Princess Celestia, the kind ruler of Equestria.
She has done things for the sake of her people, there were very few things she regretted. It was her people before anything else, any less and she wasn't worthy of being a ruler. She overthrew the previous Tyrant. She banished her only sister. She has apprenticed some of the greatest Unicorns in history.
In doing so she has created a nation for ponies to live. Equestria, a nation of Friendship and Harmony. A kingdom that has experienced over a millennium and a half of peace and happiness.
Now that peace was once again threatened.
"Why Spike, why?" She spoke to nopony.
"Sister, what has thine tail in a bunch?" The voice belonged to Celestia's sister, Princess Luna. Co-ruler of Equestria and Mistress of the moon. "You're not having second thoughts, are you?" She asked. "Remember our peace contract between us and the dragons are on the line." Luna spoke. "This was inevitable."
"I know."
"You can not allow your personal feelings to get in the way." Her sister continued before smiling. "Then again, if you didn't, you wouldn't be the beloved ruler you are."
"Co-ruler." She reminded her sister.
"As your Co-ruler, we-I shall aid you with this burden."
"It's time."
In walked Spike, the source of their conversation. Behind him, walked the mane six.
The baby dragon gave a bow before meeting their gaze. He stood there nervously, awaiting for anything.
"Spike." Princess Celestia began softly. "I need you to tell us exactly what happened."
"Well..." He began.
-Two Days Ago
"Spike, are you ready?"
The baby dragon looked at the Alicorn in confusion. What was he supposed to be ready for. He saw that the Elements of Harmony were gathered in the library, but why.
"I know that look!" Pinkie spoke energetically. "That's the 'I forgot what we're doing' look I get when I'm not baking or partying, sleeping, eating..."
"Can you blame me?" Spike asked. "She just dragged me out of bed and told me to get ready, no explanation.
"I've told you eight times that we're going exploring." Twilight sighed.
"That does sound familiar." Spike admitted.
"Into the of the dragon in the Everfree forest."
Spike snapped his claws in realization. "Now I remember, I've been suppressing that bit of info."
"Spike!"
"What do you need me for?" Spike asked. "You've got Applejack for strength." Said mare smiled proudly. "Rainbow Dash for speed." Said mare smiled smugly. "Fluttershy's stare." Said mare smiled timidly. "Your power." Said mare just smiled. "And Pinkie's...senses." Said mare smiled happily.
"All so true." Rainbow spoke.
"What about me Spike?" Rarity asked with a quivering lip. "Don't I have any useful qualities?"
"Of course!" Spike hastily answered. "You have charm, a cunning mind and..."
"Let's go before this dragon makes me barf." Rainbow spoke.
"Don't be rude Rainbow." Rarity spoke "Spike was only speaking honest truth."
"Oh brother." Applejack sighed, with a roll of her eyes.
"Wait, why are we going to visit this dragon?" Spike asked.
"Remember what happened during your greed growth?" She asked, knowing that he did. "Well I realized that Equestria has very little knowledge of dragons." Twilight explained. "We may need some of the information that this dragon could provide us."
"I wanted to be the first pony using dragon stunts." Rainbow spoke. "The Wonderbolts will be breaking down my door to get to me." She gained a cocky grin. "If not, I'll have kicked two dragons."
"I just want to know how dragons party!" The pink mare shouted.
"Spike, a big and strong gentle dragon like you doesn't intend to let a group of defenseless mares go into such a dangerous forest on their own, right?"
Spike looked into Rarity's big blue eyes, already lost in them. Apparently he was so lost that he had forgotten he had stated they weren't defenseless.
But how could he say Rarity was wrong?
"I guess it's my duty to escort you all through the forest." Spike said, already marching out the front door.
The mares all rolled their eyes with similar thoughts running through their heads.
The trip was mostly uneventful and, luckily for them, safe.
"Where are all of the creatures?" Rainbow asked.
"Beg your pardon?" Applejack spoke.
"Well usually by now we'd have run into something!" Rainbow wailed. "But now we're walking through here like we own the place."
"Don't we do that where ever we go?" Pinkie asked.
"Not the point."
It was true, the Everfree was always a strange place, something like this just wasn't right. None of the usual, or unusual, animals were running about.
"Darlings, we should be enjoying the peace we're getting." Rarity spoke. "It's not often our adventures are so."
"Actually, I think we should be on guard." A timid voice spoke. "I mean, if you want."
All eyes turned to Fluttershy.
"Well it's just...the Everfree is like an ocean and each creature is a piranha." She looked for the right words. "When a swarm of piranha won't take on the prey, it's because there's a shark near by."
The little bit of information was able to unnerve the group.
The Everfree is full of fierce creatures. They all thought. What could possibly be the shark of this forest?
The answer was too frightening for them to try to imagine.
Spike and the Main Six stood in front of the cave inside of the Everfree forest.
Now that they were there, everything seemed bigger and more dangerous. It seemed to dawn on them that they were entering a dragons cave.
"Well Twilight." Rainbow spoke. "We're right behind you."
"After you Rainbow." The Alicorn spoke. "I wouldn't want to keep you from the Wonderbolts."
The mares and dragon just continued to stand there.
"Well we won't get anything done just standing here." Pinkie exclaimed. The pink mare began bouncing inside the cave. "Hello, is any dragon home?" She called at the top of her lungs.
The group followed the Earth pony inside, with more caution
As they traveled inside, they took a moment to examine the cave.
"It seems to be empty."
"Not entirely." Spike said as he began licking his lip.
Inside of the cave was the largest collection of gems anypony had ever seen. They practically reached the height of the cave's ceiling and where spread out enough to reach both cave walls. It was a true dragon's hoard.
"What are a bunch of ponies doing in my den?" A loud voice questioned.
The mares and Spike turned to see a large and angry green dragon. He looked just as Spike and Twilight remembered from their last encounter.
Large and Angry.
"Hello Mr. Dragon." Twilight spoke in a diplomatic tone. "We came requiring your assistance."
"Oh?" He questioned. "What do you offer me?"
"Offer?" Rainbow questioned.
The dragon walked past them and laid upon his hoard. He stared down at the ponies with a look mixed between smugness and amusement.
"You didn't think I'd give my assistance for free did you?" He asked before growling at Spike and Twilight. "Especially to those who have already invaded!"
Spike just cowed behind Twilight, in fear of the elder dragons rage. The mare didn't, she was prepared for this and took out a book.
There were several eye rolls, but the dragon looked on in interest.
"I have here a one of a kind book from an era long forgotten." She spoke. "There is no other known copy in the entire pony community." She looked sad to give it up. "It's pretty much priceless."
The dragon leaned into the pony circle to examine the book. Twilight used her magic to place it into his giant claw. He blew a puff of smoke before giving the mare a nod of approval.
"A fine gift." He admitted before smiling cruelly. "But you made one mistake." His voice caused them to shiver. "You and the gift are already here, meaning I already own them."
"Hey you big lug...!" Whatever Rainbow Dash was going to say was lost in a roar from the dragon.
He turned his attention towards Spike. "You should keep your pony in line." He growled. "Now begone, before I forget that my belly is full and devour you bunch."
The mares were outraged by the dragon before them.
"You over grown ruffian!" Rarity spat.
"You bunch come uninvited into my home! The hatcheling has stolen from my hoard! Now you dare to lecture me!" He growled. "I have had enough of these insults!"
The dragon raised his massive form and loomed over the ponies. The fire growing in his maw, flickering with his rage.
Then, Tartarus broke loose.
Twilight had acted on instinct, she had extended a magical field over her and her friends and teleported out of the cave. This was done just in time to avoid becoming over-cooked ponies.
Unfortunately, she only teleported a few feet outside of the cave.
"We have to get out of here Twilight!"
"I need to focus to get us to Ponyville." Twilight explained.
The Alicorn's horn began glowing as she prepared to take them to safety. Her concentration was broken by the dragon bursting from his cave with a deafening roar.
The dragon didn't wait a single second. He sent a raging wall of flame towards the ponies.
It was only thanks to Twilight's shield that they hadn't been turned to ashes, but the strain was too much. As the fire died down, the Alicorn lost consciousness.
"Twilight!" They all cried.
"She's an Alicorn now, immortal!" Rarity yelled. "We, on the other hoof, are not!"
"What do we do?!"
"Get him!" Rainbow Dash shouted as she charged.
The mares charged.
Spike didn't charge with the other mares. Not that he felt he could be of much use.
He stayed by Twilight, never taking his eyes off of her still form. Even as the other mares began falling to the larger dragon's might.
If she hadn't been a Princess... He cut off that train of thought.
If she hadn't been an immortal, this would have been the end of her. He had been so close to losing her.
The mare that had hatched him, gave him life. The mare that raised him and taught him everything he knew. The mare that protected him. Cared for him. Loved him.
In every since of the word, his mother.
He looked at the larger dragon that had hurt her. The dragon that was hurting his other ponies.
I-I can't just stand here! He thought. I have to help them.
But how, that was the problem.
He wasn't big or strong enough to fight the beast. He couldn't fly as a distraction.
It still would't stop him from trying, he would do whatever he could.
But what can I do?! He asked himself. I've got to do something to take his attention away from them.
Take...take...take!
That's it!
He looked towards the dragon's cave, the entrance was unblocked. The beast was too busy with his ponies.
Not for long!
Spike had easily ran past the dragon, it was easy with him being so preoccupied.
Deeper and deeper into the cave he ran. He only stopped when he came across the hoard.
It was glorious pile of delicious gems of different varieties. All piled, as far as the eye could see.
"Spike want!" He shouted.
Nothing.
He felt desire for the gems, but it wasn't enough. It wasn't the overwhelming and primal avarice he had from his birthday.
"Why, why isn't it working?!"
He needed it. He needed the power. He needed the greed!
Do you?
Then he froze, not of his own free will. It was like he was caught in something. Caught in the grip of something not there!
It was like a black hole! It was outwardly quiescent yet violent at the heart, uncanny, hostile, primeval, emitting a negative radiance that draws all towards it, gobbling up all who come too close. Spike felt as if his whole body was being crushed, yet torn apart by the pressure.
It was maddening!
What will you do with it?
Usually when you hear a voice in you head offering you something, you assume it's Discord. Yet the Draconequus didn't compare the what he felt.
This voice was...heavy. That was the only way to describe it, heavy. It made since, with the sensation from before, this was the only thing that matched.
"I...I n-need to save m-my friends." He answered, sounding pathetic.
The presence only seemed to be annoyed by his weakness
Here's a taste.
The dragon had just beat the ponies, as he new he would. He hadn't killed them though. He had to savor his victory, even if it had been inevitable.
"Pathetic, you believed you could beat me?" The dragon asked.
The ponies stared back at him, tired and sore, but still defiant.
"Do your worst!" Rainbow Dash spat.
"Glady!"
The dragon raised his head back, his maw filled with a fire and a roar of victory.
He was silenced a boulder colliding with his head.
"Woah!" Rainbow shouted.
The dragon and ponies turned to the one who had tossed the boulder. They had expected to see one of the Princesses or another giant beast. Maybe a passing pony who decided to risk their life to aid them in such a dire situation.
Instead, they saw a baby dragon.
It had come from Spike!
He had a savage and unnatural look in his glowing green eyes! His fangs were bare and his claws looked as if they were extending! A column of smoke was rising from his nose with sparks of fire licking his mouth. It even looked as if his body was growing.
"Spike?" The mares questioned.
"Get away from my ponies!" He growled.
The dragon looked down at the that one who had attacked him. The hatcheling couldn't have been bigger than the dragon's claw, yet he stood there, defiantly. He couldn't help but let out a barking laugh at the whole situation.
"So the whelp has some fight in him?" He questioned. "Well lets..."
The ponies were curious as to why the dragon had suddenly when silent. Not only was he silent, he looked less arrogant! More respectful?
They followed his gaze towards Spike. Specifically, his shadow. It seemed to be stretching outwards, taking the outline of a beast. One that had grown to be very vast
"Old blood." He whispered. "So, you actually have a bit of dragon blood in you?" He wasn't answered. "Then I'll be sure to give you a respectful death!"
He reached one of his large arms at the baby dragon, intending to grab him. He hesitated for a second when Spike actually lunged at his claw.
Quickly, Spike latched on an began running up the elder dragon's arm.
Taking a deep breath, he let loose a fire larger than he ever had. It still carried it's usual emerald color, but it had a ferocity never before used. It practically consumed the elder dragon's entire head, it seemed to settle for pushing it to the side.
The dragon roared in pain as he swiped Spike off of him and into the air. The baby dragon could only flail as he free fell.
Before Spike could hit the ground, the dragon swiped him with is tail. He hit the wall of the cave with more force than he would have the ground. It hurt worst than anything Spike had ever felt before.
It's not enough.
Pathetic. The voice spoke. Even with all that power I gave you, you're still too weak!
Please...
...You had better be grateful.
Spike felt the sensation wash over him again. The fire in him that had been lit on his birthday. The same primal and greedy feeling from inside the cave.
On an entirely different scale.
Spike's body began to experience an intense pressure. It was as if his body was being pulled in every direction. He felt his muscles stretch under his scales as if they would tear. He neck and tail elongated on his body. His bones began to crack under the strain of it it all. Growing at an unnatural rate just to keep up.
The spectators could only watch in horror as Spike grew to the size of the green dragon. Then further.
The green dragon was no longer amused, or even angry. He actually felt a since of dread at the former hatcheling before him.
'Spike' looked down at the beast below him, easily half his size.
Easily half as weak.
'Spike' moved forward with speed a creature his size shouldn't be able to produce, yet he did.
He grabbed the dragon by the neck with one of his massive claws. With tremendous strength, he hefted the green dragon off of the ground and squeezed.
The chocking dragon tried to claw his way free, but he couldn't penetrate Spike's hardened scales.
"M-mercy...please!"
"After that, I don't know what happened." Spike admitted.
"We believe we can aid you." Princess Luna stated.
In Canterlot
In the Castle, two Alicorn's shuddered as they felt a wave of power pass through them.
Princess Luna was able to quickly brush the sensation away. Princess Celestia, was still suffering from it. Luna saw in her eyes a mixture of regret and...fear?
It has been ages since Luna has seen that look on her sister's face.
"Sister, what has thine tail in a bunch?" Luna spoke.
"Luna...bad knews." Celestia spoke.
"What?" What could be so bad?
"Are you familiar with Spike?"
"Spike, he is Twilight Sparkle's...assistant?" She questioned. "We are familiar with him, why?"
"Remember our peace contract, between us and the dragons?" Celestia asked. "The one that gave us an egg as part of the treaty." She sighed. "That was Spike's egg."
As Princess Celestia spoke, Luna began experiencing the same dread that her sister displayed.
"Is it time?"
"I'm afraid so." The Sun princess answered.
"Then let us go and do what we can."
Using a locator spell, they were able find their exact location. Using magic on a level higher than an average Unicorn, the Alicorns were gone in a flash of light. Princess Luna and Celestia were on her way towards the Mane six and specifically, Spike.
The Sun and Moon Princesses arrived onto a seen that wasn't too unexpected, at least for them.
A giant green dragon was being strangled by an even larger purple dragon.
"His blood must be powerful to be that size." Luna stated. "Who is his sire?"
Celestia looked down before answering. "Belgabad."
For the first time since her return, Princess Luna wished she was back on the moon.
The Princesses caught the first sign of the mares, they were behind Spike. Each one seemed bruised and charred, but alive.
"Sister, I shall attend Spike." Luna assured. "You save the ponies."
With no more words, the Sun princess was off.
Luna herself flew too Spike, though he didn't seem to notice. He didn't seem to notice anything but the dragon he was strangling.
"WE ARE THE PRINCESS OF EQUESTRIA!" She spoke in the Canterlot voice, but was greeted with silence. "WE KNOW YOU CAN HERE US!"
The transformed Spike turned a crimson eye, instead of his emerald green, towards the co-ruler of Equestria. He studied her for a second before fully focusing on Luna.
"Thought you were spending some time on the moon for misbehaving." The possessed Spike spoke. "Get off for good behavior?"
Luna was angered by the comment, but didn't let it show. She would not allow herself to be goaded like a child.
"Does thou wish for him to burn up?" She asked in her normal voice. "If thou keeps this up, only death awaits him, or worse."
The dragon actually took a look of consideration before before sighing.
"Fine, I shall release the whelp." The possessed Spike spoke. "I leave the rest to you."
As he said, he released Spike from the hold he had over him.
The greed that had been fueling Spike seemed to dissipate into nothing. In doing so, Spike lost the gigantic size that had been sustaining him.
Just as he did on his birthday, he free fell.
The green dragon caught him before he came close to hitting the ground.
He examined the whelp, the dragon, that nearly ended his life. Finding it hard to believe that it ha almost happened.
"Dragon, we shall take him." Luna stated. "Or does thou wish to have revenge on a harmless child?"
The dragon made a sound of humorless laughter.
"He is hardly harmless." The dragon stated. "But I will concede, I do not wish to bring his wrath upon myself for killing this whelp."
"A wise choice." Luna agreed.
After the fiasco with the green dragon, Spike and the mares were taken straight to Canterlot. There they were given a full day's rest and medical treatment from the best Doctors.
"So let me get this straight!" Rainbow Spoke "After we, the Elements of freaking Harmony, lost to that overgrown gecko." She pointed to Spike. "Spike, tapped into some kind of dragon power that possessed him, and then whooped the overgrown gecko?"
"In a crude manner, yes." Luna answered.
All eyes turned to the baby dragon in question.
"HOW?!"
Princess Celestia stepped up to speak.
"What Spike did was called Old Blood." She explained. "It allows them to call upon the strength of an ancestor, no matter how far back." She cast an eye to Spike. "Only dragons of a powerful lineage are capable of it."
"Then why did Spike lose control?" Twilight asked. "Was it like the greed growth from his birthday?"
"Not exactly." Princess Celestia spoke. "It was because Spike used the Old Blood on an ancestor that is still alive."
"I have family?" Spike asked.
"Yes." Princess Celestia answered. "I know you have often wondered about your family." She stated. "Tell me Spike, have you ever wondered why I had your egg?"
"Because you found it?" He guessed.
"My little ponies." Princess Celestia spoke kindly. "What I say next is for Spike's ears only."
"But Spike doesn't have ears." Pinkie stated. "How ca-"
She was silenced by a well placed apple to the mouth.
"We understand Princess." Applejack spoke.
Spike watched the mares leave, upset that he wouldn't have them to lean on in this situation.
"Spike, we did not find your egg." Princess Celestia stated.
"Nor did we steal it." Luna added. "We know you may have had the idea run through your mind."
"Spike, your egg was given to me-us." Celestia explained, motioning to Luna. "It was part of a piece treaty."
"Spike, thou are the only thing keeping the dragons from waging war on all of Equestria." Princess Luna stated.
"Wha-what kind of treaty is this?"
"A treaty of harmony." Celestia spoke. "It will show that ponies and dragons can live side-by-side."
"Or that we're too different to co-exist." Luna stated factly. "That would result in nothing less than an all out war with the dragons."
"A war I doubt we could win." Celestia admitted.
"I'm sure you're curious as to why I had you taught in politics and such while Twilight studied magic." The white Alicorn spoke. "It would be so that you are ready for your position upon your return."
"My return?"
"Spike, you will be heading to the Dragon Kingdom to show if the treaty worked..."
"Or failed." Luna finished.
It was a lot for the baby dragon to take in. It would be a lot for any-dragon, pony, or griffon to take in!
He had only one question. "When?"
"First thing tomorrow." Princess Luna answered. "We-I shall personally escort you to the boarders."
"Today, you should spend time with your friends and..."
"PARTY!"
Pinkie Pie's voice rung throughout the entire library. She wanted to throw a party large enough that Spike won't feel he missed any of the one's she'll throw while he's gone.
And she will.
Basically, it was a party in advance for the baby dragon.
The party had been fun, as always. It was full of singing, dancing, and most importantly, happiness. There was just that creeping since of sadness no amount of cake could fix, Pinkie still tried.
Spike looked at the ponies that surrounded him.
At least I'll have them to comeback to.
But now, he had his duty.
Author's Note
Hope you like, first chapter seemed a little rush to me.
If anyone knows stories about Spike being a prince, send it my way.
Family Reunion
Spike slept like the baby he was, that means he was tossing and turning. Babies don't sleep peacefully, they wake up screaming.
-In Dream
Spike was running through the forest.
He had to escape the beast that was following him. It wasn't just any beast, it was a dragon.
"Twilight!" He cried.
He was alone, the thing was going to get him.
All because he had failed.
"HALT DRAGON!" The familiar use of Canterlot voice echoed through his mind.
Out of a flash of light came Princess Luna.
She stared at the dragon of shadow with a blank look, far from impressed.
Spike watched as her horn began to glow, before firing two magic bolts. They both hit their mark with the dragon, bringing it to a halt.
She moved closer towards it's head. With a blast that was more like an explosion, she erased the shadow dragon's head from it's body.
Spike could only let of a small. "Whoa."
Her eyes turned to the baby dragon in curiosity.
"That was fun." She spoke. "Who was the beast we just slayed?"
"M-my relative, the one I got the Old Blood from."
Luna gave the headless dragon a side glance. "Spike, the one who sired thee would never have fallen so easily." Luna stated. "Neither was he ever that puny."
"What?" Spike asked in fear.
That dragon had been bigger and fiercer than his greed transformation from Old Blood. In that form, he nearly strangled a full grown dragon to death. What could be worst than that?
"Shall we move to a more settling location?" She asked.
With a nod, they were out of the woods. They were now stand in the Canterlot gardens. It was always one of his favorite places to visit, right after Pony Joe's.
"Tell us what troubles thee." Luna kindly ordered.
Spike looked down as he mumbled. "What if I mess up?" He asked.
"Thou are in a test to see if dragons and ponies can live together." Luna stated. "Thou has proven thyself capable of that everyday." She clarified. "There is no 'messing up' that can occur."
"But I'm not like other dragons." Spike stated. "What if they see me as a disgrace and don't want the peace treaty?"
"Then there will be...consequences." The Princess answered.
Spike wanted to talk more, but he noticed the surrounding areas beginning to break away.
"Thou are't being awakened." Luna answered the unasked. "We shall see thee soon."
"Wake up Spike." Twilight spoke as she shook the dragon.
The baby dragon nearly jumped from his basket in shock. He took a minute to groggily rub his eyes before focusing on the mare before him.
"Aw, Twilight." He moaned. "Princess Luna and I were talking."
This had taken Twilight by surprise. From her knowledge, Princess Luna had had no direct contact with Spike prior to the day before. Usually there contact was because she or the Elements were involved. And that one time with Scootaloo.
"About?" She questioned.
Spike couldn't tell her, he was forbidden to do so. The Princesses didn't want him telling the main six from fear of them trying to influence him in such a dire situation. They cared for the mares, but they could turn some of the simplest situations into a week long adventure.
This was too important.
"Nothing." He lied.
Twilight knew it was a lie, but decided not to push the situation.
"Well, let's go." She spoke. "We have to get you ready for the big assignment."
Twilight was having Spike brush up on politics when the rest of the main six arrived.
"What are you all doing here?" Spike asked, grateful for the distraction.
"Well you didn't expect us to not see you off did you?" Pinkie asked. "Besides, we can have a small party until-"
"PRINCESS TWILIGHT SPARKLE AND SPIKE THE DRAGON!" A familiar shout rang. "WE HAVE COME!"
"Never mind."
The Princess was already there and apparently had come alone.
"Greetings Elements of Harmony." The Princess bowed, which the mares returned. "We-I have come for Spike."
"Princess Luna, I actually had a few questions before you leave." Twilight spoke. "I was wondering, where is the dragon kingdom?" She asked as she pulled out a few books. "There is very little knowledge of their race, and their home is not an exception."
"For good reason." Luna spoke. "Dragons are a race of strength, only those who prove themselves worthy can gain any real knowledge from them. Dragons live in the only place all but the bravest or foolish fear to tread." Luna continued. "The heart of the badlands."
When Princess Luna said the heart, she meant the heart.
They had been flying for what seemed like ours, which was pretty accurate. But that was only after she used a long range teleportation spell.
The Princess decided to bring the baby dragon alone for several reasons. Minus Rainbow Dash, she doubted any other Pegasi would be able to keep up. No Unicorn, minus Twilight would be have the power to teleport at such a distance. Plus, Belgabad and the other dragons liked her the most.
"Um Princess?" Spike spoke after so long of silence.
"Yes?"
"I was wondering if you could tell me about my relative." He continued. "The one I used the Old Blood from."
"It was not just any of thine relative Spike, it was thine father." She stated with a hint of..agitation?
"I have a dad?" He whispered. "C-Can you tell me about him?"
"His name is Belgabad, he is considered the greatest of all dragons." She began. "He is by far, the most powerful to date."
"Is he important?" Spike asked.
"Yes." She, nor her sister, had told him about his specific lineage.
"What's he like?" Spike asked.
"Well, he is large." She began. "So large that his head touches the clouds at full height and shakes the very ground when he walks." She continued, ignoring his paling color. "He wrestles with Ursa Majors for fun since most other creatures don't last long."
"Fun?" He questioned. "Last long?"
"Not many know what it's like to be hit by thine father Spike." She stated. "Because not many can survive a single hit. The blow doesn't hurt at first, because it's as if he knocks thee from thine own body." She sighs. "Then reality comes crashing down with a vengeance and you realize something dangerous, you are a being fighting a living earthquake."
"Well...what's he like as a person?" Spike asked. "Is he...a good dragon?"
Princess Luna had turned her head to see the baby dragon on her back. "What is thine definition of a good dragon?"
"Well..." He didn't know.
"I stated that thine father is considered the greatest of them all." Luna repeated. "That is because he holds up all that it means to be a dragon: Might is right and the strong survive."
"Please tell me that there's more to it than that." He begged.
"Well..." She thought of something less abrasive. "He is the only known dragon to ever take complete control of himself." She spoke. "He had not only learned to master his greed, but the dragon's legendary rage as well."
"And my mother?" Spike asked.
"We...are not sure actually." She stated, turning her head away.
From then on, it was silence.
They had arrived to the boarder of Equestria and the Badlands in record time. It was nothing like he had imagined. It was too...lush.
There was a green pasture pasture with all kinds of flowers. Trees that bore such lush fruit that it would make any vegetarian drool.
"Let us not linger Spike." Luna spoke. "We are meeting your father over that hill."
He followed her gaze and began walking.
This, this is how he pictured the Badlands.
The entire area was scorched and now, probably forever, barren! There were pools of molten lavs just laying around. The sky was now now grey-to-black with smoke.
The Alicorn stepped forward to speak. "THIS IS PRINCESS LUNA CALLING FOR BELGABAD!" She spoke. "WE HAVE COME WITH THINE SON!"
There was a moment of silence that drew on for far too long.
"Maybe they aren't here?" Spike guessed.
"They are." Luna assured. "Who does thou think made the lava?" She asked before turning back to the molten pool. "BELGABAD, DO YOU HEAR US!" She stated more than asked. "WE CAN SPEAK LOUDER IF THOU WISHES!"
Finally there was a reply.
"Cease your prattling pony Princess." A voice echoed. "We are here."
"We?" She mumbled before getting angry. "YOU WERE SUPPOSED TO COME ALONE!"
Spike watched as the lava began to rise from the pool as if it were a bubble going to pop. The size of the bubble grew even larger than the hills that surrounded them. Instead of popping, the lava began to fall off of the creature that has risen.
He had barely noticed the three other, and much smaller bubbles.
Spike looked up and saw his father. Spike was sad to say that the giant looked nothing like him.
His scales were rough and jagged, but had a shine to their brown surface. He had horns partly curved around his head, almost in the form of a crown. Spike saw no wings, but he did see a row of black spines.
Belgabad seemed to posses a strong fire, because he was constantly exhaling smoke with sparks licking the inside of his mouth. There where even a dull shine from the center of his chest where his fire core would be located.
Spike continued to look on in wonder, Belgabad was just as large as Princess Luna claimed if not larger. He could see how this behemoth could fight a Ursa Major.
"What, my son isn't allowed to see his brothers?" Belgabad asked mockingly.
I have brother's? Spike thought excitedly. He tore his eyes away from his father to see them.
There were three of them, each roughly the same size, larger than the size of an average pony. They were teenagers and each were male. Though he couldn't get a good look at them from the distance, he could get a small description of them.
The first one was white, with an under belly, spines and other high-lights of frosty blue. His scales were almost as flawlessly white as Rarity's fur. The spines going down his back looked more like ice shards than spines. He was at least twice the size of Big Mac.
The second was blueish grey, with a light blue under belly. His spines, as well as his ear fins, were the same color as his underbelly.
The third was actually a miniature form of their father. His scales were less rough, but on there way. His horns were more like a bull's. He didn't seem to posses a visibly strong flame such as Belgabad. He was by far the largest, twice the size of his brothers.
"Come here." Belgabad ordered. "Let me look at you."
Spike's father leaned in to see the fruit of his loins and he looked back at his father. Because of his size, Spike saw his reflection as he gazed into his father's eye.
To sat it was off putting would be an understatement.
As he gazed into his father's eye, he felt that sensation again, he felt as if he were gazing into a black hole. Though this time, it was on an even grander scale. Spike felt as if everything in his being was be torn from him. He couldn't so much as breath! It was complete and utter oppression of the being.
The only thing that escaped it was the sea of greed that was present in all dragon eyes. But this was a different type of greed, it was as if avarice itself was putty in his claw.
Spike couldn't keep staring, he had to turn away. But he couldn't!
Spike laid there, he didn't remember falling over, but it had happened.
That's not possible! His distraught mind thought. He's not just powerful, he is power!
"What kind of son have you given me?" Belgabad asked in distaste. "He can't even look into my eye without collapsing!"
"Had w-I raised thou spawn, th-you would have had the son to be proud of!" Luna declared. "Tis not our fault you gave him to Tia."
"Had I given him to you, he'd have been raised to kill me." Belgabad stated.
"...You would still be proud." Luna assured, Belgabad nodded in agreement.
"Let's go, we're returning home." He ordered.
"Spike!" Luna called before they were gone. "Should thou wish to return to Equestria, either send a letter or meet me on the dream planes." She spoke. "We will see thee home."
"What're you talking about pony, he's going home!"
The walk had been in relative silence, just the sound of shaking Earth beneath them, Belgabad walked with Spike on his head. His brothers had flown home, leaving the father and son alone. Thanks to his size, he was able to cover ground in a more than impressive pace.
From his vantage point, Spike could see that his father didn't have wings. But there were too scars were they should have been.
"Say something!" His father snapped. "Don't tell me you're too scared to talk."
He was afraid to say something, he hadn't wanted to anger the colossal dragon. That didn't mean he hadn't wanted to say anything, he had plenty he wanted to ask about.
Where to begin? He asked himself.
"You gave me to ponies for a treaty." He stated more than asked.
"Yes." His father answered.
Spike waited a few minutes until it became clear that his father wasn't going to continue.
"Why?" He asked.
"You are meant to show that we can't be...tamed." He answered. "We are dragons, not common house pets."
"...Why give them an egg, why me?" Spike asked.
"You weren't supposed to hatch."
"Are you saying I'm a...mistake?" Spike asked, dread filling him.
This time Belgabad stopped and turned his large eyes up to Spike.
"No, you weren't supposed to hatch." He repeated. "Your egg was a dud, dead."
"But I'm here, alive!" Spike declared.
"Yes, you are." His father agreed. "Why is that?"
Spike noticed that the dragon's eyes were focused on nothing but him. He stared at the baby dragon with a look that demanded an answer.
"I...don't uh..." He didn't know what to say.
His father snorted once, before continuing on their journey.
"It matters not." He declared. "You are here and you are my son."
Spike felt his heart swell up at the declaration. He never thought he'd hear anypo-dragon make that declaration. He liked it.
With that thought in mind, he wanted to know more about his...family. He really liked it.
"Who is my mother, will I meet her?" Spike asked with growing hope.
"Not for a long time, at least I hope." His father asked.
Spike felt his heart break when he heard his father say that. Many thoughts were going through Spike's head. Was there something wrong? Did he do something he shouldn't have?
Did she not want him?
"We'll continue this conversation later." His father stated. "We're here."
Belgabad came to a halt on top of a ridge that gave a perfect view of dragon kingdom For the first time, Spike could see the kingdom, his home.
The home of dragons.
They traveled a little more towards the the kingdom. What would normally take hours by foot for a normal dragon, he did so in mere minutes. They passed large mountains that were nothing more than hills to the large dragon. In the mountains were holes, caves actually, from which dragons stuck there heads from. This was the outer part of the kingdom.
The moved further in, which was more like going up. They seemed to climb the mountain that was covered in mountains. With the design of it and the caves everywhere, Spike was reminded of both an ant hill and a diamond dog's mine.
Then came the center of the kingdom, a citadel of stone, as far as his eyes could see, an just as equally large. It had to be to accommodate all of the dragons and their massive size. The land of dragons was encompassed by a wall of barrier like colossal volcanoes, reaching the end of the horizon.
Spike watched in wonder as his kin moved around the citadel, some flew as high as the sky or scale the walls. Others would lay around like a house cat or chat peacefully with each other, like common neighbors.
"Whoa." Was all he could say.
"Not what you expected, is it?" His father asked. "I bet you thought it would be all erupting volcanoes and fighting for dominance, am I right?"
That, in fact, was what he was expecting from the dragon land.
"Sorry." Spike mumbles.
"We are more than fire-breathing titans." Belgabad declares. "It is a large percentage." He admitted. "But not all."
As Spike and his father made their way through the kingdom, he noticed many of the other dragons acting strangely. They bowed to his father and barely noticed him, not surprising considering his size. Those that did began starting harsh whispers which soon passed on to other dragons.
"What's going on?" Spike asked.
His father just cast him a smirk. "Didn't know your father was a bit of a celebrity, did you?" Belgabad asked.
"I just assumed that you were respected for being the biggest." Spike answered.
His father just growled at the statement before glaring up at Spike.
"Size isn't what makes them bow before me." Belgabad stated harshly. "It's respect. I could be twice my size or even half yours, wouldn't mean they would respect me."
"Are you some kind of hero?" Spike asked.
"...You really don't know who I am, do you?"
"Belgabad, largest dragon ever and the only one to master your greed." Spike stated, that was all he knew.
"Hehehe, I guess they would leave out the rest." He mumbled.
Belgabad carried Spike all the way to the castle was. In the center of the citadel, the location of the palace, it seemed to be the only place capable of holding Belgabad without breaking.
They walked through the chamber entrance with two guards posted on watch. They two bowed before Belgabad.
Between them was a large carving of a dragon chasing it's tail with a ruby in the center of it etched into a wall. It was a large door Spike realized as his father pushed on. It opened to reveal a room that was as massive as it amazing.
It was so large that even Belgabad could walk through with room to spare. The ceiling was held up by pillars of solid jade with a serpent coiling around.
Then there was what he assumed dragons used as a thrown. It was solid gold well, as large as a chasm, filled to the top and overflowing with gems.
Spike continued to look at the thrown as his father made his way towards it.
"Are you...friends with the king?" Spike asked. "Or are you his right hand-dragon, general?"
Belgabad didn't answer, he just smirked even harder.
Spike's jaw fell to the ground as his father not only walked towards the thrown, but sat him on it!
"I am Belgabad the Behemoth, King of all dragons!" He declared. "You my son, are their Prince!"
"...Oh boy."
Spike had been given a room in the castle, just the kind a Prince deserved.
There wasn't much to it, it was basically a large cave inside the castle. Though it was large, large enough for a full grown dragon and his hoard.
There was no bed for him to sleep on, dragons didn't have beds. Instead, there was a pile of assorted gems to sleep on. His father called it his first and last 'allowance'. If he wanted anymore, he'd have to earn them like a real dragon would, by either digging or fighting.
It was comfier than he expected, but hard not to eat. Though with the comfy-ness, minus the desire to eat, he was unable to sleep.
He had always wanted to know where he came from. He found out what he was and where he came from.
He had finally met his father, a King! He was a Prince!
He had his answers. Now what?
Can't let the night be wasted. He thought as he made his way out of his room.
Spike had been walking around the castle for officially five minutes before one thing became apparent. He was lost.
He had not seen or heard another dragon since he attempted to sleep. The halls were so large and vast that he thought he was in a cavern, especially since he couldn't find anything that stood out more than another.
Then an all too familiar sensation fell onto him, like a physical weight. He was just barely able to stand it and not collapse on himself. It was similar to when his first felt his father, but nowhere near as strong, this was an ant in comparison.
"Well well well, look at what we have here." A rough voice spoke.
Spike turned to see one of his brothers, it was the one that looked like his father.
"What-"
Before Spike could say anything, the larger dragon grabbed Spike by his neck. He raised the smaller dragon up to eye level and glared.
"What's so special about you?" He asked. "You are no different than the other dragon's I've seen." He dropped Spike harshly and chuckled. "Pathetic."
"Pathetic, you've taken a single look at me." Spike stated as he stood up. "I've taken one look at you, and I'm not impressed."
Spike was shocked at the words that were coming out of his mouth, they weren't what he wanted to say. Yet they kept flowing out without restraint.
He noticed that the more he talked, the more the weight shifted.
"What?" His brother asked angrily.
"All I see is a son trying to be like daddy." Spike added. Why am I saying this, do I have a death wish?
"You little-"
Whatever he was planning to say was lost in a rage filled roar. He stood on his hind legs and his chest expanded, Spike knew what he was planning.
Fire.
It erupted with a force Spike didn't think possible, but not from his brother.
The fire tore through from behind the larger dragon, pushing him into the wall behind Spike. He hit the wall with such force that it cracked on contact.
Spike looked at his downed brother, he didn't get up or even twitch. He was covered in burns from where the flames came in contact with him. At least third degree. It was an impressive and fearsome sight, his brother was large enough that an average dragon shouldn't be able to burn him that severely.
With that in mind, he turned to see who could do such a thing.
Belgabad.
Spike wasn't sure how such a large dragon was able to get so close so silently, but here he was.
"I warned him and your other brothers not to cause any conflict with you yet." The King spoke. "Insubordination is disrespect, and I do not tolerate disrespect, even from my son." He turned his eyes to Spike. "You did well." He spoke. "Unorthodox, but a good start on your lessons."
"What do you mean?" Spike asked. "What lessons?"
"Lessons for those born to rule!" His father declared. "You resisted him well, but tomorrow is the start of your real trials. You will be tested." Belgabad promised. "Life and Death will be your judge."
That night, as he slept, Spike dreampt of fire.
Author's Note
Sorry for the wait. I'm still here.
