Spike The Brony Dragon

I had tea as usual with Fluttershy one afternoon. Despite the frequency, I’d never tire of visiting my special somepony.

“Sure is a nice day today,” I said. “So what’s new with you, Fluttershy?”

“I’m glad you asked,” Fluttershy replied. “I just received a letter from my parents a few days ago. My dad is retiring from his job at the weather factory.”

“That’s good to hear.” I drank my tea. “More time to spend on his hobbies and family.”

“That actually brings me to my next point.” Fluttershy shifted in her chair. “I’m planning on visiting my parents this weekend for lunch, and I was thinking that you should come with me to meet them.”

I lowered my teacup. “Really? But…do they know about us?”

“I’ve told them before I was in a relationship with you, so yes. They’ve been wishing to meet you.”

“I don’t know, Fluttershy.” I traced the rim of the cup with my finger. “I’m a bit worried about what they’ll think of me. Of being a young dragon and whatnot.”

“Oh, Spike, you don’t need to worry. If I’m being honest, my parents were always relaxed about my decisions. They’ll happily support us being together.”

“If you say so.”

I knew that Fluttershy’s parents were pushovers, but I was worried that there were some things that they drew the line at. I hoped that this was not one of them.

I feel like that ogre who visited his wife’s royal parents.

When the weekend arrived, I donned a red bowtie, received a cloud-walking spell, purchased a bouquet of flowers, and hurried to Fluttershy’s cottage. I found Rainbow Dash with her, ready to leave.

“Hey, girls,” I greeted. “What brings you here, Rainbow Dash?”

“Fluttershy’s parents invited me, too,” Rainbow replied. “Uh, what’s with the bowtie and flowers?”

“Well…I am visiting Fluttershy’s parents for the first time after all. I want to make a good first impression.”

“It’s a casual lunch, not the Grand Galloping Gala. You’ve got nothing to worry about, Casanova.”

“That’s easy for you to say. You’re not the one who’s in a relationship with Fluttershy.”

I hopped on Fluttershy’s back, and the three of us flew to Cloudsdale. As my nerves calmed down, I realized this was when “Flutter Brutter” happened. In the show, Fluttershy’s brother, Zephyr Breeze, would show up acting like a freeloader. While he’s given various jobs, he loses them all due to his laziness and then lives in the forest. Then he reveals he’s afraid to try new things because he might fail. Thus, the girls would assure him failure shouldn’t prevent him from continuing his goals.

I hoped to convince Zephyr early that there’s nothing wrong with failure. Although, I first wanted to see how he would react to his big sister having a special somedragon.

We arrived at Fluttershy’s parents' home. I triple-checked that my bowtie was straight while Fluttershy knocked on the door. A cream-colored pegasus mare with a red, curly mane, teal glasses and a yellow pearl necklace answered the door. By her side was a light-green stallion with a light-pink mane and mustache and a blue, v-neck sweater. This was Fluttershy’s mother and father respectively.

“Oh, Fluttershy,” Mrs. Shy softly greeted as she and Mr. Shy hugged their daughter. “We’re so glad you could make it. You as well, Miss Dash.”

Dashie puffed up her chest. I got off Fluttershy’s back.

“Is this your special somedragon you mentioned, dear?” Mr. Shy asked, gesturing to me.

“He is.” Fluttershy nodded. “Mom. Dad. I’d like you to meet Spike. Spike, these are my parents.”

“I-it’s nice to meet you two,” I said as I held out a hand.

“Likewise.” Mr. Shy shook my hand. Mrs. Shy did the same.

“I brought these for you two.”

I handed them the bouquet of flowers. Fluttershy’s mother took them.

“Why thank you, Spike,” she said. “These are lovely. Why don’t you all come in?”

We entered the home. The rooms we trekked through had various decorations related to clouds or rainbows.

“Did Fluttershy ever tell you I was a gardener?” Mrs. Shy asked me.

“She mentioned it before,” I replied.

“Well, I can tell you that you’ve chosen the right kind of flowers. Daisies are always my favorite.”

I knew about Mrs. Shy being a gardener, but her favorite flowers were a lucky guess.

We sat at the table in the dining room. Mrs. Shy already brewed some tea for us.

“So, Spike, do you have a job?” Mr. Shy asked as his wife poured us a cup of tea.

“I wouldn’t call it a job, per se, but I am Twilight Sparkle’s assistant,” I replied.

“I heard she was a princess now,” Mrs. Shy said. “It must be a tough job.”

“It’s mostly about writing letters, finding books, and making sure she doesn’t get a heart attack when things aren’t in the right place.”

Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash giggled.

“Oh, speaking of jobs,” said Rainbow Dash, “I don’t know if Fluttershy told you or not, but I—”

“—just became a Wonderbolt,” Fluttershy’s parents concluded.

“I guess she did.”

“News travels pretty fast in Cloudsdale,” Mr. Shy pointed out.

Then how come Rainbow’s parents didn’t hear about it until Scootaloo mentioned it?

“Where do you live, Spike?” asked Mrs Shy.

“Well, I live in a castle with Twilight.” I took a sip of tea.

“Ooh, a castle. How luxurious,” said Mr. Shy.

Mrs. Shy added, “It would be a wonderful place for the children.”

I instantly choked on my tea!

“MOTHER!!” Fluttershy shouted. “Not this again!”

Rainbow’s snickers could be heard behind her double-hoof-covered mouth.

“Just a suggestion, sweetie,” Mrs. Shy said. “It’s not an immediate request.”

I wiped my face with a napkin. “I-it’s way too early for that.”

“Just something to consider for the distant future,” Mr. Shy said.

I don’t think it’s even biologically possible for ponies and dragons to have foals together. At least, the show never confirmed it.

“Anyway, the castle is located in Ponyville,” I said to immediately change the subject. “If you ever want to visit, it won’t be too hard to find.”

“I’m sure we’ll figure it out,” Mr. Shy said.

Fluttershy’s parents brought out the food, which consisted of vegetable platters, falafels, and a jello mold.

“We're so happy you could come have lunch with your father and me, Fluttershy,” said Mrs. Shy. “And for bringing your special somepony…or dragon with you.”

“I'm so glad you asked,” replied Fluttershy.

“I’m so gratified to be here,” I said.

“And it was super awesome of you to invite me too!” Rainbow added. “Things have been so busy with the Wonderbolts lately, it's great to get a chance to relax someplace quiet besides my home.”

“That's exactly what I intend to do now that I've retired,” said Mr. Shy. “In fact, I converted the back house to showcase my cloud collection.”

He pointed out the window to the small building filled with jars of clouds.

“Fascinating collection,” I said. “I bet each cloud has a story to tell.”

“Collecting clouds was always a hobby of mine. I can show you some after lunch…if you want to, that is.”

“Do you have any hobbies, Spike?” asked Mrs. Shy.

“I like to read mystery novels and listen to jazz music from time to time,” I responded. “I also like indulging in a few graphic novels and enacting idealistic scenarios with my friends.”

That’s one way to say I read comic books and play O&O for the last part.

“Such a classy dragon,” Fluttershy’s mother said. “I can see why Fluttershy started a relationship with you.”

“We all have our unique hobbies,” said Mr. Shy to her daughter. “I have my clouds, your mom has her flowers, you've got your animals, and your brother...”

“Zephyr Breeze has his...interests.”

“I'll say!” Rainbow snarked. “Remember when he was convinced square clouds were gonna be the next big thing?”

“I’m sorry, but who’s Zephyr Breeze?” I asked despite knowing already.

“She’s Fluttershy’s brother,” Mr. Shy replied. “She never told you?”

“No, she didn't.”

“Believe me, she did you a favor,” said RD under her breath.

“Is Zephyr really that bad?” I asked.

Awkward noises and averted eyes were what I got from the surrounding ponies.

“Really? What did he do? Did he get arrested for something?”

“Oh, nothing like that,” Mrs. Shy chuckled. “He’s just a little more…outgoing than usual. But don’t worry; he's matured a lot since then.”

Mr. Shy said, “Actually, it's funny we brought Zephyr up...”

Fluttershy gasped. “Oh, no! Not again!”

I pretend to look around awkwardly. “Uh, I’m not in the loop, guys. Can someone clue me in?”

“Zephyr is coming home again…just for a little while,” said Mrs. Shy. “'Til he gets back on his hooves.”

Rainbow widened her eyes. “Wait, you don't mean—!”

SLAM!!

The back door swung open, and entered a lanky stallion with a man-bun and five-o’clock shadow lugging a duffle bag. This was Zephyr Breeze.

“Guess who's home!” He announced. “That's right, big sis, it's your one and only favorite little brother: moi.”

The stallion threw his bag off. I quickly nabbed the jello mold just as the bag smacked onto the table.

“Hi, Flutterbutter! How's the bestest big sister ever?” Zephyr squeezed Fluttershy tightly. “Hey, where's the love? How about a little excitement to see your baby brother?”

Just like in the show, Fluttershy assumed Zephyr went away for mane therapy training, but he left early since the ponies didn’t like his own style. He even pulled out a hair mannequin with said style, and honestly it made Rarity’s remover-induced mane look like it belonged on the front page of a fashion magazine.

Zephyr flirted with Rainbow Dash a bit. The latter wasn’t amused.

“And whose pet lizard is this?” Zephyr pointed to me.

“Um, I’m a dragon, sir.” I cleared my throat. “My name is Spike. I’m Fluttershy’s special somedragon. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Zephyr stared at me as his optimism dropped. “You’re kidding, right? Fluttershy, are you feigning a relationship to get me jealous?”

“Excuse me?!” An offended Fluttershy asked.

Of course there’s that one disapproving in-law in every family.

“Their relationship is pretty much genuine, Zephyr,” Mr. Shy said.

“Seriously?” Zephyr asked. “Come on, Fluttershy. You can do better.”

“I’m still here, you know,” I pointed out.

“Zephyr, could you please come with me?” Fluttershy asked with her rage looming.

“Finally, some sibling-to-sibling talk,” Zephyr said enthusiastically. “Lead the way, sis.”

Fluttershy and Zephyr left the kitchen. I never thought I’d miss the awkward silence.

“So…Rainbow Dash,” said Mr. Shy. “How is life as a Wonderbolt?”

“It’s totally awesome,” Rainbow replied. “You should’ve seen our last show. We tore through the skies like they were wrapping paper.”

I looked behind me. As much as I hated loud arguments, I had a feeling I needed to hear what Zephyr had to say behind my back.

“Excuse me for a moment.” I got up from my chair. “I need to use the restroom.”

“It will be past the living room, down the hallway, second door to the left,” Mrs. Shy said.

I nodded and followed her directions. At the hall, I heard ponies debating at the first door. I leaned against the wall and listened in.

“What do you mean, I could do better?” Fluttershy asked.

“Did you even see him?” Zephyr retorted. “The drake looks like he just started kindergarten.”

“He is thirteen and a half…almost fourteen.”

“See? Only a kid.”

“Our interactions are tame. We don't go beyond holding hooves. Besides, compared to the lifespan of a dragon, we're relatively the same age.”

“Even I know that's not mathematically correct. Another thing: he’s a dragon. You know how nasty dragons are.”

“Ah! Spike is not like that at all! He is very sweet, he is very smart, and he treats others respectfully.”

“You guys can't even have foals.”

“Have you heard of adoption?”

“I'm just saying having a dragon as your boyfriend just isn't right. Some things aren't meant to happen.”

“I'll say, like you giving relationship advice. I'm not going to break up with Spike just because you don't like him. Mom and Dad support our relationship. So should you.”

“Come on, don't make me the bad guy here.”

“I'm afraid that bird has flown.” Fluttershy left the room and immediately bumped into me. “Oh, Spike! I'm so sorry!”

“It’s okay. I was just heading to the restroom.”

“It’s just down the hall. Er…how much did you hear?”

“Hear of what?” I asked, playing dumb.

“Nevermind.” Fluttershy returned to the dining room.

I passed by to see Zephyr glaring at me. I exchanged a mutual glance. After using the restroom for real to avoid any suspicion, I returned to the kitchen. Fluttershy came back from the entryway with her parents.

“We may not be as bold as you, Fluttershy, but don't you worry.” said Mr. Shy. “We know how to stand up for ourselves.”

Somehow, I doubt that.

Fluttershy reunited with Rainbow Dash, who was already tired of hearing Zephyr yapping about mane therapy school.

Zephyr yawned. “Anyway, good talk, Rainbows. I am so touched you came to see me, really. I hate to deprive you of my presence, but this breeze needs his Z's.”

“You know it's the middle of the day, right?” asked Rainbow Dash.

“I know. Siesta!” Zephyr trotted up the stairs. “I'm just gonna assume you made up my room the way I like it, right, Mom? Oh, I almost forgot! All my stuff is out front. Wanna grab that for me, Pops? Thanks.”

He then disappeared into the upper hallway.

“Same old Zeph.”

“We better get going,” said Fluttershy.

“Oh, well, it’s nice meeting you three,” said Mr. Shy.

“Do you want me to help you two?” I offered. “With moving Zephyrs stuff?”

“Oh, Spike, you’re kind, but we’ll manage.”

“We don’t want you to have to do so much manual labor during your visit,” Mrs. Shy replied.

Rainbow, Fluttershy, and I headed to the front door.

“I hope we’ll see you again soon, Spike,” Mrs. Shy said. “Maybe next time you visit I can show you our childrens’ foal pictures.”

Fluttershy shoved me onto her back as she blushed. We waved Fluttershy’s parents goodbye as we left their house. We flew across the sky and down to Ponyville. The only audible noises on our journey were the wind blowing and the pegasi wings flapping.

Rainbow Dash broke the silence. “I know you weren't expecting to see your brother, Fluttershy, but you've been kind of quiet, even for you.”

Fluttershy replied, “I'm sorry, but I am just so...so…”

“Upset?” I quickly said.

“YES!! Yes, that’s what I meant. Although, I’d appreciate it if you’d let me finish my own sentences.”

“Right, sorry. I was just afraid you’d swear or something.”

“Even at a case like this, I don’t think Fluttershy would be one to—”

FWEEE!!

Both pegasi froze in their tracks.

“Spike!” Rainbow barked. “We were not arguing!”

“That wasn't me,” I looked down to the ground and spotted two ponies waving at us. “It’s Applejack and Pinkie Pie.”

The three of us landed. I hopped off Fluttershy’s back.

“Oh, um, sorry about that,” Fluttershy apologized.

“We just had lunch with Fluttershy's parents,” Rainbow said, “and you'll never guess who showed up.”

“Ooh!” Pinkie pulled out a wallet with hundreds of photos. “Mayor Mare? Cranky Doodle Donkey? Cheese Sandwich? Ms. Harshwhinny?!”

“Zephyr Breeze,” I replied. “Fluttershy’s brother.”

“Oh, that makes more sense.”

“And from the look on yer face, I'm guessin' it's for another one of his ‘extended stays’?” Applejack asked.

Fluttershy covered her face.

“She’s a bit…upset,” Rainbow pointed out.

“Hey, how come you two know more about Zephyr than I do?” I asked AJ and Pinkie. “I didn’t even know about his existence until today.”

Applejack replied, “We kinda knew about him long before you ‘n’ Twilight came to Ponyville. Fluttershy didn’t like to talk about him, so we never brought it up.”

“From what I’ve experienced within the past few hours, I don’t blame her.”

“Zephyr's my brother, and I love him, but he's never learned to do anything for himself,” Fluttershy said. “I don't know why my parents keep letting him trot all over them!”

“Gee, if only there was an assertive course for them to take so they don’t end up as a pair of doormats,” I joked.

“Yeah, I think it’s better if that didn’t happen,” Pinkie said. “Fluttershy and I can attest to that.”

Fluttershy rubbed her arm.

“Besides, I don’t think Iron Will does those courses anymore.” Pinkie looked into her wallet. “I think he either took cruise ship lessons or got into politics.”

“If your parents won't stand up for themselves, maybe you need to stand up for them,” Applejack suggested to Fluttershy.

“You know, you’re right!” Fluttershy declared.

“Want me to come with you?” I asked.

“This is something I need to do myself, but you can still come for support.”

“Don't worry. I’ll let you take the persuasion wheel this time.”

Fluttershy and I returned to her parents' home. Fluttershy was about to knock when the sound of shattering glasses rang out. We hurried to the backyard just to see Mr. Shy’s cloud collection scattered across the yard and Mrs. Shy’s garden trampled. Mr. Shy tried to recollect his clouds while his wife attempted to replant her flowers. Another jar flew out the window. I rushed up and caught it before it hit the ground

“Oh, you’re back already, Spike?” Mrs. Shy asked. “I didn’t think you’d be that interested in Fluttershy’s foal pictures.”

“I’m not here for that, I’m afraid,” I said.

“Zephyr Breeze!” Fluttershy called out.

“Oh, hey, sis,” Zephyr replied from the window. “Oh. You brought your shrimp lizard lover with you, again?”

“I’m just going to ignore that.” I rolled my eyes.

“Come to see me work my magic and turn this place from drab to fab, huh? Well, watch and learn!”

“Can't you see what you're doing?!” Fluttershy barked.

“Yeah! I'm getting rid of this old stuff so I can turn the backhouse into my art studio! I've decided I'm gonna be a sculptor!”

Fluttershy then pointed out that he was ruining his mother’s flowers and his father’s cloud collection. Zephyr brushed it aside as he pointed out his mother could easily relocate the flowers. Mr. Shy suddenly dropped one of the jars, and I quickly caught it.

“Thank you,” Mr. Shy said.

The scene then played out like in the show. Fluttershy convinced Zephyr that he needed to move out on his own. Despite seeking support from his parents, they sided with their daughter. Zephyr teared up and gathered his stuff.

“I mean,” Zephyr whimpered. “I really just came back here to keep you guys company, but...whatever's best for the family. I just...I just gotta grab a few essentials.”

“And...y-you definitely have somewhere else to go?” asked Fluttershy’s mother.

“Of course! There's plenty of ponies who'd love for a little breeze to blow their way...”

With that, Zephyr left the yard. Mr. and Mrs. Shy stared at each other in sorrow while Fluttershy had a guilty look on her face.

“I’m sorry you had to witness that, Spike,” Mr. Shy said.

“It’s okay,” I said. “Whatever is best for the family.”

At least there’s no argument that required my whistle.

“Spike and I better get going as well,” Fluttershy said.

“See you soon, you two.” Mrs. Shy gathered her flowers. “Oh, and you don’t have to dress up every time you come to visit us, Spike. We aren’t at a Grand Galloping Gala.”

“I’ll make a note of that,” I said as I adjusted my bowtie.

Fluttershy dropped me off at Twilight’s castle. I made my way to my room when Twilight noticed me.

“Welcome back, Spike,” Twilight said. “So how did it go with Fluttershy’s family?”

“Bad,” I replied as I undid my bowtie.

“Oh, Spike, I’m so sorry to hear that. Did her mom and dad not like that you were a dragon?”

“Oh, no no. Fluttershy’s parents were supportive of our relationship regardless of our species. Her brother on the other hand…”

“Ah…I see…”

“I mean, while he had some valid points, his way of expressing them left a lot to be desired. I wonder if he did that out of envy or if he really has something against interspecies relationships.”

“Spike, there’s always going to be some ponies like that.”

“I know, but of all ponies to be against it, it had to be my special somepony’s brother?”

“Yeah, life is funny that way.”

“It needs to change its sense of humor.”

After recharging my social battery with comic books and manga, I went to Fluttershy’s cottage. There, Rainbow Dash knocked on the front door.

“You here to see Fluttershy, too?” Rainbow asked.

“It’s supposed to be our tea time today,” I replied.

Fluttershy answered the door. “Oh, hey, guys. Come on in.”

We entered the cottage. Fluttershy gave her pet a carrot.

“I’m sorry, Spike,” said Fluttershy. “I know you came all this way for our usual tea time, but I’m afraid I didn't make any. I had a lot on my mind lately.”

“It’s okay,” I said. “I’m assuming you’re thinking about Zephyr?”

Fluttershy sighed and nodded.

“So where's Zeph gonna go now?” asked Rainbow Dash.

“I'm not sure. Oh, I hope I did the right thing...”

“Are you kidding? One hundred percent!”

“Hey, sis!” A familiar annoying voice singsonged.

Zephyr barged into the cottage.

“Your new roomie's here!” He announced.

“Okay, maybe like seventy percent,” Rainbow corrected.

“Oh, don’t tell me your lucky…I mean, shrimpy dragon is living here, too.”

“I live in the castle,” I pointed out.

“Um, Zephyr,” Fluttershy said boldly. “When Mom and Dad told you to find someplace else to live, I don't think they meant here.”

Zephyr plopped his bag down. “Well, it's not their house, so by definition, it's someplace else.” He placed a bunny garden gnome by Angel, who didn't admire the recent redecoration. “Am I right, Rainbows? Stop oogling me and help settle this.”

Rainbow sighed sharply. “You know what? I totally forgot that I promised to help Pinkie Pie... sprinkle... something.” She then took off.

“I remembered I need to keep up with my parkour skills.” I got out of my chair. “I don’t think your brother likes shrimp anyway.”

I ran back home. I met with Twilight at the library.

“Back already, Spike?” Twilight asked. “What happened? Did Fluttershy run out of tea so soon?”

“Worse,” I replied. “Zephyr came to stay with her.”

“Oh, no.”

“Yeah, I just hope he doesn't stay long.”

In truth, I knew what was going to happen. Zephyr would try various simple tasks only to either outsource to someone or not do the task at all. I hate to imagine what would happen when he shows up to clean the windows at the castle, but I hoped to not fall for his tricks.

The next morning, I heard the front door knock. I took a deep breath and followed Twilight. When she opened the door, Fluttershy was there. Surprisingly, instead of Zephyr Breeze, Moondancer was by her side.

What's wrong with this picture?

“Fluttershy! Moondancer!” Twilight hugged them both. “Glad you two could make it.”

“Where’s Zephyr?” I asked. “And Tyke for that matter?”

“Zephyr got a job cleaning the library windows,” replied Fluttershy.

“And Tyke’s supervising him,” Moondancer added.

Strange. In the show, Zephyr has to clean the castle windows only to trick Spike into doing it. Was it because he didn't want to get involved with me due to my relationship, or was it a coincidence since the library was spared in this timeline?

We went to the dining room for tea.

“I hope this makes up for missing our tea time yesterday,” Fluttershy said to me.

“It does,” I replied. “But I understood you had a lot on your plate when Zephyr came back.”

“Oh, I just remembered,” said Moondancer as she rummaged through her saddlebags. “I also came to return the book I borrowed. Kinda funny that it’s a librarian who borrows a book this time.”

“Thanks,” said Twilight.

As Twilight levitated the book towards her, she noticed a few strains of short gray fur on the cover.

“What’s all this?” Twilight asked.

“Oh, it’s Tyke’s fur. He’s shedding.”

“Ugh! Gross!”

“It’s not gross, it’s just fur,” I said. “It’s spring, after all. New leaves, new animals, new fur coats. All part of nature.”

Fluttershy giggled.

Twilight brushed the fur off the book. “I like nature as much as the next mare, but there are limits on where it should happen.”

“So you said that Zephyr is working on your windows?” I asked.

Moondancer nodded. “Fluttershy told me he needed a job, so I thought he could lend a hoof in cleaning the library.”

“I just hope he keeps this one,” Fluttershy said.

“How so?” Twilight asked.

“His first job was to dye some of Rarity’s fabrics, but he got some critters to do it for him…poorly. You don’t want to know what Rarity’s room looked like after that.”

“Yikes. So what’s new with you, Moondancer?”

“Nothing much,” Moondancer replied as she stirred her tea. “I’ve finally finished a novel I put off. Tyke’s been drawing flying machines and building some out of cardboard and rubberbands.”

“Wow, he’s really that interested in flying?” Fluttershy asked.

“Looks like it to me. If he wants to become the first Diamond Dog to fly, then I won’t slow him down.”

After chatting and drinking, Moondancer and Fluttershy left the castle.

“See you later, Twilight!” Moondancer called out. “We’ll see if Zephyr's done with his job.”

Twilight and I waved back. In my head, I had doubts that he actually succeeded.

Those doubts were correct. I learned later from Moondancer that Zephyr indeed got Tyke to do his job for him.

Later that day, I was about to get some lunch when I saw Rainbow Dash mumbling to herself.

“...can't even push a broom, that Zephyr…”

“Hey, Rainbow Dash,” I greeted. “What’s going on?”

“Zephyr lost yet another job!” Rainbow exasperated. “I warned him if he stepped out of line, I’d zap him, and I kept my word.”

“Geeze, sounds like Zephyr’s not having any luck keeping a job.”

“More like not having any desire. I’m going to Fluttershy’s and tell her about this.”

“I’ll come with you.”

We got to Fluttershy’s cottage only to find her rubbing her temples.

“Hey, Fluttershy,” Rainbow said as she flew in. “Your brother’s not home is he?”

“No, I kicked him out,” Fluttershy said.

I asked, “Shouldn’t you have given him another chance?”

“We already gave him three chances, Spike,” Rainbow said. “In my opinion, it's three too many.”

“So where is he now?”

“He went out to the woods.” Fluttershy pointed outside. “He wanted to live like his ‘foreponies.’”

“Want us to help you clean up?”

“Yes, please.”

Rainbow, Fluttershy, and I cleaned the massive mess Zephyr left behind during his temporary stay. The mixture of guilt and sadness on Fluttershy’s face did not go unnoticed.

“Aw, cheer up, Fluttershy,” Rainbow said as she swept. “I know it was hard, but you did the right thing. You couldn't let Zephyr pull the same stuff on you that he's always pulled on your folks!”

“I guess so…” Fluttershy murmured.

That’s when a bird flew in and tweeted rapidly.

“Oh, hello, Constance.”

The bird twittered some more.

“Oh? Oh, dear.”

“What’s he saying?” I asked.

“He found where Zephyr is, and…well…my brother needs help.”

“He needs all the help he can get,” Rainbow snarked.

“Then we probably should give it to him,” I responded.

The three of us followed Constance until we got to the Everfree Forest. There, we saw Zephyr’s unkempt campsite. The stallion himself struggled to light a fire, but to no avail. He then thrashed around in frustration.

Rainbow Dash sighed, “I know he needs to learn to do things for himself, but...”

“...it doesn’t look like he’s passing the class,” I concluded.

“Oh...I can't let him live like this,” a somber Fluttershy said.

Zephyr kicked his “hut,” causing it to collapse on top of him.

“Actually, I don't think he'd make it through the night,” Rainbow pointed out.

We approached Zephyr. Just like in the show, Zephyr assured us it was his sleeping bag and he was tucking for the night…in the middle of the day. The three of us weren’t fooled.

“Ugh...I can't do this,” Zephyr groaned. “I can't do anything.”

“Zephyr, you're smart and talented,” Fluttershy said as she and I removed the branches. “You could do anything if you just tried!”

“And what if I give everything I have and still fail? Honestly, I think it's better not to try at all.”

“But then you won't ever do anything,” said Rainbow Dash.

“Exactly,” I added.

“I don't expect you three to understand. I mean, when have you ever failed? You've literally helped save Equestria, like, a dozen times. Fluttershy, you even scored a dragon as your boyfriend. The one creature you used to be afraid of.”

Ah, so it was out of envy.

Fluttershy said, “Just because we saved Equestria multiple times doesn’t mean I wasn’t worried I’d fail every time! Sometimes you have to do things, even though you might fail.”

“But failing is the worst!” Zephyr complained.

“Sometimes, failure is a better teacher than success,” I said. “And certainly a lot better than quitting.”

Zephyr sighed. “I can’t believe I’m saying this to you, but…you’re right.”

“So here's the deal,” Fluttershy proposed. “You can come back with me, but you have to do exactly what I say. No exceptions.”

Zephyr agreed.

Back at the cottage, Fluttershy set up the bathroom with Zephyr’s messed-up wig.

“You think he can do it?” Rainbow asked.

That’s when Fluttershy started singing. I’ll admit the sudden musical drop came out of nowhere in the show. It didn’t help that there wasn’t any background music this time. Thus, I sat out this song.

Once the song completed, Zephyr’s mane mannequin had a much better style than before.

“I did it! I actually finished something! By myself!” Zephyr praised.

“And it looks exactly like it's supposed to,” said Rainbow Dash.

“Well done, Zephyr,” I said.

“I knew you could do it, Zephyr,” Fluttershy complemented.

“I didn't, but I do now.” Zephyr hugged Fluttershy. “Thanks for believing in me, sis. I can see why Spike likes you.”

“That's what big sisters are for.”

“So, Zeph, now that you've accomplished this, what's next?” Rainbow asked.

“Anything I want! I mean, the sky's the limit, right?”

We all stared at him.

“But, y'know...I've got some baby steps in mind.”

It had been a week after Zephyr returned to mane therapy school. Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, and I had tea at Twilight’s castle.

“Did you hear anything from Zephyr recently?” I asked Fluttershy.

“He’s enjoying his time at Mane Therapy,” she replied.

“That’s good to hear,” said Rainbow Dash. “Hopefully, he’ll stop being a freeloader for once.”

All in all, I had some good feelings about this episode. While it was nice meeting Fluttershy’s parents, Zephyr was a mixed bag, and it didn’t help that his initial unapproval of my relationship hindered an early change. At least he warmed up to me.

“You know, maybe you and Zephyr should spend some time together, Rainbows,” I joked.

Rainbow Dash retaliated by splashing creamer in my face.

“I deserved that.”