Spike was sitting on the edge of his bed, watching the sun begin its daily journey. He had been awake for some time now, thinking about the changes that occurred in only these few days.

Looking back, it really shouldn't have to end so... twisted.

It started as a simple mission to stop the bad guy, then everything turned darker and darker until they found that blasted door, then he had to take Twilight’s place with the Crystal Heart, and then finally, the fight that costed two of his friends their lives, another severely injured, who tried to commit suicide, his love still unconscious, and his brother-in-law now trapped in a wheelchair for the rest of his life making the drake chuckle softly while he sits in his own personal room in the Crystal Castle doing nothing but remember the words Luna said to him about his new unasked title and the consequences it would bring for him and the Empire.

Spike wasn't stupid, in fact he was more intelligent than most unicorns by a great margin, he also he knew about most of royal and political issues having to do with ruling or just holding a very important position of power.

So he knew that there was no way he could slip away from being the “Crystal Savior”, since it was a title given to heroes and champions of the kingdom, the only way out of it was to serve under it or to die in battle.

He had also thought about talking to Cadence and the crystal ponies about it, try to tell them that it was a mistake, that he didn't even know how he had gained that strange power, which was true.

But the crystal ponies were blinded, the foals treated him like a hero, the elders bowed when they saw him, and everypony else simply waved at him, HE was their hero, their hope, and their champion, if he denied the title and ran away, then not only the crystal ponies would be devastated, but the entire empire would be open for invasion without a heroic symbol to protect them.

So everything came down to a simple question: Leave like a coward and forget the Crystal Empire, or stay and be their Crystal Savior; their hope and hero?.

“The one who killed Sombra,” Spike said, looking to the rising sun through his window. “Am I really a hero? Can I really be called a hero? I killed him without a second thought. Soldiers always say that their first kill is the hardest, but it... ...it felt good.” Spike looked down at his claws, “can a hero really be a hero if he enjoys killing, even if he killed a dark, tyrannical monster like Sombra?............ Can I really be the Crystal Savior the crystal ponies deserve, or am I just an even bigger monster waiting to be freed?”

Another hour passed in silence before he jumped from his bed and walked outside the room, he had come to a decision.

-----------------------------------------------******************************************

Cadence was sitting in front of the empire’s counsel, currently discussing the budget to repair the destroyed parts of the Empire, rebuild farms and other food sources, and expand the territory as well as many other things. She was thankful her aunts decided to sign an alliance treaty the second she was crowned as the Crystal Princess and for their enormous aid teleporting half the Canterlot hospital and supplied with them to treat the wounded and the sick.

But even then, her problems only seemed to grow more and more. The Crystal Empire had returned just a week ago and several kingdoms, such as the Griffons, the Diamond Dogs, the Antlers, and the Ursais, were already demanding an encounter between champions.

Only a week and war was already at their doorstep, again Celestia and Luna had interfered and was slowing down their protests and demands.

It pained her greatly that her husband was now in a wheelchair, she had talked to him about their need for a champion the first day they had arrived to the Empire and he had agreed to become their hero and she had put so much faith in him, he did his best, she knew it, but it hadn't been enough.

To make matters worse, her subjects had acclaimed her favorite dragon as the Crystal Savior. She knew Spike had a pure heart and he would make a great champion if he agreed, but only in the future, he was still a baby dragon.

“A baby dragon that managed to kill Sombra effortlessly.” Cadence whispered.

“Indeed your majesty” an old looking mare by her side said, making the current discussion die down “I, as many in this room, were there when it happened, barely a week ago”

“I was thinking out loud again, wasn't I?” Cadence asked, smiling a bit earning some giggles around the room. “Now that I think about it, I haven’t heard what happened, I know Spike killed Sombra but how did it happen?”

“After you fell, your majesty,” a stallion clad in armor said. “Sombra tried to get the Heart from Spike, but your husband and two of the element bearers charged in, only to be done within an instant.”

“Then another of the element bearers charged in, sadly she was also defeated by that bastard, after that...... he... began to torture our hero.”

“But he fought back valiantly!” A guard chimed in, “the Crystal Savior fought back against Sombra, cursed be his name, until he enraged the monster and made his torture increased, only up to then did our savior scream, but not before defying the lunatic!”

“Then his mate came down to save him and fought against the mad king, freeing our savior from his torture.” The mare was silent for a moment before continuing, “The mad king struck down on her, I couldn't watch the merciless attack upon the mate of our savior, only her screams of pain could be heard.”

“The tyrant was about to give the final blow, our Savior holding the Crystal heart hard against him before I, and everypony else, turned away and everything went silent. I don’t know how long it was until I heard a sound similar to thunder striking the earth, making me turn back to the onslaught.”

“And there he was,” an elderly stallion said, tears falling from his eyes. “The hero of our kingdom, delivering the punch of justice and rage upon the maniac. He was taller, stronger, and faster than the maniac, he was the hero we had awaited for.”

“He showered Sombra, damned be his name, in his fury and booming voice; he made him feel the pain of his friends, our pain, his pain, and the pain of his mate, piercing him from side to side.”

“The Crystal Heart was forgotten and our Savior tossed the tyrant next to it, to mock him and show him he was weak, and at the mercy of our Savior, he showed him none. Our hero, our Savior smashed the head of the tyrant in the name of his mate, ending his life against the dirt just inches away from his prize.” The elderly mare said, trying to hold back her tears of joy.

Cadence was speechless, not only by the short tale of Spike but the sheer happiness, and even to a point, devotion and gratitude her subjects felt for him. Even the higher merchants, nobles, and military heads felt the same way. But there was something she still didn't understand.

“H-his mate? What do you mean by that?”

“The head of the bearers of the Elements of Harmony, Twilight Sparkle, and our Savior said so himself, she is the one he loves.”

Before Cadence could say or even think of anything to say about that matter, the door of their private room opened. She looked up and saw Spike standing in the doorway, his expression hard to read and he was looking right up at her.

“Spike!” She said, happy to see him out of his room and at the same time worried for whatever reason he might have for entering the way he did. “Is something wrong?”

Spike took a look around the room; he could see some guards and a bunch of elderly looking stallions and mares as well as some nobles and, from what he could easily tell, some high ranking officers of the military. He took a deep breath before looking at Cadence with full determination and kneeling before her and the rest of the ponies inside.

“Princess Mi Amore Cadenza, nobles of the Crystal Empire, and all those who are present, I present myself before you humbly.” His voice was soft but firm. “It has come to my knowledge the full weight of the title you so gratefully placed upon myself without my acknowledgement.” the nobles and everypony else flinched for a second, their faces clearly fearing something dreadful.

“I am most grateful and honored for your confidence and trust by naming me, a stranger, and one not of your own, one not even a member of your own species, as the champion of your entire kingdom............” a full minute of silence passed in the room, nopony moved an inch nor made any kind of sound aside from the occasional gulping, then Spike got up and smiled warmly at Cadence. “...... And I accept with open arms, the title; I shall embrace it and fulfill my duty as your champion, The Crystal Savior.”

Another round of silence fell in the room before Spike turned around “I will be in the library if anypony needs me.” Then he left the room, the closing of the door marking the beginning of cheering inside the room.

--------------------------------------------------------------------*************************************

Spike was sitting alone in a desk in the library, five thick books were scattered around the table he was at while another one was held in front of him by his little arms, and he was so engrossed with his reading that he didn't notice the pink Alicorn behind him.

“What are you reading, Spike?”

“GAH!” Spike screamed, dropping the book he was reading back on the table, looking behind he saw Cadence lightly laughing. “Oh…hi Cadence, didn't hear you come in, so what’s up?” He asked taking up the book he was reading again.

“I asked, what are you reading?”

“History of the Crystal Empire mainly, if I’m really going to be the Crystal Savior I might as well know what I’m going to be getting into”

“Spike,” Cadence sighed. “You don’t have to do it, my subjects were reckless when giving you the title like that. You’re barely a child!”

“I’m eighteen, thank you very much. In dragon years that’s nothing, but I’m already an adult in pony terms, and since I live in Equestria, well, the Crystal Empire now, I have my citizenship documents AND I’m officially the son of the sun Goddess... I think that whole, ‘you are just a child,’ thing won’t work on me. Besides,” his voice turned a little somber, “what kind of child kills and enjoys it?”

“You were not you, Spike.” She said, putting a hoof over his shoulder, “You are sweet, loyal, and pure. You have the biggest heart of gold I have ever seen, pony or dragon.”

“Heh,” he chuckled. “Don’t be fooled, Cadence. I was VERY awake and I knew exactly what I was doing. The only thing that wasn't me was the power that made me bigger, but that didn't change anything inside me.”

“Spike, please. I’m trying to help you get out of this, I know little about the battles and what your title fully means, but I do know it is very dangerous for you. Not all champions died in battle, some were assassinated or worse by opposing nations.” Cadence spun Spike around, forcing him to look at her in the eye. “Just tell me you want to quit right here, right now, and I will do everything I can to get you out of this mess, this is not your home or duty, Spike.”

For a couple of seconds Spike just sat there hold in place by Cadence before smiling sweetly at her.

“Too bad for you, Cadence.” He gave out a little laugh, “Luna already told me what my title means; I can’t back out, at least not without pretty much giving away your life and the lives of the crystal ponies.” Spike’s face turned angry, “I won’t be responsible of that just to save my own scales. I won’t! I will stay! I will fight! And I will win! I will embrace my title with pride and honor!”

Cadence let go of him as he finished his little speech, she grimaced at the thought that this title literally meant he had to fight or the kingdom would die at the claws of another kingdom, nation, or foe who saw fit.

Finally she could understand a bit of the full weight of the title, it wasn't just an honor or a way to call a champion, and since the title was given by the subjects to the one they saw as their hero, she couldn't do much from the beginning.

She looked down at the dragon that had turned and continued his reading; her newly found subjects had branded the little drake as a shield, a sword, a symbol of hope and morale, something vital for them.

The kingdom was a pyramid, she may be on the top of it now, but Spike...Spike had become the base, and without the base, the pyramid was doomed to fall.

Cadence tried to say something else, but nothing came out, even if she hated to admit it, Spike was right, there was no way to evade this. Turning around, she left the dragon alone with his reading, knowing full well there was really nothing she could have done.

-------------------------------------------------------------************************************

Much later, after the sun had dipped beyond the horizon and the dark grip of night swept the land, Spike sat quietly at Twilight’s side, talking to her as if she could talk back.

“So yeah, I went into the room Cadence was in and pretty much said I was going to be the champion of the Empire and tried to do it...you know, look cool and all,” he gave out a small laugh. “Oh, that reminds me. Once you wake up, we are so going to the library, you know how much I hate history books, but damn the Crystal Empire history is wicked cool! You wouldn't believe just how much they really deserve the title ‘Crystal’, can you believe it started as a simple mining town that was a lot like Ponyville?” Twilight remained motionless.

“Yeah, me too. I was starting to read about some of their conflicts with the Diamond Dogs when Cadence came and scared me, I swear I almost had a heart attack!” Spike laughed at the memory, “she tried to convince me to not do it... you know, be the Crystal Savior and all... but I told her that I wanted to do it. And besides, there was no way to evade it in the end.” Still nothing.

“I think I’m going to be staying here after you wake up Twi, break the news softly to Big Mac and Thunderlane, will ya? Specially to Big Mac; he might be big and strong, but he has a heart as kind as Fluttershy. Also, you’re going to have to keep an eye open for Applejack: she tried to kill herself a few days ago, might have done it if it weren't for me.”
Spike was silent for a couple of seconds before holding her hoof tightly.

“I’m afraid, Twilight. So very afraid. Not for me, but for the Crystal Empire, the crystal ponies, for Cadence, and for you. Once you leave, the only thing that will give me strength is your memory and the promise that one day I will see you again, and maybe then I will tell you just how much I love you.” He climbed on the bed softly, “I promise you, I will be strong, I will learn, and I will fight for the Empire, for me, and for you. I love you, Twilight.” Spike leaned down and kissed her softly on her lips, tasting her and feeling her soft meaty lips against his scaly ones.

Twilight mumbled something in her sleep and sighed happily, Spike smiled at her reaction and then walked out of the room.

“Good night, Twilight”

------------------------------------------------------------¨*************************************

Celestia was watching the ceremony before her with mixed feelings: on one side, she was very proud of her little boy for saving the empire from such an evil tyrant, but on the other, she was worried that the crystal ponies had too quickly named him their Savior.

It had been two months of struggle for her, Luna, and Cadence, having to deal with other nations demanding a fight against the Crystal Champion; it was only thanks to diplomacy that an all-out war was evaded.

Cadence had stated that the Crystal Empire was still weak and recovering from their absence and their thousand year banishment from the very time line, thus couldn't afford any kind of gain or battle, so a treaty was made: for twenty years, the Crystal Empire would be off limits to give them time to recover; and in exchange, they asked for something dreadful, that sadly had to be agreed to.

Firstly, the name of the champion had to be given to them that instant, giving away the last hope for Spike. And secondly, since the battles were arranged in times of fifty years, and since the Crystal Empire had been gone for little more than a thousand, at the end of the agreed twenty years, the champion would have to battle twenty times.

Celestia was outraged at the beginning, but calmed herself down soon enough and ended up convincing Cadence to accept the deal, even if that meant putting an even bigger burden over Spike and the Crystal Empire army’s shoulders.

She only managed to convince her to accept by stating that those twenty years, while little and in a way a death sentence, were also a blessing, because in twenty years, Spike could train and prepare himself, as well as the empire’s army.

Celestia sighed as her little boy, her beloved Spike, rose up in front of the gathering as their official Crystal Savior, causing the crystal ponies cheered in unison for their new beloved hero. She was behind him with Luna at her side, Cadence standing to his left side with her now paralytic husband, secretly scowling at the drake, while Twilight was standing to his right, a shaky claw placed over her back.

Celestia smiled sadly, remembering when Twilight awoke; at first she cried like a mad mare over the death of two of her friends as Pinkie Pie had returned to Ponyville a week before her awakening, sad and in tears, only to return two days after she awakened, wanting to be at the side of her friends.

Rarity had also returned to Ponyville, but only for her belongings, she decided to move to the Crystal Empire, mostly because of the horrid nightmares she got regularly.

And Applejack was still in the hospital, recovering from various attempts to take her own life, never explaining why and never seeing her friends.

It took a slap and a makeup kiss from Spike to calm her down, slowly but surely Twilight and Spike talked about their feelings and what Spike was now chained to do, in all honesty Celestia had readied herself to stop a berserk Twilight, but to everypony’s surprise, she only stated that she would stay with Spike, saying she wasn't going to let anyone, not even Spike, take her away from him.

The two of them then started a somewhat secret relationship, the details were not to her knowledge but that did not matter, her son was happy at Twilight’s side and that was all that she cared for.

Celestia smiled widely as the cheering turned into a roar of happiness and prosperity.

“Why art thou smiling, my sister?” Luna asked, confused at her smiling face “Hast—I mean, did something happened that we are not aware of?”

“No Luna, is just that I have a strange feeling.” Her smile turned wider as Spike jumped off the balcony and was catch softly by the crystal ponies, “a feeling that’s telling me that the Crystal Empire and my son will be safe”

“How can you be so sure, my sister?”

“Motherly instinct.”

-------------------------------------------------------******************************************

Spike was sitting at Cadence’s left side on the council room, the noble houses heads and the leaders of the military were there too, discussing their economy, land, military force, defensive capabilities, offensive capabilities, everything that came up to mind and needed to be checked and what needed to be focused on.

“Clearly,” a stallion clad in crystal armor began, “we need to focus on our military strength: our numbers are too weak, our weapons, armors, and supplies are minimal at best. And don’t make me start talking about our current ‘veteran’ forces.”

“How dire is the situation, General?” Shining asked as Cadence sat at his right side.

“Absolute, Sir.” The general said. “At the moment, we only count with eight hundred active troops, ninety percent of which are recruits, and the ten percent that’s left have little to no experience.” His gaze fell to the floor, “when the tyrant attacked, we lost everything.”

“The only real veterans in battle and military formation are the ones before you, Prince Shining Armor. And you, of course,” said a colonel, pointing at the general and four other officers.

“So we have an army seven members big that are trained enough to really count as soldiers,” Shining groaned. “Can’t we ask Princess Celestia for reinforcements?”

“She has already given us too much freely, Shining! I will not ask for more, we have to pull through by ourselves!” Shining simply buffed.

“What news brings our merchant guilds?”

“Very good news, your majesty.” Said an elderly looking mare, “our Crystal Berry production will increase three hundred percent in the next few months and the selling prices are formidable. If we can maintain a steady line with Equestria and Griffonia, then we will be able to expand our guilds and our revenue will be much bigger than ever before”
“Other products show little progress, but they will also be fruitful in the long run,” another mare said.

“What about the Crystal Mines?” Cadence spoke, bringing a silence to the room, “I’m... I’m terribly sorry.”

“It matters not, your majesty,” the general said. “We can begin to...... ’work’ in the mines if you see it fit.”
“No, General, it was not—"

“I have a question.” Spike said, interrupting Cadence and saving her for embarrassing herself.

“Yes, Crystal Savior? What is your question?” The stallion asked.

“I read that before So—the bastard came, you had discovered a very special crystal... but I couldn't find anything else aside from that, what was it?”

“Ah, yes. The Red Moon Crystal; it is a very rare crystal found in the depths of the crystal mines. They are much different from other crystals: they are harder than diamond, they can withstand temperatures higher than lava itself, they are light as a feather, and they can be used to channel magic! Sadly ‘he’ came before we could find out more about it. Why do you ask, Crystal Savior?”

“Just call me Spike; I like how my name sounds,” the general laughed lightly. “Do you have some around? There is something I want to try out.”

“Of course, here!” The general said, taking off a necklace holding a small deep red crystal, barely big enough to fit on his claw, he tried to break it but couldn't do it, he tried to bite it, but almost hurt his own fangs, finally he scratched the pointy end against his scales and managed to do a light cut. “Fantastic! Even better than I imagined! Shining,” he said, turning to him.

“What?” the stallion growled at him with clear disdain in his voice as Spike rolled his eyes.

“Could you please channel a small, very small shield spell through the crystal?”

Shining glared at Spike but did as he was asked to, almost instantly the crystal glowed and a barrier five times bigger than what Shining had tried to do appeared at the other side of the crystal.

“Cadence, could you please fire a spell at the crystal, try to destroy it.” Cadence nodded, wanting to see what was Spike getting to, using a simple fire spell she fired it against the crystal on Spike’s claw, and before the fireball could touch it, the fireball disappeared and Spike smiled. “Even better than I imagined.”

Spike turned to the general, “I read these were very special crystals. Now I see why. They really are hard, impossible for a dragon to eat, I think, and sharp enough to pierce through our skin.” He showed the small cut over his left claw, “not only will they help defensive magic, but they can also negate offensive magic, though don’t know if it would work if we use offensive magic as defensive magic.”

Spike tossed the crystal into the air, masterfully catching it between two fingers.

“I have an idea. Maybe we can use these crystals to form an army; maybe some units with these as traditional phalanx units capable of outstanding defense and destructive offense! That would boost the army greatly once we get the bits to actually work on them!” Spike smiled and began to play around with the crystal, mimicking a spear.

“Just imagine it, spears made out of these babies! Or even better, armor, or even more! The Blood Phalanx... no, that sounds lame......I got it! The Crystal Phalanx!” Spike stopped, holding the crystal up triumphantly, finally noticing the expression of everypony in the room, “well... it’s just an idea, anyway.”

-----------------------------------------*********************************

Spike was walking towards the hospital happily to try and visit Applejack.

“‘Project Crystal Phalanx’! That sounds soooooo cooooooool!” he thought, smiling like a fool, barely noticing he had already arrived at the hospital.

He sighed loudly, drawing his claws over his closed eyes as he slowly grabbed a cigarette he had remembered to get from his room at the Crystal Empire, Twilight didn't mind it as long as he did not kiss her after he had one, and his mother had told him that he was an adult and that his choices were his own.

Being a dragon, he naturally breathed fire and smoke, so the effects on such a lung destroying, tobacco filled, stick of death-cancer had no effect on him as he spewed his green flames onto the tip and inhaled a lungful, exhaling out his nose with a sigh before leaning on the wall, confused on how he was to train so that he could gain the respect of not only his ‘subjects’, but his friends and Twilight.

He was feeling agitated at how he was supposed to appease all of the ponies who relied on him, how he was to gain the attention of his own species, and worried that he would fail the empire and all of those who depended on him, those who needed his support and inspiration to gain the allies of the ancient days, hoping he lived up to their exceptions.

Breathing slowly, he inhaled the last of his nicotine before extinguishing it out on the side of the building, glad he had something to calm his nerves as he went inside, surprised that she had not come out of her room after being revived from attempting to kill herself those many months ago.

Swallowing the spittle in his throat, he entered into the Earth Pony’s assigned room, nervous from what he would encounter, and glanced at the now stable, unconscious mare before him, glad to see that she was asleep, at least he hoped.

Grabbing a plastic chair by the door, he brought it close to the mare, sitting down near her bed as he watched her slumber, bemused that she could sleep so calmly after all that happened.

Frowning, the drake reached a claw towards her, feeling her soft, warm fur as he closed his eyes, praying to his mother that she would heal, be safe, and feel secure before he felt a shift in the mare’s bed. Opening his eyes, he saw Applejack staring at him with a blank expression, as if she was not in the least bothered that he had come to visit her, ever since he caught her... doing as she had tried, he had been worried about her.

Applejack was a beautiful mare, one not fazed by the cruel words other creatures had spoken about her and her family, not tempted by the pursuits that stallions and even sometimes mares had offered to her in order to court her, for she was afraid they only wanted the hard worked land and bits that had come from slaving onto the century old land rather than the mare who they had whispered sweet nothings and empty promises to.

That was why she had no mate, which always made her scared that she would pass from this life without knowing the love of another creature near her side, without giving birth to children of her own, or even adopting a child if Fate had pointed her heart in the direction of a mare.

Truth be told, a mare had captured her heart, a friend she had known for quite a long time, and she was embarrassed that she had tried to leave this world without revealing her feelings for her, terrified that she would be scorned upon and rejected like a sick, twisted old mare, though she was only twenty four.

She was in love with Pinkie Pie, even though the mare’s antics often annoyed her, as it did many around her, she loved her charm, her sense of optimism, and the smile that she always wanted to comfort her when she felt down. Applejack had always made excuses to go visit the mare whenever she could, being nervous of telling her how she felt, despite her stubborn pride that would normally force her to face her fears head on.

She could not tell the earth pony her heart’s desire, for she was far too afraid of what her answer would be... and yet, even though she was so depressed over the death of her friends and her broken hind legs that she had wanted to end her own life, even tried to, she could not let go of the faces that haunted her mind, of her family, her friends, of Princess Celestia, the Goddess she prayed to each day and night, and finally, of the heart broken mare who she had admired for many years.

She was honestly glad Spike had saved her that day, even though she could no longer walk, she still could not leave this life with regret, not after all she had been through.

Watching the poor, distressed drake in front of her, Applejack slowly chuckled, making Spike visibly jump in shock that she was awake and not sleeping with her eyes open like he thought before she spoke, her accent low but drawn out, forcing the reptile to listen very closely.

“Ah am... or rather, Ah was once in love with a mare, Spike.” She whispered calmly as he sat still and just allowed her to talk.

“After so long of longing after her, after fidgeting in my sleep like a scared rabbit, ah was prepared to tell her my honest feelings, of how ah had foolishly thought ah could do one last life or death defying mission with mah friends and come out unscratched like the last three times and then finally show her how much ah... how much she meant to me, ah never expected to travel down the dark road ah had chosen for myself, Spike. Ah’m sorry, ah’m so sorry.” She spoken slowly, tears trailing down her face, making Spike calmly wiped them away with his tail as he felt his own tears brim near the edge of his eyes and allowed her to continue, for he doubted this was all she had to say.

“In Mah family, suicide should never be used as a last resort, it should never even be brought to mind, and it’s evil, wicked and cowardly. Ah don’t know what ah was thinking, ah know that Celestia would never approve of such a dark action and yet... at that moment that ah did try to do it, ah was fully convicted ah was useless. Look at me, Spike. Mah hind legs will never work again, I’m not a single bit of help to my family anymore, and I can’t even give mah heart to the mare ah honestly love, more of a liability really then an asset. Ah don’t know what to do anymore, Spike. Farming and spending time with my family is all I have in my life, I don’t know anything else. Ah’m an Apple... all we know how to do is work.” The lonely mare sobbed, pouring her heart to her friend as he did not know how to comfort her, never knowing that she was merely like a dam ready to burst when she spoke of her emotions welled up inside of her.

It left him unprepared for when she wrapped her hooves around his body, making him by instinct stroke her fur and attempt to calm her down as she hiccuped and sighed loudly not even realizing the awkward position she had put her friend into as he cleared his throat loudly once she had stifled her cries, allowing her to back away from him with a clear red blush on her orange fur, causing him to chuckle.

“Ah am sorry, Spike... I don’t know what came over me, to be honest. Haven't cried that hard since... well, since my folks passed away. It’s of no concern to you, you were just being a dear friend, and that’s mighty fine of you, but I think that-” she was interrupted as Spike placed a lone digit on her lips with a soft smile.

“AJ, you’re one of my best friends. Your problems ARE my problems. I’m not going to abandon you just because you feel guilt over trying to kill yourself. It happens. It’s part of life, and I very much doubt your family would disown you for something that was not within your power to control. You had no idea King Sombra would overwhelm you, or any of us for that matter... what happened was not your fault. If any creature is to blame, it would be me for-”

“Now you wait just a gosh darn minute, little lizard. What you did was defend all of us and every single pony in there from that monster. You’re a hero, Spike. And I owe my life to you. I am in your debt-”

“Does killing one’s enemy truly make them a hero, Applejack? Do I really deserve redemption after taking the life of a-”

“Spike, stop. Ah mean it, stop right now. No need to make this into a complicated mess when it simply boils down to the fact that you saved lives, you gotten the mare of your heart, and you’re a national treasure. Any mare would be lucky to have you, and one seriously is... not even heroes can go all throughout life without doubt or regret, leave it at that... we all have our sins, little dragon.” Applejack whispered softly, making Spike bow his head and sigh loudly.

“You’re right, I should not dwell on the past, only look towards the future, Applejack. If you ever need anything, don’t hesitate to ask me.” Spike spoke slowly, causing the Earth Pony to offer a small smile in comfort.

With a soft chuckle, Applejack took him up on his offer, “allow me to serve you, Spike... until the end of my days.”

“Wha... what? AJ, what has happened to you was only-”

“Mah legs will never be the same anymore, Spike. Ah can never do the job of tending to the farm anymore because of this mess, I’m useless as far as being part of the farm goes. So... I want to become your personal guard, a soldier you can rely on, mind, body, and soul. Ah swear, Spike, if you just-”

“Applejack, I can’t allow you to do something so degrading as to serve me like some type of slave, it’s not right, it’s not who you are, and it’s not something I will ever allow. Please, AJ, just give it more-”

“There isn't anymore time for me, don’t you get it, Spike? Ah tried to take mah own life after being so down in the muck of despair. Ah can’t even tell Pinkie how Ah feel about her... please, allow me just this one opportunity to prove mah self... please.” She pleaded, tearing Spike’s heart in two at how mournful her voice sounded, breaking up as she began to sob.
Feeling like he was being speared through, Spike swallowed the large amount of spittle accumulated in his throat before he, with a heartfelt sigh, nodded.

“Very well, Crystal Warrior, I dub you worthy of serving me, the Crystal Savior, and our nation until the day that you pass from this life, or when you have fulfilled your obligation upon the empire... Applejack, you will be my most trusted and precious guard, but I will never ask you to do something you are not fit to do. And in exchange... you have to tell Pinkie Pie your feelings about her. And no delaying it... do we have a deal?” He asked with utter seriousness in his voice, giving rise to her pause before finding the convection to do what she had her heart set on and nodded.

“Yes, ah pledge my duty and honor to you, mah sword, shield, and armor are to be yours as you see fit, and ah... ah give you my word that ah will tell Pinkie how she holds mah heart in her hooves.” She answered without a single shred of doubt, while Spike nodded with a smile, glad she was as serious as he was about this.

With a firm pat on her hoof, he let her rest as he walked from the hospital, tears flowing down his face as he wondered just what it was that drove a pony to offer their lives to others, be they royalty, king, queens, or Gods, as he let out an emotionless chuckle.

“I guess any pony can have a heart of gold, so long as they have the right goals to chase after and the right path to take. I may not be much of a champion now, but I swear to the Gods... I will not let the Crystal Empire down.” He thought to himself as he felt a sense of pride swell up inside with a smile, before reaching to get another cigarette from his ear fin, bathing the tip in his flames, and inhaling it sharply, knowing it was going to be a long weekend, he could feel it.

Author's Note

Damn, this took a bit longer then expected, we are sorry. As it is....we give you a glimpse of what the future holds fellow fans.