Celestia was sitting on her throne, staring at nothing, lost in her thoughts over the events of the past few days. Days seemed to stretch for longer and longer. Nothing seemed the same anymore. She took a deep breath. So many loved ones taken from her. Twilight and her friends, her nephew-in-law...all taken by the grasp of time. She'd watched them all grow and become amazing people. Saw them laugh, cry, learn and bring immeasurable joy to her life. Then she watched them age, weaken, slow down and finally pass away, leaving behind so many memories that brought both pain and joy. She placed a hoof to her mouth to cover her sob, trying not to alert anyone to her plight. She had been forced to watch so many waste away before her, friends from so many years gone to the flow of time. She could barely remember them, it was so long ago. But these ponies.....she could never forget them. They were family to her. They did more in equestria than anyone could realize. She loved them like her own children, and her heart ached knowing they were gone. But she took comfort in knowing they went in peace, surrounded by the families they built over the years. They were content with accepting their rest.
But......
Celestia shook as she sobbed.
Spike. Sweet innocent little Spike.
He was cursed with immortality as she was. But he could never truly grow and mature properly. Dragons only grew through selfishness and cruelty. He had learned from the ponies too well. He was a good hearted creature. He could never grow to equal dragons, let alone survive among them. He was trapped forever as a baby dragon. Twilight new this in her late years. She had done all she could to make sure he was taken care of, despite her advanced age. Celestia used her magic to open the letter Twilight had sent her and read through it once more.
Dear Princess Celestia,
I write to you what may be my last letter. I know my time is coming. Please do not feel sad for me. I have lived a good life and was blessed with many good friends. I will leave without fear, but relief to know I did well in my life. I write to you to ask that you take in Spike. You know he cannot grow and mature as other dragons. He may never be able to fend for himself. You are the only one I trust with him. Please, see that he is taken care of.
Your faithful student
Twilight Sparkle
Celestia set down the letter and wiped her eyes.
She had decided to set out to speak to Twilight herself. She felt she should bring her and Spike back to Canterlot to be taken care of. She also wanted to help Twilight explain to Spike what was happening, to try and comfort him; no doubt he would be crushed by this. She set out immediately, not bothering with her chariot, wanting to provide any amount of security to them before her student was gone.
Fate was not so kind.
As soon as Celestia approached Twilight's library, she heard Spike sobbing and screaming at Twilight.
"Twilight, please! Please get up!"
Celestia ran inside, slamming the door open. She felt a cold shiver run through her as her student was laying on her desk motionless, on top of a book, her reading glasses perched on her nose. Spike was endlessly pulling her arm, screaming in horror and panic, trying to get her to respond. Spike had seen their other five friends and Shining Armor pass away, he had been devastated to see them go, but this hurt him the most. Spike's bond with Twilight was stronger than anyone could truly understand. They were each a part of one another. Celestia pulled Spike away from Twilight and hugged him as he wailed at her.
"Princess, please! Make her get up! Your magic can save her! Please!"
Celestia could only hold him, weeping herself, wishing she could do that. But she knew, her student was gone, one of the most wonderful ponies she had ever met was gone. She gently caressed Spike, trying to calm him, but he couldn't. He couldn't stop weeping for the loss of the pony he loved the most. Celestia started to hum, a beautiful gentle sound Spike somehow found oddly familiar and comforting. It was the same thing she did for him as she raised him for Twilight during his infant years. As Spike slowly calmed down, she started to sing.
Warm and bright
Fire glow
Ever burn tiny ember
Feel my song
In your heart
You I will love forever
Spike fell asleep in her embrace, completely exhausted from crying out to Twilight. She sent a letter to her sister Luna and to Cadance, telling them what happened and what she needed from them. The Canterlot soldiers arrived soon after, taking Twilight's body with the utmost care and placed into a beautiful golden casket, and carried her off. Celestia followed close behind in her chariot, still cradling Spike.
That night, the three princesses were gathered around the sleeping dragon, wanting to be near by to try and comfort him. Spike slowly awoke and groggily looked around.
"Twilight?"
The princesses felt such empathy for him as they saw him look at them in desperation.
"Where's Twilight? Did you save her? You saved her, right? She's gonna be okay?"
They all looked heartbroken as Celestia answered him.
"Spike, honey.....She's gone. She's resting now-"
"NO! Not Twilight. She lived for so long! She can't die! SHE CANT!"
He tried to pound on Celestia in anger, demanding she save her, but Celestia held his arms until he gave up and wept bitterly.
"I know she lived for so long, but she wasn't immortal like us. She didn't die in fear or pain, she was ready to rest. She only asked that we take care of you."
Spike gritted his teeth in anger as tears continued to flow endlessly.
"WHY?! Why did she have to die?!"
Cadance hugged him and tried to calm him.
"Most creatures have to die. It's how it has to be Spike. We're the only ones who can live forever"
Spike looked at her, his face full of sorrow and confusion.
"Why?"
Luna lifted his gaze to her.
"We don't know Spike, we really wish we did, but we don't. All we know is we will keep living. We have to keep going."
Spike felt more sobs come over him and the princesses held him closely. Celestia spoke to him in the most tender tone she could.
"But we have each other Spike. You have us here, and we aren't going anywhere."
Spike calmed down slightly as the three held him lovingly, staying so close until the four drifted into sleep.
Celestia ended her reminiscing, realizing she had been sobbing hysterically. Her face was soaked with tears and her throat felt hoarse from wailing. She tried to compose herself and clean her face, but she was so miserable.
"Sister?"
Celestia looked to see Luna and Cadance looking at her, both of them with looks of equal parts empathy and sorrow. Celestia left her throne, quickly trotted to them and hugged them tightly as fresh cries escaped her. She calmed herself for a moment as she spoke to them, both with their own tear stained faces.
"How is Spike?"
"Sound asleep. But he's still bitter."
Celestia placed a hoof over her eyes, trying to wipe away her tears. Cadance spoke up.
"He needs time......we could hear you crying a ways away."
"I.....I just.....I can't stand to see my little Spike like this."
Cadance and Luna both hug her.
~
Spike was swiftly sneaking through the palace, easily avoiding the guards. He was determined to do this, he had to see this through. He had been miserable the past week, crying and screaming at the princesses. How could this have happened? Twilight was so powerful with magic, why didn't she find some way to live longer? She studied so many of those worthless books, one of them must have had something that could have stopped this. Spike continued to approach his destination, his mind going toward the past few days events. He tried to block it out, but the painful memory was too fresh to ignore.
Many ponies had gathered around the small cemetary, reserved only for a select six ponies. Some were family from far and wide, others friends who wished to pay respect. Celestia presided over the funeral as they all stepped forward, all of them weeping and saying goodbye to Twilight. But no one was as heartbroken as Spike. Cadance held onto him tightly, hugging him in a vain effort to provide him comfort. Even now, after four days, Spike continued to sob for her. He wanted some explanation, someone to tell him why he had to watch all his friends die. He remembered each one perfectly. But this....this would haunt him forever. He looked on helpless as Celestia began speaking to everyone who stood in reverance, Luna holding a number of urns in honor of Twilight.
"Today, we wish farewell to one of the finest ponies any of us have been blessed to know. Her compassion and skill changed countless lives. She returned Luna, our princess of night to us."
Luna began to weep, but continued her duty.
"She taught us all the value of true friendship. May her lessons never be forgotten and her legacy continue to shine through the ages."
Celestia approached Twilight's casket, Twilight placed into a beautiful gown more exquisite than even the princess' garments. Celestia struggled to compose herself as tears began to fill her eyes.
"Twilight Sparkle. You were a greater blessing to me than you could ever know. Thank you. Thank you so much."
Celestia surprised the crowd as she hugged Twilight's form. Spike started to sob and Cadance gently caressed him. Celestia released Twilight after a few moments and began to shut the casket. Spike pushed out of Cadances' grip and ran to the casket.
"TWILIGHT!!!"
Celestia stopped and Spike leapt into the casket and held onto Twilight sobbing and yelling.
"Don't go Twilight! Don't leave me behind! I'll go wherever you go, anywhere! Please don't leave me."
Celestia pulled Spike away even has he protested and screamed to Twilight. Luna took him, Spike still weeping but never taking his eyes off Twilight. Celestia shut the casket and moved it over the open ground. Spike weakly cried out to her still, his constant wailing taking a toll and wearing him out. Luna held him close and Cadance gently hugged him, needing to hold him for her own sake. Celestia finally lowered the casket into the ground, covering it in soil and erecting an ornate tombstone reading 'Here lies Twilight Sparkle. Student, Friend, Hero, Loving Guardian'. Celestia spoke with a shaky voice.
"From dawn into dusk. A beggining and an end. Rest now weary soul. Find peace from life's toil"
Spike couldn't take it anymore. He loosed a hoarse sob. Celestia ran to him, the princesses held him as close as they could. She was gone. She was truly gone forever. Spike never felt so alone before.
Spike held his claws over his mouth, holding in his sobs as he remembered. He wished he could be like other dragons. They never mourned for others. The only cared for their wealth. They simply stole treasure, hoarded it for themselves and lived selfish lives. They could never experienced heartrenting sadness like this. Spike wished he could be like that. That he could have been born among other dragons. To never have discovered friendship, to never know how wonderful having friends was, to never have to suffer the loss of so many loved ones. Spike took control of himself and continued. He was leaving. Leaving Canterlot, leaving Equestria, leaving friendship. He knew Celestia would try and stop him, but he didn't care. He couldn't take the pain. He wanted to be alone. He wanted to live like a dragon, devoid of sorrow and pain. He exited from the castle and started to run. He stopped in his tracks when he saw the plot of land. He felt his tears return. He walked inside to say goodbye, one last time. He passed all the resting places of his old friends.
First was Rainbow Dash. She had been lost in an accident flying with the wonderbolts. As her body was desperately mended, she clung to life desperately, sharing a final few words with her friends.
"Least I got sent out with a bang."
Spike felt his sobs return as he looked on her grave.
He turned from it only to be assaulted by the sight of Applejack's tombstone, her old hat set atop it. Applejack had lived many years, longer than Granny Smith, bucking apples and running the farm for longer than anyone thought possible. She passed away in her sleep. leaving a note behind to her friends.
"See ya'll later, partners"
Spike held back more sobs, wishing this night would end.
He turned and saw the resting place of Fluttershy.
Fluttershy remained mostly the same throughout her life. Her meekness did subside as she got older, but her kindness only became stronger. She was loved by many, animal and pony, in her elder years, and was blessed with a loving husband and many children. She was surrounded by loved ones as she left. Her last words feeling so painful for something so sweet.
"I love you all so much"
Spike fell to his knees, feeling like he was being ripped to pieces. He had to keep going. He had to finish this before he left.
He came upon Pinkie's tomb.
Pinkie was always a big ball of energy, even in her old age. She was something of the town grandmother, constantly spreading smiles and drawing many children to her. Her death was a blow to the entire town of Ponyville. Everyone gathered to wish her a heartfelt farewell as she sat close to her end. She shared one last bit of joy before leaving.
"Remember to always pack a smile"
Spike wished he could stop feeling, could just throw away all his love to escape the pain. He walked forward only to be stopped dead in his tracks as his body felt completely empty.
Rarity
Even in her old age, she was beautiful beyond compare. Even as her body withered and her mind wizened, Spike still couldn't help but adore her. She was always a gem to him, something he cherished so much. He was right beside her when she passed, his heart filled with anguish. She used her magic to pull something toward her which she presented to him. He broke down into sobs. The fire ruby he had given her. Even though there was never a real romance and she wed to a Canterlot noble, she still held onto it. She still cared enough about him to hold onto his gift of love. She smiled into his eyes as she breathed her last.
"I love you my little Spikey-Wikey"
Spike fell to his hands and knees and pounded the ground and he wailed. This was torture. All he wanted was to leave, but he kept coming back to his friends. He needed to get away. Forget they ever existed and live life away from all this. He stepped forward, and once again, that final straw, that horrible weight of truth hit him as he approached the last friend he lost. That horrible memory came back and refused to let him have relief.
Spike was busy organizing all the books and returning items to their places. Twilight had gotten too weak to do it herself, even with magic. But Spike didn't mind. It kept him busy now that Twilight had taken to simply reading and resting. Spike didn't think this meant anything. He honestly believed Twilight would be the one to survive forever. Like she found some long lost magic and had conquered death and this would be the remainder of his life.
Life was far too cruel sometimes.
Twilight weakly called to Spike who rushed to her side. She held up a scroll.
"Send this to the princess."
Spike took the scroll and ignited it, the ashes magically sent to Celestia.
"Spike, there's something I have to tell you."
"What is it Twilight?"
She sighed and smiled into his young happy face, rubbing his head with her hoof.
"Princess Celestia will be here in a bit. She's going to take us to Canterlot-"
"I'm not sure you're up for the trip, Twilight."
Twilight laughed and pulled him into a hug.
"She's going to be taking care of you from now on Spike."
Spike recoiled.
"Wh-why? You need me here! You can barely get around on your own."
Twilight smiled warmly at him, a tear rolling down her cheek.
"Don't worry about me Spike. I've lived a good life. I'm not afraid of this."
Spike became horrified and grabbed onto her.
"No! NO! Not you Twilight! You can't die! You're too strong for that! You outlived everyone! You-"
She stopped him and kissed his forehead.
"I'm so sorry I have to leave you Spike. You've been such a good assistant. I'm very proud of you."
Spike felt tears well up in his eyes as Twilight lovingly stroked his face.
"But I can't be here forever. So I need you to promise me you'll stay with the princess. She can keep you safe and will make sure you're always taken care of. Promise me."
Spike nodded as he sniffed back tears. Twilight's eyes started to close, making Spike panic.
"Twilight?"
"I love you so much Spike. I'll tell the girls all about the good you've done for me."
With that, Twilight made one last breath,her eyes shutting as she layed in peace at her desk.
"Twilight?! TWILIGHT?! TWILIGHT?!?!"
Spike screamed at her, begging her to wake up. He panicked more and more as he kept trying, Twilight lying completely motionless. He kept pulling at her, begging her to move, barely even noticing Celestia rushing into the library...
Spike fell onto Twilight's grave sobbing hysterically. He wanted her back. All he wanted was to be next to her. He wanted to tell her how much he loved her, how important she is to him, how he'd give anything to be at her side again. No, he would never have that joy again. The one thing that seemed constant to him, taken in an instant. He crawled to her tombstone and hugged it tightly, as if it were her. He couldn't leave, not now. He would stay there. He would be at her side, like he had from the start, when they first came to Ponyville, when they met their friends, as she grew older and weaker, and when she finally passed away. If she was here forever, he would stay forever. He wouldn't leave her. Not for any reason. Spike felt a pony land behind him. He thought it was a guard or sentry, here to take him back inside.
"Spike, please come inside."
Luna. How could she speak so softly? She should be mourning like him. If not for Twilight, she'd still be the monster Nightmare Moon, yet she wanted him to leave her side. He gripped onto the stone with all his strength, nearly digging his claws into it.
"No, I'm not leaving her!
Luna placed a gentle hoof on his back. He only gripped onto the stone, shaking with more sobs.
"Twilight would not want you to live your life like this. She wanted you to have a happy fulfilled life."
"You don't understand. I can't.....I can't leave her. She needs me."
Luna held onto him as he refused to let go.
"She's gone Spike."
Those words still felt like a dagger in an open wound.
She's gone.
He sobbed, a harsh sounding moan that shook his whole body. Luna pulled him off the stone, him still reaching for it, crying out to Twilight. Luna cradled him, and gently hummed to him the same song Celestia did to calm him. It sounded so familiar to him, yet he couldn't tell why. Luna gently flew him to his room, a vast and luxurious room for such a small creature. She layed him in bed, continuing to hum to him. As she tucked him, she sang the same song to him, helping fade into much needed sleep.
Warm and bright
Fire glow
Ever burn tiny ember
Feel my song
In your heart
You I will love forever
End of Part 1
Spike had settled into his new life after a little over a week in Canterlot. He was trying to enjoy his time there, but it still hurt fiercely remembering his friends and Twilight's recent death. He was walking through the Canterlot market with Cadance. She had decided to take the day off to spend time with him. She did have responsibilities, but thankfully not as much as Celestia and Luna so she was able to watch over him more. Cadance did not like leaving him in the care of a stranger. They had spent the day mostly talking, Cadance cuddling him when he started crying. Spike had wanted to walk through town, hoping to see how the city had changed over the years. His stomach rumbled as they walk by a jewelry shop. Cadance smiled.
"How bout we get some gems?"
Spike looked pleasantly surprised.
"Really?"
Cadance set him on her back and kissed his cheek as they walked inside. The clerk, a young unicorn, looked excited seeing her and bowed respectfully.
"Welcome, your highness. How may I be of service to you?"
"We're looking for some special gems. Do you have anything for sale?"
The unicorn reached under the desk and presented a large box full of a variety of stones, each one perfectly cut and shimmering in the light. Spike's stomach rumbled loud seeing them, making Cadance giggle.
"How much for them all?"
"1000 bits, your highness"
Spike looked guilty for the high price.
"Charge it to the palace."
Cadance took the box and gave it to Spike, which he happily started munching. The clerk looked emphatically at her.
"If you'd like, your highness, I have a stone you may like."
Cadance looked at him quizzically as he walked into the back. When he returned, Cadance gasped and Spike dropped his gems as tears filled his eyes. The clerk was levitating a large beautiful purple gem cut to look like a shining star. Spike sniffed and moaned gently seeing it, Cadance cuddling him and the clerk looking concerned thinking he had done something wrong. The gem looked nearly identical to Twilight's cutie mark. Spike looked at Cadance with a pleading look.
"Please...."
Cadance kissed his cheek.
"We'll take it"
The clerk presented the stone to Spike, which he hugged to his chest as he cried softly. Cadance wished the clerk well as she picked up Spike's box of gems and left.
~
Spike and Cadance were sitting in the park, Cadance lovingly stroking his head as Spike hugged his new gem. Spike sniffed and tried to wipe his face but Cadance used her magic to do it for him. He turned to her with a worried look.
"Can....can I tell you something, Cadance?"
"Of course, Spike."
She moved closer to Spike and craddled him in her wings. Spike placed his head against her, the warmth and softness of her fur easing him a bit.
"Last night, I......I was planning on running away. I wanted to leave behind everything and just....make the hurting stop."
Cadance gently hugged him and nuzzled his head.
"I know sweetie. Luna told me about it."
"That's not it. When....when..."
Spike started to break down, fresh sobs escaping him and more bitter tears filled his eyes. Cadance hugged him tightly and stroked his back as he held onto her, his tears soaking into her coat. He calmed after a few moments and continued.
"When I was at her grave....I just want so badly to see them all again. I thought....if I died they'd be waiting for me, and we could be together forever. I wanted to kill myself...."
Spike wept bitterly as he looked down in shame. Cadance gently lifted his gaze to hers, her eyes full of empathy.
"I know how you feel."
Spike looked surprised as she placed him in her lap and continued to cuddle him.
"When Shining Armor passed away, I thought my life was over. I was so angry he left me behind. I kept demanding Celestia and Luna help me use magic to bring him back. I screamed and hollered at anyone who came near me for days. I just wanted to be with my prince again. Finally, one night, I started destroying our old suite, tearing everything apart that remotely reminded me of him. After I'd wrecked pretty much everything, I wept. I wept for so long begging him to come back."
Cadance held her breath trying to hold back sobs. Spike hugged her, trying to help her as she did him, and she kissed him gratefully.
"I couldn't take it. I looked around and found a piece of glass...."
Spike gasped as she caressed him. She lifted a patch of fur on her chest just above her heart to show a fairly recent scar. Spike looked closely at it and saw it went pretty deep. He looked at her emphatically.
"Celestia and Luna kept a close eye on me as I recovered, reminding me constantly they loved me. I still miss him. It still hurts to think about him. But I refuse to stop remembering and loving him. I want to hold on to what he gave me."
Spike hugged her, grateful she understood his hurt and feelings. He could never forget his old friends, now matter how much it hurt.
"So remember this Spike. No matter how many friends you lose, there are still three ponies that love you. We'll never stop loving you, no matter what."
She kissed him, holding him in a warm embrace. Spike started to doze off and Cadance noticed the sun was setting. She cradled Spike as she headed back to the palace.
~
Celestia and Luna were briskly walking through the halls, heading for Spike's room. They weren't able to spend the day with him, but they still intended to make sure he was well and wish him goodnight. They entered his room to see Cadance gently cuddling him as he still held onto his gem, looking sad but unable to weep anymore. Celestia and Luna sat down by his side.
"Where did you find that gem, sweetie."
"Cadance and I went to a jewelry shop and the clerk showed it to her. She bought it for me...."
Spike hugged it tightly. Luna gently stroked his head.
"I'm sorry about...last night...."
"You have nothing to be sorry about."
Spike started to fall asleep as he continued to hold his gem. Celestia gently took his gem with magic and set it in a stand as the three tucked him in and sang to him.
Warm and bright
Fire glow
Ever burn little ember
Feel our song
In your heart
You we will love forever
Spike fell into a deep much needed slumber. The princesses stayed by him, not wanting to leave him alone. Luna very quietly spoke.
" Where did that song come from? It sounded beautiful"
Celestia could only look at Spike lovingly and gently stroke his head. Cadance answered.
"When Spike was a few days old, Celestia brought us to his nursery. She asked us to help make a lullaby for him."
They suddenly felt a new presence among them, but it felt very familiar and comforting. They and Spike became covered by a purple aura of magic and were pulled into a vision.
~
Spike awoke to find himself in a crib, a beautiful carousel above him covered with crystalline figurines and golden pieces. He felt odd, like he wasn't himself. He looked at himself and saw he was wearing a snuggie and diaper. He was a little baby. Somehow, he didn't feel concerned. He looked around and saw Celestia, looking at him with eyes glowing with joy. He reached out to her and cooed. Celestia picked him up and cradled him. A nearby door opened and Twilight and Cadance walked in. Both of them were little girls eyes full of wonder seeing Spike. Cadance spoke up in excitement.
"That's a baby dragon? I didn't know they could be so cute"
"I hatched him myself."
Twilight looked proud as Celestia sat in a rocking chair, the girls approaching her. Spike looked at them with big eyes full of joy. He couldn't help but feel joy seeing Twilight, even if it was just a dream. He reached out to her, trying to speak to her, but could only make baby noises. Twilight's eyes lit up with joy. Celestia called her closer.
"Do you know how to hold a baby, Twilight?"
Twilight looked a little worried.
"A...a little. I haven't read about it, but...."
Celestia asked Cadance to aid her as she handed Spike to Twilight. Cadance helped her set him just right against her. Spike couldn't help but cuddle her, trying to show he loved her and be near her one more time. Even if he knew it wasn't real, it felt like it was. He could actually feel her warm familiar touch and her soft fur as she held him gently. Twilight's eyes filled with tears with joy.
"He's so beautiful."
Cadance looked at Spike longingly.
"I wish I could have a baby dragon."
Celestia turned the dial on Spike's carousel, making the familiar song through pleasant belle medley.
"I asked you girls here because I need your help. Spike gets a little fussy around nap time."
Cadance looked thoughtful.
"How can we help?"
Twilight looked excited.
"We could find a book on baby care. I'm certain the library has something to help."
Celestia laughed lightly.
"Books won't help you in everything Twilight. I believe I know a way to settle Spike. He loves his carousel's music, so I believe he would like a lullaby."
Cadance and Twilight looked surprised.
"But.....You sing so much better than us."
"Perhaps. But I know my little ember would love to hear a song from all of us."
Twilight felt Spike snuggle closer to her. She smiled warmly and nodded. Celestia started the song first.
Hush your burn
Still your glow
Sleep now little ember
Warmth of love
Light of joy
Wait for you
In the morning
Spike smiled happily as Celestia gently sang. Cadance continued in a lovely young voice.
See my heart
Feel my love
Know I love you darling
Suddenly, Twilight changed. She was no longer the little filly. She was the Twilight Spike remembered most fondly. The young brilliant pony that had discovered the legend of Nightmare Moon, had defeated her and returned Luna, the pony that led their friends to defeat Discord. The one that loved him unconditionally for so long. and she wasn't alone. All their old friends, all of them still young and full of life, smiling at him with eyes full of love. Spike remained in his infant form, but he could tell this was all real. His friends had reached out to him one last time, to say goodbye to him. Twilight didn't say anything, only continued to sing. It was different from what he remembered.
Still your heart
Dry your tears
Weep for me no longer
Look to light
Look to love
See how you've been blessed
Suddenly, a beautiful bright light of many colors shown around them. Spike looked up and saw the princesses, all fully grown and looking on him, their love feeling like a pleasant warmth surrounding him.
Angels hold you safe and warm
Shielding you from the pain and scorn
Hear them sing in ecstasy
For being blessed by thee
The other ponies sang out a beautiful choir like medley of absolute joy. Spike could only squeal and laugh for joy, his heart full of childlike wonder the likes of which he hadn't felt in years. Twilight held him high as she continued to sing and the others maintained their joyous chorus.
Little ember proud and strong
Burning bright through the fiercest storm
Passion burning endlessly
For all eternity
Twilight suddenly lifted into the air, the other ponies following suit as beautiful music played all around them and a warm light filled with love and tenderness surrounded them.
Never cease
Never go
Be extinguished never
Burn with love
Shine with joy
Share your fire forever
Spike felt weariness come over him, making a small yawn as they all returned to the familiar nursery and Twilight set him into the crib, tucking him in.
Warm and bright
Fire glow
Ever burn little ember
Feel our song
In your heart
The princesses gave Spike a gentle kiss. Twilight and the others began to fad as they waved goodbye to him. Spike waved back, not feeling any sadness but only joy to see his friends one last time. They remained long enough to sing the last part of the song as Spike slipped into sleep.
You we will love forever
~
The princesses snapped out of the vision, their eyes wide and panting lightly. They smiled slightly, feeling tears of joys forming in their eyes. Celestia gently spoke.
"T....Twilight?"
She received no answer but knew. Her student and all her friends had returned for only a moment to give one last gift of friendship and ease Spike's pain. The three looked onto Spike's sleeping form and nearly burst into sobs of joy. For the first time since Twilight's passing, Spike smiled.
~
Spike woke early the next morning, feeling well after a much needed sleep, his mind still reeling from what he saw last night. They came back. They all came back one last time to say goodbye. He couldn't explain it, he didn't understand it, but he knew it was them. It had to be. They came back to tell him not to fear and to love like he had for them. He wiped his eyes, tears of joy overcoming him. He looked at his gem and smiled. He leaned forward and kissed it.
"Thank you Twilight."
He climbed out of bed and made for the door. He had to talk to the princesses. They had to know what he had seen. He knew Celestia would love to hear about this. He opened the door and saw a royal guard standing to the side. He smiled at Spike.
"Young sir, you're awake. Her majesty asked to see you as soon as possible."
Spike thanked him and made for the throne room. For once in days, Spike honestly felt very good.
~
The three princesses were seated at the throne, going over documents and preparing to meet with nobles, dignitaries and politicians of all kinds. They were still reeling from what they had seen last night. But it brought them a sense of joy and peace, to know Twilight had sent a message of love to them. They were about to receive the first meeting in when Spike entered. He froze a moment when he saw the amount of paperwork around them and the guards preparing to let guests in. The princesses simply smiled warmly and Celestia opened a wing toward him. Spike stepped to her throne and she lifted him to her.
"Can...can we talk princess?"
Celestia turned to her guards.
"Men, all activities for the day are on hiatus until further notice. We are not to be disturbed under any circumstances."
"Yes, your majesty"
The guards exited the room and sealed the doors. The princesses all placed a gentle hoof on Spike. He looked happily at them, his eyes ready to burst.
"I saw her last night."
The princesses felt their own tears begin to flow as they realized what Twilight's gesture meant. She wanted to tell Spike to love and laugh again. Spike wiped his eyes as he continued.
"I saw her and all our friends. Pinkie, Applejack, Rainbow, Rarity, Fluttershy. They all came back to me. I don't how and....I don't know why I know but......It was them!"
Spike started to sob overcome by this feeling, burying his face into Celestia. They all hugged him tightly, weeping for joy at Twilight's beautiful gift to them. Celestia wiped her eyes and lifted Spike's gaze to hers.
"She loves you Spike. They all do. And so do we. Because you are an amazing person. They wanted you to know that. They wanted to tell you one last time how much we all love you."
Spike smiled a big bright smile and hugged them, feeling safe and warm just as Twilight said they would do. They remained like this for some time. Spike thought of something and spoke to them.
"There's one last thing I have to do."
~
That evening, the four were gathered at the private graveyard. Spike was carrying a number of items to give to his friends, feeling he needed to in thanks for their last gesture to him. He approached Rainbow Dash first, planting a few flowers called Rainbow Blossom's, Rose like flowers with rainbow petals. Spike planted then carefully and spoke to her.
"You were right you know. You really went out better than anyone. The wonderbolts are still talking about it, saying no one should have been in one piece after that."
Spike sniffed away his tears and moved to Applejack, planting an apple blossom by her.
"Applebloom is doing okay. She's not up to farming anymore, but she's still making Zapapple jam, just like Granny Smith. She's got a whole big family now."
Spike wiped his eyes, adjusting the hat on her Tombstone to sit right. He moved on, coming to Fluttershy. He started to shake with sorrow as he planted lovely tulips and sunflowers.
"Your girls.....They actually started an animal shelter...Named it after you. They're taking care of all kinds of little animals, just like you."
He held strong, moving toward the resting place of Pinkie. He planted a bouquet of flowers resembling a bunch of balloons. He couldn't help but smile warmly.
"I'll bet wherever you are, it's a lot more fun since you arrived. Could use some of that here..."
Spike sobbed once but pushed on, his heart tightening as he came to Rarity's place of rest. Spike felt like his heart was being twisted and torn out, but he lovingly planted a bouquet of sparkling blue flowers called diamond roses. He placed a kiss on the tombstone.
"I....I love you, Rarity. I still love you. Thank you for making me your Spikey-wikey."
The princesses watched in silent respect, eyes overflowing seeing him tend to his beloved friends. Spike reached his last spot, feeling a mixture and sorrow and happiness. He placed an ornate silver urn onto her resting place. He lit a small point and tended to it. It was a special device that would allow the fire to burn forever. As long as it was tended to once a year, the fire would never die out. Spike spoke to her in a shaky voice.
"I.....I heard the princess made our old home into a library. Named it after you.........Now everypony in Ponyville is coming by to read and learn. Even all over Equestria ponies come to read there. They're all trying to be like you...."
Spike couldn't take it anymore. He fell onto her stone and hugged it tightly, crying into it still full of pain. The princesses ran to him and held him, letting him show his love to Twilight the only way he could. Spike eventually calmed down and looked at the stone lovingly.
"I love you Twilight. I will never stop. I swear I will love you forever."
With that Spike stepped back from the grave and felt more tears come to him. The princesses hugged him close, wanting him to know how much they loved him.
~
From that day forward, Spike settled into a happy life as the dragon prince of Equestria. He would spend his days in service to the princesses, and they would care for him in turn. They couldn't be with him all the time, but they always made certain to give him many cuddles and hugs and remind him everyday they loved him. Even as the centuries went by, Spike always returned to his friends' graves. Every year, he'd tend to them, speak to them, and make sure the urn continued to burn endlessly. It was always painful, leading to more sorrowful tears, but Spike refused to stop. He loved them all, no matter what. He would love them for the rest of time, just as he did the princesses and they him. Their love was one thing that time could never take and he cherished it forever.
The End
