wait till later before coming up with ideas? After all it would make a nice surprise for us all later, wouldn't it?

At hearing that, Pinkie just stops in her tracks, turns around to look at Rarity with a big smile on her face and says, "Okie dokie lokie."

Twilight turns to look at Celestia with a serious look and asks, "What could be so bad that we have to gather allies to help us, Celestia? Just what is this threat exactly?"

Celestia sighs and says, "Truthfully, Twilight, I don't know."

At hearing what Celestia just said, all the mares stood and looked at her a bit worried and with confused looks on their faces. Twilight more so than any of the others.

"What do you mean, you don't know? How can you not know? You're Princess Celestia for pony's sake. One of the oldest and longest rulers in all of Equestria," Twilight said as she starts to get a bit panicky. "There's nothing you don't know."

Celestia puts a wing around Twilight and does the breathing exercise that Cadance once showed Twilight. Copying Celestia, Twilight begins to calm down and smiles at her former teacher.

"Better now little one?" Celestia askes with a smile of her own.

Twilight blushes a little as Celestia removes her wing and says, "Thank you Celestia. I guess I got kind of worked up there a bit."

"A bit? I'd say you were heading for a melt down, sugarcube," Applejack says as she tries to hold in the giggles.

At seeing Twilight go red in the face all the girls burst into fits of giggles, Twilight couldn't help but join in on the laughter.

After a few moments, the laughter stopped and Twilight once again looked at Celestia, with a look that screamed I want to know, what you meant.

"I suppose I should explain," Celestia says, while giving Twilight a warm motherly smile. 

"Though I do appreciate the fact that you still believe me to be all knowing, my former student, I would hope by now you would come to understand that not even my sister and I know everything. While yes, it is true I have lived longer than all of you, there are still things out there that not even I and Luna know or understand."

"I had a vision last night. I've had visions before, as you know, but this was something else. It only lasted for a moment, but I can't forget those red eyes and that laugh. All around me there was nothing but darkness. I couldn't make out the shape of the creature, but I heard a name and that is the reason you are here."

As Celestia took a breath to keep herself calm the others looked on worried.

Spike at this point was still hiding behind the pillar, only now he was stiff with fear and a cold sweat running down his back.

"How can this be? It's imp...Impossible," he thought. "It was just a dream. It wasn't real. How could Celestia of seen the same thing? I just don't understand what's going on anymore."

Spike snapped out of his thoughts at hearing Rainbow Dash shouting out.

"You called us all here cuz you had a vision of something with red eyes and a name, that's all you can tell us? I mean I'm not one to doubt you, but to freak out over a name is a bit much don't ya think?"

"Rainbow," Twilight said while giving the blue pegasus a death stare. "That is no way to talk to the Princess. If she's called us here it must be serious."

"That's quite alright Twili..."

Celestia was cut of by a cobalt blue flash of light, everyone turned to look and standing there was Luna along with Prince Rutherford, Queen Novo, Thorax, Gilda, Ember and Garble.

"Prince Rutherford," is all anyone heard before seeing Pinkie stuck to the yaks face.

"What are you doing here? It's been ages since I've seen you." The pink mare asks while the yak peels off the pony stuck to him like gum.

"Hahaha, yak happy to see pink pony too. Yak come to help pony friends."

The others soon followed Pinkie's lead and made there way over to greet everyone, Queen Novo embarrassing Celestia in a hug of her own.

"Hey Gilda, what the hay are you doing here?" Rainbow asked as she gave her friend a wing slap.

"Hi ya, Dashy. Wish I knew. All I know is Princess Luna showed up at Griffonstone asking to speak to whoever was in charge, so since Grandpa Gruff is the eldest he ended up talking to her. The next thing I know I'm being told to go with her. All Grandpa Gruff would say is we have a promise to fulfil. Next thing I knew, we were zapping all over collecting all the others, till we got here."

Thorax gave Twilight and Rarity a hug and said, "It's the same for me. Luna showed up saying something about a promise that was made long ago and that you all needed my help. Well, I wasn't about to say no, so here I am. Where's Spike, I'd love to catch up. I haven't seen him in awhile."

"Twilight thought it best for Spike to stay in Ponyville as she said it was looking like one of those days," Rarity said while smiling at Thorax and Ember.

Ember stared at Rarity curiously for a moment, as though she wanted to ask the mare something.

"Everything ok dear? Do I have something on my face?" Rarity asked.

"Wha... What, no sorry, sorry. I didn't mean to stare," Ember replied. "It's just you seem different since the last time I saw you somehow. I don't know. Maybe it's just because I haven't seen you in awhile. Don't worry about it. It's probably just me. It's good to see you all again. Though it's a shame Spike isn't here. Would of been nice to see the little guy again."

Before Rarity had a chance to ask what she meant, Garble spoke up.

"HA! don't make me laugh. I still don't get why you brought me here to be with these prissy, namby-pamby ponies." He said folding his arms and glaring at the ponies in front of him.

"Watch what you say, Garble. I brought you with me in the hopes that you could learn a thing or two about friendship and maybe change that attitude of yours." Ember said while staring at him with a fire in her eyes that made him take a step back.

"Hmmm, yeah whatever. Like I could learn anything from them. At least I don't have to put up with that poor excuse of a pony wanna be, Sparkle-warkle. What a joke of a dragon. It makes me sick to even think we are the same species."

At this point everyone had stopped talking and heard what Garble had said. Just as Twilight, Rarity, and Ember where about to say something to the red dragon, he found himself being surrounded by a golden aura and being pinned to the floor unable to move as he saw Celestia walking towards him.   

"You dare insult Spike in my presence?" Celestia said as she walked closer to him. "He who has saved an empire not once but twice. He who befriended the changelings and brought peace between us. Not to mention what he has done for all dragon kind by giving the title of dragon lord to Ember. It is thanks to him that the dragons are now being looked on as equals and peace has been achieved."

Now standing right above him, she went on, "He has stood side by side with the Elements of Harmony and faced off against some of the most powerful creatures known to this world and he did it all just to be able to help his friends. He has more strength, honor and dignity in his pinky claw than you could ever hope to have in your lifetime." She raised his head off the floor to look him in the eyes and said, "A lifetime that, if you insult The Dragon of Equestria in my presence again, will be very short and excruciatingly painful. Do. I. Make. Myself. Clear?"

Spike couldn't believe what he was seeing or hearing. Celestia, known throughout all of Equestria as being a peaceful mare and the first to try and settle problems with discussions, had just threatened to kill a dragon and start a war all because Garble had insulted him. What shocked him more was not a single creature there had tried to stop her. In fact, they all had looks like they were ready to stand by her side on the matter.

After being released from her aura and hearing what Celestia had just said, all Garble could do was cower in front of her like prey about to be killed. That's when Ember stood next to him and knelt to one knee.

"Princess of the Sun, on behalf of this dragon and for the sake of peace I, Ember, Lord of Dragons humbly apologize for any offence he has caused," she said. "I assure you that when we return home, I will personally see to a suitable punishment. I give you my word as Dragon Lord."

"Rise, Dragon Lord Ember. You do not need to kneel before me for we are equal," Celestia said gently. "The fact that you did so shows great respect and honor. I thank you for that. I shall leave it up to you on how to handle Garble."

Celestia bows her head to Ember and says, "I feel I should apologize myself. I tend to get a bit worked up when it comes to Spike as I've known him since the day he hatched. He is like family to me and creatures have a habit of underestimating just what he can do because of his size and the fact that he doesn't like to stand in the spotlight as it were."

Ember nodded her head in understanding and said, "Please Celestia, raise you head. Like you just said, we are equals and you do not need to bow. But yeah, I know what you mean. Little guy has a habit of surprising ya. Just when you think you got him figured out, he goes and makes you Dragon Lord."

At hearing that, Celestia and Ember start to laugh and Celestia says, "Spike does like to keep things interesting. Thats for sure." 

Everyone starts to laugh while Garble sits up and folds his arms in a mood and chatter once again fills the room until Queen Nova speaks up.

"While it's great catching up with you all like this, isn't there something of an emergency that we must take care of?" She suggeted.

Ember nods her head in agreement and says, "Father told me after I became the Dragon Lord that there was only one thing I must always remember: as Dragon Lord it was my job to do what's best for all dragons. But that there was an oath made long ago before his time as leader that must be kept no matter what. Even if we were at war, this oath must be held above all else and that is the reason I'm here. I'm guessing it's the same for all of you."

Celestia, Luna, Queen Nova, Prince Rutherford, Gilda, and Thorax all nod in agreement. By this point, the girls were all confused as all they keep hearing is promises were made and oaths must be kept. 

It was all to much for the rainbow-maned mare and she flew up into the air and said, "Just what is all this about keeping promises and stuff? I don't get it. What's going on?"

"Calm yourself, Rainbow Dash," Celestia said in a calm manner. "Now that Luna and the others are here, I can tell you what we know. The promises that the others are talking about were made long ago before mine and Luna's reign. Promises made by the first six rulers of these races: King Ulysses of the Yaks, the first Dragon Lord, Scintilla, Mist, Queen of the Hippogriffs, Mirage queen of the Changelings, King Grover of the Griffons and our mother, Queen Lilith of the ponies."

As Twilight was listening to Celestia, her curiosity and the thrill of learning something new got the best of her once again and she had to ask, "But what exactly was this promise? Why was it made and how is this the first time I'm learning of the fact that all these races where at one point allies?"

Celestia couldn't help but giggle at Twilight's out burst and said, "Ever the one for knowledge, my former student."

This caused Twilight to smile sheepishly and bow her head in apology for interrupting her as Celestia just smiled happily, she continued.

"The threat to this world was so bad that even if the smallest sign of his return was shown, say in a vision, the current leaders would gather here at our former castle. Thorax, I know you were unaware of this promise. The truth is it should of fallen to Chrysalis but as we could not find her and you are now the leader of the Changelings, it falls to you to uphold it. I'm sorry."

Thorax just smiled and said, "Don't worry about it, Celestia. Like you said, I'm the leader now. It's my responsibility to fulfil this promise. And besides it's only right to help a friend in need, right."

Celestia nods and smiles at him. Just as she was about to say something, Gilda cleared her throat to speak.

"Um... Look, not to burst any bubbles or anything, but in case you're all forgetting, I'm not the leader of the Griffons. We have no leader. I only came cuz Grandpa Gruff told me I had to."

Celestia nods and says, "Yes Gilda. While it is true that the Griffons have no ruler, the promise was still passed down from generation to generation. You do not need to have the title of leader to be here with us, Gruff chose to send you in his place as the representative of the Griffons and for that we thank you."

"Now on to business. The truth is me and my sister do not know what sort of threat awaits us. When Luna and I were both still young, our mother told us of this pact that was made. She said that if any sign of him at all was to show, we were to gather here and open a chamber that has long since been sealed; one that can only be opened by all six of us gathered here today. When I asked her who this creature was that posed such a threat, she told me his name and only said it once. It was the same name I heard in my vision. I believe Grogar is returning."

Hearing the name Grogar, for some reason scared Spike to the core. So much so, he had to cover his mouth with both claws to stop from screaming out in fear at just hearing the name. He just couldn't understand why the name of a creature he had never heard before would scare him so much. He managed to calm himself down by taking some deep breaths, only to hear Twilight speaking.

"Grogar. I've never heard that name before in any of the books or scrolls I've read on pony history," she said while looking to her former mentor.

"Nor would you, Twilight," said Celestia. "Luna and I had never heard of him before our mother told us of the pack when we were little. Much like yourself, I was curious and wanted to learn more about him. So I tried to find anything I could about Grogar; a book, a scroll, anything. When I couldn't, I tried asking my mother and to this day I will never forget the look of sadness on her face. It was heartbreaking. She tried to smile at me as best she could and held me in a hug and said, 'All will be revealed when the time is right. I just pray that the day the door is opened will never come to pass.' After that, I never asked her again. I didn't want to see that look of sadness on her face ever again," Celestia said as she looked down at the floor.

Luna walked over to Celestia and put a wing around her, saying, "It's ok, Tia, but now's the time to find out what lies behind the door and why this Grogar is returning."

"Your right, Luna," Celestia said as she returns the hug. "It's time we all find out just what is going on, together."

With that said, Luna and Celestia's horns light up and a doorway appears on the floor in front of them. As it opens to a staircase leading down into the dark, a row of torches light up to lead the way.

Celestia turns to everyone and says, "Follow me. The door to the chamber lies at the end of this tunnel."

As every creature starts to walk down the stairs, Ember turns to look at Garble and says, "Come on Garble. You too. I'm not letting you out of my sight. And besides if I left you up here, who knows what trouble you'd get into? Then again, I suppose if I did leave you here and anything were to happen, I'm sure Princess Celestia would be more than happy to deal with you." 

Hearing what Ember just said and seeing the grin she wore was enough to make Garble scurry past her without saying a word, as they joined the others down the staircase. Spike popped his head out from round the pillar he was hiding behind, making sure that everyone had gone. He made his way over to the entrance and slowly started to descend them, making sure to stay way back as not to be seen.

"WOW! This castle has everything," said Pinkie, as she made her way down the stairs. "Secret doors, hidden passageways, slides and even an organ- it's got everything."

Hearing the pink mare made Celestia giggle and Luna said, "Yes Pinkie, this castle had a lot of the slides and such installed by our mother. She insisted that her castle be like a playground for me and my sister."

"Wait your mother's castle? I thought this was your castle." Twilight said. "Isn't that why it's called the Castle of the Two Sisters?"

Celestia shakes her head and says, "No, Twilight, although it's true that it now goes by that name, the truth is long ago this was our mother's home and as we grew up here, she wanted us to have fun and had all sorts of hidden slides and such all over the place. She always made time to play with us each day even though she was busy. In fact, Pinkie, you would of liked her a lot. She always used to say that a good laugh is good for the soul and boy did she like to play."

"Indeed," Luna said. Mother was the playful sort. She liked to see ponies laugh and smile. She said it was a gift that we were given to be able to be so free and happy, so we should play as much as our hearts allow. Although there were times I wondered if we were more mature as fillies, than she was as a full grown mare."

Celestia giggled at listening to Luna talk about their mother and said, "Yes, I would agree with you there dear sister. What mother draws on their children's faces while they sleep with an ink that wouldn't come off for over a week? A week. I mean come on, it was so embarrasing. But then again it did make a lot of ponies laugh."

"And if I recall, my sister, didn't we get all the sweets we could eat for a day as payment?" Luna asked. "In fact, now that I think about it, that maybe where your obsession for cake started."

"Wha...what? I do not have an obsession with cake," Celestia said offended. "I work very hard and I like to have a bit of cake every now and then as a reward. You believe me, right, Twilight?" Celestia asked. As she gave Twilight the puppy dog eyes.

"Oh, look we're here," said Twilight, letting out a nervous laugh and looking anywhere but at Celestia.

As everyone stood in front of the double door, six carvins could be seen on it; one of a Griffon, Dragon, Yak, Changeling, Hippogriff and in the center going over both doors was an Alicorn. Each carvin had two hoof or claw imprints.

"Now what," asked Rarity.

"Now if every creature could place your claws and hoofs into the carvins, the doors should open," said Celestia.

As everyone did as they were asked, Celestia began to walk over to the doors. She stopped and turned to look at Luna behind her and said, "Sister, I believe we were meant to do this together for we are both equal. Come, let us see what lies behind the doors together."

Luna smiled at her sister and nodded saying, "Yes, dear sister. Let's do this together."

As Luna and Celestia both place a hoof in the imprints, the eyes of the cavins began to glow red.

"I can't get my claw out," said Gilda as she started to panic.

Soon, the others faced the same problem. As the eyes got redder, none of them could break free.

"Calm yourselves, my friends. I believe this is just how the doors unlock," said Luna.

Soon after she said that, the eyes on the carvins stopped glowing and a locking mechanism could be heard. Every creature was able to move away from the carvins and were unhurt. Twilight and the others went over to them and as they did, the doors slowly started to open and a blinding white light shone out from behind the doors.

Celestia turned to look to either side of her and said, "Together, my friends. Lets go."
> Chapter 6
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

As everyone made their way into the room, the white light died down. Looking round the room, it looked like a study room. A massive study room right about the size of Canterlot Library, with bookshelves all around. Twilight couldn't be happier and felt right at home, as they made there way further into the room. Luna and Celestia could see dragon lilies in vases all around.

"It makes sense" Luna said, "Dragon lilies were always our mother's favorite flowers. She always had a soft loving smile on her face everytime she looked at them. I asked her once why she liked them so much when I was a filly and she told me that they always reminded her of someone important to her, though she never would tell me who. It's one of the reasons me and my sister make sure to have fresh dragon lilies throughout Canterlot Castle."

As the doors began to close a voice spoke, "Welcome, every creature," making everyone look ahead.

Spike saw the doors begining to close and had no choice but to go in. Luckily for him, everyone was to busy looking at what was going on in front of them to notice him, so he took the chance to dive behind a bookcase and stay hidden.

"What? how can someone be in here if the doors have been sealed for so long?" Twilight asked while looking for the creature that spoke.

"Hehehe, that's quite easy to explain, Princess of Friendship." said another voice.

By this point, everyone was looking around them for the voices they could hear but could seen nothing.

Then another voice said, "The promise has been kept. The fact that they stand before for us is proof."

"I've got it," shouted Pinkie Pie, making everyone turn to look at her. "This is a game of hide and seek, right? Hehehe. I'm really good at this game, so you better watch out." 

"Pinkie, this ain't no game," Applejack said while still looking around for the voices. The only response Pinkie let out was a "Aww, thats a shame."

"Hahaha, I like her. She's funny." said another voice.

"Enough," shouted Celestia. "We have all gathered here as promised because of the threat of Grogar's return. As one of the rulers of Equestria, I demand that you show yourselves."

"Oh, you demand do you, my little pony?" said a another voice. "Though I guess the fact that the door has been opened, we should take this a bit more serious. For if he is returning then we have little time to act."

"Indeed, you are quite right." said another voice, "Let's introduce ourselves then shall we?"

And with that, a blinding light shown throughout the room making everyone cover their eyes. When the light died down, everyone looked on in shock at who was standing in front of them.

"Sis... sister, ho...how is this possible?" said Luna clearly shaken by what she was seeing.

"I... I don't understand," said Celestia, just as shaken as Luna. 

The figures took a step into the light as one of them spoke.

"Hello, my little fillies, it's been a long time hasn't it."

Celestia and Luna both took a step forward and on the verge of crying, all they could say was one word.

"Mother!!!"

The Two Sisters, Celestia and Luna were hugging their mother while sobbing their hearts out as everyone else watched on, unable to understand what was happening. Here they all were face to face with the first six rulers of Yaks, Dragons, Hippogriffs, Changelings, Griffons and Ponies.

"You're Dragon Lord Scintilla," said Garble with his mouth open in disbelief. "But you're so small, the same size as those pony princesses. I always thought from the stories that you were bigger than the mountains?"

"Garble!!!" Ember shouted as she knelt before the First Dragon Lord. "Please forgive his manners, Dragon Lord Scintilla. To think I would be able to meet you is like a dream come true and the greatest of honours. Oh, please forgive my rudeness also for not introducing myself. I am Ember curr-"

"I know who you are, little one. You are Ember, daughter of Torch and ruler of dragons," Scintilla said interrupting Ember. "In answer to the youngling's question on why I appear to be so small as he put it, is simple. You know when you are an adult dragon you learn to control your size and can be any size you wish? While most like your father Torch choose to be big, I choose to be the same size as the other rulers of old. See? Simple."

"Besides younglin," Scintilla said as she turns to look at Garble, "I thought you of all dragons should of learned by now size isn't everything. Or did the fact that the baby dragon named Spike not teach you that lesson well enough when he beat you in the gauntlet of fire?" Scintilla said with a grin on her face.

"Ho.. how do you know about that?" Garble said with a confused look on his face.

"When you all unlocked the doors to this chamber, it brought the six of us all up to-date on the things that have happened in this world since our time. Put simply, we saw the memories of all that opened the door," answered Scintilla. 

"Indeed" said Mirage looking at Thorax as he was looking at her with confusion, so she asked, "What seems to be troubling you Thorax, leader of the Changelings?"

"Oh sorry, I didn't mean to stare. It's just that, you look like me." This caused Mirage to look at him with her own confused look before he went on. "What I mean is you look like how Changeling look now, but if you were the First Changeling ruler shouldn't you look like Chrysalis?"

Hearing what Thorax just said made her giggle as she shook her head and said, "No Thorax, Changelings always looked like this. However, due to the one you call Chrysalis's cold heart and uncaring nature, the Changelings under her rule changed to match her cold heart. But it pleases me to know that the Changelings have returned to the caring creatures they were."

She said this with a warm smile making Thorax blush a bit and look at the floor as he said, "It is not me that should take the credit for this but my friends. They showed me the way. None more than my best friend, Spike, though he isn't here at the moment. He stood by my side and showed everyone that Changelings could be good. I owe him everything."

Garble just huffed at hearing what Thorax was saying causing the six mare to just stare at him before Twilight spoke up.

"I don't believe this. It's like meeting Starswirl the Bearded and Pillars of Old Equestria, but like a million times better. I mean you are the first six rulers of our races. It's just to much. I have so many things I want to ask. I don't even know where to start."

This made the old rulers giggle as they listened to her before Mist said, "I'm sure there are many things you would like to ask. But first, Princess of Friendship and Elements of Harmony, on behalf of the six of us here I thank you for all the good you have brought to this world." She then looks at Queen Novo and continued. "It is truly a great feeling to know that you are once again able to be in the sun, Novo."

Queen Novo lowered her head and said, "Indeed, the Princes of Friendship and her friends have done much for all of us here."

This made Twilight and the girls go a bit red in the face before Twilight said, "Please, there's no need for all the thanks. We were just doing what we had to. And besides, it was the right thing to do after all."

"Hmmm, well said, Twilight. Although it saddens me to know the Griffons are without a true leader, it brings this griffon great joy to see the young once again stand with pride next to their friends," Grover said while looking at Gilda with a smile. She blushes and looks at the floor in embarrassment. 

"Yes, I to am pleased to know that the Yaks have come to be friends with you all. You bring great pride to the name of the Yaks, Prince Rutherford," said Ulysses as he looked at the Yak Prince.

"Wait just a minute!!!" Pinkie said as she shot over to Ulysses, "If you are a Yak, how come you can speak like everyone else and not like Rutherford and the other Yaks?" the Pink mare asked staring at the former King of the Yaks.

"Yaks speak like this, cuz Yaks are best at speaking, pink pony," Ulysses answered in the same manner as Prince Rutherford before letting out a giggle and said, "It's just how they like to talk because they think it makes them sound stronger," as he looks at the now red faced Prince Rutherford. Pinkie just smiled and nodded.

"I'm sure there are many things you would all like to ask us, however I think it best just to tell you all about how we came to be here in this room and about Grogar. For that is the reason we are all here," said Lilith as she walked over to stand next to everyone else with Celestia and Luna on either side of her, Luna still wiping the tears from her face as they did.

"Hmmm, I don't know, Lilith. It's a pretty long story. Maybe just the watered-down version might best. Otherwise we'll be here forever," said Scintilla letting out a little giggle. 

"Yes, I guess you're right," said Lilith as she smiled at Scintilla. "Best get comfy everyone. Even the watered-down version is gonna take awhile," she said as she walked over to a vase of dragon lilies on a table and gave them a stiff. When she turned back around she saw everyone sitting on some cushions waiting for her to begin.

As she walked over to sit besides the other old rulers, she said, "Like most fairy tale stories, this one doesn't have a good beginning. I guess it all really started when we were little children ourselves. You see back then, these lands and our races were ruled over by Grogar or as he liked to call himself Emperor Grogar."

"What!?!" shouted Twilight in disbelief, as everyone was now looking at her, she went quiet and whispered, "sorry".

"It's alright, little one. However, it would help if I can tell our story without having to keep stopping as  there will be many things I have to say that will most likey shock you," Lilith said with a warm smile as everyone nodded in understanding and agreement.

"Like I was saying, these lands were ruled over by Grogar; a ram of great sorcery and magic. We ourselves do not know how this came to be. We only knew that as a fact. I'm sure some tried to stand against him in the past, but that was before even our time. He ruled over all and delighted in seeing others suffer. He was truly the definition of the word monster."

"Hmmm, I think the word monster was created because of him," said Scintilla snorting out a puff of smoke from her nostrils.

"Yes quite, but please Scintilla, I did say no interrupting. That goes for you as well," Lilith said as she let out a little giggle as everyone else tried not to laugh at the First Dragon Lord being scolded for interrupting the story.

"Back when we we kids, it wasn't uncommon for the six races to live together in small villages, much like your village of Ponyville. I guess it just made it easier for Grogar's gargoyle henchmen to keep an eye on us. We were little more that slaves to do his bidding. He even used to make creatures fight one another to the death in his arena for his entertainment. Truly a sick minded creature. We never had much in those days, but we had each other and watched each others backs," she said with a smile as she looked at the smiles on the other five rulers faces.

"One day, the six of us were playing on the outskirts of our village, near the forest entrance when we saw the smoke and heard the screams from the village. The closer we got, the more we saw our homes were destroyed and as we ran round trying to find our families and friends all we saw were bodies. So many bodies. We found our families among them," Lilith said as she looked down at the floor with tears begging to form.

Just then, the other five embraced her in a group hug, one which she happily returned. They broke their embrace and Lilith looked to her two daughters and the others with a sad smile before she went on.

"Forgive me everyone. It's been a long time since we spoke to anyone about that day," she said as everyone around her just gave her a sad smile or a sympathetic nod of understanding. "I tell you all this because though that day was indeed the worst day of our lives, it was also the start of our new lives."

Rarity raised her hoof and asked, "Forgive me for interrupting, Your Majesty, but how could such a day be the start of your lifes?"

The six old rulers giggled at the question and Lilith said, "It will become clear as the story goes on, Rarity, Element of Generosity and please just Lilith will be fine." She smiled at Rarity making her blush a little and nod. 

"Now where was I? Oh yes. As we sat there not knowing what to do and crying, I guess some of Grogar's gargoyles hadn't left the village yet and found us. As we tried to run away one of them grabbed me. I thought my life was over then and there. However, the oldest dragon in our village named Draco saved me. We were so happy someone else was alive. It meant we weren't alone in this world. Draco was a bit of a loner. He never really got on with anyone in the village. In fact, the kids used to call him Draco the cranky dragon as no one ever saw him smile or ever really talk to anyone."

"I'll never forget his words on that day," said Scintilla. "As we sat there with Draco in front of us and more gargoyles coming straight at us, the silly old dragon charged straight for them screaming, 'You have taken everything from us but I swear by my honor as a dragon you will not have them! You will not have anymore of my treasure!!!' he roared," said Scintilla now with a sad face.

Mirage put a hoof on Scintilla's shoulder and gave a weak smile to her, and continued where Scintilla had stopped. "We sat there for a minute in shock. Here was the oldest dragon in our village, a creature who went out of his way to stay away from everyone, never hiding the fact he hated the villagers, smashing gargoyles left and right for us. As more and more gargoyles came, we didn't know what to do, I mean what could we do? We were kids. We couldn't fight. Draco must of known his time was coming to an end as he started to slow down. He looked back at us and told us to run. Run into the forest and don't stop no matter what and then he just smiled at us."

"We did the only thing we could," said Scintilla. "We ran, we ran as hard and as fast as we could to the forest never looking back with tears in our eyes. The last thing we heard from behind us was the laughter of an old dragon and his last words, 'I protected my treasure till the end.'"

"He was a true dragon," said Mist. "With his words still ringing in our ears, we ran into the forest not looking back. We didn't even know if the gargoyles were still chasing us, but we never stopped. We ran further and further into the forest for what felt like hours- days even until we couldn't run anymore. We eventually collapsed from exhaustion. We must of passed out or something cuz when we woke up we were in his home."

"Though we didn't know it at the time," Lilith said with a giggle. "But then we did wake up to a small fire lighting the room and food in front of us and that's when we heard a voice from the shadows saying, 'For six creatures as small as you to come so far into the forest, you must be hungry. Eat and rest. We will talk more once you have done so.'"

"Some of us didn't even hesitate and just dove right in," Mirage said with a giggle.

"Well, excuse me, but I was hungry and besides I was a growing Yak," answered Ulysses folding his hoofs, trying to be all serious but the grin on his face betraying his intent made the other four giggle along with Mirage.

"Yes, well after we ate, must have slept for a whole day. At least that what it felt like. I guess we were more tired that we thought," Lilith siad. "I guess after we were feeling a bit better the voice from the shadows stepped into the light. He must of been watching over us as we slept. Of course, that didn't stop a certain dragon from jumping in front of us all and trying to set him on fire the moment he did. Now did it?" She giggled.

"Hey what you expect after everything we just went through? I wasn't just gonna do nothing," said Scintilla, folding her arms in fake annoyance as Lilith's giggles died down.

"He asked why we were so far into the forest and away from our homes," Lilith continued. "After a few minutes of silence, we told him what had happened. As we sat there looking at each other and to the ground, we waited to hear what he was going to say. We were all caught off guard of what he did next though. He pulled us all into a hug and held us close and whispered, 'It's ok. You don't have to hold back. Let it out. You're safe now. You will always be safe here. I promise.'"

"With those words, one after the other, we cried our hearts out into the chest of a creature who we didn't even know over the loss of our families, friends, all that we had known. And yet those eyes, such gentle, caring eyes, they were so warm and kind. It was like a great weight was being lifted off our shoulders with each tear we cried. For the first time since it all started we truly felt safe," she said with a warm smile on her face.

"Of course, we were now all orphans with nowhere to go and no family to speak of. So after a few weeks of being there, we all decided to take him up on his offer to stay. The look on his face was priceless." The six of them giggling at the memory.

"He said that he didn't mean for us to live with him, but rather to stay until we were better to move on. So we kindly reminded him of his promise to keep us safe. That soon shut him up," Lilith said with another giggle. 

"We won't bore you with the details as they are not important at this moment in time, but needless to say, we ended up staying with him and over the years we grew bigger, stronger and more powerful."

"Some even becoming alicorn's," said Mist with a smirk.

"Yes, yes, I became an alicorn. Thank you very much, Mist. Anyway like I was saying, as the years went on, we grew. The forest became our training ground for the lessons he would teach us or I guess more like our playground." She giggled and went on. "Over the years, we grew, we became more than friends. Even closer than best friends. We who had lost everything had stood back up and built our own family and he became our father."

Grover let out a laugh and said, "I still remember the first time you called him that, Lilith. He asked you to pass him the bowl next to you on the table and you just naturally passed it over and was like, here you go, Father." Grover giggled at his failed attempt to impersonate her. He then took on a more sad looking smile and said, "Truth be told, in that moment, I was so scared. It felt like the day we lost everything again. I thought it was going to end there and then, but I should of know better. He just took the bowl off you and smiled with those same caring gentle eyes of his then said that we should go wash up and go to bed. As we have an early start in the morning. I remember as each one of us passed him, he hugged us good night and kissed our foreheads, he turned to start clearing up the dishes off the table from dinner and said 'dream happy dreams, my children,' for me that was the first time I knew we had truly become a family." Grover said now with a warm smile on his face.

"Indeed dear brother. I'm sure we all felt as you did on that day," Mirage said placing a hoof on his shoulder and gave him a happy smile before saying, "We had found a family and a home to call our own on that day. So Rarity, do you see now how that tragic day also became the start of our lives? It was the start of our family, though we didn't know it at the time. We would later learn as time went on, that when our father said we would always be safe here, what he meant was because of his magic the forest couldn't be infiltrated by Grogar or his gargoyle henchmen. If they were to try, they would end up back at the entrance they came in at. Which is why I'm guessing we were taught as children to never go into the forest. Grogar must of know this fact and didn't want anyone to know there was a place he could not reach them. He made sure to give all creatures he ruled over an example of what would happen to any that would try to enter the forest by killing the few crazy enough to try."


************
  


Meanwhile, a black portal begins to open and red glowing eyes appear in the darkness followed by an evil laugh.

"HAHAHAHA!!!!"

"After all this time, I'm finally free. It's time to take back what was once mine. You will suffer greatly for taking what belongs to me. Oh yes, you will suffer."
> Chapter 7
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Now that you have learned a bit about our childhood and how we became a family, I think it's time we told you how we became kings and queens and how Grogar's reign of terror came to an end," Lilith said as she looked around at everyone. "I guess it all really started a few days before our father's birthday, we had all decided that we wanted to do something special to show how much he meant to us and for everything he had done for us over the years, with that in mind, we came up with the idea of making him a birthday cake. So we left the forest and traveled to a village near by to get some supplies, over the years we had learnt how to take care of ourselves and had traveled outside of the forest many times. Of course we didn't want Father to know what we were planning so we just told him we were gonna get some more study materials."

"Hehehe. He must of known we were up to something," Mist said. "I mean Grover wanting to study? There's the give a way right there."

"Hey! I wasn't that bad," Grover said while the other four giggled along with Mist.

"Indeed, Father probably knew we were up to something." Lilith said as the laughter died down, now taking on a more serious look, she continued. "I remember that day, all too well. We had just made it to the village when we noticed that all the villagers were gathered in the main square. We pushed our way through the crowd to get to the front to see what was going on and that's when we saw a group of gargoyles standing on stage. One standing next to a guillotine. The gargoyle in the centre stepped forward and said, 'Citizens of Emperor Grogar, you have been asked to bare witness to the execution of this stallion,' he said as he pointed to the stairs as a unicorn was led up on to the stage by two more gargoyles.

As the stallion is led to the gargoyle in the centre of the stage, the gargoyle said, 'You are charged with stealing food from our Lord Grogar. Such an act must be punished. Do you have anything to say for yourself?'"

"Wait! what? Rainbow Dash asked. "He was gonna be killed cuz he stole a bit of food? Your kidding right?"

Lilith, shook her head and said, "No, Rainbow Dash. I only wish I was. This is the kind of creature Grogar is. He ruled without mercy or kindness. We ourselves didn't find out till later, but our own village was destroyed all because Grogar wanted to simply show that he could. Looking back, I guess he did it to show his power over us and to make sure to keep the other villages inline."

As everyone sat there with shocked looks on their faces at what they heard, the realization of just what kind of creature he was, was truly starting to sink in.

Taking a breath and continuing where she left off Lilith said, "Just as the young stallion was about to say something, a little filly ran on to the stage crying her eyes out and screaming, 'I'm sorry! I'm sorry! It's all my fault! Big brother, I'm sorry', as she clung to the stallions legs.'"

"I remember as the filly clung to him crying, some creatures closed there eyes trying not to let their sobs be heard while others looked away or to the floor knowing what was to come," Lilith said with a sad look on her face. "But then something took every creature by surprise. The gargoyle looked at the filly and then to the stallion and said, 'Hmm, maybe an execution for this crime is too much?'

Looking around at everyone Lilith said, "You can imagine everyone's surprise hearing a gargoyle of all creatures saying that. After all they were loyal to a tee to Grogar. The gargoyle looked at the stallion and smiled at him. The stallion shouted out, 'Yes! yes, I learnt my lesson, I will never do it again.' And before another gargoyle had chance to speak, the gargoyle's smile turned to an evil grin as he grabbed the little filly and threw her to the gargoyle standing by the guillotine. The stallion screamed out, 'No!! Not her, she didn't do anything, It was me!!!' As two gargoyles pushed him to the stage floor."

"The little filly tried to break free, all the while screaming, 'NO!!! Big brother, HELP ME!!!!' All the stallion could do was lay there screaming, 'It was MEEE!!!!'. The gargoyle, still wearing an evil grin lowered himself to the stallions eye level and said, 'This way you'll learn never to steal from Empire Grogar again. And besides, you should be thanking me. Now you'll have one less mouth to feed.' Then he started to laugh," Lilith said.

"I couldn't take it anymore. Father had always made it clear to stay out of trouble, but we couldn't stand by and watch anymore," Lilith said. "Looking to my brothers and sisters, they knew we had to act and so as I started to get ready to cast a spell to get the filly away from the gargoyle something else surprisingly happened right at that moment. The filly fell to the stage floor as the gargoyle that was taunting her brother stopped to turn around and see what was going on. The gargoyle that was holding her, now crumbled to rock and dust. In his place stood our father."

"You can imagine our surprise to see our father standing on stage," said Mirage. "Father was never one for violence and yet there he was as clear as day, but not with the same kind, gentle look we had grown accustomed to. He was angry. No, more like infuriated. We had never seen him look that way our whole time with him."

Lilith nodded her head in agreement and said, "Yeah, in truth I took a step back when I saw him. Father turned to look at the other gargoyles on the stage and said, 'You will not hurt anymore children in this village as long as I breathe.' The gargoyle standing in front of the stallion shouted out, 'You dare to attack a gargoyle in service to Emperor Grogar.'"

"Father just smiled back at him and said, 'He ain't my emperor,' and let out a little chuckle. That really got the gargoyle angry as he screamed, 'You want to die? So be it. Get him!' As the gargoyles started to make there way towards him, the villagers were stunned and shocked at what was happening on stage. We, on the other hoof, were ready to help our father. But just as we were about to make our move, father started to smash through them like paper until there was only that one gargoyle left standing on stage in front of the stallion. Father just smiled at him, goading him to attack. As the gargoyle charged at him, he screamed, 'I'll make you pay fo- ahhh!!!!' As he turned to rubble and dust. From behind him stood the stallion with his horn lit saying, 'Nobody threatens my sister.'"

"As we made our way on to the stage to join our father, the little filly ran into her brother's arms. As he hugged her tightly and patted her head. He looked to our father and said, 'Thank you stranger. If it wasn't for you I would of lost the only family I had. I owe you big time.' Father just smiled at the stallion with that same caring smile we all knew. Father just looked at us, smiled and said, 'hello, my little ones.'" 

"The filly started to cry again and the stallion said 'It's ok now. You're safe,' as she looked up to her brother the tears stopped and she smiled at him. Father looked at him and said, 'Not quite' and pointed to more gargoyles coming from around the village, making there way towards the village square. Father looked at us and without saying a word we knew what we had to do; we had to save the villagers. As we took our stances ready to fight, the stallion stood on stage and said, 'No more! I'm through with living under Grogar's rule. I would rather die free than live my life in fear of him.' That seemed to stir up something in the other villagers. As the gargoyles began to charge towards the square, the villagers screamed 'NO MORE!!!' and 'FOR THE CHILDREN!!!' Rang out as the villagers began to attack the gargoyles."

Lilith smiled and continued saying, "In the end, we didn't do a thing. The villagers had beat back the gargoyles all on their own. As one gargoyle started to fly away, the villagers gave chase but stopped when father told them to let him go. He said it didn't make a difference, that now they had fought back more would come and wouldn't stop till this place was burnt to the ground. The realization of what they just did had started to sink in and the villagers began to panic, not knowing what to do next. Our father just looked at me and smiled, I knew what he was thinking cuz I was thinking the same thing. I shouted out to the villagers and told them that there was a place they could live without fear of Grogar. I told them to come into the forest with us and that we have lived there most our lives. Having a quick glance at my father, as he chuckled at me, I now used the very same words he spoke to us as children. I stood on that stage and said, 'You'll be safe there. You will always be safe there. I promise.'"

"Hehehe, when you said that, I couldn't help but get chills down my spikes. You sounded just like father back then," Scintilla said as she smiled at Lilith.

Letting out a little giggle of her own. Lilith looked at Scintilla and said, "Thanks." Then turned back to look at the others to continue, "After that we told the villagers to grab what possessions they could and meet us at the outskirts of the village. Once everyone was there, we made our way into the forest. We spent the next few months making homes for the new residence of the forest. Luckily for us, there was plenty of wood and the forest was so big back in our time it covered a lot of the land so space wasn't a problem. I remember on the day of our father's birthday we never got round to making him that cake, due to all the work everyone was doing. We had a welcome and a birthday party with the villagers instead and he even made a joke about how he was expecting a cake not a whole village to join us in the woods."

"Yeah, I mean way to come out and just tell us that he knew what we were planning to do for his birthday," Ulysses said. "Never could pull one over on him," he said with a chuckle.

"After awhile the villagers had settled in and while we chose to live with our father, the village was at the foot of our home, so it was nice. We had a school for the children and we began to grow more and more food. It felt like we were back to the days when we lived in our village." Lilith said with a smile. "However, after a few months, a few creatures had found their way to our homes saying that they heard rumors of the forest being a safe place to live. Of course, we took them in; all were welcome after all. We tried finding out where this rumor had come from, but never did figure it out. Over the next few years, more and more creatures had come to the forest, in the end it had grown a great deal."

"In fact, the villagers that now lived in the forest, decided to name it. I believe it's called The Everfree Forest nowadays. It seems it's true name and meaning has been lost over time. You see the creatures that made that place their home called it The Forever Free Forest," Mist said with a smile. "I remember asking them why they decided to call it that, they said they all voted on it. They said that the name represented what we and our father had given them; true freedom, and that as long as the forest stood, it will always be a beacon of light for those that seek to be free."

"I never knew that the Everfree Forest had such a meaning and history behind it," Rarity said in surprise.

The others all agreed with her as Lilith smiled and continued where she left off by saying, "Yes, the village grew and more and more creatures came to be free of Grogar," Lilith now taking on a more serious look said, "But do you really think that a monster like Grogar was going to accept something like that? No. One day as I was walking through the village an unknown griffon came running into the village, clearly out of breath and scared. I went over to calm her down and see what was going on, that's when she told me. She said that Grogar had told his gargoyle henchmen to spread a message throughout the villages, that if the ring leader of this little resistance didn't hand themselves over, that he would start killing creatures, starting with the children. She said that the leader had 72 hours to do so or he would kill a child on the hour every hour, until they did."

"WHAT!?!" Is all that anyone could say as Lilith looked at them.

She took a breath and said, "After I took her to the doctor to rest, I found my brothers and sisters to inform them of what was happening. We didn't know what to do, we only knew that if father found out, he would of gone off and given himself up to Grogar to keep the children safe. We couldn't and wouldn't allow that, so we made a choice. We would go in his place. Not only that, we planned to fight. Now, of course, our father wouldn't of allowed that, so we came up with a plan. As we were setting the table and placing the food and drink on the table for dinner, we waited until father's back was turned and I cast a sleeping spell on his drink. As we sat there talking over dinner, father could tell something was wrong. As he drank from his cup, he asked us what the matter was. We all just smiled at him and told him we loved him with all our hearts and that being his children was the greatest joy that we had ever known. Before he fell back in his chair to sleep, we wanted his last memory of us to be one with smiles and love."

With a tear in her eye Lilith continued, "Now with father out of the way, we took one last look at our home and left. As we made our way to the edge of the village, we noticed some of the villagers started to gather and follow us. We stopped and asked what they wanted. It turns out that they had found out what the griffon had said and wanted to come with us. I slammed my hoof down and told them no, of course, but then more and more creatures gathered. The stallion that my father had helped on that day stepped forward and said, 'Look, we know what you are planning to do. You're going to give yourselves up to Grogar in your father's place. It's obvious to everyone. Knowing the kind of creatures you are, I bet you're going to go out with a bang and you better believe we want in. The truth of it is, you and your father have given us something we never had before; free will to make our own choices and we chose to come with you knowing full well what that means. But I'd rather go out fighting for a reason than let someone else die for me. That's the choice I made the day you all came to our village and you can't stop us. We're going and that's the end of it. Besides, I owe your father one, hehe.'"

Lilith smiled and said, "We watched as all these other creatures nodded in agreement with him. I couldn't believe it. They were willing to die for our father. I mean what could we say to that? So in the end, we agreed to let anyone who wanted to come join us. Turns out every creature in the village was willing. Though we asked the elders to stay behind and watch the children. As we prepared to leave, some of the children came running over to us. The stallion's little sister stepped forward and said, 'I know we can't come, but we have a request. If it's not to much trouble, will you take this with you?' As she used her magic to start unrolling some fabric, she continued, 'We were going to ask if we could hang it in the middle of the village, but instead we want you to take it and tell every creature you come across that this is his Cutie Mark and it represents love and a hope for a brighter tomorrow. We can't fight, but at least this way we can still be with you.' she said as she now held open a flag."





Lilith let out a little chuckle and said, "We couldn't help but smile at the children. So with our flag in hoof, we said our final goodbyes and left the safety of the forest. We marched across the land towards Castle Tambelon, Grogar's home. Along the way we passed many villages and told our story. More and more villages fought back against the gargoyles. Turns out when you threaten their children, creatures are more willing to fight. Soon we had an army the likes of which have never been seen before or since. Finally, we arrived at Tambelon. As the army stayed back, we six marched up to the gates and demanded that he and his gargoyles leave these lands forever."

"You can imagine how well he took that," Lilith said as she went on. "As the gates opened, all we saw was an endless army of gargoyles as far as you could see. We quickly rejoined the army and readied ourselves to fight. However, Grogar just stood on his balcony laughing at us and said, 'Is this it? Such a small, weak bunch of pathetic fools.' As his army of gargoyles started to make there way out of the gates, it didn't take a genius to see that we were greatly outnumbered. For every one of us, it seemed like he had a hundred gargoyles. Some of the creatures were starting to get scared and back up. In truth, I couldn't blame them. Most of them were simple farmers and had never been in a fight, yet alone a war. I knew we had to do or say something to keep them from running, but what?"

As the six old rulers now sat looking at each other with soft warm smiles on their faces, Lilith said, "We should of known better than anyone. He made a promise and nothing stops him from keeping his word," she said with a giggle. "There he stood in front of us all. We thought he was gonna tell us to go home or something to get us to leave, but no. He shouted out to all of us and said, 'Hold your ground! I see in your eyes the same fear that would take the heart of me, a day may come when the courage of creatures fails and we forsake our friends and break all bonds of friendship. But it is not this day. This day, we fight, by all that you hold dear on this earth, I bid you. Stand with me now as free creatures, UNITED AS ONE!!!'"

"With just those few words, our father had drove the fear and doubt out of them and replaced it with courage. Each creature stood side by side ready to fight. All the while, Grogar laughed at us from his balcony as his army stood ready. He stopped laughing and looked at our father and said, 'I see so you are their leader. Very well, I'm feeling generous today. So here's the deal, you give yourself up here and now and I give you my word that I will allow all of them to return unharmed to their homes. No one else need suffer. Well?' With that father started to walk forward as Grogar smirked. I couldn't believe it after everything he had just said he was going to just give up, so I called out to him. He looked over his shoulder and said in a whisper, 'For the children.' With that same warm caring smile, before turning back around and charging straight at the gargoyle army. There he was: one creature charging straight into a sea of enemies as he screamed, 'AND FOR FREEDOM!!!!', it felt like the very earth it self shook."

"Wow, that's awesome," Rainbow Dash said as she flew into the air, all excited and asked, "What happened next?"

"Rainbow!!!" Twilight said, as the six rulers chuckled.

"Hehe, well Rainbow Dash, we did the only thing we could," Said Lilith. "We followed our father and charged forward into battle, wiping that smirk off Grogar's face. It was something else, that's for sure. For the first time in our lives, we were truly united; fighting together as one. From all around us gargoyles came at us. For every one we destroyed, five more took its place. It felt like it was never going to end. As the battle raged on, Grogar left his balcony and went inside. That's when father told us to keep fighting the gargoyles. He would take care of Grogar and put an end to all this. We thought he was crazy being one creature against a monster like him. We insisted to go with him, but he told us to hold the line and keep pushing forward. Then he took off into the castle after Grogar."

"The truth is, to this day, no-one knows what happened inside. As we battled the gargoyles at the gates like father said, we suddenly heard a mighty scream and a big black portal opened up and started to tear Castle Tambelon to pieces. One by one the gargoyles started to scream as they turned to rubble and dust," Lilith said as she looked around the room. "We all stood there in shock and amazement at what we were seeing, as from the remains of Tambelon Castle, our father came walking out. He stood there with a simple smile on his face and shouted out, 'It's over!!! We are Free!!!' and with that the crowd cheered with joy and happiness."

Ulysses giggled as he said, "After that we all went back to our homes and partied for what felt like months. Hehe. Word soon spread across the land of Grogar's defeat. Sometime after, we were at home when representatives from all the villages came calling, asking if we could follow them. We followed them and to our surprise, we recognised where they were leading us. They were taking us back to our village from when we were children. However, as we came out of the forest, we could see no burnt remains of our village. No, they had rebuilt it and added a structure we had never seen before. As we got closer, we could see hundreds of creatures all gathered around. Not knowing what was going on, they made a path for us and lead us to a castle the likes of which no creature had seen before."

"It truly was a sight to behold," Lilith said. "But we still didn't understand why they wanted to show us all this until one representative stepped forward and said, 'You have all done so much for every creature here and there are no words or anything we could ever do to repay what you have given us. For that we thank you with all our hearts.' he then looked to our father and said, 'However, we have all come to realize that we need some creature to govern us to make sure someone like Grogar never comes to power again, so we all talked about it and came to the same conclusion,' As he said this, a box was floated in front of our father, and as it opened, every creature bowed as he said, 'We could think of no creature more worthy than you, would you be our king?'"

"We were in shock as a crown floated out of the box and in front of our father," Lilith said with a smile on her face. "But what shocked us and every creature there the most is what happened next, our father took the crown and said, 'NO! I am a simple creature and know nothing about how to govern others.' Before one of the representatives had a chance to say anything, father continued by saying, 'For one creature to have so much power over so many, is never a good thing. You have only to look at Grogar as an example. However, if it is leadership you seek, then look no further than these six at my side. They were the ones that led the army against Grogar and brought you all together. So with your blessing, I would ask that you make them your new leaders and for them to rule together over the six races from this day forth.'"

"We couldn't believe it as all the creatures nodded in agreement with our father's words. Father used his magic and made five more crowns and then placed a crown upon each of our heads with a smile. Making us the first kings and queens of our races," Lilith said with a proud look on her face as she looks around the room.
> Chapter 8
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Ok, so let me see if I understand this, you ended up with Grogar defeated and becoming the kings and queens of all our races. Fine, I get that,” Twilight said as she looked at the six rulers before taking a breath to continue. “But that still doesn’t explain how there isn’t any mention of Grogar throughout our history or any mention of your father for that matter. I mean by the sound of it, your father quite literally saved the world from Grogar and freed all the races. How could there be no record of such a creature? And then there’s this chamber and the fact you are all standing in front of us, why was this chamber needed? Why not just pass the story down instead of making this place and keeping it all secret?”

The six rulers giggled for a moment before Lilith said, “Yes, Twilight Sparkle. We became rulers after Grogar’s defeat. However, the story doesn’t end there. About a week after father put the crowns on our heads, everyone wanted to have a coronation for us to make it all official. I still remember that day. After the boring part was over we came out of the newly built castle as Kings and Queens. We had never seen such a gathering before. It felt like every creature in the world was there, but we didn’t care. There was only one creature we wanted to see. Our father, he was standing amongst the crowd with a smile, watching us. He had refused to take part in the ceremony, saying that he was just like everyone else and would watch from the crowd. We six felt differently on the matter. He had saved us all and asked for nothing, even turning down the chance to rule. So with smiles on our faces we made our way through the crowd of bowing creatures till we stood in front of him.”

“As he smiled at us, he said, ‘I’m so proud of you, my chil-‘. He stopped, closed his eyes and bowed his head to us with a chuckle and continued, ‘Forgive me, I mean congratulations your majesty’s’. That was the last straw,” Lilith said as she looked around the room. “I was so angry, I mean what would make him think he would have to lower his head to us. We were his children. We all understood in that moment what needed to be done. As we looked around at the crowd and then nodded to one another. We removed our crowns and placed them at his feet to the gasps of some of the creatures around us. As he opened his eyes and lifted his head, the look of confusion on his face was priceless,” Lilith said with a giggle.

“As we lowered our heads to him I said, 'You bow to no creature, for you are the hero that freed us all and although you may have refused to wear the crown. You are now and forever more the one true king.' Everyone started to bow to him as cheers of long live the true king and long live the hero rang out. I don’t think I’ve ever seen our father go so red in the face as he looked around and told everyone to stop bowing,” Lilith said with a giggle. 

“After that began the golden age of peace, everyone was living happily. Our father even accepted the castle and made it his new home with the understanding that no creature was to ever bow to him or call him king. He hated the idea of being treated so differently. He always said he only did what any creature would do for their children,” Mist said with a smile.

“Of course, we lived with him for awhile, but every creature has to grow up and leave the nest at some point,” Ulysses continued. “Some of the creatures wanted to spread out and make new homes and see the world. As time went on, we six went our own ways leaving to explore the world. That is how places like Griffonstone, Hippogriffia and the Dragon Lands came to be. Father being father though, found a way for us all to keep in touch and stay a family, he made a round table in his throne room and placed a seat for each of us round it saying that it had to be round as no creature was better than another. From the smallest to the biggest, when we sat at that table all had an equal say. He made it a rule that once a week we would gather to discuss how to better help each other and the creatures we now governed. But if you ask me, I think it was just so he could make sure we were eating right. Hehe. Lilith never went far from home though,” he said with a smile.  

Lilith chuckled and said, “Well, the ponies were happy where they were and so it made sense to have a castle built in the one place. I felt the safest right here in the woods. After all, the woods was where we grew up and where we met our father. I even married the stallion that stood on that stage with us and started the rebellion against Grogar and his gargoyles,” she said with a smirk as she looked at her daughters.

“What!?!” Said Celestia and Luna.

“Mother, you mean to tell us that, that stallion from that day you helped free that village was father?” Luna asked shocked.

Lilith giggled and said, “Yep, he sure was. We became great friends over time and friendship turned to love. Although I thought it was never going to happen at one point thanks to father. I mean really what kind of father sneaks around following his daughter on her first date? I was a full grown mare, a hero, a queen even. I think I could handle one date,” Lilith said as she folded her hoofs in fake annoyance. “I mean don’t you think threatening to kill him if he ever made me cry was a bit much? I’m surprised your father didn’t run to the hills.”

“Come now, Lilith, you know as well as us that father was just making sure you wouldn’t get hurt. He’s always been protective of us,” Mirage said with a giggle. “Besides, it all worked out in the end right?”

“Wow, I never knew that’s how you and father met. You and father would never tell us when we asked as children,” Celestia said with a smile.

“Yes, well I would have liked to of told you sooner than today but that would have meant having to tell you everything and I couldn’t do that.” Now looking at everyone with a sad smile on her face, Lilith said, “The day I found out I was pregnant with you was the happiest day of my life. But what followed was the greatest pain I had ever known.”

Everyone looked at her and the other five rulers as they all began to worry seeing the sad looks appear on their faces, none more worried than Celestia and Luna. 

“What do you mean mother? What happened?” Luna asked with a concerned look on her face.

“I had planned to surprise everyone with the good news, knowing that we had a meeting coming up. I asked your father and the doctor not to tell anyone so I could tell father and my siblings first. They agreed and the day of the meeting soon arrived, we siblings had always met up just outside of the village where our father's castle was, so we could go together. It became something of a ritual for us to always be together when entering the castle for our meetings. But something was wrong that day, as we stood on the outskirts of the village we couldn’t see the castle.”

"Of course we raced right there but as we made our way past all the creatures that were gathered there, there was nothing but an empty space where his castle once stood. All the creatures looked worried and scared. We managed to calm them down and we asked if anyone had seen what happened but more importantly if anyone had seen our father. A few had said they saw him the night before but no one had seen him since. That's when a voice from inside the crowd spoke up and said 'I saw him this morning right before the castle disappeared.'"

Lilith looked around the room at everyone then continued, "To our surprise, a little unicorn colt with no Cuite Mark and wearing a saddle bag stepped out of the crowd and bowed to us. After telling him to stand, we asked him what happened. He said 'I was minding my own business and was on the way to school when he gave me a smile and called me over. I couldn't believe that he was talking to me. I mean he was a true hero and the reason we were all here and free I was so happy I couldn't help myself and had to ask him for his autograph', the little colt was so happy at getting his autograph it was hard not to smile. Then his smile left his face as he used his magic to open his bag and floated a scroll over to us, along with the very box that once held the crown the creatures offered him."

"The scroll was long and personal to us." Scintilla said, then she continued, "But what I will say is that he said in his letter that he knew Grogar would one day return and that he had put into motion a plan to ensure that the creatures of this world would be safe. He then asked us to make it so that any mention or hint about Grogar or himself be destroyed or hidden. Then he asked us to make a promise to be passed down through the generations that if Grogar was to ever show signs of returning that those who the promise was passed down to would come to this chamber that we had built so that we could pass on the story. Of course, no creature is truly immortal, so we used magic to leave a little bit of ourselves here for when the doors would open."

"Wait a minute!!! Are you saying you're ghosts," Pinkie said as she ran over to Lilith and the others before touching Lilith and saying, "But I can touch you and can't see through you!?!"

Lilith and the others giggled as Pinkie went and sat back down by her friends, waiting for an answer.

Lilith said, "Hmm I never really thought about it to be honest. I would say more like magic copies of ourselves which is why we're not see-through and have a solid mass with all our memories and feelings. Anyway, like Scintilla was saying, our father had asked us to make this promise and we had to fulfill it. He had never asked us or any creature for anything and he had done so much for us all that we had no right to refuse him. The box he left behind had the key to how to defeat Grogar once and for all."

"Really? where is it now mother? If we can find it, we will be able to put a stop to Grogar," Celestia said as Lilith just smiled at her before saying with a giggle, "You and Luna are wearing them on your peytrals, our family's jewels. You remember when I gave them to you both I told you that they may not look like much but they are the most important thing to our family and you should never take them off. Now you know why," she said with another giggle to the shock and surprise of everyone in the room.

"So all this time the key to beating Grogar has been around our necks," Celestia said as she looked down at the gem on her peytral.

"But wait, I can only see the gem on Celestia's peytral," Twilight said as she looked at Celestia.

Lilith giggled and used her magic to remove Celestia's purple gem from her peytral and then did the same for Luna, removing a black gem as she did this she looked at Twilight and said, "Things are not always what they appear to be. Sometimes things can be hidden in plain sight. You just have to know where to look."

Lilith then floated the two gems in front of her and in a flash of white light making everyone cover their eyes the two gems became one, now looking like a purple gem with a bright white light shining in side.

"What is this?" Twilight asked as everyone looked at the new gem now floating in front of Lilith.

"Our family's greatest treasure and the key to stopping Grogar," Lilith said with a smile. "But before we go any further, I think it's time for you to come out of hiding, don't you little one."

As everyone looked confused at her, Spike held his breath and stayed as still as he could hoping that Lilith was talking about someone else.

"Hmm, very well. guess we have to do this the hard way." 

After Lilith said that a white light flashed before Spikes eyes making him close them. When he opened his eyes again, he found himself standing in between the six old rulers and Twilight and the others.

"Spike! What are you doing here? I thought I told you to stay in Ponyville?" Twilight asked while looking at the little purple dragon now in front of her.

Spike sheepishly chuckled and waved his claw at her and said, "Hi everyone." After seeing Twilight giving him a more serious look, Spike sighed and said, "Look Twi, I know you asked me to stay in Ponyville and I get why, I really do. But I just had this really bad feeling and I just had to come." He then looked at the floor and continued, "The thought of anything bad happening to you or any of our friends was too much to take, I just had to come. I'm sorry. Please don't be mad."

"Oh Spike, I'm not mad." Twilight said as she pulled him into a hug, "It's just the thought of anything happening to you scares me."

"I know Twi, it's the same for me," Spike says as he hugs back.

Hearing giggles coming from behind him, Spike breaks the hug and turns around to see Lilith and the other five old rulers sitting side by side with smiles on their faces as they look at him. Before Spike has a chance to say anything, Lilith floats the gem over to him and places it in his claw and said, "This is for you." 

Spike looks confusingly at her and said, "Why are you giving this to me? I can't accept this."

As he stretches his claw out to try to give it back to her, he continued to say, "Besides I thought this was your family's greatest treasure and the key to defeating Grogar?"

Hearing Spike say that made the six old rulers burst into laughter which confused Spike even more. Lilith stepped forward and placed a hoof on the claw holding the gem and gently pushed it back in to Spikes chest and said, "Forgive my poor word choice, what I meant to say was, I'm returning this to you, Father!"

WHAT!!!!!

Everyone said in unison, completely shocked at what Lilith had just said before Spike looked at her and said, "That's not possible, you've got the wrong creature. Everyone knows I'm still just a baby dragon and that Twilight hatched me for her exam. Besides, you yourselves said that your father was able to use magic and had a Cutie Mark. Everyone knows only ponies have Cutie Marks and I can't even use magic. All I can do is send stuff by fire breath and even that took me awhile to get down so I can't be your father."

"Oh, tell me Spike, when did we say at any point that our father was a pony?" Lilith said with a raised eyebrow, she then continued to say, "In fact, the reason my husband's sister and her little friends made that flag was to show those that saw it that even though you had no Cutie Mark like a pony. They saw in you love and a hope for a brighter tomorrow. You inspired and encouraged all around you to be better and to stand for what they believe in. Maybe it helps to think of it in the same way as what the CMC did for Gabby the griffon when she wanted a Cutie Mark."

"Besides if our father wasn't a dragon, then on the first day of our meeting you would of been dead if not badly burnt after all. I may of only been small back then, but do you think any magic could of saved any other creature if they weren't a dragon from a point blank flame to the face?" Scintilla said with a little chuckle before she continued, "Not to mention the village was at the foot of our home. We lived in our father's cave after all. I mean I had no problem living in a cave since, you know, being a dragon and all. Took the others some getting used to though."

"Bu...but it's not possible. Like Spike just said, I hatched him myself. I mean maybe Spike looks like your father or something? He can't be your father," Twilight said with a worried look on her face.

Lilith shakes her head and looked at Twilight and said, "I'm sorry. I know this must be a shock for you all. None more than you, Spike, but what we say is the truth. Besides, we spent many of our youthful days training with him in this baby form and we could never mistake those kind, caring eyes." 

Lilith then looked at spike with a warm smile and said, "The eyes of a kind dragon that took in six children and raised them as his own. The eyes that cared so much he would do anything to keep us safe. The very same eyes of the dragon standing in front of us today that came here even though he was told not to, ready to keep the ones he loves safe."

"NO!!! I'm just a baby dragon," Spike said as he looked at the six old rulers with tears starting to form in his eyes before going on to say, "The creature you described in your story was a hero, strong, powerful, smart and brave. I...I'm just an assis-."

"SPIKE!!!!" was all he heard as he was cut off by Twilight as she wrapped her hooves around him with tears in her eyes before she said, "Did you already forget what I told you before little brother?"

Spike gripped the gem in his claw tighter and with tears running down his face, he asked, "Twi, what does all this mean?"

"I...I don't know Spike. I just don't know. I'm sorry," Twilight said as she tightens her grip on him.

"Tell me, Spike, haven't you ever wondered where you came from?" Mist asked while looking at him with a smile.

Spike breaks the embrace with Twilight and wipes the tears from his face and said, "I did for a little bit. It's not like I wasn't happy, it's just every now and then I used to wonder was I thrown away. Was I no good or did my family lose me and are they looking for me? It took me some time to realise that in the end it didn't matter. I had my friends, I had made my own family."

At hearing Spike say that, the other girls gathered round him and gave him a group hug. As his eye fell on Rarity, he could see her cheeks start to get a tint of red, which made him look to the floor in embarrassment.

As the embrace came to an end, Spike took a deep breath to calm himself and looked over at Celestia and said, "I know I've asked this in the past, but now I need to know, how is it I ended up as a test for unicorns at the School for Gifted Unicorns?"

Celestia takes a breath herself and said, "The truth is, Spike, one day a traveling merchant came to my castle and said he found a dragon egg whilst looking for gems. A small group of soldiers and I went to where he found you and tried for days to find any clues or dragons nearby that may be looking for a lost egg, when our search came up empty, I assumed that you were a dud and left behind, knowing how great dragons are at resisting magic I thought that you would be a great way to test the potential of up and coming unicorns." Celestia looked down at the floor to ashamed to make eye contact with Spike and said, "I never for a moment believed that you would ever hatch. The day your head came smashing through the roof after Twilight hatched you was one of the most shocking days of my life. As it showed me just how stupid I truly was." Tears started to roll down her cheeks as she said, "I swore that day that I would never make a mistake like that again and did everything in my power to keep you safe. Can you ever forgive me?"

Spike walked over to Celestia and put his arms around her neck and said, "There's nothing to forgive. You gave me a home. It is all because you took me in that I am the dragon I am today."

Celestia lifts her head up and pulls Spike into a hug as she begins to cry even more and said, "Thank you, Spike. You have no idea what that means to me."

Spike chuckled and broke the embrace then started to wipe the tears from her face and said, "You could of told me all this sooner you know instead of keeping it a secret all this time. It can't have been easy for you, It wouldn't change anything between us, you silly old mare."

Everyone but Twilight, Luna and the six old rulers gasped when they heard Spike call Celestia a silly old mare. Celestia for her part smiled and poked Spike's chest with a hoof and said, "That's Princess silly old mare to you, mister."

"Oh, how careless of me, please forgive my manners," Spike said as he goes to bow and gives her a little wink before they both burst into laughter.

After they stopped laughing, Spike walks back over and stands in front of the six old rulers still holding the gem in his claw and said, "Ok, so let's say for a moment I believe what you're saying, just how is this gem the key to defeating Grogar?"

"What you still don't believe us?" Mirage asked looking at him. "Well, I guess if I was told all this with no memory of it ever happening, I would find it hard to believe too. But let me ask you one simple question; have you been having dreams with Grogar in them?"

Hearing Mirage ask that question, all Spike could do was nod and say, "I wouldn't say they were of Grogar, but the last few days I've had dreams or rather nightmares of a dark shape with the reddest eyes. It would talk to me like it was taunting me. That's what I was going to talk to you about this morning, Twi, but if that was Grogar I guess I got my answers now."

"Hmm, although you don't have your memories of our time together, it seems as though your subconscious was trying to warn you of his return." Ulysses said as he looked at Spike.

"Ok, but that still doesn't answer the question about this gem," Spike said as he looks at them all.

"You seem to be misunderstanding something, Spike," Grover said, making Spike focus on him with a confused look. "That gem cannot defeat Grogar. It never could."

"What? You've all been saying that that gem was the key to defeating Grogar. I heard you say it myself." Rainbow Dash said in annoyance as Fluttershy and Applejack try to hold her back.

"No, the gem is a key and what do keys do?" Lilith said looking at everyone.

Pinkie Pie starts bouncing up and down on the spot and raising her hoof, saying, "Ohhh!!! I know, I know. Pick me! Pick me!"

Seeing Pinkie happily bouncing around, Lilith pointed to her with a chuckle and said, "Ok, Pinkie Pie, what do keys do?"

"They unlock things!" Pinkie said with a giggle as she stops bouncing around.

"Correct, Pinkie." Lilith said giving her a big smile.

"Ok, so what does this unlock then?" Spike asks looking at Lilith.

"You, or rather your memories and abilities that you sealed in your subconscious," Lilith said with a smile.

"What do you mean?" Spike asked as he looked at her a bit confused by her answer.

"Well to put is simply, you will get all your memories of our time together back. There is nothing to fear. This won't change who you are. After all you are you," Lilith said with a smile. "Think of it as having the question of where you came from answered."

"And if that's not enough for ya to want to get your memories back, think about what will happen if you don't do this. Grogar will return and go after everyone you care about all to make you suffer." Scintilla said as she looks at Spike.

"Scintilla, really. Did you have to say it like that?" Lilith now staring daggers at Scintilla as she just strugs the look off.

"What do I have to do?" Spike asked as he looks at the gem in his claw.

"Spike you don't have to do this," Rarity said as she gets closer to him, "We can find another way."

Spike looks at her and shakes his head before saying, "No, Rarity. I have to do this. If what they all said is true and as it stands at the moment we have no reason to doubt them, then this is the only way to keep you safe- to keep all of you safe. Besides, it won't change who I am. I won't lie though, I'm a little scared right now, hehe." He said as he rubs the back of his head with his free claw.

Twilight and the other girls stand next to Rarity and gather round Spike as Twilight said, "We're here for you Spike. We ain't going nowhere." 

"Fear is good," Lilith said to the shock of everyone in the room, apart from the other rulers, as she smiled at them all and said, "What I mean is without fear there cannot be courage. For you need fear to get the courage to face and overcome your fears. That is something our father or rather you used to say to us Spike."

"All you have to do is put the gem to your forehead and close your eyes," Scintilla said as she looked at Spike.

Spike takes one last look at his friends and smiles before saying, "It's time to dragon up." After taking a breath and closing his eyes, he holds the gem to his forehead and a white light begins to go round his body. He starts to lift into the air before the white light begins to get brighter forcing everyone close their eyes. When the light finally died down everyone opened their eyes to see a purple dragon with green spikes about the same size as Celestia on all fours standing in front of them.
> Chapter 9
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Spi...Spike is that you?" Twilight asked as she looked at the purple and green spiked dragon that stood on all fours with wings that lay across his back like a cape. None of his pudgy baby fat could be seen. He was now sleek, toned and muscular, with his snout extended out and looked more like a dragon.

Spike opened his eyes and gave himself a shake much like a dog getting out a bath. After stretching his now bigger wings, he looked at Twilight and the others and said, "The one and only Twi," with a toothy grin.

"Awesome!" Rainbow said in excitement. "Look at those new wings. I bet you can go a lot faster now."

"Hmmm, I gotta agree with Rainbow, Spike. I bet you could buck my whole farm with ease now." Applejack said with a giggle.

As a party cannon went off startling everyone, Pinkie Pie started to bounce around cheering and said, "We got to have a Spike's a big dragon now party!!!"

Giggling Spike said, "Maybe later, Pinkie," before he noticed Fluttershy cowering on the floor. He looked over at her and said, "I know you don't like big scary dragons, Shy, but I'm still me. The same Spike I was before. I could never hurt you. I promise."

Hearing the same gentle all be it deeper voice Fluttershy stopped shaking and looked at him and said, "I know, Spike. I guess I just need to get used to how big you are now," she said with a weak but warm smile, which made Spike feel more at ease.

"I'd say, you look magnificent, darling. I love the way your wings drape over your back." Rarity said as she looked at him like she was in a trance with a tint of red in her cheeks before realizing the other girls were looking at her with grins on their faces and hearing Rainbow Dash and Applejack snickering. She quickly snapped out of the trance she was in, cleared her throat and said, "You look very handsome, Spike."

Hearing and seeing the way Rarity was looking at him made Spike go red in the face as he looked at the floor and said, "Thanks, Rarity." He lifted his head back up to give her a smile and said, "That means a lot coming from you."

After the talking and compliments from all the others died down, Lilith cleared her throat to get Spike's attention as her and the other old rulers sat there waiting for Spike to look at them. But instead of turning to look at them, Spike walked over to a vase with some dragon lilies in them, picked one up and gave it a sniff. He then used his new sharper claws to cut the stem and said, "These were always my favourite flowers." As he turned around and walked over to Lilith and the others, he sat in front of Lilith and placed the flower in her hair before saying, "But did you really have to call them dragon lilies? My little filly Lilly"

As Lilith held his claw with her hoof and pressed her cheek to the palm of his claw. Tears began to flow down her cheeks as she said, "I had to. Even though you wanted the creatures of this world to forget about you, I thought at least this way apart of you would always remain with us and you know I hate it when you call me that, I haven't been a filly in forever, father." She said with a giggle.

This made Spike remove his claw from her face and turn away from her and the others. A bit taken aback by his sudden action, Lilith asked, "What's wrong, father?"

"Please don't call me that anymore. I don't have the right to be called your father." Spike said as he looked down to the floor.

"Wh...what do you mean you don't have the right?" Lilith said as she sat there with a worried and confused look on her face.

Spike took a deep breath to try and calm himself down before he said, "What kind of father abandons his children when they needed him? I just left a letter. I didn't even get to see my grandchildren be born or hold them as babies," He said now looking at a confused looking Celestia and Luna before saying, "I'm nothing more that a disgrace of a dragon."

Lilith flung her hoofs around Spike's neck from behind and hugged him as tight as she could before she said with tears in her eyes, "Don't you ever say that ever again! Sure we were worried and confused when you left and it didn't stop us from trying to find you, but as time went on we realised that everything you ever did was for us and the creatures of this world; to keep us all safe. You kept your word like a true dragon and because of you the six races are at peace. Yes, there may have been some bumps in the road, but you only have to look at your friends here today to see just how far we have all come because of you."

Lilith turned him around to look at her and said, "A true leader is someone who never wished to be one. But at the same time is someone who gives their all to make the world a little bit better no matter how hard or how long it takes. That is you in a nutshell. That is why we always held our heads up with pride and faced any adversity that came head on. You were, are, and always will be our father. Nothing could ever change that."

Spike smiled with tears in his eyes and pulled her into a hug asking, "How did you get so smart, my little one?"

Lilith just giggled returning the hug and said, "I had a good teacher. The best even."

Hearing Lilith say that made Spike giggle as he held her in his arms he looked over at the other five, "You lot are being unusually quiet. What's the matter? To old to give your old drake a hug after so long?" he said with a grin.

After he said that, the other five pounced on him like a pack of timberwolves about to catch their prey. As they all sat there in a group hug crying like newborns, one of Spike's wings began to get bigger and wrapped itself around them all until the crying stopped and his wing went back to it's new normal size. 

"No matter how big or old they get, kids will be kids." Spike said with a giggle.

Spike breaks the hug and gives them a quick wink before turning around to look at Twilight and the others.

"Right, down to business. Oh, but before that, I got to admit, Twi, you seem to be taking all this really well. Truth be told, I thought you would be going twily-nanas about all this," Spike said as he chuckled looking at Twilight's puzzled looking face.

"I'll admit, this is a lot to take in Spike, but whatever happens I'm here for you all ways." Twilight said as she smiled at him.

"Yeah, I guess it is a lot to take in, but that's not what I meant. I mean I thought you would be freaking out at the fact that the pony you idolized as a filly and who became your mentor was actually your great-niece. I mean how weird is that?" Spike said with a little giggle.

Hearing this, Twilight's head started going back and forth between looking at Spike and the six rulers and Princess Celestia repeatedly with her head going faster and faster between the two. It finally came to a stop when Lilith gave her a wave of her hoof, smiled and said, "Hi, Auntie Twilight."

"Wh..what!!! Bu...but how?" is all Twilight could say.

"And there it is," Spike said as he and the six rulers burst into laughter. He then said, "Well, Twi it's quite simple really. You are my sister and Lilith is one of my children which makes Celestia and Luna my grandchildren. Therefore, that makes them your great-nieces. I mean how simple can I make it? You're normally a lot smarter than this. Guess you're not on your A-game today," he said in a sarcastic tone as he shrugs his shoulders and shakes his head.

Leaving Twilight's mind blown, Spike then walked over and sat in front of Celestia and Luna.

"Celestia, Luna. I'm sure all this must be a shock, but I hope that the fact that a dragon is your grandfather doesn't bother you," Spike said with a bit of a worrying smile on his face.

Both Luna and Celestia hugged Spike. After breaking the hug, Luna said, "Not at all. We never had a grandparent before," she said with a slight giggle before asking, "So what do we call you, grand dad? Gramps? Or just Spike?" she said now giggling a bit louder.

"You can call me whatever you like. It makes no difference to me. Though I always liked the idea of Grandpa Spike myself," Spike said as he giggled along with Luna.

Celestia smiles at Spike as tears begin to form in the corner of her eyes as she said, "It seems we were family before either of us even knew it, Grandpa Spike." As she begins to laugh along with them.

"But there's still something I don't understand," Twilight said now back to her normal self making Spike turn to look at her before she continued to ask, "Just how is it that you went from an adult dragon from all that time ago back to being an egg and hatched by me?"

Spike smiled at his sister before saying, "A very good question, Twi. I'd expect nothing less from you. The answer is a simple one yet at the same time quite a complicated one." As Twilight looked at him waiting for him to explain, Spike said, "Hmmm, but I'd rather talk about this somewhere a little more homely." 

As he said that his eyes glowed green and a green flame surrounded everyone before they had a chance to do or say anything in a flash of green light that made them close their eyes. Before anyone knew what was happening, they opened their eyes and found themselves standing in the throne room of the Castle of Friendship next to the Cutie Map, with Spike and the six rulers on the other side of the table.

"Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! You just used magic to teleport us all here, didn't you Spike," Twilight said jumping up and down excitedly like a filly that just got her Cutie Mark as she looked at Spike.

Spike nodded and with a grin said, "Yep. Turns out the reason I was able to understand all those lessons about magic back in school was because I already knew it and I just couldn't use it at the time."

"Wha...what!?! Tha...that's not possible. Ember, tell me this isn't happening."

Everyone turned round to look at the now shocked looks on Garble and Ember's faces before Twilight said, "What's the matter, you two? Why's it such a big deal that Spike used magic to teleport us here?"

This snapped Ember back to reality as she looked at Twilight and said, "You don't understand, Twilight. Dragons aren't like unicorns or other creatures. While we do have magic, for the most part it's internal, some maybe stronger, while others could be better flyers, heck there are even some that can use more than just fire breath, like ice, water or lightning but even that is very rare. I always thought Spike being able to send stuff by fire breath was bizarre and just put it down to the fact he grew up with ponies. No dragon can use magic like teleport, it's just not possible."

"No normal dragon," Scintilla said making everyone look at her before she went on to say, "But Pops here ain't no normal dragon, he's an enchanted dragon."

"No!!! It can't be. Every dragon knows that enchanted dragons aren't real, they're just made up stories parents tell hatchlings to help sleep at night," Garble said while looking at Spike.

"Every story has to start somewhere, Garble," Spike said as he looks back at Garble. "I am the last of the enchanted dragons. We were extremely rare even back then. In fact, my father was the only other enchanted dragon I had ever seen myself. After his death, I secluded myself in the forest and didn't care what happened to the outside world until six little creatures found their way inside and into my heart," Spike said now smiling at the six sitting beside him. "The rest of the story you already know."

"Now to answer your earlier questions, Twi about how it is I came to be an egg and hatched by you, the simple answer is magic, though magic like that would normally come with a price. You see after Grogar's defeat, we all were living happily and creatures were thriving. Life was good, but when I learnt that Lilith was going to be a mother, I knew I had to do something. The thought of Grogar coming back and hurting the children- my grandchildren was too horrifying to even consider."

"What! You knew? But how? I made sure that no one would find out." Lilith said with tears forming in her eyes as she looked at Spike.

Spike gave Lilith a little smile and said, "I have my ways, little one," before turning to face everyone else to continue where he left off. "So knowing they would be coming to see me, I put in motion a plan to insure that the creatures of this world would be ultimately safe from harm and keep the peace we had fought so hard to gain. I knew that if I were to see them again or tried to explain my plan that my resolve would falter. So I left a letter asking them to promise to remove anything to do with Grogar and to build a chamber in Lilith's castle for them to pass on their story to those that opened the door, knowing that when the time was right I would be there to reclaim my former self. Of course I had to get them to remove any mention of myself as well since I was the one to defeat Grogar and if anyone found out about me, they would find out about him too."

"But why not just let creatures know about Grogar and about yourself? It was history, there was no need to hide all this," Celestia said looking a bit sad as she looked at Spike.

"Because I wanted nothing more than the creatures of this world to live happily and to their hearts content. They had suffered enough at the hooves of Grogar. They had earned their freedom and deserved to be happy. It wasn't fair to the generations to come to have to worry when or if he would return. Now like Scintilla said earlier, no creature truly lives forever, not even me. But taking inspiration from the phoenixes, I used my magic to seal away the castle and my own memories and powers- leaving myself just enough to give a very happy little colt his mission to pass on the box to my children when they came and to teleport away. Then I reverted back into an egg to be reborn when the time was right, planting a message in my subconscious to make sure I would be there when the door to the chamber would be opened."

"Wait a minute there, Spike, I don't get it. If you were gonna use magic to go back to being an egg, then why didn't ya just keep all ya memories and abilities? I reckon it would of been a mite easier than having to wait till now." Applejack asked curiously.

"A few reasons, AJ. The first and most obviously being, who in their right mind would believe anything a new born baby dragon would say about something no one had any idea of ever happening. That and the fact a newly hatched baby talking right off the bat would be enough to freak anyone out," Spike said with a giggle. "The other was, the price I had to pay. Although I called it a rebirth, it wasn't really even though I would of been hatched again. Unlike the phoenix that rises from the ashes with their memories, I would lose all mine along with all my magic and abilities, effectively being a blank slate and having to start all over again. That would of defeated the whole purpose of this plan if that happened, so I found a way around it by sealing my memories and magic away. It was more like suspended animation. It was also one of the reasons I never grew bigger than a baby dragon. Well...apart from that one time, because I was subconsciously holding myself back from doing so with the seal, as it wasn't time." 

"Suspended ani- what?" Rainbow asked confused.

"To put simply, it means to go to sleep for a very long time, Rainbow," Twilight said before asking Spike one last question. "How did you know that someone would be able to hatch you Spike?"

Hearing Twilight ask this question made him give her a soft warm, almost sad smile, before he said, "I had faith that when the time was right I would hatch."

"I must admit, there has been a lot to take in all in one day," Queen Novo said before saying, "But I think now that we have all learnt the truth, it's time we got to work on making sure Grogar does not return."

Spike nodded and said, "Yeah, good point, Novo," before his eyes glowed green and he said, "But it's too late for that, I can sense that he's already returned and knowing him he will be building up his army of gargoyles."

"What the Hay!?! I can't move," Gilda shouted before all the others started trying to move and coming to the same conclusion as her.

"Spike!?! what have you done!?!" Twilight said as she looked at Spike with confusion.

"Nothing much. It's just a little paralysing spell to make sure none of you try to follow me. It will wear off after I leave the room," Spike said as he looked at his sister. "You and the girls have come so far and done so much for everyone, Twi, I couldn't be more proud to call myself your little brother," he said with a giggle before saying, "But there is still one lesson you must learn. Right now, it's time to put the final part of my plan into action." As he looks to the six old rulers and smiled at them and said, "The greatest thing I ever achieved was having the honor of being your father, you laid the foundation for peace and harmony for the generations that followed." 

As Twilight and her friends tried desperately to break free and stop him with shouts of "No, don't do this alone," and "Spike, let us help," Spike started to walk slowly towards the door, Celestia shouted, "Spike!!! As a Princess of Equestria, I order you to release us all immediately!"

This made Spike stop and turn around to look at her with a smile as a green glow went around his chest, when the light died, in its place was a gold piece of armor, engraved on it was a heart with a crown on top of it. Spike giggled and said, "Sorry, Celestia. Although I never considered myself one, I think I'll make an exception in this case," as he smiled at her, he said "King trumps princess." 

With that, he turns back around and began to walk towards the door again.  

This time it was Lilith that shouted out, saying, "You don't need to do this father! You've done enough! You've done enough!!! Please, we can find another way! Father!!!" With tears rolling down her face. She realised that all her siblings were crying just as much if not more when she heard Scintilla speak up.

"Father!!! GO!" This shocked everyone into silence as she continued to say, "You go and show that monster what it means to mess with the treasure of the greatest dragon that ever lived!!!"

Next Ulysses shouted out, "Give him one for me, father!"

Followed in unison by Mist and Mirage shouting out, "Us too!"

Grover shouted out, "You have got to be the most stubborn creature I have even known." He said with a chuckle, while tears streamed down his face, before he said, "Forget one, you better give him two from me father!"

Lilith took a breath and with a smile, shouted out, "Go kick his ass, Daddy!!!" while still crying.

This made Spike giggle as he held out his arm and gave them a thumbs up and said, "Daddy, really. How long has it been since you called me that? I never could say no to you, my little ones." As he opened the door Spike looked over his shoulder one last time to see all his friends and family still shouting out. When his eyes focused on Rarity crying and shouting out "Don't go!" Before she realised he was looking at her and stopped. 

"It seems this was my true secret. One so well kept that not even I knew about it." He smiled at her and walked through the door, closing it behind him. 

"It may of been extremely short lived but at least I had my wish come true, I love you, Rarity and I always will." He thought as his eyes glowed green and he teleported out of the castle.

As soon as Spike left the paralysing spell wore off and the girls immediately charged towards the door after him only to have Rainbow hit a green wall and slide down to the floor.




************


Spike reappeared at Hollow Shades, hearing Gorgar laughing in the distance. "Well, time to put an end to this once and for all," Spike took off and made his way towards the evil laughter.




************



Meanwhile, back at the Castle of Friendship as Applejack helped Rainbow Dash up, she asked, "You ok, RD?"

"Yeah, I'm fine, AJ. Thanks," Rainbow replied as she and everyone else looked around them they could see a light green bubble now surrounding them all. "What the hay is this Twilight?," Rainbow said as she tried kicking the green bubble.

"It looks like some sort of protection spell to me. One sec," Twilight said as her horn lit up and then died down. "What!?! I don't understand. That should of worked."

Fluttershy asked, "What should of worked, Twilight?"

"I tried to dispel the barrier, but it didn't work." Twilight said as she tried again.

"Let me see if I can teleport out of here," said Celestia as her horn lit up and nothing happened. "It appears we can't use our magic, Twilight."

"Let me try something," Luna said as her horn lit up to no avail. "Hmmm. Now that I think about it, trying to shoot a magic blast at it wasn't the best idea any way."

"What?! Luna if that had worked you could have hurt someone," Celestia said a bit annoyed.

"True, I guess we're lucky it didn't then," Luna said looking at her sister.

Just then the Cutie Map lit up and shon a pillar of white light. Appearing in the light was Hollow Shades and then it showed Grogar surrounded by a small army of gargoyles. As he stood there laughing, he said, "It seems this world has changed a great deal since I last walked upon it. No matter. As soon as my army has grown big enough, I shall once again have those wretched creatures bow to their emperor. And although I do not know how he did it, the fact that dragon still lives brings me great joy. For it is I that should be the one to end his missible life after imprisoning me in Limbo for all this time and taking what's mine."

"Wait, What?" Twilight said as everyone looked at her. "Why is Grogar at Hollow Shades? And how was he imprisoned in Limbo? If he was as strong as you all said he was, then opening up the portal should of been easy for him! We all saw the portal to Limbo ourselves when we stopped the Pony of Shadows with the help of the Pillars of Old Equestria. Why didn't he come through then?"

"Because he couldn't, Twilight Sparkle," Lilith said as everyone looked at her. "You see much like when you defeated your enemies and they were sent to Tartarus, they were locked up. When our father fought Grogar on that day, he didn't just send him to Limbo, he placed a seal on him imprisoning him there. But like all things, the seal would not last forever. Father knew this and that's why he left us, to ensure that he would be there to stop him when it did. As for why he's at Hollow Shades, that is simply because though it goes by that name now, that was where Castle Tambelion stood back in our time."

Everyone looked at the pillar of light as Grogar started laughing again and said, "So you finally come, dragon. I was getting bored waiting for you," as Spike landed a bit ways from Grogar and his army.

"As a friend of mine would say, it's important to make the right entrance," Spike said as he stared at Grogar.

"Foolish creature, I should of killed you long ago, just like I did your father," Grogar said as he glared back at Spike.

Hearing Grogar say that made Spike roar, "You coward! If you didn't use the children as a shield my father would have beaten you."

"Hahaha, that's rich coming from you! Where were you on that day while your father and others fought? Oh, that's right, you were just a baby dragon hiding away like the coward you are. I showed you kindness by allowing you to live in those woods for all those years. You should of just stayed there, but no. Like your father you had to get involved."

Spike growled at Grogar and said, "You didn't allow anything! I chose to live in those woods. All you ever did was hurt creatures for your own amusement and when you threatened the lives of the children I knew I had to stop you."

"Oh come on, It's always about the children with you. I mean really, get a life!" Grogar snickered as he stared at Spike.

"Hmmm, well my children have asked me to come kick your ass and I don't plan to disappoint them," Spike said as he bared his fangs at Grogar.

"Hmmm, it appears my time in Limbo has left me in a weak state, but it seems I'm not the only one who is weaker since we last met," Grogar said with an evil grin.

Spike grinned and said, "Maybe so, but I've still got more than enough to kick your ass," as he dug his claws into the ground ready to attack.

"Wait! What's the rush? I mean it's been such a long time since we last saw each other. I could do with some entertainment." As Grogar's eyes glowed red, his gargoyle army now held swords and spears. "You want me so bad, dragon? All you have to do is beat my army. But be careful. Those are diamond coated blades perfect for slicing through those scales of yours like butter. HAHAHA!!!"

Spike stood there and growled as Grogar continued to laugh.

As everyone was watching the scene play out, Fluttershy worryingly asked, "What does Grogar mean Spike is weaker than before? As she looks at the pillar of light.

"I don't kno-." Just then Twilight starts to shake as tears start to form in her eyes. "No, No! It couldn't be. That's impossible and yet it all makes sense if you think about it. Tell me this is all just a bad dream."

Everyone stopped to look at her and the girls asked, "What? Twilight, what have you figured out?"

As she turned to look at her friends, Twilight said, "We've all been lied to from the very beginning. Everything we ever knew was a lie."

"Wha...what do you mean Twilight? I don't understand," Rarity asked confused as she looked at her friend, who started to cry.

Twilight looked at her friends and said, "You were all here, you all heard the story too." Twilight turned to look at the six old rulers, took a breath to try and calm down and asked, "What did Spike give that little colt on the day he left and what was the colt's name?"

Everyone was confused why Twilight would ask such questions as they all looked at the old rulers. None of the old rulers answered or even looked at Twilight, until she slammed her hoof down and in the Royal Canterlot voice, shouted, "What did Spike give that little colt and what was the colt's name!?!"

Seeing Twilight act this way surprised everyone, until Lilith said, "Father did what father always does. He kept his word to keep us all safe." As Lilith looked at Twilight and took a breath, she said, "The colts name was Starswirl and father gave him the seed of hope for a brighter tomorrow."

Hearing this, Twilight collapsed to the floor and started to cry as all her friends went over to calm her down and hug her. Rainbow said, "I don't get it. What's the big deal if Spike knew Starswirl and gave him something?"

Twilight looked at her friend and said "Don't you see, Rainbow? We and even the Pillars of Old Equestria all thought that they created the Tree of Harmony and by extension the Elements of Harmony that we are the bearers of. But that's just a lie."

"What!?!" Pinkie says as she slaps her hooves on her cheeks in shock. "But even the Pillars said themselves that they put the tree there in hopes that it would grow into something good,"

Twilight shook her head and said, "No, Pinkie. What they said was they planted a seed," Twilight looked at Fluttershy and asked, "Tell me, Fluttershy; we all know you love your garden. What does a flower need to grow?"

A bit confused why Twilight would ask such a question when she obviously knew the answer, Fluttershy said, "Water and sunshine. Why, Twilight?"

Twilight took a breath and said, "Because that's what the Pillars were. They poured their power into that seed like you would water your flowers. It's true they helped it grow by doing that, but at its core the Tree of Harmony was made by Spike. You heard it all yourselves. Spike said 'to insure that the creatures of this world would be ultimately safe from harm and to keep the peace.' I always thought that I hatched Spike the day we all got our Cutie Marks, but I was wrong about that too."

As Twilight stood back up while everyone apart from the six rulers looked shocked about what she was saying. She went on and said, "We all got our Cutie Marks the day Spike hatched because we were chosen by him- or at least his powers, to be his replacements. That's why when I became a princess the Tree gave me this castle: his castle." Twilight looked at the six old rulers and said, "You said it yourselves: your father made a table and placed thrones around it for you all to rule together and found a way for you all to stay in touch and as family." Twilight pointed at the table and said, "He made the Cutie Map, didn't he? And these thrones were yours weren't they!!!"

"It seems you figured out Fathers plan. Everything you just said is 100% true, Twilight. We had no idea any of this was going to happen until we read that letter. Father always was one for planning. He used to say that no one can know what the future will bring, all we can do is try our best to be prepared to face it when the time came," Lilith said as she looked at everyone.  

"I don't get it, why does Spike being the one who created the tree matter and why did you call us his replacements, Twilight?" AJ asked more confused than ever.

Twilight looked at her friend and said, "Cuz that's what we are. Spike said it himself; no one lives forever. Spike must of created the seed by putting his magic inside, knowing that one day creatures would come along that would embody the Elements of friendship. To help keep the peace and harmony for the creatures of this world after he was gone. That's what Grogar meant by Spike being weaker; it's because we have his power."

"Wait, if what you say is true and you six were chosen to carry on his will to protect the creatures and harmony of this world, then just how is it that Tia and I were able to wield the Elements before you? I mean you said Spike hatched after you were chosen. So why were we able to use them?" Luna asked.

"Hmmm, have you not been listening to anything we have said little one?" Ulysses asked as he looked at Luna. "The most important thing to our father is his family and the safety of the creatures of this world. Do you really think that after everything you heard today that our father would turn his back on a creature in need, especially his own grandchildren? Though I'm guessing the fact that you and Celestia wore the key to father's seal must of helped." 

"Father believed that Kindness, Laughter, Honesty, Loyalty and Generosity. Inshort, the Magic of Friendship were the true foundations to keeping harmony amongst the creatures of this world," Mirage said as she looked at everyone. "After all, it was the creatures willingness and courage to fight for their families and friends that led us all to stand against Grogar in the first place. After we read the letter father had left for us, we asked Starswirl what father had said to him. He told us that father gave him the seed and that one day when the time was right, it would grow into something magical that would help the creatures of this world be safe and free." 

"That's just like our father; he never once put himself first. Everything he's ever done has always been for the benefit of others," Grover said with a sad smile. "Just once I wanted him to think of himself for a change, but that's just not who he is. Stupid dragon hasn't got a selfish bone in his body," Grover said as fresh tears begin to roll down his cheeks.

"I know! I know!" Pinkie said as she hopped up and down. "Why don't we just give Spikey his power back? You know, like when Twilight gave Celestia and Luna their alicorn magic back, after the whole Tirek thing," she said giggling.

"Aww yeah, smart thinking Pinkie," Rainbow said as she gave her friend a hoof five.

"Thanks, Dashy," Pinkie happily replied before saying, "I'm surprised you didn't think of that, Twilight," she said as she giggled.

"I did, Pinkie," Twilight said before sighing. "The only problem with that plan is that we need to be next to him to do it and at the moment we're all trapped in here with no way out, but that doesn't mean I'm giving up. There's got to be a way to get out, there just has to be."

"Nothing you do will work inside this bubble," Ember said as everyone looked at her. "Remember I told you before that dragons magic is more internal. This is the only magic every dragon can use. It's called the Dragon Barrier. It is a dragons ultimate defence. We use this spell on our greatest, most rarest treasures to make sure no creature can steal them while we are away from our hoards. No magic will work inside here and nothing can destroy it. The only way the barrier will end is when the one that put it up dispels it or..." Ember took a slow breath and said, "Or until they die. That's the reason why when dragons used to fight over hoards. It's to the death in the first place because otherwise the Dragon Barrier would still be there."

Suddenly, everyone looks back to the pillar of light as they hear a roar and see Spike charging at the army of gargoyles and hearing Grogar laughing as he says, "Yes, that's it. Come running to your death. After you fall this world will be mine once again, HAHAHA!!!!"

"NO!!! I won't allow it," Rarity screams as she lights up her horn and starts banging her hooves against the barrier. "You can all sit here and wait if you want, but I'm going to save Spike. Do you hear me you stupid dragon? I'm coming to save you!!! Now let me out!!!" As tears began to stream down her face. The barrier begins to fluctuate, to everyone's surprise.

"Ra...Rarity! what did you just do?" Twilight asked as she ran over to her friend.

"I...I don't know, I didn't do anything, honest," Rarity answered flabbergasted.

"I don't believe it. Ember did you see that!" Garble said shocked at what he saw, while Ember just nodded her head, as the six old rulers just giggled and snickered.

Ember cleared her throat and said, "I knew there was something different about you when I first got here. I just never thought it would be this."

"Wha...what? I don't understand," Rarity said worryingly as she looked at Ember.

"Rarity, before I tell you, I need to ask you a few questions. It might be embarrassing, but I need you to be honest because if I'm right, then you may be the key to getting out of here. Do you understand?"

Rarity gulped and slowly nodded and said, "Yes. Anything to go help Spike."

Ember smiled warmly at her and said, "It's ok Rarity. It's nothing bad. In fact, it's quite the opposite. Ok, here's the first one: you've known Spike for awhile, right? In that time has he ever gave you anything that you treasure? Something important to you?

Rarity nodded her head and said, "Yes, it was on his first birthday in Ponyville. I had just gone over to borrow a book when Spike showed me this magnificent Fire Ruby he had spent months preparing for his birthday dinner. It was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen in my life."

As she starts to go a bit red remembering that moment, she looked at Ember and said, "He was such a sweetheart. He didn't hesitate for a moment when he saw me looking at it and offered it to me. To this day I still have it as a reminder of his generosity. In fact, I made it into a necklace. Why do you ask?"

Ember just smiled at her and said, "Remember I told you I would tell you after you answered all my questions. So my next question is have you ever given Spike something that he treasures?"

Rainbow just scoffs at that and shouts out, "He treasures every thing she gives him. He'd treasure her rubbish if she let him."

"Rainbow!" shouted Twilight, as all the girls glared at her while Pinkie just giggled. Rainbow Dash folded her arms, annoyed at being scolded.

Rarity looked back at Ember and said, "Though Rainbow Dash may of been exaggerating a tad bit there, I have given Spike some things he liked over the years like a bow tie with gems on it or that cute little suite I made him for our first Grand Galloping Gala," she said as she giggled before she stopped and took a breath. "Though I just learnt most recently that Spike had kept a Sapphire I had given him on our very first gem hunt together. He even fashioned it into a necklace much like I did with the Fire Ruby," she giggled and said, "He even said that he got the inspiration to do so from seeing what I did with the Fire Ruby."

Ember giggled and nodded her head before she said, "Seems like something he'd do. Now here comes the embarrassing part and just remember why you're doing it. Does Spike have feelings for you? More importantly do you have feelings for him?"

"Wha...what?! I don't see how any of these silly questions have anything to do with getting out of here," Rarity said as she started to go red.

"Rarity, please remember what I said. This is important," Ember said looking seriously at her.

Rarity looked at her and said, "Yes, I've known Spike has had a crush on me for a long time."

Just then Pinkie screams out, "WHATTT!?! You knew about Spike's crush on you?" She then spins around and looks at Twilight and said, "Did you tell her, Twi? Cuz if you did, that means you broke a Pinkie promise and nopony breaks a Pinkie promise!"

Twilight jumps onto her back hooves and starts waving her front hooves at Pinkie and said, "NO!!! I didn't say anything Pinkie, I promised, remember?" As a bead of sweat runs down her face remembering just how scary she got when Pinkie thought Applejack broke the Pinkie promise.

Rarity looked over at her friends and said, "No one said anything, Pinkie. Spike's never been the best at hiding his feelings when it comes to me. It's obvious to anyone that knows him."

Pinkie turned back to look at Rarity and said, "Oh, ok then." With a smile as Twilight goes back down to all fours and breathed a sigh of relief.

Ember laughed and said, "You're right about that, but you never answered the other part of the question Rarity. Do you have feelings for him?"

Rarity looked at the floor and said, "Yes," barely loud enough for everyone to hear.

"What!?!" Is all she heard from here friends as she looked back up.

"Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! oh my gosh! This is great!" Pinkie exclaims as she bounced round the room. "Just think of all the parties I get to throw now!"

"I'm not in to all that romance stuff, but still this is awesome!" Rainbow said looking at Rarity.

"Well I'll be," is all Applejack said as she smiled at the now red faced mare.

"Congratulations, Rarity. Oh, and of course I'm going to have to congratulate Spike as well," Fluttershy said with the warmest of smiles.

"Rarity, I couldn't be happier for you both," Twilight said as she smiled at her.

"Wait! You don't understand. I haven't told him yet. I haven't had the chance to tell him. Please, you have to promise not to say anything. Not until I have had a chance to talk to him," Rarity said a bit panicky.

All the girls just smiled and giggled at her and gave her the Pinkie promise which made Rarity relax a bit. That's when Ember said, "That's great and all, Rarity, but there are still a few more questions I need to ask and these are the most important ones."

Ember cleared her throat and with a bit of a red tint coming over her cheeks she asked, "Have you ever kissed him and has he ever kissed you?"

This made Rarity go as bright as Big Mac and she said, "Look, I've answered all these questions, but I do not see what that has to do with getting out of here. To be perfectly honest with you, it is none of yours or any creatures business what I may have or have not done regarding myself or Spike."

Ember stood there for a moment then said, "Look, normally I would agree with you on the matter, but right now I need you to be honest and just tell me. Have you ever kissed him? And has he ever kissed you? I promise it will all make sense after you answer these questions."

Rarity closed her eyes tight and just said "Yes! Ok, we kissed! In fact, it happened just last night! Are you happy now!"

Hearing the gasp from her friends, Rarity opened her eyes and looked to see Twilight staring back at her. Starting to worry, Rarity said, "Look Twilight, it wasn't planned or anything. It's just last night was so magical and he was such a gentledrake that I got caught up in it all." As tears began to form in her eyes she said, "I haven't even had the chance to talk to him about it. I don't even know what he's thinking or even if he still likes me now." 

As tears began to come down her face, Twilight walked over to her and started to giggle as she pulled Rarity into a hug and said, "Oh, Rarity, you don't have to worry about that. There's no way that idiot little brother of mine could ever not like you. You are one of my best friends and I love you." As a tear rolls down her face Twilight said, "But please, Rarity, take care of him. He's the only little brother I have."

"Oh, Twilight I will, I promise," Rarity said as she ends the hug. Looking back at Ember Rarity said, "Ok, is that it or is there more you would like to know? Maybe my dress size!?!"

Ember chuckled and said, "I don't need to know that, but thanks for offering. This is the last question, I promise. When you kissed Spike, how did it feel? And did he kiss you back right after?"

Looking a bit confused now Rarity said, "I don't know. It felt warm. No, more like hot but not in a bad way. Honestly, as I was kissing him, all I could think about was how much love I felt. It was like he was mine and I was his, it jus-"

"Felt right," Ember said cutting her off with a smile, as Rarity just nodded.

"And yes, to answer the other part of your question, he kissed me back right after," Rarity said proudly. "Now could you be so kind as to explain why you had to ask me all these questions and how this is going to help us get out of here."

After Rarity said that the six old rulers started laughing, Ember turned to look at them, folded her arms and grind at them, "You wanna tell her or should I?" She said with a light chuckle.

"Oh no, I would never deprive the Dragon Lord of such an honor," Scintilla said while snickering along with the other five rulers.

"Will somepony tell me what's going on!!!" Rarity demanded as she slammed down her hoof.

Ember sighed as she looked at Rarity and said, "When I told you before that the Dragon Barrier could only be taken down either by the caster or them dying, there is one exception to this rule: a dragon's mate. It seems even though Spike never had his memories of his past life, he still performed the ritual or rather you both did. You see in dragon culture, a dragoness would gift a dragon with something to show she was interested in him. Did Spike seem- shall we say, more eager after you gave him the sapphire?"

"I wouldn't say more eager. He's always been a great friend, though he would spend more time with me after I gave him the sapphire and would even let me use him as a pincushion from time to time. He's always been such a helpful drake," Rarity said with a smile. "But I didn't give him the sapphire to show interest in him. It was a thank you gift for helping me. The truth is back then I just saw him as a friend."

"And yet you said it yourself, he still has it. You may of given it to him as a thank you and I'm sure Spike knows that, but the fact Spike liked you. Subconsciously, his dragon instinct saw it differently. To top it off, when you expected the Fire Ruby from him, you acknowledged his interest in you. Spike said earlier that he's never grown apart from one time. I'm guessing that was around the time he gave you the Fire Ruby?"

Rarity nodded her head and said, "Yes, it was around his birthday and he started to take things from ponies and got bigger until he was a gaint dragon. Poor dear was so upset after. It was the first time he had a greed growth spurt."

"That wasn't a greed growth spurt - though it does look similar, so I could see why you all thought that. That was his dragon instinct kicking in. You see once a dragoness accepts the gift from the dragon, he will go around collecting things for her to add to her hoard. In the process, he will grow to show the dragoness his strength. Once the dragoness is happy with his collection and strength, she will show off the gift he gave her as acknowledgment of his hard work. The dragon would then go back to normal. After they become more familiar and comfortable with one another, the dragoness will kiss the dragon to show her readiness to move on to the next stage. If the dragon kisses back, it shows he's also ready to move on."

"What!?! You mean to tell me that when he grew big, it was all to show me that he was a strong dragon? What would have happened if he didn't see the Fire Ruby?" Rarity exclaimed a bit shocked at finding out this new bit of info. "And what do you mean by move on to the next stage?"

"Let's just say it's lucky he did. I guess that's why I thought something was different about you before and why I could sense a change in you. I just didn't know what it was as I've never heard of it happening with other creatures. It's clear to me now after seeing the way the barrier reacted to you though," Ember said before going red in the face. "As for the next sta-" Just then Lilith cut Ember off.

"It was quite common, back in our day though," Lilith said with a chuckle. 

"So what? After this ritual, Rarity and Spike are dating now? It's a bit weird to me having to go through a ritual like this just to date someone," Rainbow said as she looked at the six rulers, making them burst into laughter.

"No, no, little one, you don't understand. The ritual isn't for dating," Scintilla said still giggling. "I guess the closest thing to a dragons ritual you have would be called marriage or life partner and the next stage that Ember was talking about was that they were both ready to be intimate with each other, kind of like a honeymoon." Scintilla said still giggling as she wiped a tear from her eye.

"WHAATTTT!?!?!?! Everyone screams in surprise, before Rarity starts panicking and running around shouting, "How can we be married?! We...we've only been on one date, for Celestia's sake!!! An...and intimate...honeymoon!?!"

As her friends try to calm her down with Twilight even getting her to do a breathing exercise, Ember just shrugged her shoulders and said, "Hey, it's not all bad. There are some perks. He will never hurt you, he will love you unconditionally and you will share a bond that no other creature could ever come between. But right now though, we need you to take down this barrier so we can go help Spike."

"Wha...yes, yes you're right. All this can wait. Tell me what I have to do," Rarity said as she gets a determined look on her face. "It seems we have a lot to talk about after all this is over Spike."

"Just close your eyes and think about all the time you've spent with him, about how you feel about him," Scintilla said as she watches Rarity close her eyes and sees a warm smile come on to her face before she said, "And about that kiss." Now with a smile of her own as she sees Rarity's cheeks go a light pink. "Now just will the barrier to be gone."

As everyone stares at Rarity in silence, her horn lights up. The next thing they know, the barrier disappears to everyone's delight.

Rarity opens her eyes as Twilight said, "Great work, Rarity. I knew you could do it. Now it's just a matter of getting to Hollow Shades and helping Spike."

"I could teleport us all, but I fear doing so would leave me drained of a lot of power and I fear we may need all the power we can get to face Grogar," Celestia said with a worried look.

"We can teleport you all there using what little magic we have left," Lilith said as everyone turns to look at her and the other rulers. "This is where we must part ways. Our time here is almost up. Our mission to pass on our story is complete. Now it is your turn to pass on your own stories to those that follow." She said with a warm smile before looking at Luna and Celestia. "I know it has not been easy for you, but I am so proud of you, my children. Never forget that."

As Luna and Celestia run up and hug Lilith with fresh tears in their eyes, "Please don't leave us again, mother," Luna said as she hugged Lilith as tight as she could. Celestia then said, "Mother please don't go. We need you."

This made Lilith giggle as she broke the hug and said, "Oh, my little ones, you may not be able to see me, but I am always by your side and you are never truly alone. You have only to look to your friends in your time of need and each other. Not to mention you have a grandfather that would quite literally do anything to keep you safe," Lilith said with another giggle. "Now all of you gather up."

As everyone gathered together the pillar of white light disappeared and the Cutie Marks on the six thrones began to glow and shot out a different color light that hit Spike's throne, as a white light shone on it. When the light faded, a new throne appeared where Spike's throne stood at the same size as the others. Engraved on it was a crown on top a heart. The six rulers smiled and made a circle around everyone and started to glow.

"Thorax, you have been doing a fine job leading the Changelings, have more confidence in yourself," Mirage said with a smile.

"Novo, you have done well keeping the Hippogriffs safe, but do not hide away. Spend time with those you love and your friends, for time in this world is short. Live life and be happy," Mist said while looking at her.

"Griffons are more than just selfish. The fact that you stand here with your friends is all the proof I need. You will do many great things for the Griffons Gilda, of that I'm sure," Grover said with a smile, making Gilda go a little pink in the cheeks.

"Rutherford, you don't need to pretend to be something you are not. Just be yourself. You have made some great friends that will always be ready to stand by you if you should ever need them." Ulysses said as he watched Prince Rutherford nod his head in understanding.

"Dragon Lord Ember, you are far stronger than you know. But know that it's not because you are Dragon Lord, but because you have the courage to follow your heart. Do not hide your feelings from the other dragons, instead embrace them. Do that and they'll follow you till the end and there is no doubt in my mind you will become a great Dragon Lord, if not the best," Scintilla said with a little giggle.

"Well I guess it's my turn to say something," Lilith said as she looked at her daughters and the other ponies. "Truth is, I have nothing to say but keep doing what you're doing. It will all work out in the end." She said with a smile before saying, "Remember, as soon as you leave here you will be in the thick of it. Stay together and watch each others backs. That is your true strength and the key to victory. Grogar stands alone, but when you are together there is nothing you can not do. If there is only one thing we could ask it is of you, Princess of Friendship and Elements of Harmony. Save our father. That stupid, kind-hearted dragon of ours has done so much for all of us. He's carried this burden far too long alone."

With tears in her eyes, Lilith said, "We ask this not as rulers but as his children. Make sure his plan doesn't come to completion. This is something only you can do." She then looked at Rarity and said, "This is something only our mother could do. Love him enough for all of us," Lilith said with a smile as tears rolled down her cheeks. "Father always said he would only take a mate if it was the perfect one for him, and as you may have gathered, our father is nothing if not patient," she said with a giggle.

Before Rarity had a chance to say anything, Twilight wrapped a wing around her and said, "I give you my word as his sister and your auntie. That little brother of mine will be just fine. I promise," Twilight said with a smile.

The rulers laguhed as they started to fade away like ghosts. The teleport spell got brighter to the point where everyone had to close their eyes. The last thing they heard was the rulers saying, "Dad made some great friends. We've even got an auntie and a mother now, but damn if he didn't make us wait so long," As they laughed.



************


Meanwhile, at Hollow Shades, Spike was fighting his way through the gargoyle army as Grogar laguhed and said, "What's the matter, dragon? Getting tired already?"

Spike smashed a few gargoyles in front of him to dust as more took their place before he said, "Tired? I haven't even gotten started yet." 

Spike shot a flame of fire out his mouth, destroying a good number of gargoyles as he grind at Grogar. Just then, a gargoyle jumped from behind with his blade out ready to strike. But before Spike had a chance to do anything, the gargoyle got blasted to bits by a light blue aura and a rainbow blur went round him, clearing any gargoyle that was close to dust. The other gargoyles back up a bit and hold their attack, taken aback.

"Friends of yours, dragon?" Grogar asked with a grin.

"Wha..." As Spike turned around and saw a while light dying down, all his friends were standing there. "Bu...but ho...how did you?" Spike then looked over at Rarity, whose head was pointed at the ground with her horn still lit after blasting the gargoyle to bits, as she looked up at him with red cheeks. "Rari-"

Spike was cut off by Twilight walking up to him and slapping him around the face with tears in her eyes as she said, "I know what you're planning to do, Spike. Do you really think I would allow you to throw away your life for us?"

As Spike rubbed his cheek, he looked at the crying mare in front of him and said, "So you figured it all out. I shouldn't be surprised. If anyone could, it would of been you. But if you know what my plan is, then you should of known not to come. This is something I have to do- something only I can do. You and the others were meant to stay there and continue spreading friendship after I was gone."

"If you ask me, it's you that needs a lesson in friendship right now, partner," Applejack said as everyone gathered to Spike and Twilight's side. "Do you really think we were just gonna sit by and do nothing when our friend needed us?"

"Yeah, that's so not cool, dragon boy," Rainbow said as she glared at him.

Pinkie bounced up and down on the spot and said with a giggle, "Just think of all the parties we'll have to have after all this is over." She stopped bouncing and her hair deflated a bit before she looked at him with a sad smile and said, "Do you really think we could be happy if you left us?"

Before Spike had a chance to say anything, Fluttershy flung her arms around him and with tears in her eyes said, "Spike, you don't have to do this alone. We're here for you. Let us help."

Spike returned the hug and after sighing broke it and said, "Hmmm, I should of known better than to try and keep you all away from this. When there's a friend in need, you always come to the rescue. That's just who you are," He said with a smile before looking at Rarity. "So I take it the fact you're all standing here is because of you taking down the barrier?"

Rarity nodded and said, "Yes, it was quite the surprise when I learned I could do such a thing, but not as surprising as finding out why I could," She said with a red face as she looked at the dragon standing in front of her.

Spike went red and started to scratch his cheek, "I...I'm sorry, Rarity. You have to believe me, if I had known what I was doing back then I wou-"

Spike was cut off as Rarity put a hoof to his lips and said, "Now is not the time to discuss such matters. First let us deal with the problem at hoof and then we can talk. Maybe over dinner?" She said with a smile.

This made Spike giggle as he said, "Right, you got a point. Besides, dinner with you sounds like a great idea. It's a date," He said with a smile.

"Spike, I have a plan," Twilight said as she looked at her brother. "I want you to have the power of the Elements of Harmony, your power back. With that you shou-"

Spike placed a claw on Twilight's shoulder cutting her off and shook his head with a smile before he said, "No, Twilight. That power belongs to you and the others now. You said you come to help and so I think we should do this together. I only ask you this: when the time is right, I want you to shoot that power at me at full power. No holding back do you understand?"

"Bu...but Spike," Is all Twilight could say as Spike gave her a warm smile and said, "You and the others were chosen for a reason, Twi. Your kindness, honesty, laughter, loyalty, generosity, the magic of friendship has saved this world and all that live on it so many times. It is needed in this world and right now I need my big sis to help me end a nightmare that has gone on far too long, if you can make a path for me, I will fight Grogar while you all take care of the gargoyles. I know what I'm asking is a lot, but I'm asking anyway. Please, my sister, will you do this for me?"

"Ok, Spike, when you give the signal we'll be ready. We'll give it our all no matter what. I promise," Twilight said as she hugged him tight.

"Thanks, Twi, I can always count on you," Spike said with a smile as he breaks the hug and turned around to Grogar and said, "Thanks for waiting. It's time to end this."

Grogar giggled and said, "Not at all. After all I've waited this long, what's a few minutes more? Besides, I want to see the look on your face as you take your last breath knowing you have failed. I see the reason you are so weak is because you gave them six your power. Shame. If you had come at full strength, you may of been able to stop me." With an evil grin Grogar said, "That kind heart of yours will will be your undoing."

As it starts to get dark and rain starts to pour down, Spike looked at Grogar and said, "Hmmm, I thought you would have learned from our last encounter. They are what gives me strength. Unlike you who stands alone, I have friends I can lean on in my time of need. But I wouldn't expect a creature like you to understand something like that. Everyone, stay together and watch each others backs."

As everyone stands ready, they all look to Spike as he said, "For our friends! For our families!" And with a mighty roar that shook the very earth, they all charged forward as he screams, "FOR A BRIGHTER TOMORROW!!!!"

As Celestia, Luna, Thorax, and Novo start blasting gargoyles to ruble from behind the group. Gilda, Rutherford, Ember and Garble start smashing gargoyles coming from the sides. As Garble hears giggling coming from the front of the group, he looks over to see the six girls smiling and laughing as they smash gargoyles and he asked, "What's wrong with these ponies? Don't they understand the situation we're in? We're fighting for our lives here, how are they able to smile and laugh at a time like this?"

As a gargoyle jumps up to attack him a golden blast turns the gargoyle to dust as Celestia stands there and looked at Garble she said, "We ponies are not as weak as you think. We do not like to fight or hurt others, but when the time comes to fight we fight with everything we have for our friends, families, and the ones we love. You asked how they are able to fight with smiles on their faces, that is simply because they believe in one another. When they fight, they fight as one. They smile and laugh because when they are together there is nothing they can not do, when they fight. They do so without fear because they have each other. They cover for each other's weaknesses that is the strength of the Elements of Harmony."

Garble stands there in shock and disbelief at what he was seeing, "These ponies I thought were weak and useless were in fact strong. Maybe they're even too strong," He thought as he watched as Rainbow Dash smashed a gargoyle and shout out 'That's 20', only to look at Applejack as she smashed two more gargoyles and said '22, for me', with a smirk. He then looked at Pinkie Pie sitting on top of her canon giggling as she screamed out, 'It's party time' as the canon goes off destroying a few gargoyles. The blast was strong enough to knock her onto her back and a few gargoyles saw their chance. As they pounced to get her, Fluttershy screams out, 'Nopony hurts my friends! NO PONY!!!' As the yellow Pegasus smashes the gargoyles to dust  and helps her friend up. A few gargoyles stepped back not wanting to mess with the scary looking pony.

"Ok Rarity let's make a path for Spike," Twilight said as her horn lit up. As Rarity does the same, both of them let out a blast of magic smashing any gargoyle in it's way to dust, making a path right to Grogar who was just standing there with a smile as Spike charged forward.

"Grogar!!!" Spike shouted as he swung his left claw down only to be knocked back on to his hind legs by a red protection bubble surrounding Grogar. Thinking quickly Spike swung his right claw at the bubble as little electric sparks could be seen coming off his claw. This smashed the bubble making Grogar jump back as Spike landed on all fours, with a grin.

Grogar smiled and as his eyes glowed red he shot a black magical blast straight at Spike. Spike knowing full well that if he moved the blast would go straight at the gargoyles and he's friends that were fighting, flapped his wings to step to the side and shot out an ice blast from his mouth that changed the direction of Grogar's blast away from the group that was fighting.

As Grogar watched the blast travel off and hit some land away from the group that was fighting, making an explosion, he said, "Hmmm, nice to know you didn't give all your power up," He said with a grin as he looked back to where Spike was only to notice he was gone. 

Just then Spike flew down next to him, taking advantage of the fact Grogar looked away to swipe at Grogar with his left claw which now had ice blades on them. Grogar ducked barely avoiding the attack and jumped forward trying to ram Spike with his horns. But as Grogar did, Spike spun on one leg dodging the attack and used the momentum of the spin to hit Grogar with his tale, knocking Grogar away. 

As Grogar slid across the floor he slammed his hooves down to stop himself. As he stood with blood trickling down the corner of his mouth, Grogar wiped it away, the grin he wore was now replaced with anger as he said, "Though I have thought of nothing else but how to make you suffer for so long, it occurs to me that we are both lacking the power we once had. So I think the best way to make you suffer is to end your life now with the knowledge that after your death I will gain back my power and reclaim this world as my own." 

As he said this, his eyes glowed red as a black aura surrounded his body and he floated into the air. Spike flew up to be level with Grogar as his eyes shone green. As a green aura surrounded his body, Spike said, "You will never rule. I'll make sure of that." 

As they both flew at each other, they crashed into each other making the very earth shake as they connected, bouncing off one another they charged at each other again and again. Each time they do, the earth shook as they screamed each others names until they stopped and stared at each other, both taking big gulps of air as they did. Spike clenched his fist knowing that this would be the last attack and they flew at each other one last time. This time, when they connected, the blast from the impact was so great that it destroyed most of the gargoyles and sent Twilight and the others flying back and to the ground.

As Grogar and Spike seperated, Grogar noticed that Garble was a bit further away from the others and saw a gargoyle coming up behind him as he was getting up off the floor. The gargoyle was about to stab him from behind when Grogar grins. Spike seeing the grin realised that Grogar was no longer looking at him and looked to see what was happening, only to see what Grogar was looking at. Just then Grogar used his magic to take the place of the gargoyle. Now standing in its place holding the sword and about to stab Garble from behind with an evil grin, Spike shouted at Garble, "Garble look out behind you!!!

Garble hearing Spike turned around only to see Grogar standing there with an evil grin as the blade got closer to him. Realizing that he can't do anything, Garble clenched his eyes closed and waited for what was to come. As he did, he heard screams of "No!"s and "Spike!" As Garble opened his eyes, he realized that he was not hurt. In fact, he was nowhere near Grogar, as he looked over all he saw was Spike standing where Garble was, on his hind legs with a sword in his chest, the armor he wore, did nothing to stop the diamond tipped blade from going in.

As Grogar stood there smiling, he said, "I told you, dragon, that your kind heart would be your undoing." As Spike's armor disappeared and Spike coughed up blood. Grogar pulled the blade out as he laughed. Spike fell forward as he did he dug his claws into Grogar's shoulders, making him flinch at the sudden pain. 

As Spike leaned forwards to be face to face with Grogar, he said, "And I told you, they are my strength," Spike smiled and then shouted, "Twi, do it now!!!" As Spike said that a rainbow came and hit Spike from behind, as he said, "Your overconfidence, on the other hoof is your undoing. Dodge this!!!

Suddenly, a look of fear came over Grogar as a multicolored rainbow flame came out of spikes mouth and hit him at point blank range. The blast was so strong it knocked him away from Spike as Grogar screamed in pain and agony until the screaming stopped and the flame disappeared, leaving no trace of Grogar. As the remaining gargoyles turned to rubble and dust without their master, Spike fell onto his back and smiled up into the rainy sky and said "It's finally over," as he coughed.    

Twilight ran over to Spike and starts casting her healing magic as she stands over him crying, "You're gonna be ok, Spike. Your gonna be ok." As Twilight stands there Celestia, Luna and Novo stand next to her casting healing magic of their own.

Rarity runs over and holds Spike, getting blood over her white fur as she said, "Spike! You can't leave me! Not now! We still have so much to do! So much to talk about!" as she cuddles into him while crying.

As Garble stands there unsure of what to do, he sees all of the girls gathered around Spike crying and shouts out, "Why?! Why did you do that?! I never asked you to do something like that for me! I hate you! I didn't want to be saved by you!"

Some of the girls turn around to scold him but stopped as they see tears start to come down his face.

Spike coughs and said, "Garble, you have so much potential. If only you could drop the attitude, you could be something great." Spike coughs again and said, "I did it because before I got my memories back I knew nothing about dragons and when we first met. You took me in and made me a part of the gang."

As a tear comes down Spike's cheek, he said, "I was so happy I finally had dragon friends. Someone to teach me all about dragons. You made me a rookie," Spike said as he smiled. "Though the outcome of our first meeting didn't turn out great, along with a few other times we met, I always hoped we could be friends again."

Hearing what Spike said made Garble start to cry even harder as Ember put a claw on his shoulder as she stood by him, crying herself. As they watched Twilight and the others trying to heal him. Ember said, "I swear by my honor as Dragon Lord, every dragon shall know the name Spike, the greatest dragon that ever was, I swear it," as she continued to cry.

"Wh...why isn't this working!" Twilight said as all the magic seemed to be doing is slowing down the blood coming out of his chest and not actually healing him.

Spike looked at his sisters tear stained face and smiled before saying, "Did you forget that dragons are more resistant to magic, Twi?" he giggled. "It's time to stop now. I came here planning to stop Grogar knowing that this outcome was more than likely going to happen. I told you before that there was still one lesson you had to learn. Well this is it, Princess of Friendship. The last lesson you need to learn is knowing when it's time to let go and say goodbye to a friend. I've done my job. I've protected my treasure till the end, like a true dragon. Now it's your turn. I need you to promise me no matter what that you and the girls will take care of things; to keep the peace."

"NO! Don't talk like that Spike you're gonna be ok," Twilight said as she starts to sob.

"Promise me, Twi, please," Spike said with a warm smile as he looked at his sister.

"I...I pro...I promise Spike," Twilight said as her horn stopped glowing and the others took a step back, as she continued to cry.

"Thanks, now I can go knowing everythings gonna be fine," Spike said with a smile before turning to look at Rarity who was still holding him as she cried. "You know, I had it all planned out. I was gonna pass on my magic, stop Grogar and leave this world with a smile knowing that those that took my place would carry on my work. The only thing I didn't plan for, was you." As Spike raised his claw and cupped her cheek as she sobbed. "I spent my whole life watching others being happy, I even got to see my children grown into amazing creatures." Spike starts to cough as he said, "But then there was you, Rarity. Thank you. Because of you I had my one and only selfish wish come true. I got to marry the creature of my dreams. I love you." As Spike's claw starts to fall away from Rarity's face and his eyes start to close, he spoke his final words with a smile, "I finally said it."

As the rain continued to pour down and everyone burst into tears Rarity clung to his body and screamed, "NOO!!!! Don't leave me! You can't leave me! Wake up! I need you! I...I... I never had the chance to say I love you back!"

As she sits there clinging to his body, her tears falling down her face and onto him, she said, "She lied to me. She said that it was the most magical thing in the world. Even better than the Magic of Friendship. But all it is, is pain." 

As Rarity closes her eyes tight she and the others continued to cry as the wound on Spike's body begins to heal as Rarity's tears hit it.

As the rain begins to stop and the sun begins to shine through the clouds, Spike gasped for air. Everyone looked on in shock as the now dead dragon was alive once again as he lifts his head up and looks at Rarity he said, "Wow, would you look at that. I'm alive. Thought I was a goner there for a minute," He said with a toothy smile as Rarity pushed him to the floor still crying.

As everyone was still in shock at the sight of what they were seeing and Rarity now on top of Spike, she looked at him and said, "I love you too, Spike," before giving him a passionate kiss. 

He happily returned the kiss before Twilight asked, "Bu...but how? I thought dragons were more resistant to magic. That's why our magic didn't work. Just what is going on?"

Rarity tightly holds Spike as he sits up and wraps a wing round her and looks at Twilight. 

"They are, Twi, but after me and Rarity completed the dragon ritual, we became mates," Spike said with a red face while Rarity rubs her cheek against his. "And the simple answer is it was the love Rarity and I share for each other that healed me. It's the same sort of magic that Shinning Armor and Cadence used to stop the Changeling invasion. You see, a dragon will only ever have one mate. They love and trust that creature so much that they are the only ones they will let near their greatest treasure, which is why Rarity was able to take down the barrier in the first place."

Spike looks at Rarity with a sad smile and said, "Rarity, can you ever forgive me? I completed the dragon ritual with you without even knowing what I was doing. I forced you into this without your consent or knowledge."

Rarity placed her hoof on Spike's cheek and smiled after giving him a quick peck before she said, "Spike, after everything that has transpired her today, the one thing I am certain of is that I love you. Do you remember what I told you about my mother giving everything up for my father?" 

Spike nodded with a smile and Rarity said, "Well, it's the same for me. I'm willing to take the risk; to give it all up to have you by my side. No other creature will do. You are my prince charming. My very own knight in shinning scales." Rarity let out a little giggle, then said, "Everything else is just silly little details we can work out later. After all we have all the time in the world. Though I do believe being married so soon is a bit sudden. It is my understanding that we now need to get to know each other on a more intimate level, no?" 

Spike's face turned bright red while Rarity gave him a seductive look.

"Ra...Rar...Rarity!" Was all Spike could say as the white mare pured and kissed him on the cheek as everyone around them started to go red in the face before Rarity giggled and said, "But there will be plenty of time for all this. After all, a lady must take her time even if we are married by dragon custom. I still expect to go on more dates and when the time is right I still plan on having my own wedding, I mean a girl has to get a chance to show off her love after all, wouldn't you agree my Spikey-wikey?

Spike just gave her that same goofy look she loved so much as he nodded his head before she pounced on him again and before giving him another passionate kiss said, "MINE!" As they were both locked in a passionate kiss and Spike wrapped his arms around his mare, both forgot the world around them until they heard someone clearing their throat, making them both snap back into reality and sit up to see everyone looking at them. 

"Jeez, you two, you maybe married now, but get a room," Rainbow said before bursting into a fit of giggles as all their friends joined in on the laughter looking at the two red faced creatures cuddled next to each other.

Twilight sat there with a warm smile on her face as she looked at her brother and said, "Spike, we need to talk. It seems we all learned a lot today, but we also learned that the Elements are yours and even the castle. I thin-" 

"Let me stop you right there, Twi," Spike said cutting her off. "The Elements of Harmony are yours. I put my power into that seed in the hopes that it would grow into a force for peace and harmony for all and it has," Spike said with a smile. "I never intended to have that power back, Twilight, That's why I never hatched until you were all chosen. That power belongs to you six and has since that day, I had planned to fight Grogar alone and to leave this world, knowing the creatures would be kept safe after I had gone. As for the castle, well what's a princess without a castle?" Spike said as he giggled.

Twilight giggled along with Spike and said, "Ok, Spike. You win. If that is what you want."

Celestia stepped forward and said, "That still leaves one question unanswered, Spike. You are the one true king and rightful ruler of Equestria." As Celestia, Luna, Rutherford, Thorax, Novo and Ember all bow to him, Celestia continued as everyone else started to bow. "Will you take your rightful place and rule over Equestria, as our king?"

Spike sighed and said, "First of all, stop bowing. I never liked the idea of others bowing to me," as he stood up on his hind legs now towering over everyone, he looked at Rarity and asked, "What do you think? Queen Rarity has a nice sound to it, don't you think?"

Rarity stood up and put a hoof to her chin, lost in thought as she smiled at her dragon and saw the smirk on his face before saying, "Hmmm, Queen Rarity does sound absolutely divine, if you ask me. However, I much prefer Rarity the fashionista, Element of Generosity and lover of the number one assistant to the Princess of Friendship," as she rubbed herself against his side.

"Well, there you have it," Spike said with a giggle. "Besides, I like my life the way it is now: great friends, great family and the mare of my dreams. What more could a dragon ask for? You have all been doing a fine job as rulers, so why stop now? But if you should ever need a helping claw, you know where to find me. After all, I'm not called the number one assistant for nothing," as he picked up Rarity and cradled her in his arms and gave Rarity a peck on the cheek which made her giggle.

"Bu...but you're the king, Spike," Novo said before Spike started to flap his wings.

Now in the air and holding Rarity in his arms, Spike said, "Yeah, no. I've never really been the ruling type. Not my thing. I'm more of the helping out kind. That being said, I do have one request. Tell no creature what took place here today and never tell anyone what you have learned, it will be kind of like our little secret," He said with a giggle.

"WHAT!?! But everyone should know what you have done for them; what you have done for all of us, Spike." Luna said as she looked up at him.

"Surely you of all ponies can imagine what it would be like for me; everyone always bowing and wanting me to answer all their questions and so forth. Just being the number one assistant to an obsessed perfectionist, is a 24/7 job. I wouldn't be able to do my job if this got out." Spike said as he let out a laugh.

"Wha...HEY!" Twilight shouted up as their friends giggled in understanding at what Spike meant before Celestia looked up and said, "We understand, Spike and we will keep this to ourselves. We promise." As everybody nods in agreement.

Celestia then said, "However, I would ask for one condition to keeping this secret and that is that you come visit Canterlot castle more often and when we are alone you allow us to call you Grampa Spike," She said with a giggle.

Spike laughed and said, "I wouldn't have it any other way, my little one," as he smiled at her before saying, "You should all come to Ponyville more often as well. I could tell you some great stories about Lilith and the others." 

Spike looked down at Garble and said, "And that goes for you as well, Garble. You think you have an attitude? You should hear what Scintilla was like growing up. She was a claw full that's for sure." As Spike smiled down at the red dragon, he said, "I'd like to visit the Dragon Lands more as well. Maybe we could go lava diving sometime?"

Garble smirked and shouted up, "Yeah who knows? Maybe next time you can do a cannon ball instead of a belly flop." This made Spike and Garble burst into laughter as Spike said, "Yeah, who knows."

Spike looked at Rarity as she wrapped her hooves around his neck and said with a smile, "I don't know about you lot, but I'm starved and I do believe there was talk of dinner after all this was over. I've kept my lady waiting long enough," as he kissed her before starting to fly off towards Ponyville, he shouted out, "Twi, I'll be home late tonight. Me and Rarity have a lot to talk about."

As everyone stood there laughing and with smiles on their faces, watching Spike and Rarity fly off, Twilight shouted out, "Wait!!! What are we gonna tell everypony about Spike's new size!"

As everyone stopped laughing, all they heard was Rarity laughing as she shouted back, "Details, darling! Silly little details!"



THE END