Author's Note

Once again, thank you so much, AstralFlare42, for your contribution of Astral and Aurora, as well as your continued support of this project.

Speaking of which, thank all of you great readers as well for reading, commenting and encouraging me to keep this up.

We're not quite done yet (I have one more chapter in mind to truly wrap everything up), but as the journey of Spike and his dragon friends draws to a close, I want to let you all know that I really appreciate you sticking with me throughout this adventure.

It was so much fun sharing Star, Jack, Swift, Phoenix and DB with you guys, and your thoughts, tips and ideas were always great to read about and try to incorporate into the story. 👍

Episode 82: Wrap Up

The next few hours were a blur, as everyone set about tending to the injured, securing the Bell and returning to Canterlot.

Thankfully, most of the Equestrian forces had escaped with only bruises, cuts and burns. There were a few broken horns, wings and more than a few busted limbs, but through a combination of magic and ideas from different species, everyone seemed to quickly recover.

Everywhere Spike went, he was treated as a hero. He and his fellow Drake Six and Mane Six members got pats on the backs, eagerly shaken hands with, and even a few were bold enough to ruffle Swift and Spike’s heads.

Eventually, Spike found himself back at the Canterlot throne room. Princess Celestia stood before her throne, but didn’t ascend to it. Instead, she turned back to those who had gathered in the throne room.

“This victory today does not belong to a single pony,” Celestia said. “It belongs to everyone here.” She gazed at the non-ponies and bowed. “Dragons. Changelings. Yaks. Hippogriffs. Sea Serpents. Griffons and many more. Without all of you, it would have been impossible to stop Grogar. Equestria is in your debt.”

Thorax nodded back quietly, while Ember and Hawke shared proud looks.

“YAK SAVE EVERY PONY!” Rutherford cheered, with a resounding bellow of approval from his fellow yaks.

“Between our encounter with the Storm King and our fight with Grogar,” Celestia continued. “We have proven that we are strongest when we stand together.” She turned to Twilight. “Princess Twilight Sparkle, my faithful student.”

Swallowing nervously, Twilight fidgeted for a moment, before a pat from Spike solidified her courage. She stepped forward and bowed. “I am yours to command, Princess Celestia.”

Celestia, however, chuckled, and raised Twilight’s chin, encouraging her to rise. “I believe you have risen far past needing my command,” she said. “Though you were met with pushback, your United Species Academy formed the foundation of what saved us all today. You showed that when allowed to stand alongside each other, every creature has the potential to spread friendship, harmony and trust throughout the world.”

The Young Six - who stood gathered alongside the Mane and Drake Six - grinned at each other and exchanged fist bumps.

“To that end,” Celestia said. “Princess Twilight; I would be honored if you would be willing to stand as Equestria’s representative in a new United Species Alliance.” She turned to the others. “Where every species shall work together to keep peace and harmony in our lands.”

Thorax immediately stepped forward. “On behalf of the changelings,” Thorax said. “I accept your proposal.”

Ember glanced at Astral and Bahamut. “So… should the dragon representative come from only the Kingdom or the Lands?” Ember asked.

“You can send representatives for both,” Celestia assured. “I will not ask you to fight over which could be considered the true home of dragons.”

“Especially when ‘home’ can extend to more than just where the majority of one’s species resides,” Twilight admitted. “Speaking of which… Sir Spike.”

Spike gave a small jolt, but with a nudge from Jackknife, he stepped forward.

“Many years ago,” Twilight said. “You left to the Dragon Lands to find yourself.” She smiled. “And I believe that was one of the best decisions you could’ve made. The dragon you’ve become… the friends you’ve influenced…” she cast a grin towards his friends. “I may have learned a lot about friendship, but you have served as a symbol of what the bonds between our species can truly accomplish.” Her gaze became a little sad. “Princess Celestia has given me a great honor, asking me to spearhead this ‘United Species Alliance’, but I don’t think I can do it alone.”

Spike smiled and stepped closer. “You won’t,” he said. “I will help you however I can.”

Twilight beamed at him. “I was hoping you’d say that,” she admitted.

Spike couldn’t stop himself, and he hugged his adopted sister. “I’ve been away too long,” he said. “I don’t want to leave you again.”

As a collective ‘Aww…’ sounded, Star Wing glanced at Luna, before sighing.

“Aw, screw it,” she muttered, before running forward and hugging her mother as well. “I’d like to go back to being a Princess,” she said. “Let my mom and I have a chance to be with each other when the world isn’t at stake.”

Luna looked hopefully to Celestia, who brushed away tears at the sight of two families reuniting before her. “Of course,” she said. “You’d always be welcome back among us, Star Wing.”

Bowing her head briefly, Star returned her attention to Luna, who happily swept Star up and spun her around.

As Celestia, Twilight and the rest of the leaders worked out who would represent which species in their new Alliance, Spike and Star managed to work their way over to their friends. Jackknife, Phoenix and Swift were waiting for them, though Diamondback - restored to her normal form - hung back, looking rather morose and solemn.

“Well, guys,” Star said, a hint of sadness to her voice. “I guess it’s gonna be a while before we can go on more adventures together.”

“Is it wrong that I’m not really that peeved?” Swift asked. “We spent so much time running around on quests or fighting bad guys… I wouldn’t mind a little peace and quiet.”

Jackknife snorted. “Ya sound like Saph.” He glanced her way as she briefly grinned at him before returning to her discussion.

Spike followed his gaze. “You guys gonna be okay?” he asked.

Jackknife hummed. “We’re… gonna try and give each other another chance. Ya know? See if we can stand each other now that Kira’s been handled and I showed that we don’t become psychopaths when in combat.”

“Yeah, I get that,” Swift admitted. “I was, uh… gonna try and give Griffonstone another chance.” He grimaced. “Not sure if I’m fully ready to start living with Hawke again, but… there’s a lot of stuff there that I never noticed before.”

Jackknife nudged him. “Just give us a call if you ever need anything,” he said. “Or if Hawke forgets her lessons.” He looked to Spike. “Spike, you got something for him that can help?”

Spike considered his claw for a moment. “I think so.” He said, before plucking a scale and breathing some green fire on it. He handed it to Swift. “If you’re ever in trouble, set that on fire. It’ll let me know that you need us, and I’ll come running.”

“Preferably after ya pick me up,” Jack noted. “I may have learned my lesson about diving into battles without thinking, but that ain’t gonna mean I’m leaving Swift high and dry if he needs us.”

Swift chuckled. “Thanks, you guys.”

Star waved over to Astral and Diamondback. “Hey, guys, c’mere. We’re making friendship tokens.”

Astral walked over with Aurora. “That sounds like a great idea.”

“So, what’s next for you, Az?” Jackknife asked.

“Aurora and I will help fix up the Dragon Empire,” Astral explained. “Help it become a place of higher learning and also a good meeting place for all nations. Then we’ll return to Ponyville and settle down.”

“I imagine my neighbors would be glad to have you there,” Spike said.

“What about you, DB?” Star asked, before realizing DB hadn’t moved towards them. “Yo, DB!” Star called.

DB, however, gave them a scared look, and turned away.

Spike’s face fell. “DB?”

“She’s ashamed,” Phoenix noted. “It’s humiliating, you know? Losing yourself to that much power?”

Star gasped. “Right, and Pyrite’s still out there. She ran away just before the battle ended.”

“But also came back and helped with the Elements,” Phoenix said. “I’m pretty sure the last thing she’ll be interested in is risking our wrath with some sort of scheme.”

Star hummed. “So… what should we do in the meantime?”

“Help Twilight with this alliance thing,” Phoenix said, before looking to Diamondback again. “I’ll see what I can do for DB. I’ve been where she is before.” She smiled at Spike. “And you showed me the way back. I’d like to do the same for her.”

Spike nodded, though he gave his friends more of his scales. “Be sure to let me know if you guys need anything,” he reminded them. “Even if it’s something simple like wanting to talk.”

Jackknife grinned. “This ain’t goodbye,” he promised Spike. “Not in a million years.”

“Yeah,” Swift agreed. “You helped us get so far in our lives, Spike.”

“You reunited us with our families,” Star agreed.

“Showed that we could become something more,” Phoenix added in.

“And even helped safeguard our homes,” Aurora said, with Astral giving a thankful bow.

Spike smiled at all of them, and brought them into a group hug. “Thanks, guys.” He said.

“Spike,” Twilight called. “I want you to meet the representatives for the alliance.”

Spike nodded. “I’ll be right there,” he said, before turning to look at his friends one more time. “Well… I’ll see you guys later.”

Star nodded. “Sooner than you think,” she replied, grinning over at Luna, who stood smiling and waiting for her.

With that, the Drake Six parted ways, Spike heading to Twilight, Star joining Luna, Jackknife stepping into line alongside Sapphire as she went to Novo, Swift meeting up with Hawk and Gabby, Phoenix heading over to Diamondback, and Astral and Aurora meeting up with Bahamut.

Yet, even as they parted ways, they all still looked back to smile at each other one last time.