Beauties and the Beast

Chapters

Consultancy
Beautiful Dragons
Big Brother's Consultancy
Best Friends Are Family
Dragon Tales In Dragon Town
Believe in Yourself
Spike's letter to Princess Celestia

Consultancy

It was another beautiful day in Equestria. Every pony and creatures are all happy to enjoy this new day Princess Celestia has blessed upon them, with her light.

However, the same cannot be said for one troubled dragon, who now sits before a huge mirror, looking at his own reflection, within the halls of Canterlot Castle. He wasn't there to check himself in the mirror, or anything. Something more troublesome was on his mind.

It all started a few days ago.....when he came to Ponyville.

Past

It all started with Spike presenting his gift to Smolder, when a great ball of fire fell out of the sky and crashed in the middle of Ponyville. The ball of fire turns out to be a chubby green adult dragon who calls himself Sludge.

The older dragon was in bad shape, courtesy of his crash landing in the middle of Ponyville. Though reluctant at first, he gladly accepted the hospitality of Twilight, Spike, and their friends to help him get recuperate. However, on the day when he was expected to leave, he stopped suddenly to talk to Spike.

"I didn't come to Ponyville without a reason," Sludge confessed. "I was looking for you. Spike....I am your father."

Present

"....I am your father." The words repeated, hauntingly in the little dragon's head.

Spike clenched his fist, baring his fangs together into a snarl, "Some father you were!" Spike hissed angrily. "I can't believe I was so stupid to believe you liked that!!" With a roar, Spike threw his fist out into a punch, striking a wall nearby, with little effect.

Tears welled up from the young dragon's eyes, as he remembered the final words of his "father."

"I am not your father!" Sludge finally confessed. "I just said that to live a luxurious life."

Spike was of course, heartbroken upon hearing the revelation, "So...you pretended to be my daddy?"

"Don't look at me like that!" Sludge grumbled. "I did just what every dragon would have done."

"No. That's not true." Smolder countered.

"Hey! I saw an opportunity and I seized it. That's what we dragons do!"

"No, we don't!" Smolder continued.

"Well, I'm leaving," Sludge frowned as he took his leave. "Have fun in pony town..." He glowered mockingly.

From that day on, Spike was left unsettled, for the last he wanted was another dragon who would have the gall to pass himself off as the young dragon's father, or mother. And if that wasn't unsettling enough, then it would probably be some talks he's had with Twilight.

Past

"......I can't believe I forgot such a simple detail as feathers!" Twilight ranted, after a failure in their early attempts to further strengthen Spike's flying abilities. "No wonder it didn't go so well."

Spike didn't reply. But he did listened to every words Twilight had said. He couldn't find himself to interrupt her as he continues to let her speak her mind.

"I wish there were more dragon knowledge I could've given you," Twilight continued, before she asked, "Do you think it affects you in many ways that you were raised by ponies?" Spike didn't answer, which prompted Twilight to ask, "Spike?"

Finally, Spike answered, "Did you say something Twilight?" He turned his head towards the lavender alicorn. "Sorry, I am making a thank you pillow to Smolder. I'm in a different world when I'm sewing."

In response, Twilight chuckled nervously as Spike resumed his work.

However, had Twilight known, then she would've known that Spike was just as troubled as she was.

'I don't blame you Twilight,' Spike mentally replied. 'Given to the shared histories of ponies and dragons, I can understand why you couldn't give me more dragon knowledge. But it's no use. I've been raised by you and your parents. I've been taught how to live like a pony. My mom's an alicorn princess. That's all I've ever known to live like. A pony! And when I tried to live like a dragon, I just....I just couldn't embrace it.....because I don't have a mother or a father to teach me.'

Present

"Twilight..." Spike cried. "Forgive me."

Sludge was another creature who actually managed to drive a wedge between Spike and Twilight. Especially during one of their talks, where Spike harshly spoke to Twilight, "Maybe you don't like it now that I have a real parent."

What Spike said that day was a low blow, for the sound of Twilight's heartbreak was barely heard.

Spike hugged himself closer, digging his claws into his skin, as he continues to berate himself, "How could I be so...so blind? So stupid?" He said. "I've known Twilight since the very beginning. She hatched me.....she and mom raised me....they've always been there for me.....they taught me how to use my fire for good...how to actually do some good....and I was so quick to turn them away like that? BECAUSE OF SOME LIAR WHO PASSED HIMSELF OFF AS MY FATHER?!!!!! WWHHHHHHYYYYYY?!!!!!"

Spike collapsed to the floor and cried his heart out, in front of the mirror.

His depression didn't go unheard or unnoticed, when Princess Celestia was passing by and stopped to see the young dragon crying.

Instinct kicked in as Celestia walked into the room and gently whispered, "Spike?"

Spike ceased the water work as he looked up to see the princess he secretly referred to as "mom."

"Sweetie? What's wrong?" Celestia asked, receiving a quick tackle to her leg from the little dragon as an answer.

"Please! Turn me to stone! Lock me away! Send me somewhere far away from Equestria!" Spike begged as he continues to sob. "I don't deserve to live!! I can't show my face to Twilight or the girls ever again!!!"

"W-What? What are you talking about?" Celestia asked, troubled even further at what the young dragon was saying. The only response she could get from Spike was more blubbering and sobbing, until finally, the sun alicorn wrapped her majestic wings around the young dragon and held him in for a loving hug.

"Shhhhh, there, there little one," Celestia shushed in her natural motherly tone, stroking her feathers along Spike's back, calming him. "That's it little sunshine. Just let it all out sweetie......shhhhh. It's okay."

Spike felt himself at ease as he melted to the soft touch of Celestia's feathers, 'One good thing about wings with feathers,' Spike thought. 'They're really soft to the feel.'

Sensing that Spike has finally calmed himself, Celestia gently asked, "Feeling better?"

"Uh huh," Spike nodded, sniffling a bit.

"Now tell me, sweetie," Celestia began as she sat herself down on the floor to his level. "What's wrong?" After a few deep breaths, Spike eventually told Celestia everything that's happened with him, Sludge, and most of all, Twilight.

"And that's how it's been with me lately..." Spike frowned. "I realized how stupid I was to trade you, Twilight, and everyone else away for some great, big, fat JERK who PASSED HIMSELF OFF AS MY FATHER!! AND I HATE IT!! I HATE MYSELF!! I'll never be able to live it down, and I'll never be able to live with myself!! NOT AFTER WHAT I JUST DID!!!" With that, Spike broke down crying as he turns away from Celestia. "I'm sorry....your majesty......I shouldn't even be here...." Picking himself up, Spike was about to see himself out. "I'll go now.....forever."

"Spike, no!" Celestia cried, a golden aura surrounding her horn as she stopped him in his track. "No, Spike. Don't be like that. You are but a child. And you are still growing. It's only natural that you would hope his words were true. It is the nature of a good heart. And you have a good heart, Spike."

Spike sighed, as he wiped a tear away, "Still...I feel so ashamed for turning you and every pony away like that....please forgive me, Princess Celestia."

Princess Celestia placed a feather beneath his chin, as she directed his reddened eyes to look at her warm motherly violet eyes, "There's nothing to forgive, my son," She smiled. "Of course, as an apology, all you have to do is refer to me as 'mom' again."

Spike smiled, as he wrapped his arms around her neck, "Okay....mom," He cried happily, as Celestia wrapped her wings and hooves around him.

The two stayed that way for what felt like hours, "Hehe, I don't want to let go," Spike chuckled, which Celestia returned.

"Me neither," Celestia replied.

At last, mother and son released their grip from each other, allowing Spike to look back at the mirror in front of him.

"I take it that Sludge wasn't the only thing that troubles you, my son?" Celestia asked.

Spike sighed as he placed a claw in front of the mirror, "I'll admit. Right now, I was just wondering what it would've been like to have a real father," He admitted. "Someone who loves you and loves me," Turning his head to Celestia, Spike asked, "Would King Sombra make a great dad for me? Or would I be a good son to him?"

Celestia smiled as she walked up to Spike, "Of course he would, sweetie," She said, putting a reassuring hoof on his shoulder. "If you can make me happy, then Sombra would be delighted to have you for a son." Celestia blushed when she whispered, "He once let it slipped that he would love to have kids. Unicorn, alicorn, it doesn't matter to him. He'll even accept a little dragon like you."

Spike couldn't help but smile, "Hey mom?" He began, looking up at Celestia's warm violet eyes. "Would it be okay if I call King Sombra.....dad from now on?"

A tear welled up in Celestia's eyes which she wiped it away with the tip of her wings, "Of course sweetie!" She smiled tearfully. "He would love that!"

Spike hugged his mother's leg even tighter, "Then I'm more than happy to at least have a real father," He smiled, with Celestia returning the embrace with a nuzzle of her cheek, and a stroke of her wing.

Celestia smiled, nuzzling Spike close, looking up to see a reflection of good King Sombra from the alternate universe of Equestria, standing on the opposite side, wrapping his hoof around Spike.

Owl City - Not All Heroes Wear Capes

Beautiful Dragons

The Next Morning

After spending the night at Canterlot Castle, Spike woke up bright and early, walking down to the dining room, where Princess Celestia had prepared another of her pancake breakfast for herself and Spike.

"Good morning sweetie!" Princess Celestia called out to him. "Sleep well?"

"Sure did," Spike yawned, stretching his arms out.

"Well come here and sit! Got breakfast for you!" Princess Celestia tittered as she levitated a pancake towards Spike, "Look, you get pancake! And it's happy to see you!" She giggled.

"Uh, hi," Spike waved uneasily. Next thing he knew, he was seated in a chair, where his adopted mother quickly stuffed his face with the cake.

"No time to say hello or good-byes!" Princess Celestia began as she continues to feed her son. "Now remember, it's the start of a new day for you, little sunshine! Listen to your teachers, and no fighting! Play nice with the other kids, unless of course, when the other kids want to fight, then you have to kick the other kid's butt."

"But I don't want to kick the other kid's butt," Spike muffled.

"Don't talk with your mouth full!" Celestia scolded.

After managing to swallow his contents, Spike gasped, "Mom, what's going on? What's gotten into you?"

Princess Celestia simply chuckled, "Oh, Spike. I just can't help it," She smiled. "It's hard to believe that years ago, you were just a baby I was raising with Twilight."

"Yeah well, surprise," Spike said in sarcasm. "I'm not a baby anymore. I'm a....a...what are dragons about my age called?"

Princess Celestia pondered for a moment, before she answered, "I believe the proper term would be a fledgling."

"Right, that," Spike nodded.

"I'm not surprised you don't know any better," Sludge's voice echoed. "Twilight basically raised you as a pony. You're barely a dragon at all."

Spike froze as the traitorous dragon's words haunted him again, along with another, "Because she's teaching you to fly like a pony instead of a dragon," Smolder sounded. "We don't have feathers, for starters."

"I wish I had more "dragonish" knowledge to give you. Do you think being raised by ponies has affected you in other ways?" Twilight echoed.

"Uh... it must be hard growing up not really knowing who you are."

"Spike?" Celestia called, snapping the young dragon from his trance. "Sweetie, what's wrong?"

"Uh, nothing," Spike replied, collecting himself, and his train of thoughts, and remembered. "Actually, now that I think about it," Looking back up at Princess Celestia, Spike started, "Hey mom? Do you still remember that story you once told me? About Long Mu?"

"Of course! How can I forget?" Princess Celestia asked rhetorically, smiling fondly at the mention of the legend. "She is one of my favorite legends, after all."

"Yeah, about that, I was wondering, was it real? Was it all a true story?"

"Hmmm," Celestia pondered for awhile, before she answered, "It's real to me, and to some of us who've heard the story. But why would you want to know if it's true or not, Spike?"

Spike scratched the back of his head, trying to find the words, before he answered, "Because, I was hoping, if by chance, that is," Taking a deep breath, Spike answered, "I was hoping that maybe, if Long Mu's children were still around. Then maybe, just maybe, I could ask them, what is it like being raised by her? You know, the fact that they're dragons, and she's a pony, like me and you, and Twilight," Spike's eyes widened at the fear he might've said the wrong thing. "But, of course, I meant I'm a dragon, like them, and you and Twilight are ponies, like Long Mu. Except she was a unicorn, like Twilight. I mean, like Twilight was. I mean-"

Princess Celestia chuckled as she raised a hoof up to silence Spike, "It's alright, sweetie," She smiled. "I understand what you mean."

"So, are they still around?" Spike asked with excitement. "Where do I go to look for them?"

Princess Celestia looked away for a moment, "I'm afraid those are some questions I can't answer," She sadly replied, much to Spike's disappointment. "But I think I know some pony who might." Celestia spoke up.

Meanwhile, back in Ponyville

"Spike?" Twilight asked in the past. "I just thought I'd check to see if you and Sludge had any luck turning up your dragonishness. It's hard not to feel like somehow I let you down all these years."

".....to feel like somehow I let you down all these years." The words repeated continuously, as Twilight sat in her head mare office in Friendship University, while looking at a picture of her and a baby Spike, despondently.

"It was all so easy back then," Twilight said, as she continues to gaze at the picture sadly. "Why does it feel like it was just yesterday?"

"That's because you raised me. Now I finally have a chance to see how I'm supposed to be." Spike's voice echoed.

"I don't think you're supposed to be any different than who you are." Twilight's past voice replied.

"Maybe you just don't like that I have a real parent now."

Back to the present, those last words were still sharp as a sword, stabbing through Twilight's heart, with the sound of heartbreak ringing clear in her mind.

"Of all ponies, I can't believe you would have a problem with that," Past Spike's voice added, which furthers the blow.

Twilight wiped a tear away. Thankfully, they learned the truth before tensions escalated any higher.

".....He also wasn't my real dad," Past Spike sadly revealed.

"Oh, Spike. I'm so sorry."

"I'm the one who's sorry. You were just worried about me, and I lost my temper. Sludge was just a great big phony."

"I have to say, I'm not surprised. There's no way a dragon like that was related to you. But if you still want to search for your real family, I'd understand if you spent more time in the Dragon Lands."

And yet, despite that offer, Spike refused, "I don't think so. I already know who my real family is," He said.

"Aww! It's me, right?" Twilight smiled.

"Mm-hmm! Besides, there's no way I'm living without pillows." Spike added, much to Twilight's amusement.

But all the same. In the events that followed that day, even after they've amended their friendship, Twilight couldn't help but notice how distance, scary, and tensed Spike had been. Starlight Glimmer even offered to consult him, being guidance counselor and everything, but even she was refused by him. Eventually, Spike got up and was off to Canterlot, and has yet to come back.

"Hey! Head mare Twilight!" Twilight was snapped out of her trance, as she puts the picture down and looked up to see the young dragoness, Smolder, standing before her.

"Oh! Hi Smolder," Twilight greeted. "What is it? Is something wrong?"

"No," Smolder shook her head at first, before she admitted, "Actually, yeah....there is. I've been meaning to ask, where's Spike? How's the little guy doing?" As an answer, Twilight looked down, even more saddened. "Oh.....he's still taking it real hard, huh?"

"Eeyup." Twilight answered.

"Hey, I get him. If I were in his....uh.....feet? I'd be really steamed if I find out some random dragon was just passing himself off as my dad. Yuck!" Smolder shuddered at the thought.

"I know...." Looking back at the young dragoness, Twilight decided it was now the best time as any to strike up conversation. "Hey, Smolder? Do you mind if I ask you a few questions?"

"Depends. What kind of questions?" Smolder asked.

The Crystal Empire
Epic Chinese Music - Chinese Dragon by Derek & Brandon Fiechter

After his recent talk and reassurance from his mother, Spike was on the next train to the Crystal Empire.

He's not going there to receive numerous praises and love from his ever-growing fanbase, of course. He was on the way, hoping to get advice from someone very important and very wise at the Crystal Empire. No, not Sunburst.

Instead, it was one of the legendary Pillars of Equestria: Mistmane, the unicorn sorceress who represented beauty.

Spike remembered how it was only a few months ago, after the defeat of the Pony of Shadows and the restoration of unicorn apprentice, Stygian, the Pillars had disbanded to find their own place in the new era. Mistmane moved to the Crystal Empire, where she became the empire's royal landscape artist.

The young dragon had some questions he felt the unicorn sorceress would be able to answer.

Eventually, the train came to a halt at the station in the Frozen North, where its passengers disembarked. Spike, remembering how popular he was in the Crystal Empire, quickly dons up a large trench coat and a hat to conceal his identity, before he was on his way to meet the wise sorceress.

The walk was long and tense. Many passing Crystal Ponies were all exchanging weird looks at the stranger, whom they failed to recognize as their favorite dragon hero.

Spike tried to make himself presentable the best he could, which was very hard when he was dressed in a large coach that concealed his claws, and his hat nearly flew off to the wind that blows in the Crystal Empire.

At last, Spike made it to the palace of the empire.

"Halt! Who goes there?!" The crystal guards barked, denying Spike entrance.

"The brave and glorious..." Spike whispered.

"What?"

"I said, 'the brave and glorious....'"

"What? Speak up! We can't hear you!"

"The brave and-" Spike gave up and lifted his hat up, just a bit, to show the guards his face. "It's me! Spike!"

"WHOA!! NO WAY!!" The crystal guards exclaimed excitedly. "Spike the-" Before the guards could finish, Spike quickly shoved his claws up to their mouth, silencing them.

"Shhhh! Not so loud!" Spike shushed. "I'm kinda on a private business here."

"What is it? Is the Crystal Empire under attack?" One of the guards asked.

"No. Nothing like that. I'm looking for Mistmane. Have you guys seen her?"

"Seen her? Sure, we have! Royal crystal garden, you can't miss her."

"Thanks," With a tip of his hat, the guards allowed Spike to pass, entering the Crystal Palace, where he navigated his way through the halls of the palace, until finally he arrived in the royal garden, surrounded by a plethora of crystals in the shapes of beautiful flowers, trees, and statues that transcends an aura of tranquility and harmony.

"Wow..." Spike gasps as he marveled the beautiful crystalline landscapes. "This is beautiful...."

"Thank you...." A familiar husky voice sounded, as the figure of an olden unicorn mare stepped out from the shadows and stood before Spike, with a smile on her weary face.

"Mistmane!" Spike gasped, taking his hat and coat off, as he bowed his head in respect. "Hi!"

"Hello to you too, young dragon," Mistmane returned the gesture, before she stood up. "And what do I owe the pleasure of receiving a visit from a well-mannered dragon, such as yourself?"

"Well, you see....I was wondering if I could ask you some advice," Spike hesitantly answered.

"Oh of course dear child," Mistmane nodded. "I'd be most flattered. But first, would you care for a nice spot of tea?" She gestured to a nearby table, where a set of tea cups and a tea pot was already set up.

"Sure, okay!" Spike answered, as he followed the unicorn sorceress to the table, where she poured both herself and him a cup of tea.

"Now then," Mistmane began, after taking a dainty sip. "What troubles you young dragon?"

"Well...." Spike searched his mind for the right words, before he explained, "You know how I'm basically raised by ponies?" Mistmane nodded her head in response. "Well, my mom once told me of a story about this unicorn who also raised dragons. She goes by the name-"

"Long Mu?" Mistmane repeated, with her ears perked with interests before a soft smile was formed on her face. "Ah, Long Mu, the Mother of Dragons. I haven't thought about her in many moons." Realizing she had interrupted the young dragon, Mistmane beckoned, "Oh, I beg your pardon. Please, go on."

Spike complied, "Anyway. That story was inspiring and everything. But it left me with some questions, like what did Long Mu see in those dragons when she adopted them? What was it like to raise, not one, but six of them? And did it ever affect the dragons that they were raised by ponies? Which is why I'm here, because mom told me that you could answer my questions, being the Pillar of Beauty and everything."

"Ah," Mistmane nodded in understanding, before she took a sip of her tea, and began. "Well, like many of us. I've heard stories about Wen Shi and her dragons. But it was she who taught me the true meaning of beauty within."

Past

"I was a different mare back then, of course," Mistmane narrated. "Looking back, I'm not so proud with how I behaved back then. I had always thought that beauty is everything. And that it was all I ever cared about."

In the past, a young and beautiful Mistmane was strutting down the streets of a village, head held high, with many ponies stopping in their tracks to admire her beauty.

"But all of that soon changed when I met Long Mu, herself."

Young Mistmane wasn’t paying much attention to where she was going. Thus, it wasn’t long before she bumped into a unicorn mare in tattered clothes, spilling her groceries onto the ground, while sending a cloud of dusts all over Mistmane.

Naturally, the beautiful unicorn was repulsed by the appearance of the pony who bumped into her, and the mess she was in.

"Ugh! You clumsy foal!" Mistmane grumbled, while magically dusting herself.

"My sincerest apologies," The poor mare apologized as she scrambled to her hooves and quickly picked up the foods she had dropped.

"You will need more than that to earn my forgiveness, peasant!" Mistmane scowled, before she left in a huff.

The once snooty unicorn sorceress hadn't gone very far when a rush of wind blew through the town streets, and she looked up to see an aquamarine serpentine dragon slithering through the air before it landed in front of the mare, whom she had bumped into before.

"Māmā!" The dragon cried. "Are you okay?"

"Yes, Rain," The mare said softly. "I am alright, little one."

“Māmā?” Mistmane exclaimed in bewilderment, looking at both the mare and dragon with confusion. “Did that dragon just called her māmā?”

Before long, five more colorful serpentine dragons appeared, surrounding the poor unicorn, and helping her recover the foods that were spilled to the ground.

“Thank you, my children,” The mare smiled, as she and the dragons shared nuzzles. “I think we’re still good for some stirred fried rice little ones.”

The dragons all exchanged joyful cheers as they followed the mare. Mistmane could hardly believed her eyes and ears.

"I, like so many other ponies then, had always seen dragons as destructive, savage beasts," Mistmane narrated. “So it’s obvious that I would find it unusual for a pony to harbor dragons, let alone treating them as if they were children.”

Young Mistmane decided to have some closer looks. Therefore, she secretly followed the poor mare and the dragons, until she arrived at a run down hut, that was located in the middle of a large forest, but close to a passing river.

Casting herself a camouflage spell, Mistmane kept herself hidden as she watched both dragons and mare going about their day.

The poor mare sets her bag of foods down, before she went into her hut to fetch a metal pot and pan and sets them on top of a pile of logs. Before she said anything, one of her dragons, a red and gold one, came forward and breathed a small burst of ember, lighting up the logs in a coat of flame, heating the metal pan as the unicorn's horn was lit up in a magic aura of her color, levitating the foods she bought, a knife, and other cooking utensils she used to cook the foods for herself and her dragons.

From her hiding spot, Mistmane continued to watch with interests as the mare and her dragons shared a decent meal together, like a happy little family. She continued to watch and observe the interactions between the mare and the dragons. From doing the chores around a hut of a house to going out to a river where the mare and her dragons played happy hours of splashing and swimming.

Mistmane could hardly believe what she was seeing.

"What I saw that day had changed my view on dragons forever," Mistmane narrated. "What I saw were no savage beasts, but gentle, intelligent, and loving children whose shared mother have made the beauty of their love shine from within."

One day, there was a terrible drought that destroyed all the crops. No unicorn magic was capable of bringing rain, nor did the local pegasi were successful in finding suitable waters to create rain.

Long Mu's children could not bear to let their mom die in the heat. And so, using their great magics, the dragons made it rain, bringing an end to the drought. Everyone was grateful.

Present

"Wow," Spike marveled. "Incredible!"

"Indeed," Mistmane nodded in agreement. "I see much of Long Mu's children within you, Spike. Don't be afraid. It matters not whether you are raised by ponies or not. What truly matters is who you choose to be, and who you choose to believe." Spike looked at Mistmane in confusion, "Or to put it simply, just be yourself," Mistmane clarified. "Beauty can be found, even within the beast."

Spike nodded in understanding as he took the moment to look at Mistmane all over. It was so hard to believe that some pony like Mistmane, with a beauty that rivals to that of Rarity, Fleur-De-Lis, or even his adopted mother and aunt, would be so willing to sacrifice it and end up with....her current state. And despite it all, it never stopped her from spreading beauty around the world, bringing smiles to every pony and creatures, while inspiring others that beauty is found within.

"Yeah," He nodded. "I think I get it now! Thanks Mistmane!"

"Anytime young dragon," Mistmane smiled.

Hoping out of his seat, Spike was about to take his leave, "Hey, Mistmane?" He began, turning his head in the unicorn sorceress's direction. "I think you're still beautiful to me," He smiled, which flattered the sorceress. "And thank you for your wisdom, sifu!" Spike bowed respectfully, to which the unicorn returned.

Mistmane was touched. That was actually the first time someone has ever referred to her as "sifu."

"Remember Spike. We are all students," Mistmane smiled. "If you ever need anymore guidance, don't hesitate to ask."

"I will. Thank you," With a flap of his wings, Spike took his leave as Mistmane watched him go.

Turning around, the unicorn sorceress walked over to another part of the garden where a statue of a beautiful unicorn mare rested, surrounded by statues of graceful, majestic serpentine dragons that are unlike the common ones seen outside of the Crystal Empire.

"I see so much of your children within him, Long Mu," Mistmane said wearily, lips trembling and a tear escaping from her eyes. "I never had the chance to say good-bye, Wen Shi.....sifu."

"How could you call them children?" Mistmane asked. "They're not exactly....related to you. Are they?"

"It really doesn't matter," Long Mu smiled, gently stroking across one of the dragon's neck. "For me, they're just children. And no matter the species, all children needed a mother, or a father."

Lana Del Rey - Young and Beautiful

Big Brother's Consultancy

After his recent heart-to-heart talk with Mistmane, Spike was on his way out of the Crystal Palace to the train station for the next train back home. But all the same, he couldn't help but think about what Mistmane told him.

"....just be yourself," Mistmane clarified. "Beauty can be found, even within the beast."

"Beauty can be found, even within the beast, huh?" Spike repeated, before he bumped into the symbol of the Crystal Empire - the Crystal Heart.

Spike stopped for a moment to stare at the magical relic. He recalled how he and Twilight went through a lot of trouble to find it in order to save the whole empire from King Sombra. That, and how it earned him a hero's recognition and fame in the Crystal Empire. Though, in the honest truth, that title was too much of an overstatement for him, since Twilight did all the work of finding the Crystal Heart, while all Spike ever did was deliver the heart to Princess Cadence to truly defeat King Sombra.

'Huh, am I actually the real hero then?' Spike mentally asked himself. 'Come to think of it, was I ever a real hero?'

"Spike!" A male voice greeted, revealing itself to be Shining Armor. "Hey, what's up little guy? I heard you were back in the Crystal Empire!"

"Hey Shining Armor!" The young dragon returned the greeting, before explaining, "I just came here to talk with Mistmane. I asked her a few questions, got some answers, and then I got distracted," He pointed to the Crystal Heart that continuously rotates in the air, within the palace.

"Whoa, whoa, you're not going to eat the Crystal Heart, are you?" Shining Armor smirked. "Because the heart is irreplaceable you know!"

Spike flustered, "What?! No! Of course not! I-"

Shining Armor laughed, "I was just kidding, Spike."

"Ho ho, very funny. Ha ha, it is to laugh," Spike sarcastically replied. "I was just thinking back to the day when I....I mean, we saved the Crystal Empire, and all."

Shining Armor nodded in agreement and understanding, "Yeah. It was such a big day for us then," The stallion said in nostalgia. "Thank Celestia you saved the day, Spike. If not for you, the Crystal Empire would've been lost to King Sombra, and then who knows what else would happen after that?"

Spike shuddered, "I don't even want to know," The young dragon let out a sigh, "But that's just it. Me a hero. But in truth, I'm no hero. I didn't deserved it then."

"Huh?" Shining Armor looked at the little dragon in confusion. "What do you mean?"

"I'm not a hero because I didn't take the mission to save the Crystal Empire from m-Princess Celestia," Spike explained, narrowly revealing his adoption from Princess Celestia. "I'm not a hero because I didn't figure out the puzzles and the traps set up by King Sombra. Twilight did all that! All I ever did was just deliver the Crystal Heart to Princess Cadence. Simple as that."

"Simple?!" The stallion exclaimed. "You were carrying the Crystal Heart, walking down from an estimated height of ten stories, avoiding King Sombra's crystals, and you didn't have wings then! You called that a simple task? You even fell off a ledge, and you didn't have wings then! You had to be saved by Cadence!"

"Exactly," Spike sighed. "That's proof enough that I don't deserve this title," The young dragon looked down sadly, "I don't even deserve to have a statue of myself here in the Crystal Empire. Not when Princess Cadence and Twilight did all the work of protecting the Crystal Empire and finding the Crystal Heart. I'm no hero. I've never even been a hero to begin with."

Looking how discouraged the dragon has become, Shining Armor got down and placed a hoof around the dragon's shoulder, "Hey, don't beat yourself up like that," The unicorn stallion berated in a comforting tone. "You are a hero. Sure you delivered the heart to Cadence. And yes, Twilight did all the work of finding the heart and Cadence had to save you, but you are a hero because you wanted to help. And back then, the Crystal Empire needed all the help it can get to be saved from King Sombre's wrath."

The young dragon shrugged his shoulders, "I guess I helped out a little."

"Not just a little. A lot!" Shining Armor smiled. "You've always been a big help to every pony and creatures, Spike. From the day Twilight first hatched you. Remember?"

"I don't know," Spike scratched his head. "All I remembered was that I was a big nuisance to Twilight then."

Shining Armor chuckled, "I meant when you were beginning to grow up." The stallion clarified. "Back when it's just you, Twilight, Moondancer, and some girls from Canterlot, you were always there for them whenever they needed you. From helping Twilight with her studies, to writing down notes for her, to being supportive of her whenever she gets so nervous and whenever I'm not around to help her. You didn't do all that because you were asked to do them. You did it, because you chose to do them out of love! You told me so yourself once."

Spike blinked his eyes in realization, "...Yeah..." He hesitantly replied, while faintly remembering the said events Shining Armor cited. "I...I...I guess I did."

"And you didn't ask for anything in return," Shining Armor continued. "All you needed in return for your generous assistant and unbound loyalty was appreciation. And we've always been appreciated of your help and generous assistant Spike. Hero or not, it doesn't change the fact that you're a friend to everyone in Equestria!"

And just like that, Spike had an epiphany. Memories of his assistance and noble deeds came rushing back to him, and how good it felt for him to be appreciated with each deeds he performed.

"Wow, you're right!" Spike smiled, feeling uplifted from within. Turning to Shining Armor, he playfully punched the stallion on the shoulder, "Thanks Shining Armor! I really needed this talk!"

"Anytime, Spike," Shining Armor smiled as he stood up. "Take it easy out there. Alright?"

"You got it!" With an excited beat of his wings, Spike was on his way, until he briefly stopped in the air to look at Shining Armor. "One more thing!"

"Yeah?"

"Do you think maybe you could get the sculpturist to make a statue of Twilight next to mine?" Spike asked while pointing at the said statue. "I look kinda lonely without her."

Shining Armor couldn't help but chuckle and shaking his head, "I'm afraid it'll be a long time before we could find a bigger block of crystal, Spike. But we'll see what we can manage."

"That's all I'm asking for," With a flap of his wings, Spike took to the sky, "By Shining Armor!" He waved.

"Bye Spike!" Shining Armor called out to the little dragon, before he turned back and walked into the castle, "I liked that kid," He smiled.

Spike was happily flying over the Crystal Empire, feeling another heavy weight was lifted off his chest.

From down below, he can hear the Crystal Ponies cheering for him.

"Hey look! It's Spike the Brave and Glorious!" One of the Crystal Ponies exclaimed.

"Wow! He can fly!!"

"I didn't know he can fly! He's a superhero!"

"We love you Spike!"

Spike smiled at the overwhelming praises and love he was receiving from the Crystal Ponies, combined with the adrenaline of his flight and the encouraging wisdoms he received from Shining Armor and Mistmane.

'Forget about the train,' Spike thought mentally. 'THIS IS AMAZING!!!' With that, Spike decided to fly all the way home instead.

Jónsi - Where No One Goes

"WHOOO HOOOOOOO!!!!!" Spike cheered, flying from the Frozen North and on his way towards Ponyville. "Now I know how Rainbow Dash feels about flying! I feel so alive!!!!" The young dragon closed his eyes, enjoying the rush of cold wind blowing in his face, while thinking about the family he's ever known, welcoming him back with open hooves.

"Actually, I was orphaned as an egg and Twilight raised me!" Spike's eyes snapped open as another memory echoed. "So these ponies are more than my friends. They're my family!"

"We try our best," Twilight's voice echoed. "But sometimes I worry that maybe Spike is..."

"Missing something deep down and dragonish."

The last words repeatedly echoed within Spike's mind, reigniting the haunting feeling of incompletion and insecurity.

"I've already tried finding who I am as a dragon," Spike muttered, while recalling his experience in the Badlands, the Dragon Land, Dragon Town in Fillydelphia, and from an incident between the dragons and yaks in Yakyakistan in Wings Over Yakyakistan. "And yet, why do I keep trying to find some answers?"

"I'm not surprised you don't know any better," Sludge's voice echoed. "Twilight basically raised you as a pony. You're barely a dragon at all."

"No! Not you again!" Spike hissed, trying to block Sludge out of his head.

"Missing something deep down and dragonish."

"I wish I had more "dragonish" knowledge to give you. Do you think being raised by ponies has affected you in other ways?" Twilight echoed.

"....just be yourself," Mistmane's voice repeated. "Beauty can be found, even within the beast."

"Hero or not, it doesn't change the fact that you're a friend to everyone in Equestria!" Shining Armor's voice sounded.

"Missing something deep down and dragonish."

"No, no, no! STOP!! STOP!!" Spike was too distracted in his conflicted thoughts, that he failed to notice a tall clock tower in front of him, and crashed.

*BOOM*

"Ow!" Spike groaned, before he fell away from the clock's face, and landed on something.....or someone.

Best Friends Are Family

While Spike was off exploring Equestria to find more about himself, let's see how his friends in Ponyville are doing.

Applejack, as usual, was out in Sweet Apple Acres, bucking and harvesting apples from the orchard. Today, however, she was not in the best of moods, following the deception of one such dragon by the name of Sludge.

Applejack rapidly snorted at the thought of the fat dragon, "That no good varmint! The nerve!! Just crashing into town, passing himself off as Spike's father, taking advantage of little Spike’s trust and our hospitality just to live a luxurious life! I've never been more disgusted in my whole life! AAAAAAHHHH!!!!" Applejack screamed, unleashing a force that's so great, it nearly broke down one of the trees in Sweet Apple Acres.

“What in tarnation?!” An elderly voice sounded, revealing itself to be none other but Granny Smith. “What the Sam Hill is going on girl?! You were howling so loud, I thought for sure there were Timberwolves about!”

“Sorry Granny Smith,” Applejack panted, calming herself. “I’m just not in a good mood. My thoughts are all running and pounding at the memory of that dragon varmint Sludge! Why I’m just so sick of how he could just waltz into Ponyville and take advantage of Spike like that!”

“I can sympathize with that, youngin’” Granny Smith replied. “But that’s no excuse to go star raving mad and nearly destroy half of our land! Apples don’t grow out of thin air y’know. And planting trees is just as iffy.”

“Yer right, Granny. And I’m sorry,” Applejack apologized while still fuming, "But if that Sludge ever showed his fat face around here again, I'm gonna buck him real hard....in the face....repeatedly!"

“Language there AJ!” Granny Smith warned. “Besides, how is Spike doing?”

At the mention of the little dragon, Applejack sighed as she sadly recalled, “I don’t know. Last I heard from him, he said he’s okay. But I can tell from the look in his eyes, he’s a little heartbroken. I don't blame him. I don't know much about mom and dad before they were gone, and I'd be pretty heartbroken too if some varmint comes and pass himself off as pa." Applejack resumed finishing up the rest of the harvest, before she carried them back to the barn.

"Well, I'm done for the day," Applejack turned around and was on her way towards Ponyville, "See ya later, Granny Smith!"

"Be back in time for supper, youngin'" Granny Smith replied.

After a long gallop, Applejack arrived at the picnic where her friends were all waiting for her, "Howdy y'all," Applejack greeted. "I hope I'm not too late."

"Not at all, darling," Rarity replied. "You are just in time."

Setting herself down on the picnic blanket, Applejack turned and noticed the saddened look on Twilight's face, "Hey Twi. How are ya feeling?" The earth pony asked with concern. "Has Spike come back yet?"

"Not yet, Applejack," Twilight frowned. "I'm not even sure if he even wants to come back."

"Why darling!" Rarity exclaimed. "What makes you say that?"

"Because I failed to help him find what he was missing," Twilight sadly replied. "I was unable to help him find all of the answers he was looking for about himself. I couldn't even help him learn to fly properly."

"Hey, come on Twilight, don't be so hard on yourself," Rainbow began. "Not everything revolves around you. You don't have all the answers to everything, so you can't exactly be right all the time," A disappointed scowl appeared on Rainbow Dash's face, "Still, can't believe Spike would just be so quick to choose that Sludge guy over you like that! And after all you've done for him since you hatched him! Talk about gratitude!"

"Hey, ease up there Rainbow Dash," Applejack said. "He's just a kid. He didn't know any better."

"Yeah? Well he should've! I mean, of all the things that Sludge told him, and he was so quick to believe them, when the lie is just so obvious! I mean, c'mon, what was he thinking?!"

"Don't be so hard on him, Dash!" Rarity said. "We all believed that Sludge dragon when he claimed himself to be Spike's father! He would do what any of us would do whenever our parents say anything." And just like that, Rainbow Dash took back what she had said earlier. 'Of course, I still have a few choice words I would like to share with little Spikey-Wikey when he gets back,' She thought to herself.

"Either way, I just hope Spike's alright," Twilight sighed, looking up to see Canterlot in the distance. "I hope he finds what he's looking for," The rest of the girls all nodded in agreement, before Pinkie Pie perked up.

"Ooh! I've got an idea!" Pinkie Pie beamed happily. "When Spike gets back, we should throw him a WELCOME HOME SPIKE PARTY!!! / WE ARE YOUR FAMILY SPIKE!!! That way, he won't forget, that no matter the species, and no matter who his friends are, there will always be a family for him!"

"That sounds like a lovely idea," Fluttershy said, followed by agreements from Rarity, Applejack, and a hesitant Rainbow Dash.

The girls all turned their attention to Twilight, wanting to hear what the Princess of Friendship had to say, "Oh, why not?" Twilight smiled sadly. "It'll be like a birthday party for him. Right?"

"Better than a birthday party!" Pinkie smiled. "Pretend it's a merry un-birthday party for Spike!" The girls all shared some laughs from Pinkie's antics.

When nobody was noticing, Twilight conjured a photo of herself as a filly, with a little baby Spike, with the words scribbled at the bottom reading: "Twilight's first friend: Spike!"

Dragon Tales In Dragon Town

Last time, Spike was on his way back home, after a heart-to-heart talk with Mistmane and a pep talk with Shining Armor. However, it was still not enough to dispel the self-doubt that continues to swell itself within Spike.

The young dragon was so caught up, that he had a painful crash-landing experience, right into the face of a clocktower, and fell to the streets below, "Ow..." Spike groaned, rubbing a claw over his inflicted nose. "My nose."

"....I beg your pardon but.....get OFFFF!" A voice grunted from below.

Looking down, Spike's eyes widened when he realized he landed on some pony, "Oh! I'm sorry!" He quickly apologized, scrambling up to his feet to help the pony up. "I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" Upon taking a closer look at who he landed on, Spike quickly exclaimed, "Oh, Diamond Tiara?!?"

"Yeah, that's me alright!" Diamond Tiara began angrily. "And what interest is it of yours to-Oh, Spike!" She calmed a little, when she recognized her dragon friend. "Hey, how are ya, aside from crash landing ponies?"

"Sorry, not on purpose," Spike chuckled. "Still, long time no see, Diamond Tiara! Haven't seen you in awhile."

"Yeah, no kidding," Diamond Tiara muttered. "You get one episode of redemption, and then all of sudden, you've been demoted to a silent background character, before the writers decided to exclude you completely in Season 8 as a whole."

"What?"

"Never mind. So, what brings you to Fillydelphia?"

"Well you see, I was-Wait, Fillydelphia?!" Spike looked around him to see, he and Diamond Tiara aren't in Ponyville. "Oops. Wrong town."

"You mean, you weren't here fora visit?" Diamond Tiara asked.

"No. I just got back from the Crystal Empire," Spike explained, "I was heading towards Ponyville, but I kinda got distracted and crash landed here," He chuckled with a bright shade of red on his face. "Not on purpose of course! Anyway, sorry again for landing on you Diamond. I'll just be going. See you later," With that, Spike was about to leap up into the air and flap his wings, but a snapping sound was heard and the small dragon fell back to the ground. "OW!"

"What's the matter?" Diamond Tiara asked. "Can't fly?"

"Afraid not. Ow!" Spike groaned, turning his head slightly to look at his wings, to see one of them was bent slightly out of shape. "Oh, my wing! I think I twisted it! Ow!"

"Yikes," Diamond Tiara cringed. "I may not be a pegasus. But I know that's a bad shape for a wing."

"No kidding."

"We better get that looked at. Come on! Doctor's office is this way," Diamond Tiara instructed.

"Are you sure Diamond Tiara?"

"Don't worry. It's actually a doctor's office for dragons. I should know, because it's in Dragon Town."

"Oh yeah, Dragon Town!" Spike exclaimed in acknowledgement. "I haven't been there in a long time." Curiosity piqued, the little dragon turned to the filly and asked, "You've actually been to Dragon Town before?"

"Mmm-hmm," Diamond Tiara answered. "Dad does some business with some of the dragon merchants down there. They actually sell some beautiful gems there!"

"Yeah, I know," Spike licked his chops at the thought of the gems. "They were delicious too!" On the way, Spike decided to strike up conversation with the filly, "So Diamond Tiara. What brings you to Fillydelphia?"

"I was just here to visit some family relatives," Diamond Tiara answered. "Well, me and Randolph that is. Mom and dad couldn't come with me, since as usual, they're too busy with work," The filly grumbled at the last part.

"Ooh, sorry I asked."

"That's okay. At least Grandma and Grandpa Rich were more loving, and understanding."

Spike shared a quick chuckle, "Well, at least you have some ponies who actually cared for ya. And who actually support and teach you the right things to growing up," The dragon looked away, trying to hide the sad look from Diamond Tiara, despite how obvious it is to the filly.

Taking a deep breath, Diamond Tiara spoke in a rare welcoming and sweet tone of her voice, "I'm sorry about what happened with you and that Sludge dragon."

"There's no need to apologize, Diamond," Spike replied sadly. "It's hardly your fault. Besides, it's on me. I should've known better that it was too good to be true."

With he look of empathy and sympathy on her face, the filly spoke, "You know you're not the only who's been misled to doing something you would later regret your whole life, Spike. Especially with someone who you would consider a parental figure," Spike turned his attention to Diamond Tiara, with a look of curiosity to where the conversation is going.

"Don't be so surprised. Sure I may be rich, and I may be living a life of luxury. But up until the Cutie Mark Crusaders helped me open my eyes, I've never been happy. And I hardly considered my parents to be real family. They're always so busy at work, we hardly spent anytime knowing each other, let alone play together like a real family, or telling me what the true meaning of my cutie mark really was."

The young dragon looked, and he can clearly see the haunting look of regret reflected in Diamond Tiara's eyes. They reminded him of the looks on Starlight Glimmer, and Sunset Shimmer's face whenever they recall their horrible past.

"So I guess we both have misleading regrets because of bad parents, huh?" Diamond Tiara pointed.

"Maybe," Spike replied. "But it doesn't change the fact that I was too quick to trust Sludge when he passed himself off as my father."

"Don't blame yourself, Spike! You just didn't know! Just like how I didn't know my real purpose from the start, because I was putting my trust in the wrong ponies! I hardly even knew what loving parents are, and I have parents! These things can happen to anyone!" However, the little purple dragon continued to look doubtful, "Well, we're here," Diamond said, letting Spike know that they now stood before an entrance to Dragon Town.

Looking back up, Spike sighed as he felt a wave of nostalgia and remembered his first visit to this place, "I haven't been to this place in so many moons!" He said.

"Great Bahamut's ghost!" A familiar voice exclaimed. "Spike?!" Spike and Diamond Tiara both turned around and standing before them was a red dragoness with curly pink hair, blue horns with matching underbelly and eyes.

"Mina!" Spike smiled as he ran up to the dragon and shared a hug with her. "Long time no see!!"

"Red rubies to see you too, Spike!" Mina smiled. "Wow, it's been many moons since I last saw you!" Mina looked down and gasped, "Oh! I see you finally got your wings! You're a fledgling dragon now!"

The little purple dragon chuckled, "You can say that again," The joy was short lived, however, when Spike remembered, "Unfortunately, I'm kinda grounded at the moment."

"Yeah, he sort of crashed into a clock and sprained his wing," Diamond Tiara spoke on his behalf. "You wouldn't happen to know a good doctor around here, would you?"

"Who needs a doctor?" Mina asked rhetorically. "Twisted wings? Sprained ankle? These things are very simple to fix."

"You mean, you can actually fix my wings?" Spike asked.

"As clear as a diamond in the sky," The red dragon replied proudly. "Come on. Let's go!" She said, as she was about to lead Spike away.

"Well, it's been great seeing you again, Spike!" Diamond Tiara called out. "Get well soon!"

"Thanks Diamond!" Spike called out, before he stopped. "Wait, just a moment Mina," Spike quickly ran back to the filly, just as she was about to take her leave, "Hey, Diamond Tiara?"

"Yes Spike?"

Scratching the back of his head, Spike struggled to find the right words, before he spoke, "I hope I get to hang out with you more. Y'know, after we get back to Ponyville."

Diamond Tiara smiled, "I would like that."

"Great!" The little dragon quickly hugged the little filly, before he ran back to Mina, "See ya then!"

"Bye!" Diamond Tiara took her leave from Dragon Town, while smiling to herself, "He's such a good dragon."

Once they got back to Mina's place, Spike was laid to rest on a rocky mattress, while Mina held up a tiny cotton ball with a pair of thin sticks. With a slight blow of her breath, she breathed a tiny puff of flame onto the cotton ball, before dipping it into a tiny glass bulb, before placing it on Spike's back, instantly vacuuming an amount of his skin into the dome.

"What are you doing?" Spike asked, only to be shushed by Mina as she placed more glass bulbs on his back.

"Keep still," Mina instructed, once she finished putting the bulbs on specific points of Spike's body. Then, Mina breathed some flames onto her claws, which she later used for a heat rub, to ease muscle tension and to promote blood circulation for Spike. After a few minutes have passed, she removed the bulbs from Spike's body. "How do you feel, Spike-um?"

Stretching his arms and wings out, Spike was amazed to see that his wings and certain parts of his body were no longer sore, "It doesn't hurt!" He exclaimed. "What was that?"

"It's called chauva," Mina answered. "Ancient fire healing technique. My grandma taught it to me when I twisted my wings, once. Very effective for sore muscles. But very deadly if you use it incorrectly."

"Wow. That is so awesome. I thought you were just a manager for a comic book store, or a big fan of Princess Luna!"

"You think only with your eyes, and you are easy to fool kid," Mina chuckled as she cleans up the bulbs and cotton away. "Of course, I'm sure you've already known that as well as I have. Right?"

"I guess," Then, remembering some questions he's had, Spike began, "Hey Mina? Mind if I ask you some questions?"

"Fire away."

"I was kinda wondering," Searching for the right words, Spike was about to ask, when Mina realized something.

"Yikes?! Is it that time already?!" Mina gasped, before she frantically searched through her house and came back with a gift wrapped box. "Oh, sorry Spike. Loved to stick around and chat, but I have to go and pay my respect to Long Mu!"

Spike's eyes widened at what she just said, "You know Long Mu?!"

"Of course!" Mina smiled. "It's only the best story ever!! Well, for most us dragons. I mean, almost every dragon in Dragon Town have heard of the story of Long Mu! How else did Dragon Town got built in Equestria to begin with, huh?"

"Wow, that's so cool!" Spike smiled as he got up and followed the red dragon. "You've got tell me everything!"

"Red rubies!" Mina smiled, as she took Spike by the hand and they were on their way out of the house.

The story of Long Mu and her dragon children were known far and wide. Even the empress, Sable Spirit, had sent her gifts of golds and jades, in hopes of inviting Long Mu to come to her palace. However, by that time, Long Mu had grown old and was too frail of health to make such a long treacherous journey.

Fearing for her safety, Long Mu's children forbidding her to travel too far from her village. And so, when Long Mu boarded a ship, the dragons swam under the surface of the water, intending on dragging the ship back, so their adopted mother could never leave. The officials of Sable Spirit finally relented, and allowed Long Mu to remain at her home, for all times.

Although the dragons were successful in saving their precious adopted mother from making such a long treacherous journey, they were unable to save her from the inevitable.

Death.

According to legends, Long Mu died in her sleep, with her dragons at her bedsides. Overwhelmed with sadness and the love they had for her, Long Mu's children took her to the top of a tall mountain, where her body was buried. In honor of their love and memory for her, the dragons took the forms of ponies, each sharing one crucial mission to their life. To preserve the memory of their mom, and to spread her story, instilling the love of motherhood everywhere.

Present

"And that's how the story of Long Mu ends," Mina concluded, much to Spike's sadness. "Hey, what's the matter, Spike? Why are you so sad?"

"Oh man, I didn't know, I mean....I can't believe she's dead," Spike frowned.

"Yeah, sad but true," Mina agreed. "But like my mom once told me. If you love someone so much, and you keep their stories to your heart, then they're never truly gone forever! They still live on, in here, in our hearts."

Spike looked down as he placed his claw over his chest, "In our hearts, huh?" He asked. "So, is that why Dragon Town was built? Another tribute to Long Mu?"

"Sure is," Mina smiled. "Most of us dragons who have heard the story of Long Mu moved to Equestria. Not to raid, or commit any activities that clashes with the ponies, y'know? We built Dragon Town because we believed in that story. We believed that if a pony can adopt some dragons and raise them like family, then there's still a chance that dragons and ponies can live together in harmony, and that it's worth a try."

Spike smiled brightly at the revelation from Mina, "Yeah," He agreed, thinking fondly of his adopted family. "It's so worth it."

At last, the two dragons arrived at the base of a statue, in which it depicted a an alicorn, surrounded by serpentine dragons. "Well, we're here."

"Whoa! Long Mu became an alicorn?!" Spike exclaimed.

"No, not an alicorn," Mina corrected. "She was turned into a longma."

"A llama?"

"No. Long-ma! Half-dragon, half-horse." Mina blinked twice before scratching her chin. "Though, come to think of it, she's not exactly a horse, since she was a unicorn to begin with. Hmm, half-dragon, half-unicorn. What would you call that?" The red dragon pondered for awhile, before she shrugged, "Oh well. Let's leave that for the bronies to debate."

"The who?"

"Never mind," Mina got down and set her gift for the statue. "Anyway, every year on this exact day when Long Mu died and became a goddess, we dragons come here to pay our respect for her. Out of her filial devotion towards the dragons whom she adopted. We do this because any creature who can . I guess in a way, it makes us a part of her family too! We're all her children, in more ways than one."

"Really?" Spike looked back up, and smiled with newfound admiration of Long Mu. "Then do you think I could be apart of her family then?"

"I don't see why not," Mina smiled as she wrapped her arm around Spike. "We're all family here, Spike! So don't be afraid of being a part of it!"

"Thanks," Spike smiled as he and Mina shared a hug.

Then, Mina perked up, "Oh! There's something else I wanted to go today," Mina said, as she took Spike by the claw and flapped her wings, taking him to the said area.

Before long, Mina took Spike to what appeared to be a large water fountain, constructed with statues of dragons, spewing waters from the top to the bottom.

"We call this the Singing Springs," Mina explained. "Here, some of us who liked to sing and dance would come here and, you know, sing and dance," Mina giggled. "And we also store some songs here to, so that they're never forgotten," She added before breathing a sigh of nostalgia, "My dad would always take me here. And we'd share some laughs and some songs together." Mina wiped a tear away, "I can still hear him right now."

Believe in Yourself - Jackie Chan

Spike smiled as he walked over and hugged Mina, "Your dad sounds like an awesome guy," He smiled. "I would've loved to meet him."

Mina smiled as she returned the embrace, "Me too, Spike. Oh!" Mina was taken by surprise when Spike suddenly tighten his grip on her. "Whoa, getting a little too close there. Huh, Spike?"

"I can't help it!" The little dragon replied. "I'm just so happy I came to Dragon Town, today! And I'm happy to know there are still dragons in Equestria, like you!"

Mina blushed as she stroked Spike's crests, "Just remember, Spike. Not all of us enjoy playing the role as the big villain," She smiled. "And just don't forget to believe in yourself. It may sound cheesy, like its on a cat poster, but it's true."

Spike chuckled, "After what I've gone through, who can I ever forget that? Thank you, Mina." He nuzzled up to the red dragoness. "You're best friend a dragon like me can ever ask for!"

"Same to you Spike," Mina returned the embrace. "Long Mu would be so proud of you!"

Author's Note

How long has it been since Diamond Tiara last talked? Has she been demoted to a background character?

In case anyone forgot who Mina is, she's the dragon girl Spike met and made friends in Friends Forever Issue 14.

Here's a picture of her:

Oh yeah, she's a big fan of Princess Luna. Hmm.....why do I hear Chantal Strand's voice coming out of her mouth?

Believe in Yourself

Celestia's sun was setting over the horizon, illuminating the sky in a beautiful, blazing hue of flaming red, orange, and gold, with Luna's beautiful blanket of night skies appearing behind the blazing aura.

Spike had just gotten back to the train station, where both Diamond Tiara and Mina were seeing him off.

"See you back in Ponyville, Diamond Tiara," Spike bid farewell, as he and the former bad filly shared a hug.

"Take care, Spike," Diamond Tiara smiled. "And tell the CMCs I said hi!"

"Will do."

"Keep your flame on, Spike," Mina smiled, before both she and Spike shared a fist bump.

"You as well, Mina!" Having said his good-byes enough, Spike turned around and got onboard the train, closing the door behind him, before finding a seat.

The young dragon looked out the window to see his friends waving him good-bye, which he returned, as the train blew its whistle, and came to life, pulling out of Fillydelphia's train station and on its way towards Ponyville.

Getting comfortable, Spike looked out the window to see his adopted mother's sun vanishing completely over the horizon, to make way for his aunt's beautiful night sky.

"Wow, Luna's stars are so beautiful tonight," He smiled, while recalling a memory he's once had of Twilight. "I remember how Twilight would be so into the night, she would just stay up all night, looking through her telescope, trying to find all the constellations and memorize their name," He chuckled as he recalled, "And I would just end up getting bored and fall asleep, while trying to write them all down for her."

Looking back up at the night sky, Spike searched the constellations, "Though, I remember she once said there was a constellation called Draco," He said. "And it's Latin for dragon. Now where would it be?" Spike searched the sky, trying to find the said constellation. Of course, he was having trouble locating it, since he didn't know which star to look for, "Maybe I should've paid more attention to Twilight's astronomy lessons," Spike frowned, as his eyes slowly drooped, until at last, he fall asleep to the gentle rocking rhythm of the train.

The Crystal Empire

Later that same evening, Mistmane took a dainty sip of her tea, while looking across her crystal garden, and smiled to herself at a job well done.

"Wow, Mistmane!" Shining Armor sounded as he walked into the crystal garden. "You've really outdid yourself!"

"Thank you, Prince Shining Armor," Mistmane smiled. "But thank you for helping me find the purpose of my powers again."

"No problem. So, I heard from Spike today that you and the little guy were just talking about something that was important," The stallion began as he took a seat at the sorceress's table, where she poured both him and herself a cup of tea. "Is something the matter?"

"Oh, no need to worry yourself, my prince," Mistmane reassured with a smile. "Young Spike was having some doubts about himself, and the life he leads."

"Oh, right. I see," He nodded in acknowledgement. "Yeah, he did told me he wasn't so sure if he was a good friend to Twily and every pony. But I told him that he's been a good friend to Twilight since the day she hatched him."

"Of course he is," The sorceress nodded in agreement. "For a dragon his age, and with such a unique background, he's beautiful in his own way," She sighed in nostalgia as she added, "He's very much like Long Mu's children in every way."

"Long Mu? Who's that? Another one of your old friends from the past?"

"You could say that. She did taught me to look for beauty within the beasts, and the beauty of love. The love that is the rarest and most beautiful of all. The love that can be found among families, that defies blood relations. If not for her, then I wouldn't be the mare I am today."

"Fascinating," Shining Armor nodded in acknowledgement, as he took a dainty sip of his tea cup. "Hey Mistmane," He began. "Just wondering. Do you ever miss your friends and loved ones?"

"Of course," Mistmane frowned, looking at a crystal statue of a unicorn; her best friend, Sable Spirit. "Everyday, since your sister has freed me and my fellow pillars from limbo, I think of my dear friend, Sable Spirit, and our families. And the days that once were. They felt as if they were yesterday, though it was countless of moons ago. I still find it hard to believe it's been centuries."

"Oh," The unicorn prince frowned, mentally berating himself for asking such a tragic topic. "I guess I'd miss my family too if I were in your position...I mean, I'm sorry...I-"

"Don't be sorry, my prince," Mistmane smiled, while shedding a heartfelt tear. "They may be gone. But I know, that deep down, they will forever be with me. Because they live on in my memories. They live in me. And sometimes, they would even live on in you, and others."

Moments before falling asleep, Spike recalled a memory involving an earlier talk between him and Smolder.

".....Because she's teaching you to fly like a pony instead of a dragon," Smolder grumbled.

"What's the difference?" Spike asked.

"We don't have feathers for a start," Smolder pointed, to which Twilight instantly took notice of her alicorn wings and Spike's.

'What a shame,' Spike mentally chuckled. 'Because no mother dragons would ever have soft wings like my mom does.'

But then, another memory echoed in his mind.

Spike didn't reply. But he did listened to every words Twilight had said. He couldn't find himself to interrupt her as he continues to let her speak her mind.

'Or maybe we're both trying too hard for myself,' Spike thought mentally.

"Don't be afraid. It matters not whether you are raised by ponies or not. What truly matters is who you choose to be, and who you choose to believe."

It wasn't long before Spike suddenly find himself in a dream. Only this isn't another one of his typical dreams, where he and Rarity are in a land of ice cream, or when he dreams himself as a mighty dragon hero. Instead, this one was much more different, compared to any dreams he's ever had.

The Year Of The Dragon - Trish Thuy Trang

The young dragon finds himself, sitting on a small tuft of cloud that was carrying him across the skies of Equestria.

"Whoa!" Spike exclaimed, feeling the rush of winds blowing across his face as he looked down to see he was being carried across the oceans, into a seemingly endless sea of clouds, until at last he arrived in a vast land of green mountains, long bodies of rivers and streams that gracefully cuts their way through the lands.

"Wow!" Spike gasped, as he took the chance to marvel at all the tall beautiful mountains that passed him, the tranquility of the trees' vibrant greens, and the gentle sounds of the running waters.

Spike smiled as he felt himself at peace. The young dragon was about to kick back and relax on his cloud, when it started to slow down before coming to a stop, in front of a large statue of a unicorn mare, don up in a kimono, surrounded by six large serpents.

Spike looked at the serpents with curiosity. Somehow, they reminded him of Discord. However, they're not exactly as jumbled up as he is. In appearance, the serpents looked like they each have four legs that have the paws of tigers, but the talons of eagles. They each have antlers that resembled those of a stag. Some of them appeared to have long mustaches that protruded from their faces.

"Nĭ hăo, Spike," A soft gentle voice greeted, startling the young dragon.

"Ah!!" Spike screamed, as he turns around, and was met with a blinding golden light.

Spike shielded his face from the blinding light, until it dies down to reveal a tall alicorn mare, with flowing mane and tail, and a long kimono. However, unlike any other alicorn mares he's ever seen, this one appears to be covered in plates of fish-like scales on the bridge of her nose, the cheeks of her face, and has cloven hooves.

"W-W-Who are you?" Spike asked, slightly afraid at the mare's sudden appearance.

"Do not be afraid of me, little one," The mare smiled sweetly. "I mean you no harm. I am Longmu. The mother of dragons." The mare said, dipping her head before him.

Spike gasped, "Longmu?!" He could hardly believe his ears. "Ohmygosh! Ohmygosh! Ohmygosh! It's such an honor to meet you!!" Out of impulse, Spike tackled the mare's feet and kissed them repeatedly, "Please, forgive me! I didn't mean to be so rude! I was just-"

Longmu simply laughed, "Oh no need to be like that little one," The mare laughed. "Please, stand up. You are but a child. Just as my precious children were before they grew up into the wonderful dragons they are. You will grow up to be just like them, little one."

"You really think so?" Spike asked excitedly, to which the mare nodded. "Wow, that's...that's a lot, coming from you, Longmu," Spike blushed, before looking away in shame. "I mean, no I can't...I've made many mistakes already, and I doubt I can ever be as great as your children."

Long Mu's motherly smile slowly disappeared as she walked over to the dragon and puts a gentle hoof on his shoulder, "Do not deceive yourself, my dear," Longmu said solemnly. “You must look inside yourself. Remember the lessons you have learned along the way. You are more than what many perceived you to be. You are more than what you have become. You must take your place alongside the Elements of Harmony.”

“But how can I?” The young dragon asked. “I want to grow up, like your children before me. But I-”

Longmu chuckled, “Dear Spike. You already know the answer to that. You just need to be yourself.”

“It’s hard for me to be myself again. Because last time I did, I was so naive that I just blindly followed a dragon named Sludge who passed himself off as my dad. And I nearly drove my friends away!”

“Spike. Don’t be hard on yourself. You are still a child, and you are still learning. Do not let Sludge’s deceptions poison you, my child. Never let the negativity of the past stray you from the path to your destiny. Sludge, and so many dragons like him only cared about themselves. Sadly, this is the problem the world continues to suffer. And so many innocent lives were lost, including dragons like Sludge. But you, Spike, there is still hope for you and dragons everywhere.”

“What do you mean?”

“Like my children, I raised them, because they needed me, just as you were raised by the ponies, because you needed them. And just as my children have before, you returned that devotion to your loved ones, because you know that later in life, you are needed for the future of dragons and ponies alike. A future where creatures can share mutual love amongst themselves, regardless of their species and origins. A future where the filial devotions of children is as strong as the parental love of all mothers and fathers. The future where friendship is magic.”

Spike felt himself flooded by an overwhelming wave of wisdom and inspirational feelings, coursing through his whole body. Then, as strong as a tsunami, he was assaulted by a series of rushing flashbacks, reminding him of the loves between him and his friends. From the day he hatched, when he first laid eyes on Twilight, her family, Princess Celestia, to all the adventures, fun, and troubles he shared with the Ponyville girls, Thorax, the Crystal Ponies, Big Mac, Discord, and sometimes, his fellow dragons, Dragon Lord Ember and Smolder.

A newfound smile appeared on his face with the look of understanding, "Okay, I think I understand now," Spike replied. "No, I mean, I understand now. I know what I need to do now. And thank you, Longmu," The little dragon bowed his head respectfully towards the alicorn. "I will not fail you!"

Longmu dipped her head in return, as she smiled, "I know, my child. I know. Now go. Be the dragon you are. It's your turn now to spread the love and the magic of friendship. Make me proud."

Spike nodded, and was about to leave. But then he hesitated, and turned to ask, “By chance, will I ever see my real father one day, as well as my biological family?”

"I'm afraid that's a question I can't answer," Longmu frowned sadly. "I'm sorry dear Spike. But I'm afraid that's something you will have to discover on your own."

"I was afraid you would say that." With that, the world around Spike was swallowed up in a flash of light, before he woke up.

End of Song

That night when the train pulled itself into the Ponyville station, slowing itself down to a complete stop, allowing the passengers to disembark.

When Spike steps out on the platform, he took the moment to breathe the familiar and welcoming air of Ponyville. With a spread and a flap of his wings, he was on his way towards Friendship Castle.

"Home sweet home," Spike sighed, relieved to be back at his and Twilight's abode, after a long day of traveling half of Equestria for enlightenment. The young dragon placed his claws on the doorknobs of the castle doors, but hesitated on opening them.

The pang of doubts returned to grip itself on the young dragon as he though, 'I wonder if Twilight would ever welcome me back again. I doubt she'd even welcome me back with open hooves or anything,' Eyes widened in realization, Spike shook his head as he focused once again. 'No! I can't back away now! Not after all the things I've learned today! Everyone needs me!' With newfound confident, Spike parted the doors away as he walks into the castle.

"SURPRISE!!!"

"AAAAHHH!!" The young dragon shouted, falling down on his feet, when a blast of confetti blew up, followed by a rain of streamers and loud horns were blowed.

"Welcome home, Spike!" Twilight and the girls, plus Smolder, all cheered, as they gathered around the dragon.

After shaking the shock away, Spike managed to find his voice and asked, "Wh-What's going on? What is all this?"

"It's a 'Welcome Home / We Are Your Family Party!'" Pinkie cheered. "For you! Duh."

"But why?"

"Because we're your family, you silly dragon!" The pink pony chirped as she playfully pinched his cheeks.

"And we just wanted to make sure you don't forget that," Rainbow Dash added. "Because next time some stranger shows up and pass himself as your dad, then don't, I repeat, don't forget who your real families are! Got it?"

Spike chuckled sheepishly as he replied, "After that, how can I forget?"

"Well, forget about Sludge, sugarcube," Applejack spoke up. "How've you been little fella? Are you doing alright?"

"And if you're still upset about that jerk, then I already talked about him to Dragon Lord Ember," Smolder added. "She's already put him in his place, working in the obsidian mines for many moons to come."

"Yikes, I'd hate to be that guy," Spike chuckled, before he turned to Applejack. "Anyway, I've been doing well, actually. Y'know, went to see mo-Princess Celestia, had a talk with her, Mistmane, Shining Armor, and some friends here and there, and I've learned some life lessons along the way."

"And what might they be, Spike?" Twilight asked, with piqued interest.

"Well, for starters, I learned that it doesn't matter the blood relations, or heck, even the species," The young dragon began. "Families come in different shapes and sizes, as long as the friendship is there."

Everyone present all nodded their head in agreement, "Very good, Sugarcube," Applejack smiled in agreement.

"Then I learned that beauty can still be found, even within the beast. And it's not based on how we looked, but only on how we act."

"Should I take that as an insult, or a compliment for us dragons?" Smolder asked.

"Don't worry, it's neither of them," Spike replied. "It's just a piece of wisdom Mistmane told me. It's saying that, although I'm not a pony, I still want to do some good for all of Equestria, and for ponies everywhere. Just as you've all done for me. And that's the beauty I wanted to spread for all of us around the world to share."

"Oh, Spike," Rarity cooed as she walked up to the dragon. "You're anything, but a beast. Never forget that. And don't ever let any creature, like that Sludge dragon to tell you otherwise!"

"I know," Spike nodded in agreement. "But more importantly. I just wanted to say, that even though I don't represent an Element of Harmony, or have any powerful magics like Starlight Glimmer does, I still want to be by your sides, because you would do the same for me, whenever I needed you the most. And whatever happens, I want to be ready whenever you needed me."

"Oh, Spike," Twilight tackled Spike in a loving embrace. "We would never think less of you. We've always been there for you!"

"I know," Spike returned the embrace. "That's why I'm sorry with the way I've wronged you, Twilight."

"It's okay, Spike. It's over. Sludge is gone. We can forget-"

"No, that's not what I meant," The little dragon said, before he began to clarify, "I'm sorry I took you and every pony for granted. I'm sorry I didn't took all of you too seriously, when all you've ever done was supporting me. The real me. The dragon I'm meant to be."

"Oh," Twilight nodded in acknowledgement, before she pulled Spike in another loving hug. "Well, all is forgiven Spike. Because now, I'm just so happy to have you back!"

"Happy to be home," He added, as both he and Twilight tightened their embrace, followed by the rest of the girls, who joined in the group hug. At last, they all parted, "Let's get this party started!" Spike cheered, along with the girls, as they all celebrated the night away.

Believe In Yourself - Jackie Chan

Author's Note

I'm sorry it's been this long for an update. I wanted this to be a final chapter, so I wanted to end the story strong.

Thank you all for taking the time and giving this story a read. I hope you've enjoyed it, just as much as you've enjoyed the predecessor.

And thank you alphasteel and DGJabberwocky for lending your assistance.

Spike's letter to Princess Celestia

Dear mom,

I think I finally understand what it means to be, well me.

It's true, while I am a dragon, and my friends are ponies, and you are a pony, no matter what happens, I can't forget that you and every pony I've made friends with are my family.

True, we've had some ups and downs, and we've ended up making several mistakes here and then. And I can admit some of my mistakes, from turning into a greedy, rampaging dragon that nearly destroyed Ponyville, or accidentally turning some pony I loved into a crazy maniac because of a spell I found in yours and auntie's old castle, or my recent one, easily putting my trust in the claws of some stranger who claims himself to be my father.

But like you've always taught us, these mistakes do not define us for who we are. What really shines the beauty within us, is how we recognize our flaws, and how we learn from them.

And with that, I hope to become an even better dragon when I grow up to spread the magic of friendship, and to show the world the beauty of family, no matter the species or blood relations.

Your loving son,

Spike the dragon.

P.S. I love you mom. And tell auntie I love her too.

We Are Family - Sledge Sisters

We Are Family: A Musical Message For All

Ice Age 4: Continental Drift