The Dino Dragon

by Wildcard25

Rating: teen
Tags: Alternate Universe, Main 6, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Spike, Adventure, Tragedy
Length: 13830

Having the same dream countless times, Spike finally sets out to find the truth about his origin, but may be in for more than what he bargained for as he uncovers everything.

I've been having these dreams lately. All being the same one. Could this be a sign, a signal, or the truth about who I am and where I came from? Whatever it is I must seek the truth, and find the answers to who I am. I don't know what to expect or what to find on my way, but I have to do it. This is my story. My life. My destiny.

Published 2014-02-27 22:00:03 UTC
Last updated 2014-05-19 20:26:42 UTC

Dreams

One night, in Golden Oaks Library, Spike the dragon was sleeping in his little basket bed, until he started tossing and turning. As he slept he started hearing voices in his head and started seeing visions.

(Spike's POV)

Spike looked as if he was looking through the inside of an egg, and saw two silhouetted figures holding it. One looked to be a dragon based off the wings on its back and from what he could deduce from the build appeared female, while the one next to it appeared big and muscular, and wingless, "What the?" Spike asked in his thoughts.

"Sweetie, what're we going to do? If they catch us our baby won't have a life." a female voice spoke appearing to be coming from one of the figures Spike could barely make out.

"Baby?" Spike asked, until he heard the bulkier one speak in a masculine voice.

"The only thing we can do. We have to send our child off before they find us."

"What? But isn't there another way?" the female asked in worry.

"I'm afraid not my love. This child has to be born and free for our sakes. I just pray whoever finds him will hopefully give him a happy life," the male began, "And should he ever find out the truth I pray one day he will forgive us."

Suddenly there were sounds of raiding coming from all around as if it were a mob, "What's going on?" Spike asked in worry as he suddenly felt as if he was being carried by the two who were running. He then felt as if he was being placed into something, "Goodbye my child, I pray you will live well and hopefully one day learn the truth." the male said as Spike suddenly felt himself drifting away from the two and saw the silhouettes were being taken away and fire was surrounding them, "No, wait! WHO ARE YOU?!" he cried.

(Normal POV)

Spike shot up from bed panting and covered in sweat, "Spike?" a voice asked as Princess Twilight looked out from the foot of her bed, and down at her number one assistant, "Are you ok, Spike?"

"Oh yeah, Twilight," Spike answered, " Just a bad dream." he brushed it off.

"Again?" Twilight asked.

"Yeah, and it's still the same one." Spike answered, as he had been having the same nightmare for the past week. He didn't know why he kept having the same dream, and wasn't exactly sure what to do about it.

"Spike you've been having that same dream for a week," Twilight reminded him, "It's not coincidental."

"Then what could it be?" Spike asked her.

"I've read that sometimes when a pony or in your case dragon suffers from having the same dream over and over it can be a repressed memory." she explained.

"Memory? But how, I don't know anything about my life before I was hatched, not you, or anypony in Canterlot." Spike noted about how nopony knew where his egg came from.

"Well we'll talk about it tomorrow, think you'll be able to get back to sleep?" Twilight asked.

"I'll go get some warm milk." Spike said as he went downstairs and poured himself a glass of milk before using his flames to warm it up,"If this is a memory that's being repressed, could it be the key to the real answers I've been looking for? Maybe I should tell Princess Celestia about this, after all she found my egg and brought it to Canterlot as part of Twilight's exam," he drank his warm milk, before looking in a nearby mirror at his reflection, "Who am I really?" Eventually he was able to get back to sleep for the night without having the dream again.

When morning came Spike still having a bit of bags under his eyes was helping Twilight with the morning chores. As he carried some dishes he started letting his eyelids fall closed before he collapsed with the dishes, "Spike!" Twilight cried as she galloped over to him and helped him up, "You're so exhausted. Maybe you should take a break for today." she suggested.

"What're you talking about, Twilight I'm fine." he brushed it off, while trying to keep his eyes opened.

"It's clear that you're not," She replied, "You should go and get some sleep, I'll clean this mess up."

"Well ok." Spike said as he went back upstairs and decided to nap.

As he slept, he was at peace, until he started having the same dream, seeing the same silhouettes through the inside of an egg and hearing the same voices. Finally he woke up in the same manner last night, "That's it. I have to let her know." he declared as he went back downstairs to see Twilight had finished cleaning up the mess.

Twilight seeing him spoke, "Spike, I thought you were going down for a nap."

"I was, until I had it again. I can't take it anymore, Twilight. I need answers, and I know who to ask." he explained.

"Who?" she wondered.

"The princess." he answered as he took a quill, ink, and some parchment before writing a letter.

"Spike, are you sure Princess Celestia has the answers you're looking for?" Twilight asked.

"Maybe, or maybe not, or maybe she knows somepony who might," Spike answered as he wrote his letter, "But one thing is for sure these dreams are getting stronger and stronger I have to know what they mean." he finished writing the letter. He walked to an open window and used his magic flames on the letter as it dissolved and traveled off.

"I would be careful about this, Spike," Twilight warned him, "Trying to find out too much may lead you to answers you may not want."

"As long as I get answers Twilight, I'll be satisfied no matter how painful they might be." Spike answered, until he burped up a letter from the Princess.

"That was sure fast." Twilight gasped.

Spike unraveled the parchment and started reading it, "Spike, I'm glad you wrote to me about these dreams you've been having. And I feel it's time you knew the truth about everything. Come to Canterlot right away and I'll tell you everything I should have told you from the start. Sincerely, Princess Celestia." he said as he dropped the parchment in surprise, "Princess Celestia knows where I came from?" he gasped.

"I don't believe it." Twilight gasped, wondering why she never told her or Spike before.

"Well I know one thing I believe, she has what I've been looking for all this time," Spike began, "And it's time I got to the bottom of it. I'm going to Canterlot to talk with her."

"Do you want me and the girls to come, Spike?" Twilight suggested, hating to have him go alone.

"Twilight, I appreciate your words, but I think I can make it there myself." Spike answered.

"Not because of that," she corrected him, "For emotional support. You know in case you need somepony else close to you for comfort."

Spike seeing she meant better by having his closest friends close to him for comfort sounded less demeaning to him, "All right, Twi. Let's get the girls and head to Canterlot," Twilight smiled as the two left the library to inform the girls. Spike thought to himself as he walked with his friend, 'Well I finally have a source to the answers I've been looking for, but will it be enough?'

Origin Uncovered

On the train bound for Canterlot, Twilight and the girls were enjoying the ride, while noticing Spike was sitting alone, while gazing out the window completely lost in thought. Applejack spoke up to Twilight, "He's takin' this whole dream thing very seriously."

"It's more than that, A.J," Twilight replied, "The Princess said in her letter that there was something that Spike needed to know about himself. I guess she knew something about Spike that she didn't tell me about."

"I cannot begin to fathom how many thoughts are going through his head right now." Rarity said in worry, as she watched Spike continue to zone out.

"Maybe I should throw a party for him once we get home?" Pinkie suggested, only for Twilight to speak up.

"Let's put that off for now."

"I sure hope what the princess has to say to Spike won't be too much for him." Fluttershy spoke up feeling worried.

"Hey if it's too much for him, we'll be there to support him." Rainbow confidently told her fellow pegasus.

Spike continued looking out the window deep in thought about what the princess had to say to his face about his past, and wondered if it would help him uncover all his questions about himself, 'Whatever the princess has to say about me, I have to remain calm.' he thought to himself.

Soon the train pulled into the station of Canterlot, and they all got off and trekked their way to the castle. When they reached the castle, they entered and went through the halls before the princess' chamber, "Princess Celestia." Twilight greeted her mentor who was on her throne.

"Welcome my little ponies and Spike," she greeted them, as she descended form her throne, "I know there's a lot going on through your mind Spike, so I'll cut straight to the point. These dreams you're having are indeed repressed memories."

"Yeah, but memories of what?" Spike asked, in confusion.

Celestia sighed knowing she had to break it to Spike, "What I'm about to tell all of you is something Luna and I have never told anypony. Spike, you are actually only half dragon."

"What?!" the girls gasped.

"Half dragon?" Spike asked feeling befuddled.

"Princess, if Spike is only half dragon then what is his other half?" Twilight asked wanting to know just about as much as Spike himself.

Celestia answered, "Spike is also half dinosaur."

"Dinosaur?" the girls asked in confusion, while Twilight looked shocked.

"Dinosaur, but Princess Celestia, I thought they were only legends."

"They're real, Twilight. Very real." Celestia assured her.

"Uh beg pardon your highness," Applejack spoke up, "But what's a dinosaur?"

Twilight answered instead, "Dinosaurs Applejack, are a race of reptilic creatures that many say were a pre-evolved form of dragons. But they were registered as only legends since nopony has actually seen one up close."

"How come?" Fluttershy asked.

"Because the dinosaurs kingdom is hidden from the rest of Equestria, and not many of them leave the sanctity of their kingdom." Celestia explained as she activated her magic, and projected around them a magical simulation of the kingdom the same way she showed Twilight the Crystal Empire.

"Whoa." Rainbow gasped.

"What you see before you is the Dinosaur kingdom known as Dinolot." the Princess of the Sun explained.

"Amazing." Twlight gasped as she and Spike looked at it closely.

They saw through Celestia's simulation, multiple dinosaur species walking about and living regular lives like the ponies of Canterlot and such, and much like ponies some of the dinosaurs weren't accustomed to wearing too much clothing in fact like dragons some of them wore none at all. Celestia continued, "The kingdom was once ruled by King Geki, and his dragon wife Queen Elsa." they saw the simulation panned to a castle in the kingdom where they saw a green colored Tyrannosaurus wearing a crown and a royal purple cape, and next to him was a female dragon whose scales were in the same shade of violet as Spike's.

"Oh my stars, a King and a Queen." Rarity gasped as she looked at the royal couple in fascination.

"They ruled Dinolot harmoniously and were loved by their subjects," Celestia continued, but started speaking in a more downhearted tone, "However there were some dinosaurs who launched a revolt against the king and queen. Nopony knew why they did it, and were unsuccessful in capturing any of them. To this very day nopony knows who was behind the attacks. The king and queen may not have been able to save themselves, but they did save one thing."

"What's that?" Pinkie asked, curiously.

"Their unborn child." Celestia answered.

"Unborn child?" Twilight gasped, followed up by Spike and the girls.

"Correct," Celestia nodded, "They knew if their disloyal subjects got hold of their egg then there would be no hope for their kingdom. So they sent the egg away, where their enemies would not find it."

"Whoa." Rainbow and Applejack gasped.

"Eventually that egg was founded by some guards of mine when the little boat is was stashed aboard drifted along the shores outside Canterlot. They brought it straight to me, along with the note left with it," she levitated some parchment up, "I think you should read it, Spike." she gave it to him.

The girls looked to Spike, who looked at the note and began reading this, "To whomever finds our egg, we are the royal rulers of the kingdom of Dinolot. We have been pursued by some rogue dinosaurs who wish to have us overthrown. We cannot fight back against all of them and most of our guards have fallen. All we can do is set our unborn child free and hope whoever finds him will give him a happy life. When he comes of age give him this letter so that he may know. Son, I know you have too many questions to ask, but we sent you away to save you from our own fate. You must live on for the sake of both of us, and no matter what you feel towards us be it sadness, joy, or even anger we love you with all our hearts and pray you have found happiness. Love the King and Queen of Dinolot aka Mom and Dad."

The girls were surprised and shocked at what the note stated, while Spike was lost for words, "Wait a minute, they sent their egg away for safety and it was founded by your guards?" he asked the princess who nodded, "And these dreams that are my memories... Does that really mean I'm..." the ponies started piecing the clues together like Spike was as Celestia answered.

"Yes, Spike. You are the son of King Geki and Queen Elsa.. Making you the crown prince of Dinotlot."

Spike stood in place looking lost for words, while the girls were just as shocked as he was. After a moment's silence, Spike shouted ignoring his thoughts on remaining calm no matter what he was told by her, "WHAT?! Me, the son of a king and queen?!"

"Yes." Celestia nodded.

"I-I don't believe this... All this time I wondered about my past and now I've just heard it I don't think I can handle it," he started hyperventilating, until Twilight went over to her number one assistant and laid her hoof on his shoulder. He looked up at her and she taught him the same breathing technique Cadence taught her when feeling overwhelmed. So he mimicked the breathing exercise and calmed down, "Ok I'm calm."

"Well now we know where Spike came from." Applejack noted, as she ruffled the little guy's head.

"And how awesome that his parents were royalty." Rainbow Dash added as she playfully punched his shoulder.

Spike rubbed his shoulder and spoke, "I admit that is amazing, but now that I know who my family was there's still much I want to know about them."

"Is there anything we can do to help Spike, Princess?" Fluttershy asked the princess hopefully.

"Well there is one thing you can all do, but it could be dangerous." she answered wearily.

"What do you mean?" Spike asked.

"You can go to the kingdom of Dinolot and find out more from the inhabitants there." she explained.

"Will they help?" Twilight asked curiously.

"I feel they can. In fact the king and queen's successor to the throne was their old friend and a member of their high council. His name is Razer. If you can talk to him you may get more answers about your parents."

"Razer? Got it!" Spike smiled before a thought crossed his mind, "Uh where exactly can I find the kingdom?"

Celestia foreseeing this levitated a map over to him, "This map will lead you to the hidden location of Dinolot, and here this will grant you permission to enter," she levitated a golden crest to Spike that bore the image of a sharp tooth like a dinosaurs, "This was also along side your egg when you were founded."

Spike looked at the crest and up at Celestia before nodding, "Thank you, Princess. I'll head out right away." he turned around planning to leave practically forgetting that the girls were there.

Rainbow quickly flew in front of Spike blocking him off, "Whoa-whoa-whoa! If you're going, then we're going with you!" she proclaimed as she stood with the rest of the elements of harmony, "Right girls?"

"So this is so exciting!" Pinkie cheered.

"Girls, you seriously want to join me?" Spike asked them, as Twilight spoke up.

"Spike, you're our friend, and like you said before we're your family. And family looks out for one another."

Applejack nodded in agreement, "Twilight's right, sugarcube. If you're going to find out more about your parents, then we wanna be there when ya do."

"And who knows the kind of lifestyles these dinosaurs live, I'd like to see it up close myself." Rarity added.

"I could learn a thing or two about them as well," Fluttershy put in, "Just for future reference of course."

"Maybe these dinosaurs love to party. And I'm sure they'd love to have a Pinkie Pie Party!" Pinkie cheered.

"I'd like to see if any of them are up to my standards of awesomeness." Rainbow noted.

"And I'd go anywhere with you, Spike because you're like my little brother." Twilight finished as she held him close.

"Thanks guy." He smiled, "Well if we're going to be heading to Dinolot we better leave right away."

The girls smiled and nodded in agreement, as Celestia spoke, "Good luck everypony and look out for one another."

"We will, Princess Celestia." Twilight assured her as the group took their leave.

Upon their departure, Celestia thought to herself, 'And I hope you find all the answers about your parents you want to know, Spike.'

On their way

Last time, after a visit to Canterlot and speaking to Princess Celestia, the girls and Spike discovered that Spike was only half dragon, and half dinosaur as well. Wanting to know more about his past, Celestia informed him the answers he still required would be found in the kingdom of Dinolot. With his mind made up, Spike decided to go there to find answers with his pony friends by his side.

After returning to Ponyville, the girls made sure their homes were locked up and all their responsibilities taken care of. After finishing packing all the essentials, they boarded the train and the start of Spike's quest had begun.

The train pulled up in a station located outside Appleoosa, and was closest to the Macintosh Hills. The group exited the train as Twilight spoke up, "Well this is as far as the train will take us. We have to continue from here on hoof."

"Not a problem for me." Applejack admitted.

"Whatever it takes. You got the map, Twilight?" Spike asked.

"Right here." Twilight levitated the map out and they began following it.

After leaving the station, they started trekking up the path for the Macintosh Hills. As they walked along the path they kept an eye open for anything that could be living up there be it dangerous or friendly. Eventually they stopped for a breather and were sitting in a spot on the hill in the shade enjoying some tea and snacks, "I wonder just how the dinosaur inhabitants will feel seeing ponies step into their kingdom." Fluttershy asked in worry.

"No sweat," Rainbow brushed it off with no worry, "Since Spike is like their crown prince all we have to do is stick by his side and we should be fine."

"Somehow I don't think it'll be that simple, Rainbow Dash." Twilight spoke up, bursting the pegasus' bubble.

"Twilight is right," Rarity agreed, "We have no idea just how many of the kingdom's inhabitants actually know that their former king and queen actually had a child."

"But Spike has that crest thingy with their kingdom's logo on it. Sure that should mean something." Rainbow noted.

"Possibly, or they might think I stole it." Spike sighed fearing the worse already, only for Twilight and put a hoof on his shoulder.

"Don't start thinking about that, Spike," she began, "We're all with you, and we'll make sure nothing happens to you."

Spike looked around seeing each of the girls smiling, and nodding in confirmation. Spike with his hope renewed smiled back, as he continued to enjoy his tea and some gems he packed with him.

Soon they were back on the move, as they reached the other side of the Macintosh Hills. They followed the trail down the hills and were on the ground level seeing a forest. Twilight pulled out the map with her magic and spoke, while looking at it, "According to the map this place is known as the Shadow Forest."

"Oh dear, sounds scary." Fluttershy trembled.

Rainbow made some ghostly noises just to be funny, "Rainbow!" Applejack chided her for making things more uncomfortable for their shy friend.

"Sorry, just trying to lighten the mood." Rainbow chuckled.

"Come on everypony, we better get moving." Twilight stated, as they entered the forest.

As they walked down a trail through the dark thick forest, they looked around seeing all the trees were in crooked bizarre shapes, similar to the trees of the Everfree Forest, "Boy, this place is creepy." Pinkie noted.

"Why else call it Shadow Forest?" Rainbow asked dryly.

"Good point." Pinkie admitted.

"And it's getting darker the further we go." Spike added.

"Not a problem." Twilight answered, as he used illumination magic with her horn to give them some light.

They continued on as they stayed close to Twilight so not to get lost. As they walked they started hearing unpleasant hoots, growls, and cries from all around, "I'm not liking this place anymore than I didn't already." Fluttershy trembled.

"Keep it together, Fluttershy," Rainbow began as she was walking close to the trees, "It's not like something's gonna pop out and surprise us," suddenly a tree branch fell to the ground behind the pegasus, making her jump in fright, "What was that?!"

Rarity walked over and used her magic to lift the branch, "It's just a tree branch, Rainbow Dash."

"Right. I knew that." Rainbow said, brushing off the fear she just showed for the sake of her pride.

"Come on girl, let's keep moving," Twilight said as she looked at the map, with Spike, "The path should lead us out of here."

"I hope so. The longer I stay in here the more willies I'm getting," Spike added, until suddenly a stake made from tree bark almost nailed them, leaving them both startled, "Run!" he cried.

Applejack spoke up, "Come on yall, there's no reason to panic," she began thinking it was just enough case of broken branch falling, until two more stakes almost nailed her, "NOW PANIC!" she cried, as they started galloping off.

As it turned out over half the trees in the forest were alive with scary faces and glowing yellow eyes. They let our roars, while throwing countless stakes made from their own branches at the ponies, and Spike who were dodging them, "The trees are alive!" Fluttershy cried in fright.

"Maybe if we try singing to them like we did last time..." Pinkie suggested about how they were able to conquer their fear in the Everfree Forest.

"I highly doubt that will work on these trees." Rarity voiced her opinion as they continued running.

Spike who was running for his lfie, was suddenly grabbed by one of the trees clawed armed branches and was lifted off the ground, "Twilight! Girls, help!" he cried as he struggled to break free.

"Spike!" they cried.

"I'll save him!" Rainbow called as she flew to the tree, while dodging all the incoming stakes. She finally tackled the branch holding Spike, causing it to release the dragon. Spike started falling, only for Rainbow to catch him.

"Thanks, Rainbow Dash." he thanked her.

"Not a problem." she answered as they flew down to where the others were.

"The exit's not far from here let's go!" Twilight ordered as they hurried down the path, while she used barrier magic taught to her by Cadence, to avoid the incoming stakes being thrown at them.

"How much further?" Spike asked, as she ran by Twilight's side.

"Through there!" she answered, while motioning to a cave entrance. They went through the caves tunnel and came out at the end seeing the sun again.

"We made it out!" Fluttershy cheered in relief.

"Thank Celestia." Rarity sighed in relief.

"I sure hope we don't have to go back through that place going home." Spike told the girls who were hoping they'd find another way back as well.

"We'll worry about how to get back later," Twilight began, "Right now we need to keep moving forward." they all nodded, and continue down the road.

They followed the road, until it led them to a valley. They saw a huge wall set up with a doorway in the center. On the two doors was the Dinolot crest, signaling it was the kingdom's entry way, "The entry to the kingdom." Twilight deduced.

"Last pony there's a rotten apple!" Pinkie cheered as she charged.

"Pinkie!" they cried as the pink party pony was about to ram into the gate, only for two spears to get aimed at her, stopping her in her tracks.

She looked up seeing two Deinonychus dinosaurs wearing knight helmets and torso armor, while aiming their spears at her, "Halt! State your business!" one of them ordered while threatening to poke her with his spear.

"Hi fellas. It's nice to meet ya," she greeted them, "I'm Pinkie Pie and I love to party!" she cheered, only for Twilight and the others to skid at her side and pull her back, while Twilight approached.

"I'm so sorry for my friends enthusiasm, but we mean you no harm." she explained.

"What would you pony folk be doing out here?" one of the guards asked suspiciously.

"Barely any pony in Equestria even knows about our kingdom, unless they were important folk." another explained.

"We are. We're here on a quest by Princess Celestia of Canterlot." Twilight explained.

"The Princess of the sun sent you?" one asked, and the princess of magic nodded.

"For what reason?" the second guard continued to be suspicious about them.

"Because of me." Spike answered as he approached.

"And you are?" one of the guards asked curiously.

"My name is Spike, and I'm one of you." he held up the crest given to him.

The guards gasped at the sight of it, and the second asked, "Where did you get that?"

"I know this may be hard for you too accept but I am half dinosaur and half dragon," Spike began, "And I am also the long lost child of King Geki and Queen Elsa."

"You're what?!" the two guards gasped.

"He's telling the truth, uh sirs." Rarity backed Spike up.

"We're going to need authentic proof before we bend the rules." one of the guards requested.

"Here. This was with me when I was just an egg." Spike showed them the note from his parents.

The two guards studied the note, before gasping, "This is our King's handwriting."

"And no other could perfectly replicate his writing." the second guard added.

"So you believe me?" Spike asked, while he and his friends looked hopefully.

"Yes," one answered, "Forgive us, but we never knew the king and queen had a child."

"King Razer will most certainly want to hear of this." the second added.

"So then ya'll let us in?" Applejack asked hopefully.

"Of course," the first guard answered as he and his partner stood before the gates and tapped them with their spears in a rhythmic pattern before the gates opened up, "Follow us." he instructed, as they all followed the two guards inside and the gates closed behind them.

Then they reached the other side they saw in the distance the kingdom that Princess Celestia showed them through her magic. The second guard proclaimed, "Welcome to the kingdom of Dinolot!"

"This is so awesome!" Rainbow cheered, as she hugged Pinkie, trying to contain her excitement.

"It's even more beautiful than I thought." Rarity gasped in awe.

Twilight looked down at her number one assistant, "Well Spike, I guess this is it."

"Uh-huh." Spike agreed knowing that he's come this far and now he's ready to find out more about his parents.

King Razer

Last time, after a tiring journey through Equestria, Spike and the girls made their way to the entrance of the kingdom of Dinolot. After showing the Dinolot crest and message from his parents, the guards allowed Spike and his friends access into the kingdom where they would meet with the kingdom's ruler.

Spike and his pony friends continued following the two guards, who led them through the kingdom's town square. The group looked around in wonder seeing it was just the way they saw it through Celestia's magic. Much like Ponyville's and Canterlot's inhabitants, the dinosaur inhabitants of Dinolot were going about every day lives, from jobs, to relaxing, etc. They saw the multiple different dinosaur types ranging from ones who walked on all fours like the ponies do, ones who walk on two legs like Spike, and ones capable of flying in the air.

"My this kingdom is so magnificent." Rarity gasped.

"It is quite fascinating isn't it?" one the guards asked.

"Consider yourselves lucky," the second continued, "We don't normally let non dinosaurs inside without proper authorization." the group nodded.

As they continued through the town, many Dinosaur folk stopped to give the ponies and Spike questionable looks, while the younger dinosaurs were fascinated by their appearances. Soon the two guards led them up to Dinolot's castle, as the group looked all the way to see it was about the same size as the one in Canterlot. They were shown into the castle and started walking along the halls seeing portraits of other kings or queens that once ruled over the kingdom years ago. The past kings and queens ranged between all types of dinosaurs, "Wow all of these guys ruled over this one one kingdom?" Rainbow asked the guards.

"Correct," the first began, "For you see our royal leaders didn't always fall in by royal blood and all. It was also determined by strength, wisdom, and devotion."

"Many of these past kings and queens had proven they had those qualities to lead our kingdom," The second continued, "And when it was their time to pass, a challenge was always made to determine the next worthy leader."

Spike noticed a portrait of his father, "And my father was one of them?"

"Oh yes. Back then we were still rookie guards, but we were there when your father fought in the tournament." the first said.

"He took on challenger after challenger, until he came out on top." the second added.

"Wow." Spike gasped in admiration.

"Wow Spike, sounds like you had a totally awesome dad!" Rainbow smirked as she playfully punched his shoulder.

"Yeah. It sure looks like it." Spike replied wishing he got to know his dad and mom.

They stopped before two large doors, as one of the guards knocked on it with his spear, "Enter!" a voice called from behind.

The doors opened revealing the throne room, which was big an luxurious with green wallpaper, a red carpet stretching from the entry all the way to the throne, tapestries hanging from the ceiling with the Dinolot insignia. Up on the throne sat the king of Dinolot, Razer. He was a green Giganotosaurus, who wore a crown on his head, and wore a purple king's cape. The two guards led the group up to the throne and they bowed. Razer eyed the group of ponies and the little dragon wondering what this was about, "Your excellency, we bring news that you must here." the first guard began.

"I'm listening." Razer answered patiently.

"We found these ponies and this dragon outside the gates," the second continued, "The dragon has proof that he is one of us."

Razer's eyes fell upon Spike, who looked nervous as he looked up at the towering dinosaur king, "A dragon one of us?"

"I'm half dragon uh, your highness," Spike began, "My name is Spike. My friends and I have come all the way from Canterlot because you may have the answers I'm searching for. I am in fact the son of King Geki and Queen Elsa."

Razer did a double take, before speaking, "Come again?"

"It's just as Spike said, King Razer," Twilight spoke up, before using her magic to levitate the note up to him, "Here read this and you'll have your proof."

Razer accepted the letter and read it to himself. As he read it, his eyes started growing wide in surprise and was shocked. When he lowered the letter, he descended from his throne and stood before Spike. Spike looked nervously, as the large dinosaur looked on him with eyes that felt like they were drilling right through his very skin. Suddenly what threw him and the girls off guard was the king letting out an exuberant laugh, "Oh I knew Geki and Elsa wouldn't leave us without an offspring!" he patted Spike's back, "It's an honor to meet the son of my best friend."

"Best friend?" the ponies asked.

"Of course," Razer answered, "Geki and I were close friends, even when we were hatchlings. But please allow me to graciously welcome you all to Dinolot. I am King Razer."

"Well you know me. I'm Spike," Spike reintroduced himself, "And these are my pony friends. Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, and Rarity."

"Your highness." the six ponies bowed to the king.

"So I assume it was Princess Celestia that told you about Dinolot?" Razer inquired.

"Correct." Twilight nodded with Spike.

"Well she did the right thing in sending Spike here to learn about us," Razer spoke up, "There is so much you need to know Spike, about your family, and this marvelous kingdom."

"I know." he replied.

"But for now why don't you all relax? You've come so far, and deserve some rest." Razer offered.

"That sounds wonderful to me." Rarity admitted.

Raze nodded and clapped his claws, as his two guards stood ready, "See to it our guests have proper bedrooms prepared."

"Yes, King Razer." the two guards nodded, and took their leave.

"Now why don't I show you around your home, Spike?" Razer offered.

"I'd love that." Spike admitted, as he and his friends followed Razer.

Razer showed them through the castle halls, as Rarity kept gushing and marveling at the royal décor, "Oh this castle looks simply fabulous, King Razer." the unicorn beamed.

"I'm glad you think so, Ms. Rarity," Razer replied, "Been around ever since Dinolot was first founded thousands of years ago."

"So what can you tell me about my parents?" Spike began, as they started walking through a garden, which Fluttershy admired.

"Well Geki and I knew each other when we were kids," Razer began, "We were like a dynamic duo, always ready to liven the kingdom up. We both always dreamed about what it would be like if any one of us was king of Dinolot. When we were soon going to come of age, we started practicing for when it would be time to pick a new leader we would be able to enter the tournament. When the time came we both signed up and the battles commenced."

"Oh that sounded so awesome!" Rainbow spoke up, while feeling giddy.

"It was quite a day I'll admit," Razer admitted, as if he was feeling nostalgic, "We won match after match, until it came down to just us two. We fought like true gladiators in the old times. But in the end, Geki prove himself to be the strongest and he bested me. After that he was declared King."

"I hope him beating you and becoming king didn't put a strain on your friendship." Fluttershy said hopefully.

"Well truthfully I was a bit bitter about it, but I learned that holding onto such grudges wasn't worth it," Razer answered, "And just because he became king didn't make him any less of my friend. In fact I was appointed as his councilman. It still felt good working along side my old friend as we monitored our kingdom with its best interest."

"Wow," Spike gasped in admiration, until another thought hit him, "So how did dad meet my mom?"

"Elsa?" Razer asked, "Well this was a long time ago. A few years after Geki was named king, he was summoned to the land of dragons for a meeting with the high dragon council to talk about alliances."

"Dragon council?" Twilight asked.

"Yes," Razer nodded, "I take it you had to have met other dragons before?"

"Yeah, but my experience with them wasn't so well." Spike admitted.

"Well keep an open mind not all dragons are ruthless brutes. Some of them are actually quite harmonious, unless you start something with them," Razer explained, "Anyway, Geki, I, and several guards traveled to the dragons land to talk with their council about an alliance. During our stay with the dragons, your father fell in love with a beautiful dragon girl who went by the name of Elsa. She wasn't born royalty, but she expressed kindness and love towards Geki. When it was time for us to go, Geki insisted we bring Elsa with us claiming that he loved her and wanted to marry her. The council felt it could help strengthen our bonds if they were to wed. And eventually they got married and Elsa became our queen."

"How wonderful." Fluttershy gasped.

"But ah guess they all didn't live the happily ever after life?" Applejack asked.

"Unfortunately," Razer answered in sorrow, "For some reason and somehow a rogue gang of dinosaurs broke into the castle and attacked the king and queen forcing them to flee the castle and kingdom itself. We lost a lot of good guards and soldiers that day." he hung his head down.

The girls could see how hurt Razer looked having lost his childhood friend. Suddenly his sorrowful looked turned joyous, as he held Spike close, "But to see they had not died in vain. For they have left us a legacy to remember them by!"

Spike, while being held too close felt as if his eyes were going to pop, spoke, "Lucky me."

"So did you catch that group of dinosaurs who murdered them?" Twilight asked curiously.

"I'm afraid not," Razer admitted in shame, "For after the event, they went underground, vanished into thin air. None of us knew how they got into the castle, or who orchestrated this. What we do know however is that some one didn't want our rulers on the throne anymore."

"What about your alliance with the dragons?" Rarity asked.

"When word got out to them about Elsa's death, they cut off all ties from us." the king answered.

"Did they try to invade your kingdom because of this?" Twilight asked, hating to think of the possibility.

"Some tried to attack our kingdom, but we captured them and used them as bargaining chips so that the dragon kingdom would surrender. And they did with us turning the captured dragons over to them as part of our truce."

"King Razer?" a voice spoke up. They looked ahead seeing a grayish blue Apatosaurus approaching them.

"Ah right on time," Razer began, "Spike, ladies, I'd like to introduce to you my councilman, Bronko."

"Wow he must need a lot of neckties to cover a neck that long." Pinkie joked, only to get shushed by Applejack and Twilight.

Bronko looked at the group questionably, until the king spoke up, "Bronko, allow me to introduce you to some special guests of ours all the way from Canterlot. This is Twilight Sparkle, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, and finally Spike the son of the late Geki and Elsa."

"What?" Bronko gasped in shock as he looked Spike over, "Hmm, the resemblance is quite uncanny. But if he is who he says, then this bring joy to my heart and all those who worshiped Geki and Elsa."

"Agreed," Razer nodded, "See to it we have a proper feast for our guests, as well as some entertainment."

"Of course, King Razer." Bronko said, as he took his leave to make the preparations.

"There's going to be a feast tonight?" Rarity asked.

"Ooh I love feasts!" Pinkie cheered.

"That's very generous of you your highness." Twilight noted.

"I just love to make my guests feel accommodated. Now why don't you all get yourselves washed up while I oversee the preparations?" he suggested.

"Sure thing your excellency." Spike nodded.

"Please call me Razer." he smiled.

"Of course, Razer." Spike said as he and his friends left to get cleaned up, unaware of Razer smirking to himself.

Conspiracy Revealed

It was close to nighttime, and Spike, his pony friends, and King Razer were gathered at a dinner table with many guests from the kingdom. On the table was a combination of both meats for the carnivore dinosaurs, and plants and leafy treats for the herbivore dinosaurs and the ponies. Spike was sitting next to Razer and Twilight, while snacking on a gem, "Mm, King Razer, you really know how to throw a banquet." Spike admitted.

"Why thank you, Spike. I do what I can to please my honored guests." Razer answered, as he took a sip of his drink from out of a goblet.

The ponies watched as some of the carnivore dinosaurs were eating their meaty dinner, while looking nauseous, and Fluttershy looking ready to pass out. A Triceratops sitting next to her spoke, "I know it's disgusting to watch them eat such things, but we respect that we all have different diets."

"That doesn't make it any easier." Fluttershy trembled.

"I'll say." Applejack agreed.

"You'll get used to it." An apatosaurus replied.

So they continued to enjoy their feast, until a raptor approached Razer and whispered something to him, "Ah, right on time."

The ponies looked to the king as Rainbow asked, "What's on time?"

"I have arranged for us some entertainment, by one of our kingdom's most popular of pop stars." Razer began, as a velociraptor wearing a cloak approached, accompanied by three female saurolophus'.

"Who is that?" Rairyt inquired.

"May I introduce to you, Lizard Skizard." Razer introduced them as, said pop star dinosaur threw his cloak off.

"Nice to meetcha." he greeted them.

"Once again, thank you for coming on such short notice, Skizard." Razer thanked him.

"No trouble at all, your majesty," Skizard began as he approached Spike, "After I heard of the long lost heir of King Geki and Queen Elsa was here I couldn't resist. I am honored to meet you, Prince Spike." he shook his claw.

"Please, pleasure's mine." Spike said, while feeling awkward about all this.

"Well now Skizard, don't you have a performance to give?" Razer reminded him.

"Yes, your excellency." Skizard remembered, as he and his back up singers went to a stage and set up. Skizard took a mic and spoke into, "Hello, is this ting on? Good. Good evening, dinosaurs of all types. Tonight we have a special number going out to the long lost prince of Dinolot, and his pony subjects. Hit it!"

And so music started playing as Skizard started singing, and the three saurolophus' were acting as his back up singers. As they sang a song known as Roll Back the Rock, the guests were enjoying the music, especially Pinkie and Spike, while the other ponies moving their heads to the rhythm. Two of the back up singers danced around Spike before they were each on a side of him.

Taking the dinosaur/dragon by surprise, he received a kiss from both sides, turning his face red. The ponies giggled at his reaction, as Skizard and his back up singers finished. The dinosaurs and ponies applauded on their performance, while Spike jumped out of his seat and applauded the biggest.

It had gotten late, and the girls and Spike were escorted off to their rooms to get a good nights sleep. When Twilight and Spike were all that's left, Spike was about to enter his room until Twilight spoke, "Will you be ok, Spike?"

"I'll be fine, Twilight. You should get some shuteye like the others. Big day tomorrow when Razer intends on announcing me to the kingdom." Spike stated.

"I guess you're right." Twilight answered, as she bid her number one assistant goodnight before retiring to her own room as well.

That night, Spike was sleeping peacefully until his stomach grumbled. He woke up, "Boy I'm hungry. Maybe there's some extra gems in the castle kitchen for me to snack on." he got out of bed and left the room, before proceeding through the hall.

As he walked the dark hall he started hearing voices, "So it's all set?"

Spike stopped and listened in, "Yes, sir. We're ready to carry out the plan as you requested." Spike followed the sound to a room, before creaking it open slightly. He peeked in to see numerous figures wearing cloaks, while standing before a bigger cloaked figure.

'What the?' Spike thought.

"Good, first we'll grab the prince and his followers." the leader explained.

'Grab the prince?' Spike thought before realizing, 'They're after me, and the girls too!? I gotta warn them!' he turned to leave only to bump into another cloaked figure.

It looked down at him with the hood concealing its face before speaking, "Where do you think you're going?"

Spike chuckled nervously, "Uh, away from here?"

"I don't think so." he grabbed Spike by the back on his neck and brought him into the room.

"Let me go!" Spike struggled.

"Sir, I found this one sneaking around." the figured held spike up for its leader and the others to see.

"I see, this makes it much easier now." the lead answered.

"Huh?" spike asked in confusion, as the lead approached him.

"Sorry boy, but I'm going to ask you to take a little nap!" he delivered a chop to the back of Spike's neck knocking him unconscious.

Sometime later Spike groaned as he woke up and saw he was in a dungeon while hanging by his wrists, "Huh, where am I?"

"Spike! Spike!" he heard familiar voices. He looked down and saw Twilight and the rest of their friends chained to the floor.

Rainbow was struggling to fly fast enough to break the chains holding her down, but to no avail, "Girls, what happened?" Spike called.

"These varmints in cloaks jumped us all while we were sleepin', and chained us up in here." Applejack explained.

"Are you ok?" Fluttershy called up to him.

"I'm fine, but Twilight can't you use your magic to break these chains?" Spike asked.

"I've been trying to, but my magic isn't working on them." Twilight explained.

"They must be magic proof." Rarity stated.

"The best kind." a voice said, as they saw the dungeon door open, and stepping in were the group of cloaked figures.

"You!" Spike called, "You're the one who knocked me out!"

"Guilty as charged," the figure answered, "I couldn't let you be awake, while I was carrying out the rest of my plan."

"Wait a minute, your voice it sounds familiar." Twilight gasped, as all the others started realizing it.

"Well it should." the figure answered, as he removed his hood revealing to be Razer.

"King Razer?" the ponies and Spike gasped in shock.

"The very same." Razer smirked.

The others removed their hoods revealing to be his guards, as well as councilman Bronko, "What's going on here?" Rainbow demanded.

"Yes, your majesty why're you doing this?" Rarity inquired.

"To preserve my rightful place as king." Razer began.

"What do you mean?" Spike asked.

"With you Spike being the heir to the throne I couldn't just let you be exposed to all those in the kingdom. So I've made sure to keep you here so no other dinosaur in the kingdom would know about you." the king began, "I've had this title for a good long time, but I don't intend on giving it up to the spawn of the one dinosaur who took everything from me."

"What are you talking about?" Pinkie asked.

"I'm talking about my former friend Geki."

"Dad?" Spike gasped, "But he was your friend."

"Correct, he was my friend. But when he bested me in the tournament to become king he took all my hopes and dreams and left me with nothing. I tried to stomach my jealousy and hatred, but nothing could ever erase the pain of losing everything I worked for!"

"But dad made you a member of his council as a sign of respect."

"All I saw in that position was just his attempt of showing pity!" Razer growled, "But when he married that dragon girl Elsa and forged an alliance between the dinosaurs and the dragons I finally snapped at how he continued to surpass me, while fell further behind him. So I took it upon myself and gathered some close followers to do the undertake the ultimate act, by murdering the king and queen."

The ponies and Spike gasped in shock as Twilight spoke, "So you?"

"Yes, Princess. My guards and I did away with King Geki and Queen Elsa." he answered with no hint of guilt.

"You!" Spike gasped as his eyes started filling up with tears.

"But we had not taken account that they had a child that they sent adrift," Razer continued, "But when you came marching up to my door and showed me everything I knew there was something we overlooked. And now I aim to correct my mistake by taking you out the picture. And so there won't be any witnesses, your pony friends shall suffer the same fate with you."

The ponies frowned, as Razer continued, "But that will have to wait until tomorrow. I have speech to give to the people claiming you were murdered by the same assassins that took their beloved King and Queen. So enjoy your night here in the dungeon. For it will be your very last night in all of Equestria." Razer laughed as he left the dungeon with his followers in tow.

"Hey, you get back here you jerk!" Rainbow ordered, as she tried to fly after him, but wasn't able to get far with being chained to the floor.

"This is no way to treat your guests!" Rarity called out.

"I can't believe he tricked us." Applejack grumbled.

"And I'm the one who likes to play tricks." Pinkie pouted.

"Oh, what're we going to do?" Fluttershy asked.

"We have to find a way to get out of here," Twilight stated, until they heard sobbing and lokoed above seeing Spike crying, "Spike?"

"This is... all my fault!" Spike cried in sadness.

Royal Rumble

"This is... all my fault!" Spike cried in sadness.

"Spike?" Twilight gasped.

"What do ya mean all your fault?" Applejack asked in confusion.

"I'm the one who got us into this mess!" Spike continued to cry, "If I wasn't so desperate to find the answers to my past we never would've come here and we wouldn't have gotten caught!"

"Well that's not true, Spike." Twilight tried to comfort him.

"It kinda is." Rainbow spoke up, hating to be blunt.

"Hush!" Rarity hushed her.

"Come on, Spike. Nopony could've predicted this would happen." Twilight spoke to him.

"Yes, it could've happened to anypony." Fluttershy added.

"But it happened to all of us. All because of me," Spike continued to put himself down and sniffled, "You were right, Twilight. Trying to learn too much only led me to answers I didn't want."

The girls looked at Twilight seeing she told him such a thing that came true, "Oh, Spike. I didn't mean for this kind of stuff to be what you'd find out."

"Well it did. And now we're all paying the price because of my curiosity." Spike sighed.

Twilight knew she had to bring Spike around, "Spike, do you remember that one time in Canterlot when we were younger? I had us sneak into the restricted section of the castle library because I was curious about all the more advanced books. And we both got caught and brought to the princess."

"You what?" Rainbow asked, only to get hushed by Rarity again.

"She was disappointed that we did it, but I remember one thing she taught us was that curiosity can kill the cat, but it's not a sin." the princess explained.

Spike remembering that lesson they learned started shedding less tears, as Rarity spoke, "Twilight's absolutely right, darling. Celestia knows we've all been curious more than once in our lives and it led to us making mistakes and problems."

"That's right." Applejack agreed.

"Point is, there's no shame in feeling curious about anything." Twilight made her point.

"So come on, give us a smile Spike." Pinkie smiled up at him as did the others.

Spike feeling renewed with spirit smiled, "Thanks, guys. I never should've blamed myself for this.

"That's the spirit partner." Applejack smiled.

Spike sighed, "Still, I wish there was a way for us to get out of here."

"So we do." Twilight sighed, since the locks were magic proof.

Rarity noticed Pinkie looked happy, "And why pray tell are you so happy, Pinkie Pie?"

"Oh nothing, it's just we've always been in tight spots like this and something good always happens to us in the end."

"Those were by luck." Applejack noted.

"But they still happen." Pinkie replied, "Why just you wait. Something good's bound to happen any moment now." they all waited and saw nothing had happened.

"Nothing's happening." Fluttershy said in worry.

"Give it time." Pinkie replied.

"But we don't have time, Pinkie!" Rainbow called, until the dungeon door slammed open taking them all by surprise.

They looked to see Bronko at the entrance of the dungeon, "I'm busting you all out of here!"

They gasped and looked at Pinkie, who was grinning and spoke, "Told you."

Bronko came by with the key and began unlocking their binds. Once they were all released they stood before Bronko, as Spike spoke, "Thanks, Bronko."

"Not that we're not grateful and all, but why're you busting us out?" Applejack asked in confusion.

"Yeah, why?" Rainbow asked suspiciously.

Bronko sighed, "The truth is I was blackmailed into assisting with the downfall of King Geki and Queen Elsa."

"What?!" they gasped.

"Blackmailed, how?" Twilight asked.

"He threatened me that if I didn't help him in his scheme he would make sure my wife and baby would pay the price." he answered.

"Why of all the..." Applejack gasped.

Rainbow frowned, "That Razer is such a jerk!"

"Of course, to use your own wife and child against you." Rarity agreed.

"But I promise you there are more innocent lives here who have not been punished and would be willing to help you in standing up to Razer." Bronko promised.

"Even you would help?" Twilight asked hopefully.

Bronko looked at Spike seeing Geki and Elsa in him, and smiled, "I would be honored."

"Good, then we got no time to lose. Where's Razer?" Spike asked.

"At the town square prepared to give a eulogy for you and your friends."

"Nopony or dino's gonna be giving my eulogy!" Rainbow called, "Only somepony who's awesome deserves that privilege."

"Come on, we have to hurry." Twilight stated, as they all took off while Bronko got to work himself.

Meanwhile at the town square, many of Dinolot's inhabitants were gathered before the king and his guards, before speaking, "Today we face a tragedy similar to the one hat befell us many years ago when our beloved king and queen were murdered. I'm talking about the passing of their beloved son, Prince Spike. For last night my guards found him dead in his chamber strangled by his own bed sheets. I can only assume it was the very assassins who took his parents did the same to him. And if it weren't bad enough, they also murdered his six pony friends who came along with him to find the answers to his heritage. The seven shall be gravely missed." he bowed his head, followed by his guards, and the kingdom's inhabitants.

"The only one missing something is you, Razer!" a voice shouted, as the dinosaurs looked up seeing Spike riding Twilight's back as the princess flew down and descended before them, "And what you miss is an important fact, karma will bite you back!"

"It's the prince!" a dinosaur citizen gasped.

"And one of his friends!" another gasped.

"And us!" Rainbow called as she, and the others galloped onto the scene.

"They're alive?" a stegosaurus gasped, as they all looked to their king expecting an answer.

"It's a miracle!" he gasped, while putting on a shocked expression.

"Don't you play innocent with us!" Spike called.

"Yeah, tell every dino the truth, Razer." Applejack ordered.

"You locked us in the dungeon and planned to have us killed!" Twilight added.

The inhabitants gasped as they looked at their king, who acted quick, "This is all a set up! They're obviously trying to frame me!"

"No they are not!" another voice called, as they saw Bronko approach with many other raptors who were actually the real guards but were captured and locked up, and replaced by Razer's hired goons.

"Bronko?" he gasped.

"Citizens of Dinolot, King Razer is a liar and a murderer!" Bronko called.

"Bronko, silence!" Razer ordered.

"No!" he shot back, "I'm done taking orders from you! He staged everything that happened from the murder of our king and queen to the attempt of taking the lives of their son and his friends! His own guards were the assassins he hired and locked the real guards up in the dungeon all this time!"

The inhabitants gasped as they looked at their king, who looked right from left seeing he was backed into a corner. He frowned as he saw after so many years of deception the truth has finally come out. He let out a laugh, "Yes, that's right! I did it! I'm the one responsible for Geki and Elsa's murder, and I had recently tried to do away with their child! And you know what, I'd do it all again!" he laughed mockingly.

Spike and the girls frowned, as the dragon/dinosaur looked to Bronko who nodded in agreement. Spike shouted to the real guards, "Seize that traitor!"

Razer smirked, "If it's a fight you want, I'll be happy to oblige. Attack!"

And so Razer's minions charged into battle against the guards, while all the citizens took cover. As the loyal guards fought Razer's raptors, the ponies joined in using their natural abilities to take them on. Rainbow was dashing all around some of the raptors making them dizzy, Applejack was bucking some from behind, Rarity and Twilight were using their magic to levitate some crates before dropping them on their heads, Fluttershy was giving them the stare, and Pinkie pulled out some marbles and began letting them roll forward, causing them to slip and land on the ground.

As they were fighting, Spike saw Razer trying to make a getaway, "Hey, he's getting away!" he called.

"Not if I can help it!" Bronko called, as he charged after him.

Spike not wanting Bronko to go alone, followed him. He watched as Bronko and Razer stood facing off with each other, "You dare betray me, Bronko?"

"Yes, Razer. You blackmailed me into following your orders and killed the king and the queen. You were their friend!" Bronko shouted.

"All in the past. And after I'm done with you, I'll make due on my promise and give their son the same fate!" he promised, while Spike gasped.

"Over my dead body!" Bronko growled.

"Yes." Razer smirked as the two engaged each other.

Razer was using his teeth to try and chomp at Bronko, but he retaliated by dodging and using his tail to whip Razer back. Spike could only watch as the two dinosaurs fought each other, until Razer using his sharp claws slashed at Bronko's neck making him recoil. The Giganotosaurus finished him by tail whipping him, causing Bronko to collapse in exhaustion.

"Bronko!" Spike cried.

Razer looked down on Bronko, "Now I will finish you, and then go after your wife and child!" he was about to sink his teeth into Bronko, until a rock was thrown at the side of his head. He growled, before turning back seeing Spike glaring up at him. He chuckled amusingly, "So the crown prince decides to stand up to his parents murderer. This would be a very heroic moment if it wasn't so pathetic."

Spike growled, "You murdered my parents, lied to the kingdom, locked me and my friends up, and now you've hurt a comrade. You will pay for that!" he roared as his whole body started growing and changing, much to Razer's shock.

Suddenly standing before him was Spike in his giant form which he became during his dragon greed phase, "Impossible!" Razer gasped.

Spike spoke in a more mature voice to match his giant form, "Oh no, Razer. You see anything is possible here in Equestria! And I'm gonna prove it to you!" he charged and the two giant reptiles engaged in combat, with neither one letting up.

As they fought, Razer spoke, "You fight well for an amateur!"

"Well truth be told, I never did fight anything like this before. Granted I was never this size when I fought an enemy." Spike admitted, as he punched Razer's face and avoided a chomp from his enemy.

Soon Twilight and the girls arrived and saw what was happening, "Spike?" they gasped.

"He's a giant again." Applejack gasped.

"But how? He only grew that size due to dragon greed." Twilight stated.

"Spike has finally mastered his dino heart." Bronko answered.

"Bronko?" they gasped, seeing the dino crawl his way to them.

"Oh my gosh, you're hurt!" Fluttershy gasped at the scratch at his neck.

"Wait a minute, what do you mean dino heart?" Rainbow asked.

"It's a rite of passage that dinosaurs must embrace in order to grow up," he explained, "Spike seeing what Raze intended to do to all of us here, and for what he did to his parents has allowed him to embrace his true dinosaur self. And now he's ready to conquer the shadows that plagued his family."

"I'll say he's ready. Just look at him go." Rainbow gasped, as they watched their friend take the fight to Razer.

"Get him, Spike!" Pinkie cheered, as they all started shouting encouragement to him.

Spike hearing their cheers smiled, and thought, 'My friends.' he then delivered a punch to Razer's face knocking the crown off his head.

"You knocked my crown off!" Razer roared.

"You are not fit to wear the crown of my father!" Spike roared back, as they continued to go at it with claw swipes, tail whips, and punches.

When Razer suddenly left himself opened, Spike grabbed him by the tail and started lifting him up and slamming him to the ground from all around.

Razer was getting tired from taking so many hits and slams, until Spike threw him forward all the way to the edge of a cliff where the ocean was below it. Razer rolled across the ground before getting to close to the edge. He had almost fallen off it, had he not sank his claws in the ledge desperately hanging on.

"Spike, help me!" he pleaded with his life.

Spike approached, "You deserve this fate for your treachery." he crossed his arms.

"I'm sorry, Spike. You were right! I let my own jealousy consume me forcing me to take my own friends life. Please give me a chance to redeem myself! Your parent's would do the same!" he cried.

Spike looked at him with conflicting emotions, while the girls watched. Before any of the girls could go to him, Bronko spoke, "No girls, this is a choice Spike must make on his own."

They all nodded and watched Spike from their distance. Spike spoke up, "This is my parents kingdom. Remember your place." he extended his claw out and took one of Razer's.

"Thank you, Spike," Razer thanked him in relief, before a quick grin appeared on his face, "Psyche!" he grabbed Spike's claw and tugged him forward off the edge.

"NO!" Spike screamed, as he fell forward off the cliff.

"SPIKE!" the girls cried.

Spike however grabbed Razer's tail to keep himself from falling. However Razer wasn't strong enough to hold onto the ledge with the excess weight pulling him down, "AHH!" he screamed before he let go of the ledge, and fell to the waters below with Spike, "NO!" he cried as the two giants wrestled before hitting the water.

"Spike!" the girls cried as they ran to the edge of the cliff, as Bronko limped over.

"I don't see anything down there." Rarity gasped seeing the two had to have sunk into the water.

"I'll check it out!" Rainbow called, as she zoomed down to the ocean and put her head into the water and looked around seeing nothing but a black chasm below which was right where they would've continued to fall into. She saw no sign of Spike or Razer trying to come up.

She pulled her head up, and flew up to the cliff looking saddened, "Well, did you find him?" Applejack asked.

"Where is he?" Fluttershy asked in concern.

"Rainbow, is he ok?" Twilight asked in worry.

Rainbow looked to them sadly, "No. I didn't see either of them."

They gasped as Bronko's eyes were filled with sorrow, "Razer took Spike down with him. King Geki, King Elsa, I am so sorry." he cried.

The ponies grew sad at the loss of their friend, as Pinkie's mane and tail turned flat, and hugged a sobbing Fluttershy. Applejack and Rainbow comforted each other, while Twilight and Rarity did the same to each other, "He was our friend." Twilight sobbed.

"Oh, poor Spikey." Rarity cried as tears fell from her eyes.

"He went down like a hero," Rainbow began as she wiped a tear from her eye, "And that's more awesome than anything that's ever been awesome."

"I'm sure gonna miss the little guy." Applejack agreed, as she took off her hat as a sign of respect.

They started to turn around preparing to head back to the town square to deliver the sad news. Twilight looked down still sad, "The library won't be the same without my number one assistant."

Suddenly they heard coughing sounds. They turned around and saw who else but Spike crawl onto the ledge and onto the land, looking soaked. But what was shocking the most was that he wasn't big anymore, and yet he wasn't the same baby dragon size they knew him by. Instead he was about the same size he was when Twilight first noticed his sudden growth after his birthday.

"Stop!" he cried, as he got onto the land, "You're not seriously leaving me here are you?"

"Spike?" the girls gasped with wide eyes.

"Who else?" he asked, with a cough of water.

"SPIKE!" they galloped over and bombarded him with hugs.

"You're all right!" Fluttershy cheered.

"We knew you wouldn't be gone!" Pinkie nuzzled his face.

"You jerk, don't you ever scare us like that again!" Rainbow chided him, but hugged him.

"We were so worried about ya." Applejack wiped a tear out of her eye.

"Oh my Spikey-Wikey!" Rarity squealed as she kissed Spike's cheek.

"I'm so glad you're alive, Spike," Twilight smiled, "But what happened to Razer?"

"More importantly, what happened to you?" Rainbow asked noticing his new size.

"Well Razer and I were falling into that chasm together, but due to me having stronger arms I could swim better than him with those sticks he calls arms. It took me awhile to break free but I managed to swim out of the chasm, while he drowned. As for why I look like this now, I have no idea. As I climbed up the cliff I felt like I was getting smaller and smaller, until finally I made it to this size."

Bronko came forward, "Because you have undergone the ritual for dinosaurs Dino Heart, you can finally move forward with your growth. You're no longer a baby dragon or dinosaur."

Spike looked at himself, "Well that's just awesome." he smiled, until he saw Bronko holding the crown.

"You have overthrown our tyrannical and deceptive king," he began, "And now it is with great pleasure I crown you Spike son of King Geki and Queen Elsa, the new king of Dinolot." he crowned Spike, as the growing dragon/dinosaur saw it the crown had suddenly decreased in size so it could fit his head.

"The ponies gasped, as Spike spoke, "Me, the king?"

"Yes, your majesty." Bronko said as he bowed to him, prompting the ponies to bow as well.

Spike looked at them feeling awkward, not sure exactly what to do, until Pinkie spoke up, "Hey, we should now have a party in King Spike's honor!"

"Huh?" they asked.

Bronko spoke up, "An excellent idea, Ms. Pie. We shall prepare a joyous celebration tonight in Spike's honor!" Applejack got Spike onto her back, as they trotted off back to the town square where all of the kingdom would celebrate their new king.

Long live the King

That night, all of Dinolot was in celebration for the dethroning of King Razer, and the crowning of it's new king Spike. All of Razer's goons were captured and put in the dungeon by the real castle guards. The celebration was taking place at the center of the kingdom, as dinos were dancing around a bonfire as Lizard Skizard was once again singing, with the other dinos dancing, and even the ponies were getting in on it.

"Open the door, get on the floor. Everybody walk the dinosaur!" Skizard sang, as he led the party dinos and the ponies around the bonfire dancing.

Spike meanwhile, was sitting in the royal box seat with Bronko at his side, while the older dinosaur looked at the citizens with joy, "Oh, can you believe this? I don't think I've seen the kingdom this active in a long time. And it's all thanks to you, Spike."

"Well I just did what I felt was right." he admitted.

"And it was the right thing to do. And now we can all look forward to the dawning of a new era for our kingdom. With you as our new benevolent ruler." Bronko smiled.

Spike hearing that remembered what being king would mean for him, "Right." he said feeling unsure as he watched the girls party with the dinosaurs.

When it got late, Spike and the girls returned to the castle, and were all meeting in Spike's new bed chamber. Spike had much to discuss with his friends, "So what's this about, Spike?" Rainbow asked.

"Yeah, we figured after today you'd want some peace and all." Applejack added.

"Believe me, I do. But there's an urgent matter to be addressed now that I'm king of Dinolot." Spike began.

"What matter?" Fluttershy asked.

"With me crowned king this means I have to live here in Dinolot and rule over it."

"WHAT?!" the girls gasped, as Twilight spoke up.

"He's right. He won't be able to rule it if he's all the way in Ponyville."

"So then does this mean you won't be coming back home with us?" Rarity asked in worry.

"I guess so," he answered, "But I don't wanna leave you all. And I can't just force you to stay here with me."

"Sounds like a heck of a pickle, partner." Applejack noted.

"Yeah, and I don't know what to do. I mean I don't know anything about ruling a kingdom." he dropped his head down, until Twilight lifted his chin up.

"Spike, perhaps you to need think this over. I'm sure by morning you'll know exactly what you need to do."

"You think so?"

"You went through a lot today. A good night's sleep should be able to clear your head." she stated.

"Hm, you're probably right, Twi. Well it is late and I am getting tired." Spike yawned.

"We've all dealt with a lot today, so we should all get some sleep." Rarity added.

"Goodnight, girls." Spike big them adieu.

"Goodnight, Spike." they said collectively, as they left the chamber.

Soon Spike was sound asleep in his king sized bed, while deep in his subconscious, he woke up to find himself in a void.

"What? Oh, not another dream. I thought I was done with having these," he groaned before he saw two blurry figures approaching him, "Huh, who's that?" suddenly the two figures started coming into clear until he saw it was a tyrannosaurus and a dragon. The sight of them made him gasp, "No way... Mom, dad?" The two nodded, "I-I don't understand..."

They smiled as his father Geki spoke first, "We are proud of you, my son. Today you have finally avenged us and brought true peace back to Dinolot."

"We couldn't be anymore proud to see how much you've grown and all the friends you've made." Elsa added.

Spike's eyes started watering before he ran to them, and embraced their legs. The deceased couple smiled and lowered themselves down to his level, "There-there son, it's going to be ok." Elsa comforted him like a mother should.

"Oh, I got a problem on my claws," spike explained, "I'm now king of Dinolot, but I have a life back in Ponyville with Twilight and the girls."

"So we see." Geki smiled.

"We've always watched over you, even from the great beyond." Elsa stated.

"Mom, dad, what should I do?"

"Son, you told Bronko that you did what you felt was right. And you can do it again in this matter." Geki explained.

"You mean?"

"Yes," Elsa continued, "We know you will do what you feel is right for both the kingdom and yourself."

"You think so?" their son asked.

"We do." Geki smiled.

Spike smiled as he hugged them, "Thanks, mom, and dad. I know I'll make you proud like I have been since I hatched."

"You're welcome son." Geki nuzzled his son's head.

"Promise us you'll continue to live a good life for us and for yourself." Elsa ordered her son.

"You know it, mom." Spike smiled as he hugged her, as his dream faded out.

Spike woke up in his bed again, "I know what I must do." he said to himself.

The very next morning, every dinosaur in the kingdom was gathered at the town center to see Spike, who stood before them wearing the crown. Behind him was Bronko, and the girls. Spike spoke up, "My fellow dinosaurs and inhabitants. I stand before you proud that I have been crowned your king. In all my years I knew absolutely nothing about who I was or where I came from. But these last few days have opened my eyes and shown me the truth about my past. And when I learned what Razer did, I admit it broke my heart to hear he took my parents from me. But I fixed what he broke by dethroning him, and now the kingdom will have a rightful ruler!"

The crowd of dinosaurs cheered, while the girls watched feeling this meant Spike really was going to stay in Dinolot, until he spoke up again, "However, I cannot be that rightful ruler," at that moment the girls gasped, while the dinosaurs were in shock and started voicing their confusion and worries, until Spike held a claw up to silence them, "I understand your worries, but the fact is I already have a home. Granted it's not as big as this whole kingdom, but I wouldn't trade it and the friends I made in it for all the gems in Equestria. But don't be alarmed I'm not leaving you without a ruler."

The dinosaurs listened in as Spike continued, "I shall leave you in the care of a dinosaur who I feel is more fit to rule this kingdom than I am," he motioned to Twillight, who nodded and used her magic to levitate him up to Bronko's level. He removed the crown from his head and crowned Bronko, much to the older dinosaur's surprise. When Spike was levitated back down he announced, "All hail, King Bronko!"

Accepting his words, the dinosaurs announced, "Hail, King Bronko!"

Bronko looked down at Spike looking overwhelmed with happiness, "Spike, I-I don't know what to say."

Spike smiled, "Just promise me you'll rule Dinolot the way my parents would've wanted it."

Bronko smiled, and answered, "It's a promise."

Later that day Spike was up on the balcony of the castle looking out at the kingdom. Suddenly the girls approached him as Twilight spoke, "Taking one last look before we go?"

"Yeah. I don't know when the next time I'll be able to come back here, so I'm committing it all to memory."

"Personally, I think you're nuts giving up the position to be king of this whole kingdom," Rainbow began, "But I think it's also awesome you gave it up just for all of us." she smiled.

"And it was so generous of you to hand over your crown to Bronko." Rarity added.

"Well he'd make a better ruler, because he knows more here than I do," Spike, "Besides, I don't know if a crown is meant for my head." he chuckled with the girls.

Bronko approached wearing both the crown, and royal robes, "Heading out now?"

"Yes, it's time we got back to Canterlot." Twilight answered.

"I understand," Bronko answered, "And here, take this and give it to Princess Celestia." he gave Spike a scroll.

"Ooh, what is it?" Pinkie asked as she observed the rolled up parchment.

"That scroll is an alliance agreement I made for both Dinolot and Canterlot. I feel we could all benefit from each other." Bronko explained.

"That sounds like a fine idea." Applejack admitted.

"I agree, and I'm sure the princess will be more than happy to agree on an alliance." Twilight added.

"Well before you go, allow me to give you some faster mode of transport." Bronko continued, as he whistled.

Suddenly seven Pteranodon's flew in and landed before them, "Whoa." the ponies gasped.

"Boys, see to it Prince Spike and his friends make it back to Canterlot safely." Bronko instructed.

"Yes, your highness." One began, as they lowered themselves down so each could climb atop one of them.

"Hold on tight, everypony." a second said.

And the seven aerial dinosaurs took off into the sky flying around the kingdom before off in the direction for Canterlot. Bronko watched them fly off while smiling and said to himself, "Goodbye, Prince Spike."

And so the Pteranodon's flew over the Shadow Forest where the guys met the tree creatures, and over the mountains, "This is so awesome!" Rainbow shouted.

"Tell me when it's over!" Fluttershy cried as she had her eyes covered.

Meanwhile at Canterlot castle, Princess Celestia was out on a balcony looking out over the kingdom. She looked up at the sky and saw the seven Pteranodon's flying over the kingdom. She was concerned until she saw on their backs were her fellow princess as her friends. She backed away as the seven flying dinosaurs landed on the balcony, and the ponies and Spike dismounted, "Princess Celestia!" the group called.

"My goodness, that's one way for you all to make an entrance." Celestia smiled, "I take it your trip to Dinolot was a success?" she asked.

Spike approached, "It sure was, Princess."

Celestia looked surprised, "Spike, you've grown."

"Yeah, I'm not a baby anymore," Spike admitted, "And I bring this from the new king of Dinolot." he held out the scroll.

Celestia used her magic to unravel it and looked through it. When she finished she smiled, and looked to the seven dinosaurs, "Go back and tell King Bronko I humbly accept his offer of an alliance."

"Yes, Princess." they bowed their heads.

"Thanks for the lift home, you guys. Spike thanked them.

"It was our pleasure, Prince Spike." one answered.

"Until we meet again." another said, as the seven took off into the sky and flew back for their own kingdom.

Celestia looked to her subjects, "Now why don't we all have some tea, and tell me everything that's happened?"

"Yes, Princess." Twilight and Spike agreed, as they all went inside.

Soon they were all in the team room enjoying some tea with biscuits, while Spike was munching on a gem. They had finished telling Celesta ll that transpired in Dinolot. Needless to say the Princess was shocked, "I'm so glad you all made it out of there ok. And Spike, that was very courageous of you to take on King Razer and almost sacrifice yourself."

"Yeah, truth be told I hope I never go through that kind of thing again." he admitted.

"But I still don't know why you decided to try and give him a second chance?" Applejack asked.

"Otherwise I would've looked like a monster if I just threw him off the cliff myself. Next time I'll be sure to have better judgment." Spike promised.

"Whatever the case, all that matters is you all made it back safely," Celestia noted, before turning to the young dragon/dinosaur, "And you, Spike. I'm very proud to see you found out the truth and exposed Razer for who he was. And thanks to you the kingdom has a more fitting ruler now. I'm sure you'll forever be remembered by the kingdom of Dinolot."

"Yeah," he smiled, "You know I did mean what I said back there. I wouldn't trade in Ponyville or all the friends I made there for all the gems in the world. And that includes all of you."

The ponies smiled and gathered around him for a group hug, with Celestia joining in as well. Outside the castle the spirits of King Geki and Queen Elsa looked down upon where their son was. Smiling, while knowing in their hearts their son was going to be all right as he's been since the day Twilight hatched him.