Equestria's Risen Hero: Airborne the Changeling-Dragon

by Roku

Rating: teen
Tags: Romance, Original Character, Spike, Tragedy, Profanity, Adventure, Violence, Thorax, Ember, Twilight Sparkle, Gore, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Death
Length: 16508

Meet a changeling-dragon who is rejected by many people in his life. His school, his home land, even parts of Equestria despises Airborne. Why? Because of him being a hybrid.

Airborne, the Changeling-Dragon hybrid experienced a cruel and harsh life as an outcast. Now he has friends that can help. The changelings and the dragons are divided as they stand against each other. However, the changeling-dragon child has the ability to unite the tribes as well as bring harmony and unity to Equestria. Can Airborne unite the races and create unity in the land?

Published 2019-01-21 00:50:02 UTC
Last updated 2019-01-21 00:50:02 UTC

Enter: Airborne the Changeling-Dragon

Ever since Thorax and Ember married 11 years ago, the changelings and dragons were united. They weree supposedly living together in Dragon's Canyon, united as one giant tribe. Actually, half of the domain is for changeling homes and the other half is for dragon homes. However, they both had lots of very interconnected parts. Inside the center of Dragon's Canyon was the Dragon Lord's rock. The rock was large, like a castle's size. Inside that very rock was a child who was wandering his bedroom. He was not just a dragon. He was a changeling-dragon hybrid. In fact, he was a baby, or merely 10 years old. His wings are dragon-like except they are blue and see through like a changeling's. His eyes are blue with a white glow in the center. The horns are black and act as if they where a changeling horn (meaning magic). His scales are a slight dark grey, while the under belly ones are a bright yellow. The baby's tail has a point at the end, and his fangs are the same size as a changelings. The baby was walking around in his bedroom. In it, he was reaching for toys in boxes and bins that he had. The baby flier sure loved his toys, especially the ones his uncle buys for him. He sure loved his uncle a lot too. Made him happy every time those to saw each other. In fact, his very own parents were royalty, or highly important one could say. A blue dragon, consisting of horns that pointed outward to the front and a slim body, had walked to the baby. She scooped up the young child and spoke to him.

"Aww, aren't you a happy baby! Yes, you are! Yes, you are!" She said with glee as she tickled his stomach gently.

The changeling-dragon baby exclaimed, "Mommy! I'm not a baby anymore."

The blue dragon sighed as she spoke, "I know, dear. You're still always be my little boy, Airborne."

Airborne. That was the child's name. He got that after he flew crazily around moments after he was born. The doctors said that he sure was a naturally born flier, but they didn't know he would fly so soon. His father gave him that name after that experience.

Soon, the father of Airborne walked in. The father looked to be of purple, majestic bug-like wings, a green coat, 3 shiny orbs on his neck, dark magenta eyes, 2 large horns that curved into each other. He spoke to Airborne, "Hey kiddo. You know what today is?"

"School… I don't wanna go. Please don't make me!" Airborne pleaded. He despised school. "It's boring there and the older dragons always teases me because they thinks I'm dumb and weird." The older dragons were the school bullies. Kids who do not give a crap about school and failed to graduate their final year. The kids are around 18 or 19. However, Spike is about 18 years old himself but he never failed a year. It was his final year. Pretty much every child goes to the same exact school, but hte bullies got quite a reputation.

The father said, "I'm sorry son, but you do have to go to school. You know education as a changeling and a dragon is important. And you know what I always say-"

Airborne interrupted, "Twice the history, twice the specialty, twice the possibilities. I know I know."

Ember giggled to herself and set Airborne down. "Don't worry, your uncle is always going to be there when you need him. You know, Thorax and I know how much you love him."

Thorax was the father. Shown by the kindness of spike, he was blessed with the metamorphosed form that was supposed to be the real form of the changeling with goodness and love.

"Uncle Spike!" Airborne cheered. "I love Spike! Spike is the best." And that's the person he loves so much. Spike was his mentor, best uncle, and most awesome gift giver. Spike would never let his nephew down one bit. "Wait, is he going to be with me at school?"

"Yes, he will be," said Ember. Instantaneously, her voice got stern. "But do not start any mischief with him like you always do, mister! Or there will be a world of spankings come at you!"

Airborne gulped. "Yes moooom," he said begrudgingly.

Later that morning, Airborne was eating breakfast. Cereal… not his favorite. He didn't like cereal. Every time he pushed it away, his mother would come over and give him a stern look until the baby changeling-dragon ate it. Thorax was just eating his breakfast with coffee, fresh hot coffee. The room they were in was a large hall with a few seats at the end of the table. The dinner room consisted of large table with 3 plates. On top of those plates were bowls full of cereal. Airborne sat in between both of his parents. He wanted to always be in the middle and those 2 close. The moment he continued on with his cereal, Ember then smiled and kissed his forehead, once again reminding him that eating breakfast is the most important meal. Same, old boring lectures she gave to Airborne over and over again. Airborne did get annoyed, like always as he is young, and try to interrupt his mother and say that he knew that already. She constantly reminded him the importance of the intake of wisdom itself. Regardless, he understood, clearly as he did as he ate his cereal.

Spike walked into the room and then went to the group. He was a tall, lean dragon with large wings that stretched a tad larger than his body. He had green, large spikes that travel down his back and tail, getting smaller. His overall scales on his body are purple, except for his chin, neck, belly, and bottom tail which consists of a very pale green. He has green eyes and hair on the sides of his face. The large wings Spike had, he wrapped them around Airborne giving him a large, loving hug. He spoke to him saying, "Hey, Airborne. How's my favorite nephew?"

Airborne returned the bug to Spike with a bit more excitement. "I'm awesome, just like you, uncle Spike!"

Spike giggled a bit and picked him up. "So, you ready for dragon school?"

Airborne nodded yes to that. His mother however interrupted the reunion saying, "Ahem!"

"Where are my manners?" said the purple dragon. "Hello, Ember. Hello, Thorax. Long time no see."

Thorax laughed a bit and spoke to Spike, "Long time no see to you too, Spike. Be careful with our child. He's been going through a bit of a developmental phase."

Spike then courageously spoke, "You can count on me."

"Do you want any breakfast, Spike?" asked Ember.

"Nah, I'm alright. I already ate a large bowl of crystals before I came," Spike explained to Ember. "That reminds me." Spike then spoke to Airborne. "Have you ever tried a sapphire crystal?"

Airborne nodded no. "Mommy won't let me. She thinks they will hurt my teeth."

Ember then explained, "A big boy needs his teeth in order to eat. They're valuable, just as you would brush-"

Thorax interrupted this time, "Honey, I think you're doing it again."

Ember sighed a bit and then smiled, "I just want to make sure our little boy grows up big and strong. Thorax, you need to scold him more on certain occasions. I remember when you fed him too much candy before bed and that turned out to be a mess." Thorax recollected his memories. She was right though. Airborne's first time eating candy resulted in him staying up past his bedtime. In fact, the worst part about it was that he lived up to his name again by flying around the Changeling-Dragon Empire… all over the empire without rest. Thorax groaned a bit at the memory realizing it was a very bad idea. "And are you sure you want to allow him to eat crystals? Do you know how addicted he could be to those?"

Spike then decided to speak out, "Ember, you do realize that crystals are a dragon's favorite snack. At some point you do need to let Airborne grow up. He's 7. I was eating crystals when I was a baby dragon too and I never got addicted."

Ember then rolled her eyes. "Spike, you've gotta admit when I do say that you could not stop eating them too." It was true. Spike had quite an addiction and he still does.

Spike then sadly spoke to Airborne, "Sorry bud. No crystals."

"Awww," exclaimed Airborne. "Mommy, please?"

Ember demanded, "No means no, mister!" Airborne did not like that. Everyone in the room didn't like that. They were afraid of Ember's fury, but they all willfully listened regardless with compromise, not fear.

Later that day, Spike was flying out of the Dragon Lord's den, holding Airborne in his clutches, and towards the school. Making sure the 2 dragons could not see Spike after a certain distance, he flew away from the school.

Airborne quickly noticed and shouted to Spike, as it was too loud around the 2 for him to speak normally, "Where are we going?"

"Anywhere but there!" exclaimed Spike. Airborne then kept laughing on the way to the destination Spike intended. Spike however went to that school, the very same one Airborne goes to.

"Why aren't we going to school?" asked Airborne.

Spike answered with a bit of fear, "Because umm… I have a better place to take you. And we are also letting you eat some crystals."

Airborne questioned, "But mommy said I can't have crystals."

Spike then returned the reply, "And are you going to listen to her on every whim?"

Airborne laughed a bit. "Nope. I hate baths too."

"Okay, that one you do need. I can smell you. But hey, we can have a fun bath! It doesn't have to be that namby-pamby stuff your mom does for you. I'll teach you how to bathe like a real dragon!" Spike thoroughly explained the next part. "First of all, you just jump into a lake and rinse off any dirty parts. That's about it. You don't need soap, hot water, bubbles, those are what your mom babies you with. Now are you a baby?"

Airborne shouted, "No way! I'm no baby. I hate being a baby! I wanna be a grown up!"

Spike then shouted back, "That's more like it! Uncle Spike will teach you how to be a dragon his way."

Eventually, the 2 reached a lake. The lake was surrounded by many trees, taller than 2 story homes themselves. They were very green as it was currently summer. When Spike landed, he decided to set Airborne into the shallow end in case he could not swim. "Now like I said, Airborne. Bathe like a dragon. Rinse yourself, rub the dirtiest parts, and then shake and dry off."

Airborne did what Spike said… sort of. He didn't exactly do much but play in the water. But he did though wash off. Spike laughed a bit and joined in. Together, the 2 played. Airborne then accidentally splashed Spike hard with the water causing the purple dragon to be blasted back a bit stumbling into the water. The baby changeling-dragon felt bad for unintentionally and potentially causing hard to his uncle... until Spike came back up laughing.

"You're strong! Nice job, kiddo," Spike responded about the splash. Airborne was relieved. "Don't you worry about your uncle there; I'm stronger than I definitely am." Airborne then still felt bad, showing a sorrowful expressing. Spike acknowledge the sad face. "It's okay." He then walked to Airborne giving him a gentle pet on the head. "You're strong. I'm actually proud that you knocked me down. You are showing me how strong a changeling-dragon like yourself could be."

Airborne smiled a bit. It wasn't a very happy style, but he had to question it. "Am I... special?"

Spike wasn't very surprised by the question. "What do you mean by that?" He asked wanting a clearer question.

"I mean..." he timidly exclaimed. "Umm... It's just that... me being a changeling-dragon, what does that mean? Am I special?"

Spike then spoke, "Airborne, why do you ask this?"

Airborne sadly sighed. "My parents are 2 different species... the older dragon bullies say that I'm weird... I feel like I'm weird."

The uncle, due to experience, knew how to answer that question. He picked up Airborne and set him outside the water onto the banks. He climbed out too. Standing up, he shook off to dry as Airborne also shook himself off to dry. The uncle then decided to speak. "You are special. Much more special than I am. I was raised with ponies and yet I don't act like so many other fierce dragons. I'm just a dragon myself, but you. You're so much more. You have actual parents, you have both powers of changelings and dragons, you are... the sum of the greatest species I believe. I really think that you can be anything you want to be as a changeling. A good person, a best friend, a little brother..." he said rubbing his nephew's head gently. "You can transform over and over again into something you want or need to be. And I know that no matter what, you have so many opportunities." Airborne looked down at his claws. He then looked at his body, then wings, then back at Spike. He understood clearly what he was saying. "And I believe that some day, you will be the changeling everyone needs you to be. As for being a dragon, you can be the mightiest of people as a dragon. Dragons are fricking strong! And you're the strongest kid I know, regardless of what the dragon bullies say. You're a good person who remains happy, you help others, and you've never acted the way they did. That's mighty of you. Ponies, dragons, changelings, anyone needs a friend as loving as you." Spike then sat down on his tail pulled Airborne in for a loving hug. "If you ever need a talk to, just talk to your uncle Spike. What's on your mind now."

Airborne then nuzzled him around the neck a bit and asked him, "Do you love me?"

Spike rubbed Airborne's back, "Of course. I loved you since the moment I found out I was going to be your very own uncle. I never stopped loving you ever since. I love you with all my heart, little nephew." He picked him up. "And I will always love my nephew."

"I will always love you too," he said softly resting his eyes on Spike's right shoulder.

Spike then carried Airborne up into the air flying away. Heading towards the school, he held Airborne tightly. Airborne however decided to try and fly out of the hold. He then released his wings and flew alongside Spike.

Airborne spoke, "Race ya!" He then charged as fast as he could. Spike laughed and began racing as well.

Identity Crisis

It was a long trip to Canterlot. When Airborne and Spike arrived near the school, Airborne surpassed Spike… until he got tired and flew slowly. Spike sped past him landing on the ground first. The purple dragon looked up at Airborne panting. "I'm so amazed how well you could keep up. How on earth do you do it?"

Airborne landed and then said while panting, "I don't know. I just… do.." He then fell to his 4 knees. Spike then sat down panting hard and laughing a bit. "Racing was such a bad idea."

Spike returned the comment with, "I agree. I'm fu- I mean fricking tired!" He said laughing a lot more. "Why did you do this?"

"I thought the race would end fast!" Airborne exclaimed.

"I guess it was just too far. In fact, I've never met any changeling who can fly as fast as you or be nearly as fast as Rainbow Dash," Spike explained. "Let's catch our breath for a moment."

The 2 had spent a few minutes to calm down. Eventually, they rose and walked to the entrance of the school, as they were outside of it. Entering the building, the school was healthy, had cleanliness, and presented a great diversity of animals. It was an outside school. Classes were scattered in separate buildings, the campus was open to the environment, and it was large as well. So large that it fits over 5000 students. The 2 were in the front office however where there was a pony receptionist. The pony was pink with a very curly mane. Her cutie mark had a school on it. She looked up from her computer and then spoke, "How may I help you-" but her sentence was cut short as she recognized Spike. She then spoke in a very disinterested tone, "Spike, are you late again?"

Spike then spoke, clearly lying but he was calm about it, "Hi, Ms. Bristle. I had to take my little nephew to his doctor's appointment."

Ms. Bristle said in a sarcastic tone, "Uh huh. And where is this 'doctor's note' that always comes with appointments?" Spike then couldn't respond with that. All he did do was just look at her. "So you're telling me that you and Airborne played hooky? Well. Looks like your luck's run out. You're both going to have to-" Her sentence was interrupted as Spike then threw up a letter. Spike opened up the scroll and then looked at the writing. Forgery to its finest. Clearly mischief. "I'm guessing that's it… Ugh. Spike, why don't you take more responsibility and start showing to school on time." Ms. Bristle did not give them a detention slip. Instead, she took the doctor's note and looked at it, which led her to give Spike and Airborne an excused absence. "Have a great day," she said annoyed.

The 2 left in the office and head to Airborne's class. In the middle school part of the diverse campus, his class was currently Dragon's Language. Since Airborne was a changeling-dragon, he has to learn 2 ancient languages used thousands of years ago. It's a stress load on him, but Airborne benefits from being able to learn of his history. Airborne and Spike reached the classroom and just stood outside the door. Spike spoke to his nephew, "Alright. This is currently 3rd period, as it says so on our late passes. Make sure you finish up whatever you need to do. For lunch, we're heading out for some ice cream and coming right back."

Airborne spoke, "Alright, uncle. I will."

Spike patted Airborne's head and walked away. Airborne entered the classroom and saw the teacher turn her attention from her class to the changeling-dragon. The teacher is a tall, 6-foot dragon who stands on 2 legs. Her scales were yellow. She had fangs that reached past her mouth and 2 horns pointing behind her. "You're late… again…" She said to Airborne upset. "Do you want to tell me why you are late again?"

Airborne responded to her, "Nope. Not one big."

The teacher frowned. The 2 locked eyes for a few seconds… few seconds too long since the 2 were just making disappointed faces toward each other. Airborne eventually sat down in his chair facing the board. "So, what lesson are we on?"

The teacher spoke, "Class… resume what you are doing. I need to have a word with… the hybrid." The hybrid. That's always what she always addressed him as no matter what. She never once said his name. The teacher did not like Airborne and he did not like her. Simple as that. She walked over to Airborne and gently pulled him out of class and outside. "Why are you always late?"

Airborne just kept quiet. Tracing his thoughts one by one, he came up with an explanation. "Do you understand how hard it is to just sit in your classroom and be called "the hybrid" all the time? Do you understand the feeling of being an outcast?"

The teacher did not know how to respond. She just looked at him. "Well… being a hybrid isn't a bad thing… is it?"

"Not the way you say it. I don't like that," Airborne exclaimed.

"Well, that's it, Airborne. I have not offended you and I have not called you anything that was blatantly offensive." That was the teacher's only reason. The teacher being of her status, she believed that she knew a lot more than Airborne about treating people anyway. She called some kids the "specially-disabled." In her very own defense, she did not want to cause any offense. "You're not like the special kids, you're a very special kid."

Airborne did not like that phrase anyway. "Special meant something different when she said it," he thought. He said out loud, "Well, can you call me by my designated name?"

She could only frown again. "Fine, Airborne, the Hybrid sounds more like it." Airborne merely walked away in frustration. "Where are you going? I did not excuse you!"

Airborne returned with a slight remark, "I don't need you to tell me I'm a mistake." That's how he really felt. He's dealt with this since childhood ever since the bullies kept coming after him. He then flew away and towards the bathrooms. He entered the boy's bathroom and began thinking to himself. "Uncle Spike told me that I'm great and that I can be something. Can I? I don't know anymore. I feel lost." The constant meditation proceeded Airborne into tears. In fact, it broiled his rage a bit. He kicked a stall door and spoke to himself. "Stupid Mrs. Greenwald." That was the teacher's name. "I wish I was normal. Being different hurts." Airborne stopped kicking the stall door. He turned his back against the closed door and backslid. Sitting on the floor, he just sat there for a few minutes thinking to himself of continuous doubt, fear, and self-loath. This may be middle school for him, he may be the most bright of the kids, but he sure can not find out who he is.

The kicking and rage of the door bathroom drew attention. The school bullies walked into the bathroom. One of them, a dark purple dragon with blond hair and a slim body named Fume. Another one, a white dragon with an average sized body with spiky pink hair named Fizzle. Backdraft, a bluish-purple, chubby dragon with 2 horns that curve behind him and wild hair. Clump, a fat, brown dragon with 2 short horns pointing back. Charcoal was the last one to walk in, who was a skinny, dark grey and green dragon with 2 thin and spiky horns pointing back. Fizzle spoke, "Lookie lookie at the little freak!" Airborne didn't pay attention. "What's the matter? Are you only able to buzz like a changeling?"

The other dragons laughed. Backdraft then spoke, "Disgusting piece of garbage. Who would ever love a horrid thing like you."

"Yeah well," Airborne started, "I am just going to be one thing and one thing only. If that'll make you happy."

Fume then stood next to Airborne, but Airborne didn't even look up. "You? You want to be normal or like us? Please. You're nothing to even look at but to gawk about. All you ever do is hang out with your uncle, play with your normal friends, and look like an idiot thinking you can-"

Airborne interrupted putting his fingers in his ears, "LALALALALALALALALALALALA!"

Fume got frustrated and grabbed Airborne's left horn roughly. He then forced the kid to stand up. Airborne did so but he was trying profusely to remove Fume's hand. As he stood on all 4's, he just looked down still. Fume then kicked Airborne into the wall. "You should just leave. Go away. No one wants you here."

Airborne then shouted at Fume, "Yeah well at least I have Spike! I have someone who cares about me."

Clump then spoke, "But where is he? You sure he loves you? Why would he leave you all alone like this?"

Airborne, being young, couldn't help but think about that one. He then shook his head and growled at Clump, "Leave me alone before I hurt you!" He then got slapped by Clump. Falling to the ground, he then looked up at him, "You're a bully! No one likes those who hurt others."

Clump then picked up Airborne by his horns. "And no one is here to save you either. Prepare for another beating!"

Airborne's heart raced. He then began crying and screaming for help. Flailing his legs, he couldn't help but try and fly away. It did work to get out of the grip, but now he was stuck on the ceiling of which the other's could not reach entirely. He flew around in the bathroom dodging the hands that tried to grab him until he was ultimately caught by Charcoal. Yanked to the ground, the changeling-dragon was lying down ready to be brutalized. In fact, the other dragons did begin harming Airborne, that was until a red dragon, bigger than the rest with ravenous teeth and hot-blooded angry eyes ran in. He began pushing the others off and away from Airborne along with Spike, who came as well. The 2 stood in front of Airborne, in between the bullies and the changeling-dragon child.

Spike then screamed at the 5 bullies, "Leave my nephew alone! You cowards, picking on an innocent kid who is only 10 and you're all 18 or 19."

The red dragon spoke, "Petty. I am so glad I stopped hanging out with you guys a long time ago."

Fizzle spoke begrudgingly, "Helloooo, Garble." He then looked at Spike, "You're pretty darn stupid to wander in here with just Garble. There's 5 of us and 2 of you."

Spike then to Fizzle, "I do not care if it were 10 against me, I will do what I need to do to protect my nephew. If you 5 don't want your heads smashed, I suggest you leave."

Garble then grew even angrier as he just stared at the 5 bullies. The dragons he used to hang out with have become worse since the last time he remembered. They went from a group of friends who used to just joke and have fun to a gang that terrorizes and harms others without care. Garble went that far, but he never went to a certain degree they did. "I'm not going to go down the same way you guys will right now." With fury, he pulled out fire gloves of eternal coal, gloves that do not burn out and can not be consumed. He put them on and breathed flames onto them. Both of his hands were surrounded in flames as he now clenched them into fists.

Spike spoke, "Garble! Those aren't allowed at school!"

Garble then spoke, "Spike, I'm never going to let them get away with this one. I'll take all the blame, just get your brother to safety. This is a fight I've been waiting for."

"He's my… nephew… oh, nevermind!" Spike said, picking up his cousin and rushing out of the bathroom. The dragon bullies chased them down, but that wasn't until Garble began beating them back allowing the 2 to escape.

Spike flew towards the nurse's office. This was in the office, so he had to enter there in order to get inside. He rushed past other students, administration asking him questions, and he even shoved a security guard out of the way with the full force of pushing them. When he reached the nurse's office, he set Airborne onto a nearby bed and then sighed. "You… you're… Airborne… I-" Airborne interrupted by throwing himself back into Spike's arms for a hug. He then cried. Spike could only hug back in loving comfort as he felt so horrible inside. The uncle was tormented by the looks of his nephew's wounds. This covered his body all around as well. "I… I'm so sorry. I never thought this-... how did this happen?"

Airborne could only speak, "I want to be just a dragon. I hate being a freak."

Spike then clenched his fists angrily realizing what this was all about. He thought to himself, "If only I could have made it in time."

Airborne growled as he cried, "No. The wounds don't compare to the hurt my teachers and bullies bring." It was true. Airborne had teachers who didn't accept how he was a hybrid. All except one, who was Princess Twilight Sparkle. She gives him lessons on friendship, changeling facts, and dragon facts. "Mrs. Greenwald keeps calling me 'the hybrid' and I hate it."

Spike then stood up, walked over to a nearby sink, grabbed some tissues, and came back with a box. He then gave Airborne a few. He then walked over to the nurse and spoke to her. "Excuse me. I'm really sorry for rushing in like this but my little brother got beat up by the older dragons."

The nurse was a blue and green changeling with red eyes, 2 small horns, and she was a tad short. Her name was Rudine. She walked over to Airborne. "You poor thing," she spoke in a calm, sympathetic tone. She looked at the bruises he got and then grabbed a few ice packs from the freezer. Wrapping them in a cloth, she puts them on the painful parts. "I will be sure to call your parents soon." Airborne just felt his bruises and scars. He sniffed. The tears from his face had stopped rolling, but he was in more than enough pain to even consider moving. Spike just came next to Airborne and wrapped his wings around him, lovingly enveloping him in a warmer, comforting hug. "Who were the older dragons?" Nurse Rudine asked.

Spike answered her, "Fizzle, Backdraft-"

"Clump, Fume, Charcoal, and Garble?" she interrupted. Her tone aimed at a very disgusted and dissatisfied voice.

"Actually, Garble was not hurting them. He helped Airborne and I get away," he explained. "And yes, those other 3."

"Ugh. I knew it. None of those guys understand the pain they cause to others," she exclaimed angrily. "I just can't seem to understand why such large, older dragons would beat up someone so young and helpless." Airborne just looked at the nurse in despair.

Spike said, "Next time they hurt my little nephew again, it'll be far worse than what Garble's doing to them. I guarantee you that."

Nurse Rudine asked, "Wait. What is Garble doing to them?"

"Using eternal coal gloves to beat up the bullies. He's had it with them," Spike answered.

The nurse immediately grabbed her phone pen and paper, wrote something down, and gave it to Spike. Spike then breathed flames on it. He had no idea what was going on, but something bad is coming. A good 20 minutes later as well, Garble was sitting in the principal's office. Spike had wandered in the office to find that Garble was there and he just watched. Their door was open, so Spike heard the conversation. The principal, who was a unicorn who was brown and had a bushy beard, spoke, "Garble, this is the last time I'm ever allowing you in this school again! You are hereby expelled from Canterlot Academy." Garble didn't care. He was okay with this decision knowing that he had done something about those 5 dragon bullies. Spike rushed in.

"Please, sir. He was just protecting my nephew and he had to do what he needed for Airborne," explained Spike.

The principal was very angry. "I do not care! All fighting is prohibited, unless self-defense. Otherwise, you will be suspended or expelled! And Garble knew of this the last 2 times he was suspended for fights. That's why he didn't graduate last year."

Garble grumbled and looked away. He looked at Spike and then smiled at him, "What's with the scared face? I'll be okay."

Spike spoke, "But… you risked everything for my nephew."

Garble responded, "Hey, it's cool. I don't care. I owed you one for the princess's help in reforming me. Just… thanks. That's all I have to say." Garble stood up.

The Principal spoke, "Garble, I did not ask you to stand! You need to sit down and wait until I-" Garble interrupted him by walking out anyway. He then walked out of the office and flew off leaving the school. The Principal did try to stop him by screaming his name and demanding him back, but that didn't work. He went back into the office, then his room, and he looked at Spike saying, "Your friend's got a lot of mischief and disobedience under his belt. I want you to make sure that you don't follow in his footsteps." The principal went back to his seat and sat down. Spike got up and left. "Shut my door before you walk away." Spike did so. Going back to the nurse's office, Airborne was just licking his wounds until he noticed Spike.

"How are you feeling?" Spike asked.

"Hurt," replied Airborne.

Spike sighed. "Yeah… I've been there with those bullies. I've been hurt by them before." He sat next to Airborne. "I will wait until your parents come to get you."

The changeling-dragon sat there for a few moments contemplating on himself again. "Why do you think I'm special?" asked Airborne to Spike.

Spike just looked down at his feet and then said, "I don't know."

That broke Airborne a bit. To know that his own uncle let him down was unbearable. He merely lied his head down on Spike's lap. "Do you think I'm a good special or a bad special?"

The uncle rubbed Spike's head gently, "A very unique and amazing special. You're much more unique than being the only dragon in a group of ponies."

"Can… I be just like you?" the child asked.

Spike then smiled at Airborne, "No. You have to be better than me. I know you will transform into something amazing one day."

Airborne closed his eyes and asked one last question, "Do you love me?"

"I love you with all my heart, my little nephew. Nothing changes that," Spike replied.

Healing

It was 3 o'clock in the afternoon. Airborne was in his bedroom, sleeping soundly, trying to escape the painful recollection of thoughts he had from school. His parents were talking to Spike outside on top of the Dragon Lord's rock. They were on a giant, tall, and rocky mountain. It was barren on the outside, no features except jagged stones. Ember spoke in rage, "You should have been there!"

Spike then said sorrowfully, "I know but-"

Ember interrupted, this time shouting loudly in rage holding up the dragon lord's staff that glowed, "You should have been there!"

Spike coward a bit in fear. Thorax however tried to console the angry Dragon Lord by saying, "Honey, it wasn't his fault. He could not have been there in time before Airborne was hurt."

Ember then just glared at her husband. The husband then slowly backed away from her out of fear. Ember's staff stopped glowing. She then sighed with a reply, "I'm sorry. I'm just… " She couldn't finish her sentence as her rage boiled to a maximum; the rage was then used to pick up a large boulder and then toss it. A good 300 meters was seen from that throw. Thorax and Spike watched the boulder in amazement. Turning their attention back to Ember, she continued on. "I'm giving those dragon bullies a great punish so severe their screams shall be-"

Spike shouted, "Ember! I understand how you feel, but Garble took care of them already. You don't have to-"

Ember interrupted. Her voice then echoed as the staff glew once again. "I am not one to take things like this lightly. Punishment for them is indeed going to happen!"

Thorax then spoke, "Spike, why are you defending them? If that were your child… wouldn't you want those kids to get harmed back?"

Spike then sighed and spoke, "I think Airborne is stronger than you think. He can take care of his own problems once he figures out how. However, I thought you were going torment them. Why not just imprison them? That, I support."

Ember gripped her staff and then smacked it on the ground with such a strong force that a rift of red energy cracked through the ground. The staff didn't break, but the rift kept shooting out of the ground travelling towards a giant cliff and it explodes massively. The Dragon Lord's rock shifted so much that Spike and Thorax had to float up. Ember then looked at Spike breathing. Her angry tone went back to normal. "I'm alright. I just had to get that out of my system."

Spike and Ember looked at each other in shock. Thorax then spoke, "Imprisonment. Sure. Great idea." Thorax's tone was very nervous. Not only that, he flew away out of fear and shouted back at Spike, "Let's come back when she's much more calm than this." Spike agreed and left with Thorax.

Later that night, an unmetamorphosed changeling flew through the window of Airborne's bedroom. He lands on the windowsill and spoke to him. The changeling was pretty large in size, had purple eyes, red spikes on his neck, and a red tail. He then looked at Airborne and walked to him. Airborne was sitting on his bed just thinking to himself. He didn't eat dinner when his parents offered him some. Pharynx then spoke with a malicious tone, "So, you're just going to sit there and be sad? Or are you going to do something about your feelings?"

Airborne quickly turned around and spoke, "Uncle Pharynx?"

Pharynx responded, "The one and only kid. And why are you being such a sad sack when you could be doing something useful?"

Airborne then looked away, turning his head to the side as he looked down. He spoke timidly. "I… I don't… know. I'm really useless aren't I?"

Pharynx then calmed down his tone, "You're not useless, you're being useless. Not just to others but to yourself. Stop thinking about being a friend to everyone in the world because that won't ever happen. Everyone won't understand you. Everyone won't care for you. Only those who choose to care and understand you will be your friend. And you are my friend right now, and I understand what it's like to be hurt. But what did I do? I did not let that destroy me. I let it transform me. You're a changeling too, get it? There's nothing your heart's desire-"

Airborne interrupted, "Leave me alone! Don't be a bully like the rest of the people at school."

Pharynx then smiled, "Then stop acting like a target and start transforming. You're a changeling-dragon! You wanna be sad about that?"

Airborne then sighed. "No… I just want to be loved… or… I want to be friends."

Pharynx then facepalmed, "You're my nephew. I don't come over often, but I do know when you are having a bad day. It's just family instinct. And you will never grow unless you transform into a beacon of goodness and strength for others."

Airborne then looked up at Pharynx and then crawled into a hug. The changeling didn't like the hug, and even as it was happening, he made a surprised to begrudging face. Once Airborne let go, he then for a short moment, waited until he spoke. "So, will you teach me how to be a changeling?"

Pharynx then spoke confidently, "I thought you'd never ask." He then floated up flapping his wings and he then flew out the window. Airborne quickly followed… until his sores and bruises made him fall on the floor before he made it to the window. Pharynx came back through the window and saw Airborne. "Uhhh, actually… you're gonna have to rest a bit. You're still weak after today's beating."

Airborne moaned in pain crawling to the bed. "Yeeeaahhh… that hurt."

Pharynx then flew to Airborne once they've reached the bed. He then lands next to him and handed him a vile of changeling healing serum. It was the same liquid as the one inside of changeling cocoons. "Pour this on your wounds. They will be healed in 30 minutes."

Airborne took the vile and opened it. He seemed disgusted by the wretched stench that came from it. Even so, he covered his wounds with the vile. "Thanks, uncle Pharynx."

Pharynx then just sat next to him and waited for the wounds to heal. He did so patiently. As he cared a lot for Airborne, while showing very assertive and mean sides, he meant well. "I'm going to train you to transform into who people need you to be."

Airborne asked, "And how do I do that?" He poured the last vile on his wound.

Pharynx answered, "By changing the way you see things. You see many as bullies, right?"

Airborne spoke, "Yes. What are you getting at?"

Pharynx sighed as he really had to explain. "You have to change the way you think about those people. They are there to uplift you because they are either… umm…"

"Upset that they are… not me?" asked Airborne.

Pharynx spoke, "Actually… no. It's more of, they have never seen anything so different. All this attention you are getting makes you a very unique specimen and if you showed your uniqueness to everyone and how different is better, this would transform you and other people as well."

Airborne spoke, "So… by being the first ever hybrid, I'm the most special because of that? And people are mad because they can't imagine how different I must be?"

Pharynx then sighed, "Yeah. Something like that. You get the point right?"

Airborne then laughed a bit and spoke, "I do actually. Because I actually need to show people how good being different can be."

Pharynx then clapped with sarcasm. "Wow. Great job. You want a cookie?"

Airborne then sarcastically said, "Do you want your mommy?"

The changeling facepalmed and laughed. "You cannot make good comebacks. I still… umm… care… for you."

Airborne smiled, "I do too. My wounds feel a little bit better."

Pharynx then said, "Stay here. We'll do this another day. I've gotta leave though but you should go eat dinner and then sleep. I know you're hungry."

Airborne asked, "How did you-"

Pharynx interrupted, "Family sense. Also, your parents told me." He then flew out of the window. Airborne just watched. Laughing to himself, he waited the next 20 minutes to then be completely healed. After a good while, he left his bedroom heading towards the dining room. Seeing that dinner was over 1 hour ago, he left the Dragon Lord's Rock flying out of an open window. He flew straight for Ponyville. He looked below as he travelled seeing that every dragon at this hour, at 9 o'clock, was out. They were minding their own business. He flew over and saw Garble and Spike alone on a cliff. The cliff was rocky and open. He flew down to there and was right behind them. However, Garble and Spike were having a talk, a deep conversation that seemed to be happening.

Spike spoke, "Garble… Why did you really defend my little nephew?"

Garble just shrugged looking up at the moon. "Because I'm not going to let anyone treat my best friend's family like that."

Spike then facepalmed. "I know there's a deeper reason than that. What is it?"

Garble got annoyed with Spike. He just looked at him in the eyes. "Do you really want to know?" Spike nodded yes. "Alright. First of all, I don't deserve to be your friend. There is no way in the world that can help me believe that after all the bad stuff that I did to you, all of the horrible pranks and jokes and pain that I caused on others, that I should ever be given a second chance. Plus, I don't want to go back to that school. It has too many painful memories there. I can't stand being who I was."

Spike then playfully punched Garble's arm while saying, "Then you're a bigger idiot. You can't help but see that you risked your own life for someone you care about. That makes you worthy of my forgiveness."

Garble just glared. He then turned his eyes back. "Airborne?"

Airborne then came over and jumped in between the 2. "Thank you for saving me."

Garble then spoke, "It was… nothing really." He couldn't help but feel bad for Airborne after all the time and effort spent to make sure the bullies couldn't hurt him. "Truth of the matter is, this was the only day that I accidentally let them hurt you. I usually am the one watching over you both."

Spike then questioned, "Was it you who actually gave me that doctor's note earlier?"

Garble laughed. "Yeah it was me. I had to."

Airborne then tapped Garble's hand and held it up. He then placed it on Garble's heart. "You're a good person."

Garble groaned a bit turning his head away. "Please don't say that. I used to hurt you too. I owe you."

Spike then spoke, "There was absolutely nothing that you could do to make Airborne like you. You used to bully him in the previous grades and he never liked you for it. Now… Now that he believes that you've truly changed, thank you. Thank you for making peace with my nephew."

Garble couldn't help but make a sorrowful expression. It was a bit happy. He never turned back to look at the 2, but he grabbed Airborne's hand and places it on the changeling-dragon's chest. "You're special. Special, and amazing." Airborne then nuzzled Garble's hand and wanted him to stand up. He grabbed Garble's hand and pulled him to stand up. "What are you doing, kiddo?" He was pulled even more. "Agh! What are you doing?" Garble was pulled further and he finally stood up. Airborne then asked, "Can you take me to get something to eat?"

Spike then asked, "Airborne, you didn't eat any dinner?" Airborne nodded no. "Alright. I'll come as well."

Airborne then quickly said, "No. Just Garble."

Spike didn't know how to react. He just shrugged and said, "Alright then. I will see you both later."

Garble watched Spike leave and he looked at Airborne saying, "Why did you say that?"

Airborne replied, "Because I want you and I to go see Twilight. You need to forgive yourself just as I need to learn how to teach others to accept my difference."

Garble then growled, "Airborne, please. Don't-"

Airborne interrupted, "Garble, please do this for me."

The red dragon hesitated for a moment. He then nodded yes. The 2 flew off in one direction heading to Ponyville. "Wait, you need to eat," exclaimed Garble.

Airborne then spoke, "Yeah, I'm pretty hungry."

The 2 continued to Ponyville. When they arrived overhead, they saw how it actually was barren due to its time of night. Instead, they head over to Princess Twilight's castle. They saw the many buildings of Ponyville seeing how it was an old seeming place. It was a nice town. Very clean, equally structured but diverse in Pony races, and cloaked in friendship. The town had old style carriages, big restaurants and homes, and open scenery around. Travelling to Twilight's castle, it revealed a giant crystal look. The walls and entire outside is made of crystal, except for the stairs and windows. The crystal was so massive that it reached over all of Ponyville. Massive doors stood in between them and the inside of the castle. Airborne then knocked on the door waiting for an answer. A dark purple pony with a horn and wings came out tired. Her hair was mostly back with highlights of purple and pink. She then spoke. "Ugh? What time is it? Why aren't you 2 at home? Wait. Why are you 2 here exactly? Garble? Airborne?"

Airborne then spoke, "Hi, Princess Twilight. I'm afraid we have a friendship problem that needs your guidance."

Twilight then asked with ecstacy for an answer, "Is it about finding out who was right or what wrong?! Do you 2 have problems with someone else?! Is this a new dragon friendship problem that needs my research methods?! I need to know, I need to know, I need to know!"

Garble then spoke, "Actually Princess… It's me. I have a problem with making friends." Twilight then asked the 2 to come in so that they can talk. She was in dire need of the problem to be spoken to her. On the inside of her castle was a large crystal opening. There were 2 grand staircases that led upstairs. Every wall was crystal of many colors. They all entered the main hall and sat at a multipurpose room. It had a giant map of Equestria that was made out of crystal. 7 jewel chairs were shown to be circled around the table as well. When the 3 sat down at the table, they actually sat closest to each other in those designated chairs. The chairs had cutie mark symbols on them, all for the wielders of the 6 Elements of Harmony and the slightly smaller one for Twilight's assistant, Spike. However, Spike doesn't need to sit there anymore.

Twilight asked Garble, "So, what's the problem?" Garble looked down. He couldn't speak for he is having a hard time opening up. "Is something wrong that it's too bad to say?" He still didn't answer Twilight. He just looked around the room admiring the looks, but he didn't know what to say. She then spoke, "I know. It's to open up and admit your problems, especially when you're a dragon who has been trained to take on a high degree of pain. I understand your struggle, not to the fullest length, but to some extent. I want you to know that I am here for you."

Garble finally opened up, "I'm… a terrible person."

Twilight asked, "Why do you say so?"

Garble looked at Airborne, "Please… I don't think I'm ready."

Airborne then spoke, "You told me you'd do it. I believe in you," he said lovingly.

Garble then looked at Twilight, "I hurt Airborne so badly in the past for being such a freak. I thought he was a freak. Now I realized that he isn't and that he was amazing. I used to hang around with other dragons and I bullied Spike, I bullied Airborne, I hurt so many other dragons in the past. Once I realized how bad my deeds were, I quit the group because they couldn't accept me for feeling bad. Thing is though, I don't believe I deserve to be forgiven."

Airborne then spoke, "That's not true, Garble. You do deserve to be forgiven. And I forgive you."

Garble then spoke to Airborne, "How can you put aside all the moments of hate I had against you, all the moments of torture I put you through? I did one thing for you that meant so much. How can you overlook all of that for this one action?"

Twilight then spoke to Garble, "What did you do that made Airborne like you?"

Garble answered, "I defended him all by myself to beat the bullies back. I did my best to protect him even though I got expelled. I'm… I'm stupid for getting expelled. I know. But I couldn't ever let anyone lay a finger on him even if it meant risking everything I had."

Twilight then smiled and rose her wings a bit. "Do you believe that you showed who you really are to Airborne?"

Garble then spoke, "I really don't know who I am."

The princess then stood off of her chair. "Look at the map. You're apart of the dragons, aren't you?" The red dragon answered yes. "Do you feel you belong?"

Garble answered her question with hopelessness. "No… I do not anymore. If dragons are to be tough and alone and I'm being nice to one person, nice to someone who I treated bad, nice to someone that makes me want to do more good, then do I fit as a dragon? I don't think I know who I am."

Airborne then spoke, "That's okay Garble." The red dragon looked at the changeling-dragon in surprise. "I don't know who I am as well. Why don't we find out together?"

Twilight continued on, "Do you see Garble? Not everyone fits a stereotype. Many are different, many are similar, but no one is the same. You can't be who everyone tells you to be. You have to be who you were born to be. You found that out when you battled off against those dragons. Not only that, you shared Airborne who you were inside. A doer of good and someone who's willing to defend others who can't defend themselves. And look, forgiveness is not something you should looking for from others. You need to forgive yourself, otherwise you will never move on. But if you want my perspective, all who change to good after doing wrong and do their best to fix it clearly deserve a second chance no matter what. Why don't you grow with Airborne in becoming your best selves? Maybe then you will be satisfied."

Garble smiled a bit. "Thanks Princess. Wow. That… really meant a lot." The red dragon bowed to her in admiration and respect.

Twilight replied, "You're welcome. Do you both need anything else?"

Airborne spoke, "Can I have a book on changelings? I need to learn how to be one."

Twilight then flew out of the hall after saying yes to Airborne. Garble looked at Airborne saying, "You did this for me… after all of that."

Airborne said, "Yeah. I would do anything for a friend."

"You're really my friend?" Garble asked.

Airborne then replied with a happy tone, "Yes I am! And I will always be as long as our friendship lasts. You're probably the first friend I've ever had too."

Garble then laughed a bit and joked. "For a changeling, you sure transformed into a friend." The 2 laughed. Twilight came back in a few minutes handing Airborne the book.

Airborne said, "Thank you, Princess."

"Any time," Twilight replied.

The 2 dragons left Twilight's palace with the book saying goodnight to each other. Garble took Airborne back home and Twilight went back to sleep.

Destiny

The next day, Airborne woke up from his slumber. He was inside his bedroom with a dim emitting light. He slowly climbed out of bed and his wings started to sparkle. However, he didn't notice. The book he was given about changelings was on the floor, open to an unknown page. Once he acknowledged it, he realized that he left off on page 34 of being up reading last night, all night. He closed the book setting it on the bed and sleepily walked out of the room entirely heading down to the dining room. He went to the table for breakfast, he looked around, like he always did, admiring the changing furniture and decorations. This time, the table was square with wood, and the chairs were more of an oval shape. The flooring was now completely concealed in crystals. False crystals. Thorax and Ember were sitting at the table.

Airborne spoke out, "Good morning! What a beautiful day!"

The 2 parents looked at Airborne confused. Thorax was the one to ask, "Are you feeling much better?"

Airborne flapped his wings and lands on the table. "Totally! I-"

Ember interrupted Airborne shouting with the echo of a dragon lord, "sit down!"

Airborne immediately got off the table and sat down in a chair. Like usual, he sat in between his parents. But right now, he's shivering in fear… Thorax had to tell Ember, "Honey, don't you think that was a bit extreme? I mean, he just got harmed at school."

Ember breathed and pets Airborne, "I'm… uhh… sorry, Airborne. Just… don't sit on the table. Or stand on it. Ever."

Airborne stopped shaking but now he was too afraid to talk. Thorax knew how to get Airborne to talk. He clapped his bug-like hands and waited for a servant to come. A changeling flew over. "How many I serve you all today?" She was a blue changeling with one small front horn, red wings, a red tail, and yellow eyes.

Thorax then spoke, "A bowl of your finest macaroni and cheese! A cup of cherry blossom tea shall do as well."

Airborne smiled and nuzzled his head against Thorax's side. Thorax lifted his arm up for Airborne's head to fit through so Airborne could lie his head on Thorax's lap.

Ember spoke, "Wait. But he needs to eat real breakfast first! Where are the fruits and vitamins he needs?! Thorax! Answer me!" Thorax really did not want to start another argument. He decided to say this.

"Ember, Airborne does not need nor should he be receiving any scolding. Come on, the kid as we know it seemed okay. He definitely picked himself back up." Thorax continued explaining as he then began to fly up from his chair and land on the floor.

Ember then said with a snarky remark, "And what do you know about parenting?"

Thorax looked at Ember for a quick moment with a confused expression, "What is that supposed to mean?"

"It means that I think you're saying you're better than me at parenting," said Ember.

Thorax then walked to Ember. "It's not at all like that. I just can't seem to think that it's okay to talk that way to our son after such a hard time he had yesterday. It would be overwhelming for him and right now, he needs both of his parents' love."

Ember calmed down and looked at Airborne. "You're right. I'm sorry, Thorax. Airborne, do you want anything with that Macaroni and Cheese?"

Airborne spoke, "How about we all eat some?"

Ember gulped. "Oh uhhh… that's uhh… okay." She was uncomfortable at that moment. She didn't like anything other than meat and crystals.

Thorax then laughed a bit, "Airborne, your mother does not want to eat it. What if I ate the same thing with you?"

Airborne then pleaded, "Please mom? Do it for me?"

Ember just stared at Airborne for a few moments. She said sadly, "Alright… I will…"

Airborne jumped with joy at that moment.

After breakfast, Airborne flew straight for Ponyville. His changeling-dragon wings kept glistening as he flew. Looking below him, he was flying over Dragon's Canyon. "Wooow. I can't believe I'm up this high. Flying is so fun. I wish I could do this all the time." He saw the trees and the forest and the landscape. He saw majestic mountains, giant lakes, and animals. Airborne flew faster and faster out of excitement until he saw Ponyville. Landing down in the middle of it, Earth Ponies, Unicorns, and Pegasi all looked at Airborne strangely. Airborne felt a shiver down his spine as he was now seen as an outcast.

Airborne spoke out, "Hi… I'm… Airborne."

A random earth pony, a brown one, shouted, "Nice to meet you. Welcome to Ponyville!"

The ponies all smiled and gave warm welcomes to the changeling-dragon. The smile on the child's face presumed that his excitement of being in this town makes him realize that he is indeed normal. No… it was more than normal. He felt loved. As if he found his place. He gave a warm greeting to everyone in Ponyville. Some pony, a unicorn who was white and had diamonds as a cutie mark, then asked, "Darling! Those wings are surely to die for. I just adore how they glimmer in the radiant sun!"

Airborne then spoke, "Thank you!"

The unicorn whipped her main and then spoke, "You know, I love taking inspiration from other creatures, but you know what? I think I will make a dress in magnificent matrimony of those wings you have there. Do you mind coming with me?"

Airborne said, "Sure. Just as long as I get to ask what your name is."

"Rarity. My name is Rarity." she said. "And whom might you be?"

Airborne spoke, "My name is Airborne. I am a changeling-dragon… hopefully you're okay with that."

All the other ponies except the white unicorn had wandered off onto their own daily plans. Rarity began talking up a storm, "Ohhh, so you're Airborne the hybrid? Wow. I've heard so much about you from Spikey wikey, my cutsie wootsie helper. He tells me about how much he loves playing with you, and Twilight tells me that you've taken a giant liking to the culture and history of both-... I'm babbling again… Ugh. You'll have to excuse me. I just can't believe that I've met the most beautiful creature I've ever seen, well of course next to Spike that is."

Airborne then spoke, "I'm… beautiful?"

Rarity nodded. "Of course you are, darling. Come now. Let me examine those wings. I want to make the most glorious fabric the world's ever seen of the Carousel Boutique! Everyone will love it!"

Airborne then smiled. The 2 had went to Rarity's shop to then examine the child's wings. The 2 entered a large carousel shop that had an old style look to it. When they entered, it was a large clothes shop that resembled that of a fashion store but with more dresses than most things. There were also fancy hats and other things. They went upstairs into Rarity's bedroom and saw how it was clean, but it had many, many laid out material, fabric, rolls of lining, and 1 mannequin. There was a neatly made bed too. Rarity began pulling out her tools and tried to examine the wings.

Airborne asked, "So, what do you mean by make fabric like my wings?"

Rarity said, "Not the scales, darling. I admired the patterns, the colors, the shapes! They have accents of sparkling radiance! I admire how your wings really shimmer."

Airborne then responded, "Oh. So, how long have you been making dresses?"

Rarity said, "For a while actually. Years to be exact. In fact, I can't remember a day where I had not thought about taking a break from making dresses." Airborne then walked around the room examining it. Rarity gently tapped him asking, "Please hold still, sweetie. This will only take a moment."

Airborne nodded and spoke, "So. About this whole friendship thing, what do you have to say about being different?"

Rarity responded after a few moments of thinking. "I believe that being different shows a clear definition of diversity. If everyone were the same, what's the point of making friends when they are copies of the original?"

Airborne then said, "But if everyone were the same, wouldn't that cause unity or friendship to be stronger? It wouldn't hurt to actually be like everyone else."

Rarity then finished her examination and she stored the information on her dresser. She then walked to her closet and pulled out 2 dresses. They both had completely different features. She then laid them out on the bed. "Look here, Airborne. You are a hybrid. And your difference made me notice it more than anything. Take this for example. 2 dresses that are not the same is diverse." She then used her horn to use magic for making more dresses come out of the closet. She then revealed them holding them up in the air. There were 6 of them. "Do you understand this? I have a dress that fits my friends and I entirely." She was right. All 6 dresses fits herself and her friends. A very outgoing pink dress, a very sharp and colorful rainbow dress, a yellow and green relaxing dress, a very bold and beautiful white and purple dress, a plain purple dress, and a red and green country dress. "These all are unique and stylish. And if everyone wore one of these dresses, they would not be happy. It's not good to fit the personality everyone wants them to fit. Airborne, you can't be a changeling nor a dragon. You have to be a changeling-dragon because that's who you were meant to be. If anything, our cutie marks show our destiny. And you need to fulfill the one you were born with.

Airborne then looked at the dresses even more. He then asked, "So, if everyone were the same, they'd be denying who they are?"

Rarity answered, "Exactly. And you know what? I think that you were supposed to be this way."

Airborne then questioned, "How so?"

Rarity answered, "The only reason why you are suffering is because no one in the dragon or changeling races can understand anything that stands out and is unheard of. So, you were born to bring light."

Airborne then looked down. Then he looked around at the dresses again. He looked at Rarity and then floated in the air. "Can I try on an outfit?"

Rarity then quickly said, "Oh no no no! You can't wear any of these dresses. I'll have to make you a new one."

Airborne then answered, "Oh, alright. But… don't make it a dress. Make it more of boys clothing. I wanna try on an outfit that suits me."

Rarity then clapped, "Now that'll be smashing! A changeling-dragon wearing clothes. Ah! How marvelous. I shall get started." She then ran to her dresser, grabbed the analysis, and then went to her sewing desk. "This outfit will most certainly be the best I've made in a while! Well, that'll be hard to do, but I will do exactly that!"

Airborne then smiled at the fact that Rarity cared so much. He then looked at her door… and soon, Spike came in. "Rarity, I have something to- Oh hey, Airborne. Wait… Airborne? How did you… get here?"

Rarity turned around and faced Spike saying, "I invited him here. He seemed in dire need of a talking to."

Spike then replied with, "Oh. Alright. Airborne, how did you fly to Ponyville anyway? Were you even allowed to?"

Airborne nervously said, "N-no… uhh… sorry."

Spike facepalmed and spoke, "Alright. Since you're in Ponyville, there's not much trouble here. Might as well let you stay. But I'm taking you back home later." Airborne nodded in agreement.

Much later, Spike took Airborne back home. It was around 4 o'clock. Spike just waited outside of the Dragon Lord's rock as Airborne was in his bedroom. He searched for the book he was reading and when he found it, he flew out the door and headed back to Ponyville with Spike. Landing back in Ponyville, Spike went to do his own daily activities as Airborne wandered around Ponyville some more. He went to Princess Twilight Sparkle's castle and knocked on her door again. The Princess came out and said, "Airborne… I've got an important message for you. It's very serious."

Airborne was nervous. "What happened Princess?"

Twilight then held up a book, "It's about the dragons… They've…" Her tone changed to happy as she said, "given me a book for you to read! It turns out that they found a book deep within their land. The dragons found it buried in a cave. I once asked Ember if I could have information on dragons and she said that she will gather up as many informations as she could to bestow the knowledge. So, let's read it! She said that it's a book that hasn't been found in ages."

The 2 went into the library of the castle. The library had so many books. Very high shelves were full of them and they were all supremely organized. There were also chairs and a large table for reading and studying. The center of the room had the table there and it was surrounded by chairs. Airborne sat in a chair and sets the book on the table. Twilight sat in a chair next to him. Airborne cracked open the book of dragons. The cover page consisted of nothing but words that said, "Unity." Airborne opened it up. It appeared to be written by a hand that burned into the pages. The hand that wrote in it seemed to have very legible handwriting.

Airborne recited the first paragraph, "'All time, space, united as one. So shall the hearts of the dragons with the world. Ancient elements. Ancient powers. Ancient formations of the universe converge, all of these which need complete balance with each other. This is the power of Harmony. This is the year 4800 BC. Celestia, gifted with the elements of harmony, had to use them to seal her sister. One day, her reign shall come back. 6 Warriors in the future shall do what Celestia could not. They will be stronger, more grand, much more powerful in unity. Luna shall be changed back to good once she is beaten by the elemental wielders.' Whoa. That's… an interesting beginning."

"The writer is speaking of the future… how is this possible? He is able to see the future at will? That's amazing!" Twilight then grew even more excited that she couldn't help but take the book and read it.

"Hey! I thought I was going to read it," Airborne said. Twilight then sighed. She handed it back apologizing. "It's okay. Lol You sure love knowledge." The changeling-dragon cleared his throat. "'In this current year of 3670 BC, the harmony of the dragons came many to give up each of their power to form a leader, train it, and grow it to rule them just as they served him. He will be a crown of the nations. Their power was more than just energy. It was the power of friendship, the power of bonds, the power of family, the power of diversity, the power of tranquility, the power of courage, the power of numbers, and the power of leadership. Many more powers are established in the dragons. However, once given, each power began to grow stronger in the whole entire tribe of the dragons. The leader of the Dragons had the most power in terms of energy and strength, but he could not rule alone. He spread the power of harmony throughout the dragons. He gave 3 other non-dragons the ability and knowledge, and had everyone share them as well. The Crystal Empress, Celestia, and the Changeling Queen. The most powerful members rules all as the 4 rulers worked as one for all their designated lands. However, one grew too greedy. The Changeling Queen. His own selfishness consumed who he was and transformed him into a dark being.' I read that already. The 4 Rulers, uniters, dividing, and- wait… there's something weird. This continues on about to a battle..."

Twilight then asked Airborne for the book and she received it. "'The Changeling and the Dragon both worked together to change the land and take over every nation. Celestia and the Crystal Empress worked together to fight the dragon. The Changelings worked faultlessly and wholeheartedly for their master so war began. The dragons rebelled against the Dragon Lord. The Dragon Lord worked with the Changeling Queen to force the dragons to submit. The Dragon Lord however fell due to every dragon taking back the power they gave and used it to wage war against the changelings, including their Queen. I had to watched all of this and I didn't take part in the war, not one bit. I ran away and hid in a safe place in the mountains. As for my parents, they were gone. I am the only changeling-dragon, the evil hybrid. I am born from both the Dragon Lord and the Changeling Queen. I was monstrously gifted with power that exceeds both of them, but I can not at all look at myself in a reflection. I wanted to be accepted by both my races, but neither ever want to acknowledge me. The dragons refuse me due to their previous Lord's reign of tyranny and evil. The changelings hate how good I am and that there is nothing they can do to get their Queen back. I can not migrate to the Crystal Empire nor anywhere in Equestria. Everywhere, I am seen as a freak. My heritage causes me grief and so does the rejection of who I am. And so as I will never die, I will hide away from the world to never be seen again. This book shall help the one who receives it, one who understands me. He shall be my successor, for I can not do what the next hybrid will do."' Twilight finished reading the first chapter and handed him the book. "This is designated for you. Fulfill the words that were in here and make Equestria whole some day."

Airborne's face was so surprised. Now, he took Twilight's book and stashes it away for safekeeping. "Thank you."

"I believe that there's more to you than I thought. You've got a destiny ahead that awaits you," she said. "I now understand why you were born this way. You came to move the darkness and division away."

Airborne then gave Twilight a hug, "I understand. I'm only 10. What can I do?"

"Learn how to grow a voice," she said. "That's all you can do until you are able to guide everyone."

The changeling-dragon's wings then glimmered even further. He then flapped his wings a bit. "I will. I will do what I need to do. This doesn't sound easy, but if it's my destiny then I will do just that." He then took the changeling book and stashed it away as well. "I will see you later Twilight. Thanks for being here with me." He then flew to the window of the library. He opened up the window, closed it, and then flew out.

Twilight thought in her head, "I can't wait to see what kind of magnificent person he will be. I can't wait to see who he will become. And one day… We will all be one because of him."

Power Without Bonds

Since the day Airborne received the book of Dragons and the book of Changelings, he's been wholeheartedly reading it. It was weeks later. The season was currently Autumn in the month of October. Airborne was reading the Book of Unity. In his Dragon's Language class on a Monday, he was interested so deeply. The classroom had around 26 kids, including himself. There were desks, all facing the front of the classroom with the board. There were letters of the dragon alphabet hanging on the walls and nice decorations for a 7th-grade classroom. Airborne may be 11, but he skipped a grade for his intelligence. He was supposed to be in 5th, but he skipped the 4th grade to 6th at the age of 9. Now he was 11 years old in his current grade. Mrs. Greenwald was explaining a lesson but he could not pay attention, for it was completely engrossed in the book. He read, "'Airborne, my mirror-like descendant'... What in the world?! It knew my name? 'I can not digress the very joy that I conceive. Shall you be the apprentice of my journals?' Yes. I will be. 'And with your agreement, you shall-' Okay, this book is creepy. 'And with your agreement, you shall become my servant. There are more people like you. You've already seen them, have you not? Your family, your new friends, they all think of strong enlightenment. Notice the different species? Ponies, dragons, and changelings that helped you with doubt? Name them out loud.' Okay. Umm... Twilight Sparkle, Rarity, Spike, Pharynx, umm... Garble, and someone else... I can't bring up their name. I think that's it though. 'You forgot the 2 people who were always there for you. Your parents.' Oh... yeah, that's right. 'And so now, take the lessons I will teach you and spread it throughout the world. Not everyone understands the value of diversity. Not everyone also knows the full history of dragons. They think it's lost.'"

Mrs. Greenwald spoke as she heard Airborne speaking while she was. "Hybrid, how many times do I have to tell you to put that book away?"

Airborne didn't listen but kept reading. "And no one understands what their heritage is."

Mrs. Greenwald shouted, "Defect, I'm talking to you!"

Airborne looked up finally saying, "Oh... umm... Is it lunch already?"

The class laughed a bit. No one minded that Airborne was called a "defect." Everyone was more amused by Airborne's reaction. The teacher continued on, "Why not put that away or you're expelled."

Airborne gave a snarky remark and puts it off to the side. He then focused on the lesson.

Mrs. Greenwald crossed her arms and spoke an annoyed tone. "Yes, hybrid?"

Airborne spoke confidently, "My name is Airborne, the Changeling-Dragon. Thank you for acknowledging that I'm different, but I must as you, dragon lady-" Everyone laughed at what Airborne said. "I want to know. This dragon language... do they have words of power?"

Mrs. Greenwald was confused. She then looked at the book Airborne was reading and held out her hand. "Give it to me. You are supposed to be paying attention."

Airborne said, "No. I've been reading this long book for a while and not even you can understand its meaning."

The entire class laughed again. Mrs. Greenwald walked up to Airborne. "Give it to me," she demanded. "I am not playing any games today. You've fallen behind in class and now you want to ask some ridiculous question about 'words of power'?"

Airborne then looked at her dead in the eyes and said, "No. Never will you touch this book." The teacher snatched it anyway but her hand was instantaneously shocked once it made contact. Electricity rose from the book striking her hands away from it.

"Aagghhh oww! What did you do to the book?!" she exclaimed loudly as if she were shouting at the top of her lungs. The class was shocked by what the book did.

Airborne nervously spoke, "I-I-I don't know. It's never done that before... I'm sorry, Mrs. Greenwald, I'll put it away." He quickly took the book stashing it away for safekeeping. The teacher just looked at him in shock.

"That... was magic. There's no way you could have done that," she explained. "And that kind of magic was... was... Do you know where you got that thing from?"

Airborne nodded no nervously. He did not want to get suspended nor expelled. He just put his head down waiting for her to move on back to the class and the lesson.

Eventually, she did, yet she couldn't help but speak this sentence as it was cruel, cunning, and painful. "I've never seen a freak so determined to be so stupid until now." She walked away after saying that, going back to the front board. The changeling-dragon smiled as he looked at the teacher.

"Thank you," he spoke. This next exclamation is what makes the changeling-dragon brilliant. "It's what you don't understand. About me. You see, I have not fallen behind. I'm just bored, but I've done all my homework and I've participated a lot less in class but only on tests. You think that a controlled system is supposed to be the best thing, but everyone knows what they need to progress further. If you want me to be put in your position, I'll show you words that haven't been spoken since the old days."

Mrs. Greenwald grew impatient saying, "That's enough, Airborne! Stop talking."

Airborne continued on, "And you will understand where we came from and our history! It seems that none of you understand who we really are as dragons either and what we are capable of! We empowered a dragon to become our Lord and we still have that power, and I have it most!"

The teacher was enraged as she said, "If you do not stop, I will-"

The hybrid interrupted, "Do you even know of the past at all? I asked you what the words of power were and you did not know at all! You didn't know that lightning dragons were born, fire dragons were born, any kind of dragon. There are many different kinds!"

The teacher groaned angrily. "Get out." She then shouted, "Now, before I call security. Threatening my education is not-"

"And you don't understand the true power of the dragons," Airborne shouted.

Mrs. Greenwalk walked to Airborne shouting, "I'm done with you. You're suspended and you are a failure! Get out right now!"

"Dakurai Nadishte Eloctu Feeme!" Airborne shouted interrupting her. The energy released in an omnidirectional wave spreading throughout the entire classroom. The very room inside lost its sense of gravity. Airborne did not move, however. The desks began to float, the students were lifted in mid-air, and the Teacher watched all of this in awe. Everything in the room floated in the air as if gravity did not exist any further. Mrs. Greenwald could not understand nor fathom the power Airborne had. The changeling-dragon called out, "Dragons had 2 ancient languages. One of magic and one of communication! You don't know this, do you?! Why should I be in here with someone who can not enlighten me!" Pretty soon, Airborne spoke another word, one that would reset things. "Desai!" Everything instantly dropped to the floor. This hurt a lot of students physically, and Airborne was hurt emotionally. He then realized what he did was wrong at that very moment. He looked at the book he was reading and opened it up to page 47. "'Do not forget. In all you do, with power, form bonds. Not... fear...' I... It's just..." Airborne ran out of the room. He then ran away from the building heading towards the bathrooms. He remembers that as a place of peace, but someone stopped him on his way. It was a unicorn. She was white, had light purple and white hair, and she was taller than Airborne by with an adult mare's size.

The unicorn spoke nicely, "Hey, are you alright? Where you going in such a hurry."

Airborne responded while in tears, "I did something so awful. I used anti-gravity dragon magic. I'm so stupid." He facepalmed as he said, "Stupid stupid stupid!"

The unicorn then pats Airborne's back. "I'm Sweetie Belle. And it's okay. I already know who you are. You're Airborne, right?"

Airborne spoke, "Yeah. How did you know that?"

Sweetie Belle answered, "Because I think you're adorable." She giggled a bit. "Adorable as in, you're so nice. I don't get why you'd wanna hurt anyone."

Airborne sighed and spoke, "I don't know... I was just being dumb this time. I hurt everyone in my classroom."

Sweetie Belle then pulled Airborne gently, "Come on. Let's talk about this with our friends. I was coming from the office, but lunchtime should start right abooouuuut..." the bell rang. "Now."

Students walked out of their classrooms into the open space. Airborne's previous class walked around school giving looks at the changeling-dragon, which made him feel awful. The looks were very nervous, filled with fear. The changeling-dragon looked at his class and they all scattered. Other kids just watched the class confused and now nervous. Airborne looked down sadly. Sweetie Belle gently pulled Airborne once more leading him to her friends. "You need to relax. I know you've had it rough here. Do you want to relax with my friends and me?" Airborne looked up at him and was so happy to hear her say that.

"I've... never had anyone tell me that before," Airborne said. "Thank you. I would... be happy too."

The 2 went over to a lunch table. Airborne wiped his tears. Seeing the 2 other ponies, he sat at the table and was happier than he'd been all day. An orange pegasus with greyish purple hair spoke, "Wow. You're Airborne! Umm... We just want to say that you are amazing."

Airborne spoke, "Really? I am?!"

A light yellow earth pony with red hair spoke, "Yeah! You're a hybrid. I mean, you may never know how unique that is until you've been one. It's like, alicorn unique, I must say."

Airborne smiled. "Thank you," he could only say. "What are your names?"

The earth pony said, "I'm Apple Bloom."

The pegasus said, "I'm Scootaloo."

Sweetie Belle sat next to Airborne and asked, "Let's take your mind off of the situation, Airborne. What can you do as a changeling?"

Airborne answered, "I... can't do anything but just fly fast."

Scootaloo asked, "As fast as Rainbow Dash?"

Airborne confidently said, "Maybe even faster!" He laughed a bit. So did Scootaloo.

Apple Bloom pulled out her backpack and held up an apple pie. "Do you want some, Airborne? My friends and I planned on eating this for lunch today."

Airborne nodded yes. Sweetie Belle pulled out paper plates to set on the table. The hybrid was given a slice. He looked down on the pie and had to ask, "What... is apple pie?"

The 3 ponies gasped.

Apple bloom responded with surprise, "You don't know what apple pie is?"

The hybrid nodded no. He felt disappointed in himself as if he was stupid... But then Scootaloo tapped Airborne's shoulder saying, "That's okay. This'll be a symbol of our friendship group. We should call it... hmmm..."

Apple Bloom finished Scootaloo's sentence with a "Pie friendship day!"

Everyone laughed a bit. Airborne ate the pie and loved it. His wings shimmered brightly as he ate more. The changeling-dragon looked at Sweetie Belle in joy as he ate the pie. He looked at the others thinking to himself, "This is nice. Friendship. That's what I've always wanted from this school."

Sweetie Belle then touched Airborne's hand, "Are you feeling better?" The hybrid nodded yes. "That's great. I'm glad I could make you feel better. If you need friends, we are here for you, Airborne."

Airborne looked at Sweetie Belle with a shy smile. He then asked, "Uhh... wait a minute. What grade are all of you in?"

Scootaloo answered, "We are in 12th grade. How about you? Feeling the power of friendship was growing fast. Airborne realized something. "Can I ask you guys something?"

Sweetie Belle answered, "Sure. What is it, Airborne?"

Airborne asked, "Can you make friends by... power?"

The 3 thought about it for a short moment. It took 15 seconds, but Sweetie Belle answered, "No. Power is power, but power divides if not used right."

Apple Bloom said, "I remember Twilight teaching us that power is great but power is also destructive. It can bring harm or help is used a certain way."

Scootaloo further explained, "Power without bonds brings fear."

Airborne learned he can not change the world by using power alone. He must forge friendships with that power in order to bring good. He then decided to hold up the Book of Unity. "I follow this book," he said. "It said the same things you guys did and I live by everything it says. It spoke of a future where perfect peace and complete understanding of everyone is possible. I want a world to be built where I am not seen as an outcast but as a friend."

The 3 ponies smiled at the thought. They too can imagine a life like that. Apple Bloom said, "Well if you want friendship lessons, talk to Twilight about it. She is the Princess of Friendship after all and she can help with your dream. Who knows? Maybe you'll bring the world closer together."

Airborne nodded saying, "Yeah. I would absolutely love that!"

After school, Airborne was stuck in the office. He was in the Principal's room waiting for his parents. Mrs. Greenwald and the principal were in the room as well. The principal had a cold stare at Airborne. He was sitting angrily in his desk with the teacher standing next to him. He spoke, "You little... insignificant... fool. You don't understand the degree of trouble you're in."

Airborne just stared at the Principal. He spoke, "I have something against the teacher."

Mrs. Greenwald said, "I am an educator and older dragon. I have been free to speak as I please and run my classroom the way I want to."

Airborne then shook his head disappointed.

Mrs. Greenwald said, "You don't scare me, dragon. You're useless, nothing! Your parents should be ashamed to have an ugly thing like you being alive."

Airborne grew furious. He was about to say something, but he decided to say, "You know what? You're right. But I will not obey everything you have to say just because you are my teacher. It doesn't matter how old you are, you still need to learn every single day. Basic lesson: You learn something new every day. You never stop learning. And you neeeeeed to learn how to actually use your voice as an uplifting voice, not a weapon set on destroying me and other students. You're a bully in your classroom, and-"

The principal said, "I don't want to hear it! You will be hereby suspended, and furthermore, you are to-" Airborne then turned his attention away from the principal as he then began reading his book. The Principal, who decided to get up from his chair and get close to Airborne, snatched the book from him. The instant moment he laid a hoof on the book, he was electrocuted the same way the teacher was. He spoke angrily in shock, "What kind of sorcery is this!? Is that a book of incantation?!" Airborne didn't answer. He just continued to speak. "Answer me when I talk to you, hybrid! You useless, disgusting, vile substance! You don't deserve to go to the same school like everyone else who clearly does not look like a freak."

Airborne immediately closed to his book and looked at the Principal. "So. What's your name?" Airborne asked.

"Mr. Greenwald, and I'm certain that you are an abomination!" the Principal replied.

Airborne then stood up and directly got in the face of Mr. Greenwald and spoke, "I do not appreciate you marking me as an abomination when you married someone who is absolutely different. Please. Wouldn't many people think that's absurd? You both are not even near the same species."

Mr. Greenwald grew furious. "My goodness, defect. You call us freaky but you're supposed to be any better?"

Airborne then got angry. "No, I'm telling you that you're in the same boat as I am if it counts for being abnormal. You fell in love with a dragon and married her. To make it even worse, she's a teacher and you're a principal. That's fricking weird! Don't complain to me about me being absurd here. It's you and your ethics!"

Mrs. Greenwald said, "I am through with you. I wish that you were never born! You worthless child. You've shown nothing but ungratefulness! How can anyone love a horrid thing like you?"

Even after those words, the 2 kept on calling the changeling-dragon things that kept breaking his self-esteem. Airborne's own rage and frustration caused him to growl and channel energy throughout his body. Tears ran down his face. Frustrating tears. He angrily wiped them away. The child wished for them to stop, but they kept making constant remarks on him. He tried to leave, but the security guard, who works as a campus supervisor, prevented Airborne from leaving. The security guard was an unmetamorphosed changeling as well. Airborne's energy kept growing and growing as much as his hatred, pain, and sadness kept rising. Airborne didn't want to hurt anyone else, so after all of that frustration built, he began sobbing.

The security guard was thrown straight into a wall behind him by Thorax himself. Once Thorax and Ember came into the principal's office, their faces presented intense malice and fury. Ember was the most enraged out of everyone. "No one calls my child a defect! And you 2 think that you're any better, huh? Well now. I will take this whole manner to your graves as I feed upon-" her voice instantaneously echoed, getting louder, and it caused the room to shake "all of your bones and grind them into dust! If you ever bully my son again in this school again, I will personally rip out your skulls and crush them with the sound of my voice!" The moment she said the last word, the entire room collapsed with bars falling from the ceiling. The lights exploded and the windows shattered as well. The teacher and principal were both shaking in mesmerized fear.

Mr. Greenwald said, "Y-you're... s-s-s-son is... excused from... all punishments. Please don't hurt us!" Thorax, who was nodding about the revocation of punishment, transformed into a bear and roared. This caused Mr. and Mrs. Greenwald to then jump out the window and run away.

Airborne spoke depressed, "You... you now know what I go through every day."

Ember's heart was broken so much that she hugged Airborne. "This isn't good for you. I can't believe the staff would say such awful things to you, especially since they're adults."

Thorax then touched Airborne's head nuzzling it. "You okay there, bud? You must be in so much pain." Airborne nodded no. He just buried his face in his mother's arms not wanting to be seen.

Ember rubbed Airborne's head, "No matter what happens, sweetie, mommy loves you. I always will."

Thorax then hugged Airborne back. "I love you too, son. Let's buy you some crystals and take you home. You've probably had a long day."

Airborne asked while wiping his tears. "Are you upset with me?"

Ember spoke lovingly, "Honey, your father and I understand you better than anyone. There is no way you'd go out of your way to cause harm because you wanted to. Someone has to provoke you. You've never wanted to harm anyone, right?"

Airborne nodded yes. Thorax then added, "And we feel that this school isn't good for you if everyone's just going to be mean to you. We're both sorry you had to go through all of this."

Airborne said, "It's okay. Can... we just go home? I wanna leave now."

The family then went home that day. Later that night after Airborne ate, he was cuddling Spike on Airborne's bed. The 2 were in Airborne's bedroom. Airborne was lying next to Spike as well as Spike had his wings wrapped around Airborne. Airborne felt the warmth of Spike's chest and wings. Airborne had not spoken for a while as he lied his head on Spike's chest. Spike poked Airborne's head to get his attention. "Airborne... speak to me. Do you want to be alone."

Airborne simply said in a tone filled with despair, "No. I can't be alone."

Spike sighed with an, "I love you. You know that, right?"

Airborne nodded. "I never forget your words, uncle. But I can't be strong all the time."

Spike nodded. "I understand. You're just a kid. Did you think that you could change anyone's mind?" Airborne nodded yes. "Did you want the teacher and the principal to stop being so hurtful?" Airborne nodded yes. "Are you broken inside?" Airborne waited a few seconds. He then looked up at Spike filled with tears once again. He nodded yes once more.

Airborne spoke, "I am so weak. I can't do anything."

Spike asked, "What does that mean?"

Airborne replied with, "They call me a freak even with my power shown. Why? I thought that if I was right and that I had proof that I would..."

Spike finished his sentence, "Change their mind?"

Airborne nodded yes. "I know it'll be hard, but I wanna start changing the world now."

Spike then said, "You can't do it all in one day. And you can't be snippy about it too to others. That doesn't lead them and neither does being right all the time."

Airborne then sighed, "I know. I need friendship and closeness."

Spike also said, "And patience. There's no way you can do this in one day. There's no way you can finish your destiny now nor end it in one whole week. Your destiny needs a lifetime of growing, developing, learning, and bonding before you are able to change anything, and in that lifetime, you'll be able to find people who are special and dear to you who will be changed by your destiny. Changelings can change their forms in an instant, but no one can change their character in a day nor overnight. It takes a lot more time and friendship. And even if you've taught the world about friendship and unity, it still takes time for the world to change. Give your destiny time to grow. You're just starting it."

Airborne gently lies his head on Spike's shoulder. He closed his eyes and then asked, "Spike... can I change you?"

Spike then answered, "Yes. I wanna be transformed by you in a better way."

"Can... I ask you something?" Airborne asked.

Spike answered, "Yes."

Airborne asked, "Why were you hanging out with Garble at night weeks ago?

Spike then was afraid to answer. All he could say was, "He's my friend. I was worried about him. I was really confused as to why he risked so much for you. If anything... He's proven to be someone I really admire."

Airborne continued to ask, "Did I change him?"

Spike nodded yes. "Of course you did. You were able to help him transform into something better than he was that night."

Airborne then lifted his head up and looked at Spike, "What is Garble doing right now?"

Spike then said, "I don't know. His parents... I don't wanna say this but... they kicked him out and he has no place to live."

Airborne asked, "Why did they do that?"

Spike answered, "Because they don't like how Garble is now. He's too... different for his parents to accept how good Garble is. I'm sorry to say this, but Garble is... homeless."

Airborne looked down sadly. He then shook his head, "Wait! Twilight can help with that. She has lots of bedrooms in that castle of hers!"

Spike shook his head, "Sorry, Airborne. I recommended that to Garble but he was afraid of umm... the walls. Dragon's love crystals."

Airborne laughed a bit, "Oh yeah. Well, where would he be right now?"

Spike answered, "I don't know... I wish I could tell you..." Spike didn't wanna answer that question to Airborne. He was afraid of revealing more. "Just know that he cares for you and he wants you to succeed."

Airborne replied with, "Thanks. Tell him I said that I hope he has a great home some day."

Spike said, "Me too... me too..." He was lying more, keeping a secret. He sighed wishing he could tell Airborne the truth. He felt that the child isn't ready to hear the news.