A Rare Friendship

A RARE FRIENDSHIP

[alt title was Empty Spaces]

An MLP: FREINDSHIP IS MAGIC FAN FICTION

BY DZEclectic

The sun was high in the sky, and the weather was as clear as could be. For the average pony it was probably some of the best weather one who could ask for. Not for Limestone Pie, though. The heat was crushing and work on the rock farm was never done. Limestone was dragging a block from the quarry to the south field to be sized. She was behind schedule which was nothing new with the way things were. Pinky had gone off to Ponyville years ago. Pa had injured his leg earlier in the season and Maud had gone on a geological expedition with her new boyfriend. Ma and Marble helped when possible, but they had their own work to do.
With her head down, shoulders hunched, and teeth gritted with effort, Limestone heaved again, gaining a few more feet. Panting from the effort and trying not to think of Maud’s newfound luck in love, Lime did not notice the shadow cross overhead…

He settled down on a hill overlooking the barren fields, and watched the little pony heave the giant stone block slowly across the ground. Her strength impressed him though he could easily cast such a stone across the field with one arm. The pony wasn’t speaking but he could tell cold fury when he saw it. He had known it himself many times in his long life. He was surprised at how much the idea amused him. For some reason it had never occurred to him that ponies could get angry. Though if we are being honest not much about ponykind had ever occurred to him at all. He had never met any of them and had not really cared to. All that had changed a few weeks ago and now while watching the little pony he felt like he was supposed to do something.

Lime was growling and heaving at the harness attached to the sled she wanted this task done by lunch so she could get to the rest of the work after a meal and some rest.
“Um. Need some help?” Came a voice from behind.
“Ahhhh!” Shouted Limestone in surprise.
“You scared me, Marble. Don’t sneak up on a pony like that!”
Her sister stared at her apologetically.
“You finished your chores already?” Limestone asked.
“Mmhmm.”
“Well, then help me move this block. Here, you take the harness and I’ll push from behind.”

The figure on the hill watched as the second pony joined to the first. Together they heaved and struggled and made better progress with the huge stone but still only moved it at a snail’s pace. Seeing the new arrival join the first was strangely interesting to him and brought him back to a conversation he had had with the queen…

The queen stood on a high cliff overlooking her lands. They were savage and unsafe. Just as her people preferred. Her kind did not tolerate weaklings, or waste their time with other creatures, as they all seemed inferior by comparison. This had all changed with her ascension to the throne, when she had been helped by another. ‘Help’ that word still seemed strange to her, but she had learned its value, and others of her kind were learning many more new things as well. Her musings, however, were interrupted by a speck in the distance moving towards her. It took quite a bit of time but eventually the stranger arrived, landing a respectful distance away.

“I have come to pay my respects to the new ruler of the dragons.” He rumbled. “I am told that is Queen Ember. Where can I find her?”
“It is, and she is I.” Ember said allowing some annoyance into her reply.
“Do not joke with me young one. I have been away a long time. I was too far away to respond to the summons of Torch, but I knew him long ago and he would not have abdicated to one so puny as you.”
“I am his daughter, and I won the trials fairly.” Ember said proudly. Puffing out her chest.
“Mmm is that so? How is that possible?”
“I was smarter than the rest of those blockheads.”

The older dragon considered this. He rolled it over in his mind, and eventually nodded his approval. He had learned in his many years that cunning had as much value as strength.

“I see. In that case, I, Fuego, recognize the new ruler of dragon kind. Are there any new laws that I should be aware of?”

Ember thought for a moment.

“Oh yes, we are at peace with the Ponies of Equestria. I will tolerate no harassment of them.”
“Peace? Surely you’re joking.” Fuego said with little humor.
“Umm… No.” Ember replied with a combination of sarcasm and annoyance. If Fuego noticed her tone he gave no indication.
“Tell, me then Ember, daughter of Torch. How is it that we have entered peace with the ponies? Not that we ever had much cause to trouble them in my memory.” Fuego said.
“Some of the ponies are my friends and Smolder, one of our kind, attends their friendship school in Ponyville.”

Fuego stared at Ember dumbfounded. It took him several moments to respond.

‘Friends? Friendship school? What are you talking about?” He finally asked.
“You know. Friendship. When creatures work together and help each other.”
“You mean when you tell someone smaller than you what to do?”
“No.” Ember said. “I’m still learning about it myself, but it’s like if you do something for someone because they need help, or because you want to… uhhh… because you want to make them happy… I think.”
“That sounds foolish.” Fuego growled.
“I thought so too at first, but then I tried it and I have found that sometimes I like it.”
“Hmmm. I have never been to pony lands. I will see this ‘friendship’ for myself.”
“Uhhh. That might no-“ Ember broke off speaking as Fuego flapped his huge wings and leaped to the sky. “Oh boy.” She muttered. Then remembering she shouted. “Hey wait! Find Spike he’s a dragon who lives in Ponyville!”
“Spike! Ponyville! Yes!” Fuego shouted back.

As he was watching the struggling ponies Fuego decided to try out this ‘helping’ that Ember had told him about. Fuego stomped down the hill and loomed over the Pie Sisters.

“PONIES!”
Marble nearly jumped out of her skin at the sound of Fuego’s voice. Limestone leaped around and took a guarding position in front of her sister. Both trembled in fear at the looming dragon.
“Hey, buster! What do you think you’re doing on our farm scaring ponies like that!?!”
“MY NAME IS NOT BUSTER. IT IS FUEGO!”
Marble tugged on her sister’s flank and whispered. “don’t make him mad he might eat us.”
“I AM NOT GOING TO EAT YOU. DRAGONS DON’T EAT PONIES.” Fuego said.
The two ponies stared at him dumbfounded.
“I HAVE DECIDED TO TRY… THE HELPING.” Fuego continued.

The sisters looked at each other bewildered.
“The helping?” Limestone asked.

With that Fuego picked up the block (sled and all) and began walking in the direction that Limestone had been dragging it. Lime and Marble stared after him, unable to do or say anything. Fuego took the burden to the other end of the farm where the other blocks were stacked and dumped it haphazardly on the ground.

Fuego stomped back over to Marble and Limestone, “Was that a good helping, ponies?”
Limestone stood dumbfounded for a moment before coming to her senses. Realizing that the Dragon had just saved her half a day’s work she quickly replied, “Well, uh yeah I guess.”
Marble still stood dumb, but with a nudge from Lime she found her voice.
“Mmhmm.” She nodded and smiled meekly.

Fuego eyed Marble for a moment, he found her gentle demeanor and shy smile endearing.

“Is there more helping I can do?”

Finally realizing that this strange situation was not as threatening as it originally seemed, Limestone composed herself.

“Thank you, Dragon, for your help. I am Limestone Pie, and this is my sister, Marble.”

“I am Fuego.”

“What brings you to our farm, Fuego?” Limestone continued.

“I missed the summons.”
“I don’t know what that means.”
“It is a dragon thing.” Fuego grumbled awkwardly. “Ember is now queen. She told me of pony helping and friends.”
“Ooooh kaaay?”
“I wanted to see it for myself.” Fuego explained. “I was told Ponyville was the place to go. Is this Ponyville?”
“Um. No.” Said Limestone. “Ponyville is that way, to the north. You came too far west if you came from the badlands. You should have gone northwest. Now you just have to follow the river until you get to the dam.”
“The dam is Ponyville?”
“The dam is near Ponyville.” Said Limestone.
“Hmmm.” Fuego tapped his chin with a claw. “You have helped me Pony! I would have kept flying west and wasted much time! I understand the helping now!”
“Well, you asked if there was more you could do?” Limestone chimed in. “Could you maybe help us with another block?”
“Yes! Where is the block?”

“Over there in the quarry.” Limestone indicated with her hoof.

Without a word Fuego plodded off toward the quarry.

(Later that day)

“Didst thou make progress on thy morning chores this day daughter.” Igneous Rock Pie met his daughter at the door as she and Marble ascended the steps for lunch.
“Uh. Yes dad.” Limestone replied.
“How much does thou have left to do?”
“Nothing we’re finished.”
“How can that be? There is always much to be done, thy mother and I had prepared twelve blocks in the quarry. Even with the whole family it should have taken all season. It was with great hope that we would be blessed with the aid of our Pie cousins that we might finish this year. Thou must be mistaken my daughter.”
“No, father. I am not. A strange passing dragon carried all the blocks from the quarry down to the dock. The whole seasons quarrying is done.”

Igneous simply stared in disbelief at his daughter.

Late that same evening a shadow passed ominously over Ponyville…

Fuego glided over Ponyville at night. Most creatures slept at night so instead of introducing himself he decided to get an understanding of the landscape. His dragon eyes let him allowed him to see in the dark and the moon was fairly bright this evening. There was a nearby mountain with a large cave. It looked like a good place to lay his gems and take a nap. There was even a faint scent of dragon about the place as though it had once been lived in, but there was no sign of its former owner. Fuego nearly chose to lay down his belongings and move in when he realized that he had come all this way to learn from ponies, so he resumed his flight. While circling he began examining the different buildings and large crystal castle that made up Ponyville.

So, they live in pony-made caves, Fuego thought to himself. He decided he would live in one too.

Realizing he would need pony craftsmanship to build one, he decided to ask the only ponies he knew how to make a pony-cave of his own. Banking back the way he came Fuego flew back to the Pie’s rock farm.

The next morning the pie family awoke to find a Dragon sleeping next to Holder’s Boulder.

“Is that the Dragon, daughter?” Igneous asked.
Fuego snored puffing a cloud of smoke.
“Mmhmm.”
“Best not to disturb him, I suppose.”
“Mmhmm.”

“ZZKNKNKGRRK” Fuego grumbled and snorted himself awake.
“Ponies.” He mumbled through bleary eyes.
“Greetings, Fuego. I am told that is thy name. I am Igneous Rock Pie, and this is my daughter, Mable whom I believe thou didst already meet. My other daughter is helping my wife in the kitchen.”
“You talk funny.” Fuego replied.
“I speak in the formal tongue, friend dragon. I am told you helped my daughters move the stone from the quarry yesterday. You have saved my family a great deal of the summer’s labors. We are in your debt.” Igneous said with a bow.
“Debt? What is a debt?” Fuego asked.
“A debt is when someone has done something for you, and you feel you should do something in return.” Igneous explained.
At that Fuego’s attention snapped into focus remembering why he had returned.
“I see. Perhaps you can help me.”
“We would be honored.” Igneous said.
“I need pony cave.” Fuego declared.
“A pony… cave?”
“Like yours Fuego said.” Pointing at the Pie’s home.
“Oh you want a house.”
“Yes, I don’t know how to make one and I want to live in the Ponyville to learn the helping and the friendship.”
“Well, I don’t know.” Said Igneous. “Travelling to Ponyville to build you a house would be quite difficult, and there is still much to do on the farm.”
Marble looked at her father with pleading eyes, and he was about to assent despite the obvious difficulties when Fuego chimed in.
“We can build the cave here and I will carry it to Ponyville. You only need to show me how Mr. Pie. I, Fuego will do the work.”

A few weeks later in Ponyville. The ponies awoke to find a new house of wood and stone with an excessively large door located on the hill just outside of town. The first pony to notice it was of course, Rarity. On her way to sugar cube corner the always industrious Rarity with her eye for perfection could not help but notice the change in scenery. She stood dumbfounded in the street. As Cheerily walked by Rarity stopped her.

“Good morning Cheerily.”
“Good morning miss Rarity.” Cheerily replied.
“Um, do you see that house there? Is it just me or was it not there yesterday?”

“Oh, I don’t know. I don’t think so, but houses seem to pop up here, now and then.” Cheerily said with a giggle pointing a hoof to Twilight Sparkle’s new castle. “I suppose someone ought to find out who lives there and welcome them to Ponyville.” Cheerily said as she trotted off to the schoolhouse.

Rarity was taken aback by Cheerily’s cavalier attitude until she remembered how many strange occurrences had happened in Ponyville over the years.

“Well, normally Pinkie Pie would be the welcoming committee, but I think I can handle it. And a little investigation sounds exciting.” Rarity exclaimed to herself putting on her sleuth hat.
She trotted up the hill, Sugar Cube Corner and its delightful confections entirely forgotten.

When Rarity arrived at the strange new house, she realized it was bigger than it looked from the bottom of the hill.

“Hmm. Such a big door.” She said to herself. “It’s more like a barn than a house. But who would put a barn here, and why would they make it out of stone? Very strange indeed.” She continued to mutter to herself. She trotted all around the house, but it was dark inside, and she could not see anything through the windows.

“Well, there’s no need to be rude Rarity.” She chided herself. “Just walk up and knock.”

Rarity rapped on the strangely large door three times. <KNOCK> <KNOCK> <KNOCK>

She listened for a movement, and thought she heard some rustling inside, but no answer.
Moments went by, but there was still no answer. Rarity did know what to do, but she was starting to feel foolish. She did not want to be rude and knock again. Finally, curiosity got the better of her and she decided to call out.

“Yoo hoo. Is there anyone there.” She called out.
“YES.” Stated a voice from inside.

Rarity stood outside expecting someone to answer the door, but no one came. She became confused but then realized that the voice had not seemed inquisitive in its response but more of a statement.

“Hi, Rarity!” In her confusion Rarity had not noticed Pinkie Pie walk up behind her.

“AHHH!” Rarity shrieked and nearly jumped out of her skin.

“Pinkie you really shouldn’t sneak up on people.”

“Why not?”

“You frightened me.” Rarity explained.

“Oh. So, who’s house is this?”

“I don’t know. I knocked and called out to the owner and there was a reply, but they didn’t answer the door.”
“Well that’s silly. HEY!” Shouted Pinkie. “Why don’t you answer the door?”
There was a brief pause before the voice from the other side said. “I did answer the door. I didn’t realize pony doors talked.” There was the sound of heavy footsteps coming closer to the door.
“The Pies didn’t tell me you talked. Do all doors talk?”
“Pies?” Rarity whispered to Pinkie. “Does he know you?”
“I don’t think so. I don’t recognize the voice but, come to think of it, there’s something familiar about the stone of these walls.” Pinkie said.
“Sir.” Called Rarity. “We are not the door talking to you. We are on the other side of the door. We were visiting to say hello and find out who put this new house here. Won’t you come out and introduce yourself?”

The door flung open.

“Oooh! A dragon!” Said pinkie.

Rarity feinted.

“What is wrong with her?” The distant voice said.
“She got scared.”
“Why?”
“Because you are a big scary dragon.”
“Oh.”
“And you have big sharp claws.”
“I suppose that’s true.”
“And your mouth is big enough to eat a pony whole.”
“DRAGONS DON’T EAT PONIES!” The distant voice shouted. “Why does everyone keep saying that?”

Rarity opened her eyes to a big red dragon looming over her. Pinkie Pie’s smiling face standing next to him made no difference.

Rarity feinted again.

“Awww, Rarity feinted again.” Pinkie said.
“Is that normal?”
“Not Really. She usually just swoons.”
“What is a swoon?”
“Kind of like a feint but you’re still awake and you wine a lot while eating ice cream.”
“Ponies are strange.”
“Hmmm. I guess so. I’m Pinkie Pie. What’s your name?”
“Pies are grey. Except for Cloudy Quartz. Why are you Pink?” Fuego said, confused.
“You know my mom?”
“Mom?”
“Cloudy Quartz is my mom. How do you know my mom?”
“The Pies helped me build this Pony ca- house.” Fuego explained indicating to his house. “I helped them move the big stone squares. I liked the helping.”
“You met my family! Ooooh that makes us friends!”
“It does?”
“Sure, as sugar!”
“What is sugar?”
“Something that makes things taste good. So, what’s your name?”
“I am Fuego.”

Before anything further could be said Rarity groaned and started to come around. When she awoke for the second time, she was able to compose herself. Fuego was sitting further away, and Pinkie Pie was sitting next to her.

“Are you ok, Rarity?” She asked.
“Well, yes I am.” Rarity replied. Embarrassed at how she had conducted herself thus far.
“This is Fuego and he’s really sorry he scared you.”
“Well, hello Mr. Fuego. I am Rarity. It is a pleasure to meet you.” Rarity said with a curtsy now that she had composed herself.
“The Pink Pie told me your name.” Fuego said matter-of-factly.
“Um, well, ok. What brings you to Ponyville?”
“The dragon queen told me about the helping and the friendship. I wanted to see it for myself.”
“Ooooh we know all about helping and friendship.” Said Pinkie Pie. “We even have the princess of friendship living in our town. She could teach you all about it.”
“Ember told me Spike lived here.”
“Oh, yes Spikey Wikey lives with Princess Twilight at the Friendship Castle.” Exclaimed Rarity.
“Spikeeey Wikeyyy?” Fuego repeated confused.
“Well, yes. Don’t worry about that. We should introduce you to Spike later today.” Rarity Suggested. “Meanwhile, perhaps you could tell us about yourself, Fuego.”
“I do not understand. I am Fuego. I am a dragon. I am from the badlands.”
“Well, yes. And you said you came to learn about helping and Friendship. Perhaps you would invite us into your home. That is what people do when they have visitors, they invite you into their home.” Rarity explained.
“Is that true? Then come inside.” Fuego stated.
“I’d love to!” Said Pinkie Pie. “But I’m already late for babysitting the Cake twins. You go ahead, Rarity!” Pinkie said while bouncing away.

Rarity and Fuego stared at each other awkwardly for a moment before Fuego stomped to the door of his house and gestured for her to come in. Rarity was still vexed by Fuego’s blunt manner but recovered herself and trotted past Fuego with her head held high, saying “Thank you sir.” As she passed.

Rarity stopped short once she entered the threshold. “Oh my! How dreary!” She exclaimed. She tentatively took a few more steps, then lost herself and began exploring all around the single room home.

Fuego did not understand, but he could tell the Pony was displeased. “Is something wrong?” He said, somewhat confused. “I thought the Pies made good houses.”

“Yes, of course dear. It’s a fine house.” Rarity replied absently. “It’s just that your décor leaves a bit to be desired.”

“I don’t have a décor? The Pies didn’t tell me I needed one.”

“Oh no dear. Décor is the style of the house.” Rarity explained. “The things that make it look nice. Furniture for visitors to sit on. Colorful tapestries to break up the simplicity of grey stone and brown wood.”

Rarity paused thoughtfully, “You know, like filling in the empty spaces.”

Fuego thought for a moment. “I have colorful gems.” He offered tentatively.

“Yes, of course dear bu-“ Rarity had been so busy focusing on how she might liven the place up
she hadn’t noticed the huge pile of treasure on the floor.

“uwuuwhuh” Rarity stared at the gems, unable to resist her desire to apply them to some designs. She nearly floated towards them, but she recovered herself when Fuego asked, “What is wrong with my gems?”

“Oh, nothing dear. They’re actually quite lovely, but perhaps colored curtains for the windows and a few little knick-knacks to liven the place up a touch.” Rarity said flashing her eye lashes.

“hmmm. That sounds… ok... I suppose, but I do not know how to do those things.”

“Well, you’re a new resident to Ponyville, and would be our pleasure to show you a warm welcome and help you spruce up your new home.” Rarity said warmly.

Fuego found that he liked this pony. “That would be nice of you. I like the helping how can I do helping for you?”
“Oh, it’s no trouble at all, dear. Everyone in Ponyville loves visitors. We’re glad to have you.”
“I like you. You’re very nice.”
“Oh, thank you dear.” Rarity said only half hearing Fuego as she internally decorated his house.
“So, you will help me fill the empty spaces?” Fuego asked awkwardly.
Startled from her reverie rarity quickly said ‘yes’.
“That reminds me I did have a few things to do today. I’ll return tomorrow with some ideas and drawings. Perhapse we’ll find something you like. Tah!” Rarity said absently as she trotted out the door.

Fuego watched the strange white pony go, deciding that he liked her confidence very much. He looked forward to seeing her again. A notion entered his mind that he normally would not have considered out of indifference, and other more social creatures would not have considered out of proper etiquette. Fuego, however, was unaware of the latter and so decided to go with his impulse. He quietly took to the air and followed the white Pony

(Later that day)

Rarity found Applejack bucking in the south orchard where they had originally planned to meet. Busy with her chores, AJ did not notice Rarity watching her patiently while she worked.

“It’s always impressive watching you work, darling.” Rarity announced when Applejack failed to notice her.
“Oh, hey Rarity, didn’t see you there. Heh heh.”
“Are you ready, dear?”

“Well, uh I was expecting you a while ago, and when you didn’t show I started this row a’ trees.”

“Oh, I see.” Rarity said disappointed.

“It won’t take me long if ya’ can wait.” Applejack offered.
“Oh, yes. I have my sketch book. I could jot down a few ideas while I wait.”
“So what held you up?” Applejack asked continuing to buck.
“Oh, we have a new resident in Ponyville, and I wanted to welcome him.”
“That was kind of you. What’s this stallion like.”
“Oh, he’s not a stallion, dear. He’s a dragon.” Rarity answered starting to draw some tapestries for Fuego’s home.
“A dragon?” Said Applejack, stopping her work in surprise. “And you say he’s moved in to Ponyville? You might want to mention this to Spike and Twilight.”
“Oh! I suppose you’re right. Well, he’s very nice, so I think it can wait.”
“Well, if you say so.” Applejack sounded unconvinced, but Rarity was in her zone and didn’t notice. Nor did either of them notice the shadow passing overhead.
Applejack and Rarity continued to talk while going on with their individual pursuits. Over an hour passed when a drop of rain hit Rarity’s note pad.
“Oh my! It’s starting to rain.” Rarity said pouting.
“Eeyup.” Said Applejack. “And I was almost done too. Darn it!” She exclaimed throwing her hat down glaring up at the cloudy sky. For a moment she thought she saw a shadow pass among them but dismissed it as a trick of her eyes. Shaking her hoof up in the air she continued her tirade. “Rainbow Dash was supposed to clear the sky today. I bet she’s napping somewhere as usual.”
“Well, I guess we won’t be able to relax by the lake now, so perhaps we can adjourn to the house for your modeling and measurements dear?”
“Sounds good.” Applejack replied hitching the cart.

As they made their way to the farmhouse, Fuego banked and headed in a wide circle intending to make a leisurely glide home. As he did so he passed over a small house near the woods and heard the most beautiful melody. Realizing his size intimidated ponies Fuego decided to land in the bushes to investigate. What he was a pony singing to herself and tending to various animals. He found the Mare’s voice to be enthralling and sat to watch her for a time. He was impressed with how much helping she was doing for these little animals. It occurred to him, that if Ember was right about helping making someone happy, than this must be the happiest pony in the world. Eventually he decided to go introduce himself, so he quietly approached so as not to startle her but before he could even enter the clearing he was struck in the side of the head by a colorful blur.

“GET AWAY FROM HER BUSTER!” Shouted the blur, as it circled his head. “RUN FLUTTERSHY! I’LL HANDLE THIS OVERGROWN LIZARD!”

All the animals scattered while the Pony tending to them panicked and begged them to be calm. It was to no avail, however, and all the animals fled to the trees or under various fixtures and implements.

“Oh my! What in the world is going on? Rainbow Dash? Rainbow Dash!” Fluttershy called into the forest. She could see a commotion, but it was unclear to her what was going on through the brush, and tree limbs.

The blur came around for another pass, and struck Fuego in the side of the head, knocking his vision swimming.
“There’s a big mean dragon coming up to eat you. Now get out of here while I handle him.” Shouted Rainbow Dash in answer to Fluttershy’s pleas.

“RWWWARRRRRR!” Fuego had had enough. “DRAGONS DON’T EAT PONIES! WHY DOES EVERYONE KEEP SAYING THAT?”

As Rainbow Dash came around for another pass Fuego smacked her away with his tail, causing her to tumble through the air and crash into a clump of branches. Before she could recover Fuego stomped a few paces and took off into the air while grumbling about the strangeness of ponies.

“THAT’S RIGHT YOU BETTER RUN!” Dash shouted shaking her hoof before wincing in pain from a sprained wing.
“What was that all about?” Asked Fluttershy.
“That dragon was sneaking up on you.”
“Oh my. What a strange thing. I wonder what he was doing here.”
“He was obviously up to no good. You’re just lucky I was on my way to sweet apple acres to see if they still needed me to clear away the clouds.” Rainbow Dash declared proudly.
“Weren’t you supposed to do that this morning?”
“Well, uh, yeah but I got hung up.”
“Mmmhmmm.” Fluttershy replied, looking unconvinced. “Well, let me find my animals and calm them down then we should get you to Ponyville and get your wing looked at.”
“We should also tell Twilight.” Dash added.

(Later)

A knock came at the door. It took a moment for Fuego to remember what it meant, but eventually he swung it open to see several ponies he recognized standing behind a purple one with a red streak in her mane.

“Good evening, sir.” The new pony said. “I am Twilight Sparkle, princess of friendship.”
Fuego stared at the new pony but said nothing.
Finally, Twilight broke the awkward pause, and continued. “I understand your name is Fuego, and you’re new to Ponyville, and that you have met Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Flutter Shy, and Rainbow Dash.” Indicating to each pony as she said their names.
“No.”
“No?” Twilight said confused. “I don’t understand.”
“I met Rarity and Pink Pie. I never met the pretty one, and the blue one hit me.”
“I thought you were going to eat Flutter Shy.” Rainbow Dash stated, her right wind wrapped in a splint and bandage.
Fuego rumbled through gritted teeth. “Dragons. Don’t. Eat. Ponies.”
“He’s right Rainbow Dash.” Said a voice belonging to a diminutive dragon who stepped from behind the group. “We eat gems and cake.”
“Ooooh, I like cake!” Exclaimed Pinkie Pie. “I think I’ll make one right now. La la la lah.” Pinkie sung to herself while bouncing away seemingly unconcerned with the rest of the conversation.
“Oh, where are my manners?” Interjected Twilight. “This is Spike. He is the official Dragon ambassador for the Dragon Lands.”
“You are very small.” Stated Fuego. “Why are small dragons in charge now?”
“Ummmm. What do you mean?” Asked Spike.
“You are small. You are ambassador. Ember is small. She is Queen.” Fuego stated.
“Well yes, but that doesn’t have anything to do with size.” Spike explained. “Ember won the contest, and I have lived with ponies my whole life, so I was the natural choice to serve as ambassador.”

Fuego grunted, but made no other motions, so Twilight decided to interject.
“So, Fuego. What brings you to Ponyville?”
“Ember told me about friendship and helping and I wanted to learn. She said Ponyville was the place to go.” He replied.
“Well, that is certainly true.” Twilight said. “But why were you sneaking up on Flutter Shy?”
“I was not sneaking. I wanted to meet the pretty pony with the nice singing.”

Fuego glanced at Fluttershy, who immediately blushed.

“Rarity said it was correct to introduce yourself, but ponies get scared of me. I did not want to scare her, so I tried to approach gently. That’s when the other one started shouting and hitting me.” He said glancing angrily at Rainbow Dash.
“Well, I’m sure Rainbow Dash is very sorry she hit you. RIGHT, Rainbow Dash.” Twilight stated, looking at Rainbow expectantly.
“Whaaaat?!? I thought Fluttershy was in danger.” Rainbow said defensively. “OK fine. I’m sorry I jumped to conclusions and attacked the big scary dragon who was hiding in the woods.”
“That’s not very convincing.” Said Twilight under her breath.
“I said I was sorry.”
“Fuego. Are you satisfied with Rainbow Dash’s apology?”
Before he could answer Rarity interjected. “Fuego, I brought some drawings and tapestries for you to look at. Perhaps we could go inside, and start filling those empty spaces?” She said sweetly batting her eyelashes.
“That would be nice.” Fuego mumbled still glaring at Rainbow Dash.
“Well good. That settles it.”
Rarity trotted in, her materials floating in tow. As soon as she was inside Fuego shut the door.
“Uh, Ah guess he doesn’t want us to come in.” Applejack said as the door closed in front of them.
“He’s an older dragon, they get grumpy sometimes, and don’t want to be bothered.” Spike said confidently.
“Doesn’t seem to mind Rarity bothering him, hey Spike.” Rainbow chided then sauntered away.
“That’s not very nice Rainbow.” Twilight whispered.
“Oh whatever. You got a copy of Daring Do at your place? I’m not flying home any time soon, so I need some place to chillax.”
Twilight and the others followed Rainbow Dash down the hill chatting as they went. Spike’s feelings forgotten even by Twilight, they didn’t notice his unhappy shuffling and jealous glances back at Fuego’s house.

As the weeks passed by, Fuego settled into the routine of Ponyville living. He would occasionally help with construction or some other task where his great strength would prove helpful. Occasionally he would talk to Twilight about friendship to get a better understand of how it worked. Eventually even Fluttershy overcame her squeamishness and invited him to visit and learn about her animals, though that went about as well as would be expected. Pinkie being a member of the pie family was always welcome, but he was never able to understand her wacky behavior. Most of all, he spent time with Rarity. She stopped by often to talk to him about his travels while designing vibrant décor for his home. They became fast friends and occasionally had outings together. During this time Spike became more and more aloof and irritable. He started disappearing off alone or sequestered in his room which eventually effected his chores enough for Twilight to notice. One warm afternoon Twilight found spike by the river tossing stones into it.

“SPIKE.” She called after him.
He just looked at her a moment and then went back to tossing stones, entirely unaware or unconcerned that she had needed him to send her reports to Princess Celestia. Princess Twilight walked up to him, finally seeing how troubled he was. She watched him toss stones for a time. Finally, she spoke.
“Spike, you’ve been out of sorts lately. Tell me what’s wrong.”
“Oh it’s nothing.”
“Clearly it’s not, or you wouldn’t be acting like this.” She said flustered. “I needed your help today. I’ve needed your help a few times this week and you haven’t been around. I need my assistant.”
“Why don’t you ask Fuego. He can do everything apparently.” Spike mumbled while rolling his eyes.
Twilight grimaced a bit in surprise.
“That’s what this is about? I thought you’d be happy another dragon had moved to Ponyville. In fact, I thought you were spending time with Fuego and that’s why you hadn’t been around. You are the dragon Ambassador after all. So, I went over there to ask Fuego if he’d seen you, but he and Rarity said they-”

“HE and Rarity?” Spike grumbled loudly.

“What?” Twilight replied startled. “Oh Spike. That’s what this is about? You’re Jealous of Fuego spending time with Rarity?”

“No! I’m not JEALOUS!” Spike shouted throwing another stone.

“Then what is it?” She asked. “I thought it would be good for you to befriend another older dragon to learn about your own kind. Not to mention that you could help Fuego learn about friendship.” Twilight was so caught up in her own clever thesis she didn’t notice Spike had started to walk down stream.
“He seems to be getting friendship just fine!” Spike called over his shoulder. “I’ll send the reports tonight. Now I need some time alone.”

“Ok, that is definitely a problem.” Twilight said to herself.

That same day Rarity was visiting with Fuego, they spent several hours talking about dragon culture and Fuego’s travels as well as Rarity’s adventures with their friends.

“You escaped the diamond dogs by complaining?” Fuego asked booming with laughter.
Rarity laughed right along with him, too caught up in the mirth to explain that it wasn’t quite that simple. Eventually, they both calmed down enough to continue talking. That’s when it struck Rarity to ask a more personal question.

“So, Fuego” She began. “has there ever been a Mrs. Fuego?”
Fuego was munching on some of the gems that Rarity had brought from the cave but had ultimately rejected for use with her new line.
“What do you mean?” Fuego asked, around a mouth full of sapphires.

“Have you ever had a very special somepony? Has there ever been a dragon who was close to you, and was special to you? A very special some-dragon if you will?”
Fuego looked at Rarity still trying to understand. Sensing his confusion Rarity tried again to explain.
“Don’t know what I mean dear Fuego? Someone who understands you and has that little something that seems missing?”
Fuego thought for a moment.
“You mean a mate?” He asked. “A trusted companion, like you and Applejack?”
Now it was Rarity”s turn to be confused.
“Oh- oh- oh no Darling” She stammered. “Applejack and I are just… friends.” She laughed nervously, not really understanding why.
“Yet, she is your opposite.” Fuego replied. “She does the things you do not or cannot. She… fills your empty spaces?” Fuego concluded the thought with uncertainty.

Suddenly the room was filled with an awkward silence. Dragon’s didn’t talk about their feelings and Rarity had become uncomfortable, too. Though she couldn’t say why. Before Fuego could say more however, Rarity exclaimed. “Oh my! heh heh would you look at the time! I’m sorry Fuego dear, I have another appointment. I really must be going. We’ll pick this up another time. Tah tah!” Saying nothing else Rarity bolted from the house.

Fuego stared after her confused for a few moments as she galloped down the hill. He moved to close the door but noticed the princess of friendship on the path coming up the hill. Fuego watched as Twilight attempted to speak with Rarity when she ran by. Rarity did not stop however, so after a pause, Twilight continued up the hill to Fuego’s house.

“Princess.” Fuego said as she approached the door.
“Please. Call me Twilight. I really dislike such formality among my friends.”

“I did not know we were friends.” Fuego countered.
“Well, I admit we haven’t spent much time together, but you are obviously friends with Rarity, so we should be friends too.” Twilight said confidently.

“I suppose that makes sense. I was planning to take a nap after Rarity left, although she had to leave sooner than expected.”
“Yes, that was strange, she seemed in a bit of a hurry.” Twilight replied.
“Why did you come today?” Fuego asked. He had become somewhat more experienced with social nuance, but his natural tendencies still leaned toward blunt directness.
“I am sorry to keep you from your nap, but I was hoping you could help me with Spike. Twilight began. “You see Spike is a young dragon and he’s been with me since he was hatched…”
Twilight regaled Fuego with her life story as it pertained to Spike. They talked for several hours, Fuego occasionally asking questions about Pony culture, and explain a few things to twilight about dragons. Finally, Fuego told her rather bluntly as was his way. “He should have been raised by dragons.”
“Well, I-” Twilight Stammered.
Fuego pressed on. The complexity of the situation and Rarity’s sudden departure combined with his desire to sleep, irritating him. “He is an outsider in your pony world. He has never gotten to be a dragon, and you are the only mother he has known.”
“Don’t be silly! I’m not his mother!?! Am I? No. Of course not. I’m more like a big sister.” Twilight rambled on uncomfortably. “I just wanted you to talk to Spike about Rarity because he’s upset about you two spending so much time together, and it’s made him jealous.” She blurted out to stop herself from talking further.
“Jealous?”
“Well you know. He has a fondness for Rarity, and I suppose…” The Princess trailed off not sure what she wanted to say.
“Fondness? He wants her as a mate?” Fuego asked. “He is too young.”
“I don’t think it’s like that, but he does have a crush on her.”
“A crush?”

Twilight stared at Fuego with her mouth open trying to think of how to describe a crush but was entirely at a loss for words. Finally, she said. “I guess it’s like the young one version of liking someone as more than a friend. It’s like practice for having a special some-pony.”

Fuego was still learning the nuances of friendship, but her explanation seemed dubious.

“Practice?” Fuego rolled the word over. “Courting a mate is not something to be practiced. You either succeed or fail. Was he courting Rarity?”

“Well, they were friends and he spent time with her helping collect gems for her fashion lines. After you came along Rarity hasn’t spent much time with him, and he’s become very unhappy. I was hoping you could talk to him. Perhaps he could learn more about being a dragon.” Twilight didn’t realize she was avoiding Fuego’s real question, or that she was steering away from the topic of mates. She had never been involved in a courtship, so she reflexively wanted to avoid the discussion. Though, somehow, she could still almost hear Rainbow Dash laughing and calling her an egghead.

“I will speak with him tomorrow.” Fuego said matter-of-factly. His tone told Twilight the visit was over, so she excused herself, and headed home.

The following morning a booming knock resonated through the Twilight’s castle. Owlowiscious was startled from his perch causing him to hoot and settle near twilight who was refining a long-range communication spell with Starlight Glimmer and Sunburst in the Crystal empire. Twilight lost control of the spell and accidentally shattered the crystal matrix she was using as a spell focus.
“Hoo. Hoo.”
“Yes, Owlowiscious I heard the booming. It must be Fuego. He certainly isn’t subtle is he.” She chuckled to herself.
ZZZZBOOONG
“Are you alright! What happened!” Starlight Literally appeared out of thin air in front of Twilight frazzled with concern.
“It’s ok Starlight. I was just startled by Fuego pounding on the door.” Starlight said calmly. “And wow! You can teleport all the way from the crystal empire? I’m impressed.”
“Um well yeah.” Starlight said scuffing her hoof embarrassed at the praise. “So, everything is alright?”
“Oh, yes. I asked him to have a talk with Spike. You can head back if it’s not too much- “
ZZZZBOOONG. Starlight was gone.
“-trouble…”

Moments later Twilight answered the door, welcoming Fuego into the entrance hall. He could fit in the rest of the castle, but some parts would not have been comfortable, so he remained there.

“Welcome, Fuego. Thank you for coming.” Twilight said.
“You asked me to.”
“Yes, right. Well, um, I’ll get Spike.” Twilight trotted off into the castle, she was always a little unsettled by Fuego’s bluntness and literal interpretation of things. Even ember was personable.

Moments later Spike shuffled into the hall. He stared at the floor, twiddling his claws nervously before looking up at Fuego.
“What do you want.” Spike said glumly.
“The princess asked me to speak to you. It is too cramped in here. I want to go outside.” Fuego
said stomping around in the tight quarters to slide through the doors.
“Lead the way.” Spike sighed.

They strolled out onto the green behind the castle, where Fuego promptly sat down staring out at the rising sun and flexed his wings before settling. Slowly Spike shuffled over to join him.
“Ok, so what did you want to talk about.” Spike asked nervously.
“The princess tells me you are troubled. She doesn’t know why but I do.” Fuego answered. He let that hang between them for a moment before speaking again.
“I have been around the world, Spike. I have known many females. Not all of them are the same but there are similarities.” He began.
“I don’t understand what this is about.” Spike murmured unconvincingly.
“Yes, you do.” Fuego said. “You are jealous of my friendship with Rarity.”
“No, I’m not.” Spike protested.
“Yes, you are.” Fuego countered. “You think you are in love with her.” Again, Fuego let that hang for a time before continuing. “As I have come to understand you grew up with ponies and had little time with Dragonkind. You are the assistant to the princess…”
Fuego’s emphasis on the word ‘assistant’ left spike taken aback.
“Why do you say ‘assistant’ like that.?” Spike asked.
Fuego thought for a moment.
“It smacks of weakness and being a servant. Dragons should not be servants.” Fuego replied. “Now, as I was saying. You are her assistant, and much like a younger brood mate, but she is not your mother.”
“I never had a mother.” Spike said glumly kicking a stone.
“Exactly. You have a big sister, and a… boss, but no mother. You are not twilight’s son, and you are not her pet. You’re something in between, but she filled some of the same role, though only partly."
“Well, Twilight Velvet was like a mom to me.” Spike tried to explain.
Fuego looked at spike expectantly.
“Twilight Velvet is twilight’s mom.” Spike explained.
“Oh. Was she like a mother? Or were you more like Twilight’s companion. Part of the family but separate?”
Spike shuffled his feet and poked the tips of his claws together.
“I thought so.” Fuego stated when Spike did not answer. “Tell me Spike, what happens in your fantasy after you woo the fare Rarity, and run off into the sunset with her?”
“How come you are so blunt with everypony but now you’re so… articulate?” Spike asked to avoiding Fuego’s question.
Fuego chuckled. “As I said Spike. I have been around the world. I don’t fully understand pony culture, but how I talk around ponies I like is different from the ponies I have less fondness for.”
“You mean you don’t like Twilight?” Spike asked.
“I do not hate her. I just do not find her or Rainbow Dash enjoyable to spend time with. Rarity sees things I do not see and has a calming effect on those around her. She knows how to answer a problem someone is having in their daily lives. It is charming.”
“Now you see why I like her.” Spike agreed.
“No, Spike. That’s not why, though it may be part of it. You like Rarity because she is a strong, dominant female, who succeeds at what she sets out to do. Yet, she is also comforting and giving. She adds beauty where others wouldn’t even notice it was absent.” Fuego trailed off for a time lost in thought before continuing.
“Rarity is nothing like a dragoness of motherhood age, but you grew up with ponies, so that matters very little.”
“So, you’re saying I want Rarity to be my mom?” Spike asked.
“No, Spike. There is something missing in your life, and without realizing it you want someone like Rarity to fill the empty space.”
“You think so?”
“Yes.”
“So, what should I do?” Spike asked with growing frustration.

Fuego sat and thought for a moment. Images of a sinuous, white scaled, dragoness of the eastern mountains dancing among the clouds filled his memory. Spike waited patiently wondering what Fuego was thinking about until youthful impatience got the better of him.
“Are you ok, Fuego?”
“I was thinking of my old mate.” Fuego replied absently before regretting letting it slip.
“What was she like?” Spike asked not seeing the shadow cross Fuego’s features.
Now it was Fuego’s turn to avoid the question.
“I think you should ask the princess where your egg was found and why it was unguarded.”
With that, Fuego stood up to go, only to be interrupted by an unpleasant call from an unknown voice.
“Hey. You two bone heads done with your heart to heart.” Came an obnoxious voice from behind them.
“Huh huh, yeah. Heart to heart.” Said another.

“Boo hoo. I’m Spike I don’t know who my mommy is.” Taunted a third.

Fuego and Spike turned to see a trio of young dragons posturing a distance behind them.
“What do you guys want.” Spike grumbled upon seeing his nemesis Garble, with his cohorts Charcoal and Fume.
“Oh, c’mon Spike.” Garble taunted. “Aren’t you glad to see us?”
“You know these fools?” Fuego asked.
“Relax grandpa. Ember sent us to fetch you.”

Fuego extended his long neck until his nose was touching Garble’s. He paused for a moment until Garble slightly relaxed. Then he let out a roar that pealed across Ponyville loud enough to knock a few things over and make a few mares feel slightly feint.

Garble could only stand there slack jawed, blinking.

Fuego turned to Fume. “What do you idiots want?” His tone no longer possessed the eloquence or empathy it had with spike.

“Uh. Uh. Uh. Q-Queen Ember said- said she needed us to get Spike and a dragon named Fuego in ponytown.”

“Ponyville.” Fuego corrected with a deep rumble.

“Uh. Yes, Ponyville. Sorry, sir.” Fume stammered.

“Why?”

“She didn’t tell us.” The trio blurted together.

“Good.” Fuego said flatly. “Is that all?”

“Y-yes.”

“Then go.”

“Are you coming?” Garble said. Bravado overcoming good sense yet again.

“I SAID GO!” Fuego roared. The echo boomed across the land leaving no room for argument.

The trio took off like rockets and continued to fly until they were specks in the distance. They never once looked back.

“Are we going to follow them?” Spike Asked. “I would like to see Ember again.”
“In time.” Fuego replied. “But I do not wish to have them as flying companions.”
“I’m with you on that.” Spike agreed enthusiastically. Some of his embarrassment from the earlier conversation leaking away. Spike was beginning to like Fuego, but he still couldn’t help wondering about his relationship with Rarity.

“Fuego?” Spike asked Nervously. “You pointed out that I was jealous of you and Rarity. Are you and she… I mean…”
“No, Spike. She is a fine pony, but we are just… friends.” He chuckled. “That is still such a strange word to me.”
“Weren’t you friends with anyone before this?”
“Not in the pony way, no.” Fuego replied quietly. He looked off to the east wistfully, though Spike assumed he was just looking to leave.
“Did you ever have a special somepony?” Spike pressed.
“Yes.” Fuego replied growing frustrated. “That was a long time ago though. We should begin our journey now that those fools are far enough ahead.”
They took off and headed toward the badlands. Spike new to his wings could maintain a fast pace, so Fuego slowed to allow him to keep up.

As they flew Spike decided to lighten the mood by teasing Fuego a bit. “So, do you have your eye on somepony, now?” He asked wryly.

“I am quite fond of Fluttershy.” Fuego answered with some trepidation.
“Fluttershy? That’s surprising.”
“Why?” Replied Fuego. “She’s the living embodiment of kindness.”
“You ever gonna tell her?”
“And be zapped out of existence by a jealous draconequus? That is not my idea of a good time, Spike.” Fuego said with a wink. “Now let us see what the empress of dragons wants.”

They flew on towards the horizon. Both lost in their own thoughts.

The End.

Epilogue

Dear Princess Celestia,

Sometimes a friendship problem requires a little tough love, as with Fluttershy and the Breezies. This time however, the solution to a friendship problem was to realize it wasn’t a friendship problem at all. Spike has been with me since I helped his egg hatch and has been a member of my family ever since. Questioning how Spike fit into our family and the greater equestrian society never occurred to me. He was just spike, and he was one of us. Yet, he is not. He’s a dragon and growing up with ponies has left something missing in his life. I should have realized when a visiting dragon pretended to be Spike’s father, with disastrous consequences. Sadly, I just let things go back to normal. I filled the role of Spike’s mother, without being a real one. Instead, I was more of a big sister. That isn’t enough. So, I ask now what I should have asked a long time ago. Where did you find his egg? Is there anything else you can tell me or Spike about his origins?

Your faithful student,

Twilight Sparkle