Spike's Hearts and Hooves Day.

by Cyber Storm

Rating: teen
Tags: Spike, Starlight Glimmer, Slice of Life, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Sad, Main 6, Other, Romance, Original Character
Length: 39555

Hearts and hooves day brings both happiness and sadness for spike. As he is rejected and also makes a new friend.

Hearts and hooves day was another equestrian holiday many enjoyed. It was a day that brought happiness to many couples and it brought sadness to the lonely.

As Ponyville is getting ready for the hearts and hooves day dance Spike decides to finally tell Rarity how he feels but sadly Rarity doesn't feel the same way and has actually been keeping something hidden from Spike . Join Spike as he learns the truth, gets angry, also makes a new friend and learns what his destiny has been all along.

Thanks to KingWay1995 for the cover art. It's awesome.
http://www.fimfiction.net/user/KingWay1995

Published 2016-04-15 03:30:02 UTC
Last updated 2016-06-17 02:33:14 UTC

Morning and getting ready

Ponyville was a perfect place to be no matter what type of pony you are. You like relaxing Ponyville is pretty relaxing you like excitement and random unpredictability well being next to the everfree forest will definitely cover you. You also want to have a chance at meeting that special somepony well this town is filled with all different types of ponies and one dragon. Speaking of said dragon he was now getting ready for the day ahead in the Crystal castle of friendship.

"Looking good Spike looking real good" the dragon told himself while looking at a mirror Spike had a simple life he worked for Twilight as her number one assistant he had great friends and a great family but there was something he didn't have. "Rarity the most beautiful mare in all of Equestria" since day one Spike had a crush on Rarity he would think about her dream about her and tried to spend as much time as he could with her but today was finally the day he will tell Rarity how he feels. "What better day to confess my love to her than on hearts and hooves day" Spike said to no-one he had it all planned out he picked the perfect gift he would confess his feelings for her and then he would ask her to the hearts and hooves day dance and everything would be awesome after.

Spike stepped away from the mirror and looked at the chair across the room "its hard to believe that I needed that just a few months ago" Spike though to himself. It was true spike was so little he needed that chair or something to get on top off to look in the mirror but recently he went through a growth spurt he grew in size not by much now he was a little taller than Twilight not to mention his wings haven't grown yet but Spike didn't mind. Spike made his way out of his room and into the kitchen and on his way he saw a familiar pony trying to make its way through the castle. "Hi there Starlight".

Starlight jumped surprised about the dragon sudden appearance. "Hi Spike" Starlight responded with a smile on her face happy to see him since every time she seemed to get lost he would suddenly appear. "Spike you wouldn't by any chance be going to the kitchen would you".

Spike already knowing what was happening gave a small sigh and answered "Wow Starlight I didn't know you could see the future"Starlight let out a small giggle as Spike motioned for her to follow him and she did just that while she was getting better at making her way through the castle she still would get lost but Spike was more than happy to help.

As both Spike and Starlight made their way into the kitchen they couldn't help but be amazed. The kitchen was covered with hearts and hooves day decorations from balloons attached to the table and the kitchen counter to 3d hearts hanging from the sealing there were also some garlands with hearts along with some special lanterns that had ponies around them.

"Wow" Starlight was the one to speak "this place looks great  did you do this spike".

"No Twilight did it" Spike said looking at Starlight with a face of confusion "you see every hearts and hooves day me and Twilight would decorate the library its kind of like a tradition so since the library is gone and we now live here then we will decorate the castle.

Starlight looked surprised but there was a simple reason why so simple that Spike guessed it on his first try.

"Haven't you ever celebrated hearts and hooves day" Starlight shook her head giving Spike his answer. Spike in return gave Starlight a looked of confusion.

Starlight sighed and started explaining"you see since I didn't really have any friends I never celebrated pretty much anything and while I was in control of the village I didn't allowed anypony to celebrate any holiday" Spike gave her a weird look but he opened his mouth to talk.

"What about school don't you do special activities for it"

Starlight looked up to Spike "I was taught at home so I never went to school" Starlight looked down feeling a little bit sad that she never got to celebrate the holidays but she felt even worse that she didn't allowed anypony to celebrate them either but she was soon snapped back into reality when she felt someone hugging her.

"Don't worry Starlight you should feel excited you finally get to celebrate hearts and hooves day" Spike said and Starlight smiled as the dragon kept talking "you can help me and Twilight decorate you can give a card to somepony special and you can even go to the dance doesn't that sound exciting" Spike said making his way to the stove so he could start making breakfast. Starlight had to admit it did sound exciting and fun.

After a little 30 minutes or so Spike finally finished making breakfast and just as he finished a purple alicorn made her way into the kitchen yawning a little bit but still awake. "Did you make pancakes Spike" Twilight asked looking around the kitchen.

"Yes and I made them just the way you liked them call it my hearts and hooves day gift to you Twili " but the Spike never finished because he was wrapped up in a hug Spike finally aware of what was going on return the hug.

Twilight Let go of Spike and sat down just as he started serving "oh good morning Starlight sorry I'm still getting used to somepony else living here I didn't mean to ignore you.

Starlight snapped out of her thinking "oh don't worry Twilight its not like I made my presence known"

The three friends sat and ate their breakfast making some small talk they talked about their plans for today specially who they were taking to the dance surprising Starlight told them that she would ask Sunburst to take her to the dance. Well it surprised spike but not Twilight since her brother and sister-in-law were coming Sunburst could come too. Twilight was actually asked out by Big Mac which caused more surprised looks. Spike said he was going to ask Rarity this time no one was surprised not even Starlight.But he did notice Twilight giving him a worried look.

After they finished eating Starlight went to write a letter to Sunburst while Spike and Twilight finished decorating."Spike do you think is a good idea to ask Rarity to the dance" Spike surprised by the question answered.

"Of course Twilight you know how I feel about Rarity and soon she will know to" Twilight seemed even more worried now "Twilight are you ok" Spike asked confused about the way Twilight was acting.

"Who me yeah I'm ok" Twilight said but Spike wasn't satisfied whit that answer "It's just....I mean I don't think Rarity feels the same" but Spike didn't listen he was to busy fantasizing about Rarity and him being together to listen to Twilight now. Twilight sighed she knew Rarity didn't feel the same way about Spike but she couldn't tell him a dragon's anger could be something bad "Come on Twilight you know Spike he won't get angry and if he does get angry you can calm him down" Twilight thought to herself.

"Twilight" Spike said snapping Twilight out of her train of thought "It looks like we're done so if you don't mind I'm off to see Rarity" as Spike open the door to leave the castle Twilight had one final thing to say.

"Spike" Spike turned around to face her "just promise me you won't do anything stupid if Rarity turns you down" Spike confused promised Twilight he wouldn't do anything stupid. Spike didn't know why Twilight was so worried whit all the time Rarity and him spent together he was sure things were going to go well.

Ponyville and a mystery

Ponyville was a strange town to most the town could be happy one day but sad the next. "Today's forecast...happy whit a chance of love later tonight" Spike said to no one he stood there in front of the castle admiring the beauty that was Ponyville today and what beauty it was it was bright and sunny the birds were flying and singing and ponies moved around from one place to another some in pairs and others alone some looked happy some looked sad and others looked like they didn't care.

"It looks like Rainbow Dash did her job for once" Starlight said making Spike jump with her sudden appearance out of nowhere "I'm sorry Spike I didn't mean to scare you" Starlight said looking very apologetic Spike meanwhile for up and dusted himself off.

"I'm fine" Spike who was now looking at Starlight asked "can I help you with anything?" Starlight remembering why she needed Spike used a levitation spell to bring a letter over to her now looking at Spike with a look of nervousness she was going to say something but Spike knew what she was going to ask "you want me to send the letter" Starlight nodded she again was going to speak to probably give him a reason why she just couldn't send it via express mail but Spike knew his fire breath was the fastest he grabbed the letter and he send it. "There you go Starlight already sent they should get it about now" Spike said while looking at his arm in a movement one would do to check the time if they had a watch.

"Thanks Spike" Starlight said still looking nervous but she was also smiling.

"Well my work here is done" Spike said as he started walking away waving goodbye to Starlight as she did the same. The town of Ponyville was decorated like the castle just with the addition of balloons shaped like hearts red and pink streamers and lanterns shaped like hearts. Ponies were everywhere going from store to store trying to find a gift for their special somepony. Spike just stood there watching for a minute and looked in his bag he pulled Rarity's gift a beautiful sapphire necklace that he himself made it took him months and many trips to the Dragon kingdom to find the gems since they were the rarest to find Spike looked at it trying his hardest not to eat it. "Maybe I should buy her some flowers" Spike though to himself as he started making his way to the market place.

On his way to the market place Spike saw even more ponies he saw Lyra and Bon Bon sitting and talking Luke they usually do he saw Time Turner who everypony just called the doctor talking to Derpy he was to faraway to hear but he could only guess he asked her to the dance because she got real happy and started hugging him. As Spike kept walking he saw Thunderlane thinking really hard about something while leaning against a house farther down the road he saw Carrot Top and Blossomforth talking he kept walking until he saw something  fly over him and then stop right in front of him that something was someone and it was no other than Rainbow Dash the cyan colored mare with a rainbow colored mane and tail.

Spike had an annoyed look on his face knowing how conversations with Rainbow Dash usually went he would either be very annoyed or very angry by the time it ended. "Hey Spike what are you you to?".

Spike sighed not wanting to be rude he answered her question "I'm going to get flowers for Rarity so I can ask her to be my date to the dance and maybe something more" Rainbow Dash not looking surprised sighed but she had a look of interest.

"Did you just say something more" Rainbow said keeping her eyes locked on Spike.

"Yes today is the day I finally tell Rarity how I feel about her" Rainbow hearing that got a real worried look on her face Spike notice her look "are you okay Rainbow".

Rainbow snapping out of her thoughts finally spoke "who me sure couldn't be better but are you sure telling Rarity how you feel is a good idea" Spike thought he heard that line before.

"I'm pretty sure is one of the best ideas I ever had" Rainbow rolled her eyes and got back her worried look "first Twilight and now you why do you think is a bad idea.

"Well" Rainbow was about to say something but she knew Spike wasn't going to listen"forget it just don't get mad okay".

"Why would I get mad" Spike said now looking very confused.

"No reason" Rainbow said laughing nervously and scratching the back of her head with her hooves Spike raised an eyebrow but before he could say anything Rainbow was already in the air "you know I just remember I gotta go help Fluttershy with something so bye" Rainbow flying away while was just left there confused he shook his head and just kept walking.

Spike finally made it to the market place as he expected there were a lot of ponies moving around but Spike didn't pay attention he only had one thing in mind and that was the flowers. Spike finally found the flower stand in his way he saw Fluttershy buying food for her animals but two factors made it a weird conversation number one Fluttershy was with a stallion he had never seen in Ponyville and second as soon as Spike mentioned that he was going to tell Rarity how he felt about her Fluttershy got a worried look on her face. "First Twilight then Rainbow Dash and now Fluttershy why are they acting so weird" Spike thought to himself "whatever I'll figure it out later" Spike walked to the stand today it was Daisy's turn to watch over it. The three ponies or the flower sisters as the town came to call them usually traded spots working selling the flowers usually it was Rose but sometimes Daisy would take care of the stand and in some rare occasions Lily  would take care of the stand. Daisy noticed spike walking towards her "hi Spike how are you".

" Hi Daisy I'm fine how are you" Spike said with a smile.

"I'm fine so what can I get for you" Spike thought about what flower to get he didn't think for to long as he pointed to a bouquet of roses "here you go Spike fifteen bits please" Spike gave her the money and smelled the flowers they smell great he waved goodbye to Daisy and she did the same.

"Rarity is going to love these" Spike said roses were Rarity's favorite flower and they were coming from her favorite dragon Spike looked at the flowers and felt like something was missing "of course" Spike said as he started running.

Spike finally made it to his destination Sugar Cube Corner the best sweet shop on Ponyville it was pretty easy to see since it looked like a giant gingerbread house or maybe it looked like a cake anyway you looked at it you knew what the shop was about. Spike entered the store and immediately was tackled to the ground by a pink earthpony named Pinkie Pie. "Hi Spike how are you? what are you doing here?" Spike was going to speak but Pinkie interrupted him "o are you here to buy a cake or a cupcake how about some chocolate or cookies or...." Spike held Pinkie's mouth clothes he knew that if he didn't she could go on for hours and Spike had no time to lose.

"Pinkie I'm just here to buy  some of those chocolate Rarity likes do you know what they are" Pinkie nodded and went back behind the counter at a speed that would make Rainbow Dash jealous.Spike always wondered how she did that but going on past experience he knew it was better to just accept it and not ask questions.

"So let  me guess flowers and chocolate you wouldn't be asking Rarity to be your special somepony by any chance would you" Spike nodded surprised that Pinkie could figure it out so easily.

"Pinkie have you been spying on me" Pinkie only responded by shaking her head really fast "o well not only will I ask Rarity to be my very special somepony but I will also tell her how I feel" Pinkie like all of the others gained a worried look Spike again noticed he was going to ask what was wrong but decided not to since no one ever answered before so he just waited for the chocolate.

10 minutes or so of waiting they were ready Spike still waiting at the counter was surprised Pinkie didn't talk to him or even looked at him she was actually trying to avoid his gaze when the chocolates were done Pinkie brought them and left "well that was weird" Spike said he reached into his bag to get his bits "okay last time Rarity bought them they were twenty bits Spike left the money and started making his way outside when he realized something was pulling him not allowing him to leave when he looked back it was Pinkie she was pulling his tail with all her strength. Spike struggled "let me go Pinkie" Pinkie just shook her head and kept pulling after shaking his tail for a while he was finally able to get her off again trying to leave he was blocked by the pink mare that was standing in the door "Pinkie what's the matter with you you are acting weirder than normal" Pinkie did not answer and just stood there "okay Pinkie that's enough I have to leave" Spike started pushing Pinkie who was now starting to loose her grip but that finally got her to talk.

"Spike I don't think telling Rarity how you feel is a good idea" Spike on the other hand didn't get it he was confused first Twilight then Rainbow Dash then Fluttershy and now Pinkie. Pinkie the pony who would throw a party for just about any reason was now throwing away the perfect opportunity to grow a party after Spike and Rarity got together well Spike had enough it was time to get some answers do they know something he doesn't well he was about to find out.

He stopped Pushing Pinkie and asked "Pinkie what's going on do you know something  I don't if so tell me why is telling Rarity how I feel a bad idea" Pinkie didn't answer she couldn't answer she Pinkie promised Rarity she wouldn't tell Spike but she didn't want Spike to get hurt Pinkie didn't know what to do thinking Pinkie did the only thing she could do she stepped aside her worried look now replaced with a sad one.

"Go ahead Spike I think is time you learned the truth" Pinkie said almost on the verge of crying "I'm sorry Spike" she gave him a hug and started running upstairs crying one of her best friends was going to get hurt and she couldn't do anything to stop it. Spike just stood there he was even more confused than he was before half of him wanted to go and tell Pinkie that everything was going to be fine the other half wanted to know what was going on eventually the latter one and Spike left his destination Rarity's boutique.

Spike finally made it to the boutique he stood there in front of the door thinking "is this really a good idea why we're all of my friends trying to stop me" Spike thought to himself still standing his friends knew something he didn't and whatever it was was enough to make Pinkie Pie start crying "wait is Rarity dying is that what it was" Spike just kept thinking the worst his face went from worried to sad "no calm down Spike she's not dying" Spike said to himself starting to calm down he needed to know why all of his friend he met on his way to Rarity's boutique were telling him it was a bad idea to tell Rarity how he felt and he wasn't going to find out by just standing there.

Spike had a determined look on his face he knocked on the door and waited he was going to tell Rarity how he felt he was going to ask her to be his special somepony he was going to ask her to the Hearts and Hooves Day dance and he was going to ask what was going on.

Revelation and anger

Spike stood outside of Rarity's boutique waiting it felt like hours have passed and yet it has only been a few seconds, Spike wanted to turn around for some reason his brain was telling him this was a bad idea he started to turn but stop once he heard the door open.

When the door was fully open Spike saw the most beautiful mare in all of Equestria Rarity the white unicorn with sapphire eyes and purple mane and tail. She gasp as if she was surprised to see Spike she stared at Spike and he did the same it went on for a few seconds until Rarity finally spoke "hello Spike what brings you here" Spike shook his head snapping himself back to reality.

"Well I came to give you these" Spike showed Rarity the flowers and the chocolate Rarity gasped she was truly surprised by Spike's gesture she took both the flowers and the chocolate with her magic and brought them inside. Spike just waited outside until Rarity came back he had just opened the door and went in before but Rarity always knew he was coming so this time he waited for her. Rarity finally came back "what took you so long" Spike asked since Rarity was in there for a while.

"Oh you know I had to find the perfect spot for those flowers" Rarity said while moving her eyes to both sides and looking nervous, Spike made a note about that just like his other friends Rarity was acting nervous.

"She's hiding something and I need to find out what it is" Spike thought to himself he needed to know and he was going to "can I come in?"

That question seemed to catch Rarity by surprise she got even more nervous and started to look around even more she sighed and nodded leading Spike into the boutique. Spike was actually surprised to see barely any Hearts and Hooves Day decorations on the inside of the boutique Spike expected every corner of this place to be decorated but instead only a few balloons and streamers adorned the walls, the rest of the boutique looked like it did usually "please make yourself at home I have to work on a dress for the dance so I will be busy"  Spike barely listened to her words still surprised about the lack of decorations but he did saw her leave Spike knew there was no time to waste so he stopped her.

"Rarity I actually came to tell you something and after I also wanted to ask you something" Rarity knew this was coming but it wasn't going to make things any easier. Spike took a deep breath and he had a look of confidence on his face "Rarity I always wanted to tell you this but I never had the courage to tell you" Spike took another deep breath while Rarity stood there waiting for it it was only a matter of time before Spike found out and now she was going to hear it so she sat and waited never taking her eyes of Spike "Rarity I love you I always have everypony just tells me that it is a crush but its not I truly love you with all of my heart".

There was a long moment of silence, Spike stood there while Rarity had a shocked expression on her face. She expected to hear a lot of things but I love you wasn't one of them, Rarity sighed hearing this Spike gained a look of sadness, Rarity on the other hoof knew that it was finally time to confess, to tell what she kept hidden all this time "Spike I'm flattered really I am and any mare would be lucky to have you" Spike knew what was coming, he knew it was a possibility but he didn't want to hear it "Spike I'm sure there are mares who are just waiting for you to ask them out unfortunately I'm not one of them" Rarity finished having a look of sadness and shame on her face, Spike just looked at the ground until he heard those words "Spike the truth is I already have somepony that I love very much and you know him his name is Fancy Pants" Rarity finished not once looking at Spike, after a couple of seconds of silence Rarity looked,  Spike was kneeling and he was looking at the ground Rarity didn't know what to do, she was afraid Spike was motionless and quite he was so quiet that you could hear him breathing, Rarity didn't know a lot about dragons but she knew the danger of angering one of them, she went through a list of self defense spells she knew on her head until a sound snapped back into the situation that sound were words.

"Fancy Pants?" Spike said while raising his head so that she could se his face in a tone that would scare practically anything, Rarity finally gained enough courage to look at Spike and his looked frightened Rarity more than anything she had ever experienced in her life Spike had a look of anger, rage, and betrayal on his face, Spike stood there didn't say anything else as if he was waiting for Rarity to answer, Rarity was afraid and nervous this could get really bad really fast she did the only thing she could do she swallowed a lump that had formed on her throat and nodded. After that Spike got on his feet and stood there not saying a word, it had only been a couple of seconds since Spike went quite but to Rarity it felt like and eternity.

After a minute of silence and Spike just standing there Rarity tried to step out of the room and maybe find Twilight but she didn't get the chance as Spike started making his way slowly towards her, even though Spike was only a little bit taller than her but it still felt like he towered over her his menacing form still making his way towards her as she slowly backed away, Rarity wanted to scream but every time she opened her mouth nothing came out, she wanted to run and get Twilight but her legs didn't move, she tried channeling her magic but she was to afraid to do so and you could see it on her face she was absolutely terrified, Rarity did the only thing she could do she closed her eyes and kept walking away until something happened that terrified her very soul she hit one of the walls of the boutique and Spike was standing right in front of her.

Spike just stood there for a few seconds and then he raised his claw Rarity closed her eyes waiting for Spike to hit her but it never came, Spike's claw went into his bag Rarity didn't know what was going to happen but she soon found out, Spike pulled out a box and motioned for Rarity to take it Rarity took it with her hooves her magic still not working when she grabbed it Spike finally spoke his voice sounding like a mixture of anger and sadness "happy Hearts and Hooves Day I hope you and Fancy Pants are happy together I hope he knows how lucky he is".

Rarity was shocked at what she just heard she looked at the box then at Spike his eyes looked empty as if he was broken, his eyes looked like if every one he knew and care about had just died Rarity tried to say something but Spike turned around and started walking towards the door, this surprised Rarity even more he was walking not running, not stomping, not even walking fast he just walk he wasn't even walking slow like before he just walked.

Spike made his way to the door not saying anything not even looking at Rarity, he grabbed the doorknob and was ready to open the door but he stopped, Rarity notice and immediately fear took over thinking Spike was going to release his anger but he didn't he opened the door and closed it behind him he didn't even slammed the door. Rarity finally regaining her ability to move decided to look and see what was in the box, when she opened the box  and looked inside tears started coming out inside was the Sapphire necklace Spike was working so hard on, Rarity couldn't believe after all that work Spike put into finishing the necklace and how excited he was when he finished that he would just give it to her "Spike I'm so sorry" Rarity was now was crying in full her mascara now ruined by her tears she also held the necklace not knowing what to do next.

Spike after closing the door to the boutique again just stood there, he replayed what just took place on his head over and over Rarity the only mare he ever loved was dating someone else, Spike did the only thing he could do he ran back to the castle ignoring all the worried and confused looks the ponies were giving him, Rarity the only mare Spike loved would never be his he lost her forever.

Spike finally made it to the castle leaving a trail of confused and concerned ponies behind, Starlight stepped out of her room and saw Spike she tried asking him what was wrong but Spike just ran passing her by not even seeing her standing there, Spike didn't want to talk to anypony he just wanted to get in his room and cry. Spike finally made it to his room he closed the door and fell to the floor crying his heart was shattered he didn't want to feel like this again he was hurt but he was also angry.

Starlight sat just outside Spike's room she knew Spike was sad but she didn't know what to do, she started thinking after a few seconds she went with the only idea she got, go get Twilight "she lived with Spike almost her entire life so she must know what to do" Starlight said to herself as she ran.

Spike finally stopped crying  he cried most of the way back to the castle so he couldn't cry more. Spike got to his feet and made his way to the mirror where he saw his reflection "you're not looking so good are you Spike" he said to his reflection he really didn't look good, his eyes were puffy and red from crying to much and his face was covered in tear stains he hated what he saw in the mirror, he couldn't hold it in anymore he let out a roar that shook the entire castle and he punched the mirror breaking it, he didn't stop there however as he soon found himself destroying his entire room.

Starlight ran as fast as she could she may not know what to do with Spike but she did know were to find Twilight. Starlight finally reached Twilight's room an she sighed in relief after seeing Twilight reading a book on her desk, Starlight was panting she ran so fast she ran out of breath Twilight however didn't notice her as expected, when Twilight started reading a book she liked she was usually on her on little world Starlight was about to say something to get her attention but just then a loud roar could be heard in the direction Starlight just came from, this snapped Twilight out of her reading as she looked up she saw Starlight breathing heavily with a worried look on her face Starlight again tried to say something but Twilight didn't need to hear it she knew what was happening.

After running for a little bit both Twilight and Starlight reached Spike's room, on any other day Twilight would just walk in but after hearing that roar she didn't think it was the best idea so she knocked no answer, she knocked again harder this time "Spike are you okay" again no answer Twilight knowing this wasn't going to take them anywhere opened the door, she was shocked at what she found Spike's entire room destroyed his bed was ripped apart as well as his pillows the desk he used to write letters to his friend Ember was smashed against the ground the bookshelf were Spike put his comic books was thrown on the ground and stomped on and the mirror Spike would use to admire his physique was completely broken lucky nothing was on fire and on the middle of the room was Spike sitting down.

"Spike what happened?" Twilight asked sounding very worried, Spike didn't say anything he just sat there not making a sound he was so quiet you couldn't even tell if he was breathing or not Twilight even more worried asked again "Spike what happened?" Twilight started making her way towards Spike while Starlight stood back she didn't know what to so she decided not to get in the way she did try to get close to Spike but stopped halfway. Twilight now standing in front of Spike asked the same question but again no answer she moved her right hoof to try and touch his shoulder but Spike moved towards her grabbing her and pulling her into a hug Starlight worried that Spike was going to attack Twilight moved towards them she stopped when she realized Spike was just hugging Twilight, Spike saw that Starlight was closed and pulled her into the hug as well after the shock of being pulled into a hug both Twilight and Starlight returned the hug as Spike started crying again.

Spike finally stopped crying he let go of both mares and went back to his earlier position of just staring at the ground, Twilight  however decided this was a good time to find out what happened "Spike do you want to talk?" Twilight said in a motherly voice.

"It's Rarity she's dating Fancy Pants" Spike never stopped looking at the ground Starlight looked surprised but Twilight already knew.

"Oh that's what happened" as soon as those words left Twilight's mouth Spike immediately raised his head he got up and started walking towards Twilight.

"Oh the only mare I ever love is dating another guy and all you can say is oh!" Spike said in an angry voice still walking towards Twilight while she backed away, now here was a scene many ponies will probably laugh at Twilight and alicorn backing away from a dragon that was barely taller than her, but she had to reasons for doing this, one because even though she had alicorn magic it didn't mean she knew how to use it and two she didn't want to hurt Spike so she kept backing up until she hit a walk.

Spike now stood right in front of Twilight he had one claw on the wall as if he needed the support to stand but he didn't say anything he was to busy thinking to himself, "oh I had my heart broken and all she can say is oh she isn't even surprised it's like if she" even though Spike was thinking to himself he didn't finished as memories started playing in his head. All of his friends knew that's why they told him it was a bad idea that's  why Rainbow flew off, that's why they all had worried looks on their faces every time he told them what he was going to do, and that's why Pinkie started crying when she couldn't stop him. Spike face gained an angry scowl he then grabbed Twilight with his free claw and raised her up still pinned to the wall, Starlight seeing this got ready to use her magic but Twilight raised her hoof stopping her.

Even when pinned to the wall Twilight could tell Spike didn't want to hurt her he wasn't using to much strength to hold her up so there was no need to get violent. Spike finally looked at Twilight letting her see the anger in his face but that wasn't the only thing she noticed Spike's eyes changed color they weren't his usual emerald green color they were red she stopped looking when Spike finally spoke "you all knew didn't you" Spike said very slowly and sounding very angry.

"Yes Spike we all knew that Rarity was dating Fancy Pants" she stopped seeing what he would do next but all he did was ask her another question.

"How long have they been dating?" Spike said in the same way.

"Spike I don't think" but she was interrupted.

"How long?" Spike yelled his voice filled with anger that didn't scare Twilight what scared her was the hole Spike left on the wall of the crystal castle after he punched it Twilight knew she couldn't hide so she just told him.

"Since the wedding in Canterlot Spike" Spike let go of Twilight as she hit the floor with a soft thump. "Two years" Spike kept repeating those words in his head, two years of him doing everything for her carrying her tower of luggage every time they traveled, two years of him helping her dog for gems, and two years of her admiring her beauty for nothing.Spike's anger now reached a new level he started walking towards the door "Spike were are you going".

"Hunting" that's the only thing Spike said but Twilight knew what he meant. Spike suddenly saw a purple aura surround him and then he couldn't move "Let me go Twilight!" Spike scream his voice filled with anger and hatred, anger and hatred that he was going to release, Spike used all of his strength and started slowly moving.

"Spike I know what you are planning I'm not letting you out" Twilight was now using all of her magic but her hold on Spike was going to break Twilight didn't know were Spike's sudden strength came from but she knew one thing she couldn't let him leave. Starlight for the most part stood quite concentrating her magic she knew exactly what spell to use when she fired the beam the whole room was covered with a white flash.

Sure enough it worked by the time the light disappeared Spike couldn't move, "yes it still works" Starlight said to herself the spell she used against Twilight when they went back in time but instead of freezing him completely she only did it until she reached his neck, this however didn't stop spike from trying to get out.

Spike struggled trying with every bit of his strength to break free but he couldn't "let me out Twilight?".

"Actually it was me who trapped you in there Spike not Twilight".

"Oh... let me out Starlight!" Spike yelled his anger only seemed to rise Starlight only shook her head.

"Spike please calm down" Twilight said landing on Spike's crystal prison.

"Calm down how do you want me to calm down Rarity used me" Spike said still trying to break free "Rarity used my feelings for her to get me to do all of those favors for her and I fell for it every time" Spike could feel his anger still rise but he stopped focusing on his anger and started looking at Twilight who was hugging his head.

"Spike listen to me I know Rarity should have told you I know she took advantage of your feelings for her but" Twilight stopped Spike turned to her she was crying "Spike if you do this ponies and dragons may never live in harmony" she stopped again wiping away a few tears "but not only that Spike think what will happened to you you'll be arrested and Princess Celestia will have to banish you or worst" Twilight again stopped she wiped away more tears "or worst she might have to order your execution", Spike stopped struggling after he heard those words and was now filled with the sound of Twilight crying.

"Spike" this time it was Starlight who spoke "you are blinded by rage you need to calm down I was there too and you saw what happened to me" Spike was silent he didn't say anything and he stopped struggling and he thought about what they both said, if Spike attacked Rarity not only will he be in trouble but he will probably ruined a chance for ponies and dragons to live in peace.

Spike sighed "okay Twilight I'm calm now you can let me go" before giving the all clear Twilight checked his eyes and they were back to normal, Spike fell to the ground his anger was gone but it was now replaced by sadness, both Twilight and Starlight took this chance and started hugging spike. After about two minutes of hugging Spike got up and made his way to the door.

"Spike wait" Spike stopped when he saw a purple hoof holding his claw he pushed it away and kept walking when he was at the door to go outside he looked back at the unicorns.

"I'll be fine I just need sometime alone to think" and with that he left, both Twilight and Starlight watched him leave they were both quite until Starlight finally said something.

"Should we follow him?" Twilight didn't respond she simply shook her head she knew Spike needed to be alone she could only hope that he wouldn't do anything stupid.

To be continued.......

A blooming friendship

Spike kept reading the book Lightning showed hime but Spike was focused on that one sentence, "when the magic of the flowers is triggered the guardians will awaken. Every time he read that sentence he got chills down his spine. He wanted to turn around but he knew he had to go not only because he always wanted to do something like this, and someone needed to protect Lightning Blossom on this dangerous adventure.

"Were here" so much excitement filled her voice that Spike swore she sounded like Pinkie for a moment. Spike looked at the Everfree forest, over the years it lost its tittle as the most scariest and dangerous place of Equestria.

"Well a place can't really be that scary or dangerous when, a zebra lives in it, kids go in an out with no problem, and the heroes of Equestria come out of it without a scratch" Spike thought to himself he said all of those things in his head, but then why was he so scared he had been here before a couple of times.. Spike did admit the forest is dangerous but not as bad as ponies make it out to be, and yet Spike was still afraid and he didn't even knew why "c'mon Spike stop it your a dragon your strong, though and your not afraid of anything" confidence filled Spike and he was ready the question was, was Lightning ready.

"So are you ready Spike" Spike nodded making a note that it might be a good idea to keep a close eye on her. Lightning was about to head in when she felt a claw pull her back.

"Lightning stop do you even know were your going?" Lightning didn't answer that because she had no idea were they were going, she reached into her saddle bag apparently to pull out the book again but came back with a terrified look on her face. Spike rolled his eyes "I got the book right here" Spike held the book up and Lightning immediately grabbed it.

"Thanks Spike I can't lose this book" Spike wanted to ask her why but he decided not to knowing they would probably take a break in the forest so he will just ask her then, "okay let's see......the book said that we should look for magic since they release magic" Lightning looked confused but she figured it out eventually "I guess it's saying that we should look until we sense the magic" Lightning looked at Spike he had a look of confusion and even more annoyance.

"Were not unicorns we can't sense magic" Spike said looking directly at her.

"Well maybe I can't but you could" Spike now had an even more confused look on his face "my brother told me that there are dragons that can sense magic because they can use it" Spike thought about it there were times that he knew exactly were Twilight was or knew that there was something different about a room, it was usually the one were Twilight was practicing magic, but he didn't think he could use magic unless him being able to send letters using his fire breath was magic then he really didn't have any. Spike sighed he could at least give it a shot.

"Okay" with that Lightning was again filled with excitement. "Okay Spike you can do this just look for places that feel like Twilight's magic room" Spike thought to himself he took a deep breath and started walking towards the forest Lightning following close.

Twilight paced around in the throne room, it's been an hour since Spike left and she was starting to get really worried. Starlight was pretty much the same way she was sitting on one of the thrones looking at Twilight pace back an forth she had no experience when it came to love but she knew that a broken heart can make ponies and in this case a dragon do stupid things. Starlight hoped Spike found away to calm himself down and he was waiting for the moment he would just come through that door but that moment never came leaving her even more sad.

Twilight for the most part tried to keep calm but she couldn't Spike was one of her best friends even before Cadance came Spike was already there and now she betrayed him. Starlight had enough she needed to do something she needed to help Spike "Twilight do you think we should go find him" concern filled Starlight's face.

Twilight heard Starlight. In any other occasion she would have said to stay here but she was to worried about Spike to do this "yes Starlight I think we need to find him" Starlight got happy when she heard this both Spike and Twilight were the first friends she made once she reformed and she learned that friends help friends so that's what she wanted to do with Spike.

"Okay do you know were we should look".

Twilight thought about it but came up with nothing, when Spike wasn't helping her he was with Rarity now that he wasn't with Rarity she had no idea were he was. This didn't stop Twilight however as she came up with something "we should go see Rarity".

"But why would Spike be with Rarity" Starlight said confused.

"Exactly he is not with Rarity but she might know were he is" both Starlight and Twilight gained happy faces, they could only hope she knew were he was both of them started running once they were outside they ran in the direction of Carousel Boutique, "hey Starlight" Starlight looked at Twilight "why do you want to help Spike so badly".

"Spike is my friend and friends help each other" Starlight gained a look of determination and seeing this Twilight did the same.

Spike and Lightning were walking through the forest for like what felt like hours, it didn't help that basically every corner of this forest looks the same. While walking through the forest they had been attacked first by that crocodile thing that attacked Twilight, after that a snake almost bit Lightning when she tried to fly up to figure out were they were and last by timberwolves which apparently live in every corner of this forest because they came across basic packs already. Another bad thing about this forest is that there are so many trees that barely any light from the sun made it through.

Spike spotted a clearing up ahead and decided to take a break, Lightning however noticed something bad "Spike isn't that the same stream that we passed three times already, Spike looked in her direction and there it was the stream they already passed a while ago.

Spike put a claw to his face and grunted "don't tell me we been walking in circles this whole time" Spike was now angry he felt like this was just a waste of time but Lightning didn't share his anger.

"Okay I won't tell you" Lightning said smiling. Spike only gave her a glare and decided to just take seat under one of the trees. Spike had to admit when there were no creatures trying to kill you this forest was actually kind of peaceful. Lightning however was thirsty and sadly she didn't bring any water with her she looked at the stream and got close to it "hey Spike is this water safe to drink".

"No" he just answered not even looking at the direction she was standing. Lightning sighed she wanted some water really badly she'll have to make sure to pack enough water next time she goes out like this.

"Here" Spike gave her a water bottle he had in his back, with a thank you Lightning took the bottle and started drinking it "you're welcome" Spike had to admit that Lightning probably wasn't cut out for adventures  . Lightning finished drinking the water then looked at Spike.

"So do you know were to go" Spike shook his head he had no idea , he could feel the magic but the magic felt like it was coming from all directions, it also didn't help that they also felt different.

"It's just I can sense the magic but it feels like it coming from all directions" Lightning looked down sad that they would probably not be able to find it, if her brother was there he would have probably already found it, just then Lightning got a mischievous look on her face, she walked behind Spike who didn't notice since he was still thinking and pushed him inside the water. Spike didn't know what happened one minute he was standing on the ground the next he was under water.

The water was cold when Spike came back up he wasn't really happy "what was that for" Lightning who was rolling around laughing answered Spike.

"Oh you looked like you needed to cool off" Lightning said as she kept laughing, however Spike gained his own mischievous grin he submerged and waited. Lightning finally finished laughing she looked at the spot were Spike was suppose to be but he wasn't there, "Spike were are you" Lightning said worry filling her voice "Spike this isn't funny okay come out" again no answer Lightning decided to get close to the water unknown to her she did exactly what Spike wanted her to do, once she was close enough Spike jumped out of the water and grabbed her pulling her down with him as she screamed.

After a couple of seconds both of them came back up and got out of the water. Lightning was shivering and her mane now covered her fave, Spike went to his bag but felt something tackling him from behind, the next thing Spike knew he was on the ground with Lightning sitting on his belly, Lightning shook her entire body making water go every were but most of it went to Spike, Spike pushed her off her mane no longer covering her face and most of the water gone from her body.

After just staring at her for a little bit Spike started to laugh and Lightning soon followed, while laughing Spike went to his bag to see if he had anything Lightning could use to dry herself he didn't found was he was looking for but he did found a coat that he use for winter "this will have to do" when he turned back to Lightning she was still trying to get the water off by shaking "Lightning here" Lightning looked bat Spike who was offering her a coat.

Lightning gave Spike a confused look "what am I supposed to do with a coat?".

"Is the closest thing I have to a towel so use it to dry your self".

"Thank you Spike" Lightning used the coat to dry herself as much as she could , Spike didn't need to since he has scales most of the water just came off he was still a little cold so he sat down on the ground to let the sun warm him up again when Lightning was done she did the same.

Spike sighed and looked at Lightning "hey Lightning" Lightning looked at Spike "do you think I'm being selfish you know about this whole thing" Spike said his voice sounded a little tired, Lightning shook her head and put a hoof on Spike's claw.

"Spike I can see  Were your coming from its not only about Rarity but it's also about your friends" Spike looked at the ground waiting for her to finish "Spike you feel betrayed, your friends knew about this but none of them told you about, not even Rarity told you" Spike thought about it and she was right he wasn't mad about Rarity dating somepony else he was mad that none of his friends told him about it, "Spike I think you need to talk to your friends and find out why they didn't tell you" Spike nodded before he left he should at least talk to his friends and find out who they didn't tell him. "Spike aren't you happy that Rarity is happy?" another thing Spike didn't think about, in all of this he was thinking about himself he didn't even think about Rarity after all that Spike ever wanted was to see her happy. He just wished it was him that was the one making her happy.

Spike sighed he had to think about all of this before he talks to his friends but now on to other concerns "Lightning were did you get that book?" the question caught Lightning by surprise but she happily answered.

"I took it from my brother, I knew he was planning on finding the flowers for himself" Lightning paused taking out the book "when I asked him if I could come he said no so I took it so I could find the flowers" Lightning gained I sad look "I just want to show him that I can do this, that I can be like him" Spike knew that feeling, the feeling of wanting to prove to others that you are strong and capable of doing the same things they do.

"Lightning I know is none of my business but are you and your brother fighting?" Lightning quickly shook her head she didn't want Spike to think that.

"No Spike we just have our differences that's all my brother isn't such a bad guy" Spike knew something else was up but he didn't want to pressure her into giving him answer.

"Look Lightning you tried to help me so if you have any problems you can tell me I'll try my best to help you" Lightning smiled at Spike's answer but didn't say anything besides thank you Spike nodded and started walking around trying again to find the magic of the flowers while Lightning just sat there thinking about something. Spike kept searching but didn't find it "I need to find it before the more dangerous creatures like an ursa or a manticore found them" Spike thought to himself and as he finished that sentence a manticore jumped him out of nowhere.

Lightning saw that Spike was being attacked at without a second thought tackled the manticore with her full weight which wasn't very much. The manticore wasn't very happy about this so he hit her with its tail causing Lightning to fly off and hit a rock, almost immediately as she hit the rock a weird crunch sound occurred as if something snapped or broke, Lightning hit the ground with a loud yell and a thud, the manticore turned his attention back to Spike who in turn blew fire into the manticore's face, the manticore started trashing around Spike took this as his opportunity, "Lightning are you ok?" Spike rushed to Lightning's side to make sure she was ok.

Lightning got up "I think my wing is broken" both Spike and Lightning looked and she was right her wing was broken but they didn't have time for that since the manticore stopped trashing. Spike grabbed their bags, the manticore didn't move it was waiting to see what Spike was going to do.

"On three we run ok" Lightning nodded and got ready to run "one" Spike never took his eyes of the manticore which looked like it was ready to pounce "two" Spike got into position to run the other way again never taking his eyes of the manticore "three go". Spike and Lightning ran full speed they could feel the manticore right behind them, but thanks to the trees the manticore had trouble keeping up.

Today apparently wasn't their day since they ran into a fissure and the manticore was catching up "Spike it's catching up!" Lightning yelled Spike was analyzing the fissure wasn't to big so they could probably make it if they jumped. He took a few steps back and ran full speed ahead he barely made it to the other side with the bags but now that he was sure he told Lightning to jump.

"Lightning you have to jump" Spike looked behind Lightning, the manticore was almost there.

"Are you crazy I can't make that" Lightning said looking behind her and seeing the manticore only a few feet behind her.

"Don't worry I'll catch you" Spike again looked behind her and the manticore was practically on top of her "Lightning please jump you have to trust me" Spike said terror filling his voice but also honesty, Lightning didn't have a choice she ran and jump at the same time the manticore pounced but missed, Lightning jump but then felt herself falling until Spike grabbed her. Both of them were breathing hard they looked back and the manticore was pacing back and forth looking for away to cross. Spike didn't want to wait and see if it could make it across he got up grabbed the bags and left with Lightning following him.

They finally reached a place were they could sit down and catch their breath, Spike turned to face Lightning but just as he did they heard something cracking underneath them, both Lightning and Spike looked at each other, "you know I think I see why your brother didn't want to bring you" Spike got a glare from Lightning as the ground finally collapsed. They fell into a hole both bouncing down the ground unfortunately for Spike when they reached the bottom he hit his head on a rock and immediately passed out.

"What do you mean you don't know were he is" Twilight and Starlight both got to Carousel Boutique and immediately Twilight started asking about Spike, when Rarity told them she didn't know were he went well "when he wasn't with me in the castle he was with you" Twilight was angry, Spike was a part of her family and the thought of something bad happening to him was just something she didn't want to think about. Twilight angrily walked towards Rarity who for the second time had to back up.

"Twilight you know Spike helped me but he never told me were he would go after" Rarity said fear filled her voice, for the second time she was being scared by one of her friends Twilight would have kept going but Starlight stopped her.

"Twilight please we already had Spike go berserk we don't need you to do the same" this managed to calm Twilight down as she started pacing back and forth probably thinking were he could be. Starlight changed her attention from Twilight to Rarity giving her a glare, she only found out about the secret that they have been keeping from Spike and she really couldn't believe it she thought friends were supposed to be honest with each other certainly one them could have told him, but one second look and her look changed Rarity looked like she had been crying for a while now and she kept clutching a necklace "Rarity are you sure you don't know were he is" Rarity shook her head if she knew she would have told them she had no reason to hide Spike's whereabouts.

Starlight let out a sad sighed "well there goes our last chance at finding him" she didn't knew Spike very long but after her reformation Spike became her best friend, he was always there to help her from when she got lost in the castle, to the times she thought she wasn't going to be a good student, he was even there when she and Sunburst reunited even pushing her to go along, Starlight felt a tear going down her face Spike had always been there to help her and she couldn't do the same until "wait I think I got it" Twilight heard this and rushed to her grabbing her.

"You got it you know were Spike is?" Twilight said even Rarity looked interested.

"Well no but I think I know who might".

"Who?" both Rarity and Twilight were practically on top of her waiting for her answer.

"Rainbow Dash you told me that she usually spends the whole day flying right she might have seen him walking around" Twilight was jumping for joy she always wondered why Rainbow would fly around all day but now she was glad that she did that.

"Starlight your a genius" Starlight was happy that she could actually help "but we're are we supposed to find Rainbow Dash" even though you could spot Rainbow Dash pretty easily when she wasn't flying around she was napping and she usually when to the most quite places to do so.

"Well I know were she is" this time it was Rarity who spoke, both Twilight and Starlight were now looking at her "Rainbow Dash told me that she would be at the park with Tank, it wasn't to long ago so she's probably still there" Twilight and Starlight heard what they needed they were both about to start running but they were stopped by Rarity "wait I want to go to" both of them gave Rarity a confused look.

"Rarity I don't think it's a good idea" Twilight was the one to speak she knew Spike was probably calm but it was better to be safe than sorry.

"I think Twilight is right Rarity".

"I know Twilight is correct Starlight it's a bad idea for me to go" Rarity took a deep breath before speaking again "I know I did something really bad but I Spike is still my friend and I want to help him" Rarity said tears running down her face.

Starlight looked at Twilight who looked like she was thinking "okay Rarity you can come with us" Starlight was surprised by her answer but taking a look at Rarity she could tell that she was worried about Spike to. The three of them left Carousel Boutique and were on their way to the park to find Rainbow Dash.

"Spike wake up" after falling down the hole Lightning landed hard on the ground but she was find the same could not be said for Spike, Lightning kept shaking him as was getting more worried with each shake "Spike c'mon wake up" Lightning shook him harder.

"Twilight stop it I'm trying to sleep" Lightning sighed she was glad that Spike was still alive but she still needed him to wake up. Lightning looked around she found the bags near Spike sleeping body and was glad she she saw that she didn't drink all of the water she took the remaining water and was about to throw it at Spike when she heard something, she turned her head into the direction of the sound and listened something was on top of them probably the manticore. Lightning waited for a while and when she finally stopped hearing the noise she splashed the water on Spike's face.

Spike felt water hit hi face and he immediately got up "can I guy get some sleep" Spike looked around and saw Lightning as he realized he wasn't home, he looked around the hole seemed to have dropped them in a cave "we're are we?".

"In an underground cave air think" Lightning said. Spike looked in the direction they fell and bit looked like they could climb it very easily he was about to try until Lightning called him "Spike you might want to see this".

Spike went straight towards Lightning and was surprised at what he saw "it looks like a door" Lightning nodded she went into her saddle bag and pulled out the book, a smile found its way into Lightning's face as she went back to Spike and shoved the book on his face. Spike took the book and looked inside and sure enough there was a drawing of a door just like the one they found.

"Look Spike it's even got the same markings we found it" Lightning started bouncing up and down like Pinkie would usually do. Spike had a bad feeling before but now that they found the door that feeling turned into fear for some strange reason he was scared. Spike looked back at the book luckily for the book didn't say how to open the door.

"Lightning the book doesn't say how to open the door" Lightning stopped bouncing and noticed something on the door.

"Spike look at this" Spike stood next to her and looked In the direction she was pointing,"it's writing I think but I can't read it can you" Spike looked at the writing and sure enough he could read it.

Spike started reading what the wall said out loud "those be warned when the magic is revived so to will the guardians who will hunt those who try and take it" Spike had no idea what it meant and neither did Lightning but he knew that this door couldn't be opened "Lightning let's go" Lightning shook her head she came this far and she wasn't about to give up and go home. Lightning took a few steps back and ran straight for the door trying to knock it down she hit the door stumbled and fell on her butt, Spike walked up to her and stopped her from trying again "Lightning the door is made of stone and it probably has magic, you could do this all day and still you won't knock this thing down".

Lightning looked disappointed "Spike I can't give up now I didn't come all the way out here and got my wing broken just to turn back specifically because of a door" Lightning looked determined "Spike I need to do this I need to get through this door".

"Why Lightning?" Spike put one of his claws on the door and just about when Lightning was about to answer the door opened letting out a huge gust of air that again scared Spike but it didn't seem to affect Lightning, Spike began to wonder if this was like sensing the magic to find this place Lightning couldn't feel the magic so she probably didn't feel the same way as Spike did, Spike was terrified and Lightning looked like this was the happiest day of her life.

"Good job Spike let's go" Lightning started going along the corridor and Spike followed sensing danger with each step.

Twilight, Starlight and Rarity made it to the park all breathing heavy, especially Rarity who wasn't used to doing this sort of thing. They started walking around the park looking for their rainbow mane friend. Eventually they found her along with Fluttershy and a stallion Twilight didn't recognize.

"Hey girls I want you to meet a friend his name is Thunderstorm"  Thunderstorm waved at the group of friends they looked like they were ready to collapse at any second.

"Have you seen Spike were looking for him" Twilight said taking deep breaths.

"Yeah I saw him" Rainbow now noticed Rarity in the background and immediately knew what was going on, "so guessing Rarity finally told Spike her secret" Rarity was the one who nodded she was very anxious and she didn't have time for this "I saw him he was going to Sugar Cube Corner with another pony".

Twilight was about to start running again but Rainbow stopped her "look Spike and I were not the best of friends and we do have our problems but I wanna help" Twilight nodded she could use all the help she could get.

Fluttershy was the next to step in "I um would like to help to if you don't mind that is" Fluttershy said in her typical shy voice she then turned to Thunderstorm "can you help us?".

"Of course I can help any friend of yours is a friend of mine" Twilight didn't know Thunderstorm but she was grateful not only to him but to all of her friends. The new group of friends started to make their way to Sugar Cube Corner not knowing what was going to happen next.

Spike and Lightning walked through the corridor the cave felt cold Lightning was still happy that they could open the cave but Spike wasn't, Spike was on high alert the feeling that something bad was going to happen still didn't leave him. Spike and Lightning walked for about five minutes until they finally found a light. Lightning was about to run to it but Spike stopped her "Lightning wait I still have a bad feeling about this " Lightning looked at Spike with a slight annoyance but kept walking "this girl is so stubborn" Spike thought to himself and went after her.

Before they reached the light they found more writing like the one in the door. Spike read it out loud again "Alfa's blade will cut any beast for he is the leader of the guardians" Spike gulped and Lightning like before ignored it, Spike just kept looking at it repeating those words over and over and everything he did more fear made its way into him until a happy gasp finally snapped him out of it. Spike followed the sound and he found Lightning he was about to ask why did she make the noise but he found his answer.

"Spike we did it we found it" Lightning was so happy she would probably fly all over the room if her wing wasn't broken, Spike couldn't believe he thought it wouldn't be here but there it was a large meadow filled with the flowers a light was shining through a hole in the sealing and there was a small breeze, Lightning started walking forward until she hit something, Spike was just standing there looking at the flowers he couldn't believe they found them a scream caught his attention and he found Lightning hiding behind him "Spike there's something over there" Spike looked in the direction she was pointing and there was something Spike started moving forward to get a better look but Lightning pulled him by the tail "what are you doing?" Lightning said with fear on her voice.

"I'm going to check it out ok stay here" Spike said pointing to the ground Lightning did what she was told and waited, Spike walked towards the direction she took he was now standing in front of the flowers he walked around them and found what Lightning was scared off, Spike starred at the statue "Lightning com here" Lightning walked towards Spike she now took a look at what scared her and she felt stupid.

"I can't believe a freaking rock statue scared me" Lightning sounded angry and annoyed, Spike didn't react to that he was to busy looking at the statue it looked like a wolf and he also look like he was standing in attention Spike also followed his gaze which led to a clearing inside the flowers, Spike walked in front of the statue and immediately he felt like he was being watched he looked around the room as Lightning did the same and there were more of them counting the one Spike was in front off there were eight in total and they all looked like they were staring at them Spike got an even bigger feeling that something bad was going to happen but apparently he was the only one since Lightning still looked like she was happy.

Spike looked at the wolf statue again "what are you guys doing here?" Spike didn't expect the statue to answer but again he felt like he was being watched Spike saw Lightning walking towards the circle in the middle of the flowers and he followed her but he wasn't expecting what he saw, obscure by darkness there was another wolf creature but this one was different it stood upright and was more muscular, he was also really tall about the same height as Celestia but what caught Spike's attention the most were it's arms the left one was a normal claw but the second one looked like a sword.

"Whoa what is that thing?" Lightning asked. Spike didn't answer as he was to busy repeating those words on his head "Alfa's blade will cut any beast for he is the leader of the guardians".

"Lightning I think that's the leader" Lightning looked at Spike intrigued by what he just said "since he is the leader i think the statues are the guardians" Spike said he was more afraid now than he was before especially by Alfa who like he could rip him apart without even trying.

"Well they looked like they seen better days" Lightning said ignoring Spike's fear as he never took his eyes of Alfa. Lightning looked at the flowers and took the book out "no no no no no!" Spike stopped staring at Alfa.

"Lightning what's wrong?" Spike said worry filled his voice.

Lightning threw the book and it fell to the ground "their dead Spike they have no magic" Spike looked at the flowers and Lightning was right the flowers didn't look like the drawing in the book they looked withered "we came all this way for nothing!" Lightning screamed anger filling her voice. Lightning sat on the ground and stared at the ground, Spike sighed and sat next to her he couldn't believe they came all this way for nothing.

The others finally made it to Sugar Cube Corner with Rainbow Dash flying in with Thunderstorm behind her. "Pinkie Pie get out here!" Rainbow said in a voice that sounded like a sergeant yelling orders. Pinkie Pie came out from the back and immediately tackled Rainbow into a hug but she soon let go of Rainbow and wrapped her hooves around Thunderstorm neck squeezing really hard.

The rest of the group came in a little after and they looked like they were trying to catch their breath. "Pinkie we don't have time for this we need to know were Spike is" after hearing Spike's name Pinkie's mane deflated.

"Need air" Thunderstorm who had been quite finally spoke and Pinkie let go, Thunderstorm was thankful he wasn't going to die and started taking deep breath.

"I don't know were Spike went" Pinkie said her voice sounding really sad "he came in with Lightning got milkshakes and left" Pinkie didn't look at any of the others "I didn't want to spy on him and after keeping that secret for so long I didn't even have the courage to talk to him" Pinkie said glancing at Rarity and almost bursting into tears.

Thunderstorm didn't know what was happening but he decided that it was none of his business, but what did catch his attention was the mentioning of his twin sister Lightning "Pinkie did you say Spike was with Lightning" Pinkie nodded still looking sad the others were now standing beside her to comfort her even Rarity, Thunderstorm however needed to know what was his sister planning to do "Pinkie why was my sister with him?".

Rainbow stepped in "hey she isn't in the mood right now give her time".

"Rainbow this might be important it could help us find Spike" Thunderstorm replied he looked at Pinkie still waiting for her answer. Pinkie didn't know what to answer since she barely even looked in their direction when they were here she didn't know what to say, Thunderstorm saw this and decided to try something else "Pinkie did you notice something strange maybe one of them had something". Pinkie started remembering and she got something.

"Your sister she had a book it looked really old" Pinkie said she didn't sound as sad as before but she was still pretty sad.

Thunderstorm started to think and old book he then remembered that one of his books went missing, a look of terror came across Thunderstorm's face as he remembered what book he was missing "we need to go" this caught the attention of all them Thunderstorm said it again this time yelling "we need to go now!" his voice was full of worry as he made his way to the door.

"Thunderstorm what's wrong?" Starlight was the one to speak obviously worried.

"If my sister is going to the place in that book both her and Spike are in really big danger".

"Well what are we waiting for let's move out" Rainbow was the one to say that, Thunderstorm took the lead since he knew were he was going with Rainbow, Twilight Fluttershy flying behind him and Starlight using her magic to float beside them. Pinkie and Rarity had no choice but to run behind them.

Thunderstorm flew a look of worry on his face "Lightning please let me be wrong please" Thunderstorm thought tears were staring to form in his eyes.

Spike sighed he couldn't believe they came all this way for nothing "well at least my last day in Ponyville was fun and exciting" Spike thought he was thinking about writing a letter to Ember but something caught his attention crying.

Spike looked at Lightning. She was crying "hey Lightning you don't have to cry" Lightning didn't stop "I know things didn't turn out exactly as you plan them but you don't need to cry" Lightning still didn't stop.

"Spike you don't get it this was my chance" Lightning said sobbing Spike was confused.

"Your chance for what?".

Lightning looked at Spike her eyes filled with tears "this was my chance to show my brother that I can do this" Lightning sounded a little bit angry "this was my chance to be better than him" Spike didn't know what to say instead he did what he always does when Twilight was sad, Spike got closer to Lightning and gave her a hug Lightning was surprised by the hug but she didn't pull away instead she cried on Spike's shoulder, Spike didn't say anything he wanted to give her time to calm down, Spike ran his claw down Lightning's long mane something else he would do when Twilight was sad.

Lightning finally stopped crying and Spike let her go, Lightning looked at the ground  she looked so sad but Spike wanted to know if she had issues with her brother "Lightning is there something going on between you and your brother".

Lightning didn't looked at Spike but he gave him an answer "It's just my brother has always been better than me" Spike didn't say anything instead he got closer and wrapped one of his arms around her trying to comfort her. Lightning eventually started talking again "my brother is better at doing this whole adventuring thing, he's stronger than me, faster than me and he is also better at making friends than me". Spike still didn't know what to say he just stayed in the same position "all of the friends I ever had they were only my friends because they were friends with my brother I've never made a friend on my own" Spike finally understood why this was so important to her, she wanted to prove to her brother that she could do something like this, that she could be better than him, but after all this time Spike thought that the pony she wanted to prove herself to was herself.

Spike finally decided to break his silence "Lightning do you hate your brother" Lightning slowly shook her head even though she was angry at her brother she didn't hate him. "Lightning look at me" Lightning looked at Spike, Spike gave her a smile "you said you've never made a friend on your own" Lightning didn't answer that but what Spike said next surprised her "then what am I supposed to be".

"Were friends?" Lightning asked Spike.

"Yeah I mean do you think I would come all the way out here for just anypony" Spike stopped and looked at Lightning she didn't look sad but she did looked surprised "Lightning were friends" Spike was tackled by a hug from Lightning which send him to the floor, Spike after getting over the surprise returned the hug. "Lightning let's make a deal I'll talk to my friends if you talk to your brother okay"

"Okay Spike I'm going to talk to my brother" Lightning said letting go of Spike.

"Friends" Spike extended his arm towards Lightning and opened his claw.

Lightning smiled and extended her hoof "friends" Lightning put her hoof in Spike's claw and with that a white light engulfed the room, when Spike and Lightning opened their eyes they saw that the flowers were no longer dead, instead they were shinning like a beautiful rainbow. Spike looked at the flowers and they looked like they were made of diamonds and they also looked like they trapped a rainbow inside of them. Spike also noticed that some of the magic from the flowers went inside the statues.

"Guess Twilight was right friendship is magic" Lightning looked at Spike "yeah I can't believe I said that either" Spike was glad he decided to join Lightning on this adventure, even though he still had a bad feeling and the feeling of being watched felt greater than before it would truly be a good last day in Ponyville.

Lightning was happy but now she needed one last thing "Spike come help me dig one of the flowers".

"Why? I thought you were going to talk to your brother about this".

"I will I just want one of the flowers come on please" Lightning made those big puppy eyes Spike always hated, Twilight use to do that to her father and he could never resist those eyes. Apparently Spike couldn't either because he started helping Lightning dig the flower.

After digging the flower and putting it away safely in one of the bags Lightning and Spike left the cave. Spike expected those feelings to go away but they didn't.

After walking for what felt like forever things started getting bad. First they heard a howl that send shills down both of their spines and second they ran into that manticore from before. "Lightning stay behind me" Spike said in a demanding tone and Lightning did what she was told, the manticore was about to pounce until something that looked like a blade came down on it's head killing it instantly. Spike and Lightning saw in horror as the mighty beast was taken down with blood falling to the ground.

Spike's eyes were immediately filled with terror and looking at Lightning he could tell she was filled with fear as she was starting to back away, Spike could only stare at it and say one thing "Alfa" Spike couldn't believe it he wished this was a nightmare but it wasn't, the statue that stood as tall as Celestia was now standing in front of him blood dripping from his blade, his blade was also shinning in the same way that the flowers were. Spike didn't know what to do he could run but looking back at Alfa he knew that wasn't an option, he could fight but Spike didn't have the physical strength to match him especially if he could take a manticore down in one hit.

Spike was concentrating so much on Alfa that he forgot they were others. Lightning was backing away she was scared not only for her life but for Spike's who was apparently frozen with fear, she kept backing up until she felt something scratch her really hard on her side, Lightning let out a loud yell that woke up Spike, he saw Lightning face to face with one of the other guardians, Spike immediately ran towards her and brought his fist down hard on it's face causing it to back down. Lightning looked at her wound there was a little blood coming out of it but she would be fine.

Spike had no choice he had to fight his way out or at least make an opening for Lightning to escape, "Lightning listen to me" Lightning looked at Spike "I'm going to keep Alfa busy to watch for the others once you find an opening run".

"But what about you Spike" Lightning said her voice sounded sad.

"It doesn't matter Lightning as long as you make it out" Lightning looked at Spike he looked pretty determined so she knew he wasn't going to change his mind.

"Okay Spike" Lightning was starting to tear up, she knew this was all her fault and now she couldn't even do anything but watch and wait.

Alfa charged straight at Spike bringing his blade arm down in the spot that Spike was standing, Spike however dodge this kept happening for a while until Spike got an idea he stood still waiting Alfa ran to Spike bringing his sword down, "Spike move" Lightning yelled, but was surprised when she saw what Spike did. Spike grabbed Alfa's blade arm and with all of his strength ripped it of and threw it against a tree, only then did realized something, the other guardians made a circle around them which means that they can't escape.

Spike didn't care he took Alfa's blade he couldn't do anything now. Spike looked at Alfa he didn't look surprised or in pain, Spike was shocked about what he saw next Alfa's blade regenerated "well that's not fair" Spike said well they were the guardians for a reason, Spike was stuck in a lose situation he looked at Lightning she had a terrified expression on her face, Spike also saw one of the other guardians making it's way to her, "Lightning look ou......" Spike didn't finished as he felt something pierced his chest he looked down and saw Alfa's blade filled with his blood.

Alfa removed his blade from Spike's chest and Spike fell to the floor. Lightning rushed towards Spike crying and hugging him "Spike I'm this is all my fault" Spike didn't say anything he was losing blood really fast. Lightning cried this was all her fault she finally made a friend and now he was going to die because of her. She felt so weak and useless if her brother was here he probably would have already dealt with all of them but all she could do was cry.while the only friend she ever made died in front of her. Alfa started walking towards Spike to finish the job, he reached Spike and he was about to finish the job when he felt something tackling him.

Lightning stood in front of Spike she was glaring at Alfa, "I don't care if you're stronger than me I'm not going to let you hurt my friend!!!" Lightning yelled her voice filled with anger she charged directly at Alfa but he caught her, Alfa looked at Lightning she was still glaring at him but that didn't last long, Alfa head butted Lightning that hit was enough to knock her out.

Alfa tossed Lightning to the ground who had blood coming from her head. Alfa stood over her and raised his blade to finish her but he was interrupted this time by a punch. Alfa looked back and saw Spike standing again even after the wound and the amount of blood he lost he was still standing. Spike was being fuelled by adrenaline at this point, he glared at Alfa and with an angry voice yelled "if you want her you have to go through me first!!!". Spike stood his ground he would always protect his friends no matter what.

Spike stood there not moving and Alfa did the same, the stood there staring at each other until Spike heard a sound. Spike looked up and saw two pegasy flying directly to the ground and directly at Alfa. Spike knew what was going to happen and shielded Lightning when the pegasy landed on Alfa he shattered and what amounts to a huge explosion happened. After the dust settled Spike looked around but he couldn't see much since everything was blurry Spike looked down and he remembered that he was still losing blood, he looked around again and saw a bunch of figures fighting against the guardians after that he blacked out the blood loss finally getting to him.

Rekindling relationships and Spike's decision

Beep that's all that Lightning could hear, she had been listening to that sound for a while now. Lightning thought it was her alarm clock so she reached for it but didn't find it. The beeping didn't stop which caused Lightning to open her eyes. Instead of being home in her bed she was in a hospital room, she looked around seeing the usual things you expect to see at a hospital. Lightning then looked outside the window and saw that the sun was starting to set.

"Ugh my head" Lightning brought her hooves to her head, for some reason it felt like it was about to crack open "what happened why does my head hurt so much?".

"Well you've been through a lot dear" Lightning looked at the nurse apparently she had been standing there for awhile "you and your friend were attacked in the Everfree forest".

"My friend?" Lightning was confused what friend.

"You know the dragon" Lightning thought about what she said. A dragon and like that the memories started flowing in, everything since she met him, to when did they became friends, to being attacked by Alfa.

A look of shock and fear came to Lightning's face "Spike is he alright we're is he?".

"Dear please calm down he's fine" Lightning was afraid but did what the nurse told her.

"Can I see him" Lightning was worried was Spike really ok.

"Well I don't know" the nurse looked unsure Lightning's injuries weren't that serious but still.

"Please" by hearing Lightning's voice you could tell she was worried.

The nurse sighed "okay I'll take you to him. Lightning gave the nurse a smile and made her way out of the bed and into her hooves, she wobbled a little bit but other than that she was fine.

Lightning and the nurse finally made it to Spike's room. Spike was on the bed sleeping, Lightning didn't even want to imagine how angry he was, thanks to her he almost died.

"Will you alright by yourself" the nurse put her hoof on Lightning's shoulder, Lightning nodded and the nurse left. Once the nurse left Lightning approached Spike's bed. She reached it and sat next to Spike "I'm sorry Spike I'm so sorry" Lightning started crying she covered her eyes with her hooves and laid he head on the bed

Spike woke up probably by instinct, he knew that when there was a pony crying it was probably Twilight, and he needed to help her. Spike looked to his side, it hurt really bad when he did that but it didn't matter. Spike was expecting to see Twilight but what he saw was his new friend Lightning crying. Spike tried to reach her with one of his claws but it hurt to much. "Lightning why are you crying".

Lightning looked up to see Spike smiling at her, "Spike I'm sorry" Lightning leaped on the bed and hugged Spike still crying.

"You're sorry for what you didn't do anything bad" Lightning looked at Spike with a sad expression.

"This is all my fault you almost died because of me" Lightning couldn't stop crying.

"Lightning that wasn't your fault" Lightning looked at Spike, he was still smiling. Spike took a deep breath "Lightning you gave me one of the most fun and exciting days I have had in months".

Lightning was stunned "you call almost dying fun and exciting?" Lightning sounded really confused.

"Yeah and in the end your alright which it's all that matters" Lightning looked at Spike with a surprised expression, she expected Spike to be angry, she expected him to yell at her, she didn't expect him to be happy. Spike put a claw on Lightning's cheek which caused her to blush "Lightning when I saw that Alfa was about to kill you I" Spike looked at Lightning and she just stared back "something got into me i didn't care about my well being all I wanted to do was protect you" Spike smiled at Lightning and she smiled back.

Lightning gave Spike another hug and she gave him a kiss on the cheek. Spike put a claw to the cheek that Lightning just kissed and looked at her "what was that for?".

"It was a thank you for saving my life".

Spike smiled "that's what friends are for Lightning" Lightning smiled she was happy to hear those words. She finally made a friend on her own, and even though she almost lead him to his death he forgave her. "Well I'm tired" Spike finished with a yawn.

"I'm tired to Spike do you mind if I sleep here with you?" Spike shook his head. Lightning got close to Spike and fell asleep. Spike stared at her, she looked so cute when she was sleeping "okay Spike stop staring at her while she's asleep is weird" Spike thought to himself, after a little bit he himself finally fell asleep.

Spike woke up he really couldn't sleep with the pain in his chest. Spike looked at the window the sun was still setting, so he probably didn't sleep much. Spike looked at Lightning she was still sleeping next to him, she didn't really look that bad, besides the broken wing which was on a cast she didn't really look that bad. Spike was glad that Lightning was mostly ok. Spike looked around the room and then he focused on the door, there was a Pegasus stallion standing there, he had an orange coat and his mane and tail were a white color, whit the exception of a line in both of them that were black.

The stallion flew to Spike's side, the one were Lightning was sleeping on. Now that he was close he saw his cutiemark which was a thunderstorm cloud with eight lightning bolts coming out of it each being a different color, and his eyes were the same color as Lightning's eyes. "Hi Spike I don't think we have been properly introduced my name is Thunderstorm" Thunderstorm extended his hoof and Spike grabbed it and shook it.

So this was Thunderstorm, Lightning's brother, the same brother that was supposed to be better than her. "First of all thanks for protecting my sister and sorry she got you in that mess" he didn't sound angry to Spike's surprise "my sister has a talent for getting into trouble".

"It's okay she didn't get me into any mess" Thunderstorm knew Spike was covering for her sister "I was leaving for the Dragon lands so it was good to brush up on my fighting skills" Spike looked at Thunderstorm, he didn't want him to be mad at Lightning.

Lightning started waking up, thanks to the noise. She raised her head and looked around Spike was awake and he was staring at something, Lightning curious looked in that direction and saw her brother. She hid behind Spike after seeing him. Thunderstorm flew to the other side "you think you can hide from me" Lightning shook her head, "Spike do you mind if me and my sister have a private conversation". Lightning looked at Spike with pleading eyes.

"No I don't mind go ahead" Spike said and Lightning glared at him.

Thunderstorm made his way to the door and looked back "Lightning let's go".

"Spike please help me I don't want to go" Lightning whispered to Spike.

"Hey you promised to talk to your brother if I talked to my friends here is your chance" Lightning sighed she did promised that.

"You better talk to your friends Spike" Lightning glared one last time at Spike, and followed her brother out the room. Spike watch them go he hoped that Lightning actually tells her brother what she told him.

Thunderstorm and Lightning made it to the garden. It was a section of the hospital were workers could take a break. Thunderstorm stopped and Lightning sat on the ground. Lightning knew what was coming so she braced herself , Thunderstorm took a deep breath "Lightning that was the stupidest thing you've ever done and you dragged someone else into it!" Thunderstorm sounded really angry.

"I just...."

"Lightning do you know how lucky you are to be alive, if Spike's friends weren't looking for him I would have never found you" Thunderstorm paused for a moment "which means you would be dead".

"It just that I..." Lightning couldn't say it.

"Lightning you what, what's wrong?" Thunderstorm stared at Lightning.

"I just wanted to be like you" Lightning said as she started crying "I wanted to be like you Thunderstorm". Lightning was trying to hold back the tears but she couldn't, she stopped when she heard laughing. Thunderstorm was laughing at her, she didn't expect him to laugh at her "what's so funny?" Lightning said angry.

Thunderstorm didn't mean to laugh at his sister, "Lightning all this time you have been trying to be like me" Lightning nodded waiting for him to get to the point, "I have been trying to be like you". Lightning eyes widened when she heard those words.

"Thunderstorm why do you want to be like me?" Lightning was so confused, why would her brother want to be like her.

"Lightning you are friendly, loving and fun" Lightning looked at Thunderstorm but she said nothing, "every day you would come up with something exciting to do" Thunderstorm sighed and looked down "that's why our friends like you so much, they say I was boring and that why couldn't I be more like you" Thunderstorm turned around "it's the only reason I was so mad at you back then" Thunderstorm sighed again before turning around, he stared directly at his sister "Lightning you were the only reason those guys really stayed, if it weren't for you well they probably would have left".

Lightning stared at her brother, she smiled at him and he smiled back, she then pulled him into a hug, which Thunderstorm happily returns. Lightning cried but this time the tears were not sad ones, they were happy ones. "All this time I thought you hated me".

Thunderstorm chuckled "Lightning I love you, your my sister I could never hate you"

Lightning smiled this was the first time Thunderstorm ever said that "I love you too Thunderstorm".

"Lightning the only reason I don't bring you with me on my adventures is because" Thunderstorm paused and hugged his sister tighter "it's dangerous and if something happened to you I" Thunderstorm again paused but decided to finish "I would never forgive myself if something bad happened to you". Lightning was surprised by this, she didn't know that here brother didn't want her to be in danger. Lightning and Thunderstorm kept hugging.

After a bit Thunderstorm and Lightning broke the hug and smiled. "I'm just glad you don't hate me".

"Lightning I could never hate you" Lightning closed her eyes and kept smiling "trust me I've tried" Thunderstorm started making his way past Lightning and into the building.

Lightning's eyes shot open "Thunderstorm what do you mean you've tried". Thunderstorm started laughing and he ran back into the building. Lightning ran after him yelling his name all the way.

Spike laid on his bed as he watched the two pegasy leave his room. He looked up at the sealing and thought about what happened. Spike smiled today had been a crazy day "I should write a letter to Ember" Spike thought, he started looking on the night stand that was next to the bed, "there should be something I can use to write a letter" Spike found some paper and a quill. He started writing his letter to Ember asking her to come to Ponyville. Spike finished the letter and he was about to send it "well Spike once you send this letter there's no turning back" Spike thought, if he sends this letter that means he'll have to go, but could he really do this, leave everything behind. Spike shook his head "c'mon Spike this is no time to hesitate, this is for the good of all dragons and ponies" Spike took a deep breath and mailed the letter, after that he just watched the smoke disappear "Spike c'mon it's not like your leaving forever your coming back" Spike took another deep breath and laid on the bed.

Spike sat on the bed and waited he had nothing to do so he was bored. Spike looked at the door and saw his friends come in first was Twilight and Starlight, followed by Rainbow Dash and Applejack, and last Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie, the latter's mane being straight making her look more like Maud than Pinkie. Spike was so used to seeing Pinkie's mane all puffed up that every time it was straight like that it felt weird. Spike's friends stood near his bed some of them giving Spike concerned looks and others just looked sad.

Spike sighed he knew what he had to do, Lightning was going to talk to her brother so Spike had to do the same with his friends. "So why didn't you guys tell me about Rarity and Fancy Pants?" Spike voice sounded tired. The girls all got worried looks on their faces, except for Starlight who decided to stand behind the group, she didn't know that Rarity was dating another pony, actually the only thing she knew was that Spike had a crush on Rarity so she didn't say anything. Spike looked at the girls"please I need you to.be completely honest with me", the group looked at each other until Applejack gave Twilight a push basically telling her to talk.

Twilight sighed she could only hope that when she was about to say wasn't going to make things worse, Twilight took a deep breath "Spike we didn't tell you because" Twilight paused but decided to keep going "Rarity wanted to be the one who told you" Twilight looked at Spike, he didn't look angry or sad he looked like he was thinking of something.

"Were is Rarity?" Spike asked. This time it was Rainbow Dash who answered.

"She said she didn't want to make you angry so she didn't came". Spike sighed after what he heard he needed to talk to Rarity. The girls didn't tell him because of her, Spike didn't need to talk to his friends he needed to talk to Rarity. Spike looked at the girls again and they all looked sad. Spike took a deep breath and decided to tell them.

"Girls" all of them stared at Spike "don't be sad I'm not angry you were only doing a favor for a friend, I don't want my last day in Ponyville to be a sad one". All of the girls stared at Spike.

"Last day!" They all yelled at the same time.

"Spike what do you mean last day were are you going?" Starlight was the one to talk, she had been quite all this time but she couldn't keep quite.

"Spike is this because of what happened with Rarity" Twilight's voice sounded really sad. Spike however shook his head and he stared directly at Twilight. The others just listened.

"Twilight do you remember that Celestia said I was the key" Twilight nodded. Celestia told her how especial Spike really was when she started taking care of him. "Well I now know what she meant" Twilight listened, she didn't say anything she just listened "Twilight it's my purpose, my destiny I have to go to the Dragon lands" Spike paused while the others just stared at him, "I have to teach dragons how to be kind and friendly towards one another only then can ponies and dragons truly be friends".

Twilight stared at Spike while the others protested, Twilight used her magic to keep them quite "Spike are you sure this is what you want?" Spike nodded "and are you sure this is your decision and you are not doing it because of what happened with Rarity?".

"Twilight I'm sure this is what I want" Spike looked at her again "this is why Celestia brought me here to live with ponies" Spike gave Twilight a smile and put a claw on her cheek "that's why Celestia told me that I had to live with you" Spike took his claw off Twilight's cheek and stared at them "if Celestia didn't take me here to live with ponies I would probably be as bad as Garble" Spike looked at his group of friends and smiled "it's my role the role I choose to have, I'm the key Twilight the key to friendship between dragons and ponies". Spike smiled at Twilight and she smiled back.

"Spike I'm so proud of you and don't worry none of us will stop you" Twilight looked at the others as they nodded their heads. They all still looked sad "Spike were going to miss you.

Spike stretched his arms inviting all of them to a hug. The girls all ran and hugged Spike even Rainbow Dash who didn't really like this sort of thing joined in the hug. "Girls you have all been great friends we may have had our bad times but we also had our good times" Spike smiled "I love all of you and don't worry I'm not going to leave for ever I'm coming back". The girls hugged Spike even tighter, which hurt since Spike had a wound in his chest but he didn't care.

Just then Spike saw Lightning and Thunderstorm standing in the door and motioned for them to join as well. Lightning accepted and joined in the hug, Thunderstorm wasn't much for group hugs so he tried to leave only for Pinkie to pull him in. Thunderstorm sighed and joined in the group hug.

After the hug was broken Spike stared at his group of friends, all of them smiling. "Well I have to guys the dance is still on and there are clouds that need to be taken out so bye" Rainbow flew out of the as all of them stared.

"Well Spike I'm glad you're okay but I have to get the food ready for the dance" Applejack looked at Spike and smiled and waved.

Pinkie's mane went back to its normal looked, a look that Spike preferred "uhh I have to go the Cakes need help". Pinkie skipped to the door and turned to Spike "I'm happy you're okay Spike" Spike gave Pinkie a smile and she returned it and left.

Fluttershy made her way to Thunderstorm "um I'll go home and get ready". Fluttershy walked to the door, but before she left she looked at Spike "I hope you feel better later Spike", Spike gave Fluttershy a smile and she returned the smile and left.

Lightning turned to her brother "so you and Fluttershy".

Thunderstorm turned to his sister, he already knew what she was about to ask "Fluttershy is just my date to the dance and my friend nothing more Lightning" Lightning made a note of that.

Spike couldn't believe he forgot about the dance "hey Twilight" Twilight looked at Spike "the special suit that Rarity made me is it ok". Twilight nodded, Spike destroyed his room but not all of it. Luckily it was easy to fix the damage Spike cause to his own room. "Oh great Lightning Blossom would yo be my date to the Hearts and Hooves Day dance?".

Lightning was caught of guard by that question, she had never been asked out on a date, and now Spike the guy she almost ended up killing was asking her out. Lightning stood there quite until she felt her brother smacking the back of her head with his wing. "Hey Thunderstorm that hurt".

"Sorry I forgot about the whole head thing" Thunderstorm smiled at his sister and she just glared at him, "anyhow I believe Spike asked you a question".

Lightning looked at Spike "yes Spike I'll be your date to the dance". Spike smiled and Lightning smiled back.

"Okay then let's go you have to get ready" Thunderstorm pulled Lightning away.

"Wait Thunderstorm can I leave already?" Lightning asked unsure if she could leave.

Thunderstorm just kept pushing her "well your not dying" Lightning looked back at her brother "fine will ask see y guys later". Spike watched them leave "Lightning's brother is really weird" Spike thought to himself. Spike tried to get up but he was stopped by Twilight.

"Look Spike I know you're going to the dance but I want you to stay longer and rest" Twilight looked at Starlight and back to Spike " I'm going to go meet my brother at the train station will help them get settled and then I'll come pick you up okay".

Spike sighed he knew he wasn't going anywhere and sleep did sound good. Spike nodded he then looked at Starlight and he remembered something "hey Starlight is Sunburst going to take you to the dance". Starlight nodded.

"Yeah Spike he was actually happy that I invited him" Starlight said "well Twilight we should leave Spike needs to rest before the dance and we have to go to the train station".

Twilight nodded and looked back at Spike "Spike do you promise to stay here".

Spike rolled his eyes "yes Twilight I'm not going anywhere" Spike looked at Twilight who wasn't really convinced "Twilight honest I'm not going anywhere sleep sounds pretty good right now". Twilight smiled and left with Starlight following her.

Spike laid back in bed, he was about to close his eyes but he received a letter. Spike opened the letter and it was from Ember "so she is coming great" Spike said to himself. He put the letter on the table next to the bed and he was finally able to go to sleep.

Spike was a sleep having a nice dream, he was eating a lot of ice cream and he was loving every second of it. Spike was used to the sound of hooves waking him up, when he heard that sound it meant Twilight. Spike opened his eyes thinking Twilight came back to get him but was surprised with what he saw. Instead of Twilight he saw Rarity.

Rarity was standing in front of the table, she had the necklace Spike gave her. "I'm sorry Spike" Rarity looked at Spike who was sleeping "I don't deserve this necklace and I definitely don't deserve your friendship" Rarity held the necklace close to her heart, she was crying. Spike could have stop her but he wanted to hear what she had to say, so he pretended to still be asleep.

Rarity kept crying and looked at Spike, "Spike I'm sorry I didn't tell I was just so scared" Rarity kept crying and Spike kept listening "you were such a great friend and I thought the only reason you were friends with me was because you had a crush on me". Spike kept listening he didn't know if he should be angry or sad. "Every time I saw you Spike I wanted to tell you but I was scared I was going to lose your friendship" Rarity was a mess all of her tears ruined her makeup "funny by keeping it in I still lost your friendship". Spike didn't what to do should be stopped her. "Spike all I can ask for is for your forgiveness and I would understand if you never wanted to see me again" Rarity paused and took a deep breath "Spike I'm sorry and I wanted to let you  know that I enjoyed every moment we spent together.

Rarity put the necklace on the table and turned around to leave "I forgive you Rarity". Rarity stopped when she heard those words. Spike was now sitting up "Rarity I forgive you and I still want to be your friend". Rarity just stood there. After everything she did Spike still forgave her. Spike stretched his arms inviting Rarity for a hug, Rarity ran and jumped on the bed and hugged Spike still crying.

"I'm sorry Spike I'm sorry for everything" Rarity said in between sobs.

Spike used his claw to raise her head, so that her eyes met his. Spike smiled "it's okay Rarity I forgive you" Rarity smiled back at Spike "Rarity all I ever wanted was to see you happy" Spike kept hugging Rarity his chest still hurt but he didn't care, "Rarity all the things that I did for you I did because it made you happy" Spike paused and took a breath, "I didn't do it because you batted your eyes, or promised me a reward I did it because it made you happy". Rarity looked at Spike face he was smiling, she couldn't help but smile to "Rarity all I ever wanted was to see you happy, so if being with Fancy Pants makes you happy then I'm happy".

"Spike your the best friend a pony could ever ask for" Spike smiled "I'm sorry for not telling you sooner".

"Rarity it's okay let's just put it behind us and let's keep being friends". Rarity smiled at Spike and he smiled back, the two of them finally broke the hug. Spike turned his head to the necklace, it was the same one he gave her "Rarity why did you bring the necklace".

"I came to Gove it back Spike after what I did I don't deserve it".

Spike grabbed the necklace and he put it around Rarity's neck, the sapphire necklace matched perfectly with Rarity's eyes "there it looks absolutely beautiful Rarity I gave this to you as a gift and I want you to keep it". Rarity stared at Spike with a shock expression.

"Spike I can't keep this you work so hard on it and" Rarity didn't finish that sentence, Spike used his claw to keep Rarity quite.

"Rarity I made for you please keep it as a sign of our friendship" Spike let go of Rarity's mouth.

Rarity felt her eyes tearing up again "Spike I don't know what to say I thank you Spike" Rarity looked at the necklace "a sign of our friendship" she thought to herself. Rarity smiled and hugged Spike again and Spike returned the hug.

After about two minutes they finally let go "Rarity I'll see you at the dance" Rarity nodded and smiled. Spike lifted a claw towards Rarity "friends" Rarity put her hoof on Spike's claw.

"Friends" with that Rarity got off the bed and made her way out of the room. She reached the exit to the room and turned around to stare at Spike. "Goodbye Spike I'll see you at the dance" Spike smiled at Rarity and waved goodbye as she did the same.

With that Spike was left alone in the room once more. Spike sighed and smiled he was glad he could talk to his friends and he did feel better. Spike laid back down on the bed and went back to sleep. Even though he was leaving tomorrow he was still happy that he had friends here waiting for the day he would come back.

The dance

Spike looked at himself in the mirror, it took Twilight twenty minutes to pick him up at the hospital. Spike put on the especially designed suit that Rarity made him. The suit and the shirt had holes in the back that way his  spikes won't ruin it. Spike turned around and faced Ember who made it to the castle when Spike was in the hospital. "So what do you think?" Spike asked Ember who was staring at the ceiling.

"I don't know dragons don't usually want friends" Ember sat up on Spike's new bed and looked at Spike "Spike not every dragon wants to be friends with ponies you saw how Garble acted". Spike looked disappointed he knew this wasn't going to be easy, but having Ember's support would be great.

Spike sighed he walked to his bed and sat next to Ember "look I know it's not going to be easy" Spike looked at his claws "but think of it dragons would be stronger if they stand together as one and all the things they could accomplish if they worked together". Ember looked sat Spike she wasn't really convinced it was going to work "look with dragons and ponies being friends, dragons could come to Equestria without having ponies panicking and dragons would have more space to make their homes".

Ember looked at Spike "yeah but still do you even know what you're going to do". Spike shook his head he had no idea what he was going to do to get dragons to be friends, but he does know that if and Ember could become friends then so can other dragons.

"Look I don't know what I'm going to do but" Spike grabbed Ember's claw with his own this caused her to blush, Spike didn't notice however "you and I became friends so I know other dragons can to" Ember sighed.

"Okay Spike but I'm still not convinced a runt like you can pull this off".

"Hey I'm not a runt" Spike tried to make himself bigger but it didn't work, he was taller than Twilight but Ember was still taller than him. She made this even more clear by putting her arm on top of Spike's head. Spike pushed her away "stop that, lets see how much you like it when I'm taller than you" Spike pointed at Ember and she started to laugh.

"Okay I can't wait for that" Ember said between laughter.

Spike looked at Ember "so are you staying for the dance" Ember looked at Spike.

"Spike dragons don't do dancing".

"Well this dragon does come on it's fun" Ember though about it, she sighed and nodded.

"Fine but I'm not wearing a dress".

Spike smiled "oh that's to bad I think you would look cute in a dress".

Ember blushed "I'm not cute" she said in a low voice, so Spike didn't hear it.

"So I already have a date but I know she won't mind if I take you in a dance" Ember looked at Spike. "Okay I have to pick her up but don't worry Twilight will show you were the dance is okay".

"Okay Spike" Spike left the room and Ember looked down.

"C'mon Ember it's not like you like him or anything" Ember said to herself.

Spike walked through the castle halls for what would be his last time at least for a while. He stared at the crystal walls wondering what his future held for him.

"It's beautiful isn't it Spike" Spike turned around to see Cadance smiling at him, "Twilight told me what you were going to do and I have to say I'm proud of you Spike". Spike smiled he was glad to hear that especially from Cadance "you've come a long way from being that baby dragon I helped take care off all those years back" Spike smiled he would always have those great memories.

"Hey Cadance" Cadance stood next to Spike, "do you think I can do it, do you think I can convince the dragons to be friends".

Cadance wrapped Spike in a hug and Spike returned it "Spike if anyone can do it you can" Cadance let go and was now staring at Spike, "Spike I believe in you and so do all of your friends we know you can do it". Cadance smiled.

Spike smiled back "thank I needed to hear that" Spike scratched the back of his head "well I have to leave don't want to leave my date waiting. Cadance gave Spike another his and she started making her way to her room. Spike just kept walking towards the exit of the castle, he looked back one more time and smiled "I have great memories here and when I come back it will be here". Spike opened the door and walked outside.

Spike looked at the to of Ponyville, for some reason it always felt different at night. Today was no exception the streets were lighted with the lanterns that were placed earlier, and you couldn't look anywhere without seeing a balloon or a decoration of some kind. "Pinkie went all out with decorating" Spike looked around one last time and started walking, his destination Lightning's house.

Spike walked through Ponyville, he looked around even though he was leaving tomorrow and that he was coming back, it felt like the last time he would walk this streets. Spike spotted Applejack she was wearing a dress similar to the dress she used the first she went to the gala, only this time it was red and pink. "Howdy Spike".

"Hi Applejack" Spike stared at his friend she was even wearing her trademark hat.

Applejack looked at Spike and she smiled "look Spike I know you're leaving but I want you to know that you will always have friends here in Ponyville" Spike looked at Aj, she put her hat down to hide her face.

"I know Applejack and please don't cry I'm not going to be gone forever I'm coming back" Spike gave Applejack a hug and she returned it.

"I know you will Spike but it won't be the same without you" Applejack wasn't much for crying but she did shed a few tears.

"Don't worry I'm probably not going to be gone for long" Spike looked at Applejack, she was wiping away the tears "I'll see you at the dance okay". Applejack nodded and Spike started walking again.

Spike kept walking, he heard that Applejack cries on the inside, but that wasn't what he saw. Spike kept walking and walking, he was admiring the scenery or so he would have you believe. What he was actually doing was walking around in circles, because he had no idea were Lightning lived. "Good job Spike you invite her to a dance and you don't even ask her were she lives", Spike said to himself while also hitting his head, how could he forget to ask her. Spike kept calling himself stupid but he wasn't going to do that all night, "c'mon Spike is simple just ask somepony were she lives you are bound to find someone who knows", Spike was about to walk but he felt something tackling him and he fell to the ground.

Spike groaned, he really couldn't wait to be bigger so that he didn't fell to the ground every time. Spike looked at the pony who was responsible, and he thought that some otherworldly being heard him because the one responsible was none other than Pinkie Pie. Pinkie Pie for some strange reason knew were everypony lived, weather this was a good thing or a bad thing who knew, but right now Spike knew it was a good thing. Pinkie looked at Spike, her eyes had a mixture of worry and sadness. Pinkie hugged Spike and Spike still on the ground returned the hug, "Spike I want you to know that I will always be your friend no matter what" Pinkie said her voice didn't sound normal, it was sad Spike didn't say anything he just hugged her back.

After a little more time hugging, Spike finally got up. Spike looked at Pinkie her mane was still the same, Spike found that weird since Pinkie would sometimes do something crazy with her mane, especially when it came to big parties like these, she was also wearing a pink dress and the dress had red hearts on it here and there. "Pinkie thanks" Pinkie looked at Spike confused about what he said, why was he thanking her "Pinkie you've been a great friend to me" Spike was now staring at Pinkie's eyes "when ever I was sad you would try your hardest to cheer me up and no matter what you never gave up". Spike looked at Pinkie and she looked like she was about to cry "Pinkie we had our good times and our bad times" Spike paused and took a breath "but in the end I'm glad I got to meet such a wonderful mare" Pinkie eyes finally had enough and tears started to drop "a mare that would sacrifice her own happiness just to see others happy". Spike looked at Pinkie, she was crying, she was also looking at the ground Pinkie no matter what I'm happy to have a wonderful friend like you" Spike stretched his arms inviting Pinkie for a hug one she was more than happy to give, "Pinkie please stop crying I'll be back okay I'm not leaving forever" .

"Spike these are happy tears I'm also glad to have a wonderful friend like you Spike". Pinkie hugged Spike harder and Spike just kept hugging her. Spike and Pinkie finally stopped hugging, Pinkie started wiping away the tears "okay Spike I'll see you at the dance okay" Pinkie said in her usual happy voice, she was also bouncing in place, Spike smiled he was glad to have the Pinkie Pie he knew back.

"I'll see you at the dance Pinkie" Pinkie smiled, she hugged Spike and he started bouncing away. Spike watched his friend happily bounce away and smiled. Spike was about to keep walking until something dawned on him, he forgot to ask Pinkie if she knew were Lightning lived. Spike started running in the same direction Pinkie left, while also shouting her name and calling himself stupid again.

Spike finally caught up to Pinkie and he was able to ask her his question. Spike smiled when Pinkie told him were to go and how to get there. Spike was now leaning against a building, with all the running he did the pain in his chest came back, turns out if you were stabbed with a sword running isn't a good, idea especially if you just got out of the hospital. Spike put a claw to his chest he decided to wait for the pain to go away, unknown to him somepony was watching him. "Spike are you okay" Spike heard the voice, it sounded really concerned. Spike looked around until he found the pony that talked. Spike stared at the pony in question,Sweetie Belle Rarity's younger sister and one of Spike's friends, she didn't look very happy though and with that concerned look Spike was starting to get worried.

Spike still had his claw on his chest, but he was able to smile "Sweetie I'm fine jus a scratch and a little pain nothing more". Sweetie stared at Spike, she didn't really believe he was fine, but she knew he wasn't going to die so it was okay.

"Spike Rarity told me you were leaving" Sweetie Belle stared at the ground her voice now sounded sad.

Spike put a claw on her head, Sweetie looked at Spike and he was smiling "Yeah I'm leaving did she tell you why" Sweetie nodded, Spike sighed "look Sweetie I'm not going to be gone forever okay I'm coming back. Sweetie Belle already knew that, but it wasn't going to make things any easier, but she also knew that instead of trying to stop him, she should be supporting him after all Spike is her friend.

Sweetie smiled "Spike I know you're coming back" Sweetie hugged Spike, now this wouldn't be to bad, Spike already got hugged before, the problem was that Sweetie Belle was little so she was hugging his chest, which was were he was stabbed before. Spike just sucked up the pain and returned the hug the pain wasn't to big anyway. Sweetie looked at Spike her smile was even bigger "Spike I want you to know that I believe in you and I know you can do it" Spike smiled hearing that makes him feel happy "if there is someone who can teach dragons how to be friends is you Spike".

"Thanks Sweetie Belle you don't know how happy I am to hear that".

Sweetie smiled again "Spike the CMC know you can do it you already made ponies think different about dragons I know you can do the same for dragons" Spike remembered all the ponies that treated him wrong just because he was a dragon, but like Twilight's mom most of them had apologized and even admitted they were wrong about him. "Spike teach dragons that friendship is the best thing ever" Sweetie said she was happy and she truly believed Spike could do it.

Spike got on one knee and he stared into Sweetie Belle's eyes "Sweetie thanks and don't worry i will help dragons to become friends and after that I'll help them think differently about ponies" Spike smiled, Sweetie returned the smile and gave Spike another hug, this time it wasn't on his chest. Spike broke the hug "so I'll see you at the dance" Sweetie nodded, she waved goodbye to Spike and left for the boutique. Spike took a breath and smiled "my friends believe in me" Spike said to himself. He was feeling much better so he decided to start walking again.

Spike walked and walked, he didn't stop he had somewhere to be and no time to lose. On his way many ponies stopped him, they all told him that they were cheering him on, some told him they knew he could do it, and others wished him good luck. Spike was confused, how did they all know, he then realized that probably one of his friends told someone else, and it spread across the town. Spike didn't mind however he was leaving so they would probably notice he was gone and they would start asking around. Spike walked past Sugar Cube Corner and he saw Rainbow Dash, she was wearing a dress similar to the one she wore the first time she went to the gala, but this time the dress just looked like she had a big rainbow wrapped around her.

Rainbow noticed Spike and flew towards him. "Hey Spike I want to tell you something" Rainbow looked nervous "look I" Rainbow started scratching the back of her head, something she did when she was thinking about the right words to say, "Spike I have to tell you I'm-" Rainbow stopped when she saw Spike's claw in the air.

"Rainbow" Spike extended his claw and he looked straight at Rainbow Dash "no hard feelings okay". Rainbow was surprised, she was ready to apologize, but apparently Spike had already forgiven her "Rainbow we may have fought a lot and we weren't the best of friends" Rainbow looked around, she knew what he meant "but I'm still glad to have an awesome friend like you" Rainbow smiled and Spike smiled back. Spike extended his claw again "friends".

Rainbow put her hoof on Spike's claw, and shook it "Friends". Spike extended his arms asking Rainbow Dash for a hug "Spike I don't really like hugging a lot", Spike knew that Rainbow didn't like showing her feelings, she also didn't like girly things "Spike I think I'll make an exception this one time". Spike found himself hugging Rainbow Dash, in all the years Spike had known Rainbow, this was the first time he had ever given her a hug. Spike and Rainbow were the best of friends, they usually fought a lot and after her lame dragon comment they pretty much ended up fighting a lot. "Spike look your right I'm not always the best friend but I want you to know that I believe in you I know you can do it" Rainbow raised her hoof and broke the hug, Spike hoof bumped her.

"Rainbow your an awesome friend your not perfect but none of us are" Spike smiled at Rainbow Dash and she smiled back, after that Rainbow flew off. Spike watched her go, he was happy that he got a chance to talk to her before he left, he didn't want to leave on a bad note with any of his friends, so he was happy that he could talk to them. He was leaving tomorrow but he was glad that he could talk individually with each one, since they would probably be in a group to say goodbye to him.

Spike finally came back from his thinking and he started walking again. Spike walked pass the town square it was decorated for the dance, it was the same as the rest of the town. Spike looked around but he didn't stop, he turned to keep walking in the direction of Lightning's house but he saw Rarity coming his way. Spike looked at Rarity she was wearing her special made princess dress, the one with the gems sewn on it. Spike and Rarity were now face to face, they didn't say anything since they already said what they needed to say already, instead Spike stood there and smiled, he stretched his arms like he did before and wrapped up Rarity in a hug, Rarity returned the hug. After breaking the hug Spike noticed she was wearing the necklace he had given her, "Spike I know you can do it" Rarity like all of his friends were cheering on Spike, and wishing him luck on the hard task he had in front of him.

"Thanks Rarity" Spike smiled and waved, leaving Rarity and continuing on his way. Rarity watched her friend leave and she couldn't help but smile. After what she did Spike still wanted to be friends.

"I'm really lucky to have a wonderful friend like you Spike" Rarity smiled and she went back to making sure everything was ready. Spike was almost at his destination but he stopped when he saw him. Spike stared directly at the pony who had taken Rarity from him, but instead of feeling angry he actually felt happy. Spike knew Fancy Pants and deep down he knew he was perfect for Rarity. Fancy Pants finally noticed Spike staring at him and he decided to talk to him.

"Hello Spike how are you?" Fancy wasn't really afraid of Spike, he had never been, he wasn't part of the ponies that treated him badly just because he was a dragon, Fancy Pants was Spike's friend.

"Hi Fancy Pants, I'm fine but i need to talk to you" Spike took a deep breath, he didn't want his anger to take over like it did before, he didn't want to ruin a possible friendship between dragons and ponies. "I know you and Rarity are dating" Fancy Pants was surprised, not because he knew, but because he didn't until now, "look Fancy for years I had a crush on Rarity" Spike looked him in the eye "when I found out today that you were dating I was furious and I almost did something bad", Fancy was staring to get a little nervous at this point, "but then I realized something" Spike looked to the star filled sky and then back to Fancy "I realized I want her to be happy, that's all I want, Fancy please make her happy".

Fancy Pants was surprised by his words, but he smiled anyway, "Spike all I want is to make her happy". Spike was happy to hear that, he was also happy that he didn't let his anger take over.

"Thanks Fancy Pants that's all I wanted to say, I have to go now I'll see you at the dance". Spike left with a smile on his face, he looked back to see him walking towards town square. Spike looked at the stars one more time and sighed, he felt happy after that Spike wondered why, "c'mon Spike there's no time for you to start thinking, you have a mare to pick up and a dance to go to" Spike said to himself, he started walking again this time not stopping.

Spike finally made it to the house, it looked like every other house in Ponyville so he hoped this was the right place. Spike knocked on the door a couple of times until it opened, "hey Spike come in have a seat" Thunderstorm opened the door and let Spike come in, Spike did so and sat on the couch "Lightning should be ready soon so I'll just leave you, I have to pick up my own date", Thunderstorm closed the door behind him and flew off. Spike looked around the house it looked like a normal Ponyville house, living room with a couch, Spike could see the kitchen and there were stairs going up probably towards the bedrooms. Spike got up and walked towards a fireplace in the living room, he noticed there were pictures on top of it, so he decided to take a look.

Spike grabbed one of the pictures and looked at it, it was a picture of Thunderstorm and Lightning when they were little, Lightning was hugging him and she looked very happy, Thunderstorm looked bored and angry. Spike laughed at the picture thinking it looked pretty cute and funny. Spike looked at the picture next to it, it was a recreation of the first picture, the only difference is they were older, Lightning still looked happy, and Thunderstorm just looked like he rather be doing something else. Spike looked at the third picture, it was a family picture, with Lightning and Thunderstorm in the front with their parents standing behind them, something caught Spike's attention and it was their mom, her mane was half black and half orange. "So that's why Thunderstorm mane is like that" Spike said to himself.

Spike looked at the other picture, this showed both Lightning and Thunderstorm when they were kids, they were in Canterlot with three unicorns Spike had never seen before, Spike thought it was interesting but not as interesting as the one next to it. Spike picked it up, he could tell it was taken recently because Thunderstorm wasn't a kid anymore, but what surprised Spike was who was on the picture, Thunderstorm was sitting in the middle and in the picture with him you could see Pinkie Pie and her sisters, Pinkie and Maud were on the left, Limestone and Marble were on the right. Thunderstorm looked happy and so did Pinkie, Maud showed no emotions like always, Marble looked like she was trying to hide from the camera and Limestone looked angry, Spike could also see a huge egg shape bolder behind them. Spike smiled "this guy really gets around" Spike wondered about all of the places Thunderstorm had seen, he even wondered if he had gone to the Dragon lands.

Spike put the picture down, there were only two left, Spike picked the one closest to him and he looked at it, it was a group picture, the frame also had the words friends forever written on it. Spike could see it was in Cloudsdale so it was probably before they moved here, Thunderstorm and Lightning were in the middle surrounding them were their friends, three pegasus, two mares and one stallion, and what caught Spike by surprise two Thestrals or bat ponies as others refer to them. Spike had only seen Thestrals on that one Nightmare Night when Princess Luna came back, he never saw them again since then. Spike looked at the picture again the Thestrals looked happy one was a guy and the one was a girl. Thestrals didn't usually came to Equestria and if they did it was probably at night, Spike asked Twilight why they didn't come to Equestria and she told Spike because they didn't want to scare ponies, Spike admitted they could be scary if they wanted to but that was never a good reason for him, he always thought there was something else, Spike looked at the picture again and he put back in its place.

Spike picked up the last picture, it was another group picture but this one said Wonderbolt Squad number one, Spike recognized some of the pegasy, Spitfire, Soarin, and Fleetfoot were there, what Spike didn't expect was to see Thunderstorm in a Wonderbolt uniform."Spike I'm ready" Spike jumped when he heard that voice and he nearly dropped the picture. Spike looked in the direction of the voice and saw Lightning, she was wearing a light blue dress and her mane was done in a single braid, Spike had to admit even without makeup she looked beautiful.

Spike took a few seconds to calm himself down, "Lightning don't do that" Spike said in between breaths. Lightning looked at Spike with a confused look what exactly did she do. Spike looked back at Lightning "never scare me like that, are you trying to go me a heart attack" Spike almost died already once, he didn't want to happen again. Lightning laughed she didn't know she could scare someone much less a dragon, Lightning stopped laughing and noticed that Spike was carrying a picture, Spike saw this as an opportunity and he decided to ask "Lightning was your brother in the Wonderbolts" Lightning nodded "wow awesome-".

Spike was interrupted by Lightning "Spike don't get all excited he quit after just one week". If Spike's jaw could detach itself form his face, it would probably be on the floor right now.

"Wait he quit the Wonderbolts after a week" Lightning nodded again. Spike couldn't believe this, when Rainbow Dash was told she was a Wonderbolt she couldn't stop smiling, all of her dreams came true, the best day of her life she said and yet this guy made it and he quit. Spike was confused Rainbow made the Wonderbolts sound so awesome and she also said once a pegasus is in they don't want to get out, "why did he quit?".

Lightning looked at Spike and just told him "he said that it was to boring". If Rainbow Dash were here she would probably be furious. Spike knew how much work a pegasus had to put to even make it into the academy, after all Rainbow always talked about it, he also knew it took even more work to make it into the team, so after all that work why would he just quit, Spike had to ask him just being bored isn't enough to make you quit, "Spike something you should know my brother was pushed into being a Wonderbolt by our dad" Lightning sounded sad when she said that "after he quit our dad was so furious he refuses to even talk to Thunderstorm, he doesn't even acknowledges his existence" Spike didn't want to make her sad so he decided to stop the conversation there.

"Lightning you know what forget it I shouldn't be asking about private family problems" Spike put the picture back and walked to the door, "are you ready Lightning".

"Yeah I'm ready let's go" Lightning went back to being her happy self, she walked outside and Spike closed the door behind them, he was glad he didn't make her sad. Spike was still curious though, so he decided he was going to ask Thunderstorm about it.

Spike and Lightning walked side by side, none of the said a word or even looked at each other. Spike was more busy looking at the stars, but somethings was on his mind, "hey Lightning can I ask you something".

Lightning looked at Spike and smiled "sure Spike" Spike stared at Lightning.

"What happened to Alpha and the rest of the guardians?".

Lightning looked at her broken wing, she didn't really want to remember what happened today, she let out a sigh and answered "Thunderstorm and your friends put the flower back, so they just kinda went back to just guarding them again".

Spike wanted to hit himself, all they needed to do was return the flower and they could have avoided everything, Spike put a claw on his chest if he just put that flower back he wouldn't have had to deal with being stabbed through the chest. Spike let out a sighed and he kept walking with Lightning, the rest of the trip was walked in silence.

Spike and Lightning finally made it to the dance, everything was decorated to make it look as romantic as possible, there was a stage for singers and it was occupied by Octavia playing her Cello and singing a slow song. Spike looked around for his friends, he saw Twilight and Big Mac dancing, Rainbow and Soarin talking, he saw Fluttershy and Thunderstorm also dancing but away from the crowd, Rarity and Fancy Pants dancing really close, they looked more like they were hugging than dancing, and finally he saw Pinkie Pie dancing with her cousin Applejack, they probably didn't get a date, but they were still going to have fun. Spike looked around there were so many ponies, he knew most of them, he also saw Starlight dancing with Sunburst and Shining Armor dancing with Cadance and Flurry Heart. Spike didn't see Ember however, what he did see was a pony he never saw before, a really short stallion barely taller than Rarity's sister dancing with Nurse Redheart.

Spike looked at Lightning, she to was watching the whole scene in front of them. Spike extended his claw "Lightning may I have this dance" Lightning looked at Spike and smiled, she put her hoof in his claw.

"You may" Spike brought Lightning to a free spot and they started dancing together, after a while of dancing Spike decided to try something, he grabbed both of Lightning's front hooves and raised her up.

"Spike what are you doing?" Lightning asked confused.

"I saw this when I went to another world with Twilight" Lightning was even more confused, Spike put both of her hooves around his neck, and carefully Spike put his claw bellow Lightning's broken wing and he used his other claw to hold her up so that she wouldn't fall. "Trust me this is how they dance" Spike stared swaying to each side, Lightning not knowing what to do just let herself be carried Spike, she wasn't really use to being in this position and she didn't want to move her back hooves, because of fear she might step on her dress and fall. They did that for awhile and to Lightning's surprised she actually liked it, it felt good, it felt relaxing. Spike was glad that Lightning was liking it he was enjoying it too. Lightning moved her head and now she was facing Spike, they were face to face and she was staring at those big green emerald eyes, Spike did the same they were eye to eye. Lightning enjoyed it she finally decided to rest her head on Spike's shoulder and Spike just kept swaying.

The song finally ended and good thing to, Lightning's hooves were starting to hurt, so she decided to take a break. "Hey Lightning I'm going to look for Ember she's a dragon friend of mind" Lightning looked at Spike and then looked around.

"Do you need help?".

"Don't worry I can find her, also I hope you don't mind but I told her we could dance together".

Lightning looked confused again, why would she mind she wasn't dating Spike, she looked at Spike "Spike it's fine I'm just going to sit down for a minute okay".

"Okay". Spike started looking for Ember, after what felt like ten minutes Spike finally found her. "Ember are you ready" Spike offer her his claw, he was waiting for her to take it.

Ember just stared at Spike "look Spike I don't know I never danced before, I don't want to look like an idiot in front of all of them" Ember then pointed at the ponies that were happily dancing the night away.

Spike smiled "hey it's okay c'mon were just having fun, your not scared are you" Spike knew that was going to work.

"Listen runt I'm not scared of anything" Ember said in an angry voice.

Spike again extended his claw "then what are you waiting for". Ember sighed she lifted her claw and Spike immediately grabbed it, he took her to the same spot he was in before and they started dancing. Spike watched Ember and he was impressed, yeah she did make the occasional mistake here and there, but for a dragon that claims she had never danced before she wasn't that bad. The song ended and Ember stopped "see it wasn't that bad and you weren't bad either" Spike smiled

Ember stared at Spike and you could tell she looked a little tired and you could also see she had enough, "I'll admit it was kinda fun but how about I just watch you".

"Okay Ember go ahead" with that Ember found a place to sit down and Spike just started to walk around. While walking he saw Thunderstorm sitting down, he looked around for Fluttershy and saw that she was now dancing with Flurry Heart. Spike sat down next to Thunderstorm and he decided to finally ask the question that had been plaguing his mind, "Thunderstorm I saw a picture of you in a Wonderbolt uniform" Thunderstorm was now facing Spike and he was staring straight at him, just waiting for what he knew Spike was going to ask "Thunderstorm why did you quit after just one week".

Thunderstorm took a deep breath and he went back to looking at Fluttershy, or so Spike thought he was actually looking at his sister who was next to Fluttershy, "Spike did Lightning tell you I was pushed, practically forced to join the Wonderbolts" Spike nodded, Thunderstorm sighed "Spike I quit because I didn't want to be in the Wonderbolts I had no interest on being part of their team" Spike still didn't understand why not jus tell his dad that he didn't want to be in the Wonderbolts.

"Thunderstorm why did you train to be part of the Wonderbolts then?".

Thunderstorm just kept staring at his sister "Spike look at her" Spike did what he was told, he looked at Lightning she was holding Flurry Heart, she looked really happy "Spike if I didn't do what I did, my dad would have done the same to Lightning", Spike looked surprised, the chance of Lightning being pushed to join the Wonderbolts, or how Thunderstorm puts it forced never crossed his mind. "Spike Lightning would probably not be standing here if I stopped, I want to see my sister happy and being in the Wonderbolts wasn't going to make her happy".

So that was it that was the reason he quit, "wow I-" Spike was interrupted.

"Spike don't tell my sister the real reason, I don't want her to feel bad okay".

Spike looked at Thunderstorm he saw that he was serious "okay" Thunderstorm then left and Spike was now sitting alone. Spike being alone didn't last however as Lightning made her way to Spike.

"Hi Spike what did you say to my brother" Lightning asked worried that Spike might have said something bad.

Spike however smiled "nothing Lightning I was just thanking him for saving my life".

"Okay Spike....so are you ready for more dancing" Spike nodded and he again walked to the same spot. Spike and Lightning started to dance again until they realized every one was standing still and looking in the same direction. Spike and Lightning turned to see what was happening, Lightning and Spike saw it in the middle of everyone Fancy Pants was proposing. Rarity had a hoof in her mouth and her eyes were starting to water, Spike just stared until a happy screamed "yes!" broke the silence. Lightning looked at Spike she was worried that Spike might get angry, but to her surprise Spike was smiling and soon join in the clapping like the others. Rarity kissed her soon to be husband and looked around her mom, dad, and sister came to congratulate her. Soon Rarity's friends were hugging her and congratulating her, Rarity looked at her friends and then she looked at Spike she smiled and Spike smiled back. Lightning looked at Spike "Spike are you alright?" she was worried about him.

Spike nodded "Lightning my friend is getting married I couldn't be happier". Spike made his way to his friends and hugged all of them, including Rarity "congratulations Rarity".

"Thank you Spike your going to the wedding right?" Rarity stared at Spike a look of worry filled her face, she wanted all of her friends to be there and Spike even after what she did said that they were still friends.

Spike looked at Rarity and smiled again "Rarity I wouldn't miss this for the world". Spike kept hugging all of his friends and they hugged back, they were all laughing and giggling happily, even Spike was happy.

The party was already over, Spike and his friends stayed back to help with the cleaning. Spike walked to a table that had different cupcakes on it and he found the sapphire ones. Spike grabbed one and started eating he was enjoying it, today was a weird day for Spike, he finally told Rarity how he felt, but turns out she's already dating, he almost went berserk but he was calmed down by Twilight and Starlight, he met a weird mare called Lightning Blossom Ann talked about his problems, he went to the Everfree forest with her and they almost died, and lastly they went to a dance together were one of his friends got engaged. Spike had to admit today was a weird day, but a good one.

Spike kept eating the cupcake, he looked around everything was pretty much cleaned. He started to get the other cupcakes until Ember flew  in front of him "hey were have you been?" Spike asked. He saw her leave early but he didn't bother her.

"I was sending a message to the Dragon lands asking for a dragon to be sent".

Spike looked at her confusion clearly displayed on his face "why?".

Ember looked at him "what your going to walk to the Dragon lands". Spike looked at her that would be a long walk, he shook his head and Ember smiled "we leave at nine thirty okay" Spike nodded and he looked at his friends all of them still working on something. Spike was happy that his last day in Ponyville didn't end in disaster and he looked at Lightning Blossom she was playing with Flurry Heart while Shinning and Cadance helped with the cleanup. Spike grabbed another sapphire cupcake and he offered it to Ember.

"What is it?" Spike looked at her in shock, but he knew dragons just ate gems so he didn't say anything.

"It's a cupcake it's sapphire flavored try it your going to love it". Ember wasn't sure if she should eat it, but she did see Spike eating it and nothing bad happened so she decided to try it. Ember took a bite of the cupcake and before anyone knew it she devoured the whole thing. Spike looked at her and started laughing "good isn't it" Spike said in between laughs.

"Yeah it's good" Ember grabbed the tray of cupcakes and took it "remember when we leave okay".

"Okay" Spike watched as she flew away, it took him a moment to realize she had taken the tray of sapphire cupcakes "hey get back here with those", but it was to late for that she was to far to hear. Spike went back to cleaning up, after about fifteen minutes they were finally done. Spike told all of his friends at what time he was leaving and they all said they would be there to say goodbye.

Spike decided to walk with Lightning back to her house, things could get dangerous at night, she already had a broken wing she didn't another injury. The way to her house was filled with silence and awkwardness. Spike looked back the way they came, all of his friends left some with their dates and the ones that didn't have dates with their family. Thunderstorm left with Fluttershy even though she didn't want to bother him Thunderstorm still left with her, Fluttershy's cottage was near the Everfree forest so Spike could understand why he insisted to go with her. Spike just kept walking and thinking about his plan something broke the silence however "Spike I had fun thanks for inviting me".

Spike looked at Lightning she was smiling and she looked really happy "I had fun to and thanks for saying yes". Spike and Lightning laughed as they made it to the house. Lightning stop and looked at Spike with a serious look on her face.

"Spike are you okay whit what happen at the dance" Spike nodded but Lightning knew he was lying "Spike I'm your friend you can tell me the truth".

Spike looked at Lightning there was no hiding from her, Spike let out a tired sighed and he looked at her "Lightning am I happy that Rarity is getting married yes" Spike looked at the stars "I'm happy that she's happy" Spike was now looking at the ground "do I still have feelings for Rarity yes I do, do I wish it was me that was proposing to her yes, am I angry at her for what happen today yes". Spike took a breath "Lightning Rarity is my friend an no matter what I will always be happy for her. Lightning stared at Spike, he was still in love with Rarity and he was st angry at her, but at the end of the day Spike would put others happiness above his own.

Lightning smiled "Spike your a great friend". Lightning hugged Spike and he returned it, she was careful not to hug to tight since Spike was still hurt. The hug was broken after a little bit and Lightning made her way inside, she opened the door and turned back "good night Spike".

"Good night Lightning, remember I leave at nine thirty I would like it if you were there".

"I'll be there Spike don't worry" with that Lightning closed the door and Spike started walking home. Spike stopped to stare at the stars again, Luna did a great job the night looked absolutely beautiful. Spike walked and walked but he made it to the castle, he was about to open the door when he heard something land behind him. Spike turned and looked it was Thunderstorm.

"Hi Spike I came to give you something" Thunderstorm reached into a saddle bag he had and he pulled out a box. Spike took it and he looked inside, in the box there was a bracelet and it looked like one of the flowers from the secret meadow but how, "thanks to your friend Starlight I was able to trap the flower in a diamond prism that way the guardians can't feel it's magic, therefore they won't look for it". Spike looked at the bracelet again the flower was trapped inside the gem making it look even better, and the top of the flowers was on the center making sure that when you put it on others would see it. Spike looked at Thunderstorm "that's why you went to the secret meadow right?" Spike had no time to answer that since Thunderstorm flew off.

Spike looked at the bracelet again and he put it inside the box "I'll give it to Lightning tomorrow, she wanted one of those flowers so bad, I know she's going to love it". Spike looked at the direction Thunderstorm flew off, he didn't see him anymore. Spike sighed he turned around opened the doors to the castle and he went inside.

Spike walked through the castle it was dark and quite so he assumed everypony was asleep. Spike turned the corner and he went inside his room he was surprised with what he saw, Twilight was sleeping on his bed she was probably waiting for him. Spike walked towards Twilight and she woke up. Twilight let out a yawn and she smiled when she saw Spike "Twilight why are you in my bed?" Spike asked staring at Twilight.

"I wanted to talk to you Spike, so I was waiting for you here I guess I close my eyes for a second and I fell asleep" Spike sat down next to Twilight and he waited, "Spike I'm going to miss you and I want you to know that I'm proud of you and I believe in you" Twilight hugged Spike and she started crying a little bit.

Spike hugged her back "I'll miss you to mom" Twilight stopped right there, Spike only called her by her name, but this time he didn't.

"Mom?" Twilight said in a shaky voice.

"I hope you don't mind, after a while I started seeing you as my mom more than my friend".

"I don't mind Spike, I'll be more than happy to be your mom" Twilight hugged Spike even more, and she kept crying although this time they were happy tears. Spike hugged her he now had a mom and he himself started shedding a few tears.

"I love you mom" Spike said, today was truly one of the best days of his life

"I love you to son"" Twilight said happiness filling her voice and a smile forming on her face. After a while they both stopped crying and they broke the hug. Twilight turned to look at Spike "Spike do you mind if I sleep with you tonight, you know like old times".

Spike nodded. He got up took of the suit and he got in bed. Twilight got closer to Spike and Spike grabbed her and pulled her into a hug. Twilight quickly fell asleep and Spike followed her soon after. He replayed the entirety of the day and he thought about the three best things that happened, he made a new friend, one of his friends was getting married and he finally had someone he could call mom. Spike smiled one last time, he closed his eyes and he fell asleep.

Spike's goodbye

Spike moved from side to side. He didn't feel comfortable so he couldn't stop moving. Spike opened his eyes when he finally realized that he couldn't feel the warm body of his new found mother, or the bed he was sleeping in. Spike got up and he couldn't believe what he saw, he was in a field full of different flowers, the Sun was high on the sky, and there were birds singing and he could also hear a river. Spike put a claw on his chin and started thinking, eventually talking to himself. "Okay there are three things that could have happened, one I'm hallucinating, two I'm dreaming or three Twilight used a spell to make everything look and sound like paradise" Spike scratched his head and to his surprise he could feel it "there's always the possibility that I'm having a lucid dream" Spike started walking a bit to see if he could find anything. Spike looked in the the distance and he saw a gazebo and under it, sitting in a chair he saw Princess Celestia.

Celestia motioned for Spike to get closer. Spike after getting over the shock of seeing her and not Luna started walking towards her. Spike made it and he sat on the other chair that was available. Celestia stared at Spike her face a mix of worry and happiness. Celestia finally decided to speak "how do you like the dream Spike?... I asked my sister to make it as real as possible, and to give me some control over it" Spike stared at her confused as to why she would need to control this dream. Celestia again spoke, not letting Spike say anything "I'm not use to this... dreams are my sister's job after all and I can say it's really hard". Spike looked at her, he could tell she was struggling, but he was more amazed at the idea of being able to control a dream, it probably wasn't easy, but he wondered if he could actually do something like that. Spike kept thinking of the possibilities of being able to control his dreams until a voice regained his attention, "Spike Twilight told me you were going to the Dragon lands is this true" Spike nodded and Celestia continued "so have you discovered your destiny".

"Yes my destiny it's to teach dragons about friendship and that way ponies and dragons could become friends" Spike finished a smile present in his face, his eyes filled with excitement, he looked back at Celestia hoping he was right, hoping that he finally found his purpose.

Celestia sighed and stared at him. Spike notice and he got worried, was that his purpose or not. Celestia broke the silence "Spike if that is true wouldn't Twilight be a better choice, she is the Princess of Friendship". Spike thought about it and she was right, Twilight was the Princess of Friendship she would make the better choice. Spike kept thinking he knew this was his purpose and he knew Celestia agreed with which meant he was missing something. Celestia looked at Spike, who was now deep in thought, she decided to break the silence "Spike come with me" Celestia got up and she started walking into the fields. Spike got up and followed her.

Spike followed Celestia to a cave at the end of the fields. Celestia went in and Spike followed her. They walked the long cave corridor until they came up to a door. Spike looked at it, it wasn't really special, it was a white door there was nothing on it, no letters, no drawings, and no colors except for white. Celestia's used her magic to open the door. The door opened and Celestia walked inside, Spike followed. They came into a long and big hallway filled with mirrors, the place looked like the door outside nothing really special, until Spike noticed something on the mirrors. Spike stared at it, he didn't see his reflection instead he saw a memory, he saw the day he was born with Twilight's magic going crazy zapping his egg and him popping out. Spike looked at Celestia who was staring at a mirror as well. Spike looked at it and saw the day Celestia had to banish her sister. Spike turned his gaze to Celestia and he saw a tear running down her face. Spike walked to her and tapped her turning her attention to him and not the mirror. "Where are we?" Spike asked confused.

Celestia didn't answer however she just stared at Spike. Celestia spread her wings and she started charging up her magic. Spike didn't know what was happening he was terrified, was she going to hurt him. Spike just looked, he tried moving but he couldn't, Celestia's eyes turned white and she flew up and fired a beam of magic towards him. Spike wanted to move so bad, but his muscles didn't answer, the beam hit Spike and everything turned white. Spike opened his eyes to find that he was still there, he checked to make sure he was in one piece and he let out a sighed of relief when he found he was. Spike looked at Celestia angry that she would do something like that, the anger left his face however when he found her lying on the ground. Spike ran towards her and shook her a little bit. Celestia stood up, as Spike let out another sigh of relief. "Sorry about that Spike, it's taking all my magic just to keep control over this dream, so using another spell takes a lot of energy" Spike just stared at her he was glad she was okay "maybe next time I'll take Luna's advice and let her do this".

"What did you do and where are we?" Spike was so confused.

"Spike we are in the Hall of Memories and what I did you'll find out soon enough". Spike was so confused, the Hall of Memories, Spike looked back at the mirror and he saw the day of the Dragon Migration. Spike then looked at the other mirrors and he saw more of his memories. Celestia saw him and she decided to answer one of his questions "Spike I used a spell to show us your memories". Spike kept looking around every mirror showing a memory there had to have been at least a hundred. Spike to a closer look and he noticed something, to his right there were happy memories, the day he was born, the day he met his friends, and the most recent the dance with Lightning, but to his left there were the sad memories, the day his friends made fun of him for not being like other dragons, the day he screwed up in Canterlot, and most recent the day he found out the secret his friends have been keeping from him.

Spike just kept looking at the mirrors, he still didn't understand why was he here. Celestia walked up to him and used her wing to pull Spike into a hug, Spike returned the hug, he enjoyed it not only because he couldn't remember the last time he hugged her, but also because he didn't feel the pain in his chest. "Spike why do you think this is your destiny, why is it better to send you and not Twilight".

Spike looked at the mirrors, finally understanding "because I know what friendship truly is". Spike looked at Celestia, she didn't say anything and Spike kept going "I know that friendship can bring you happiness, but it can also bring pain and sadness" Spike again looked at her, this tim she nodded.

"Spike you have experienced the good" Celestia used her wing to point in the direction of the mirrors that were showing all of the happy memories, "and the bad" Celestia did the same this time pointing to the mirrors that were showing the bad memories. Spike didn't say anything he just stared at her not even moving "Spike your friends have experienced those bad times but you have gone through it enough times to know what friendship is really like" Celestia paused "Spike friendship is a wonderful thing, it can bring joy and happiness to our lives.." Celestia paused again "but it can also bring sorrow and sadness to it as well" she finished her voice sounding really sad. "Spike you can teach the dragons that friendships aren't perfect, but they are worth forming".

Spike finally understood, most ponies don't even know what a bad friend is, but Spike knew all to well. Still Spike didn't regret his friendship, Celestia was right his friends brought sadness to his life, but that was nothing compared to how much happiness each one of his friends brought. Spike turned his head "I won't let you down princess" Spike started saluting "I'll show dragons what friendship is really about and how even though it might sometimes end badly, it's still something worth having". Celestia looked at Spike and smiled.

"I know you can do it Spike" Spike stopped saluting and he looked at her "I look forward to the day of your return". Celestia disappeared, Spike looked around for her but he didn't find her. Spike walked around for a bit until he found what he could only describe as the middle of the place he was in. There was a crystal ball in a pedestal, Spike didn't know what it was but he got closer. Spike reached it and he stared at it, like the mirrors it showed him a memory, a memory that he was going to hold on to forever, it was the memory of Spike and his friends after the dance, they all got together with their dates and they took a massive group photo. Spike stared at it seeing all of his friends as a group made him happy, and seeing his new friend Lightning leaning against his chest made him feel happy as well.

"I'm glad I have friends" Spike got up, he looked at the memory one last time, after he finished he started walking again.

Spike opened his eyes, and he smiled when he saw his mother Twilight next to him. Spike noticed it was still dark out so he decided to go back to sleep, but before he did he kissed Twilight's forehead and whispered "I love you mom, good night".

With that Spike went back to sleep, knowing tomorrow was the day he said goodbye.

Spike looked at himself in the mirror as he was making sure he had everything he needed. He already had breakfast and he even taught Twilight how to at least cook something. He looked at his chest the wound was still there, Spike smiled remembering what had happened yesterday and how he wouldn't change anything, well except the part were he got stabbed by a statue, but other than that yesterday was a great day. Spike walked out of his room, taking one last look inside before he left, he knew he was coming back but it still felt like the last time he would be in this room. Spike walked into the hallway and in the direction to the front door.

Spike got the front door and immediately he smiled. Cadance was standing there alone with Shining Armor and Flurry Heart, Sunburst and even Starlight were there and waiting for him by the door was Twilight the mare that from now on Spike would recognize as his mother.They were all smiling at him as he made his way towards them. Cadance stepped forward "Spike I know you can do it and Flurry knows it too, good luck and be safe okay" Spike nodded and gave Cadance a hug, and she returned it.

Once they finished hugging Spike looked down at Flurry Heart. Spike got on one knee so he could be eye to eye with Flurry Heart, "hey be good okay don't you go destroying any more ancient relics okay". Spike ruffled her mane which caused her to giggle happily, everyone laughed at Spike words towards the baby.

Spike walked towards Shinning Armor, Shinning Armor saluted Spike and spoke in his captain voice "Equestria is counting on you Spike don't let her down".

Spike saluted an answer in a way a private would do to a commander, "I won't let you or her down captain". Shinning and Spike stared at each other with serious looks, after a while those serious looks were replaced by laughing.

Shinning grabbed and pulled him into a hug "Spike good luck and remember were here for you" Spike returned the hug, he was surprised since this was actually the first time he ever gave Shinning a hug. Spike ended the hug and his attention fell on Starlight who looked like she was about to cry.

"Spike I haven't been your friend for to long and I'm still learning about friendship" she paused Spike surprised her with a hug. Starlight returned the hug and finished what she was about to say "Spike I'm glad you are my friend and I can't wait to hear what happens in the Dragon lands".

Spike looked at her and smiled "Starlight I'm happy that you are my friend". The two of them shared another hug, with that Spike's attention fell on Sunburst. Sunburst was nervous he wouldn't consider himself as Spike's friend, they have never even talked to each other, but he was there when him and Starlight rekindled their friendship, so he was going to be here when he was going to leave to accomplish a task some would call impossible. Spike surprised the stallion with a hug, he also whispered something on his ear "hey take care of her and make her happy okay" Sunburst didn't even get a chance to talk, his cheeks were so red everyone in the room noticed. Spike laughed at the stallions reaction and at the look of confusion in Starlight's face.

"Spike are you ready to go?" Twilight asked Spike, Spike nodded and walked towards her. Twilight looked behind her to see the others "I'll be back later guys" she walked outside and Spike followed. Spike stopped at the door and he looked back at everyone, they all had happy faces but Spike could tell they were sad to see him go, some more than others. Spike smiled and he waved goodbye, making sure to let all of them know that he was coming back.

Spike and Twilight walked through Ponyville. They didn't look or talked to each other. They finally reached the park and they saw the others. Not only them but also Ember and another dragon. Spike looked at the other dragon he was quite large, and he had gray scales. Spike looked at Ember "why is he here".

"You weren't planning on walking to the Dragon lands were you" Ember said while pointing at the dragon. Spike scratched the back of his head and he looked at his other friends. "Spike" Ember said, the voice caught Spike's attention and he turned around, "make it quick, the longer I'm gone the more problems I'll have when I get back".

"Sure thing just give me a minute" Spike looked at his other friends. He saw all of his friends except for one, "where's Lightning".

The others looked around for a while. Rainbow finally answered "I don't know, but I did see her brother dropping some papers at the weather station" Spike raised an eyebrow, and Rainbow continued "it was probably medical papers saying that she can't work, you know because of the broken wing".

Spike looked worried. He wanted to say goodbye to all of his friends, and one of them was not here. Pinkie stepped in next "don't worry Spike I'm sure she'll make it". Even with Pinkie's words Spike still looked worried. He looked at his bag, and at the box containing the bracelet that Thunderstorm gave him.

Spike sighed and looked back at his friends. They all looked at him with Applejack being the first one to speak, "Spike I'm gonna miss you, you are a good friend and some one that I cherish" Applejack paused looking at Spike, "I want you to have this as a sign of our friendship, and also as something to remember me". Spike found out what she meant by that, as she took of her hat and gave it to him.

Spike shook his head, "Aj I can't take this".

"Spike I want you to take it". Spike knew that Applejack was stubborn, so he wasn't going to win an argument with her. Spike took the hat and put it on. "It looks mighty fine on you Spike", Spike smiled and Applejack smiled back. She didn't look like she was about to cry, but everyone knew she cried on the inside. Spike pulled Aj into a hug and she returned it. He took off the hat and looked at it, it had her initials on it. This hat means a lot to her and she was giving it to him.

"Thanks Applejack I'll treasure it forever" Applejack let go. She looked at Spike and Spike could see the happiness on her face.

"Spike you take care of yourself you hear" Spike nodded and put the hat back on. With that Applejack walked back to her spot. Rainbow stepped up.

She gave a small grin, and she also wanted to make this fast. She knew they didn't have the best friendship, but they were still friends and they will always be. Rainbow didn't stop flying, as she went in front of Spike "Spike I'm not good at this, I don't even know what to say".

"Rainbow a goodbye is enough".

Rainbow gave him a small grin, "yeah I guess it is" Rainbow hugged Spike, she was still flying "goodbye and good luck buddy". Spike hugged her back.

"Thanks and good luck in the Wonderbolts".

"Speaking of that" Rainbow reached into her own bag and pulled out the award she one in The Best Young Flyers Competition. Spike knew were this was going and he tried to refuse but, "here Spike I want you to have it and don't even try to say no" Spike took it and he looked at it "take it as a gift from your friend". Spike looked at the award again and he put it in his bag.

"Thanks Rainbow". Rainbow usually liked to brag, but this is the first time that Spike got to see more of her true personality. Just by the sound of her words that she said, when she gave the award to him. Spike could truly see, that Rainbow cared about him. Rainbow stepped back to her spot. Pinkie came hoping next, her usual smile on her face.

Pinkie didn't waste any time going straight for the bone crunching hug."Spike I'm going to miss you so much". The pain that Spike was feeling right now was unbearable.

"Pinkie please stop it hurts".

Pinkie let go remembering Spike's injury. "Sorry Spike".

"It's alright Pinkie, just please be more careful next time".

"Okay" she hugged him again, but not to tight this time. Spike hugged back as he did with the others. Pinkie let go eventually and smiled "Spike I have this for you". Pinkie reached into her own bag and pulled out a box. She gave it to Spike and hugged him one more time. Spike looked inside and saw that it was filled with cupcakes made with sapphire. His mouth started watering and he looked at Pinkie who was still smiling.

"Thanks Pinkie".

"You're welcome Spike". Pinkie hopped back to her spot and Fluttershy stepped forward.

Fluttershy looked at Spike "Spike I um....I'll miss you too".

Spike looked at the shy Pegasus and smiled. "Fluttershy I'm glad I got to meet such a wonderful pony like you". Fluttershy smiled and even blushed a little, not that Spike could see, since she hid behind her mane.

"Goodbye Spike and please be careful" Fluttershy said. Spike smiled and hugged her. Fluttershy was by far the most kind pony Spike met and he was glad that he did. Spike broke the hug and Fluttershy walked back to her spot. This left two of them left, Rarity and Twilight. Speaking of which Rarity was actually making her way towards him.

Rarity walked and hugged Spike. Everything that needed to be said between them was said, so they stayed quite for awhile. Rarity broke the silence eventually "Spike goodbye".

Spike kept hugging her and he also broke the silence, "Rarity I'll see you at the wedding".

"I'll see you then Spike". Spike and Rarity broke the hug, and she used her magic to get something from her bag. Spike was surprised when he saw what it was. "Spike you gave this to me as an act of your generosity" Rarity looked back at him "now I want you to have it as a sign of our friendship". Rarity used her magic to put it on his claw. Spike just stared at it, what she gave to him was the fire ruby that Spike shaped into a heart. It was now a necklace, Spike looked at it and he put it in his bag. Rarity caught his attention once more "Spike I'm glad I have such a wonderful friend like you".

Spike smiled "thank you Rarity, I'm glad I have you as a friend". Spike and Rarity shared one last hug before she went back to her spot.

Twilight made her way to Spike. His mother didn't say anything, she just used her magic to give Spike something. Spike looked at it and saw that it was a picture. Three of them the first one was the day he was born, with him in a table and Twilight looking really happy. He looked at the second, it was a group picture in the castle, they were all together even Starlight was there. The last one was the best by far, it was the picture they took after the dance. Spike smiled seeing all of his friends together really made him happy. Spike grabbed Twilight in a hug. They didn't say anything everything was quite,  until Spike heard sobbing.

"Twilight don't cry I'm coming back". Twilight knew he was coming back, but saying goodbye to her best friend, now son was still not easy.

"Spike I love you and promise me you'll be careful" Twilight said tears going down her face.

Spike laughed a little bit ,and he answered "I love you to mom and I will be careful". The others were sharing confused glances, but they didn't say anything. They knew Twilight would tell them later.

However they were interrupted, "Spike I don't want to interrupt but we really need to leave". Ember was the one who said it, as she walked towards them.

Spike sighed and he looked at his friends. "I'm glad I got to meet all of you, and I'm happy to call you my friends".

"Wait". Everyone turned to see the CMC. They ran and gave Spike a hug. Sweetie was the one to speak "you thought you could leave without saying goodbye".

Spike gave a chuckle and hugged back, "goodbye girls".

Scootaloo spoke next "that's not all".

"We have something for you Spike" Apple Bloom was the one who said that.

"Here Spike from now on you are a member of the Cutiemark Crusaders" Sweetie Belle said, she used her magic to give Spike a cape. The cape was the same as the one's they used before getting their Cutiemarks.

Spike looked at it and put it in his bag. "Thanks girls". Spike looked at the rest and he stretched his arms, inviting all of them for one last hug. A hug that they all accepted, a few sobs could be heard and some of them were crying. Applejack was crying on the inside like she usually did and even Rainbow Dash shed a few tears. Spike didn't cry however. He was sad that he had to say goodbye, but he knew that he was going to see all of them again, so he decided not to cry. Eventually they broke the hug and Spike waved goodbye.

He walked towards the dragon, that would carry him to the Dragon lands. "Ponies are so emotional" Spike looked at Ember and he smiled.

"I guess we are, but it's not to bad". Spike gave a sad sigh and he looked in his bag. He looked at the box containing the bracelet. He would just give it to her when he came back.

"Well your probably right Spike". Spike and Ember laughed. Spike looked back to his friends and he waved one last time. They all waved back and smiled, some of them screaming good luck and we'll see you soon. Spike got on the gray dragon and as soon as he was about to take off.

"Wait Spike". Spike looked In the direction of the voice and saw Lightning running towards him. Spike got of the dragon and he looked at Lightning. She stopped in front of him and she was breathing heavily. Which meant she probably ran, well she had to since she couldn't fly.

"Ember can you give me a minute". Ember looked at Spike and then at Lightning.

"You get two minutes just make it fast". Ember got on the dragon and she waited.

Spike turned back to Lightning. "Your late".

Lightning gave him a glare, letting Spike know that his joke wasn't funny. "I overslept" Spike laughed and Lightning just glared again. Spike finally stopped laughing and hugged her. Lightning hugged back "Spike be careful okay".

"I will" Spike said.

"Goodbye Spike and good luck okay".

"Thanks" Spike smiled and she smiled back. They broke the hug and Lightning stepped back, so Spike could leave. Spike saw that she looked sad he knew why. Spike used one of his claws to bring her eyes to his. "Lightning I'm coming back don't worry okay" Lightning didn't say anything, she just kept looking at him. "Lightning I got something for you" Spike reached into his bag and he pulled out the box. "Your brother gave this to me, I think it was meant for you".

Lightning took the box and opened it. She gasped when she saw the bracelet. It was one of the flowers from the cave, but it was encase in crystal. Spike took the bracelet and he grabbed one of her hooves. Spike put it on and it fit perfectly. Lightning looked at Spike, he was smiling and she smiled back. "Spike I want to give you something to". Lightning reached for the wing that wasn't broken. She pulled on of her feathers out and gave it to Spike. Spike took it and like everything else put it in the bag.

Spike and Lightning hugged again, "goodbye Lightning". Spike broke the hug and got back up on the dragon. He looked to Lightning and the rest of his friends. He waved goodbye for the last time and they all waved back, including Lightning. The dragon took off and soon Spike was out of view.

Lightning felt someone hugging her. When she looked she saw her brother "Lightning are you going to be alright". Lightning gave in to the hug and she had her head against his chest.

"I'll be fine Thunderstorm" she sounded sad and Thunderstorm knew she was going to cry, "he's coming back after all and I have this". Lightning said while pointing at the bracelet Spike put on her hoof. Thunderstorm didn't say anything else and he just kept hugging his sister.

Spike was looking in the direction of Ponyville. Ember saw this and she decided to break the silence," are you okay Spike". Spike looked at her and smiled.

"I'm fine don't worry".

Ember wasn't convinced yet "are you sure Spike we can turn around".

Spike grabbed her claws with his, she blushed but Spike didn't notice "Ember trust me I'm fine" Spike looked her in the eyes and Ember just sighed.

"Okay Spike if you say so". Ember still wasn't convinced, but she decided not to push him. Spike again spoke, while still staring in the direction of Ponyville.

"Ember this is my destiny, I can't turn back". Spike wasn't going to turn back now. He needed to do this, he couldn't back down. Ember looked at him and she sat next to him. Spike saw this and put his arm around her. Ember didn't think it was a bad thing, so she didn't push him away.

Spike kept looking in the direction of Ponyville. He couldn't see it since they were to far. He smiled "I'll see you guys later" Spike said happily. He was excited to see what was coming next but that was going to wait. He didn't have to worry about teaching dragons about friendship until tomorrow. So for now he was going to sleep.

///The end///.

Memories and milkshakes

Ponyville park was a place that most ponies would come to to relax, especially Spike when he didn't have to do anymore work for Twilight or Rarity he would come here he even found the perfect spot that most ponies would usually stay away from, he didn't know why but he didn't care it was the perfect spot to lay down and sleep it even had a tree that you could lay under and a stream which added a perfect sound to complete the whole package, however Spike didn't come here to relax today he came to think and to be alone.

Sitting near the stream looking at his reflection, after leaving Twilight's castle and coming  here he was wondering what to do now he was the right age to live on his own and since he couldn't get Rarity to be his marefriend anymore he really didn't have much to do in Ponyville or Equestria for that matter "why didn't I stayed in the dragon lands at least I would have been a Dragon Lord there" Spike was now regretting his decision of coming back but he did came back "well at least I helped Ember prove you don't have to be big or strong to be a great leader" Spike said to his reflection "I can always go back I'm sure Ember wouldn't mind but could I really leave".

After giving it some thought Spike made his decision he was going back to the Dragon Lands "it's not like anypony will miss me" Spike kept thinking could he really do this leave his friends and his pony family behind  "Twilight will be find Spike don't worry" Spike said trying to reassure himself, he couldn't believe he made it this far anyway a dragon amongst ponies he remembered the day Celestia told him he was going to be with Twilight Spike wasn't very happy about it.

Celestia kept knocking on the door that led to the young dragons room after hearing the news he wasn't as excited as Celestia had hoped he'd be "Spike please open this door" Celestia said sounding a bit mad she could have easily teleported inside the room but she didn't want to make things worse so she didn't.

"No not until you promise you won't make me go with her I don't want to" a young Spike said,at this time he didn't really like Twilight he found to be weird and a huge nerd and Spike didn't want to be with her he wanted to stay here with Celestia.

Celestia sighed "Spike please let's talk about this" but there was no answer "Spike please please open the door let me tell you why you need to go with her" Spike finally opened the door when Celestia saw him she kneeled when Spike saw this he quickly ran to her and hugged her while crying.

"Please don't make me go with her I want to stay with you forever"

Celestia was sad that she made this decision but it needed to be done, she raised Spike's head so that she could see his eyes they were covered in tears "Spike you are very special" Spike just kept looking at her "you may not know it but you are the key".

"The key to what?" Spike asked very confused.

"You'll find out soon Spike" Spike wasn't very satisfied with that answer but Celestia kept going "Spike you are the first dragon to live with ponies you have a destiny that you need to fulfill and being with Twilight is the first step to reach it" Spike didn't answer he just kept looking at her eyes filled with tears, Spike was only five but Celestia has been the closest thing to a mother that he had and now she was sending him away.

"Don't you love me anymore?" sniffling Spike asked, Celestia was shocked that he would even consider that ""is it because I'm a dragon and not a pony?" "Is it because I did something wrong?" Spike was going to say something more but was silence by Celestia's hoof.

"Spike never think that I don't love you I will always love you" Celestia said getting tears in her eyes "I loved taking care of you for all this time I wouldn't change a thing" Celestia said stopping to take a breath "but like I said before you are the key" there it was again Spike didn't asked what it meant because he knew Celestia wouldn't tell him, "also as a princess I have a lot of work to do and I barely have any time for you" Spike looked down knowing this to be true "you need somepony that can give you more of their time to play and teach you so you can grow up to be a great and noble dragon".

"But you can do all that stuff why can't you just have other ponies do your work" Spike said hoping that he would convince her to let him stay.

"I can't do that Spike I am a princess and with that comes a lot of responsibility" Celestia hugged Spike and kept talking with her motherly voice "Spike Twilight is my personal student I know she can give you all the things that I can't" Spike still didn't answer "She will love you, teach you new things and she can play with you when she isn't learning and Spike just because I am sending you away it doesn't mean we won't spend time together" at this Spike smiled a little bit.

"You promised you won't forget about me"

"I promised Spike I could never forget about you" Celestia and Spike were now hugging by the end Spike had agreed to go with Twilight.

End of flashback

Spike smiled he really couldn't believe he acted like that, still he never found out what Celestia meant "the key the key to what?" Spike asked his reflection "I'm not special I'm just a regular old dragon" Spike remembered more of that day Twilight was so excited her mentor trusted her enough to give her such a huge responsibility her parents weren't really all that happy that a dragon was going to live with them but he was given to them by the princess so they couldn't really do anything besides suck it up and help their daughter take care of him.

Spike did have a lot of good memories in Equestria living among ponies has been great most of the time, as everypony knows with good memories also come the bad ones yeah he had plenty of those there are the usual memories of him being insulted or discriminated against for being a dragon, his friends making fun of him for not acting like other dragons mostly Rainbow Dash, pranks that could have killed him yeah got some of those to on the memory bank, and now this whole Rarity thing, but to him the worst memory came 3 weeks after Celestia sent him to live with Twilight.

Spike was walking through his new home he hated to admit it but he actually liked it here, most of the time it was quite, playing with Twilight was fun especially when they played fort and Spike was tasked with defending fort book from the evil Shining Armor, and Twilight would always read him stories of brave knights who would risk everything to save the princess. Spike always wanted to be a knight, Spike had only two things to complain about his new life one even though she promised Celestia usually never had time to be with him but that wasn't really a problem yeah he missed her but she did show him a cool trick with his fire breath that he could use for sending her letters, and two and this was the worst Twilight's parent.

Even though Twilight's father finally came to accept Spike as a new member of the family Twilight's mother still didn't like having a dragon around the house always saying that it was only a matter of time before I turned into a beast and started destroying things, Spike was taught by Celestia how to be patient and how to ignore the ponies that would insult him he has done it for a while, he did it with some of the workers when he lived in the castle and he was doing it now with Twilight's mother, but you could only ignore somepony for so long and it was especially hard for Spike since he lived here.

Spike finally made it to the couch and decided to take a nap he was waiting for Twilight to come home so they could play, as he was shutting his eyes he noticed Twilight Velvet enter the room and she was not happy  and she was also staring at Spike before Spike knew it he was levitated of the couch and into the floor.

"What you do that for" Spike said in an angry voice, Velvet was the only family member that still had a problem with Spike living here but she never did something like this but on the other hoof they have never been alone. Even though Velvet didn't like Spike she never said anything probably because there were others around but now they were alone Twilight taking her classes, Shinning Armor training, and Night Light working there was nopony around so Spike had a feeling that Velvet was about to release all of the frustration that she felt specially the way she was glaring at him.

"Look lizard I don't know what Celestia is planning to do with you but if you ask me she is wasting her time" Velvet never stop glaring at Spike "all of you dragons are the same and it's only a matter of time before you go on a rampage" Spike was still laying on the ground he was afraid of her and her words were hurting him "I hope you just get thrown into the badlands so you can just die" Velvet was still not done, she had a lot of words to say and she was going to say them "the only reason I haven't thrown you out is because the princess asked us to take care of you" Spike was on the verge of tears he, he was laying on the floor in a fetal position afraid of what Velvet was going to do next "you will grow up to be a monster and nopony will ever love you".

"Stop it"

That voice caught both Spike and Velvet's attention, they looked in the direction of the voice and saw Twilight "Twilight what are you doing here it's still early you should be in school" Velvet said her voice filled with anger why was her daughter here when she is supposed to be in school was she cutting her classes.

"No I lied I don't have school today" Velvet's angry turned into one of shock her daughter lied to her she was about to say something but Twilight stopped her, Twilight now standing in between her mother and Spike kept talking "I knew you were being mean to Spike so I told you I had school so I could catch you doing it" Velvet was surprised that her daughter would do something like that "your wrong they are all wrong Spike isn't a monster and he isn't a beast" Twilight's voice was full with anger "you'll see everypony will see Spike will grow up to be a nice dragon and everypony will admit they were wrong and I'll make sure of that" Twilight finished she grabbed Spike with her magic and took him to her room, Velvet was shocked she didn't move or said anything she just watch as her daughter carried the young dragon and the last thing she heard was the door slamming.

Twilight  put Spike on her bed while she made sure her mom wasn't coming she was interrupted however by the sound of Spike's crying Twilight rushed to him an immediately wrapped him in a hug "Spike don't listen to her she is wrong everypony is wrong about you you are going to grow up to be a kind and gentle dragon and they'll have to admit they were wrong" Spike wasn't convince, he hadn't been alive for so long but in those five years all he ever got from most ponies were insults or glares, the only ponies that were kind to him were Celestia, Cadance, Shinning Armor, and Twilight everypony else just insulted him or made fun of him.

"Twilight" Spike said through sobs.

"Yeah".

"Is it true that nopony will ever love me?"

"No Spike that's not true the princess loves you Cadance loves you to and I love you to Spike" Twilight pulled him closer Spike finally returning the hug buried himself into Twilight's chest while Twilight nuzzled him.

Spike always felt sad when he remembered what happened that day but he was glad he and Velvet could put that all behind and actually be a family.

Canterlot was always a city of big news but today's biggest news was the coronation of a new princess Princess Twilight, in the castle Spike had just finished giving Twilight her crown, he was so happy that Twilight was being crown princess and he was there to see it what he wasn't really happy about was seeing Twilight's mother.

Spike didn't know why he was surprised to see them there after all their daughter just became a princess so they would be there to celebrate this accomplishment, Spike did notice Velvet staring at him but it was different she didn't look at him with angry eyes like before instead she looked at him with sad ones as if she was regretting something or as if she wanted to say something to him, Spike didn't really care he turned around and followed Twilight who was now addressing the crowd outside.

Twilight's coronation felt like a party more than an actual coronation but hey Spike didn't mind even more now that an actual party was taking place many ponies mostly from Canterlot were invited, Spike looked around the room for Rarity but he didn't found her he saw Rainbow Dash talking to Soarin probably about how awesome she would be when she joins the Wonderbolts, he saw Pinkie Pie bouncing around and dancing, Fluttershy was nowhere to be seen as expected, Twilight was talking to the other princesses, and Applejack was trying to make money for the farm, there were other ponies too Octavia, Fleur, Neon, and other Canterlot ponies one which unfortunately had to be Blueblood. "Where is she" Spike said to himself.

"Spike"

Spike's whole body froze he knew who that voice belonged to and every time that voice addressed him nothing good ever came out of it, Spike turned around and sure enough she was there Twilight Velvet the pony who probably hated Spike the most but just like before Spike noticed she wasn't glaring at him in fact she wasn't even looking at him.

"Spike can I talk to you outside please" Spike was surprised by her words they were not angry words or sad ones.

"Look I don't have time to be insulted today" Spike was about to walk away but stop when he heard those words.

"Please Spike it's important" Spike not sensing any danger just nodded and followed her outside into the garden which was adorned by many different flowers from all over Equestria.

"Look what is..."

Spike didn't finished that sentence as he found himself in a hug given to him by the one pony who hated him the most it wasn't only the hug but she was also crying "I'm sorry Spike I'm sorry for everything I have said and done" Spike didn't know how to react while living with Velvet all he received from her were glares and mean comments.

Spike did what felt natural and returned the hug "it's okay I forgive you" when she heard those words she broke the hug she didn't expect Spike to forgive her this soon but he did.

"But all the things I said and did I" Velvet stopped when Spike raised his claw.

"It's true you were pretty horrible but" Spike scratched the back of his head and gave an awkward laugh "I didn't make it any easier on you look I don't hold grudges okay" Spike found himself being hugged again by the crying Velvet.

"Thanks for forgiving me Spike" Spike was the one the break the hug this time.

Spike helped Velvet dry her tears, while he did this Velvet gave him a confused look "today is a day to celebrate not a day to cry okay" Velvet nodded they shared one last hug before going back to the party.

Spike sighed he was glad he could change Velvet's view on dragons "c'mon Spike stop remembering things it will only make it harder to leave" Spike said to himself unknown to him there was someone staring at him.

Lightning didn't have a lot of things to do after she got of work so she usually flew around eventually she found the perfect spot to relax in the park, like usual she expected things to be quite what she didn't expect was that a dragon would take her spot.

Spike didn't notice the pony staring at him he got up and grabbed the bag he left under the tree it wasn't until he turned around that he saw her, she was a Pegasus with an orange coat and a black mane and tail which were very long looking at it Spike noticed they were the same length as Octavia's own mane and tail also they were in a similar style, her eyes were a clear silver color almost making them look like diamonds, Spike didn't say anything he just kept staring he had never seen this mare before so he wasn't sure what to say, finally the silence was broken by her "hello ummm dragon are you by any chance using this spot" her voice sounded happy but nervous at the same time.

"Well I was just leaving" Spike said to his surprise the mare came closer it was a surprise to Spike since ponies who didn't know him usually gave him two reactions, one they will start screaming and running away or two they would attack Spike, never has a pony who didn't know him approached him like this, not knowing she was actually scared and nervous.

"Lightning what are you doing your getting closer to a dragon" she said to herself but she just kept walking until she was in front of him, after that she put her face close to his face. Spike didn't know what to do or say this mare who he didn't knew not only approached Spike but was now getting to close for Spike's liking.

"Excuse me have you never heard of personal space" Spike said very annoyed, to his surprise she stepped back, you don't really expect that from ponies especially if you are friends with Pinkie Pie the mare who doesn't know anything about personal space.

"I'm sorry you just look really sad" Spike again was taken by surprise he wiped his tears before and he hadn't been crying in a while so the fact that she could see he was sad surprised him "I guess Rainbow Dash wasn't lying pegasy really do have good vision" Spike though to himself.

"I'm fine" Spike said but judging by the mare's worried look she knew he was lying.

"Look talking about it will make you feel better" she said while again getting close but not to close.

"I said I'm fine" Spike sounding a little bit angry that this mare wouldn't leave him alone.

"Look my brother says the same thing  whenever he has a problem" again getting closer to Spike.

Spike who truly didn't have time for this decided to just leave he tried stepping to the side but the mare stopped him, she was determined to help him but Spike didn't need her help especially now after what happened with Rarity, he tried again stepping to the side but again he was cut off.

"Look I know it may be hard but trust me talking about it will help" Spike had it enough.

"It's none of your business!" Spike yelled harder than he ever yelled before he knew she was trying to help but right now he didn't want to talk, Lightning stepped back and used her wings to hide herself she was only trying to help him and instead she got him angry.

Spike was angry you could see it in his face and his eyes again gained their red coloring all that change however when he looked at the mare again, seeing her cowering on the floor snapped Spike out of his berserk state his angry look was replaced by a look of regret and worry "look I'm sorry".

Lightning usually tried to help out as much as she could but that would usually make other ponies angry instead of actually helping she got up and took a deep breath he face filled with anger "look I'm just trying to help ok you don't have to yell at me" Spike looked at her wondering what to do.

"Look I know you were just trying to help and I'm really sorry but I just went through a lot today okay but that doesn't give me the right to yell at you, so I'm sorry" Spike looked at her expecting her to be mad or at least to leave but she didn't do any of those things.

"What happened?" Spike looked at her she had a curious look on her face, she really wanted to know what was going on "she's like a Pinkie Pie clone always wanting to know what was happening with everypony" Spike thought to himself he was about to answer but she interrupted him "I know how about we go to Sugar Cube Corner and you can tell me what's going on there dragon" Spike didn't know what to do but he did knew that this mare wasn't going to leave him alone, Spike sighed he knew he wasn't going to win if they argued so he just nodded and started walking with her.

"Oh by the way my name Spike so stop calling me dragon" Spike said giving her an annoyed look.

She giggled a bit "sorry my name is Lightning nice to meet you Spike" she extended her hoof towards Spike so that he could shake it, Spike took her hoof in her claw and shook her hoof.

"Nice to meet you Lightning".

"Hey Twilight do you think friends are really important?" Spike asked it had been one week since her coronation and Spike wanted to know.

"Of course Spike why do you ask?" Twilight said with her cheerful voice. Spike laughed at her answer while Twilight shot him a glare.

"Sorry is just hard to believe that Twilight the mare who didn't even want to talk to another pony is the Princess of Friendship" Spike kept laughing and after a little bit Twilight joined in she had to admit it was funny.

Spike now found himself being dragged to Sugar Cube Corner by a mare he barely knew well not literally dragged, and for some reason he remembered that conversation he had with Twilight. Ember Spike's only friend that was a dragon had come to visit and she had always tried to convince Spike to come live in the Dragon lands, Spike always wondered why when he asked her she said that he could be a great example to other dragons and that he could help them change for the better. Spike always thought that there was another reason but he didn't tried to find out.

Spike found himself in the same predicament as before could he really leave his friends and all of his memories behind and now there was Lightning, Spike knew the drill they would talk she will probably find away to make him feel better and they would become good friends that's how it always worked. Spike decided to stop thinking about it and went back to what was happening they were getting close to Sugar Cube Corner, Spike could actually see it but Spike noticed something Lightning was turning around and looking at him as if she was checking for something. "What does she think I'm going to run away" Spike thought he did admit he actually thought about running but with Spike being the only dragon in a town of ponies and Lightning being a pegasus there was no way he would out run her especially since every pegasy he had met so far could fly really fast.

"Were here" Spike was snapped out of his thoughts by Lightning introducing Sugar Cube Corner.

"I lived in Ponyville for years now I know this place" Spike said his voice sounding very grumpy, he would rather be doing anything else right now but he didn't want to run especially after yelling at her after she was only trying to help, after all Spike was raise to be a gentledrake so he decided to tag along even if he really didn't want to.

"Well I didn't know that" she said she started walking towards the sweet shop, Spike finally noticed her cutie mark which was weather based so she probably worked on the weather team "poor girl has to do what Rainbow Dash tells her" Spike thought to himself.

"You coming in or what" Spike didn't notice he was just standing there once he came back from his own thoughts he nodded and started walking in.

"Welcome to....." Pinkie started saying but when she saw Spike she stop and her mane deflated she couldn't even look at him "oh hi Spike" Spike didn't answer he still feel betrayed he still didn't know why they didn't told him, Lightning noticed this and concluded that Pinkie had to be part of what was happening.

"Hi I would like a vanilla milkshake please how about you" Lightning said pretending to be oblivious to what was happening, Spike never stopped looking at Pinkie he wasn't glaring at her he was just staring.

"Same but make mine chocolate and put some gems in it please".

"Ok that will be 12 bits please" Lightning reached into her satchel to grab her bag of bits but Spike stopped her.

"I got this" Spike said while reaching into his own bag but Lightning stopped him.

"I invited you I should pay".

"Nah I was told to be a gentledrake so I'll pay, and I will not take no for an answer" Lightning sighed.

"Have it your way then" Spike gave Pinkie the bits she then went to make their orders while Spike and Lightning took a seat near one of the windows. Spike sat on one side and Lightning sat on the other one across from him. It was quite at first but Lightning decided to break the silence.

"So what's going on?" Spike looked at her with a really annoyed look,"should I really be telling her what's happening I mean I barely know her" Spike thought to himself, he then looked at her she looked very happy and eager waiting for Spike to answer "oh well what do I have to lose she does want to help" Spike finally decided to stop thinking and just tell her.

He took a deep breath and started the story all the way from the beginning, he told her about having a crush on Rarity since the first day he met her, he told her about all the favors he did for her, and he told her about finding out today that for 2 years she was dating somepony else, without telling him and still asking him for favors.

Lightning was surprised to hear all of that. She didn't know how she could help him "hey have you ever thought that this maybe your fault" with that Spike gave her a glare, Lightning now getting nervous decided to keep going "I mean why didn't you just tell her before" with that Spike gained a look that let everypony know he was thinking, maybe it was his fault for not telling Rarity but before he accepted that as an answer he decided to ask a question.

"Lightning have you ever been in love?" Spike asked his voice sounding very curiously.

"Who me?" Spike nodded "well yeah but what's that got to" Lightning didn't finished as she was stopped by Spike's raised claw.

"Did you ever told him how you felt" with that Lightning looked at the ground and shook her head "why didn't you tell him?". Lightning finally raised her face to look at Spike.

"I was afraid he wouldn't feel the same" Spike noticed her voice sounded different it sounded sad.

"Exactly the same reason why I didn't tell Rarity about my feelings" with that the milkshakes finally arrived. As quickly as she brought them as quickly Pinkie left she really didn't want to be near Spike after all she was her friend and she should have told him. Spike looked at Pinkie running away he really needed to tell her that he wasn't mad at her. As for Lightning she grabbed her milkshake an started drinking it she had no idea how she could help and if she went by past events she would probably just make things worst but she wasn't about to give up not yet, she was about to say something but Spike beat her to it "so how long have you lived in Ponyville?, I've seen pretty much every pony in this town and you are not one of them" Lightning was quite she wasn't expecting this "are you visiting somepony".

"Oh no I moved here with my brother about a week ago" Spike was surprised usually when there was a new pony Pinkie Pie would give them the grand tour but he got his answer on that "when we got here Pinkie gave us a tour of all of Ponyville she even introduced us to everypony here" Spike smiled at that is was so Pinkie "although she never introduced us to you, wait were you in the castle?" Spike nodded "well that explains it when we went to the castle Pinkie said something important was happening and that we couldn't go in, there were guards everywhere too" Spike now knew why he hadn't seen her and what was she talking about.

"The princesses got together that day to discuss matters of Equestria so that's probably why you couldn't go in" Lightning was now curious about what the princesses were talking about but she probably wouldn't get an answer so she just kept going.

"So anything else you want to know?" Lightning said drinking more of her milkshake. Spike who finally started drinking his decided to keep the conversation going, he really didn't want to talk about Rarity and what happened so he was hoping he could distract her.

"So is Lightning your name or is there more".

Lightning shook her head "actually my full name is Lightning Blossom Storm but it just sounds weird when you say it all together" Spike actually didn't think it was too weird since ponies tended to have unique names "look if you want you can call me Lightning Blossom or Lightning Storm but not all of it okay.

"I think I'll just call you Lightning okay" Lightning nodded.

"Let's see your a Pegasus so you are probably from Cloudsdale am I right" Lightning nodded "judging by your cutie mark you probably work for the weather team" Lightning again nodded, impressed that Spike could figure that out even if it was pretty obvious "I feel bad for you, you have to work with and for Rainbow Dash pretty much all day".

"Tell me about it she usually spends the whole day yelling at us" Spike actually gained a sympathetic look "especially at the lazy ones like my brother or Thunderlane, which is stupid since she spends most of the day sleeping on the job" Lightning let out a grunt "how she is still the captain of the weather team I will never know".

"Yeah I wonder" Spike answered "so did you move here with your brother" Lightning nodded "why? Are you following him" Spike said curiosity filled his voice.

Lightning didn't answer immediately in a way she was kinda following her brother but she had her reason " well kinda but its not like I'm a stalker or anything it's just.... you'll think is silly" Spike actually had a curious look on his face.

"I won't think is silly I promised".

Lightning sighed and closed her eyes "okay I'm afraid" she opened them and saw the look on Spike's face waiting for more information, she sighed again and finally said it "I'm afraid of being alone" she said it she knew it was kinda silly and she probably expected him to laugh but he didn't, actually he had a confused look on his face.

"You're afraid of being alone?" Lightning nodded looking kinda sad "like what being alone in the dark" Lightning rolled her eyes and placed a hoof on her face.

"If your trying to be funny you are not very good at it" Spike just kept looking at her "look I'm just afraid of being alone okay" a look of realisation now filled Spike's face.

"So your afraid of being alone for ever in away are you afraid of being abandoned" Lightning nodded the thought of all of the ponies you care about suddenly leaving you was just something she didn't want to imagine, she looked to the ground half of her expected him to laugh or tell she was just being silly like many ponies did before, what she didn't expect was Spike's actual answer "I know how you feel" Spike said looking out the window, he then looked back at Lightning "my friends have a knack for leaving on great adventures and leaving me behind" Lightning gave a small chuckle.

"My brother does the exact same thing when he goes of on adventures I wish I could go on adventures like that" Lightning said sadness filling her voice. Spike however looked at her with a confused look.

"I thought you said your brother was lazy" Spike said genuinely confused.

"Oh he is but there are two exceptions that will make him get rid of his laziness, one he is doing something he actually likes doing or is actually interested in or two he is helping a friend, if he is not doing that he is probably sleeping on a cloud somewhere". Spike after that got a weird look on his face "it surprises me that he is a lot like Rainbow Dash" Spike thought to himself. "So you're friends leave you behind" Spike nodded "doesn't it make you sad" Lightning now had a worried look on her face.

Spike thought about it, he really didn't care if his friends brought him along or not but he had to admit there were two times it really hurt, one was Twilight's birthday when they were in Canterlot to celebrate Spike was sad that Twilight didn't bring him along. Not being there for the birthday of the pony that was basically his mother did make him sad but there was the other time, the time they went to Cloudsdale.

Twilight was happy that she finally moved. Since she was little she was waiting for the day she finally would be be able to live in her own, now that she lived in the tower/mini library she could dedicate more time to her studies, and Spike would finally be able to live happy now that Twilight's mother wasn't here. Twilight loved her mother but she was glad that Spike won't have to see her, although her attitude toward Spike diminished there was the occasional glare and the you will grow up to be a monster comment from her.

"Hey Twilight what's that?" Twilight was broken out of her train of thought by the voice of Spike who was now looking at map of all of Equestria.

"Well Spike that is a map" Spike rolled his eyes at her answer.

"I know what a map is Twilight" Spike said a little angry "I meant that" Spike pointed at a big white cloud that was in between Canterlot and Ponyville.

"Oh that that's just Cloudsdale that's were most of the pegasy come from" Spike was amazed a city made of clouds.

"Can we go Twilight please" Spike said he really wanted to go and check it out but Twilight shook her head.

"Spike only a Pegasus can walk on clouds so we can't go not to mention we don't have time" with this Spike excited look changed into a sad one, he started walking away slowly looking at the ground. Twilight seeing this got a sad look but it was changed with a happy one shortly afterwards "although I think there's a spell that lets none pegasus ponies walk on clouds so I think we can go when we have time.

When Twilight finished that sentence Spike rushed back and hugged her "you promise we'll go" Twilight returned the hug and nuzzled Spike.

"I promised Spike" Twilight said as the two kept hugging.

"Are you ok?" Spike was interrupted from his memories by Lightning who sounded really concerned.

"Yeah I'm fine I'm just remembering a promise that never came to be" Spike said looking at Lightning who seemed genuinely interested.

"What's the promise?".

"Twilight you may know her as the Princess of Friendship but I know her as a friend and as the closest thing to a mother that I have" Spike paused apparently it was hard for him to talk about this, Lightning was about to tell him to stop but Spike kept talking "she promised me that when she finds a spell that will let us walk on clouds that she would take me to Cloudsdale but that day never came well I shouldn't say that it came but I wasn't there".

"Wait you and Rainbow Dash are friends right" Spike nodded "she was in Cloudsdale's Young Flyers Competition" Spike knew this already he was just waiting for her to get to the point "if all of her friends were there then why weren't you there?" Lightning asked again confused and curious about the whole situation.

"Well the day came when Twilight told me she was going to Cloudsdale with the others" Spike paused taking a sip of his milkshake "I already knew something was wrong when she said that, I asked her if I could come but she said someone needed to stay behind to keep the library open" Spike sighed it was clear he was having trouble telling the story but he kept going "I then asked her what about your promise and I guess what she said hurt the most" Spike said while scratching the table his claw was on.

"What did she say?".

"She said what promise, that's right she forgot!" Spike said slamming his hand on the table "I was so excited to finally see Cloudsdale and she forgot all about the promise she made" Lightning already knew were this was going and did the only think she could think of, she got up from her seat and walked to Spike side she sat down and gave Spike a hug. Even though he felt awkward about hugging a mare he barely knew Spike returned the hug after a minute the hug was broken and Spike calmed down.

"Hey Spike everything will be find okay" Spike nodded he knew he was being childish but he really did want to see Cloudsdale, and to have his best friend/mother forget about the promise she made really hurt Spike. "Hey Spike I know what your doing" with that Spike's look of sadness was replaced with a look of worry.

"What do you mean?" Spike said while nervously scratching the back of his head.

"You're trying to change the subject so that I don't try to help you fix the situation with Rarity right" Spike was caught red handed he just sighed and nodded. As soon as Lightning was about to speak she was interrupted by a claw that held her mouth shut.

"Look Lightning I appreciate you wanting to help but in the end it doesn't matter" Lightning's angry look she got from being forcefully interrupted was replaced with one of confusion yet again "I'm leaving for the Dragon lands tomorrow and I'm going to put this whole mess  behind me" Lightning tried to say something but Spike interrupted her "that's my final decision and nothing you say is going to change that" Spike finally let go of Lightning's mouth.

"Spike can I at least say something" Lightning said she sounded really sad, Spike nodded "running from this is not going to make it go away, you will still think about her and your friends" Spike didn't look at her he stared at the empty glass of milkshake. He knew she was right but he also knew he was going to forget eventually. "So Spike since you're leaving tomorrow and you don't want to talk about Rarity how about we do something fun".

Spike sighed he didn't have anything better to do but he might as well, he nodded once he did Lightning went straight into her saddle bag and took out a book "a book if I wanted to read I would have stayed in the castle" Lightning rolled her eyes and pointed to the cover "Forgotten Temples and Ruins" that didn't help Spike figure out what she wanted to do.

Lightning opened the book and stopped at a page that was book marked "here read this".

Spike started reading the page "Everfree's secret medow what" Lightning motioned for Spike to keep reading  So he did, the rest of the page talked about a secret garden hidden in the Everfree forest that was filled with a rare species of flowers that reacted to magic and that the flower could even hold magic and be used to power spells. What got Spike's attention was the end it said that the flowers could be used to cause destruction since they could store a lot of magic because of that many unicorns used to grow them, but not only that it also said that when the magic of the flowers is triggered that the guardians of the flowers will awaken. Spike finished reading that last bit and he suddenly got chills something inside of him was telling him that these flowers were better left hidden.

"So you see wouldn't it be cool if we found those flowers" Lightning said her clear gray eyes filled with excitement, Spike didn't said anything he was to busy thinking the story could be fake but after the poison joke incident he learned to read and trust books more.

"Maybe it's not a good idea I mean did you read this" Spike said worry filling his voice.

"I know it's going to be a fun adventure so come on" Lightning started pulling Spike's arm to get him to move her excitement never leaving her eyes and face, Spike pulled back he had a bad feeling about this, but on the other claw he did wanted to go on adventures like this with his friends.

Spike sighed and started walking, he also grabbed the book that Lightning almost left in her excitement, "it might have a clue on where to find the garden" Spike thought to himself and with that they left Spike looked ahead at the excited Lightning that was still pulling him he sighed once more "what did I get myself into" Spike said low enough that Lightning didn't hear him.