A Family of Spike

Chapters

Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5

Chapter 1

Scootaloo groaned as she rolled over in bed, finding a large scaly beast passed out beside her. She chuckled as he lay there on his back, his chest rolling with his gentle snore and a small puff of smoke filling the air each time he exhaled.

She reached over with her hoof to snuggle in close to him, until the sunlight hit her right in the eyes. The sun never reached her unless she was late.

Late.

"SPIKE I'M LATE!" Scootaloo screamed as she jumped out of bed. The dragon cracked open an eye, watching the pegasus panic and fly about the room. He chuckled as she snatched up her uniform and tried to slip into it as quickly as possible.

He let out a sigh and snatched her by her tail, pulling her close. She opened her mouth to yell at him, stopped by a gentle kiss.

"Spike, seriously, now is not the time to..." She began, silenced with another kiss. She pouted, knowing he wasn't going to let her speak until he said his piece.

"Scoots...look at the calendar," Spike whispered. The pegasus glanced over her shoulder at the calendar and let out a nervous chuckle.

"Right...Heh, my bad..." She sighed, leaning into him. There on the calendar was two weeks circled in red, labeled as 'Scoots Vacation'

"Force of habit," she sighed again, sitting down and letting Spike wrap his arms around her.

"Mom? Dad? I-Is everything okay?" a little voice spoke up. Scootaloo jumped and spun, flinging her door open to see her daughter.

"Tempest!" she squealed, pulling the dragon pony into an almost bone crushing hug. Tempest squealed in return, hugging her mother while Spike chuckled at the two of them.

"Everything's fine kiddo. Your mom had a brain fart is all," Spike teased, earning a gentle wing smack to his arm. Tempest giggled, throwing her arms around Scootaloo. Scootaloo rolled her eyes and flicked her wing against Spike again.

"I work hard for Suns sake, so I forgot I had a vacation, big whoop," she grumbled.

"Though, we are late for meeting up with Belle..." Spike sighed as he glanced at the clock. Scootaloo blinked and spun to glare at the dragon but he had already snaked his way past her and through the door.

"Mom, you aren't gonna hurt him are you?" Tempest asked

"Kid, your pops is a full blown dragon. He'll survive,"

Spike let out a sigh as he walked through Ponyville. Scootaloo would have his head later, but this was a good chance for her to have some quality alone time with Tempest. Besides, he needed to check up on Sweetie Belle and another Dragon Pony about town. His daughter Crystal Melody.

His thoughts were derailed as he was tackled to the ground. He could practically feel the smirk before he saw it.

"Zephyr Sassafras Apple! How many times ah gotta tell ya not t' pounce on yer pa?!" Applebloom yelled as she rushed over to them. Spike rolled and gently pinned his son to the ground.

"One day you'll get one over your old man, but not today Zephyr," Spike chuckled, letting the red scaled kirin to his feet.

"I totally had ya..." he grumbled, his frown shifting to a smile as Spike ruffled his green spines.

"Lemme guess, ya'll out t' see Belle?" Applebloom asked, pressing up against his side. Spike chuckled nervously.

"Caught me red handed, huh?"

"Well, ya'll ain't the only one. The two of em jus' got back didn't they? Ah'm sure Belle is happy t' be home, even if its only fer a few days. But ya'll sure Mel is gonna be alright stayin' with Scoots? Let alone Tempest..." Applebloom pointed out.

Spike had come up with the bright idea of having his children stay with their mothers, scared of what might happen if they spent too much time with their father, who had already suffered through several monstrous transformations, all of which had been stopped by mares he cared for.

With this in mind, he figured having them stay with their mothers, the most important mares in their lives, none of them would go through any dangerous changes. It had taken some arguing at first and Spike had to bring up some scars none of them liked to talk about, but they had all eventually agreed.

Spike shifted between the homes of his family every so often to ensure he spent as much time with his children as possible, but still worried what his influence might bring.

Applebloom was the most against this, wanting all of them to share a home together, but Spike just wasn't ready for the risk.

"It'll only be for a week, and then she'll be with you," Spike said glumly. Applebloom shook her head, jabbing his side with her hoof.

"It's been years o' this nonsense Spike...jus' fer once, can't we be a family?" She asked. Spikes heart broke at those words, the drake hanging his head.

"Pop, ma's been workin' pretty hard on that old barn...It's not really the fanciest thing, but it makes a good home, even if fer just a day or two," Zephyr added. Spike turned to face him. His son, his oldest child. He had never had an episode, none of his children had, but he accredited that to his careful system.

A day or two wouldn't hurt, would it?

"We'll ask the others first," Spike caved, Applebloom squealing happily. Spike didn't want to admit it, but Applebloom already knew she had won.

Sweetie Belle smiled as Spike stepped into her home. She wanted it to be THEIR home, but he was so convinced of the dangers of staying too close for too long. Though he had spent plenty of time in dragon country and she hadn't, so she had no real room to argue.

Her daughter rushed to Spike the moment he stepped in the door, tackling him with her little arms. He gently placed his hand on her back, lowering his head to nuzzle her gently. Sweetie Belle watched as the two growled quietly at one another, a bit of dragon interaction she didn't understand. When she asked, Spike explained it was a way of identifying each other.

"We're here too ya know!" Applebloom called out behind Spike. The drake chuckled and stepped aside. Zephyr laid down on his stomach, performing a gentle growl. Crystal hesitated before laying in front of him and returning the sound, the two smiling at one another.

"Ahem, forgetting someone?" Scootaloo butted in. Tempest hopped over to her siblings, adding her own excited growl to the mix, Crystal flinching a bit and calmed by Zephyr who glanced at Tempest. She chuckled nervously and laid down, performing a much gentler growl toward her baby sister who relaxed at the sound.

"Dragons are weird," Applebloom chuckled, sitting next to Sweetie Belle.

"You look exhausted Belle...Do you really gotta go back into business so soon?" Scootaloo asked, sitting beside Spike.

"The show must go on," Sweetie Belle said softly.

"Well t' Tartarus with th' damned show! Yer losin' yer voice Belle...Ya'll need more than a couple days t' recover," Applebloom argued.

"I agree Belle. I make more than enough to support us...I know its your dream but it isn't worth killing yourself over," Spike added, everyone turning to look at him in shock.

"Spike...I..." Sweetie Belle's voice cracked, the unicorn clearing her throat and accepting a cup of water from Applebloom.

"Mama Belle, I think ya should listen to Pa," Zephyr spoke up, his spines pinned back as he watched her struggle to clear her throat and speak.

"I really don't get it, but if all that singing is hurting you then maybe you should stop. I mean, laying on my wings hurt, so I don't do it," Tempest tossed in.

Sweetie Belle looked around the room, tears stinging her eyes as her family gathered around her.

"We're here for you Belle and...well..." Spike swore under his breath, unfurling his wings and wrapping up his children in close, laying down and putting on a smile.

"We're a family. We should be together like one," he said softly.

"Spike, ya mean..." Applebloom turned to him and squealed as he nodded.

"Wait, I'm confused, whats going on?" Scootaloo asked, looking between the two of them.

"Ma convinced pop to spend a few days with all of us in the barn house we built," Zephyr explained.

"Soo...no stupid rules about being apart? How many days we talkin'?" Scootaloo asked, raising an eyebrow at Spike.

"A week at most," Spike sighed, "And...if things work out then...we'll go from there," he continued, gasping as mares and kirin climbed onto him in a family hug.

"Aw c'mon big guy, say it," Scootaloo teased.

"I love all of you," Spike chuckled.

Chapter 2

Crystal Melody sat on Spikes back, her little arms wrapped gently around his neck while they marched through town. It was quite a spectacle to see. All of Ponyville knew about Spike and his mares, but seeing all of them together was a very rare occasion.

An occasion that drew the attention of some family friends.

"Well hey, what brings all of you out...at once?" Rainbow Dash asked as she hovered beside them. Spike chuckled nervously

"Well, ya'll know how hard headed Spike can be. We somehow finally got through t' him," Applebloom smiled, pressing up against his side.

"You uh...What about 'the dangers of dragon herds'?" Rainbow asked, making air quotes with her hooves.

"Dad's just scared we'll become monsters like in his stories," Tempest scoffed, shrinking into herself as Spike glanced at her in shock. Sweetie Belle cleared her throat gently, bumping her flank against his side.

"Yea I...Look, I've seen a lot, been through a lot, and done a lot. It's a sound fear," Spike argued his case.

"No one is saying you're wrong big guy, just that, maybe there's more pony than dragon here and we shouldn't judge a book by its cover," Scootaloo said softly.

"Never expected a book analogy out o' you Scoots," Applebloom teased

"Heh, not all books are bad, besides, I'm not that stuck up little filly anymore," Scootaloo shrugged

"Maybe not stuck up, but definitely stubborn..." Spike mumbled loudly, his children giggling around him. Rainbow landed in front of them, spreading out her wings which caused the sun to glint off her armor.

"Look, I'm really happy all of you are happy, especially you Scoots. But if this backfires..." She began. Spike stood up on his hind legs, spreading out his own wings. There was a reason Spike walked on all fours. When he stood up to his full height he towered over everyone like the beast he believed himself to be.

"If it backfires, I'll handle it, 'Captain'," Spike growled. Rainbow shook herself and flew up to look him in the eye.

"I'm still your friend Spike, I just gotta know I won't be fighting Dragons this week," Rainbow said softly. He smirked, Crystal still clinging to him and looking at Rainbow over his shoulder.

"Dash, do you think this adorable little thing could even harm a fly?" he teased.

"Spike, you were a ball of cute chub when you uhh....Right!" Rainbow Dash stopped herself as fear flashed across Spikes eyes, the mares below shaking their heads quickly. Spikes previous transformations were a touchy subject, one he had never really told his children about.

He walked about life with doubt and fear weighing constantly on his mind due to his changes. He couldn't put that kind of pressure of 'what if' on his children.

"It's just a story isn't it?" Tempest asked, flying up next to her fathers head.

"Y-Yea, I mean, there was this one dragon we bumped into a few years back...Come to think of it, it was your pops here that took that guy down," Rainbow chuckled, glancing at her wrist and gasping

"Oh wow! Is that the time?! I gotta go! Bye!" she said quickly and rushed off.

"But she wasn't even wearin' a watch..." Zephyr mumbled. Spike sighed and sat back down on all fours, smiling weakly as Applebloom and Sweetie Belle each put a comforting hoof on his shoulder. Scootaloo landed in front of him, rubbing her cheek against his.

"Um...okay, ew. Can you guys not do this in public?" Tempest whined.

"I mean, we could start kissing," Scootaloo smirked.

"Ponies are watchin'," Zephyr added, moving on past the group, until Crystal cried out, reaching a clawed hand out towards him. He paused in place and let out a sigh, heading back and standing beside Spike, letting the youngest dracony slip on to his back. She cooed happily as she nuzzled into his neck.

"Okay, lets get going," Spike chuckled, taking the lead. He glanced over his shoulder, feeling pride swell up within him as his mares and his children happily followed after him. He turned his gaze to Sweet Apple Acres, where the barn house was already visible. Applebloom really had put a lot of work into it.

"Sun's sake AB, THAT'S the barn house?" Spike asked. The Earth Pony beamed proudly as she leaned into his side.

"Well, ya'll know how Apples are when it comes t' family," she murmured, rubbing up against his side and causing him to blush.

"Heh heh...R-Right, Bloom, the kids are watching..." Spike mumbled under his breath.

"Mhm, its fine...Ah built a bunch o' rooms...all soundproof...'cept fer th' kids rooms o' course," Applebloom winked

"Why not the kids rooms?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"Well ah gotta hear em when they cry now don't ah? Wouldn't do t' have em sit there sad without their mama,"

"Sweet Celestia you want another one," Scootaloo realized.

"We're gonna have another sibling?!" Tempest gasped

"Is it a boy? Is it a girl?! It's a girl right?!" she continued excitedly.

"No, we are not. No one is pregnant...Right?" Spike asked, three mares suddenly silent around him. Scootaloo was the first to give in, not wanting him to panic any longer.

"No big guy, no one is pregnant. I mean, I'm not," she shrugged.

"I'm not," Sweetie Belle added, "How could I be? We haven't seen each other in two months Spike," she pointed out.

"We saw some of your shows," he offered. She rolled her eyes.

"I was surrounded by security, those times don't count and you know it," she scoffed. All eyes turned to Applebloom.

"Ah'm not. Not yet," she grinned.

Zephyr smiled as they entered the barn house. It began as a long hall, leading up to a staircase that split off to the left and right. On the bottom floor was the kitchen, a large playroom, a sitting room, Applebloom's personal library and her lab which remained locked.

Up above were the bedrooms, many of which were empty save for some furniture. They were considered guestrooms right now, but Zephyr knew his mother wanted another foal, if not another three. It was almost all she talked about while he had helped her fix the place up.

Though she had gone about it in ways such as asking if he would like to have a little brother or sister to take care of. At first he had answered that he already had two sisters, which had disheartened her a little. Zephyr was quick to pick up on her message soon after that though. She had waited a while to bring it up again, this time simply asking if he'd like to have a little brother.

Knowing the answer she wanted to hear, he had taken a moment to really think on his answer. Did he want another little sibling? He was the oldest, first of their little clan. His duty was to his family and something about being an Apple made him say yes.

"Wow...is there a room for everyone in here?" Spike wondered, amazed that he could actually stand up to full height without bumping his head or having to duck. Of course, Applebloom had built this place, why not keep her husband in mind?

"Well ah had to plan for everythin'. This way, if ya'll feel like yer rules still need t' be in place, we'd all still be under th' same roof together and be able to see each other. Ah ain't askin' ya'll t' leave yer homes, jus' t' consider this home too..." Applebloom explained. Scootaloo chuckled, sitting beside her and placing her wing over her, Sweetie Belle on her other side and claiming her other wing.

"Its amazing AB. You've got a game room in this place right?" Scootaloo chuckled. Applebloom rolled her eyes.

"It ain't no fancy arcade but ah do still have some of those games ya bought me set up in the second room right there," Applebloom pointed with her hoof. Tempest gasped and zipped about.

"It's like we have a mansion!" she squealed. Spike smiled and sat down, casting his gaze about the barn house.

"I love it..."

Applebloom had gone to extreme lengths to make everyone comfortable, even setting up maps on a few walls in case anyone got lost. She left Zephyr with Spike, claiming a kiss from the drake and bidding them goodbye, leaving to go run her stand in town.

"Zee, doesn't she let you run the stand on your own?" Tempest asked, holding Crystal Melody in her lap. The youngest dragon pony happily playing with some blocks, a few hovering around Tempest in Crystal's magic. Zephyr lightly tapped them as they went by, earning a few happy squeals from his sister.

"Yea, but Ma likes to run things herself sometimes, 'sides this way she gets Pa to herself when she gets home," Zephyr chuckled. Tempest raised an eyebrow in confusion.

"What do ya mean?"

"Huh, well uh..." Zephyr scratched his chin, wondering how best to explain to his hotheaded little sister what went on with their parents.

"My mom, Mama Belle an your Ma take turns having Dad all to themselves, like how we take turns playin' a game," Zephyr explained.

"Ohhh, so they fuck in turns," Tempest blurted out in realization, Zephyr choking on his own spit and going into a coughing fit. Crystal found it hilarious, reaching her arms out to him. Tempest let her go, letting her crawl into his lap, reaching her claws up to him.

"Ah mean, yea, but really Tempest?" Zephyr sighed after finally catching his breath and pulling Crystal up onto his back, laying on his stomach. She curled up on his back and let out a loud yawn before dozing off.

"You're...really good at that," Tempest realized. Zephyr was more than thankful for the subject change.

"Ya know, ya'll were just like her when you were her age," he teased, earning a blush.

"I was not!" she argued, poking his snout with an accusing claw. He only smiled up at her as he spoke.

"I have pictures,"

Chapter 3

Sweetie Belle cooed softly as Spikes claws ran along her back.

"Geez Belle, don't they offer you Spa treatments on your trips? How are you so tense?" Scootaloo asked, watching the massage and waiting for her own. Spike had magical claws, literally. He tended to avoid magic in most cases, but he would do anything for his mares.

"None of those fancy places are a match for Spike," she purred, flicking her tail against the dragon who chuckled and continued to work.

"Well, I'll admit, they must suck at their jobs...You've got knots everywhere," Spike murmured, his claws flowing down to her sides, little sparks of magic dancing from his claws and into her coat, the mare stifling a moan into her hoof.

"Uh, didn't AB say these rooms are soundproof?" Scootaloo teased, flitting her wings to keep them from stiffening. Spike and Sweetie Belle froze, glancing at the pegasus and then at each other.

"We all know AB is gonna take Spike away when she gets back," Scootaloo pointed out, leaning forward and flicking her tongue against Sweetie Belle's horn. Spike let out a sigh and walked away long enough to lock the door.

"Mares," he mumbled under his breath, moments before the two tackled him to the ground.

Applebloom hummed to herself as ponies came and went.

"Applebloom! Nice to see you today," Twilight greeted her. Applebloom bowed her head slightly, but not too far. Twilight wasn't too comfortable having her friends or anypony in general treating her as if she were above them.

"Howdy Princess," Applebloom teased a little, Twilight rolling her eyes.

"I heard from Rainbow Dash that you've convinced Spike to settle down?" she asked, a hopeful twinkle in her eye. Twilight was one of few who was against Spikes rules, which had led to several large family arguments, finally settled by an outburst from Spike himself. If he could rage against his family so easily, what would stop his children?

"It took a lot...Zephyr was a big help," Applebloom chuckled, packing a sack full of specially picked apples. She weighed them before hoofing them over to Twilight. The Princess of Friendship happily accepted them, her magic dropping a stack of bits

"That reminds me, I haven't seen him or the others in a while...Maybe you all could stop by the castle? For old times sake?" Twilight wondered, placing the sack of apples in her saddlebags. The farm pony tapped her chin with her hoof.

"Well, ah did have some plans fer tonight, but maybe tomorrow afternoon?" Applebloom suggested. Twilight happily clapped her hooves together, quickly clearing her throat and calming herself. She was a Princess after all, she had to maintain dignity in public...Even though everypony already knew her rather well here.

"That sounds wonderful Applebloom. So...how is he? A-And the little ones?" Twilight asked nervously. Applebloom sighed, fiddling her hooves a bit.

"He's...stubborn. Ya'll know that better than anypony Twilight. Hardheaded drake thinks our kids are gonna turn out like those monsters in Dragon Country," Applebloom shook her head.

"He's had a few episodes himself Applebloom. As much as I'm against it, it COULD happen. I highly doubt it will, but its a small possibility. Still, I think it's wonderful you've gotten him this far,"

"Only time will tell...Th' little ones are doin' pretty well. Ah'm sure ya'll have seen Zephyr workin' th' stall. He's a responsible an trustworthy colt an he takes good care o' his sisters. Speakin' o' them, Tempest is jus' like Scoots...if Scoots could breath fire," Applebloom chuckled

"An little Melody is jus' adorable. She ain't much o' a walker yet, she's always clinging t' one of us, usually Spike or Zephyr. Somethin' t' do with that growlin' thing they do," Applebloom continued.

"It's a comfort thing, don't tell anypony but...well, when Spike was still just a baby, Celestia and I had to do much the same with him or he would crawl away from us. The sound is a sign of safety and belonging," Twilight explained with a light blush.

"Now why would ya'll go an give me ammunition against my husband?" Applebloom managed to say through stifiled laughter.

"Because you'll be the most gentle with it," Twilight winked. It was true. Scootaloo would've constantly taunted him with it, probably trying to pull off her own growls, while Sweetie Belle would try to start growling in bed.

Applebloom would just offhandedly mention it while the two of them were alone, most likely that night when she got home.

"Ah s'pose yer right 'bout that. Ya'll know ah'm gonna have to convince Spike t' bring everyone along, right?" Applebloom pointed out.

"I know, but if anypony can do it, its you. I understand if it doesn't work out. I'm sure he's still sore about my uh...initial reaction..." Twilight chuckled nervously, her ears pinning back against her head. Applebloom had to admit, she hadn't been the happiest with Twilight either.

Years earlier

Applebloom lay on her side, her coat drenched in sweat and her body aching. Spike stayed by her side all the while, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo waiting outside. It had taken many hours, but the crying of a newborn foal filled the air. Carefully cradled in Fluttershy's hooves and wings, the pegasus held out the bundled foal to Spike who happily held his child in the crook of his arm.

"Bloom, look...He's beautiful..." Spike chuckled, holding him so she could see. She had expected him to be scaled like his father, but instead he had a coat as red as her mane, his eyes a swirling mix of his eyes and hers, green around the outer-edge and a yellowish orange on the inside.

He blinked and held out a hoof, Applebloom jumping in surprise as the hoof shifted into a clawed hand, reaching for her. She smiled as Spike set the bundle against her, nuzzling her son weakly.

"H-Hey there little fella..." Applebloom stammered, her throat dry and tears stinging her eyes.

"Should I get the others?" Fluttershy asked softly, not wanting to spoil the moment. Applebloom only nodded, pulling her son close while Spike leaned over her, kissing the top of her head.

Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle were the first in the door, a glance from Spike silencing their excitement at least for a moment.

"So?" Scootaloo whispered. Spike beckoned them over, tugging the blanket a bit to show them his son.

"Oh wow, I thought he would be more...dragony," Sweetie Belle murmured, sitting beside the bed. Applebloom chuckled weakly.

"Yea, me too. He's got his fathers magic though...j-jus' look at his little hoof," Applebloom murmured, nuzzling the blanket open. Scootaloo gasped, holding her hoof to him.

"Hey little guy! I'm your auntie Scoots!" she said happily, squealing as he grabbed her hoof in his claw.

"Belle get the camera!" she continued to squeal, Spike chuckling and shaking his head.

"Okay everypony, I know we're all excited, but we need to document this," Twilight said as she entered the room.

"Oh right, Well, his name is Zephyr. Zephyr Sassafras Apple," Spike declared, Applebloom looking up at him in shock.

"Spike, ah thought..."

"I don't really have a name to give him Bloom. He's an apple, he should be known as one," Spike smiled. Twilight nodded, signing the name to a birth certificate. She moved in close, her magic encircling the foal and lifting him, turning him about in the air.

"Male, seems to have adopted more Earth Pony than Dragon...No knowledge yet if foal pertains any significant Draconic properties, further observation is needed," she mumbled, writing down some notes. Spike stared for a moment before snatching his foal out of her magic.

"Twilight, you can't just treat this like a science experiment, this is my son!" he yelled.

"He is the first of a new species Spike, this needs to be documented, understood, studied!" Twilight argued back. Spike took a step back, cradling his son. Scootaloo stood proudly, flaring out her wings in front of Spike while Sweetie Belle stood beside her, lighting her horn.

"Miss Twilight, you personally taught me to use this thing, I'd rather not use it on you," Sweetie Belle warned.

"You want him? You go through us Princess," Scootaloo snorted, scuffing her hoof against the ground. Spike lowered his head, lifting up his free claw.

"Spike don't!" Twilight cried out, but it was too late. He snapped his claws and vanished with his family.

"Yea, ah'd say it wasn't yer best act as Princess," Applebloom pointed out. Twilight nodded glumly.

"Do you think he'll ever forgive me?" Twilight asked, already knowing the answer.

It had been years and two foals more, and Spike only ever spoke to Twilight when Equestria was in a crisis. He refused to ever let her be alone with any of his children. Of course, they all knew Twilight had learned a hard lesson that day, and while they were cautious, all but Spike had let Twilight back into their lives.

"Ah don't rightly know Twilight...but tomorrow should be a good start t' provin' yerself t' him. He can't hold out forever,"

Spike felt a chill run up his back. Something bad was going to happen. And it involved him. Scootaloo shifted against him, her mane a mess and a few feathers out of place. She cooed as his claws ran along her wing, repairing the damage. Sweetie Belle rolled her eyes as she stepped back into the room, her mane wrapped up in a towel.

"Snuggling without me?" She teased as she crawled back into bed, fresh from her shower.

"You showered without me," Spike tossed back, earning a kiss to the snout.

"If I showered with you, it wouldn't be a shower," she countered, laying on her side in front of Scootaloo and smiling over her at Spike. He couldn't really argue that. The drake gulped as Sweetie Belle's smile faded into a frown. She reached over Scootaloo, putting a hoof against his cheek.

"Something's bothering you..." She spoke softly, gently tracing a scar.

"Just a feeling, nothing to get worked up about," Spike murmured back. Still she frowned.

"Is it about this? Being together?" she worried. Spike shook his head.

"Maybe a little. But no, something's...Something is going to happen, I can feel it," he admitted.

"When it does happen, we'll all be there beside you and we'll make it through," Sweetie Belle promised.

"Mhm, what she said...so, my wing?" Scootaloo spoke up, causing them to jump. Spike sighed, his claw going back to work.

Applebloom sighed to herself as she entered the barn house. How was she gonna convince Spike?

"Ah'll worry 'bout it later...ain't lettin' this ruin my night!" She decided firmly. She smiled as Zephyr zipped by, Crystal clinging to his back and squealing happily as he bucked and growled. Tempest hovered nearby as a safety net on the off chance Crystal's death grip came loose.

"Ah see ya'll are havin' a good time," Applebloom teased, causing all three to pause.

"Oh uh, hey Ma. Pa an th' others are uh...upstairs," Zephyr tilted his head to one of the rooms, Applebloom nodding in understanding.

"An ah see ain't no one burned anythin' down, ah'm sure yer Pa'll be happy with that," she said in passing.

"Don't worry, we'll hold the fort down so you can have your turn," Tempest smirked. Applebloom shook her head. Just what was Scootaloo teaching that kid? With a smirk, the earth pony pushed her way into the room, finding a pair of mares passed out in the bed and Spike curled up on the floor. He smiled at her and she slowly sashayed over to him. She flopped to the ground a little less sexily than she would've wanted to, her legs giving way after a long day of work. Spike pulled her against him, holding her tight. She let out a little sigh and snuggled against him.

"Welcome home," he murmured.

"Ah'm home..."

Chapter 4

"Dad, how do you manage to fuck three mares and still keep up with us?" Tempest asked, Spike pausing and getting tackled once more by Zephyr, rolling with the tackle and pinning him like he always did.

"First, watch your mouth, just cause you can melt the soap doesn't mean it'll taste any better when I wash that tongue of yours. Second, Dragons have intense stamina, ponies don't. Well Applebloom does, but that's besides the point," Spike mumbled the last bit, letting up Zephyr and snatching Crystal out of the air, the youngest of his little clan holding herself in her magic.

"Okay...next question, how do you always beat Zee so easily?" Tempest giggled at her brothers frown. Spike scratched the back of his head and sat down, cradling a yawning Crystal in his arm.

"Heh, before you all were born, your old man was quite the hero. Your moms were too actually," Spike chuckled. Tempest scooted closer and Zephyr sat beside her. Their dad told the best stories.

"Applebloom was pregnant with you at the time Zephyr...Now this is important. You see, Pony bodies aren't built like Dragon bodies. Zephyr, you have a coat like a pony, but scales underneath, ponies don't have scales," Spike explained. Zephyr patting down his coat, touching his scales.

"And Tempest, your wings are a mix between mine and your mothers, giving you the power of Dragon wings with the flexibility and skill of a pegasus," Spike praised, Tempest flaring out her small wings proudly. He chuckled and nuzzled Crystal.

"And little Crystal Melody has Sweetie Belle's magic,"

"But she doesn't have a horn like Mama Belle," Tempest argued. Spike shook his head, gently tugging Crystal's mane aside to show a tiny stub of horn poking out.

"That thing is a horn?" Tempest scoffed.

"It's not the size, it's how you use it," Spike explained quickly, clearing his throat.

"Anyway, ponies are different and as much as I hate to say it, not as tough as we are. When a mare is pregnant, everything she eats gets shared with the unborn foal in her tummy," Spike continued, exhaling a small flame, a window taking shape before them. The flames danced inside the window,forming the shapes of ponies.

"But Dragons are different. Most Dragons are hatched from eggs, but a rare few are born like Ponies. Dragons require two things," Spike exhaled once more, filling the window with more flame. Tempest clapped her claws together, bouncing in her seat.

"Oh oh oh! Gems, right?!" she asked excitedly

"An th' other is Fire," Zephyr added. Spike nodded to both of them.

"That's right. Now, Ponies can't eat gems, and there is no fire in them, no matter how fierce the pony," Spike glanced at Tempest before she could argue with Scootaloo as an example.

"So wait...if Ponies can't eat gems or breath fire, how are we all here?" Tempest wondered. Spike held up his claw.

"That, Tempest, is where the story begins,"

Before Zephyr's Birth

"Spike!" Applebloom called out, clutching the toilet. The Drake came rushing to her side, finding her with her mane tied back and a weary smile on her face. She tilted her head slightly to the sink. Spike glanced over and there sitting before him was something that would change his life forever.

A positive pregnancy test.

The dragon squealed like a school-filly, kneeling beside her and wrapping his arms around her.

"Calm down ya dang lizard, ah still don't feel well an its yer fault if'n any sick gets on ya," she mumbled.

"Don't care! I'm a Dad!" he laughed. Applebloom shook her head, a second wave of nausea running through her. She laid her head against the cool bowl, relaxing between the cold of the toilet and the warmth of her drakefriend.

"Ya'll weren't even married yet?" Zephyr asked in surprise.

"Marriage is a big deal Zephyr, and I was with Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle too. It'd be a little weird to propose to just one of them..."

"Pfft, so you're a player that got lucky?" Tempest teased. Spike winced and sighed.

"A player, no. Though I did get lucky," Spike recovered, "Your moms were really there for me when I needed them most, which you'd know if you let me finish the story," he finished, glancing at Tempest who laid down and clamped her mouth shut. Spike cleared his throat and continued.

Sweetie Belle squealed excitedly, hugging both of them.

"Oh I'm so happy! Is it a boy or a girl? Do you have any names yet? Have you told anyone else?" the unicorn assaulted them with questions.

"We dunno yet, not yet, no we ain't told a soul 'cept ya'll," Applebloom smiled, laying on her side when she was freed from Sweetie Belle's death grip. Scootaloo punched Spike's shoulder and chuckled.

"Look at you big guy, you're gonna be a dad!" She beamed.

"Doesn't that make us stepmoms? How does that work?" Sweetie Belle wondered "Actually, now that I think about it...Spike is a Dragon," Sweetie Belle pointed out. Everyone stared at her blankly.

"Um...Duh," Scootaloo argued.

"No, I mean, he's a DRAGON! And we're PONIES! How did Applebloom even get pregnant?" Sweetie Belle continued.

"Oh, that was th' easy part," Applebloom scoffed, causing Spike to blush.

"Right! Okay, anyway, so, what are you getting at Belle?" Spike asked.

"What kind of Foal are you two having? Is it gonna be a pony or a dragon?" Sweetie Belle asked softly. They stared at each other, mouths working uselessly as the question ran through their minds.

"So, we needed a second opinion," Spike finished explaining to Fluttershy. She set her cup of tea down, putting on a gentle smile.

"Why come to me though?" she asked softly, looking between them. Spike and Applebloom both raised an eyebrow, glancing at Discord hovering behind Fluttershy.

"Ah, you want information from moi? I'm flattered you asked so directly," Discord muttered.

"Last time we asked you something directly..." Spike began, Discord holding up his paw.

"Yes, yes, I know. No more pudding," he interrupted.

"If you are wondering then wonder no further, the Foal is a bit of both of you and will be a bit of both of you. Simple stuff, you add a dragon to a pony and you get a Dragon Pony. Loads of names for them, my favorite is Dracony," Discord smirked.

"Well that answers one question," Applebloom mumbled, her hooves over her stomach.

"Being a pony, it should develop like a normal Pony, but then again I've never actually encountered a hybrid, none really survive long enough to reach polite society," Discord went on.

"Survive?! I-Is somethin' wrong with my foal?" Applebloom panicked.

"Oh no, not at all. YOUR Foal will most likely be healthy and fine. Its just that Dragons don't much care for 'Freaks'. In case you wondered why I avoid Dragon Country," he finished, flourishing his paw at his mismatched body.

"They just...get rid of them?" Spike asked in shock, clenching his fists.

"It's a different society Spike, things work differently there. They have their own laws and those laws don't exactly support interspecies breeding," Discord pointed out. Spike sighed and nodded.

"Thanks for your help Discord," he mumbled, helping Applebloom off the couch

"Not t' complain or nothin' pa, but wheres th' adventure in this?" Zephyr asked softly. Spike sighed, batting away the flames.

"Fine, I'll tell the short version," he grumbled. He exhaled once more, letting the flames take shape.

"Remember what I explained earlier? About Ponies and Dragons being different?" Spike asked. They both nodded.

"Well Applebloom's body started to fail...She couldn't give you what you needed, so you took it from the rest of her body. Eventually she couldn't even walk. I almost lost her and I almost lost you Zephyr..."

"There has to be something I can do," Spike panicked. Twilight put a hoof on his shoulder.

"Maybe...Maybe the Foal is just too much Spike, we can still save Applebloom but..." Twilight began, Spike shrugging her hoof away.

"That Foal means everything to her Twilight, we aren't just giving him up," he growled. She took a slight step back, blinking as Celestia rested a wing over Spike.

"I understand your decision Spike, we'll leave that as our very final resort and we shall avoid it at all costs. For now, spend time with her. Your natural warmth should help her from getting any worse. In the meanwhile I will return to Canterlot and look into this, perhaps there is a solution within some of the older documents," Celestia offered. Spike nodded, hugging her before leaving to be with Applebloom.

"But being close to her didn't help. I was sure I was going to lose her and when I almost gave up, Scootaloo was there for us," Spike chuckled, a pegasus shape dancing in the flames. It stood up on its hind legs, spreading its wings out wide.

"I realized then what I had to do. I took Applebloom and I flew all the way to Canterlot. I needed to find a cure and the archives were the only place that would be possible. There's things in there that not even Celestia knows about,"

This was it...THIS WAS IT!

But he couldn't read it all, the text was old and he held the scroll gingerly in fear it would fall apart. He rushed over to where he had left Applebloom, finding her snoring quietly and wrapped in the blankets he had left. With a smile he rested a claw on top of her head.

"It's gonna be okay Bloom...I'm gonna fix this," he promised softly.

"Then, you've found a solution?" Celestia asked from the doorway. Spike turned to her and carefully held out the scroll. The Alicorn lifted it in her magic, her eyes scanning over it slowly.

"I see...the text is difficult, but it does hold the answer. Not all Dragon's were happy with the laws of their kind and found a way to keep their pony lovers alive and well. They would brew a special tonic for the ponies to consume to adapt their bodies to the foal..." Celestia murmured, pacing as she read.

"Does it say how to make it?" Spike asked impatiently, shaking his head with the beginnings of an apology on his lips.

"It doesn't, not exactly," Celestia interrupted him, giving him a knowing smile.

"The scroll is worn and while I can easily come across some of the ingredients, others...will be difficult to procure,"

"I don't care, we have to make this," Spike argued gently. She nodded, rolling up the scroll.

"I agree completely Spike. Know this, the ingredients we lack are in Dragon Country. If you wish to save your child and mare, you will have to go there...You will also need to convince one of them to reveal the rest of the ingredients. Are you up to this task?"

"Whoa, so you really went into Dragon Country? Just so you could save Mama an Zee?" Tempest asked, her eyes wide.

"Oh I did more than that...I took Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle with me. Actually, they didn't give me a choice,"

"You fight well for a whelp," the dragon towering over him boomed. Spike chuckled weakly, pivoting back and shifting his weight to the side as the dragon slammed his fist where he had just been. He snaked his arms around the massive wrist and with a roar to make his ancestors proud, hefted the dragon by his wrist, flinging him into the crowd of gathered whelps.

His body ached, his vision was fading and air refused to fill his lungs. But he couldn't stop. He started marching towards the dragon who leisurely rolled onto his stomach with a hearty chuckle.

"Stop! Stop!" the dragon said through his laughter, holding up a claw. Spike paused, watching the dragon wipe away a tear.

"It has been a while since someone has managed to throw me. Reminds me of my days as a whelp," he chuckled, smoke curling around his face. His entire body was surrounded in flames, shrinking down until he was matching Spike's size. He marched over to the worn out drake, putting a claw on his shoulder.

"You are a true dragon in my eyes, Spike of the Ponies. SPIKE!" He lifted Spike's arm, the dragons gathered around chanting his name, filling the air with bursts of flame and excited roars.

"But you don't care about all of this, all that matters is your mares, right?" the dragon asked softly. Spike nodded, the movement almost toppling the worn out drake.

"Oh! I'm Paragorn by the way," he chuckled, pulling Spike against him and helping him walk but making it seem like he was just hugging him.

"I lucked out with Paragorn, he was a much kinder dragon than most, but tradition had to be upheld and I had to prove myself as a true Dragon. Just getting to that point..." Spike clenched his teeth and cleared his throat. Some details were better left unsaid, for now.

"He taught me the recipe, even gave me the ingredients and showed me how to make it, and then gave us an escort home,"

"Did my mom fight a dragon?!" Tempest asked excitedly.

"She sure tried and if she hadn't, I don't think any of us would've survived,"

Out of breath and cradling a fresh Tonic, Spike rushed to Applebloom's side, the mare smiling up at him weakly.

"Spike, where ya been ya dang lizard?" she asked, holding out a shaky hoof. Spike knelt beside her, nuzzling into her cheek and smiling back.

"Just had to go do some shopping, here, I brought you something..." he said softly. He gently tipped the bottle against her lips, Applebloom drinking slowly. Spike didn't let up until she had finished every last drop, setting the bottle aside and holding her hoof, his thumb running back and forth slowly.

She laid her head against his leg and sighed softly.

"Tastes a might bit weird, jus' what in th' hay did ya jus' give me?" she asked, already sounding better. Spike watched as a bit of color returned to her coat.

"Just something for you and the foal, like I promised," he replied. She cracked an eye open to look up at him.

"Ya mean...H-He's gonna be okay?" she stammered.

"Even better, you're gonna be okay," he said, sitting her up and hugging her close. She gently wrapped her hooves around him and began to cry. She had been prepared to die for this foal. Not that she wanted to die. Far from it. Now, not only had Spike given her a foal, he had given her back her life.

Scootaloo chuckled from the doorway, Sweetie Belle putting the finishing touches on the bandages around her wing.

"So...who gets the next one?" she grinned.

Chapter 5

"You what?!" Scootaloo yelled in shock, Applebloom putting her hooves over Scootaloo's mouth, her left ear lifting up towards the door. Satisfied that Spike hadn't heard them, she let her hooves down and sighed.

"So, ah didn't really think it out, but we've come this far haven't we? It ain't fer th' whole day or nuthin', just a visit t' th' castle. Let Twilight SEE th' lil ones and maybe get her an Spike t' say more than a few words t' each other," Applebloom explained herself

"I think you should have asked Spike first, but I support the idea," Sweetie Belle tossed in, still sitting on the bed and stretching a bit.

"This is gonna suck, you both know that right? AB, I know your heart is in the right place an all, we all love the big guy and want whats best for him...But is shoving him into the castle the best idea?" Scootaloo continued. Applebloom sighed and shook her head.

"Ah dunno, but ah gotta do somethin'. Twilight is practically family t' him. Ah can't imagine removin' Applejack or Big Mac from my life, could ya'll jus' ignore Rainbow Dash? An Belle, could ya'll jus' pretend Rarity didn't exist?" she asked. They frowned at her logic, knowing she was right.

"This is gonna suck..." Scootaloo repeated.

Spike sighed to himself as he cracked an eye open. Melody was snoring softly on his back, curled up into a little ball. Tempest had wrapped herself up in his arms, her body rising and falling with her breathing under his chin and Zephyr had passed out against his side.

"Ain't that jus' adorable?" Applebloom whispered as she tiptoed into the room. Spike chuckled softly.

"You gonna come rescue me or what?" he asked just as quietly.

"Hm...they look kinda comfy, snugglin' in with their pa," she teased, laying on her stomach in front of him. He rolled his eyes, knowing she would be no help.

"Bloom...Thanks, for all of this. I know I've been kind of uptight about everything...I'm just scared of what COULD happen. Things are already hard enough for them without an episode wrecking their chances at a normal life..."

"Ah know ya'll worry Spike...An nothin' ah say will change that. Ah could say they are too sweet fer that t' happen, but ya'll have an argument fer that already...But you've watched em grow fer years an ah'm sure ya know ain't no monsters in em...Maybe bein' half pony prevents it?" Applebloom wondered.

"Yea...Zephyr can shift between hooves and claws though...Maybe a mutation of some kind between Dragon Magic and Earth Pony Magic," Spike theorized. Applebloom giggled and kissed his snout.

"Ya'll're turnin' into 'nerd Spike' again," she teased. Spike sighed, his smile fading. Applebloom had long ago learned to avoid comparing Spike to Twilight, but sometimes the dragon did it to himself.

"Guess I can't avoid who I am, huh?" he chuckled weakly.

"Actually...A-Ah wanted t' talk t' ya 'bout something..." Applebloom stammered. Spike raised an eyebrow, several thoughts running through his mind at once.

"About what?" he asked slowly. He knew Applebloom wanted another foal, not that he did anything to prevent their chances. He knew she wanted them to live together as a family, and he was giving it a shot, what else could she want?

"Ah...met with Twilight yesterday at th' market..." She said slowly. Spike's face was neutral at this point.

"She asked how everyone's been doin' an she was wonderin' if'n we could visit. A-As a family! She would jus' get t' see all o' us together Spike a-an maybe ya'll could have a chance t' talk? Ah know it hurts ya t' ignore her, maybe this is yer chance?" Applebloom squeaked by the end, her ears pinned back and her hooves fidgeting with one another.

"She asked if we would visit? All of us together?" Spike asked, his voice betraying no emotion.

"Mhm, jus' t' see us...She wanted t' know how th' little ones are doin'," she answered softly. Spike inhaled slowly, smoke curling around his face. He forced himself to relax as he remembered the little clan of dragons using him as a bed.

"If at any point she tries to do anything resembling notes or 'diagnostics', we're leaving," Spike answered, sighing as Applebloom wrapped her hooves around his neck.

The things he did for love.

"We get to go to the castle?!" Tempest asked excitedly, her wings buzzing. Zephyr wore an excited smile as well.

"Yes, but just for a little bit. The Princess is a very busy mare and we don't want to cut in to her time too much," Spike answered.

"Why are we goin' t' th' castle in th' first place Pa?" Zephyr asked curiously.

"Well, your mothers and I have some things we need to talk to Princess Twilight about. Also she wanted the chance to meet all of you, together, as a family," Spike smiled, placing a wing over his son. Zephyr chuckled, turning his gaze to the castle.

He had only ever visited with his Mother or Aunt on deliveries to the castle. He'd never been inside before or even met the Princess.

Applebloom had a strained smile, relaxing under Spike's other wing while Scootaloo hovered alongside them with Tempest. Melody slept soundly in a carrier Sweetie Belle had across her back. Once again, the little Clan of Ponyville drew stares of surprise as the entire family marched together toward the castle.

By now word had probably spread they were living together, despite Spike's rules.

Spike stopped mid-stride and his family followed suit.

"Spike, why'd we..." Applebloom began, until a mass of pink slammed into the ground in front of them. Spike smiled as Pinkie leapt at him, throwing her hooves around his neck tightly

"Ohhh Spikey! I'm so so so happy for all of you! Party! My place! After your visit!" Pinkie said quickly, kissing his cheek and vanishing in a poof of confetti. The dragon shook his head and continued walking. Tempest hovered closer to Scootaloo.

"Um...I know Auntie Pinkie is family, but does that count as cheating?" she asked her mother. Scootaloo snorted and shook her head.

"The thing about Dragons...Actually, how about you ask Spike later? It'll make a great story," Scootaloo chuckled, winking at Spike as he blushed. He cleared his throat and stopped in front of the Castle Doors.

"Okay, ground rules...Don't.Touch.Anything. There's a lot of stuff in this castle that can't be replaced and a lot of stuff that is drowning in magic and curses. I don't want to see anyone transformed into Chickens or let loose an army of Parasprites, alright?" he said, looking at everyone, including Scootaloo.

"what? What did I do?" she asked, trying to look innocent. Spike stood upright, hesitating with his claw ready to knock. Before he had any longer to second guess himself, Rainbow opened the door and stepped aside.

"Come on in Big Guy, she's waiting for ya," Rainbow said softly.

"That's what i'm worried about..."

Silence hung in the air rather painfully as Twilight and Spike stood before one another. Her lips attempted several times to curl into a little smile, the Princess eventually shaking her head.

"You look well Spike," she eventually said, stepping closer. He puffed up his chest slightly.

"You seem well Princess," Spike replied. Tempest zipped in front of him, her claws against her cheeks and her eyes sparkling like stars

"Oh my gosh! Princess Twilight! I'm Tempest, its so cool getting to meet you! Did you really fight The evil King Sombra?" she asked excitedly, her wings buzzing quickly and keeping her at a gentle hover. Twilight glanced at Spike who hesitated before giving a nod.

"Tempest, I'm sure your father has told you many many stories and while a great many of them are true, I personally didn't battle Sombra...I was there and really, it was your father, Princess Cadence, and Prince Armor that did the real fighting," Twilight answered.

"We wouldn't have found the Heart without you Twilight," Spike said softly. Twilight's ears perked up as she turned to Spike.

"Somepony else might've figured it out in time, my mistakes got me locked in a cage instead of being the hero I thought I deserved to be...I suppose I never learned that lesson," Twilight sighed as she sat down

"We all make mistakes...And we all learn from them," Spike smiled weakly, sitting in front of her.

"Can the worst mistakes ever be forgiven?" Twilight asked.

"I think with time, they can...You're the Princess of Friendship, surely you know anyone can be redeemed?" Spike scoffed.

"Um...What is going on?" Tempest asked, ruining the moment. Spike chuckled and shook his head.

"A pair of old friends, trying to tie up loose ends," Spike answered. He stood up, putting a claw on Zephyr's back.

"Twilight...This is my son, Zephyr Sassafras Apple. Some day he'll take over Sweet Apple Acre's so Applebloom can finally retire with Applejack," he chuckled. Zephyr felt his chest swell with pride at his father's words, Twilight offering him a smile.

"My, you've grown so much, you must be rather strong" Twilight giggled, biting her tongue against questions that piled up in her throat. Spike noticed the effort she put into remaining silent, his eyes still judging her. He held out his wing for Sweetie Belle who stepped forward and under his wing. He lifted his wing gently to reveal Crystal Melody.

"My youngest daughter, Crystal Melody...She isn't speaking yet, but she's learning to walk rather well. Her magic is growing too," Spike said softly. Twilight held back a squeal at the sight of the adorable Dracony.

"Do you all mind giving me and the Princess a moment alone?" Spike asked suddenly. Applebloom chewed her lip and nodded, nuzzling his cheek before nudging Zephyr to follow. Scootaloo hooked her hooves against tempest's sides, pulling her along. Sweetie Belle glanced at them before going into the other room with the others.

"Alright, what do you want?" Spike asked. Twilight sighed, hanging her head.

"I just want my friend back..."

"No science? No experiments? No notes? No studying?" Spike listed off, watching her carefully.

"Not everything has to be studied or understood, especially family..." Twilight answered, keeping her eyes on the floor. Spike was skeptical, crossing his arms and exhaling slowly, smoke curling around his face.

"I can't trust you Twilight...Then again I don't even trust myself...So I want to lay down some rules," he said, holding up a claw before she could speak.

"You will never, ever be alone with my children. Their mothers, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, or Fluttershy must be nearby, in ear shot, line of sight, or by your side. With Sweetie Belle's permission, and only with her permission are you allowed to judge and assist Melody with her magic.

With Scootaloo's permission, you can fly with Tempest, and only with Scootaloo or Fluttershy present.

You're already good friends with Applebloom, but she, or Pinkie, or Applejack MUST be present if you want to spend time with Zephyr...He looks up to you as a hero Twilight. If you asked, he'd happily let you know everything about himself..." Spike took another slow breath, holding up his claw to silence her again.

"One month Twilight. One month with these rules in place. You can ask them questions, you can take notes based on their answers, and I demand the right to see your notes. I know this all sounds harsh..."

"I understand Spike. You don't have to do any of this and I'm very thankful for it," Twilight interrupted him, taking a step forward and biting her lip. Spike shook his head.

"Not yet Twilight," he said suddenly, taking a step back from her. She nodded and sat down.

"Of course, I apologize. How have things been? I heard you all are living together," Twilight changed the subject. Spike chuckled and smiled a little.

"Applebloom has a talent for dragging me into things...I guess that's really how everything started, huh?" he scoffed.

"I woke up with them using me as a bed...It felt...nice. My family...my 'hoard'...In that moment of realizing that they are my 'hoard' I panicked...But there was no Greed, no Hunger, no Need, except to protect them," he hung his head, blinking as he felt a nudge against his side.

He looked down to find Melody holding up her claws to him. He chuckled and lifted her, growling softly as her claws wrapped around his neck. He chuckled as a panicking Sweetie Belle rushed into the room.

"I turned around and she was gone! I-I think she teleported to you," she gasped, out of breath and slumping against Spike's side.

"Tha'ts...Amazing. A silent teleport, and so young," Twilight shook her head and cleared her throat, shrinking in on herself.

"That doesn't count," Spike said quickly. He had similar moments, not even realizing he was going nerd mode, that and his family had him in a good mood today. The others poured in, a collective sigh of relief filling the air at finding Melody safe and sound. Spike laid down, placing Melody on her back and resting his arm over her, smiling as she played with his claws.

"You handle her so well," Twilight murmured as she laid in front of him.

"Spike's a natural parent," Applebloom grinned, claiming his right side since Sweetie Belle was against his left. Scootaloo chuckled and shook her head.

"AB wants another one," Scootaloo explained to Twilight. The Princess of Friendship blinked, staring at Spike.

"We're...Discussing it," he said, glancing at Applebloom.

"Do you guys have to schedule that kind of thing or something? Or does it just happen?" Tempest wondered. All eyes turned to Scootaloo.

"What? She asks a lot of questions! Am I supposed to ignore her?" she argued, her family bursting into laughter.

They spent a lot more time than Spike had expected them to at the castle. Spike took a moment to inhale the fresh air outside the castle. A part of him would always remain there, but that part of him was in the past.

"You okay Pa?" Zephyr asked softly. Spike chuckled, nudging his son.

"We'll talk later, your old man just has a lot of stuff on his mind,"

"Yea, like how you're gonna race me home old man!" Tempest shouted, taking off. Spike smirked and flared out his massive wings. Scootaloo gulped and watched as Spike took off, her legs shaking while she fanned herself with one of her wings.

"Seriously Scoots?" Applebloom scoffed.

"Look AB, you have your thing with Spike, let me have mine. Those wings...unf," She bit her lip, watching him slice through the air after Tempest. Zephyr shook his head at his mothers antics. It wasn't anything he was new to. His father kept most things to himself, humble and quiet. His mothers liked to boast about his father, normally about his prowess in bed

"Ah dunno how Pa manages t' keep up with all of ya," he chuckled, marching after his father and sister.

"Pfft, we're the ones struggling to keep up with him Z," Scootaloo scoffed, grinning as Spike landed with Tempest tucked under his arm.

"What was all that crud about my wings being super cool?! You caught me in no time!" she whined.

"Your wings are super cool," Spike chuckled, spreading out his own, to which Scootaloo swooned.

"Mine are just better,"

Spike had chased after Tempest for several reasons. The first being that he quickly learned never to deny a pegasus, or in this case a Winged Dracony, when it came to a race.

The second reason being that Tempest was every bit her mother, including being accident prone.

And the third reason was that they had a party to attend, home would have to wait.

He fully expected the hug he received as he stepped into Sugarcube Corner, Pinkie Pie planting a kiss on his cheek.

"I'm so happy you all made it! I know you don't really like crowds so I only invited our friends for this one, is that okay?" Pinkie asked, fluttering her eyes at him. Spike chuckled and rolled his eyes.

"It's great Pinks," Spike said softly. She giggled and hopped her way into the kitchen. Spike claimed a seat at the large table full of snacks, chuckling as Tempest happily dug in. Sweetie Belle laid down with Melody, smiling as Applebloom placed a plate in front of her. The unicorn lifted a small sandwich in her magic, holding it out to Melody who squealed happily, eating it in one bite.

Zephyr sat beside his mother, chuckling to himself as he saw her lean up against Spike's side. The drake himself letting out a sigh, even as a small smile touched his lips.

"Helloooo Darlings!" Rarity called as she stepped into Sugarcube Corner. She instantly rushed to Sweetie Belle's side, nuzzling her niece.

"Oh its so good to see you again. You just got back didn't you?" Rarity asked. Sweetie Belle gave a nod.

"You too? How was Manehatten?" Sweetie Belle giggled. Rarity rolled her eyes and huffed.

"We shall not speak of it," Rarity muttered, turning to Spike with a small smile.

"Hello Spike, looking as strong as always,"

"And you look lovely Rarity," Spike replied dryly, earning an elbow to his rib from Applebloom. He chuckled nervously and cleared his throat.

"I mean uh, good to see you," he mumbled.

"Still not on the best of terms?" She asked, her smile fading.

"Hard to forget the rampage, call it a Dragon Grudge," he shrugged.

"Well, at least you talk to me. I admit I might've...overreacted, but things are well now," Rarity giggled, her smile returning. Spike decided to have a bit of fun at his old crush's expense.

"So, how's AJ?" Spike asked over his cup of punch. Rarity paused and cleared her throat.

"She uh, well, you know how she can be. She doesn't really enjoy the city life...We're actually moving back to Ponyville soon," she admitted.

"Really?! Oh Rarity that's wonderful!" Sweetie Belle cheered, Melody squealing happily beside her.

"Speakin' o' my sister," Applebloom smiled as Applejack marched into the store, placing her hat on a small peg Pinkie had left up for her. She smiled over at Applebloom and Zephyr, making her way over and accepting a hug from both of them.

"Nice t' see ya Auntie," Zephyr smiled.

"Ain't so bad seein' ya either young'un. Ah swear ya'll were shorter last time ah saw ya," Applejack mumbled, glancing over at Spike.

"What? How is a growth spurt my fault?" Spike joked

"Ain't nothing wrong with bein' a big strong handsome dragon," Applebloom grinned, winking at her husband. Spike sighed, going back to his punch. He shook his head as he spotted Tempest ready to pounce.

It all happened at once. The winged Dracony leapt for Applejack, the experienced farm pony stepping to the side and pivoting in time to tackle her out of the air, pulling her in for a noogie.

"Ah didn't ferget 'bout you Tee! Jus' cause yer granny Dash could catch me doesn't mean ya'll can. Still got a ways t' go," she laughed. Tempest rolled her eyes and threw her arms around the earth pony.

"Yea, whatever. I'll get ya one day, that's what Z always says and he almost got Dad the other day!"

Applejack looked over at Spike, raising an eyebrow.

"I was having an off day," he shrugged.

Next to enter the shop was Fluttershy, giving her friends a gentle smile before claiming a spot at the table across from Spike. Applejack sat next to her with Rarity staying by Sweetie Belle to coo and waggle her hoof in front of Melody.

"Are Rainbow Dash and Twilight not coming?" Fluttershy asked softly. Pinkie Pie frowned a little as she came back with a tray of cookies balanced on top of her head.

"They were both really really busy, but they said they might be able to visit!" Pinkie perked up, setting the cookies down and clearing her throat.

"After all, today's the day that Spikey and Twilight became friends again! Well, started to become friends again, which is a big big step in being friends and I'm so so sooooo happy for you!" she giggled. Spike sighed, scratching at his chin.

"Thanks Pinks, but there's a long way to go, we'll see how things go in a month," Spike said over his punch.

"What happens in a month?" Zephyr wondered, glancing at his father.

"I'm not entirely sure yet Zephyr, we'll know after a month," Spike chuckled.

"Alright, enough mopin' 'round. This a party or what?" Applejack laughed.

It had been quite a party, Rarity gushing about how her business was doing and Applejack resting her head against the unicorn.

"Ah think they've heard 'nough 'bout business sugarcube," Applejack chuckled, gently nudging Rarity.

"Oh silly me! Spike darling, how have things been?" Rarity asked with a smile. Spike shrugged and tilted his head towards Tempest, the little Dracony having succumbed to a sugar coma after eating an entire tray of cookies. It didn't help that she was using his leg as a pillow.

"A Dad's work is never done," he chuckled.

"I'd say Spikey's work is never done," Pinkie giggled, her normal pink cheeks flushing red. Rarity cleared her throat nervously and glanced at Zephyr who was still wide awake.

"Is that really something to discuss in front of a foal, Pinkie dear?" Rarity said through her teeth.

"Oh, ah know all 'bout Pa's relationships an 'conquests' Miss Rarity. Ma is rather proud of our family," he quickly pointed out.

"We're just three mares, Spike's a big dragon," Applebloom shrugged.

"Ah don't think ah could share Rarity," Applejack admitted.

"It helps when its more than just sharin' the big guy," Scootaloo said, winking at Applebloom. After all, they WERE a married couple.

"Deviants, every last one of you," Rarity sighed.

"I'm innocent in this," Spike argued gently.

"Uh huh, sure thing Spike," Applejack said with a roll of her eyes.

"Ya know, our offer is still on th' table, if'n ya'll are feelin' a might bit adventurous," Applebloom teased.

"An fer th' last dang time, ah'm happy where ah am," Applejack growled. Applebloom only shrugged, leaning against Spike with a sigh.

"Suit yerself sis, more Dragon fer me," she chuckled. Applejack shook her head.

"Ah'd blame ya fer her bein' like this, but ah'm pretty sure it jus' runs in th' family. Always been at least one Apple that couldn't keep t' themselves," Applejack sighed.

"Wait...So which Apple was before..."

"Granny," everypony said together. Spike chuckled, realizing he should have known. She had very quickly accepted Spike's relationship with Applebloom and didn't even bat an eye at the fact that he was also dating Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle.

"On second thought, ah s'pose Tempest could sleep in a real bed. Ah'll take her home an let all o' ya catch up," Zephyr said with a smile, slipping Tempest on to his back and taking practiced measured steps so as not to wake her.

"We'll catch up with you later!" Scootaloo waved. All eyes turned to Spike once Zephyr was gone.

"Whoa, I know for a fact Heat Season is still at least a month away, so whats this about?" Spike asked, holding up his claws.

"We're jus teasin ya Spike," Applejack chuckled

"Though I am rather curious on some details Darling, namely your actions with Pinkie Pie," Rarity admitted.

"Heh, well uh...Dragon Stamina is some pretty amazin' stuff," Scootaloo chuckled nervously, flitting her wings a bit.

"We thought th' three of us would be enough t' handle him and he jus' kept goin'," Applebloom smiled, glancing at Sweetie Belle.

"But we were exhausted, as much as we wanted to keep going we just couldn't keep up with him," Sweetie Belle blushed, turning to Spike.

"So Scoots has the crazy idea to drag somepony else over and Pinkie just happens to walk in while I hit the shower,"

"And how could I say no!? I mean...LOOK at him! He was so cute and cuddly as a baby dragon and I guess even back then I kind of had a thing for him. I mean, I don't think what we have is really romance, but I sure don't feel as lonely as I use to," Pinkie giggled.

"I swear, this herd of yours is going to get out of control one day Spike," Rarity sighed.

"One day? It got out of control the moment I asked out Applebloom," he scoffed

"Oh hush," Applebloom gently shoved him, earning a sharp toothed grin.

"Well, as long as all of ya are happy, then ah'm happy fer ya. This old mare is gettin' tired," Applejack stood, stretching a bit and letting out a sigh as her back popped.

"You aren't old Applejack, you're finely aged," Rarity argued,

"Whatever Rares, ya'll take care!" Applejack slipped on her hat, waiting for Rarity at the door.

"Oh! And do be sure to visit with my niece sweetie Belle!" Rarity called out, being gently pushed out the door by Applejack.

Spike sighed and shook his head

"Um," Fluttershy shuffled her hooves a bit, keeping her gaze on the table. Scootaloo raised an eyebrow and sat in front of the older pegasus, holding out her wings and flicking the tips against Fluttershy's wings gently. Fluttershy looked up in surprise, catching eyes with her.

"Wasn't it you that told me 'if you really want something, go for it'?" Scootaloo asked softly.

"T-That doesn't really apply to everything," Fluttershy argued just as softly. Pinkie squealed, looping her foreleg around Fluttershy's shoulders

"Awww, Shy-Shy, are you crushing on Spikey?" She asked, Scootaloo smacking her face with her hoof.

"Pinkie, we love you, but please don't be so blunt..." she sighed.

"Um...what?" Spike asked from across the table.

"Pegasus things Spike, Shy wants a piece of dragon booty. She won't make eye contact with you, her wings are tucked in too hard, and she hasn't said a word to you," Scootaloo explained.

"H-How...?"

"Cause I was the same way, remember?" Scootaloo said with a smile. Spike thought back to then. Sure enough, a picture of Scootaloo with her eyes on his stomach or the ground, struggling to get out more than two words. Until Sweetie Belle had rushed in and yelled their confession in his face.

"Hmmm, what do you think Spikey? Isn't Shy so adorable!?" Pinkie asked, nudging the pegasus to her hooves and gently but forcefully pushing her in front of Spike. The dragon let out a sigh, resting his claws on the table.

"Shy, you know you can talk to me. Just...ignore them for a minute," Spike offered her a smile, watching as she took a slow breath.

"Well, I...um, wait. Ahem, H-How was your day?" she stammered, sitting up a little straighter.

"It was alright. I woke up to my kids using me as a bed," he chuckled. She giggled at that.

"I would have loved to see that, they are all rather adorable," She sighed softly, her ears pinning back against her head.

"Is that what this is about Shy? You want a foal?" Spike asked softly. She bit her lip and nodded.

"I-I'm terrible at dates. I know Rainbow has really been trying to find a stallion I can relate to b-but there just aren't any out there..." She set her hooves on the table.

"I see...So you got the idea to ask me, someone you know and can actually connect to?" Spike continued.

"I-I thought about it a lot. You didn't seem to have a problem w-with Pinkie so I thought...M-Maybe if I asked nicely...a-and then I kept thinking you would be angry with me, or the girls would get upset, or your foals would hate you," Fluttershy started to hyperventilate as the panic set in, blinking as Spike grabbed her hoof.

"Well Scoots? Yer th' Pegasus expert here. She's already got my vote," Applebloom smirked.

"I GUESS I can sacrifice some of my alone time, I did have Spike all to myself for a few days. Besides, I never woulda got the courage to ask out Spike if it wasn't for her, and uh...Belle," Scootaloo glanced over at the Unicorn.

"Hm? Oh! Uh..."

"Fluttershy wants Spike to give her a foal, we're votin on it," Applebloom explained.

"Sorry, I just..."

"Was focused on Melody an not listenin'? Yea, we get it," Scootaloo teased. Sweetie Belle sighed, sitting up and gently lifting the foal into the carrier across her back.

"If anypony deserves to be a mother, I think its Fluttershy," Sweetie Belle answered, smiling at the pegasus.

"You girls...You really mean it?" She asked with tears in her eyes.

"Guess I've been volunteered, oh woe is me," Spike sighed with a smile, Applebloom smacking his shoulder.

"Shush you, ain't like ya'll are gonna bed her right now," Applebloom scolded.

"Yes ma'am, sorry ma'am, won't happen again ma'am," Spike continued to be a smartass. Applebloom sighed and shook her head.

"I'm sorry ya'll had to fall in love with this idiot, though ah gotta know. Are ya'll jus' wantin' to be a mother, or is this a more romantic interest?" Applebloom pressed.

"I-I don't really know. I don't want to take him from you. Just...seeing all of you so happy as mothers..."

"Made ya a little jealous huh? So its mostly momma fever an Spike bein' the only 'stallion' you can turn to, right?" Scootaloo asked gently, sitting beside the mare. Fluttershy nodded as her face burned brighter.

"If it'll make you happy then I'll be a donor for you," Spike smiled.

"Doesn't that take the fun out of it though?" Pinkie said with a pout.

"Just cause some ponies like a good ruttin' doesn't mean all o' us do," Applebloom argued.

"I, um...I want that..." Fluttershy spoke up, collecting herself and looking into Spike's eyes. He let out a sigh.

"Alright then, I guess this is a thing we're doing," he shrugged, looking to his mares.

"So, ya'll're gonna come over when Heat Season hits. We got a special spot we hide Spike in an th' two of ya'll can go at it til ya'll are sure ya have a foal in ya," Applebloom offered.

"W-What about all of you?" She asked.

"Oh, we'll be taking him after that. AB gets him first, then me, then Sweetie Belle. And Pinks might join in," Scootaloo explained, fluffing out her wings.

"Oh wow, I-I don't know what to say..." Fluttershy shook her head, squeezing as Spike squeezed her hoof.

"You don't have to say anything Shy," Spike chuckled, letting go of her hoof and standing up. She scrambled to her hooves, clearing her throat and smiling nervously.

"It feels so long ago that it was you looking up at me Spike..." Fluttershy murmured, smiling up at him. he chuckled, and leaned forward, placing a kiss on her forehead.

"Awwwww!" the gathered mares cooed.

Spike rolled his eyes. Just what was he getting into?