Every Dragon Has His Day

The walk back to the library was desolate. It wasn't exactly unusual for Ponyville residents to board up their windows and hide in fear, but Spike had never felt particularly in danger when they did. This time it was different. He was the reason why they were hiding again. He hadn't grown a single inch, but his two new wings were now the most feared things in Ponyville.

Twilight paced around the library. All of her friends had come over the second that they heard the commotion in town. Applejack was chatting with Rarity, and Rainbow Dash had her snout buried in the newest Daring Do. Twilight looked out the window.

“I hope Spike and the others are okay, it's so easy to get caught in one of Ponyville's stampedes.” Rainbow lifted her head up from her book.

“Relax, Twi. Spike can handle himself. He's got that dragon bravery thing goin' for him.” Twilight nodded, but Rarity only looked nervous.

“I know my Spikey-wikey will be fine, right girls?” Applejack put her hoof on Rarity's back.

“Ah, yah worry too much Rare. He's a strong little fella, I'm sure he's just fine.”

“Twilight!” Spike screamed as he ran into the library with Pinkie and Fluttershy following not far behind. “I know you said not to go off and make trouble but I swear I really didn't mean to this time and I know that you're probably going to be mad but I-”

Again Spike's wings unconsciously unfolded.

There were three audible gasps in the room,  a reaction loudest of which came from the one pony Spike knew would react in the way she did. He didn't feel pride as he did when he had shown them off to Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy. He blushed, and managed to spit out “Uh, hi everypony.”

“Oh my dear Spikey-wikey! What happened to you, darling?!” Rarity cried as she stared in a mix of fear and apprehension.

Spike blushed. Of course she'd be the first one to react to something like this. Rainbow's mouth went from being agape to a wide smile.

“Another new flying buddy? Alright! Hopefully you'll do better than Twilight's first experience with me.” Twilight glared at Rainbow.

“You took me out in a thunderstorm!” she said curtly.

“Not my fault you couldn't blow away the clouds.”

Twilight grimaced, and noticed Applejack was just standing in the corner of the room, not particularly interested in what was going on.

“Now why y'all gettin' worked up about this? Our little Spike is just growin' up, and for real this time. Twi told us all about dragons while ya were gone, Spike. We couldn't pick up what she was puttin' out, but we get it now. Anyway, I think we all owe him our support after all he's done for us.”

The five other mares nodded in agreement.

“I just don't know if the townsponies might change how they see him...” Twilight said as she glanced out the window. A few ponies were starting to come outside and take down the boards. Pinkie took a deep breath and began excitedly said

“Oooh ooh ooh! We can make his “Congratulations on Getting Dragon Wings!” party into a festival for the whole town! They'll see that this cute little thing wouldn't hurt a fly.” She patted Spike on the head.

“Good idea, Pinkie. Rarity, can you help Pinkie get the decorations ready?” Twilight asked confidently.

“It's going to be the most fabulous party ever for my little Spikey-wikey!” she squealed.

“Me and Rainbow are gonna go and buck some apples for cider for the party. Can't have a party without cider!” Rainbow cut in.

“And this time, I get first dibs! Well, after the dragon of the hour here, I guess.” They all walked out of the library, leaving Spike alone with Twilight.

Twilight stepped next to Spike. “See? They still love you, don't they? It doesn't matter what you are, Spike. You'll always have someone to love you.” Twilight had to hold a tear back as she looked into Spike's eyes.

“Twi...you're the greatest.” She hugged him and said,

“You too, kiddo.”

Spike ran back up stairs and promptly fell back asleep.

“Oh! I should probably alert the princess to the celebration. A royal visit certainly would help calm down the townsponies. Spike take a-”

She heard snores from upstairs and went to get the quill and paper herself.

Dear Princess Celestia...