Outside a warehouse in Canterlot City one night, sounds of gun shots could be heard, along with the voices of screaming coming from inside the warehouse. Inside the building was Spike in his vigilante disguise taking out a bunch of goons who were trying to shoot at him. Spike using his skills thanks to Drakon were dodging the shots before disarming one of the goons of his gun and knocked him away.

“SHOOT THAT MO-FO!” the one leading the operation ordered the others as they kept trying to shoot Spike.

As Spike dodged more gunshots, Drakon flew around observing, “Feeling regret following these guys, Spike?” he joked.

“Actually, I'm glad I did,” Spike answered, “I mean how often does someone get the chance to bust up a weapons smuggling trade off?”

As Spike talked with Drakon while dodging, some of the goons were confused, “Who the hell is he talking to?” one asked the others.

“He's crazy, that's what.” another answered.

Spike deciding to table the discussion with Drakon resumed focusing on the goons, by going back on the offense. He disarmed the rest of the goons of their guns before knocking them to the ground hard. After he took down the one leading the trade off, the guy looked up at Spike groaning.

“Who the fuck are you?”

Spike looked down at him, and answered, “I'm the Dragon Knight.”

Sometime later, Spike watched from a roof as the goons and their illegal weapons were being taken in and confiscated by the police.

“Well, Spike, you've been on a roll here,” Drakon said, while standing at his side, “In the last few days you've busted up weapons exchanges, drug smuggling, and just plain thievery.”

“I know. The more I do here the safer the city feels.” Spike answered.

And it was true, ever since he fought those Purple Nightmare punks and protected that couple Spike started going after other small groups of gangs in the city, before he started going after smugglers of illegal stuff. He already had the police baffled on who was cleaning up the streets leaving the crooks and gang members for them to take away, while he could also tell he was stirring up discord and fear in the other gangs and criminals in the city who now knew there was someone out there coming for them should they make a move of their own.

“Although, Dragon Knight?” Drakon wondered, “This isn't medieval times you know?”

“Knights were regarded as defenders of their kingdom, Drakon,” Spike reminded him, “And Canterlot City is my kingdom.”

“Fair point.” Drakon admitted.

“I'm also planning on leaving a calling card that way at least the cops and even the crooks will know what I am. At least until I come up with a good design.”

“Well, hopefully it'll be a good one, otherwise people will take it as a joke.”

Spike chuckled, until he saw his one bare fist glow and suddenly appearing over it was another gauntlet like the one on his other hand thanks to the dragon band.

“Whoa, two gauntlets now?” Spike looked at them both.

Drakon smiled proudly, “Your armor from the dragon band grows as does your strength. Gaining another gauntlet shows you've grown stronger since you started training in unlocking its power.”

“Awesome.” Spike said amazed. Feeling his work was done Spike headed off for home pleased to know his improving has made him stronger.

The next day at school, Spike was walking through the halls to class while listening in on some of the other students conversations because the topic they were discussing intrigued him.

“So yeah, that vigilante that's been going around struck again last night.” Thunderlane whispered to Flitter and Cloudchaser.

“Really?” Cloudchaser gasped.

“That's amazing!” Flitter beamed.

“And I hear they finally got a name out of who's doing it. Or I think it's a name.” the boy continued.

“What is it?” another girl named Roseluck asked.

“They say he's the Dragon Knight.” Thunderlane answered.

“Dragon Knight?” they asked.

Spike hearing this smirked to himself, until he noticed Twilight and the girls coming by and decided to hide around a corner not wanting to get in on the conversation if they're around.

“Hey, what's going on?” Sunset asked the group gossiping.

“Hey, girls, we were just talking about that vigilante that's been out taking care of crime in the city at night.”Thunderlane explained.

“Oh, yeah, I heard there was somebody out there kicking crime's ass!” Rainbow laughed.

“Did he strike again?” Pinkie asked the group excitedly.

“He sure did.” Flitter confirmed.

“We even learned what he's called.” Cloudchaser added.

“What is it?” Twilight asked.

“He's called the Dragon Knight.” Thunderlane explained.

“Dragon Knight?” Rarity gasped before swooning, “Oh, my. Sounds chivalrous.”

“Careful, Rarity, you're droolin'.” Applejack teased, as Rarity quickly straightened herself out.

“I think it's an awesome title.” Rainbow spoke up.

“So do I.” Pinkie smiled.

“I'm surprised someone is actually going out taking on all those gangs and crooks as of late.” Twilight voiced her concern.

“Sounds scary.” Fluttershy shuddered.

“Hey, if you ask me, it's about time someone's doing something for the city.” Rainbow voiced her opinion.

“Yeah,” Applejack agreed, “Them cops are supposed to be protecting us, and yet they're not doing as much as they should.”

“Hopefully with what this Dragon Knight is doing will inspire them to try harder.” Sunset hoped.

“I hope so,” Fluttershy replied, “It scares me to think what goes on out there late at night.”

“Or even during the daytime.” Flitter said.

Spike listened in on their conversation and nodded to himself, as Drakon spoke, “Looks like you're already getting more supporters.”

“And they seem to like the idea of Dragon Knight.” Spike added.

“Especially Rarity.” the spirit teased about her drooling, making Spike hold in a laugh. Eventually Spike and everyone else headed for their first period classes for another day of learning.

As the day went by it was finally time for the students to take off. As Spike was going out front with some of the others a scream alerted him and so many others who they started screaming as well.

“What's going on?!” Spike asked, until Drakon spoke.

“One good reason, and that's it!” Drakon motioned ahead.

Spike looked ahead of the students in front of him and saw a brown bear on school grounds, “A bear?” he asked in shock, as the students started retreating back into the building, as the creature started walking closer. Spike joined his fellow classmates back inside.

“How'd a bear get here?!” Spike asked his classmates.

“I heard the zoo was supposed to be getting a new bear added to their habitat.” Twilight began.

“Looks like something went wrong when that fella was being transferred.” Applejack suspected, as they watched the bear from inside.

Rainbow looked through the glass of the doors and saw someone was still out there, “Fluttershy!”

“What?!” The girls gasped, as Spike looked out and saw said girl.

“It is Fluttershy!” he confirmed.

Outside the building, Fluttershy saw the bear close to the academy building's door, “Oh, my!” she gasped.

The bear caught a new scent in the air, and looked seeing Fluttershy before growling. From inside the building the students were worried beyond belief.

“Fluttershy, get out of there!” Sunset called.

But it was too late. The bear started charging right towards Fluttershy. With the bear no longer close to the door, Spike on his growing instinct of helping, pushed past his classmates running out, “Spike!” Twilight and the girls cried.

Spike made it out and tried to stop the bear from going after Fluttershy, only for said girl who wasn't moving before suddenly jumped onto the bear's back looking ready to wrestle it. Spike stopped in place when he saw Fluttershy twisted the bear's neck.

“Ooh! That'll hurt.” Drakon groaned.

“Wait, look.” Spike gasped, as the bear fell to the ground with Fluttershy still on top of it and started massaging its back.

“There now. Does that feel better?” she cooed at the predator who growled happily much to Spike's shock, “I can only imagine how much stress you have from dealing with the truck transferring you crashing and you getting out, and wandering around lost and confused. But it's ok. You're safe now. No one's going to hurt you.”

Spike stared blankly, and thought, 'Nobody's gonna hurt him?!'

Fluttershy looked up and saw Spike staring in her direction, “Oh, Spike. Hi.” she said like she wasn't just on the back of a bear giving it a massage.

“Fluttershy, how, what are... What just happened?” he asked in shock.

“Well, Harry here was stressed from getting lost from the truck transferring him to the zoo so I thought I'd give him a massage to calm him down.” she explained nonchalant.

“How did you figure that? And you named him Harry?”

“No. His mother named him that.” she answered with a sheepish smile.

“O-kay.” Spike replied awkwardly, as the rest of the students slowly stepped outside but still kept their distance.

Soon enough, the people handling the zoo transfer arrived at the school with a new truck to transfer Harry the bear to his new home at the zoo. Fluttershy watched as Harry was led up into the back of the truck before entering his comfortable cage.

“Goodbye, Harry! I'll come visit you at the zoo!” Fluttershy called, until the truck drove away.

Principal Celestia who had been talking to the people handling the transfer about what happened spoke up to everyone, “Ok, students, that's enough here! Move onto your club activities or head on home!” she instructed, as the students moved along.

Fluttershy was approached by Spike and the rest of the girls, “Fluttershy, that was awesome!” Rainbow cheered.

“Darling, that was incredible!” Rarity commended her.

“I knew you had a way with animals, but ones like that?” Twilight asked in disbelief.

“I'm surprised at that myself.” Spike agreed.

“How'd you know that would calm him?” Pinkie asked.

“I didn't. But sometimes we all have to be shown a little kindness.” Fluttershy smiled.

Spike blushed from her words, as Applejack spoke, “Well, better get a move on. Catch ya later, Spike.” she said patting his shoulder before heading to her club, followed by several of the others. When they were gone it was just Spike and Fluttershy.

“Well, I guess I better get going.” Spike said, as he was about to leave as well.

“Spike, wait,” Fluttershy stopped him, “I was wondering if you'd-well-like to walk with me?” she blushed a bit, “That is, if you wanted to. If not I understand.”

“No, it's ok, Fluttershy. In fact, I'd be delighted too.” Spike said happily.

“Really?” Fluttershy asked with her face lighting up, before feeling embarrassed by her own reaction, “I mean. Great. So shall we?”

“Sure.” Spike agreed, as he walked off with his timid friend.

So Spike and Fluttershy walked through the park close together while exchanging shy smiled at each other every so often. Meanwhile other people in the park noticing the two couldn't help but admire how they looked together.

“Whoa, that guy is so handsome.” a girl told her friend.

“No kidding.” she replied.

A guy spoke to his own friend, “Check out that girl he's with. She's the definition of cute!”

“I know. Looking at her adorableness is too much for my eyes to handle!” he agreed equally excited.

The two students overhearing what they were all saying felt a bit embarrassed, but Spike stomached it and spoke to his friend, “Why don't we go sit down somewhere, Fluttershy?”

“Yes, please.” she agreed.

So they sat down at a nearby bench to relax and not worry about what others were saying about them, even if they were compliments.

“So I see you don't do well with unwanted attention?” Spike inquired.

“Not as much as my friends do,” Fluttershy confessed, “A lot of times if I'm ever in the spotlight I'd try to run and hide from it. I've really been shy for most of my life. And because of that I was often teased about it.”

“Well, I can relate,” Spike admitted, “I was never used to so much attention before in the past. Now that I have it, it's slowly growing on me.”

“Oh, Spike.” Fluttershy said in empathy.

But Spike deciding to steer away from him, decided to change it back to her, “So your friends said you have a way with animals. Is that why you were able to understand that bear was stressed while no one else could?”

“Exactly,” she confirmed, “Because I was so shy back then I found it easier to talk to animals than with people.”

“You must have a lot of pets.” Spike suspected.

“Just one, but a lot of times I'd pet sit for others and they've grown to like me,” she smiled, “Why I even help out at the local animal shelter helping stray pets find a home that's just right for them.”

“That's very admirable of you, Fluttershy,” Spike began, “Just as it feels unsafe for us a lot of times in the city, I can only imagine how much harder it is for stray animals who have no place to call home.”

“I know. That's why whenever I find a stray animal I get it to the animal shelter as soon as possible before it starves to death.”

Spike looked to Fluttershy in awe, “Wow, you truly have a kind heart.”

“Well, it's not limited to just animals,” Fluttershy admitted, “I'm like that way with people as well. From sharing food, to helping children and the elderly.”

“How did you learn to be so kind?” the boy wondered.

“Well, my mom used to tell me to be kind to others, because they may just show kindness back.” She smiled at Spike.

Spike continued to look at Fluttershy as if he was looking at an angel shining brightly before him. Suddenly tears started forming in his eyes before he started sniffling which got Fluttershy's attention.

“Spike? What's wrong? Oh, my goodness did I say something wrong?” she began to panic, “I'm so sorry, the last thing I wanted to do was make you cry!”

“It's not that,” Spike assured through a sniffle, “I just wish we met sooner.”

“Spike?”

“Remember what I said about relating to you about being teased? Well, it was more than that. I assume Twilight informed you of what I used to look like when she first met me?”

“More or less.” she confirmed.

“Well, I was more than just teased because of that. I was mocked, ridiculed, bullied, and so much more. And I had nobody to turn to for support. Especially after my parents passed away.” Spike continued to explain sadly.

Fluttershy recalling what Twilight told her and the others about Spike during her investigation of him realized his life was just as bad as she thought hers was back when she was just shy. She quickly leaned closer and hugged Spike close surprising him.

As Fluttershy sniffled this confused Spike, “Fluttershy?”

“I'm so sorry,” she began, “I wish I knew you much sooner. If I had been your friend earlier I could've helped you through your pain. But I do understand you. I know what it's like to be bullied, of course compared to me you had it the worst. But those days are behind you now, Spike. You go to a new school, and you have friends now. And while I wonder how you turned out like this, I still would've been your friend regardless of what you used to look like.”

“You know, I really believe you on that.” Spike smiled as his tears became happy ones, as he hugged Fluttershy back.

Afterward, Spike walked Fluttershy back to her place. As they reached her home, the girl spoke, “Thanks for walking me home, Spike.”

“Anytime.” he replied.

“So I guess I'll see you tomorrow?” Fluttershy asked.

“Obviously.” Spike reminded Fluttershy who blushed sheepishly.

As Spike got ready to leave, Fluttershy took his hand, “A moment, Spike.”

“Huh?” Spike asked as he looked back to Fluttershy, and suddenly felt her kiss his cheek.

This surprised Spike while Fluttershy's face turned red in embarrassment, but still kept herself together, “Thanks for being my friend too.” she hurried inside her house unable to keep her face straight any longer.

Spike had watched Fluttershy head inside her home while feeling his cheek. He smiled over it and started heading home.

As Drakon flew at Spike's side, he spoke up, “For such a shy girl that was quite bold of her.”

“Yeah,” Spike agreed, as he continued to smile, “You know, when Fluttershy hugged me I felt this incredible warmth from her. I haven't felt such a warm hug since my mom. I'm glad she's my friend, Drakon. Just as I'm glad the rest of the girls are and everyone else too.”

Drakon nodded in agreement, “You've experienced kindness you thought was out of your reach, and yet it came to you in the end.” And with that Spike continued on for home to get ready for another nightly patrol.

Author's Note

Have a Happy New Year everyone!