Spike woke up the moment his mother had raised the sun, that was only 15 minutes ago, now he and Celestia were walking down the streets of Ponyville on their way to Sweet Apple Acres. Spike looked around and remembered how in the next few hours everypony will be going about their day. Opening up their shops, selling their wares. As the two passed Sugar cube corner Spike noticed that Mr. Cake was just flipping the sign over to say open. Spike waved at the stallion and once the stallion noticed Spike and Celestia he gave a wave back. Then Spike began to laugh a little, which caught Celestia's attention. "What's so funny?" Asked Celestia.

Spike looked at Celestia and finished laughing. "Nothing, its just the fact that when I was younger, I never saw Ponyville this empty, it was wake up at eight, have breakfast ready by eight thirty, shower at nine, help Twi until noon, then head over to who ever needed my help until around three, head back to town to do the daily shopping run, be back by five to start dinner, read my comics or do what I wanted until eight, then back to bed. During that time I would constantly run into other ponies while making my way around town. This is the first time I think I have ever seen Sugar Cube Corner open in the morning, and I'm going to be totally honest, its kinda weird, no weird isn't the right word to describe this, but it feels unnatural."

"Strong choice of words, but how is this unnatural?"

"To the world, its probably not, but to me, it is. Its like the first time I saw Twilight try to dance, and I emphasize try. It was just so out of place."

This got a giggle out of Celestia. "Yes, I have failed many times in my life, but one of my greatest failures when I took Twilight as my student was not properly teaching her how to dance, and I fear that is a mistake I will never rectify."

Spike shrugged. "Eh, look on the bright side, at least I don't look like a fish flopping around the dance floor."

"How true, but do your skills still hold up after so long?"

"Trust me, Ms. In Time made sure I had both rhythm and foot placement committed to muscle memory." Chuckled Spike, as he scratched the side of his head.

"Yes, Ms. In Time was the best dancing instructor in Canterlot." Said Celestia. Celestia then turned to look at Spike who was still scratching his head, and a little to vigorously. Celestia became concerned by how much Spike was scratching his head. "Spike are you ok?"

Spike stopped scratching for a moment and looked at Celestia. "Yeah, just for some weird reason all of my scales feel itchy."

"Is it possible Dragon lord Ember is using the bloodstone scepter to summon all the dragons?"

"Doubt it, for one my body's not glowing and the itching is far less irritating." Said Spike as he returned to scratching his head.

Celestia's concerns grew even more hearing this news. 'What if Spike contracted a disease from back on Mudos, no Twilights scans would of shown any potential virus or bacteria in his system, and its not the dragon lords summon, the only logical excuse for all of this itching.' "No... It cant be, can it?" Said Celestia as she was smiling ear to ear.

Spike continued to scratch as his scales started to turn red. "Can't be what?"

"Spike, you see when a dragon grows up, his body is going to change in many ways."

"Stop, if your going to give me the whole changing body and sex talk, your like 11 years to late. Twilight gave me that talk when I turned thirteen."

"No no no, I'm talking about... wait what? Twilight gave you the 'talk', but you were still a child, why would she do that?"

Spike sighed as he continued to scratch his head. "Well after I gave up on Rarity, I might of started to take an interest in some of the fillies my own age. One thing led to another and she was showing me diagrams of the body in a book, as she explained to me how babies are made." Said Spike. Celestia looked like she was on the verge of killing somepony, but Spike didn't want to watch his mother kill Twilight at the moment, so he decided to get the previous train of thought back on the rails. "Any ways, you mentioned something about my body."

Celestia was brought out of her 'Get Back At Twilight' scheming. "Oh right, sorry, as I was saying. Spike while you were gone, pony society learned many things about dragons as a species, for example traits like eye or scale color can be passed down or can skip many generations, or how dragons produce fire and why each dragons fire is unique, but the one that is most likely to be relevant to you right now is what dragons call the 'molt'."

"And what's the 'molt'?"

"The 'molt' is a process of when a young dragon or dragoness had absorbed enough magic in their body. It usually is aided by being near the magical fire of there parents, and they get a small amount of magic stored in the gems they eat, so the process happens at a rather young age for normal dragons. But you Spike are a special case, you were born from Twilights magic, then after that you just gained magic from gems alone, plus the short amount of time the Bloodstone scepter was in your hands, but in the time you have returned, you have spent so much time being around powerful magical beings, me, Luna, Twilight, Starlight, and to top it off when Discord transferred some of his chaos magic to you, your body finally reached its limit and as you can see, your finally starting the process. Do you know what this means?"

Spike shook his head. "Nope, still a dragon raised by ponies, still went missing for two years and still itching, can you get to the point?"

Celestia looked Spike in the eyes as she smiled even wider. "Spike, YOUR.GETTING.WINGS!" Yelled Celestia in joy as she pulled Spike into a hug and started jumping up and down in excitement.

The moment Celestia told Spike the news, he started to cry. Tears cascaded down his face as in his head so many emotions were swimming around. Celestia stopped jumping in joy when she heard Spike start crying. She released Spike and looked at his tear soaked face. Celestia was about to comfort him but she was stopped when Spike began to talk. "Finally, I have waited for so many years, I have been made fun of, looked down upon and had so much self doubt, and for what, just because I wasn't like other dragons. But this just proves them wrong. It may have taken me a little longer but its finally happening, and its all thanks to my friends and family." Said Spike as he was crying tears of joy. Spike looked at his mother and smiled a smile to match hers. "Thank you."

Celestia again pulled Spike into a hug and just let him cry himself out. "I'm so proud of you, your finally becoming a full grown dragon. This is every mothers greatest hope and her greatest fear."

Spike stopped crying in time to hear Celestia's statement. "How so?"

"Every mother wants to see her son grow up into a strong stallion or dragon, but that would mean its time for her to let go of her little baby so he can live his own life."

"Well, what if the son still wanted his mother to be part of his life?"

"Then that would make the mother so very happy."

"Good." Said Spike as he lovingly returned the hug.

Spike finished crying and was so excited about the fact he was going to get wings he was jumping up and down in excitement as the two continued on to the apple farm. "So how long does it take? Is there any treatment to help with the itching? What's going to happen to me now that I'm going to molt?" Asked Spike in rapid order.

"It depends on how quickly your body can process the magic, not that I am aware of, and you will start to produce a horrible odor that will most likely attract a massive flying creature called a Roc, that will try to eat you." Responded Celestia.

Spike stopped jumping and looked a little surprised at the news a Roc will be gunning for him, but then he smiled in joy. "Oh, you think its strong?"

Celestia chuckled at how Spike was taking the news. Normally dragons use the threat of a Roc attacking and eating a whelp as a tool to make said whelp behave. But not Spike. "Well to a normal dragon whelp its a terrifying creature, but to you, its probably only a slight annoyance." Said Celestia. Hearing this made Spike go crestfallen. "But from what I heard from Dragon Lord Ember, is that roasted Roc is a delicacy to dragons, so if one does attack you, I hear by give you permission to hunt it and eat it, as long as you don't let it suffer."

"Yes Ma'am." Said Spike saluting.

Spike and Celestia were brought out their little conversation when they heard the country twang of a certain overly honest mare walking towards them. "Howdy Spike, Howdy Celestia."

Spike and Celestia turned to the side and noticed that they were right out side of the front gate of the farm. They both became embarrassed as they both scratched the back of their heads. Spike out of a need to scratch and Celestia out of embarrassment. "Hey AJ, guess what?" Asked Spike.

"Your finally going through the molt."

Spike gasped and began to look between his mother and the farmer. "How did you know?"

AJ giggled. "Its not every day you see a dragon jump up and down in joy. Plus I over heard you asking your questions." AJ then pulled Spike into a tight hug and gave him a warm smile. "I also heard you say its all because of your friends and family, and while that's sweet of you to think that, its not true Spike, it was all you. You were the one who weathered through all that pain from your past, your the one who found a way back to us, and your the reason we all are so proud of you. Right your highness?"

"That's right Spike, without you Twilight probably wouldn't be a princess, I would be lonely, Luna would still be nightmare, we would still have strained relations with dragons and Thorax would just be a mindless drone for Chrysalis. You may not see it but everything that you have done has led to this moment and its all because of you." Said Celestia watching the display in front of her.

"Thanks you two, but AJ would you mind letting me go, or at least letting go of my arms so I can scratch my itchy scales?"

"Nope, one more minute. Spike, I have watched you grow up from that little dragon who came to Ponyville with the most book obsessed mare in the world, and look at you now five years later your finally going to molt." Said AJ not letting go of Spike.

Spike sighed as he accepted his fate."Fine."

One minute later. AJ released her grasp on Spike and the dragon immediately scratched his head scales vigorously. AJ whistled. "Dang, I had no idea it was this bad. You sure you still want to help around the farm? I can just go tell Granny something came up and you couldn't make it."

Spike shook his head in opposition. "No, I'll be fine, its no worse then the full body cast I was in for a month after I broke most of my bones." Said Spike.

Both Celestia and AJ gave him questioning looks. Spike gulped. "Um... I ran into a door." The looks stayed. "I saved some Clakerz chick." The looks began to bore into his soul. "Fine... Some ass hole working in a crane dropped his coffee and it released a boulder that rolled through a town I was passing through, I tried to stop it and it didn't work all to well, I was literally caught in between a rock and a hard place, the hard place being an orphanage's wall. The town was so thankful that the local doctor let me stay in the hospital while I was healing up."

Both AJ and Celestia sighed. Celestia decided it was time to make Spike come clean once and for all. "Spike, as your mother, I want the truth right now or so help me I will get Twilight to give you a lecture on lying, you have one chance, in total how many times have you been hurt and had to go to a hospital?" Demanded Celestia.

"In total, 39 and a half, 20 with broken bones, 18 for getting patched up from the wounds I got during a job, one from the time I got shot in the chest, and the half was for when I got sick with a cold after falling asleep in my bath over night, but all I needed was some medication. And that's all the times I can remember I swear. Dragons honor." Said Spike holding out one of his dragon code cards.

AJ started to laugh at the sight of one of the hand drawn cards he had made years ago. "Where did you find that old thing?"

"I found a few of them in my desk drawer in my old room. Twilight kept everything as it was when I left, and out of nostalgia I decided to rummage through it, I came across a few of these old things."

Spike then looked at Celestia. "Mom, my life on Mudos was very challenging, and I doubt I will ever run out of stories to tell you, but what I went through was part of the daily grind for everyone their. Granted my life was a little more hectic then others, but it was the hand I was dealt and I'm just waiting for the flop. And speaking of flop, I might be a gambling legend in a town called 'Seed Bank', because I won a small fortune of 154 million moolah from a casino, but its in a bank account right now."

AJ whistled again, as she mentally thought about the story Spike told them about how much money it cost him to get home. "So you could of paid for your trip home thousands of times over. What's going to happen to all that money?"

Spike shrugged. "I had planned to use it to expand Beeks farm through the whole canyon, plus I was planning on starting a relationship with Abigail, if I joined the farm. And while I only saw her in passing and only talked with her once, I did find her attractive for a Clakkerz. But I also planned to have all that money transferred to the Beek's account after three years of inactivity, so they still have another year or so until it goes through." Said Spike as he scratched under his chin.

Celestia sighed again. "Drinking, gambling, killing. Am I missing anything else I can be ashamed of for not stopping you from doing?"

"Expanding my vocabulary that is now full of swear words." Shrugged Spike.

"That was a rhetorical question, but thank you." Celestia sighed once more and looked to Applejack. "Applejack may we please go see the rest of your family before I have a slight mental brake down or at the very least a heart attack?"

AJ laughed a little but nodded as she started to walk to the farm house.

Spike and Celestia followed the farmmare as the sight of the historical Apple family farm house came into view. Spike took a sniff of the air to revel in the smell of perfectly ripened apples, but there was a more powerful scent passing through the air. Spike took another sniff and his stomach started to growl loudly, and his mind was urging him to run straight for the source of the smell. Following the command of his stomach and brain, Spike started to pick up his pace, soon he passed AJ, then he begin to run straight for the farm house. Once he reached the fastest speeds he could achieve on two legs, he dropped down to all fours and shifted it into high gear, and reached a speed even Rainbow Dash would be proud of.

But Spike was not a instinct driven dragon, he was a kind and sophisticated genteldrake, and a genteldrake does not just brake down the door and scarf down food, instead he knocks on the door and waits to be invited in, and if he is offered food, only then is it ok to chow down like a starved dog.

Once Spike was right in front of the house, Spike slowed down and returned to running on two legs and then slowed down to a walking pace. Once he was walking Spike approached the old green screen door and knocked. Spike waited, and waited, and waited some more, and began to wonder if everyone was already out in the fields, but then Spike heard the sound of old wood creaking under the weight of a pony. The creaking grew louder and closer, until it stopped, then the sound of a lock unlocking echoed in the silent morning. Slowly the door began to open and behind it was the oldest pony to live. She was a light green mare with old white mane with some stray white hairs poking out, around her neck was a very old bandana with a apple design. Her amber eyes have seen many things, from the first steps of Ponyville's development, to the return of Princess Luna, to the ascension of the princess of friendship, to seeing a power crazed centaur destroy the town she helped start, to the birth of the first natural born alicorn in history, and lastly the loss of the young dragon prince who would visit from time to time, and on her sides was a apple pie cutie mark. She slowly opened the door and got a good look at the person knocking. "Um... sonny, I don't know why your here at this hour, the farm isn't even open for another few hours, so if you'd kindly come back later I would be happy to talk with you then, but right now I'm expecting a small little purple and green dragon, who I haven't seen in a long time."

Spike chuckled at the mare. "Granny Smith, when was the last time you had your eyes checked?"

"Why you young whipper snapper, Your from the doctors office aren't ya, did AJ set this up, If I find out she did, then I'm taking away her hat for a week." grumbled the old mare.

Spike chuckled as he shook his head. "No, I'm not from the doctors office, I actually was invited to arrive this morning by both Applejack and Big Mac. But it looks like you don't recognize me, here my card." Said Spike handing the old mare his dragon code card so she could read it.

Granny took the card and pulled it right to her face and began to read. "....Honor...Life debt... Servant until debt is repaid.... By Spike Drake." Granny read the card and then became angry.

Granny looked at the very blurry figure and scowled at it. "I don't know where you got this card, and you have one minute until I buck it out of you, so start a talkin."

Spike sighed. "I wrote that card using a green crayon, on the left of the card is a crudely drawn picture of me, and on the right is an explanation of what my code entails."

"Not good enough, and your down to 30 seconds."

"Um... I pledged my life to your granddaughter when she saved me from a Timberwolf."

"Nope that happened at least once a week, 15 seconds left."

"I repaid my debt when I saved her from a massive Timberwolf."

"I don't remember planning that." Shrugged Granny. "Sorry sonny, I'll try to not hit bone, only soft tissue." Said the old mare as she turned around and lifted her leg and pulled it back.

Spike had survived a lot of shit, bullets, explosives, lightning, lava, but there was one untested challenge he never faced, getting a buck from one of the apple family. Spike was scared and shouted the first thing to come to his mind. "I attempted to help both you and AJ bake some pies and it ended in disaster." Screamed Spike as he flinched.

Spike closed his eyes and waited for the inevitable hoof print on his chest. But after a moment, nothing happened. Spike opened his eyes and looked at the blind mare and all he saw was the old mares warmest smile. "I promised to keep that incident a secret as to not hurt the little fellars feeling's, and only two ponies and one dragon know about that." Granny slowly walked closer to Spike and wrapped her arms around the dragons body. "Good to see you took my threat to heart." Said Granny as she chuckled.

Spike joined in. "I know you Granny Smith, and you don't make idle threats."

"No, I don't." Said Granny as she removed herself from the dragon. She then grabbed the dragons wrist and unlike Twilight the night before, Granny was actually able to drag the half ton dragon with ease. "Now get that scalely butt in here and I'll go grab that pie for ya." Said Granny as she dragged the dragon over to the couch, made him sit down and continued to walk over to the kitchen.

Spike sat in the rustic Apple family living room, as the sound of small hooves descended the stairs. Spike turned his head and smiled at the teenage filly walking down the stairs. "Hey Bloom, how's grounded life treating you?"

The Yellow filly looked to the couch and smiled for a moment but it soon became a frown. "Its horrible, I have to clean the pig pins and that's on top of all my normal chores, the only good thing to happen so far is the fact that Ms. Cheerliee got distracted during our lesson two days ago and she didn't finish it, so I don't have any makeup lesson. What are you doing here?"

"Well you missed out on game night last night, but before we started, I wanted to ask Mac if I could spend some time on the farm and catch up."

Apple Bloom walked over to Spike, where she noticed that some of his scales were red and slightly swollen, she gasped in excitement. "Spike your molting?"

"Yeah I know." Said Spike as he scratched his head. "Mom told me about it just this morning, and right now its not that bad aside from the itching that is."

Apple Bloom gasped. "Spike you know that's only the first symptom right?"

"Apple Filly say what now?"

"Spike, first is the itching of the scales, next is the unexpected and uncontrollable volume shifts..."

"How do you KNOW ALL THIS." Said spike in a whisper as it changed to a yell.

Apple Bloom cleaned out her ears. "Some of the dragons that stayed in Ponyville searching for you, talked about their kids and a few were talking about the symptoms of the molt. But as I was saying, next comes uncontrollable fire burps, and finally the horrible smell that normally attracts Roc's, after that I have no clue." Shrugged Apple Bloom

"WELL IT COULD BE WORSS, BUT MAYBE I SHOULD NOT STICK around for the fire burps especially when I'm near SOME HIGHLY FLamable trees." Said Spike as his voice changed.

Granny Smith walked into the living room and handed Spike a piece of pie and a mug of cider. She gave the dragon a look of disappointment. She sat down next to him. "Spike, I hear them stories about what a dragon goes through during the molt, and I ain't gonna care if a few things get burnt, but if your that worried about setting things on fire, why not make it into a help instead of a hindrance?"

"How so?"

"Sorry dearie, your going to have to speak up, my hearing ain't that good anymore."

"How so?"

"One more time."

"HOW SO?" Yelled Spike.

"Say again."

Spike facepalmed and gave a look at the youngest apple. "CAN YOU GET ME SOMETHING TO write with please?" Apple Boom nodded and walked into the kitchen and grabbed a note pad and pencil for Spike and handed them to the dragon.

Spike began to write his question and once he was finished he showed the note to the old mare. Granny slowly read the simple two word note for a few minutes. Then her brain figured out how to respond. "Oh, that's what you were saying, its simple there's some old trees that need to be chopped down and the stumps need to be burned so we can plant new trees, Just make sure your looking at the stump when them fire burps show up." Granny then looked at Applebloom and glared at her. "And you little missy are needed at the pig pin this morning, now get goin." Said Granny sternly.

Bloom groaned and walked out the door to start her chores for the day. Granny looked back at Spike and gave him a kind old mare smile. "Spike, Mac will be down in a few moments, he'll show you where to start, but until then you sit there and enjoy that pie, I on the other hoof have to go make a run into town, it'll probably take me a while, my hip ain't doin' so good." Said Granny.

Spike wrote a response,and showed Granny the note.

Granny do you want me to go with you?

Granny read the note quickly and shook her head. "Aw, thanks for the offer, but between you and me, I got my eye on a handsome stallion who just retired and move to town, and I don't want him to think I'm taken." Said Granny as she tried to fix her hair.

Spike nodded and wrote again.

Good luck.

"Thanks, see me when you get your voice back and tell me all about them little critters you have."

Spike nodded as Granny grabbed her shopping bag and slowly walked to the town. Spike was alone and only one thing was on his mind. 'Pie'. Spike grabbed the pie piece and the moment it hit his tongue the world faded away and soon a song started to play along with a light show.

Spike was so lost in the taste of the pie he didn't see or hear his mother and AJ walk into the house, both of them stared at the near comatose dragon with his tongue hanging out of his mouth, sprawled out on the couch. Celestia didn't know what was going on and leaned over to Applejack. "Should I be concerned?" Whispered the white alicorn.

"Na, he'll be fine, you heard what Granny said, he's enjoying the pie." Said the farmmare still looking at the dragon. AJ turned her head to the princess. "So princess, I know you are taking the week off to spend some time with Spike, and that's a mighty fine idea, but may I ask, why are you here?"

"Its simple, Applejack, aside from spending time with Spike, this week is the perfect opportunity for me to see how my subjects live."

AJ laughed. "Well, if that's your mentality, would you mind helping out on the farm for the day?"

Celestia giggled as she shook her head. "Not at all, but what about him?" Asked Celestia as she pointed to the dragon on the couch.

"Well Mac should be down in a few moments and he'll probably be able to snap him out, so if your up to it lets head out to the western field and start harvesting." Said AJ as she walked out of the house.

Celestia smiled excitedly and followed the mare, but before she left she quickly walked over to Spike and placed a kiss on his forehead.

A few minutes later. Two sets of hooves walked down the stairs. "All right Sugar, Spike should be waiting down stairs right now, remember what I told you, to everyone in town, he is just Spike, not Prince Spike, or your highness." Said Mac as they talked on the stairs.

"I know Mac, and if he's even half the dragon that everyone has told me about, then I think we will be good friends."

"And what kind of thinks have you heard?" Asked the now aware dragon. The two looked down the stairs and spotted the dragon who was sitting on the couch.

Sugar Belle blushed in embarrassment as the two walked down stairs and joined Spike in the living room. "Um...Hi." Squeaked Sugar as she waved. Sugar Belle, a pink colored unicorn mare with a purple mane. Her eyes are fuchsia, and she has a cupcake with light purple frosting and a cherry on top as a cutie mark.

Spike chuckled. "So you are the one who stole my bro's heart?" Asked Spike as he pulled himself off the couch and walked in front of the still blushing mare.

Sugar nodded. "Yes."

Spike Laughed as he grabbed the mare and pulled her in to a hug. This made Sugar Belle blush even harder. Spike looked down at his captive and gave her a wide smile. " I'm glad to see Mac found a wonderFUL MARE OF HIS OWN." Said Spike as his voice shifted from normal to loud.

Mac then got a good look at Spike and noticed something off about him. Mac gasped. Spike turned his head towards the gasping stallion, and nodded his head. "Yep, I'm molting." Said Spike in a whisper. Spike sighed and released the mare and grabbed his note pad and pen. Spike wrote his response and showed it to the two.

Yep, I'm molting.

The two nodded and Spike began to write again.

I'm having problems controlling my volume right now so I'm going to stick with righting, AJ and Mom are heading to the western fields right now and Granny told me you needed some help with some old trees around the farm before she left for some shopping in town, I don't know when, but I'm going to start having fire burps soon, and I can still help deal with trees, and when I do start burping fire I will try my best to aim for the tree stumps we have to burn.

Spike showed the note, Mac nodded.

Mac turned to his wife and smiled. "I'll see you later Sugar, can you make sure Bloom gets to school on time, while I'm working with Spike?"

"Of course." Responded Sugar Belle as she kissed big Mac on the lips, then she whispered something into Mac's ear, "If you do a lot of work maybe I can give you a massage tonight, how does that sound?"

Mac blushed and his face became as pink as his wife's fur. Spike groaned and started to write. Once he was finished he showed the note.

Fun fact: Dragons have great hearing, I heard every word, and I would kindly like not to image my bro getting a 'massage' in my nightmares tonight, so tone it down please. PS. I promised Granny I would show everyone off when I get my voice under control.

. Both Blushed hard as they looked down embarrassed. Just then Spike felt an uncomfortable feeling build up in his stomach, it felt like a letter was being sent to him, and out of instinct he turned his head and opened his mouth. But instead of a letter, a large stream of fire shot out of his mouth and put a scorch mark on the wall.

All three looked at the scorch mark and then back at Spike, then back at the mark and then to Spike. Spike groaned and flipped the page on his note pad and started to write.

And now come the fire burps. I'm sorry about the mark, Twilight should have some scorch remover in the castle, I'll give it to you tomorrow.

wrote Spike as he showed the married couple the message.

Mac nodded. "It's fine Spike, none of us were expecting this today, but your still family and this is part of life for dragons. Now come on lets head to the north fields and get started." Said Mac as he kissed Sugar Belle goodbye.

Spike wrote once more.

It was nice to meet you, tell Granny I'm sorry about the mark.

Sugar giggled. "Not a problem." Said Sugar Belle. "Now get going or do I have to throw you out?"

Spike lifted a single claw and wrote one last thing.

How hard can you buck a tree?

Sugar smirked. "My baking isn't the only reason why the farm has been more profitable."

Good to know.

Wrote Spike as he ran after Big Mac.

Spike caught up to Mac and noticed that he had an ax in his hands and was still heading for the northern fields.

Spike and Mac were heading for the northern fields, Spike tried to talk but his voice was still a problem.

So Mac, how has married life been?

Mac smiled. "Its been good, I love her and I'm happy to see that she's happy on the farm with me." Mac then looked nervous. "Spike can you keep a secret?"

Spike nodded as he wrote.

Can't really talk right now but your my bro and what ever it is I'll take to the grave.

Mac sighed and looked at Spike with a serious look. "Spike I want to start a family with Sugar, but I'm not sure if she's ready or if I'm ready for that, any idea on what to do?"

Spike was shocked for a moment but nodded.

Ask her if she is ready, then take a while to picture your self as a father and don't just picture all the good thinks about having a kid, think about all the late nights and early mornings, all the diapers and crying, and seriously ask Shinning Armor how it was when Flurry was born just minus the all powerful alicorn part, and if you both think your ready, go for it, but I call dibs on being the cool uncle.

Mac laughed and nodded at the idea. "Cool uncle Spike, the dragon bounty hunter. Yeah that sounds about right. Thanks Spike you are always the voice of reason."

"YEP." Yelled Spike mimicking Mac.

Mac and Spike arrived at the northern fields where as far as the eye could see stood old withered trees with no leaves on them as the bark was starting to peel off. Spike was saddened at the sight. Mac noticed the saddened look and nodded. "Yep, its a sad sight when you first see it, but these trees had a good run, the oldest was planted even before I was born, but their to old to produce apples anymore and soon enough they'll start to rot, so its best to get rid of them now." Said Mac as he walked over to one of the first trees and started to take swings at it with the ax.

Thanks to Mac's overwhelming strength the old tree fell to the ground after a few swings. Spike laughed as he had a better way. Mac turned to the laughing dragon and gave a confused look. Spike noticed the look and smirked.

Spike walked over to another tree and with one fell swoop of his claws did nothing, or at least that's what Big Mac thought as he laughed at the failed attempt not seeing the smirk on the dragons face. Spike then used one claw and pressed it against the tree and in an instant the tree fell to the ground with a large thud, leaving the now dropped jaw Mac to stare. Spike then wrote on the note pad.

Did I forget to mention, I'm not the same little dragon any more.

Spike showed the note to Mac and all Mac did was slowly nod his head. Spike then felt another burp come up and quickly yelled. "DUCK!"

Mac heard the yell and quickly dropped to the ground. Spike let lose the burp and a large jet of his fire shot over Mac and hit one of the trees, setting it on fire. Mac turned his head and saw the tree burning, he got up and continued to watch the tree burn. After a few moments the tree was nothing more than a pile of ash on the ground. Soon after a hard breeze blew and scattered the ashes through out the farm. Mac tried to speak and was able to say a few words. "Well that was something." Said Mac. Spike nodded.

Mac then turned to Spike with a twinkle in his eyes. "Spike if this breeze keeps up and you keep up them burps, the trees will be fertilized, and the apples will be better." Mac then looked at all the trees that still needed to be cut down and smiled, as he walked over to another tree and started to cut it down.

Spike and Mac continued to work for a few more hours until Mac smelled a horrible scent in the air. It made Mac want to puke, as he looked around to see where the smell was coming from. Mac looked at the tree he was currently standing in front of and examined it to see if it was starting to rot, but the tree was fine, and some how the smell became even worse. Mac turned away from the tree and immediately regretted it, his nose was face to snout with Spike. Mac covered his nose with both hands and started to cough violently as his eyes started to water. "Spike, it looks like your at the smelly point in the molt." Said Mac as he coughed and cried.

Spike lifted his arm and took a sniff, just shrugging it off, years of living with Belch tends to harden ones sense of smell. Spike was about to comment on what was going on, but he was interrupted by the sound of a screech piercing the sky. Spike and Mac looked up and noticed the silhouette of a bird flying in the sky. Spike shrugged and again tried to comment but again the screech sounded, but this time it sounded closer. Spike looked up again and noticed that the silhouette was much larger then before, but it still was only the size of an eagle. This time Spike was going to comment but was stopped again by the sound of a massively large thud coming from behind him. Spike sighed and looked to see a scared Big Mac. "Let me guess, there's something behind me?" Said Spike.

Mac nodded.

"How big is it?" Asked Spike.

"Very." Responded Mac.

Spike sighed. "Fuck you Fate, you whore." Said Spike as he turned around and looked at the massive bird creature behind him. There stood a Roc and it had a satisfied look in its eyes that were looking directly at Spike. But before Spike could do anything, the Roc lowered its head and in one fell swoop ate Spike in one bite. Mac was visibly scared for both his life and Spikes so he did the only thing he could think of, he tossed the ax with all of his strength at the Roc. The ax embedded itsself into the Roc's leg, making it cry out in pain, as blood started to trickle out of the wound. The Roc glared at Mac, not happy about the wound. It started to attack him with its beak and its one still good leg. But Mac was to quick for it and ran behind a tree to hide.

AJ and Celestia were working in the western fields when they first heard the Roc's screech, and like Mac and Spike, they just believed it to be a normal bird, but when the second screech was heard they both stopped working and became worried when they saw the massive bird creature quickly heading for the northern fields. Celestia used her magic and pulled AJ close to her, she teleported close to where the Roc was. Both AJ and Celestia arrived at the point when Mac was dodging the Roc's attack. Mac noticed the sudden appearance of his sister and the princess as he was dodging yet another attack from the Roc. Celestia noticed the absence of Spike and grew concerned. "Big Macintosh where is my son?" Asked Celestia in a rather dark tone, which everything in the area noticed, even the Roc as it had stopped its assault.

Mac pointed to the Roc. "It ate him."

Celestia quickly turned her head towards the scared Roc and slowly approached it. The Roc was terrified as it tried to use its wings and fly away from the overwhelming figure in front of it. But it stopped, not out of fear, or by Celestia's magic, it just stopped moving. The Roc wasn't dead, it stopped because it was confused, when it felt its beak being forced open. There inside of the Rocs mouth was Spike, using only one hand to force its jaw wide open, and to everyone's shock, he looked bored. Spike sighed, "How the hell are these things dangerous, I mean sure their stomachs are fireproof, but they are so weak." Said Spike in a annoyed tone. Spike then noticed that his mother and AJ were there. He smiled at them. "Oh, hey mom, hey AJ. When did you guys show up?" Asked Spike as he used his other hand to wave.

"Um....not long." Responded AJ

Spike nodded as he felt more force being applied to his hand, meaning that the Roc was trying to force it's mouth close. Spike became angry. "DO YOU MIND, I'M TRYING TO HAVE A CONVERSATION!" Yelled Spike, but it seemed to have no ground with the Roc as it still tried to shut his mouth. Spike looked at his mom and sighed. "Sorry mom, we'll talk in a moment, ok?" Asked Spike. But before Celestia could respond Spike jumped out of the Rocs mouth and landed in front of the Roc. Spike then looked at the large bird. "Two words, Breath. Mint." Said Spike insulting the Roc. Spike then looked at his mother and smiled. "Guess what, I found a treatment for itchy scales, it turns out its Roc saliva." Said Spike as he held in a fire burp, "But it doesn't help with the fire burps."

The Roc became furious at the fact that it was being ignored, after it was insulted by it's own meal, and by the fact that its meal was not in its stomach. The Roc used its wings and took flight as it seemingly flew away. Spike became very annoyed at the fact that the Roc just up and left. "Hey, get back here right now and try to eat me, its no fun if you just run away." Yelled Spike. Just as Spike turned around feeling dejected the Roc screeched again. Spike turned around again and noticed the roc dive bombing straight towards the group, but then the unexpected happened, instead of aiming for Spike, the Roc at the last second altered its course and aimed for AJ, and in a matter of seconds the Roc snatched AJ from where she was standing, now she was in the Roc's talons, as the Roc retreated with its concelation prize.

AJ was surprised. "What the hey, let go of me you varmint." Yelled AJ as she tried to force her way out of the Rocs grasp, but then she looked down and noticed that she was hundreds of feet in the air and every second the gap was getting bigger. "HELP." Screamed AJ.

Spike and Mac ran after the Roc in an attempt to catch up to the beast, as Celestia used her wings to fly towards the Roc. But even she has her limits and the Roc was abjectly faster then her.

"THATS IT!" Yelled Spike. "MOM YOU CATCH HER, I'M DONE BEING NICE, HE TOOK MY FRIEND AND NOW HE'S GOING TO PAY!!!".

Spike pulled out Blink who was annoyed. Blink started to buzz angerly but stopped mid buzz when he saw the look on Spikes face. Blink didn't like Spike's happy go lucky personality very much, but he loved seeing this side of Spike. Blink then climbed into the Sniper Wasp barrel waiting for instructions.

Spike pulled out his binoculars from his bag and pulled them to his face. "Blink, target: The massive pain in the ass bird, range: 300 meters and rising, wind speed is 7.6 mph south east, angle is currently 53 degrees and rising by one every minute, avoid the orange pony in targets grasp". Blink buzzed once. "Ready. Give him hell." Said Spike as he shot Blink.

Blink was flying through the air heading for the Roc. The last thing the Roc heard was the sound of something buzzing, then the Roc fell limp and lost control of its body as it took its last breath. The Roc's grip on AJ loosened enough for AJ to start free falling. "AWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW." Screamed AJ as she quickly started to fall and approach the ground. AJ Closed her eyes waiting for her death, but after the feeling of the air hitting her face had stopped, she opened them, she noticed that she had stopped falling and she was incased in a golden magical aura. AJ tuned her head and saw Celestia huffing in exhaustion as she tried her best to get AJ into her magics range.

Once AJ was safe she let out what she thought to be her last breath, as she just went limp from the adrenaline leaving her system. "Princess for the record I'm going to kick Spike in the ass for trying such a stupid stunt." Said AJ exhausted.

"As your Princess, I hear by give you a royal pardon for all the actions you will do in the next two hours. As Spikes mother, all I ask is make sure he doesn't ever attempt something this stupid again. I'm glad your safe." Said Celestia.

"You and me both." Said AJ as Celestia started to fly back to Spike and Big Mac.

When Celestia landed she placed AJ next to Spike. Spike looked relieved seeing that AJ was safe. Spike pulled AJ in to a hug. "Thank god your ok, it didn't hurt you did it?"

AJ returned the hug and shook her head. "No, I'm ok, a little out of it but I'm good, also I'll try to aim for the soft tissue so don't flinch." Said AJ as she broke the hug and quickly and very powerfully gave Spike a Apple Family Buck to the gut. Spike was sent flying for a moment and landed 100 feet away on his back.

Spike groaned but smiled, "Well I'm not dead, that's a plus, but I don't think I'll be trying to piss off this family anytime soon." Said Spike as he just stayed laying down. Celestia, AJ, and Mac walked over to Spike and gave him a glare. "Ok, I get it, no more stupid ideas, I'm sorry for scaring you AJ. We good?" Asked Spike holding out his hand.

AJ giggled and grabbed Spikes hand and pulled him up. "Yeah were good, Thanks for saving me."

"No problem, just glad to see your safe." Said Spike. Spike then looked in the direction of where the Roc landed and started to lick his lips. "Now if you'll excuse me, I got lunch plans." Said Spike as he started to walk to the Roc's body, but step by step he found it more difficult to move his legs. Spike looked down and noticed that his legs were slowly getting covered in a stone like substance. Spike became concerned as the scales on his feet turned to stone, his boots were getting torn to shreds. Spike quickly removed his crossbow, its mounting, and his backpack, dropping all of them before they were ruined as well.

Spike then found it difficult for him to move his tail. Spike turned to see most of his tail was incased in the stone. He tried to remove his poncho, to save it from meeting the same fate as his boots but it was in vain as the next part of Spikes body to get covered in stone were both his arms. The stone crept up his arms and cut the shoulders of the poncho making it fall to the ground. By now Spike found it very difficult to breathe as his chest and back slowly became incased in the stone. With one last massive inhale of air Spikes face was covered and in the place Spike was, now stood a jagged Spike shaped statue.

While this was all happening, Celestia, Mac, and AJ were just smiling, excited to see what Spike would look like after he finished molting. Moments later the stone statue of Spike began to crack, and in a massive flash of light stood Spike kneeling in a hole in the ground. Spike groaned. "Why do I feel like I just went ten rounds with Tirek?" Groaned Spike. The next thing Spike knew was he was tackled in the chest by a white mass and the sound of crying. "What happened? the last thing I remember was taking one last breath and then darkness."

Celestia giggled. "Look behind you."

Spike didn't know why he should, but followed what his mother asked him to do. Spike turned his head and instantly went silent. On his back, sat a pair of purple wings with green colored membrane. Spike started chuckling like a mad man. The chuckling turned to laughing like a psychopath, and then it changed to one of insanity, as Spike fell to his back. Celestia became concerned and thought 'Did I tackle him to hard and knock a screw lose'.

A few moments later Spike stopped laughing like the Mane-iac and stood up. Everyone got a good look at Spikes new additions, folded in, Spikes wings reached down past his knees and were just slightly wider then his shoulders. Out of natural instinct, Spike tried to unfurl his wings, and after some slight difficulty, he was able to display his full wing span. From the tip of his wings to where it attached to Spikes back, measured slightly longer than Spike was tall, minus his head crest.

Spike then started to flap his new wings, he slowly sped up his flapping, then he got faster, then faster, until he got off the ground. Spike looked down and smiled at the fact he was flying. Then he did something stupid. Spike was not thinking clearly as he flew up into the sky and at a speed only Rainbow Dash would find slow, sped straight for Ponyville.

AJ leaned over to Celestia and asked. "Princess should we stop him?"

Celestia giggled. "No, let him enjoy himself, to dragons, their first flight is a right of passage, and it shows the dragon the pit falls of not listening on how to fly or land." Celestia then noticed that all of Spikes gear was still on the ground and she used her magic to levitate all of the gear behind her. But instead of following Spike, she made her way to the dead Roc to save it from being eaten by any other predators, as well as to recover Blink.

Spike was enjoying his first time flying as he approached Ponyville. "I finally understand why Dash loves flying." Cheered Spike as he reached the edge of town.

It was nearly 1 pm and the whole town was enjoying a peaceful day. Spike was just running on instinct as he was thinking and didn't notice that sitting on a cloud was a specific prismatic maned mare with her jaw dropped at the sight before her. Spike passed the mare and continued to fly around the town. RD blinked slowly in shock and then in true Rainbow fashion shrugged it off, assumed she was still dreaming and returned to her dream nap.

Spike was approaching the castle, but instead of opening the door to the castle, he decided to surprise Twilight and Starlight, who no doubt were in either the library or in Twilights study, practicing new spells. Spike decided to try the library first. Spike flew to the other side of the castle and dropped down a few levels, there he arrived at the window to the library and knocked on the window. After a few moments of nothing happening, Spike decided to fly up to Twilights study and repeated the same process. Spike heard two groans imamate from inside the room. "Rainbow Dash what do you need, me and Starli- SPIKE!" Yelled Twilight in shock as she became frozen.

Spike Laughed at the frozen mare. "Do I have a story to tell you, head to the farm and I'll explain everything." Spike then looked into the room and noticed that Starlight was in just as much shock as her teacher. Spike sighed, flew into the room, grabbed a couple of scroll and started to write a note for Twilight. 'Twilight when you come to, head the farm and gather the rest of the girls, P.S. Don't ruin the surprise. Love your new and improved not so little anymore, fully adult dragon of a brother, Spike.' and to make sure she gets the message, he uses her horn to spear the message to her head, taking special care not to damage the message. Spike took one last look at the still out of it mares and laughed, he started to feel the strain on his untrained wings, so he headed back to the farm, ready to enjoy his quarry for lunch.

Spike returned to the farm and noticed that his mother was carrying all of his none destroyed gear and a massive pile of feathers. Spike figured that his mother was kind enough to bring back the Roc so he could eat. As Spike approached something began to bother him. "I feel like I'm forgetting something important, I told Twilight to gather the girls, mom got the Roc and that means Blink was recovered, I'm getting tired and could go for some of that sweet apple cider, but I need to land." Said Spike to himself.

3 seconds later.

"Oh Fuck." Said Spike as it dawned on him the fact that he was going to crash. Spike looked up to the heavens and screamed. "FUCK YOU FATE, YOU MASSIVE WHORE!"

Then a voice spoke back to Spike. "You know what, this ones on you for not waiting to learn how to land. Also tell Discord that he still owes me a dinner for resolving the 'Jackalope incident'." Said Fate.

Spike was shocked to find out that Fate was a real being. "Wait your real?"

"Of course I'm real, also I don't like being called a whore by a specific dragon, but I'll admit your coin rarely lands on the good side."

"Wait, what coin?"

"Um... forget what I said, Oh look the ground, have fun Spike and welcome to the family." Said Fate as her voice stopped.

But before Spike could process what just happened he began to eat dirt upon impact.

A few moments later Spike groaned in slight pain from the impact as he had to dig his way out of the crater. Once his head was above ground Spike noticed his mother looking at him in amusement. "Did you have a fun first fly?"

Spike got to his feet and used his claws to wipe away the dirt on his body. Once all the dirt was off of his body Spike looked at his mother and smiled like it was heartswarming morning and he got the present he has always wanted. "Mom, did you see me, I finally flew in the sky." Said Spike very giddy.

Celestia smiled at Spike's excitement, it was the same as when he sent his first intact letter to her when he was 3 years old. She was so proud of him and that smile was the greatest gift she had ever received. Celestia giggled, "Yes I did, you were doing so great at least until the words "Fuck you, and massive whore" part, also would you kindly stop calling her a whore."

"Wait you know her?"

Celestia giggled. "Of course, we play bridge every third Tuesday of the year, she brings the tea cakes and I bring the skill she doesn't have." Giggled Celestia but then a sudden apple landed on her horn with a message attached to it. Celestia used her magic and pulled the cored apple off her horn, she read the message. 'To C. Just for that your in charge of the cakes, PS. Tell Spike to duck in five seconds he got the good side of the coin.' Celestia looked at her son. "Duck in five seconds." Said Celestia.

Spike was confused but counted to five and then ducked to the ground. Thanks to Fate, Spike missed the combination tackle from Pinky and RD. Spike lifted his head and looked at the smiling pink mare with stars in her eyes and the stars orbiting the head of a certain prismatic mare who just headbutted a solid wood tree. "Really dear, did you have to do that, Spikey just had his first crash and you two thought it would be appropriate for him to have another one." sighed Rarity as she walked up to the downed dragon. She then bent down to looked at Spike. " And you!" Said Rarity sternly.

Spike figured it was safe and got to his feet again and looked at Rarity. "What did I do?"

"You didn't think of mentioning that you were going to molt, now I need to take your wings into account." Said Rarity as she used her magic to take measurements of Spikes new wings so she can change his order. A few moments later and a few words of muttering numbers Rarity rolled up her measuring tape and teleported it back to her shop. "Now that that is finished might I say, you look dazzling with wings."

Spike blushed as he scratched the back of his head. "Thanks Rares, also I had no idea this was going to be my day. So you got my message from Twi."

Rarity nodded. But then Spike was glomped to the ground by a yellow blur. Spike looked at the thing that glomped him and saw Fluttershy smiling at him. "Spike you have wings!" Said Fluttershy.

Just then another apple landed on Celestia's horn with another message. 'PPS. He's about to be tackled by a yellow mare, but he will be fine, his coin landed on the rim.'

Everyone looked at the random event in confusion, even Pinkie was confused. Take that news as you will.

Spike then returned his attention to the yellow mare still hugging him. Spike tapped Fluttershys head and she released him. For a third time Spike got to his feet and wiped away the dirt. Just then a apple dropped into Spikes hand with a message. 'Spike tell C that I'll see her in three weeks. PS your going to want to take a few steps to the right.' Spike took a few steps to the right and almost immediately was grateful for the advice as both Twilight and Starlight teleported in the exact spot.

Spike smiled as he looked at his sister. "So you got my message I see."

Twilight nodded and then she used her magic and pulled Spike into a hug as she started to cry in joy. "You got wings, I'm so proud of you, I can't begin to imagen how happy you are right now." Just then Spikes stomach started to growl in hunger. Twilight giggled, "But at least I can imagen what you want right now."

Spike then looked at Celestia who was still holding all of Spikes gear and prey in her magic. "Hey mom can I get my gear back?"

"Of course." Said Celestia as she levitated her sons equipment over to him. As he reattached his crossbow to his arm and returned his back pack to his back, being mindful of his new wings.

"Thank you, now unless you want to see some shit, I would go back to the farm house and wait for me there. I'm also going to need that barrel of cider I was promised, and Twilight can you poof me up a metal pole about 50 feet long?"

It took a moment but everyone figured out what he was going to do. "You don't have to worry about us Spike, not all of the dragons that came with Ember were strictly gem eaters, don't get me wrong it's not like we're used to the sight of a roasted chicken, but we've seen it enough that we can stomach the 'process' of preparing meat." Said Twilight.

"Besides, I don't know how many times I have had to cook meat for some of my carnivorous animals. Its just natures way." Said Fluttershy.

"Wow, so your all cool if I cook this thing back at the farm?" Asked Spike.

Everyone nodded.

Once Spike and the others arrived back at the farm he was greeted by Granny Smith who looked slightly crossed with Spike. Suddenly a apple dropped on the ground right in front of Spike. 'This is your last free notice, you got the bad side on this toss, your going to need some ice.'

Spike sighed and looked at the heavens and yelled. "FIX MY COIN, NO ONE IS THIS UNLUCKY!"

Suddenly two apples dropped from the heavens. The first said 'No.' As the other said 'Yes there is, his name is Trouble Shoes'. Spike dropped the apples and let destiny take its course, before it did he uttered a new phrase. "FUCK YOU MURPHY, AND YOUR LAW". Spike was then pelted in the back of the head by a cream pie.

"Don't insult her husband, its not his fault." Said Pinkie. This earned her an apple note. 'Thanks.' it read.

"Wait she has a husband, and his name is Murphy?"

"Yes, lovely being, horrible luck seems to follow him like no other though, so I don't get to see him often." Added Celestia.

Spike sighed, as he thought "Can I just say, fuck you Fate."

Suddenly an apple. 'Yes you can, I can live with that, I know you don't really mean what you say though.'

Spike smiled. "Fuck you Fate." Said Spike and then he proceeded to get his ear fin pulled by the ancient mare and a ear full about endangering her family.

One bag of ice later.

Spike had gathering wood for the fire, both Twilight and Starlight were combining their magic so they could create a spit and forks, that could support the Roc's weight. After years of hosting carnivores in the castle, it was bound to happen that Celestia would see how to de-feather the beast. Applejack proceeded to hall up a barrel of Apple Family cider from the cellar. Pinky Pie was setting the massive apple family party table for the meal, she somehow pulled out a giant serving platter out of nowhere, for when the beast was cooked. Rarity was gathering some herbs and spices at Spikes request, to at least flavor the meat. Fluttershy was disposing of the organs, sayin she can use them as ingredients in some of her animals food. Once Spike finished gathering enough wood for the fire, he used his claws to remove the Roc's beak and both it's feet, he decided to give them both to Zecora later, so she could use them in her potions.

Once everything was ready, everyone turned away from Spike, who was skewering the Roc, as the sound of flesh and bone snapping was very loud. A few moments later Spike used all of his strength and lifted the ready bird on to the forks and allowed it to cook. Twilight then used her magic on the spit, so it would rotate at a constant speed, until the Roc was cooked fully.

They sat down at the table and talked for a while until something dawned on Spike. He looked at Twilight. "Hey Twi, did you remember to get a hold of Sunset today?"

Twilight nodded. "I did, she's happy to know that your all right, apparently I caught her at a bad time. But she wrote she wanted to see us soon, so once we get back from the Crystal Empire, we will be making a trip over to the human world." Smiled Twilight.

Spike shrugged. "Ok, at least this time its planned. I do wonder what I will look like as a dog now." Said Spike.

"No clue." shrugged Twilight. "But I doubt your still going to be the same little dog, like last time."

"God I hope your right."

A few more hours of talking amongst themselves, the sound of a few new voices that were arguing sounded from the sky. "Remind me again why I have to come to this nammby pammby pony town." Said a very familiar voice.

"For a few reasons. 1, there is someone I would like you to meet, 2, it looks good on me for having a knucklehead like you trying to accept pony culture, and 3, they have Roc meat. I don't know how they captured one or why, but like hell I'm passing on this once in a life time chance to have it, so shut up or do I have to punish you?" Said another very familiar voice.

"Fine, but I want a taste of that meat."

"Fine."

Spike looked up and smiled at the sight of Dragon lord Ember, and almost immediately became annoyed at the dragon next to her. Garble. Then Spike got an idea. He turned to his mother and gave her a pleading look, "Mom, can I roar this one time just to scare that ass hole up there, it's Garble."

Celestia looked at all the ponies who have had previous experiences with Garble, she became shocked when all of them nodded their heads rapidly. "God he must be a pain, even Twilight is saying yes."

"HEY!" Yelled Twilight. "But yeah, that's the dragon who bullied Spike about living with ponies."

"Oh, so that's him." Said Celestia glaring death at Garble.

Celestia nodded at Spike, giving him the go ahead.

Spike smirked and stood up from the table and inhaled a massive amount of air and roared a bone chilling new roar, thanks to the effects of the molt.

And the desired effect happened. Both of them lost their cool and one began to cry in fear of being eaten alive. "Please, I'm sorry Dragon Lord Ember, I promise to turn my life around, just please don't let what ever that was eat me." cried Garble as he hid behind Ember.

At this point Spike lost his shit and began laughing his ass off, this caught the attention of the two dragons in the sky. They looked down and then one of them became very angry. (guess who?)

"So it was you, who do you think you are, laughing at one of the strongest dragons in the dragon lands?" Said Garble.

Ember just facepalmed at the stupidity of her companion. "I wouldn't do that if I were you Garble. Look at him, look at all those scars on his body, that dragon has seen some things, and as much as I would love to see you beaten into a bloody pulp, I know your sister Smolder would hate to lose her brother."

Garble chuckled stupidly. "What him, but he is so weak, I could take him out in a few seconds, max." Boasted Garble.

Ember sighed as she 'tried' her best to convince him to not start a fight. "Fine what ever." Said Ember as she and Garble landed near the table. Ember then noticed the extra special guest at the table and smirked even harder knowing the looks Garble was getting. "Greetings Princess Celestia, Princess Twilight." Bowed Ember.

"Greetings Dragon Lord Ember. Thank you for accepting my invitation, today is truly a special day that deserves to be enjoyed by friends and family."

"Not a problem, but the invitation was very vague on the details, is today a random pony holiday, and how did you capture a Roc this massive, even full grown dragons have problems getting one half this size." Asked Ember.

Celestia then pointed at Spike. Ember noticed Spikes new wings and became shocked. "So he..."

"Yep"

"Then the Roc was..."

"Yep"

"So Garbles..."

"Probably."

Ember shrugged. "Dibbs on the leg." Said Ember as she sat at the table and just watched the show.

Garble Stomped up to Spike completely unaware of who he is. "How Dare You laugh at me, Garble, king of the hoard for three years. Who are you, are you one of those dragons who decided to live like those weak, squishy, nammby pammby ponies. You are aren't you, just like that poor excuse of a dragon, Spike. What a waste of scales."

Everyone became shocked at what Garble just said as Celestia was doing everything in her power not to storm over to Garble and show him a mothers wrath.

"Oh, I'm spike, I care about ponies, Princess Celestia is not a nammby pammby pony princess." Mocked Garble doing an impression of Spike. "You know what I think, That mistake was hatched, raised, and became just another, worthless weak pony and I'm glad I don't have to hear anymore of his crap about friendship or ponies." Ranted Garble.

By this point Celestia was using the force of the suns gravity to keep her still. But then everyone felt a sudden chill run up their spines. Celestia and everyone else became worried.

Spike laughed a dark laugh. "So you think ponies are weak?"

"Yeah, so what, all ponies in this waste of a country are." Said Garble.

"Is that so." Said Spike as he let his wings unfurl. Spike looked Garble in the eyes and smirked. Spike then grabbed Garble by the throat and lifted him off the ground slowly choking him. "I'll let you in a very important secret Garble. One I'm sure you are to stupid to of figure out on your own, so hears a hit, who stopped you from killing a poor defenseless phoenix egg, who stopped you from becoming dragon lord and starting a war with ponies, and who is currently waiting for the moment they can beat you to a bloody pulp, that's who I am."

"Sp-Spike?" Choked Garble.

"Right in one. Now here's your prize." Said Spike as he released Garble and dropped him to the ground. Spike then bent down and looked Garble in the eyes. "I'm not the same little Spike that you knew, I have died on a few occasions, I have been shot, blown up, electrocuted, drowned, and poisoned, and do you know how many people lived to tell the tail?"

Garble shook his head. "One, and your looking at him. So unless you want to see my angry side, I suggest you lose that bravado of yours, shut up, enjoy the Roc I killed, and prey to what ever god you believe in that my mother can hold back from using the power of the sun to boil your insides, do I make myself clear?"

Garble nodded. Spike Smiled and returned to his happy self. "Good, now let me help you up." Said Spike as he easily picked Garble off the ground and on to his feet.

Spike walked back to the table and sat back at his seat, as he was getting nervous looks directed at him. "What?"

"Spike?"

"Yes. Who else would I be?"

"Mal."

"Oh, no no no no. If that was Mal, at the very least Garble would of had his wings torn off, and all of his limbs would be broken."

"Um, I know I'm really out of the loop right now but who's Mal?" Asked Ember.

"Oh, Mal is a manifestation of all the things I despise about being a dragon, greed, aggression, jealousy, that sorta thing. And don't worry, we have come to an understanding of sorts recently."

"What kind of understanding, and when did this happen?" Asked Twilight.

"I talked with him when I was covered in the stone like shell when I molted, as for what we agreed upon its simple, I stay in control until everyone I love is dead, but when I need to I can call in some help from him, and in exchange I stop throwing him back and he gets to reside on the surface of my mind."

"And what happens when we all die?" Asked Rarity.

"Aw, that's were your first mistake lies. I never said you all, I said when everyone I love is dead. Aside from being a dragon who would normally live for tens of thousand of years. I have a mother and aunt who are near immortal, or at least for hundreds of thousands of years, plus this time next century I will become immortal seeing as I'm the assistant god of chaos. And you all know me, I will always have some one that I love. May they be family or friends." Said Spike.

Suddenly the chill returned, and everyone looked at Spike scared. "And I'm now regretting making that deal." Said Mal. Mal then looked at Celestia. "Hello Mother, its good to see you again."

"So your Mal?"

"Yes, it feels good to actually talk again, also can you drop that stink eye your giving me, Spike is still in the driver seat, he's just letting me give out directions right now. See."

"Hi mom, I am still in control, Mal just has some things he want's to say to everyone first." Said Spike.

"Yes, I do." Said Mal.

"So what do you want to say, the Roc is almost finished." Said Celestia upset.

"Well first off, could you be a lamb and retrieve our dear auntie for us. As you said, today is a special day for family to gather and celebrate."

"Er very well." Said Celestia reluctantly, she powered up her horn and teleported Luna to the party.

Luna appeared in one of the free seats but was unaware of where she was as she had her eyes closed half asleep. "For the last time Blueblood I will not make it Illegal for any non ponies to enter the castle." said Luna as she opened her eyes expecting to see her spoiled nephew for some reason. But then she became embarrassed when she noticed that she was no longer in the throne room. "Um?"

"I see Blueprick is still as speciesist as ever." Said Mal.

Luna looked down and nodded. "He thinks now that Tia is not sitting in the throne during the day, he has some power, and I keep telling him to shut up." Said Luna as she looked at Spike but the moment She looked she got a chill down her spine. She narrowed her eyes and with much venom and anger talked. "MAL, RELEASE YOUR HOLD ON SPIKE THIS INSTINT!" Yelled Luna in anger.

Mal laughed slightly humored. "Really Auntie Woona. No Hi Mal, just straight to threats."

"I SAID RELEASE HIM, NOW!"

"Spike, calm her down."

"Fine, Aunt Luna I'm in control permanently, all he can do is speak, so hear him out." Said Spike.

Luna huffed but nodded. "Fine but if I feel like he's trying to take control, I'm going in."

"Thank you, as I was saying, Aunt Luna if you would kindly look at Spikes back, you'll see a certain set of wings." Said Mal.

Reluctantly Luna moved from her seat and walked to Spikes side and looked at his wings and gasped in shock. "Oh my god." Said Luna as she pulled Spike into a hug.

"Yeah. Big shock to me this morning." Said Spike as he flexed his wings to show them off.

"Yes, yes, Spike has wings, now can I talk?" Asked Mal.

Luna released Spikes body and returned to her seat very warry of Mal.

Mal looked at the confused Ember and Garble. "Yes, I'm not the same Spike as you have known for a while, but we are unsure of my existence. I believe I am the manifestation of what a true dragon is and what Spike denies." Said Mal.

"While I believe Mal started out as a mixture of jealousy and greed, but slowly grew to include anger and other such emotions." Said Spike.

"So I would like to know, where do I come in to all of this?"

Ember scratched her head trying to think about this. "Um, when was the first time you became sentient?" Asked Ember.

"I was always sentient but I didn't surface and gain control until shortly after our first birthday, then I stayed in control for a year or so, but then Spike regained control. Why?"

Ember sighed as Garble laughed. Mal gave Garble a death glare. "Garble, we came to an understanding, but there is one exception that will let me pummel you to a pulp, and your getting really close to it, so shut up."

Garble shut his mouth so fast and so hard it almost sounded like he broke his jaw.

"MAL!" Yelled Spike.

Mal groaned. "Fine."

"Wow, it's pretty bad." Said Ember.

"And what is so bad?"

"Normally a dragon whelp will go through the molt by its third year, and in that time the dragon has two different personalities, they make themselves present soon after they are hatched. During the molting process the dragon is taken into its mind and the two personalities try to gain control. Depending on who wins, determines who is in control until death. I was victorious over my other half, preferring to talk and be nice."

"While I won thanks to my strength." Said Garble proud.

"Yes. That is what happens during the molt, its not just a physical change its a mental one as well. But the both of you have slowly become your own entities. Spikes warm and kind nature, and Mal's cold and stronger mindset. There have been a few cases of dragons with two personalities coming to an agreement and working together, and it looks like your one of them now."

Both Mal and Spike groaned as Mal guessed. "But...."

"But it would normally end in the merge of the two personalities, and the fact that you are able to speak at all, is in a word, unnatural."

Mal looked depressed at hearing this and sighed. "I'm going to bed, wake me up when I get my turn." Said Mal as he left Spike in control.

"Mal." Said Spike as he looked concerned.

Spike looked at Ember a little angry. "Really the best word was unnatural?"

Ember slowly nodded. "Yes, when a case like yours happens, the two personalities merge, as the two work together as one, but since you didn't go through the molt until now, and after over two decades, Mal has become so much more than a half of you, he's his own dragon, so much so that he is unable to merge with you fully. But in your true fashion, you were able to still come to an agreement. So while it maybe unnatural, its not a bad thing."

Spike sighed. "Give me a moment." Said Spike as he retreated back into his mind.

Ember looked at the glassy eyed Spike and then looked to Luna. "Did you teach him how to do that?"

Luna nodded sheepishly. "Yes, its something that both me and Tia use to focus on other things while listening to the stupid request of the nobles."

Celestia face palmed.

Inside Spikes mind. Spike was talking to Mal, trying to explain what Ember meant when she called him unnatural. "Please Mal, come back." Said Spike as he tried to push Mal out of a mind bed.

Mal groaned. "No, I don't want to. You got your wish, as it turns out I shouldn't exist."

Spike groaned. "No, I wanted you to come around to see my way of seeing the world." Spike then smirked. "And you did, do you think I didn't notice that it was you who shouted out when AJ got taken by the Roc?"

"I did not."

"Yes you did, somewhere deep down in that moody heart of yours you actually care about Mom, Luna, Twilight and everyone else."

"No, they are my treasures and nothing takes my treasures, they are mine." Screamed Mal, but then he covered his mouth.

Spike smirked. "You don't care, sure."

Mal groaned. "Fine, I'll get up but I want to punch Garble for laughing at us."

"Fine." Said Spike.

Spike returned to the real world smiling. "I'm Back."

"Is Mal ok?" Asked Fluttershy.

"He is, he just took being called unnatural the wrong way." Spike then looked at Ember. "Also he wants to punch Garble." Garble gulped.

Ember sighed but she nodded, she then used the power of the Bloodstone scepter to force Garble to stay still. Spike looked at Garble as Mal took control of one of Spikes arms. Spike looked at Garble and had a sympathetic look. "Sorry He's not happy about you laughing at him earlier, I'll aim for the non vital organs, ok?"

But before Garble could respond he was punched hard in the stomach, Garble dropped to the ground, groaning in pain. Spike sighed as he returned to his seat. "Sorry about that, I'm going to let Mal speak now."

"Thank you, Ember I understand what you meant now, but I do not like to be called unnatural, its very insulting."

Ember nodded as she looked down. "Sorry."

"It's fine, but lets get back on track. The next thing I want to talk about is the idea of going to therapy for us, mom and Luna."

"And why is that?" Asked Luna.

"Because I believe you two are similar to both me and Spike. Two personalities, one mind, think of what we could do if Luna was able to harness the power of Nightmare, or if you could control Day Breakers strength, we could rule this... No sorry old habits and all... think of the good we could do, no more having to fear our enemies, able to protect my treasures from anyone." Said Mal.

"Treasures?" asked everyone.

"Yes, Mal sees everyone hear as his treasures, and a dragon lives for his treasures." Said Spike.

"Shut up." Yelled Mal

Everyone laughed.

Once the laughing died down Mal continued. "So what do you say, want to try and come to an understanding with Day and Night?" asked Mal.

Celestia and Luna looked at each other in concern, but then nodded in agreement. "Yes, It would be for the best." Said Celestia.

"But what if they take control?" asked Luna.

"Don't worry, If you can project all six of us into our mind scape, me and Spike can 'persuade' them into talking it out and not trying to take control." Said Mal.

"Very well." Said Luna.

Just then Twilights horn started to buzz and glow. Everyone looked at Twilight and cocked an eyebrow. Twilight chuckled sheepishly at all the attention. "Its a timer spell, the Roc's finished."

"IT IS!?" Shouted Spike, Mal, Ember and Garble who then groaned in pain.

Suddenly a new voice entered the conversation. "Good, I was wondering when that there oversized chicken was going to be done." Everyone looked in the direction of the voice and noticed that Granny Smith was standing there and next to her was Big Mac, Sugar Belle, and Applebloom. "Cause I just made a feast fit for a royal banquet and unless everyone is going to eat that oversized piece of family snatching bird I suggest we enjoy." Said Granny as she and the rest of the apple family carried over mountains of food. Mac then started to distribute the apple cider. Once everyone was seated with their food on their plates Celestia started to toast.

"To Spike."

"To Spike!" Repeated everyone as they all took a swig of their drinks, and started to eat.

A few hours later everyone was sitting around the table and enjoying each others company. Then Granny Smith gave Spike a glare, she walked over to him and tapped his shoulder. "Spike?"

Spike looked at the old mare and smiled. "What do you need Granny?"

"I want you to fulfil your promise you made earlier, and I ain't leaving until I see them critters you consider family, cause to me, their my family too." Said Granny.

Spike sighed but nodded. "Give me a moment." Said Spike as he got up from his seat and walked away from the gathered group. Spike looked back at Mac and AJ and gave them both a look saying 'Don't let her die.'

They both nodded as everyone watched Spike pull out four tubes from under his wrist strap and place them on the ground. Spike then pulled out another four tubes and held them in his hand, bending down Spike picked up the first four tubes and placed them all in between his fingers. Once they were all set Spike used the tubes to press the release buttons.

Soon the skies of the farm were covered in four massive groups of flying creatures and on the ground were four more groups, as one by one all of the heads took their position on Spikes body. Spike gave a chuckle and looked at the shocked expressions on Granny, Mac, Sugar, Garble, and Ember. "Everyone, Say hi."

"Hi" said Granny as she fell to the side. Spike sighed and walked over to the old mare. Spike then grabbed Sparkes from his shoulder.

"Sparks we have a code blue, give me 200 joules." Sparks nodded as he started to buzzing. Suddenly an apple lands of Celestia's horn.

Celestia sighed and pulled the apple off her horn and began to read the message. 'Get some water, the old mare will be fine, also I like this method of sending messages, its fun.'

Celestia used her magic to get a cup of water for Granny, as Spike placed Sparkes on Granny's chest and removed his hand. "Clear." Sparks shocked the mare.

Granny's eyes shot wide open and she gasped into life. Granny looked at Sparks still on her chest and took a deep breath. "Thanks little feller. I wasn't ready to see my hubby yet, but at least Honey Crisp is doing good, thanks for bringing me back." Said Granny as she pat Sparkes head.

Spike laughed. "Yeah, I know what you mean, my parents were shocked to find out that I was dead." Said Spike.

Everyone gave him shocked looks at what he just said. Celestia walked over to Spike and placed both of her arms around Spike, pulling him into a hug, as she cried.

"Um...Mom are you ok?"

"I'm the one who should be asking you that, you just told us that you met your parents after you died."

"Um...Yeah, so what?" Asked Spike like it was nothing.

"That means their dead."

"Yeah, kinda figured that out when I was shot in the chest and died for a few moments. Lovely dragons by the way, turns out I have my mothers eyes and my fathers looks."

Celestia pulled away from Spike and looked at him. "How are you ok with this?"

Spike shrugged. "Like I said earlier, I have died on multiple occasions, some for a few moments, others for a few minutes, I have gotten to know them over the years."

"How many times?"

"9 times if you count the chest shot. 1 from being electrocuted, 1 from poison, 5 from blood loss, and 2 from drowning."

Celestia passed out, as her magic dropped the cup of water and it landed on her waking her up. "How are you still alive?"

"That would be my doing to a certain degree, mother. You see I can not live without Spike so when he's in one of those situations I might of given him a couple of improvements to make sure of our survival. Stronger immune system to fight off the poison, slowed the blood flow of our body to allow for clotting, and tapping into our dragon biology and giving him gills."

"WAIT, GILLS?" Screamed Ember and Garble.

"Yes Gills. Can't all dragons do that?" Asked Mal.

Garble shook his head and then looked at Ember. "We cant do that can we?"

Ember shook her head. "Normal dragons can't, but as the dragon lord, I can control the powers of the Bloodstone Scepter, and take on attributes of each kind of dragon, but from what Father told me, it takes years for dragon lords to develop that much control, and that's with constant training and letting its power flow into its holder. There is no way Spike or Mal could do that. Unless..." Ember then looked at Mal. "Mal I need to know did Spike ever get the name of your parents?"

"Yes, our mothers name was Tia, or at least that's what our father called her, but our fathers name is Bahamut."

Suddenly Celestia's, Luna's, Ember's, Twilight's, and Garble's jaws dropped, as another apple dropped from the heavens and landed in front of Pinkie Pie. 'Cover your ears!'. Pinkie covered her ears and it was followed by everyone else.

"WHAT?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" Yelled all the alicorns and dragons.

Mal groaned from the headache and swapped out with Spike. "So I'm guessing their important, dad did say that dragon lord Torch was a blow hard and that the current dragon lord was doing much better, but I don't know what he was talking about."

Ember gasped in excitement. "Oh my god, King Bahamut thinks I am doing a great job."

"Wait, King Bahamut?" asked Spike.

Ember gasped again. "You don't know about Bahamut?"

Spike shook his head. "Still a dragon raised by ponies, kinda missed out on the whole cultural exchange, would someone like to fill me in please?"

Ember walked over to Spike and pointed the Bloodstone at Spike and showed him the history of the powerful gem, as she narrated. "Long ago before Celestia and Luna, there were four all powerful beings that rules this world. Grogar the evil necromancer, Lilith, your grandmother, Bahamut king of all dragons, and your mother Tiamat if I'm to assume that was who you saw next to Bahamut. At first all four lived in a understandable conflict, but over time Grogar craved more and more power, he started to attack the others land and add to his kingdom. So it was decided by Lilith, and your parents that Grogar needed to go. After much planning and preparation they had a plan to banish Grogar to a limbo dimension, but they would need items of great power to act as anchors to keep Grogar in his prison. Lilith had received six items from a old stallion named Starswirl, that he called the elements of harmony. King Bahamut used his blood and the power of the worlds volcanos to create the Bloodstone that is before you, and Tiamat's Item was lost to the winds, some say its a mask, others say she created a creature of godly ability's that can control the powers of the known universe, but the truth is that it was an egg, hers and Bahamut's child, you. But before the battle was to happen Grogar stole your egg and hid it to the corners of the world. But what Grogar didn't know, was that was going to be his final act of evil, as once Grogar was banished the anchors would receive their powers, or if the worst happened, and for your mother it did. Tiamat was furious at Grogar for taking your egg that she was not thinking and she was killed. Bahamut seeing his mate laying dead, activated a dragons true power, as Bahamut transformed into what most dragons know him as today, a massive golden scaled dragon with powerful wings able to slice through mountains. With the help of Lilith, Bahamut was able to banish Grogar to his prison, powering both the Bloodstone and the Elements of harmony. After the battle Bahamut spent the next 3 thousand years searching for his son, but he had no luck and returned to the dragon lands and became the first dragon lord until it was his time to join Tiamat, while Lilith settled down and gave birth to both Celestia and Luna before it was her time as well. But in legend it was foretold that one day the missing egg would be hatched and protect this world from those who wish to harm its people." Said Ember as she moved the Bloodstone.

"Wow, that's a lot to take in." Said Spike a little shocked to finally find out about his parents and his egg.

"Wait then how did Celestia's school get Spikes egg?" Asked Twilight.

Ember shrugged. "Don't ask me, the scepter is only ingrained with the memories of Bahamut."

Twilight looked to Celestia. "Truthfully I have no idea who donated Spike to the school or where they found it, and honestly I don't care. I love Spike and finding out that he is older than me will never change the fact that he is my little ball of fire."

Spike laughed. "Now my life makes so much more sense. The tree of harmony giving me a throne, the weird powers Mal talked about, and my dad telling me a lot about the scepter, it all makes sense now."

AJ walked over to him and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Your taking this a lot better then I thought you would."

"Oh no, I'm about to pass out from everything that happened today." Spike looked at Celestia. "Mom your in charge of making sure I don't die in my sleep from exhaustion."

"Of course, I'll also get place you in your bed when we are done here." Said Celestia.

"Thank you mom." Said Spike as he looked at Twilight. "Twi, I want you to make sure everyone behaves themselves and the introductions go smoothly."

"On it, get some rest Spike."

Spike then looked at Granny Smith and frowned. "Granny, I'm sorry I won't be able to give proper introductions, its been a certain kinda day."

Granny gave Spike a warm smile. "Think nothin of it Spike, all I did today was have a mild heart attack, you have molted, been eaten by a Roc, got revenge on your child hood bully, crashed, gotten a talking to, tackled at least 3 times, prepared a giant bird, saved my grand daughter, found out about your past and came to an understanding with yourself, and you've been up since sun rise, we Apples pride ourselves on our stamina and our apples, but not even we can out last a dragon, and not even they can out last you, now get some rest."

Spike then looked at the large mass of creatures looking worried at him. "And Everyone, don't let Alvin say one word, I don't think even a chipunkz can survive a buck from an Apple."

"HEY!" Yelled Alvin.

Spike laughed. "Head back to the old castle when your all finished, I'll come by in the morning, we have some new type of training to start." Smiled Spike as he looked up to the heavens. "For once, thank you Fate."

Suddenly a Pillow fell from the sky, as a apple landed on Celestia's horn. 'Don't tell anyone, but I might of flipped his coin, the kid has had a day, and Spike has grown on me. You did a good job raising him C.'

"I didn't do this, it was all him." Said Celestia as she kissed Spikes forehead, she used her magic to place the pillow under his head, and sending the dragon to sleep.

Author's Note

So yeah, Spike is a lot more important then we thought.