Spike's Two Mommies

Spike was pacing back and forth in front of the castle’s front door, waiting for his mother Cynder to come down so they could head out to Canterlot to have a… get-to-together with his adoptive mother, Princess Celestia. He was very anxious about this gathering, so much so that he could barely get any sleep last night. Spike’s worst thoughts were envisioning the meetup ending disastrously, having both ladies ending up getting into a vicious fight and it prevented him from getting the majority of his sleep. He was barely able to register Twilight, having him run an errand before leaving and his mother’s request to ask Rarity if she had at least one outfit ready for her to wear.

Fortunately for him, and Cynder for that matter, Rarity had worked through the afternoon since meeting with the dragoness, even through part of the night, in putting together the first outfit for her. The white seamstress was determined that her first piece would impress Cynder, thereby proving her worth. Rarity could handle a measure of criticism but being questioned and challenged in her skill aggravated the unicorn mare. Spike, on his part, never doubted his crush’s skills but he prayed that his mother would like the dress Rarity had made.

Up in Cynder’s room, the dragoness had been inspecting the strapless column dress Rarity had made and somewhat begrudgingly, actually liked it. It was a faint black dress with silver symbols that matched the ones on her head, shoulders and thighs. In addition, there was a diamond opening at the belly area, exposing her belly scales but it only increased the sex appeal but that suited Cynder just fine. It also exposed her back a great deal, as Rarity took into account her wings. The dragoness was fully aware how attractive Princess Celestia was and so she needed to bring her A-game if she wanted to challenge that. The only thing Cynder questioned about the dress was that it was strapless for the shoulders but after putting it on, she figured why Rarity designed it as such. Her prodigious breasts provided enough support and the dress practically fit like a glove around that area, practically removing any fear of the dress falling off.

After seeing herself in the mirror, she couldn’t help but like what she saw.

“Hmmm. Not bad at all.” Cynder hummed to herself, making a few poses in the process. “That unicorn mare may not be exactly right for my boy but I’ll admit she does make a good dress.”

To put the finishing touches, she added metal bracelets for her wrists, ankles, and even her tail that matched the choker she always wore. She also added some personal jewelry she kept with her as she traveled, one being a purple crystal necklace that was actually a present from Spike’s father.

“There. Now let's see how that princess will handle this.” Cynder confidently spoke.

With all things put together, Cynder exited her bedroom and headed down towards the main door where her son was waiting.

Spike was still pacing back and forth in front of the door as he waited for his mother. When he heard footsteps coming down the stairs, he finally stopped pacing and looked up. What he saw shocked and maybe even aroused him a bit. Seeing his mother in such a stunning dress that fully took advantage of her luscious figure made his face heat up, almost making him want to regret having Rarity make his mother’s outfits. If all of her outfits are going to be like the one she is currently wearing, then Cynder is going to get a lot of attention. Also… now he felt underdressed since he was merely wearing jeans and a business casual shirt.

“So… What do you think?” Cynder asked her son after reaching the bottom of the stairs and did a rotation to show off her dress.

“Umm…” Spike said at first, struggling to regain his train of thought. “It… looks great on you mom.”

“Awww, thank you sweetie.” Cynder gushed over her son’s compliment, bringing a blush to her cheeks. “Where’s Princess Twilight?

“Oh, she had to handle something at the School of Friendship.” Spike answered. “She won’t be joining us to Canterlot.”

“I bet she wanted to come with us.” Cynder’s sarcasm was plain to see.

“(sigh) Yes, she wanted to.” Spike admitted. “I managed to talk her out of it though.”

Cynder gave a look of approval. The last thing she wanted was to have the nosy princess joining them in this meeting she is about to have. No doubt if there was an argument between herself and Princess Celestia, Twilight would side with her old mentor.

“Well then, we best hurry along.” Cynder spoke in a slightly rushed yet almost resolved tone.

Spike just nodded in agreement and headed out of the castle with his mother. Once they were both outside, both dragons unfurled their wings and launched themselves into the air, flying majestically into the air, heading towards the city of Canterlot. As Cynder gazed into the distance, seeing the outline of the city, a look of pure resolve formed on her face. The dragoness was determined to not let this alicorn get between herself and her son, adoptive mother be damned.

Spike noticed the look on his mother’s face and couldn’t help but fear how this gathering was going to turn out. He didn’t want his biological mother and adoptive mother to go to war over him, nor did he want to forsake one mother for the other. He could only hope that Celestia and Cynder will be able to maintain a semblance of civility at this meeting.

At the castle of Canterlot, within the personal chambers of Princess Celestia, the alicorn was putting the finishing touches on her own outfit for the upcoming meeting between herself and Spike's recently returned biological mother. Celestia had awakened earlier than she normally would to handle all of her courtly duties and tasks to make sure that she was completely free for said meeting and assigned Raven Inkwell to inform all that she was not to be disturbed during that time. Her ever faithful assistant couldn’t help but compare the princess getting prepared for some dreaded day dealing with the court ministers but it was really just a personal social get together.

Luna was sitting in her sister's room observing her sister’s preparations with growing apprehension.

“Celly, this isn’t a big diplomatic meeting or a boring day with the ministers.” Luna tried reasoning. “It’s just a casual lunch. You're not going to war.”

“Just a casual lunch?” Celestia repeated. “There is nothing casual about this lunch meeting Lulu!! My son, my baby boy, has just been reunited with his biological mother and now I have to make sure this won’t come between us.”

“You know Spike would never allow that.” Luna reminded her sister. “He loves you as your son and always will.”

“I know that Luna!” Celestia angrily replied. “But who’s to say that this dragoness doesn’t want me in his life anymore? Or maybe even use him for some selfish reason like that pathetic piece of scum who pretended to be his father?!”

Luna wanted to retort but her sister had a slight point. The whole “Sludge Incident” left its mark on everyone. It nearly fractured Spike’s relationship to Twilight and the others almost irreparably and her sister almost sent the lowlife to the sun when she learned about what he did to Spike. Now anything regarding Spike's “biological family” made everyone suspicious at best to outright distrusting at worst. Still, Luna wanted to give the dragoness the benefit of the doubt, for Spike’s sake.

“Look Celly, I know that piece of filth left everyone wary of the idea of some dragon showing up and claiming to be Spike’s relative.” Luna reasoned. “But… if this dragoness is indeed genuine in being Spike’s biological mother and has no malicious intent, can you give her at least a chance? For Spike’s sake?”

Celestia looked away back towards the vanity mirror, groaning. She hated it when Luna was right and being the “reasonable one”.

“Just try to be civil when you meet together.” Luna pleaded. “I don’t want to explain to everyone why part of the castle is half in ruins.”

Celestia scowled at that.

“Do you really think I’m that childish?!” Celestia retorted, giving her little sister a glare that would melt stone.

“Well you're not exactly holding back in getting yourself prepared for this lunch meeting.” Luna answered, remarking on her sister’s choice of wardrobe.

Celestia returned to looking in the vanity mirror and looked over what she now wore. A shining, flowing golden dress that covered her lower half, aside from her right leg and thigh, the upper part of the dress was the opposite. It only had two straps that criss-crossed over her massive breasts, completely exposing her cleavage and the side of her boobs. Further, she included some black leggings that increased the sex appeal to her look. Celestia also added some makeup and jewelry (not to mention her crown) for good measure but one thing she swore to add was a special sapphire gem that Spike had made into a necklace and given to her for Mother’s Day. She had been so touched by her son’s gift it nearly made her cry. The quality of the sapphire was museum rated and instead of eating it as dragons normally do, he gave it to her. The thought and effort Spike goes into his gifts was beyond reproach.

All in all, it appeared Celestia was prepared for a very important diplomatic meeting or was ready for the most important date night of her life.

“Alright, I may have gotten… a little carried away in getting myself ready.” Celestia finally spoke but her answer just made Luna raise her eyebrow and was about to rebuke it. “But… this meeting is VERY important to me and regardless of this dragon’s true motives, I will NOT let her get between me and my son.”

Luna knew it was pointless to dissuade her sister at this point. She was resolved in one-upping this dragoness and keeping her relationship with Spike intact.

“Well in terms of clothing, you certainly may win.” Luna spoke with a sigh.

“In terms of clothing?” Celestia questioned.

“Well yeah, I mean she may have been wearing one of the most horrible dresses I have ever seen when we first… introduced ourselves.” Luna started explaining. “But I could tell that dragoness had quite the body figure. It practically rivaled yours.”

When Celestia heard that she almost wanted to scoff but looking back on yesterday, she couldn’t help but remember Cynder’s figure in detail. Indeed, her height rivaled hers and based on the… very brief boob squish she had in their confrontation, she had a prodigious-level bust. Celestia was never one to truly care too much about appearances but she did take pride in her figure, especially her large breasts and gorgeous tush, which made her one of the most desired mares in Equestria. The body that all models aspire to have but can never achieve. But hearing that someone may actually rival her in that, made her feel justified in making herself look all the sexier for this get together.

“Well then…” Celestia finally spoke. “I guess it's a good thing I got myself ready as such.”

“...I was joking.” Luna deadpanned.

Celestia ignored that and gave one last lookover of her outfit, making sure nothing was off. The sun princess wanted to be looking her best for this meeting. Even if Luna was right that this dragoness has no malicious intent for Spike or trying to replace her in Spike’s life, Celestia somehow felt she had to prove herself to the dragoness that Spike is precious to her and continues to want him as her son.

Her thoughts would be interrupted, however.

*Knock**Knock* Raven Inkwell knocked and entered Celestia’s room. “Pardon the intrusion your majesty.”

“That’s alright Raven, what is it?” Luna welcomed her sister’s assistant.

“The guards have informed me that Spike and the dragoness you told me to expect have been sighted flying towards the castle.” Raven informed the sisters, though the news seemed to cause a grimace of sorts to form over the sun princess’s face.

“(sigh) Alright…” Celestia straightened herself and steeling her nerves. “Let’s get this meeting started.”

At first, the flight did wonders in relieving the anxiety and nervousness Spike was feeling. The cool air and the feeling of the wind carrying his wings made some of his worries disappear.

Yet… as Canterlot Castle was coming into view, his worries returned. And seeing Cynder’s look of pure determination and steeled resolve didn’t help.

‘Okay Spike, everything is fine…” Spike spoke to himself. ‘It’s just a casual lunch meeting between yourself, your mother and your adoptive mother…’

Spik’s mind was racing like how Twilight’s would during one of her “crazy” moments.

‘Aww, this is bad…’ Spike bemoaned to himself. ‘PLEASE let this meeting go well…’

Spike and Cynder continued to fly for a few more minutes before finally reaching the castle, landing right outside its entrance. Cynder wanted to gaze around at the surroundings like the city but the anticipation of meeting her son’s adopted mother burned in her thoughts. The castle guards at the door stiffened at attention with the dragon’s landing, more specifically Spike’s.

“Welcome home, Prince Spike!” One guard spoke. “Your mother will meet you at the castle courtyard, near the gardens.”

‘Prince…’ Cynder looked down at hearing her son had a title but she couldn’t help but scowl a bit when they addressed Celestia as his mother.

However, such thoughts would be put on the backburner when Cynder noticed one of the guards staring at her. The Guardsmen’s eyes couldn’t help but eye her up but paid special attention to her prodigious bust. Cynder was quickly getting annoyed.

“See something you like, Guardsmen?” Cynder called out which made said pony guard jump.

“Yes miss! I mean no miss! I mean, I mean…” the Guardsmen stumbled, starting to sweat as the dragoness’ angry gaze pierced right through him.

“Mom, leave him alone please.” Spike said, growing desperate to get inside and escape the awkward situation.

“Fine but these guards should really be careful what they are looking at.” Cynder compiled but still annoyed.

Both of the guards quietly sighed with relief but once both dragons had entered the castle and were out of earshot, they realized a certain detail Spike had said.

“Mom?” The Guards spoke in complete unison and bewilderment.

Ignoring the guards, Spike and Cynder then opened the great doors and entered the castle. Cynder tried to focus on the gathering she was about to have with her newly established rival but even she couldn’t help but gaze around the main castle hall. She was surprised at how tall and expansive the hallways were, enough for her to actually fly a bit. The dragoness was a bit put off with the various portraits of pony nobles that had these snobbish looks on their faces.

“So Spike, you live in this castle?” Cynder asked her son.

“For a long while.” Spike answered. “After I was hatched, Celestia took me in and raised me but as her duties as princess made it difficult for her to be there all the time, Twilight and her family helped. So for a while, I lived with Twilight’s family before she officially became Celestia’s student which then had me move back into the castle.”

“I see.” Cynder didn’t like that her son had to move between one home to another.

Spike could see the displeased look on his mother’s face. “B-But that didn’t mean Celestia didn’t make up for the time. She always made an effort to spend time together as a family. She even canceled a few meetings to just spend the day with me a couple of times.”

Cynder was a bit relieved to hear that. Despite not initially liking the princess, she was glad that she treated her son well and made an effort to spend time with him. Still, the dragoness didn’t like that it seemed that the princess wanted to come between her and her son.

Unfortunately, her train of thought would be derailed after noticing too many guards staring at her. More specifically, her luscious figure. Some of the guards were even mares and they couldn’t help but ogle at her massive chest. Cynder should’ve felt flattered but instead it annoyed her greatly as even after a day since reuniting with her son, she had been stared at too many times already, whether out of fear, arousal or both, the dragoness was just about fed up with it.

“HEY!!!” Cinder yelled at the guards, “What are you ponies looking at?!?!” She snarled angrily.

This caused the guards to jump in fright and make a run for it to the nearest exit.

Spike pinched the bridge of his nose, “Really mom…?” He groaned.

“Hey those guards couldn’t stop staring at me!” Cynder defended herself. “I’ve had enough of it since yesterday.”

“Let’s just keep going…” Spike sighed. He knew that today was going to be a really long day.

Spike led his mother through the large halls of the castle till he finally reached the door to the courtyard. He could only hope that this lunch meeting won’t end in disaster. Opening the door and entering the courtyard, Spike discovered that his adoptive mother didn’t pull back on getting the area prepared for the meeting. A white-wooded gazebo was placed over a mid-sized dining table that was filled with delicious food but one piece of food stood out: a large frosted cake, Celestia’s favorite. It looked like the castle cooks made sure everything was perfect for this occasion.

A butler unicorn with a bushy mustache soon approached the dragon duo. “Prince Spike, it is so good to see you. How are you on this fine afternoon?” The butler asked.

“Likewise Kibitz, and it’s been Pretty good. Where’s my… other mom?” Spike asked. Cynder growled in annoyance when he said that but not loud enough that he would hear it.

“She, along with your aunt, will be here shortly.” Kibitz answered.

Spike sighed in relief upon hearing that his aunt Luna will be joining them. If there’s any creature alive right now that would keep both his mothers in check and prevent them from trashing half of Canterlot, it would be her.

“And I must say my prince, the whole castle is abuzz over the news of your… biological mother appearing.” Kibitz spoke which got both dragons’ attention.

“...Really?” Spike asked, almost horrified but Cynder appeared on the border of being either annoyed or angered.

“Indeed.” Kibitz confirmed. “Nearly all the castle staff and guards are worrying about what this means for… well, you know.”

“Right…” Spike sighed. “You can tell them that they can put they’re fears at ease.”

“I will do so.” Kibitz bowed lightly. “They all, the maids especially, do miss having you living here at the castle.”

Spike couldn’t help but blush a bit. The maids and guards found him not only adorable when he was first adopted by Celestia but he was far easier to handle than dealing with the “high maintenance” of Prince Blueblood which for the maids was a breath of fresh air.

For her part, Cynder couldn’t help but frown a bit. True, she was glad that her son grew up in such an accepting household but it nonetheless made her sad about missing out on so much of her son’s life.

Spike noticed the saddening look on his mother’s face.

“Anyway, everything looks delicious so far Kibitz.” Spike continued, trying to lighten the mood.

“Ah Yes, the princess was very particular in making sure we had top quality food for this little gathering.” Kibitz explained. “Personally, I only see this kind of food prepared for either an important diplomatic meeting or for the Grand Galloping Gala.”

“Oh boy…” Spike quietly sighed.

‘Guess the princess isn’t holding back.’ Cynder thought to herself but she had to admit, the food did look delicious. Especially that cake…

Things would take a turn however, when a distant door opened and, being followed by a few guards were the princesses and while Luna basically wore a similar outfit she wore the other day, Spike was left almost incredulous, slack-jawed even, and very aroused at seeing his adopted mother’s chosen dress.

Princess Celestia’s golden dress shined in the light and flowed elegantly, like how her rainbow-like hair did to an invisible wind, as she moved towards the gazebo. Most of all, and what all present most likely noticed, was how her massive chest bounced a bit as she walked.

Cynder observed the princess’ approach with a mixture of being impressed, envy and a little bit of disgust. Spike’s adopted mother was indeed a gorgeous mare and now she was taking full advantage of her divine beauty. Still, Cynder couldn’t help but scream in her mind that the princess was dressed like some high-priced call-girl, especially in front of her son. Granted Cynder knew she practically dressed no better but she was nonetheless glad she wore her chosen dress. The dragoness knew if she continued to wear that ridiculous polka-dot dress, she wouldn't stand a chance against the alicorn princess.

“Spike, it’s good to see you sweetie.” Celestia said happily. She then approached her son and gave him a hug. This, of course, earned her a hard glare from Cynder. Celestia, sensing this, just glares back at the dragoness.

On his part, Spike was thoroughly aroused after not only being given a closeup of his adopted mother’s glorious bosom but the feeling of it nearly gave him a nosebleed. It didn’t help that Celestia’s grip in her hug grew as she continued to glare at Cynder.

Being also present, Luna was seeing the whole event with growing worry.

‘First few minutes of this little meeting and the two are already giving each other death glares.’ Luna thought to herself, with a mixture of amusement and worryment. She then clears her throat and said, “Sister, while I understand that you're happy to see Spike, I think he’s having difficulty breathing.”

Celestia finally broke her glaring “showdown” with Cynder when she heard her sister, finally realizing that her adopted son was still trapped in her embrace.

“Oh dear, I’m sorry sweetie.” Celestia apologized, finally releasing Spike.

“It’s (gasp) okay.” Spike tried to speak as he caught his breath.

“Do you always smother him like that?” Cynder asked but her tone was laced with snarkness.

“Hmph, when I don’t see him for long periods of time, yes.” Celestia replied haughtily. The two then continue to glare at each other.

“Ok you two, that’s quite enough.” Luna said, getting in between Celestia and Cynder. “This is NOT a staring contest. We’re here to try to talk this out.”

“Yes! Please!” Spike added.

Both Cynder and Celestia looked at Spike’s pleading eyes and acquiesced. Despite the personal dislike they had for each other, they didn’t want to start a fight in front of Spike. Looking away from each other, they both gave a light grunt in agreement.

“Good. Now let us take a seat and finally discuss this matter like civilized folk.” Luna spoke, directing everyone to the table.

Reluctantly, both Cynder and Celestia moved toward the table. However, as Spike moved toward a chosen seat, both ladies wanted to sit right next to him. Celestia nearly got the jump on that but her little sister grabbed her by the arm to drag her to their section of the table, much to her chagrin.

“Luna…” Celestia growled as Spike sat down and Cynder right next to him.

“Don’t be so childish.” Luna hushed her sister quietly. “Remember: civilized.”

Celestia frowned immensely as Cynder claimed the opportunity to sit next to Spike, giving the princess a smug victory smile. ‘You win this round, dragoness.’ The sun princess said inwardly to herself before taking her seat by her sister.

Spike could feel the awkward tension building up at the table, forcing him to look at the food to just try to think of something else. He was glad that Celestia had the cooks prepare a meal fit for dragons, gems and crystals.

“Yum…” Spike quietly said to himself, noticing a sapphire cupcake.

“I see you took care to add food for us dragons.” Cynder finally spoke and plainly.

“Of course, I am fully aware of what kind of nutritional requirements Spike needed.” Celestia defended. “And I am ever a gracious host.”

“Indeed.” Cynder concurred curtly.

The dragoness and alicorn continued to narrow eyes at each other, leaving Spike and Luna exasperated by the situation.

‘So much for being civilized.’ Luna spoke to herself. “Ahem, anyway Miss Cynder, that is a lovely dress you are wearing.”

Cynder turned her attention to her rival's little sister.

“Thank you, Princess Luna.” Cynder politely answered. “The last “dress” I was wearing was mainly a spare that the unicorn named Rarity had before she could make this dress.”

Celestia was eating a piece of cake when she heard that, almost biting off a piece of the fork.

‘Traitor.’ Celestia thought to herself, albeit with no ill-intentions, just annoyance.

“That was kind of her.” Luna continued. “Rarity has always even been generous.”

“I suppose, though I am unsure if she is a good mate for my son.” Cynder added but the reaction she got wasn’t what she was expecting.

Spike almost choked on his food and Celestia looked about the same but the dragon’s face turned red in embarrassment. On the other hand, Luna looked like she was about to burst into laughter.

“What?” Cynder asked, completely confused.

After regaining himself and properly swallowing his food, Spike addressed his mother.

“W-Well… hehe… Rarity isn’t my… mate or even my marefriend actually.” Spike answered, though his tone radiated a bit of sadness.

“Really!?” Cynder was surprised to say the least. “Given how gushy and smitten you were with her, I would imagine that she was. She practically had you wrapped around her little finger.”

That earned a giggle out of both Celestia and Luna which got them a sharp glare from the young dragon.

“Well… she isn’t.” Spike spoke, now annoyed.

“From what I’ve seen, his dreams wish it were otherwise.” Luna added with an impish grin.

“AUNTIE LUNA!!” Spike hissed. “Look, can we talk about something else? Please?!?!”

“Very well then,” Luna replied with a chuckle and asked, “So Cynder, where have you been all this time?”

“And why did you pick now to seek Spike out after being gone for so long?” Celestia added.

Cynder sighed as she knew that question was coming. She turned towards her son who looked at her with anticipation. Sighing once again, she replies, “Very well, but it’s kind of a long story so I’ll try to keep it short.”

“It all happened many years ago, sometime after I laid Spike’s egg,” She began, “My mate Spyro and I were trying to stop one of his enemies, Ripto, who was planning to unleash a powerful army onto the Dragonlands by using a large portal. The good news; we managed to stop him. The bad news; Both me and Spyro got sucked into the portal when we were trying to disable it.”

“My goodness, Where did you two end up? Were you flicked to some uncharted part of the world?” Luna asked.

“That’s the thing, the portal actually sent us to another dimension entirely.” Cynder replied. Everyone around her had their eyes widened at this. “For years, Spyro and I have been trying to find a way back into our home dimension and with the help of the friends we made over at the other world, we eventually did. However, there was a catch, well… two in fact.”

“And what were they…?” Spike asked.

“Well, first off; the portal that would send us home was a one time use only. Secondly; only one single being could pass through it.” Cynder explained with her head down. “That would mean one of us had to stay behind. Forever.”

Celestia then asked, though carefully, “Considering that you’re here right now and Spyro… isn’t, I take it you were the one who passed through?”

Cynder sighed, “Yes. Granted, it was not a very easy decision to make. Spyro and I practically argued about who would go back to our world and reunite with our child. I wanted him to go through the portal and he wanted me to go through. Eventually, he convinced me to go through as he said that I’ll do a better job at raising our child than he would. Plus during our stay over in the other dimension, Spyro had sort of become a leader of a group of heroes and they would practically fall apart without him. So… we said our final goodbyes and I went through…”

“...And found your way back to our dimension.” Luna finished, albeit solemnly.

Celestia, despite her rivalry with the dragoness, couldn’t help but deeply sympathize with her. She had to make a very painful decision; either stay in a strange world with her mate or return home to find their child while never seeing her mate again. Celestia herself had to make her own painful decisions in the past, one’s she wished she never had to and thus she understood the pain that came with the decision. But her sympathy turned to worry after gazing upon Spike after he just learned his father’s fate.

“...So… I’ll never see my father?” Spike asked, the pain and sadness in his voice was plain to all.

Cynder was struggling not to cry. “...I’m afraid so.”

“W-Will I ever even know what he looks like?” Spike asked, desperate for some kind of image of his father.

All three ladies could tell that Spike was desperate for anything that would give him some idea as to what and who his father was. Fortunately, Cynder thought of something and she was wearing it.

“Actually…” Cynder spoke, catching everyone’s attention. “This crystal your father gave me.”

The dragoness gestured towards her necklace.

“It’s beautiful but what about it?” Celestia asked. “What does it have to do with Spike’s father?”

“Spyro gave it to me both as an anniversary present and as a reminder that he gave it to me on the day when I laid you as an egg.” Cynder explained and her story did bring a heartwarming smile to all present. “Using a bit of magic, we created an image within this gem.”

Taking her necklace off, she closed her eyes, focusing her magic and before all present, an image formed over the gem. Spike’s eyes widened at the image of not only both of his parents but also himself while he was still an egg, being held in Cynder’s loving arms. However, Spike refocused his attention towards the male dragon with Cynder. He was about the same height as Cynder, minus the long crown of horns, but his scales were a darker shade of purple than his own, even his eyes and wings were a lighter shade of purple but his horns, underbelly scales and spines were brightly yellow-gold. His build wasn’t overt like most dragons but he had a decent amount of muscle on him as well.

Even though it was just an image, Spike could see from the facial expression of his father that he was strong, kind, and protective as his arms were wrapped around Cynder as they both gazed at their egg with absolute love and care. Even though Spike may never see and meet his father, this one image alone answered many questions about him. Without a doubt, he is a better dragon than Sludge.

Luna’s heart fluttered like mad upon seeing such a loving couple holding their egg in their arms. Still, as much as she adored her nephew, she was a little sad that he may never meet his father himself. Nonetheless, he must be a brave and selfless soul indeed to stay behind to protect a world that wasn’t his own, even if it meant a painful sacrifice.

Celestia’s expression was harder to read however. True, Cynder’s story and the image warmed her heart yet it also brought feelings of slight jealousy of what she had. A loving mate and having a child together yet their circumstances nonetheless brought Spike to her and he became the child she always wanted. To say that she felt conflicted was an understatement. Celestia sympathized with Cynder and understood her sadness; she nonetheless continued to wonder if she would seek to replace her as Spike’s mother. It was a bit selfish, but it was also for Spike’s sake. Celestia remembered how hurt he was when Sludge’s lie was exposed and she never wanted that to happen again.

After a minute or so, the image dissipates and Cynder puts her necklace back on before continuing, “After I got back, I immediately went to the Temple of The Guardians.”

“Temple of The Guardians?” Spike asked.

“It’s an ancient training ground for dragons and also where we left you when you were still an egg, in case something happened to both me and Spyro.” Cynder explained, “It was run by four dragons known as the Elemental Guardians. They are the strongest and most powerful of our kind, second only to the Dragonlord”

“Was?” Luna asked with an arched eyebrow.

“When I returned to the temple, I was shocked to see that it was abandoned, almost looking like it was ransacked. The guardians, along with Spike’s egg, were nowhere to be found. And judging from the vegetation that overtook most of the temple, it was like that for quite awhile.” Cynder continued to explain before turning to Spike, “The Guardians were meant to raise you in our absence and teach you the ways of our people. However, Considering that you somehow ended up living among ponies, that didn’t happen.”

“You say that as if it were a bad thing…” Celestia said with a glare.

“Tia, I’m sure she didn’t mean it like that.” Luna said to her sister before turning to the dragoness, “I’ve been curious since you got here Cynder, how did you manage to locate Spike?” She asked.

“Ah, I was just getting to that, I’ve been looking around for months and trying to find the spots where the Guardians would’ve hidden the egg but I always end up empty handed. I was about to lose hope when I overheard a group of dragons talking about one particular dragon that lived among ponies in Equestria. One that had purple scales.” Cynder replied.

“And you thought this purple dragon was your child?” Celestia asked.

“I’m not sure if any of you ponies know this but purple dragons are rare amongst our people and Spyro was the only known one that was alive.” Cynder said. “I then flew over to Equestria to try and locate my son. It wasn’t easy though as most of the ponies I asked instantly turned tail and ran at the sight of me.”

“Judging by your appearance, I don’t blame them.” Celestia snidefully remarked, which earned her a glare from Cynder.

After calming herself with a deep breath, Cynder concluded her story, “Eventually, I learned that a purple dragon lived with a pony by the name of Twilight Sparkle who resides in Ponyville. I found my way there and you all know the rest.”

Cynder then turned her gaze towards Celestia, “Now that leaves the question; How did you end up with my egg?”

Celestia glared back at the dragoness but complied nevertheless, “I was strolling down at a riverbed near Canterlot one day when I saw a basket containing an egg ensnared on a low branch near the creek. After much thinking, I decided to take the egg to my palace.”

“Just like that?” Cynder asked, almost aghast. “From what I understand, you let your ponies experiment on my egg.”

“Absolutely NOT!” Celestia almost shouted and raised from her seat. “A couple of unicorns examined the egg, it is true, but I forbid them from going beyond that. Quite a few scholars were upset with that. After all, ponies know so very little of dragons and they saw the egg as a one in a lifetime opportunity to study from. I only allowed them basic examinations when the egg didn’t hatch after a long period of time.”

“And yet from what Spike has told me, your former student Twilight managed to hatch him using her magic as part of a test to get into your… prestigious school.” Cynder continued, her suspicions only grew.

Luna showed concern at this point.

“You are correct at this point, Miss Cynder.” Luna entered into the conversation, getting her sister to sit back down. “However, most of this was outside my sister’s knowledge. The instructors used the egg as a… method to ensure unicorns with weak magicals strength don’t get into the school.”

“Awfully biased of them.” The contempt in Cynder’s voice could pass off as venom.

“Indeed it was. I discovered their little scheme after not only Twilight managed to hatch the egg but prematurely made him grow.” Celestia returned to the conversation. “I entered the scene from there, returned Spike to his actual size and saw to it that those instructors were punished.”

Spike couldn’t help but look down in embarrassment at the memory.

“And you didn’t consider bringing him back to his fellow dragons?” Cynder asked.

“Well… After he was returned to his proper size and I found him, I just felt a connection.” Celestia explained, albeit with difficulty. “I don’t know how to explain it but the moment I laid eyes on him, I instantly decided to take him in as my own. We became family in all but blood.”

Cynder, for all her suspicions, could understand what the alicorn was saying and feeling. A mother’s feeling isn’t easy to explain.

“Besides, until recently, we had no contacts within the Dragonlands that could help us.” Luna added in. “Even if we did reach out to the dragons, it is doubtful that they would lend us their aid or even respond. The dragons of our time are very slow to trust, let alone make friends of us.”

Cynder sighed, she had to give the ponies that. Her kind aren’t exactly the nicest race around, well most of them at least, and have a long history of distrusting, looking down, or even bullying most other races. She herself was no different for a time, until Spyro came along and literally knocked some sense into her.

“I… Suppose I can understand that.” Cynder admitted.

What followed was awkward silence as each did come to an understanding but it still seemed that Cynder and Celestia hadn't yet put aside their newly formed rivalry. Spike felt immensely awkward now, mindlessly eating his food just to do something.

“So… Spike?” Cynder addressed her son, finally breaking the silence. “If this Rarity isn’t your mate, who is?”

Once again, Spike almost choked on his food before turning towards his biological mother with wide eyes.

“What?” Cynder spoke, once again confused. “You're surrounded by so many pony mares. I expected at least one of them to be your mate.”

“Why is that important?!” Spike asked, desperate to change the subject. However, Cynder didn’t quite seem to get the hint.

“Because you should be old enough to have one.” Cynder replied. Then something struck her. “Wait a minute, you haven’t gotten into your first rut cycle yet!?”

“My what now?” Spike asked with an arched eye.

Celestia and Luna exchanged confused and curious looks towards each other, having never heard of this “rut cycle” before.

“...Oh dear…” Cynder sighed, lowering her head.

“What’s the matter?” Luna asked with concern. “This “rut cycle”, as you called it, isn’t all that bad for Spike is it?”

“Well…” Cynder struggled on finding the right words for this. She was hoping that she may never have to. “The Rut Cycle is essentially… the moment a young dragon… is ready to… mate.”

Everybody else at the table just sat silently.

“So…what age does the dragon have to be for that to happen?” Luna awkwardly asked.

“Usually around eighteen.” Cynder replied.

“That’s weird, I just turned twenty-one nearly a month ago and I never experienced any… strong urges.” Spike said.

All three ladies just stared at him with a face that just screamed “I don’t believe you”.

“Are you actually saying that to us with a straight face, Spike?” Luna said in a deadpan tone. “Remember: I’ve seen your dreams.”

Spike’s face scales turned from purple to red. Hoping to get out of the hole he just dug himself in, he then said, “What I mean to say is that I haven't actually mated with… any girl… yet. Yeah…”

“Wait, then how are you able to calm your urges then?” Cynder asked, curious as she had never known a dragon to not have a mate.

“I have… ways but I don’t wanna say what they are out in public.” Spike said, turning his head away while turning even redder.

Both Celestia and Cynder knew what he was saying and both mothers did not give an approving look on their faces. For her part, Luna just sat there awkwardly. She understood that her nephew has needs and talking about it was basically the last thing Spike wanted to do.

“Oh Spike…” Celestia finally spoke with a hint of disappointment. “Don’t tell me your… making a mess in the bedroom.”

At that point, Spike wanted to kill himself out of sheer embarrassment. “NO!! Of course not!”

“I would’ve thought that as your ‘prince’, you would have a line of suitors or consorts waiting for him.” Cynder remarked which earned a mortified look from Spike and a scathing one from Celestia.

“I’ll have you know I rejected such ideas ages ago when Spike was nearing of age.” Celestia defended. “He is not some political instrument in ensuring I have an heir to the throne.”

“While I'll admit that’s very admirable of you, why is it then that he doesn't have a mate?” Cynder snarled.

“I am not one who should dictate who Spike falls in love with and who he shouldn’t. That should be his choice and his alone.” Celestia shot back.

Cynder and Celestia continued to glare at each other, leaving both Luna and Spike worried that this will reach a physical altercation if one of them didn’t intervene.

“Miss Cynder, why is it so important that he should have a mate?” Luna interjected. “My sister is right that it is Spike’s choice but again, why is it important that he should have a mate by now?

Cynder calmed herself down, a little bit, to answer. “Because if he doesn’t have one, then his urges may actually harm him!”

“What?!” All three shouted.

“(sigh) It’s difficult to explain.” Cynder began with all three listening. “As a dragon grows to adulthood, there are few concerns that have to be handled with care. A few that Spike seems to have already gone through.”

“Yeah, I went through my first greed phase and a few years later I went through molt where I got my wings.” Spike confirmed. “The greed phase was not my proudest moment.”

Celestia and Luna remembered that day quite well. Ponyville was laid half in ruin at the end of the day. Though Spike was comforted by his friends, he felt shameful at the damage he caused. Fortunately, Ponyville’s residents didn’t really hold it against him since they knew next to nothing about dragons and Spike had ever been a kind resident, causing almost no problems before then.

“But this rut cycle?” Luna inquired.

“Normally, a dragon goes through their first rut cycle when they reach the age of around 18 years old and by then, he or she would have a mate to quell the urges that go along with them.” Cynder continued. “If they don’t have a mate to help quell the urges, then likely their emotions would be sent into turmoil, confused about their desires and in some of the worst cases, would go on a… sexual rampage or even experience a complete loss of fertility.”

Spike, Celestia, and Luna stared at the dragoness in shock of what she just revealed.

“And since Spike is twenty-one years old, he should’ve gone through his first rut cycle and have a mate to relieve it.” Cynder continued. “So this begs the question: Are you sure you haven’t felt an extreme case of urges?”

Spike tried to collect his words. “Well… not really. Aside from some… dreams, I haven’t really.”

“You're still smitten with Rarity, that such urges have been… restrained would be my guess.” Luna interjected yet her comment made Spike feel a bit mortified.

“That may be part of it but I think I have a theory.” Celestia finally added in. “Since you mostly grew up with Twilight, I get the feeling she sheltered you from such relationships. My former pupil can be rather… overprotective of Spike.”

“I noticed that immediately after my first day in Ponyville.” Cynder snarked, her dislike for the purple alicorn was beginning to grow.

“Yes…” Celestia reluctantly admitted. “But Twilight only had the best intentions in mind and I have a feeling that many mares were probably intimidated by all the other girls that Spike is friends with. Plus, Spike has always been a bit shy when it comes to romance.”

Her comment made Spike lower his head in a bit as his adoptive mother was correct.

“A bit prudish of her.” Cynder snarked again which made Celestia frown but even she couldn’t deny that. “Regardless, every dragon must go through their first rut cycle to avoid any development problems and since Spike is a “late rutter”, it must be quick.”

“So what is it you suggest we do?” Luna asked. “Set Spike up with a blind date and hope that they “get it on” in the first night?”

Spike looks at his aunt with widened eyes and blushed cheeks.

“Well, I do have one solution but I doubt sunbutt here would approve of it…” Cynder replied.

‘Sunbutt?!’ Celestia thought to herself in anger.

“And that would be…?” Luna asked with a raised brow.

The dragoness sighed before replying, “While not all dragon parents do this but when their children have reached their first rut cycle and have yet to find a mate, sometimes that parent would… offer themselves to be their child’s first.”

Celestia, Luna and Spike just sat in their seats and their eyes widened. If their jaws were any longer, they would be hitting the floor right now.

“You… can’t be serious.” Celestia spoke though her voice sounded shaky. “THAT’S INCEST!!!”

“Well believe it or not princess, that’s how we help our children that way if they haven’t found a mate in time.” Cynder shot back, “Granted, there are some dragons that prefer not mating with their kids, but it just shows that they don’t care about them!”

“Or they have lines they just won’t cross!” Celestia argued which caused Cynder to glare at her in return.

“Celly, keep in mind that dragons have a different culture and societal structure to ponies.” Luna advised her sister. “Regardless, are you saying that Celestia should… well…”

“No, I will take that task.” Cynder proclaimed.

“WHAT?!” Celestia and Spike shouted, though out of shock for the young dragon and outrage for the alicorn.

“Since it’s clear you don’t seem willing to help him with these urges, the task, as per dragon customs dictate, I will handle this.” Cynder explained, though her tone made it sound “that is final”.

“If you think I’m just going to let you-”

“What you think is irrelevant princess.” Cynder interrupted. “Spike’s health and emotional state are at risk and I won’t let that happen.”

“Listen here you-!” Celestia started to protest but Luna grabbed her and took her sister out of the gazebo.

“Can you give us a minute?” Luna said to the two dragons.

“Luna! What the Tartarus are you doing?!” Celestia growled, not liking that her sister interrupted her and practically dragged away from the table.

“Listen sister, I know that you don’t like it but what if Cynder said might be true and this could be the only way to help Spike?” Luna said.

“If so Luna, there’s no way I’m letting her take Spike’s virginity.” Celestia replied.

Luna thought about it for a minute before she thought of something, “I might have an idea…”

As Spike and Cynder were waiting for the Royal Sisters until the two alicorns returned.

“Sorry about that.” Luna said, “I may have figured out a way to resolve this between you two.”

“And that is…?” Cynder asked.

“This.” Luna answered as she brought a bit out of her pocket. “Are you familiar with heads or tails, Cynder?”

“I am.” The dragoness replied with a raised eyebrow.

“How about this then, I flip the coin and if it’s heads then you will be the one to… “help” Spike.”

“And if it’s tails?”

“Then my sister will be the one to do it.”

Celestia’s eyes widened at this and her cheeks were red as roses, “WHAT?! We never agreed to th-!” Before she could finish her sentence, Luna used her magic to snap her mouth shut. This made Celestia glare daggers at her sister.

“So what do you say?”

Cynder thought about it for a long good minute before answering, “Let’s do it.”

Luna nodded before saying, “Just to let you both know, this coin is completely magic proof. So I wouldn’t try anything funny if I were you two.” This caused both Celestia and Cynder to quietly groan before Luna flipped the coin.

The coin then landed on the table and the moon diarch took a good look at it before saying, “Heads. Looks like you will be doing the honors, Cynder.”

Cynder couldn’t help but give a smug smile of victory just as Celestia couldn’t help but frown in disappointment despite her initial protest.

“Now that it’s settled, we should begin this soon.” Cynder proclaimed.

“...How soon?” Spike nervously proclaimed. “And where are we going to… do this? Since I know that Twilight will in no way in Tartarus allow this in her castle.”

“True…” Cynder admitted.

“If it is alright…” Celestia raised her voice. “I will allow this… rut cycle to happen here in my castle.”

Cynder was surprised at Celestia’s offer but she could see why.

“In other words you want to observe the whole thing just so nothing bad happens.” Cynder spoke out.

“Perhaps. Perhaps not.” Celestia rose her head in an almost snooty manner. “Regardless, that is my only offer.”

Cynder growled a bit but she had to admit, the white alicorn’s offer is probably better than actually conducting the rutting cycle back at Twilight’s castle, as the dragoness knew all too well that Twilight would either never allow it or would seek to interrupt her efforts at every step.

“Very well, princess. I accept your offer.” Cynder concluded, albeit reluctantly.

“Good.” Celestia responded curtly. “As Spike asked, how soon must this start?”

“As soon as possible, given that he is past the eighteen year mark.” Cynder explained.

“Very well. Spike, I must ask that you pack for an extended trip here in Canterlot.” Celestia directed towards her adopted child. “Until this is resolved, you will be staying here.”

“Great…” Spike slightly groaned before thinking. ‘This was not how I wanted things to pan out. But, it could’ve been a lot worse.’

‘Not exactly how I expected this get-together to turn out’ Luna thought to herself. ‘Still, it’s better than seeing the castle wrecked and it will no doubt be interesting to say the least.’

That last part of her thought, where Cynder and likely her sister be engaging in a mating cycle with her nephew, caused a shiver to run though her spine. Almost as if aroused.