OBJECTION!!!!!! Spike's Sacrifice Was Completely Unnecessary (The Retrial)

Chapters

(Prologue) A Friend
Your Fault!
The Funeral of Spike the Dragon; Raven and Grace

(Prologue) A Friend

CANTERLOT DUNGEON, THREE HOURS AFTER THE BATTLE

Chrysalis' vision was blurry as she felt herself come around. She felt like someone had taken a battle-axe to her head.

"Ugh, what happened?" she groaned.

The room that she was in was made of stone and only had one window with three bars. Then she noticed she was on the bottom bunk of a bunk bed. There was another bed on the other side of the room and its occupant was Cozy Glow, who was still unconscious. Chrysalis wouldn't have paid much attention if she didn't notice that Cozy didn't have her horn and her wings seemed a lot smaller. The reality of the situation slowly sunk in for the former Changeling Queen. She jumped out of bed and looked at the top bunk. There was Tirek, who was also unconscious, and he looked like the fragile, old Centaur when they first met him in "Grogar's" lair. Chrysalis then bolted to a mirror and sure enough, her enchanted powers were gone too. She looked like the same creature that she did after she had been defeated by Starlight Glimmer. The only difference was that now, the ends of her teal mane were singed a moderate shade of grey.

Cozy Glow was next to wake up. She too had a splitting headache and felt a lot weaker. She looked back at her wings and noticed they were a lot smaller. She put a hoof on top of her head and noticed that her horn was no longer there. She tried to wrack her brain to figure out what happened, Chrysalis was doing the same thing. Then, all their memories hit both of them simultaneously like a fully loaded freight train. How Spike had nabbed Grogar's Bell from them, how they had chased him and fired at the bell without even thinking if that would damage it or not, and how they blew up the bell when they fired all their blasts at the same time, all the while thinking Spike was the dumb one flying toward the power-hungry trio.

"I can't believe it," Chrysalis growled. "This is

That repulsive, little reptile defeated all three of us."

"Yeah, thanks to you," Cozy Glow bitterly remarked.

Chrysalis was taken aback, "Oh, really? And how was it my fault that we got defeated?" she snapped.

"Oh, I don't know you were the one who had that idiot in your magic grip. You couldn't have ripped out his wings right then and there?" Cozy Glow replied.

"How was I supposed to know he would go and pull something like that? I thought I pulled on his wings hard enough to break them and render them useless. I just wanted to give him back to those stupid ponies so they could all enjoy a miserable death together," Chrysalis hissed back.

"And that's the second reason why this is all your fault." Cozy bellowed. "You grabbed Spike for the soul purpose of using him as a hostage to get the Mane 6 to stop fighting, unless they want you to rip his wings off and when they did stop fighting back, the next thing you do is literally throw away your leverage just like that...... WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT? They could have teleported out of the way because of that."

"But they didn't!" Argued Chrysalis. "They stayed and were ready to accept their demise."

"Clearly not, Spike! Because you gave him the opportunity to screw us by letting him go." Cozy argued back. "If you had just held on to him and just let me and Tirek, take care of things. HE WOULDN'T HAVE GOTTEN THE CHANCE TO TAKE THE BELL AND TRICK US INTO MAKING IT EXPLODE!"

Cozy and Chrysalis' argument soon found its way to Tirek's ears. At first, it worked its way into his dreams, but then it slowly drove the Centaur into consciousness. He let out a groan and sat up. Chrysalis and Cozy didn't seem to notice him, they were too busy arguing. The old creature looked around at his surroundings, a medium-sized room made of stone with just one window with bars on it, one bunk bed, and one regular bed. He looked himself over and instantly realized that his hulking, muscular, rejuvenated frame was gone, replaced with his old, brittle, skinny frame. Like Cozy and Chrysalis, he too recalled the events of his defeat at the hands of Spike. Unlike Cozy and Chrysalis, however, he didn't jump in and argue with them, but instead rolled back into bed, pulled the covers over him. He figured he was in enough trouble as it was and felt it was best to just keep his mouth shut.

"Which was also, bullshit!" Spat Chrysalis in frustration. "Grogar's bell was literally designed to absorb and take magic. So why the hell would it explode from taking some of ours?"

"Though I hate to say it, but you're right." Cozy said calming herself. "Why would something literally made to take in magic get destroyed by it? Don't tell me we overload it after taking both Discord's and the princesses magic."

"Of course not!" Said Tirek, sitting up in his bed to join the conversation. "That would be ridiculous! Grogar wouldn't make something with such a glaring weakness, like limitation. Remember, I was the one who read the book we stole in order to learn how the bell works and I can assure you, nothing in that book mentioned anything that the bell can only take on a certain amount of magic. Not only that but during my research, I found out that the bell in its own way is similar to my own magic taking ability, and I to have no real limit to the amount of magic I can take, and I took the magic of Discord, plus all four alicorns at the time, and that was after I drained the magic from over thousands of ponies beforehand and didn't see me explode."

"So, like you, the bell had no limitations," Said Cozy.

"Or you could say that you both never reached your limitations," Chrysalis added. "And that makes more sense for the bell because we only used it to drain the magics of Discord, Celestia, and Luna, nobody else."

"Then why did the bell explode?" Asked Cozy. "It clearly absorbed our magic attacks, storing them up until it couldn't take anymore."

"It's because that drake didn't use it the way it was intended." Tirek answers.

"What do you mean?" Asked Chrysalis.

Tirek looks towards Cozy. "Cozy Glow! You said that you absorbed the sisters magic when they attack you, right?"

Cozy nodded. "Yeah, just as I expected they would. The first move those two made was using their magic to attack me."

FLASHBACK

"And remember how we all used the bell to take Grogar's magic." Said Tirek.

FLASHBACK

"So, what's your point?" Asked Chrysalis.

"My point is that the bell had to be activated first before it can take any magic!" Tirek explained. "When we had the bell, we didn't even know how to use it. Which is why we stoled that book. So, of course that Drake had no idea how to use it, because if he did, he would have drained our magic the same way Cozy drained the sisters." Tirek shook his head. "It was as you said Chrysalis. The bell was literally designed to absorb and take magic, but it was meant to be done the proper way, by activating it, but that drake didn't do that did he? No, he used it as a shield and though it wasn't active it still absorbed our magic, just not in the traditional sense."

Tirek hops off his bunk and began pacing back and forth as he continued his lecture. "From what I read from the book. The bell doesn't simply store the magic inside itself. It opens a portal to its own pocket dimension that only it can access. Keeping any and all magic trapped inside until it is release. HOWEVER! The bell can store magic within itself, but that's clearly not what you're supposed to do, because all your doing is forcing the magic in, like filling a balloon with too much air or water. -

-I don't know if it was because of our magic being too much or the bell was just that fragile when it absorbs magic improperly. What I do know is that damn Drake clearly saw signs that the bell was going to explode and goad us into attacking him. Catching our magic until it finally reached its limits, and our last combined attack was final push he needed for it to blow up and defeat us."

Tirek stops his pacing, his back turned to his two comrades. "And there's one last thing you two should know."

"And what's that?" Asked Cozy.

Tirek clenches his fists in anger, before turning around, pointing an accused finger at the two. "WHY THE HELL DID'NT EITHER OF YOU JUST FLY UP TO HIM AND RIP THE BELL FROM HIS GRASP? YOU BOTH HAVE WINGS, USE THEM!"

"DON'T TRY AND TURN THIS ON US YOU OLD FART!" Yelled Cozy.

"Especially since you can fly as well." Chrysalis added. "Some of my Changelings saw you do it during your epic fight against Twilight."

Its True

"I WAS ONLY ABLE TO DO THAT BECAUSE I DRAINED THE MAGIC FROM COUNTLESS PEGASI! Which I clearly didn't this time around. The magic I obtained from both Discord and the bell made me young and stronger only. They didn't contain special traits like Pegasi's flight, earth ponies strength, and unicorn's magic."

"Well, you WERE the one who studied the book." Cozy pointed out. "You must've had known about the bell weakness, hell you just explained why it exploded in the first place. If you knew the whole time that hitting it with magic like that was going to blow it up...... THEN WHY THE HELL DID'NT YOU TELL US STOP SHOOTING YOU OLD FART!"

"I DIDN'T KNOW THAT WAS GOING TO HAPPEN." Tirek counterd. "I didn't read the entire book and my explanation was nothing more than a visual observation, that made the most logical sense. It was a guess, a theory. It's not like could see the bell cracking from a far distance, while that little thief was zipping around all over the place."

Cozy scoffs. "Whatever, it still doesn't change the fact that we lost because you and the succubus over there were completely incompetent."

"What did you say you little brat!" Said Chrysalis.

As the three continued to argue with one another. A pegasus guard named, Silver Wing, who was passing by overheard the trio's argument and banged against the metal bars of the cell.

"Quiet in there!" he barked. Getting the trio to stop arguing.

"Get lost," Chrysalis shouted back. "You've already defeated us with that horrid dragon of yours. Isn't that enough?"

The Silver's expression suddenly darkened, and his tone seemed a little bit angrier.

"I'll have you know that "horrid dragon" is dead.

Silence. The trio were completely taken aback by the news as they just stared at the guard in absolute shock.

"Dead!?" Said Tirek. "What do you mean he's dead? How did he die?"

"It's understandable that three don't know, since you were all unconscious at the time." Said Silver. "So, allow me to explain and then some. Clearly you all remember that it was Spike who defeated you by causing the bell to explode?" The trio nodded. "The magic surge killed him in a very brutal and painful way. You should also know that he had a harem of 12 girls, one of which suffers from depression and is having the hardest time out of them all. So, show some respect for him. That's the very least you can do," Silver said.

Cozy and Tirek were very surprised to hear this. The two of them didn't know what to think. Chrysalis, however, just sat there silently with her head held down.

"He's dead?" Cozy whispered.

Silver nodded.

"But how could he be dead?" Asked Tirek. "He's a dragon! He can breathe fire, swim in molten lava, and has scales as tough as steel. I get he was still young but an explosion like that shouldn't been able to kill him."

Silver shook his head. "Except it wasn't a fiery explosion, it was a magical one." Silver explained. "Combined that with the fact that multiple shards from the bell impaled his body....... He was lucky enough to still have time to speak his final words to his loved ones before passing on."

There was a moment of silence as the trio took in everything they were just told. Tirek and Cozy both had express looks that clearly showed that they felt bad for Spike. Chrysalis, however.

"Oh, dear," Chrysalis sarcastically began. "I'm so sorry that had to happen to him but look at it this way. After I met Cozy Glow, she told me about how Spike was an orphan. Maybe now that he's dead, he can reunite with his parents in the bowels of Tartarus and they can all enjoy the comforts that it has to offer to them together. As a family."

Chrysalis threw back her head and began to laugh at her own callous comment. Cozy and Tirek couldn't help but seem a little shocked at Chrysalis' harsh words. They hated Spike just as much as she did, but they had enough dignity to respect the dead. The guard's look changed from angered to disgusted. He shook his head in disbelief at the former Changeling Queen showing no remorse for the death of a kid and continued walking down the narrow hallway.

Chrysalis finally finished laughing and looked at her cohorts. She seemed oblivious at their shocked expression as she continued to speak.

"What? Aren't you excited? That miserable lizard is dead, and I can only imagine what torture those ponies are going through," she said, her tone rivaling that of a filly in a candy shop. "Sure, they may have won the war, but they lost so much more. I only wish I was still conscious at the time to witness that beautiful moment for myself."

"Chrysalis, don't you have any respect for him at all?" Cozy Glow asked.

"Not a chance in hell," Chrysalis responded coldly. "Don't tell me you feel sorry for them."

"Well, we did have a little respect for them being our rivals and all," Cozy Glow admitted.

"We also shouldn't disrespect the dead," added Tirek. "Sure, Cozy and I hated all of them just as much as you did, but we also should know where to draw the line."

"Oh, please," Chrysalis scoffed. "He was a complete nobody, and I honestly cannot believe either of you speaking out in support in him."

"She's right you know!"

The sudden voice caught the trio completely by surprise. They look towards the cell bars but saw no one there. Yet the voice continued.

"The *Speaking out in support of him.* I wouldn't waste my breath if I were you. Not without all the facts in place that is. As we don't really know how Spike truly died exactly."

"Who are you?" Bark Chrysalis. Looking outside the cell to try and see who it is talking to them. "Where are you? Come on out and show yourself."

"I can't do that I'm afraid. I don't want to risk the guard seeing me when he comes back. Which won't be long. So, this visit will have to be short. Just know that I'm a friend. One who's willing to help you if future events calls for it."

"What do you mean?" Asked Tirek.

"And what do you mean by *We don't know how Spike died*?" Asked Cozy.

"Indeed, everycreature knows we murdered that drake!" Chrysalis exclaims.

"Are you sure about that?"

Chrysalis smiled. "100%!"

"Really, because I don't believe that. I've been thinking a lot about what happened on that battlefield that resulted in Spike's death. I didn't get to see what happened since I arrived along with the army, after everything was said and done. But I suspect foul play. I been gathering as much intel as I could around the castle, but unfortunately, there's not much info to give a full picture on the exact details of what happened, but from what little I was able to piece together. It would seem things are indeed leaning towards a theory that I came up with. Which is why I can't speak out in support of Spike. Because if my theory is correct. Well......"

"And what exactly is this theory of yours?" Asked Tirek.

"It doesn't matter right now, not without knowing everything that happened during that final fight."

"You know we could just tell you!" Cozy suggested. "We were there after all."

"True, but sadly, I don't have time for that. The guard will be here soon, and it's not like I don't have somepony else I could talk to about what happened. I just have to be patient; besides I only came here to let you know that if by chance the worst-case scenario were to come to pass. I will be there to fight for you with all my resolve and make sure true justice is served."

With that the voice no longer said anything else and it was clear to the trio that whoever it was had left. Now alone once again the three villains were left confused with nothing but questions.

With no real reason to dwell on it Cozy and Tirek both let out a sigh and crawled back into bed.

Chrysalis however didn't really care about what the voice said. She just walked toward the window, staring out of it. Even though she was miffed at her cohorts feeling sorry for their enemies, it didn't dampen her good mood. Even though she was defeated, the fact that one of her enemies was killed was reward enough for her.

Your Fault!

The thunderous sounds of a stampede of multiple different hooves could be heard. As hundreds upon hundreds of different creatures. Far and wide, ran side by side towards the same destination. The stampede was also being followed by hundreds of creatures who were flying above them as one giant flock.

The army of different creatures were being led by six friends. Who work to help bring everybody together to help stop the evil threatening their world.

Ponies, Changelings, Dragons, Yaks, Griffons, Hipogriffs, Kirins, and Buffalos. Now stand together as one mighty army. All charging with great purpose and determination. To save their friends.

Everyone's goal was the same. Help The Mane Six in defending Equestria against the evil trio known as, The Legion of Doom or L.O.D. For short. And put a stop to their evil plans for world domination.

Even all those that were imprisoned in the cave's underneath, Canterlot were found and set free, and they too joined the mighty army. Although the royal sisters, the pillars, and Discord didn't have their magic still. That didn't stop them from joining the fight.

As the army drew closer to the battlefield, climbing to the top of the giant hill. It was in that moment that a large explosion could be heard, and before anyone could question what it was. All of the sudden the royal sisters, the pillars, and Discord got their magic back. Not wanting to linger on that right now. With a single *SNAP* Discord teleported the army to the top the hill, where everyone saw the Mane 6 group together down below. Without hesitation, the unicorns created a forcefield around the Mane 6 just in case, especially after hearing that loud explosion from earlier.

But after getting a good look at the battlefield, it would seem that the fight was already over.

Thorax and Ember were at the front of the pack. Behind them were Gabby, Smolder, the CMC, and Starlight. They saw the villain's lying unconscious, and the ponies sitting and hunched over someone or something. They flew down and inform the rest of the group.

“Tirek, Chrysalis, and Cozy Glow are knocked out. They don’t seem to have their enchanted powers anymore either, and Twilight and the girls seem fine, but they’re hunched over someone or something,” Thorax relayed.

“Can we head down there to see what the fuss is about?” Ember asked.

Yes, we can go with you,” Princess Celestia said. “My Sister and I will have our guards subdue these creatures before they can do anymore harm.”

"We're coming too," Smolder announced. "The Crusaders, Starlight, Gabby, and I have been away from our Spike for far too long."

With the company of the Princesses, Ember and Thorax flew down to the Element Bearers. Smolder scooped up the Crusaders and Gabby scooped up Starlight and they made their way down to the other harem members. As they got closer, they heard what sounded like crying coming from the ponies.

“Thorax, it sounds like they’re crying,” Ember said.

“Yeah,” Thorax replied. “I wonder what’s got them so upset.”

"Ehh," Smolder shrugged. "They're probably crying out of happiness. Probably because Spike saves the day yet again."

Celestia and Luna broke off with their guards to restrain the villains, while Ember and Thorax landed behind the ponies, followed be Smolder and Gabby. The dragon and Griffon set down the three other fillies and Unicorn before they turned their attention toward the still sobbing Element Bearers.

The ponies didn’t acknowledge the arrival of the Dragon Lord, Changeling King, and the other half of the harem. They just continued to sob hysterically. At first, they were confused by their conduct. Then, they noticed the ground beneath where the ponies were sitting bearing a rather odd, reddish color. They felt uneasy at the odd sight and gave each other worried looks. Immediately, they walked at a brisk pace around the force field to get a better look at what got them in such a hysterical state. As they made their way around, they could hear the agonizing wails of the Element Bearers grow more vivid. They were halfway around when they glanced at the ground and now had a better look at the large pool of red on the ground. Then, through the crowd of ponies, Gabby noticed a small patch of purple with some green with streaks of dark red peppering it. They others took notice of when she was looking at and instantly, the worst-case scenario started running through all their heads.

"You don't think-" Gabby started to say before a lump formed in her throat, making her unable to finish her sentence.

The eight creatures went from a brisk walk to sprinting. The millisecond they got to where they were facing the ponies, their eyes widened, and all, but one, let out a horrified gasp. The one who didn’t gasp was Smolder, who let out a loud, blood-curdling scream. The ponies stopped crying and looked up at the new arrivals. By this point, Twilight had scooped up Spike's body and was now softly cradling him.

On instinct, Starlight stuck her hoof out in front of the view of the Crusaders, trying to prevent them from observing the grisly sight before them, but her efforts were too little too late. The three fillies knocked her hoof away and raced to the force field, banging on it frantically. Everyone else just stood and stared at the scene before them as the reality of the situation quickly began to sink in.

“N-No, i-it can’t be,” Thorax sputtered.

“I-Is he d-dead?” Ember asked, hesitant to say the last word of her question.

"Y-Yes,” Rarity managed to choke out between sobs. “S-Spike’s d-dead!”

Ember and Thorax felt tears welling up in their eyes as they saw the dragon that had helped them get into the position they were in now. The tears on the faces of Smolder, Gabby, Starlight, and the Crusaders had already welled up in their eyes and were now seeping down their cheeks and falling like sorrow rain onto the ground at the sight of the magical, little Dragon who had successfully won their love, now reduced to nothing more than a bloody mess.

“Celestia! Luna!” screamed Thorax, trying his best not to break down and start sobbing right then and there.

“What? What's wrong?” Luna asked as she and Celestia ran over to them.

“Spike’s gone! He’s dead!” Thorax cried as he finally broke down.

Celestia and Luna ran over to where the sobbing Element Bearers were, saw Spike’s limp body, and quickly flew up to the hill crest where all of Equestria was waiting.

“Deactivate the forcefield, now,” Celestia ordered, starting to feel nauseous from the gruesome sight of Spike's corpse.

“What’s the matter, Princesses?” Chancellor Neighsay asked.

“Spike is dead, we need to get a better look at the damage to him,” Luna said trying her best not cry.

Without another word every Unicorn’s horn stopped glowing. The forcefield vanished instantly. The second it did, Ember, Thorax, and the other half of Spike's harem bolted to the huddle of ponies and joined them. Once they got a good look at their fallen friend and lover, they almost passed out. They immediately noticed how Spike's little torso, arms, and legs were impaled by so many shards of Groger’s bell, how his body was drenched in about 70 percent of his blood volume from all his deep cuts and scratches, how his entire torso was burnt almost to a crisp, the only thing on his wings that remained were two bloody, fleshy, stumps on his back, how there were burned pieces and bone fragments of him that peppered the grassy field under and around him, and how the ground beneath him was soaked in red from the the other 30 percent of his lost blood. His eyes were peacefully closed. If it weren't for all his horrible injuries, they would've thought he was sleeping.

“Spike, no,” Ember choked out as she felt tears starting to ooze down her cheeks. "P-Please, no."

She put a finger on Spike left wrist, which was surprisingly undamaged, to somehow hold out hope that he was still alive. She didn’t feel a pulse. It was at this moment that Ember and Thorax knew that Spike, the dragon that had helped clear Thorax’s name for him to be accepted into Pony kind, the dragon who had melted Ember’s walls and had helped her reach the Bloodstone Sceptor in order to become the new Dragon Lord, and the dragon who had captured the hearts of a dozen girls, was no more.

The Princesses, after what seemed like forever, flew down to join the other 14 lamenting creatures. Garble also followed them down there. He knew that his sister needed him more than ever to get through this event. All 17 creatures were all overcome with grief looking down at Spike's destroyed body. The villains were defeated and Equestria was safe from the Legion of Doom, but at what cost? Spike, a kid, had given up his life for his friends, his marefriends, his family, and his home.

“Twilight,” whispered Celestia, her eyes starting to fill with fresh tears. “What happened?”

After hearing this, Twilight stopped crying and got the composure to speak. Celestia felt heartbroken staring down at her pupil’s sad, red-rimmed, puffy eyes.

The lavender Alicorn tearfully explained how Spike had grabbed the bell, had taunted the Legion of Doom into chasing him, and how he tricked them into destroying the object that was responsible for all their powers. She found it harder to speak as she went into detail about finding him in the rubble, how he had already accepted his fate, and in his final words to them saying that as long as his friends and Equestria were safe, that was all that mattered. She then told the other half of Spike's harem about how he told Element Bearers to let them know that he loved them.

The thought of reciting the awful scene to the Princesses, Ember, Thorax, and the other six harem members made the Twilight and her friends cry even harder. Thorax, Starlight, the Princesses all silently cried. Smolder, Gabby, and the Crusaders began to bawl hysterically. None of them said a word. Ember, however, was a different story.

“No! No! No! This isn’t fair! THIS ISN'T FAIR!!!” Ember screamed as she fell to her knees, repeatedly punched the ground, and finally began crying hysterically looking at the destroyed body that was once her best friend. “Spike didn’t deserve this!”

From the hillcrest above, Dragons, Ponies, Changelings, Griffons, Hippogriffs, Yaks, Buffalos, and Kirins all began to cry silently. No creature had peeled their eyes away from where the Princesses, Element Bearers, Dragon Lord, and Changeling King were all huddled around their fallen comrade.

Equestria hadn't lost an ordinary hero that day, it had lost its savior that day.

There was one creature, however, that felt the saddest and guiltiest out of them all. Discord. He had long since teleported down to the group after hearing the terrible news. He stood close by, staring down at the now decease drake as he was held in Twilight's forelegs.

“Oh, Spike,” he whispered to no one in particular, tears stinging his eyes. “I did this. I’m so sorry.”

Though she couldn't hear what he said, Twilight was still able to recognize Discord's voice, which caught her immediate attention.

"YOU!!!!" Twilight shriek unfamiliar hatred on her face. "You stay away from us!"

Discord back away as if he was struck.

"THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT!!!!"

Twilight yelled with absolute rage, while pointing an accusive hoof at the chaos god. "You're the one who started this, everything would have been fine if it wasn't for WHAT YOU DID!" Twilight drops her hoof to hug Spike as more tears fell from her eyes. "Spike would still be alive if it wasn't for you!" She said somberly her rage instantly replace by great sadness.

Thorax, Ember, the crusaders, Gabby, and Smolder were all very confused by, Twilight's accusation. How was this all Discord's fault. Wasn't it the L.O.D. that killed Spike? Before either of them could even ask, they saw, Rarity steps in between Discord and her friends. Using her magic, she grabs the Draconequus, by his beard, pulled him straight down to her eye level before stomping a hoof down on his beard to hold him in place, as she leans into Discord's face, her own a mask of rage, grief, and regret.

"She's absolutely right, this is all your fault you stupid, ghastly, BEAST! There's no one else to blame for this mess, but you and you alone. After all this was your ASSININE PLAN that made this tragic outcome possible in the first place." Rarity then points her free hoof at the still unconscious evil trio. "Those three may have caused his death," She points at Discord. "but it was you who decided to bring them together and make them a greater threat than they ever were before. You never once thought even for a second how HORRIBLE your plan was, or how things could go terribly wrong, well," Using her magic once more she grabs, Discord by the beard again and force him to get a closer look at Spike's corpse. "HAVE A GOOD LOOK AT WHAT YOUR ACTIONS LED TO. LOOK AT THE CONSEQUENCES THAT YOUR PLAN BROUGHT UPON POOR SPIKY WIKEY." Discord tried to turn away from the grizzly sight, but Rarity wouldn't give him the mercy to do so. "NO!" the fashion designer screamed as she then incase Discord's entire head in her magic. Once again forcing him to stare at the consequence of his actions. "YOU DON'T GET TO JUST TURN AWAY FROM THIS!" she growled as she held the chaos god in place. Making sure he gets a good look at what he caused. "HE'S DEAD BECAUSE OF YOU!!! HE HAD TO SACRIFICE HIMSELF TO SAVE US ALL BECAUSE OF YOU AND YOUR FUCKING TEST!!!!!!"

"Test!?" Said Ember.

"What test?" Asked Thorax.

They along with Smolder, Gabby, and The Crusaders have been paying close attention to everything that Twilight and Rarity had said, the same goes for the large army of multiple different creatures, who had come down from the hill and surrounded the group. Everyone who didn't know exactly what was going on were confused about why Discord was being blamed for Spike's death when it was the evil trio who killed him.

To Discord's absolute shock it was Fluttershy who stood up to address everyone. "Of course! You all have the right to know, after all." Fluttershy said. Wiping the tears from her eyes, then turning her attention to the surrounding crowd. "This was actually supposed to be a test that Discord set up himself. He purposely freed both Tirek and Cozy glow from their cells in Tartarus, he brought Sombra back from the nether, and pluck Chrysalis from herself exile. All while pretending to be some ancient villain named Grogar, and recruited the four of them, so they can work together to defeat us and take over Equestria. But all that was actually a part of his real plan to help Princess Twilight gain confidence in ruling Equestria."

Everyone gasps in horror at the news, causing Discord to flinch in fear. He could feel his heart shatter into pieces as the pony he considers to be his best friend had now turned against him and why wouldn't she after what he did.

The crowd was flabbergasted. They didn't know what to think, with this info.

Tears once again started to form in Fluttershy's eyes. "Unfortunately, his plan went off the rails when the evil trio found him out and stripped him of his chaos powers and the Princesses of their magic. Luckily, however, the Legion of Doom didn't get to overthrow all of Equestria, but that was because," The tears in her eyes started to fall. "Spike sacrifice himself to save us all." She said before falling onto her haunches and started crying again. The pain of losing Spike once again hit her full force. Rarity release Discord, so she can comfort her friend despite being just as broken up as she was.

Now that they got a full explanation the crowd was shocked at everything they just heard. The sadness they all felt just moments ago turned to outright anger as they all glared at the one responsible for all of this.

After Rarity had release him, Discord slowly stood back up. Once he got his bearings, he quickly notices everyone staring at him angrily, as he was now surrounded by the crowd, all alone as he stood in the center. The large army of multiple different creatures who stood as one against the L.O.D. now stand against him the mastermind behind it all.

Discord didn't know what to do. Despite having his powers back, he never felt so helpless. Now that everyone knows what he had done. He could only guess what will happen to him now.

"A TEST!!!" Smolder yelled her sadness completely replaced with pure fiery anger.

"THE LOVE OF MY LIFE DIED A SLOW PAINFUL AGONIZING DEATH BECAUSE OF A FUCKING TEST!!!!!!!"

Smolder clench her fists and grit her teeth the rage inside her hits its boiling point and then explode.

"YOU MURDERED HIM!"

Smolder screamed.

She jumped up and began flying toward Discord at full speed. Discord didn't have the time to react as Smolder landed a direct punch to the face, knocking him off his hooves and his one fang tooth went flying out of his mouth. But Smolder wasn't the only one who wanted a piece of the Draconequus, as four other creatures followed close behind, not wanting to miss out on giving Discord his well-deserved karma.

Before he knew it Discord was jumped by five creatures at once. Smolder, Ember, Thorax, Rainbow Dash, and Starlight Glimmer. All teaming up to give Discord one hell of a beating.

Discord couldn't fight back; the group wasn't giving him no quarter to. Though he wouldn't even if he wanted to. He knew he deserved this, he deserved to be punished for what he did and if getting the ever-living shit beaten out of him, then so be it.

The giant crowd of creatures watch on in satisfaction as they enjoyed Discord's Beating. Some even began shout at him, voicing their hatred for the monster who got Spike killed.

"They're right this is all your fault!" Said a creature from the crowd. Soon many others followed.

"You did this!"

"That poor dragon is dead because of you."

"You have nobody to blame but yourself."

Hauntedly the entire crowd of multiple creatures spoke as one as they pointed accusingly at Discord. Saying.

"You are the blame. It's all your fault! Your fault! Your fault! Your fault! Your fault! Your fault! Your fault! Your fault! Your fault! Your fault! Your fault! Your fault! Your fault! Your fault! Your fault! Your fault! Your fault! Your fault! Your fault! Your fault! Your fault! Your fault! Your fault! Your fault! Your fault! Your fault! Your fault! Your fault! Your fault! Your fault! Your fault!"

Everyone continued their chant with no signs of ever stopping. The voices of thousands echoed in Discord's ears. Despite that, he could still hear specific voices speaking to him.

"I should have never given you a chance to be reformed." Said Celestia. "Clearly you have learned nothing about friendship."

Luna spoke. "We should have turned you to stone after your first betrayal. Once your beating is done, we will do so again only this time it will be permanent."

"I should have never become your friend." Fluttershy said.

That was the final straw that broke Discord. Knowing full well that there was no coming back from this.

For the first time since Smolder jumped to kick the fight off, Discord was knocked off his hooves and he went for a tumble across the ground. Broken, bleeding, and bruised. It was now taking every ounce of his strength to try and stand back up. He was successful in doing just that, but he didn't have much time to celebrate that achievement before Rainbow Dash decked him square on the nose.

"That was for giving your L.O.D. the chance to invade Canterlot," snarled the Rainbow-maned Pegasus.

Starlight ran up and bucked the stupid and badly injured killer in the face next.

"That was for giving them the chance to capture all my friends to try and suck the love out of them," Starlight growled.

Thorax came up and slugged his former ruler right in the face.

"That was for giving Chrysalis the chance to take back the hive and force us back to the way we were."

Ember came up next to give her final punch to the face for incorrigible villain next.

"That was for giving them a chance to endanger all the students, particularly Smolder, at the School of Friendship."

Lastly, it was Smolder's turn. Rather than delivering a final punch, however, she bared her claws hidden within her fingers and slashed them across Discord's cheek, drawing more blood.

"That was for giving them the chance to kill my fellow harem members!" she yelled before she took a deep inhale. "And this..."

She opened her mouth to reveal an orange flame, very bright, very beautiful, very hot, and very deadly. It made Discord feel a whole new level of pain as the flames licked at his scratches, cuts, and bruises. He screamed as he was burned.

"...is for MAKING OUR SPIKE PAY WITH HIS LIFE TO MAKE SURE WE WERE ALL SAFE!!!!!" Smolder finished, screaming.

Starlight charged up her horn one last time. She gave the harshest glare she could to the barely standing villain.

"And this is for going through with your stupid plan," she growled and released her magic blast.

Discord couldn’t even brace for the impact. In the blinding light, he saw Spike staring at him sadly as the young drake said. "I will never forgive you.". Then it struck… and he knew no more.

Discord shot up from his bed, waking up in a cold sweat, in the middle of the night. After a few moments he realized that it was all just a dream. He let out a sigh of relief as he just sat there in bed of one of Canterlot castle many guest rooms.

It has been four days since the funeral. After it had ended Discord came to the castle and asked Celestia and Luna could he stay in one of the guest rooms. They agreed and let him stay for as long as he needed.

After that, Discord retired to his room and haven't come out since. He made a promise to himself to stay far from Twilight and the others. Knowing full well that they hate him now after what he did.

Discord sighed and wiped away a tear. The guilt he felt was unimaginable. He had tried to boost Twilight's confidence by banding the Cozy Glow, Chrysalis, and Tirek together under the guise of an ancient, Cornflower blue Ram named Grogar so the lavender Alicorn and her friends could get a confidence boost and, in the process, reform three of Equestria’s most feared foes. Unfortunately, his plan went off the rails when the vicious trio found him out and stripped him of his chaos powers and the Princesses of their magic. Lucky for Discord, however, the Legion of Doom didn't get to overthrow all of Equestria, but that was because one of his closest friends had lost his life saving all of them.

Discord would always cry himself to sleep each night, but just because he was asleep didn't mean his troubles were over for the day. In his dreams, a vision of Spike would appear in his mind, covered in blood and cuts, he had a charred abdomen, and he wore a blank expression. Worst of all, five seconds after his vision of Spike appeared, the injured dragon would open his mouth and just let out a blood-curdling scream for a full minute then collapse on the ground and before being enveloped in a cloud of smoke. When the cloud of smoke cleared, Spike was gone, the only thing that reminded Discord of what he just witnessed was a small pool of blood on the ground. Discord would always wake up in a cold sweat after he looked at the pool of blood and it would take an hour, sometimes two, to fall back asleep. Discord experienced the same nightmare at least twice each night during those ten, grueling days since one of his close friends died. The worst night was the night after the funeral, when Discord had the same nightmare seven times and had only gotten two hours of sleep. He had put a spell up that prevented Princess Luna from seeing his horrifying nightmares believing that this was part of what he deserved. The last was new and more tamed than the ones he's been usually getting but it only made him realize just how much everyone hates him now. The Draconequus was known for being a bit of a troublemaker even after his reform, but the one time he tried to do something for his best friends it went horribly wrong. He knew that the second that Twilight and her friends found him, they'd turn him back into stone. Of course, he believed it was what he deserved, but every time he got the courage to get up and go to the Casle of Friendship, it died at the last minute. Every time this happened, Discord felt ten times worse than he did before.

Rather he did or didn't go and talk to Twilight and the gang, it didn't matter. He knows that sooner or later they'll come for him. When that will happen, he didn't know all he knows is that he is prepared for when the time comes.

(Four days ago, two hours after the funeral)

Celestia and Luna were sitting on their thrones. They had just settled down after coming back from the funeral of the person who Celestia considered her son when the downtrodden Draconequus walked in the door.

Discord," Celestia said, surprised to see him. "What are you doing here?"

"Is there an available guest room in here?" Discord asked somberly.

"Yes, there is," Luna answered. "Why do you want to know?"

"I'd like to have it please," Discord said. "I need some time alone to cope with..."

Discord couldn't bring himself to say the last two words, Spike's death. Celestia and Luna immediately understood Discord's situation. They lead him to the guest bedroom and left him alone to settle down.

(Day Two)

It had been two days Since the funeral and six days since Equestria had lost Spike. Everyone was still sad, but they were trying their best to move on with what happened, just like Spike would've wanted them to do.

Unfortunately, Discord had found himself still unable to move on with Spike's death. His sadness was just as bad, if not worse, than it was two days earlier. The Draconequus had no doubt in his mind that Twilight and her friends hated him unconditionally. Discord believed he was fully responsible for what happened and knew it was best not to make any contact with them again.

Day Three

True to his promise to himself, Discord stayed as far away as he could from Twilight and her friends as well as the other Princesses. He had never felt so alone.

Celestia and Luna thought the ancient Draconequus would eventually snap out of it, but as time went on, the two Princesses noticed Discord seemed even more downtrodden with each day that passed. Finally on the third day, the royal sisters decided they had enough of seeing Discord moping around and blaming himself for something he couldn't have prevented. They decided that tomorrow, they'd pay a visit to The Friendship Castle.

Day Four

The second Celestia woke up that morning and Luna was off duty for being Equestria's dream keeper, the two quickly freshened up, had a quick breakfast, headed outside, and got in the enchanted chariot that was waiting to take the royal sisters to the Friendship Castle. They landed in front of the large building where Twilight and her friends resided. After ordering the Pegasai who pulled the cart to wait for them, they both slowly walked to the entrance of the Friendship Castle, looked at each other, took a deep breath, and knocked on the door.

It was time to help Discord.

Author's Note

The next chapter will take place the day after Spike died. Just one little thing I need to take care of before continuing the main plot.

And yes I was trying to make a PowerPuff Girl reference.

The Funeral of Spike the Dragon; Raven and Grace

Author's Note

I do not own any artwork added to this chapter.

The Funeral of Spike the Dragon; Raven and Grace

OCTOBER 16, 2019, CANTERLOT CEMETERY, 12:45 P.M.

This was the day that everycreature in Equestria dreaded, Spike's Funeral. Everyone had the day off so they could come to the terrible event. The day was hard for everyone who knew and loved Spike. For Spike's harem, Ember, Garble, and Thorax, however, they felt like they were going through pure hell. Everything felt so slow from the moment they had woken up and realized what day it was. The train ride from Ponyville to Canterlot would've been fun for them if they weren't surrounded by mourners and ponies from the Crystal Empire. After what seemed like forever, the 15 devastated creatures finally came to a large gate with a sign that read "Canterlot Cemetery". They felt tears welling up as the gate opened up and they walked inside.

The Pegusai had rejected to do their duties for the day, leaving a cloudy, grey sky up above. The gloomy weather seemed to fit the atmosphere very well. There was a giant crowd of Ponies, Dragons, Yaks, Griffons, Hippogriffs, Buffalo, Changelings, and Kirins that all stared at a small hole in the ground in the shape of a perfect 10x8 rectangle.

The despondent girls, Thorax, and Garble walked to the front of the pack without saying a word and sat down. Accompanying them at the front were the Young 6, Twilight Velvet, Night Light, Shining Armor, Queen Novo, Princess Skystar, Tempest Shadow, Garble's posse, Pharynx, and Big Macintosh, who was doing everything he could think of to help to console a grief-stricken Discord, who was also crying uncontrollably.

The second they saw their leader, Billy, Clump, and Spear flocked to Garble and Smolder. Garble did look distraught, but he ordered them to look after Smolder. The Orange, teen dragon looked the most emotionally destroyed out of the whole harem. Her icy blue eyes reflected unbearable amounts of pain and the other teenagers couldn't help but feel really sorry for her. They didn't really like Spike, but they did harbor some respect for him. Poor Smolder had been crying non-stop since last night and didn't catch a wink of sleep that night, but there were no signs of fatigue on her anywhere. She was sobbing just as hard, if not harder, than last night. Garble felt absolutely awful seeing his sister like this and all the things that would usually comfort her had no effect. In fact, it seemed to only make her feel worse. Smolder's best friends also changed seats to be with her. They had never seen her like this before and they didn't know how to console her. Gallus put the most effort into it by rubbing Smolder's back tenderly. It didn't help that they had their own grief to deal with.

Pharynx saw his brother and immediately changed seats to be with him. Like Smolder, Thorax's eyes also reflected unimaginable amounts of pain and depression. Pharynx didn't know what to do. He had been there for Thorax when he was bullied, but neither Thorax nor he had never dealt with anything like this. Ever.

Just as they settled down, Princess Celestia, Luna, and Cadence came from the left in a slow, steady trot. Behind them was a gold-plated coffin bathed in Celestia's yellow aura. Everyone felt sick seeing it knowing full well who was inside. The crestfallen Princesses all walked to the center of the front of the crowd and set the casket on a stand for everyone to see. Behind the coffin and Princesses was a giant object that was covered by a large, white sheet.

"Good afternoon, Mares, Gentlecolts, Fillies, Colts, Dragons, Griffons, Hippogriffs, Changelings, Yaks, Buffalo, and Kirins," Celestia started before wiping away a tear. "We are gathered here today to mourn the end of the life of the greatest Dragon ever known to all of Equestria. Four days earlier, Spike bravely fought against the Legion of Doom to prevent them from killing his lovers and taking Equestria over. The autopsy revealed that his wings had been broken before he had died. Yet, despite his injuries, he still fought against the threat. He successfully tricked the Legion to fire magic blasts at the very object that granted them their power. The magic overloaded the bell and it exploded, stripping the Legion's members of all their powers. Unfortunately, Spike was also caught in the blast. Shards of the destroyed bell were sent into Spike's little body, which tore off 60 percent of his outer scales off of him and left his underscales with severe lacerations, some of them were fatal. The magic blast also burned most of his torso, as well as the skin and muscle tissue on his wings, to a crisp and, according to the autopsies, his ability to taste and smell were lost almost instantly due to his sinuses being fried beyond repair. The coroners also determined that his wing bones had been completely shattered when Spike had hit the ground after being airborne for an indefinite amount of time. The magic was also powerful enough to destroy his immune system and his internal organs were so badly damaged, they were almost unrecognizable."

Everyone in the front row immediately broke down upon hearing the extent of Spike terminal injuries. Garble and his buddies tried their hardest not to cry as they had to stay strong to provide comfort for Smolder, who was crying harder after listening to just how badly her deceased lover had been hurt for the last few moments in his life. Pharynx teared up, but managed to keep it together to try and console a now sobbing Thorax. It was just another sickening reminder for not just Thorax, but Ember and the harem as well, of why they were there.

"By some miracle, he survived the blast and told his lovers before he died that if they, his friends, and Equestria were safe, that was all that mattered to him. Only one half of his harem was with him when he died, He pled with them in his last seconds of life to pass the message to the other half that he loved them," Celestia paused again and wiped away another tear. "He was known by many in the Crystal Empire as Spike the Brave and Glorious and there couldn't have been a more perfect demonstration of that term than what he did to save not just the ponies, but every creature in Equestria."

Everyone, despite their sorrow, found a sliver of comfort from Celestia's speech. Spike's harem, Ember, Thorax felt the most touched out of them all. Smolder pulled her head out of Garble's tear-soaked chest, and it looked like, for the first time in almost 16 hours, she had stopped crying. She looked back at the Princesses with a small, sad smile. It was the most beautiful thing she, as well as the rest of the crowd, had ever heard. Celestia cleared her throat, and everyone fell silent once more.

"Anyone who wishes to say their final goodbyes, may do so now," the Sun Princess said and looked over to Luna and Cadence. They nodded to each other, and the top half of the coffin was surrounded by Celestia's yellow aura as it slowly opened it to reveal its contents.

Everyone's sliver of comfort from Celestia's speech vanished and over half the crowd lost control of their emotions at the awful sight in front of them. Smolder began to cry again, and she reburied her face into Garble's chest.

Spike was wearing a tuxedo, his arms were folded over his chest, his eyes were still as peacefully closed as they were since his death four days ago, and a small smile plastered his mouth. Yet, there was one thing about his body that no seemed to notice. Spike's face hadn't received a single scratch and it seemed to still hold the beautiful glow when the little Dragon was still alive.

Rainbow volunteered to go first. She sighed heavily before speaking.

"Spike, what you did to save all of us is beyond brave. You really are gutsier than I probably will ever be. I know I sometimes I pick on you, but every time, you've proven me wrong, and you don't even gloat about it. Then came that love confession. I felt so touched listening to you tell me why you loved me and how you were loyal to me despite my flaws just to see me happy. To be honest, you'd probably be a better candidate for Loyalty than I would. You showed my element when you broke free of Twilight's grasp and fought against those fiends despite your wings broken. I've idolized the Wonderbolts for all my life. Now that I've become one, I haven't had anything to idolize until now. Spike, you're my new idol. I want to be more like you. I feel horrible as hell that it had to end for you like this when you had so much in life to look forward to, more than just with us," she felt tears welling up as she kept her eyes locked on the deceased dragon's face.

"N-None of us could ever imagine a life without you, but now it seems we'll be forced to live it." she sniffed and wiped her eyes before she leaned in and kissed Spike right between his eyebrows. "Thank you, Spike, for everything. It's going to really suck without you around, but we'll all try to keep your memory alive."

Rainbow Dash found it harder to walk as she made her way back to her friends. Applejack and Fluttershy noticed this, met Rainbow halfway across the floor, and assisted her back to her seat. When they did return, a familiar white and brown Griffon walked up the aisle to greet them.

“G-Gilda?” asked Fluttershy. “What are you doing?”

“It’s okay. I’ll take care of Dash,” she said curtly. “You two may head back your seats.”

The Apple farmer and animal caretaker did as they were told as Gilda sat in Rainbow’s seat and wrapped her childhood friend in a comforting hug. Rainbow Dash couldn't hold her emotions back a second longer. She buried her face into Gilda’s chest feathers and began to sob silently.

“Sorry about your boyfriend,” the Griffon whispered softly into her ear.

She didn’t really know Spike, but still felt sad knowing his life was cut unfairly short, as well as the special bond that had now been shattered between the Dragon and Pony.

Pinkie was up next. She slowly made her way to the coffin that served as her friend's final resting bed. Her mane was deflated, and her fur seemed a darker, more dreary shade of pink. She felt tears welling up in her sky-blue eyes as she looked at her deceased lover.

"Oh, Spike," she whimpered fighting back the urge to break down right then and there. "I'm sorry. I'm so so sorry. You had your whole life ahead of you, and you could've touched so many lives with your smile, your laugher, and your joy. All those fun times we shared together, all those delicious goodies we baked together, all those cuddle sessions we had together, and all those happy memories we made together. All the things I can't do anymore without you," she paused as she wiped a tear from her eye then smiled sadly. "But you know what? I bet you're making tons of friends already on the other side with your jokes and humor, and that is something I can smile about," she planted a little peck on his right cheek before walking back towards her friends, still wearing that sad smile.

Fluttershy got up next. She swallowed hard and wiped away her tears.

"Spike, you truly are the kindest creature I've ever met. You've always set aside your needs to help someone else, even at the expense of your own joy or pleasure. Before I met you, I always feared dragons and I avoided them whenever possible. You, however, showed me that there's more than meets the eye on your species by breaking that mold and giving others like Thorax a chance and saving Ember from drowning and giving her the Bloodstone Sceptor even though you got to it first. Words can't describe how much I love you for that. If the truth be told I've been in love with you for almost a year before your confession. Then, you met your ultimate fate. At first, I was devastated by what happened, but as time went on, I came to realize you did it for us. You were kind enough to give your life up just so we could all keep going. In a way, you represented my Element of Kindness that day. I've learned a lot from you, Spike," she paused as she smiled at Spike. Contrary to Pinkie, however, this one was with happiness, her turquoise eyes radiating with hope and warmth. "Grateful doesn't begin to describe how I feel for being your friend and lover, even though the latter was for a very short time. Even though I accept what happened, that doesn't mean I won't miss you. Always remember that I have a special place for you in my heart," she said in a voice that was a little bit louder than her usual timid tone before leaning into the coffin and kissing the fallen dragon right on his nose. She made her way back to her shocked friends, even though it felt good pouring her heart out in that speech, she still felt weary of the catastrophic results that unfolded after that horrendous battle four days earlier.

Applejack took the next shot.

"Well, Spike, I guess this is goodbye. I feel so lost without you. Who's going to work off for a life debt for me after I saved them from a timberwolf?" she stopped and chuckled sadly, remembering that self-imposed debt that he had promised to work off after she saved his life. "Spike, you truly are a dedicated friend, worker, and lover. You represented my Element, when you were thoroughly honest when told us how grateful you were that we were all safe even though you were dying. It's gonna be mighty quiet without you around. I'll miss you, sugarcube. I've always thought of you as my perfect match. I replay every memory of you from when you were confessing to us how much you loved us over and over again to your-*sniff*-your last moments of life," she sighed, and tears began to well up in her eyes. "I know I usually cry on the inside, but this is something that even I can't keep bottled up." She looked down toward him and tried her very best not to break down in a fit of sobs, "You were such a good soul, Spike. You didn't deserve this. I can't even eat, let alone make, an apple pie anymore, because it just reminds me of all the times we baked and ate them together, whether we were being friends or lovers," she choked out. Now, it was taking every ounce of the apple farmer's strength not to break down. She shakily kissed Spike's head just below where his head crest ended. The usually strong, tough earth pony looked like a foal that had just gotten a knee scrape.

She got no more than three-eighths to her seat before it all became too much to bear at last and she finally collapsed, curled into a ball, and silently cried not caring who watched. Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash immediately got up to cart their emotionally crushed friend back to her seat. The two Pegasi sat between their woebegone teammate when they did reach her seat, embraced her with both their legs and wings, and refused to loosen their grip.

Next up, were the Cutie Mark Crusaders followed by Applejack's older brother, Big Macintosh. Apple Bloom was riding on her brother and was sobbing heavily into the back of the stallion's crimson neck. In fact, Apple Bloom hadn't stopped crying once since last night. It was physically exhausting for the young filly to the point where she couldn't even walk.

Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle jumped up on Big Mac's back. Once she saw her friends with her, Apple Bloom felt a bit of comfort knowing that she now had company who could help her composure rather than doing it alone.

"Spike," Sweetie Belle began. "You have always been Apple Bloom's Scootaloo's, and my best friend. You've always pitched in to help us find our cutie marks and supported us when we felt discouraged after failing. When we did get them, you never left our side."

Sweetie teared up as she remembered a time when her friends and she accompanied Spike and Rarity on a gem hunting trip hoping to earn their cutie marks in mining. Unfortunately, they didn't do well. Spike, however, didn't like seeing Sweetie and her friends so downtrodden after what happened. He lifted their spirits when he told them that there was a whole, wide world full of talents out there. They just needed help finding theirs and the purple dragon was more than happy to pitch in to help them out. True to his word, he had helped the trio of fillies out with trying over three dozen talents, but still no luck. Despite this, Spike's optimism never faltered.

"Adding to that, you've stood up to those who bullied us," Scootaloo said. "And you made sure we were okay after you dealt with them."

The orange Pegasus recalled a short time ago when a colt was chewing them out for something relatively minor. Spike saw what happened and confronted him about it. After a brief argument, they both got really angry and likely would've fought each other that day had Ms. Cheerilee not intervened. After Ms. Cheerilee sent the colt away, Spike had calmed down and asked if any of the three fillies were hurt. Much to Spike's relief they weren't.

Apple Bloom had gotten herself together and managed to look at her slain drakefriend.

"Then there was the time you spent your day off at Sweet Apple Acres staying with me when you heard from Applejack that I had a cold. You refused to leave my side and I remember you even sang me a lullaby to help put me to sleep. We vividly remember how all those kind things you did lead all three of us to eventually grow a crush on you for your kindness. Then came that love confession. The moment we heard about you being the admirer, Scoots, Sweetie, and I all felt so excited. We fainted twice during that hospital visit. Everything was perfect for us during those three, short months when we were part of your harem. We were looking forward to being with you forever. Sadly-*sniff*-, i-it seems that the universe had other plans and we lost our one true love, because of power-hungry psychos. However, we're all beyond thankful that you gave us the opportunity to experience love for a very brief time. Please, Spike. Remember that we love you with all our hearts," Apple Bloom finished her speech, feeling a small amount of relief after getting her confession off her chest.

The trio of fillies leaned into the casket and simultaneously kissed Spike's still cheek. The heartbroken trio then hopped off Big Mac's back and ran back to their seats without another word, crying silently.

Once the filles were back to their seats, Big Mac turned around and faced Spike. The usually stoic stallion had felt sad when he thought Sugar Belle had dumped him, but it was nothing compared to what he felt now.

"Spike," he began. "It's gonna be really different now that you're gone. I'm still trying to comprehend how you decided that you wanted to go out like that, just to keep us out of harm's way. Guys' night won't be the same without you. Discord's been feeling really, really guilty about what happened. I convinced him to come, but he's too emotionally distraught to even speak." The crimson stallion sighed heavily. Like his other close friends, Spike's death had also done a number to him emotionally. "I also knew about Apple Bloom having a crush on you. At first, I thought she'd get over it, but overtime I saw her falling for you even more, and I wasn't surprised. You know how to treat a girl right and that's something I really respect in someone. I wanted her to confess her love to you, but like all kids in love, she was just too nervous to do so. I remember all those times that Apple Bloom always comes home telling me about how she and her friends would always strike out on quests for cutie marks and how you'd always come in to lift their spirits and encourage them not to give up hope. You've shown me how much of a kind, sweet boy you are, Spike. When I heard about the secret admirer fiasco and that you were the admirer, I knew that there was nothing standing in the way of Apple Bloom finally claiming her first love. Sure enough, you got together with Apple Bloom and her friends. If the truth be told, I trusted you without a second thought. You are without a doubt, the coolest guy I've ever met," Big Mac finished. With nothing left to say, he slowly trotted back to where the Cutie Mark Crusaders were seated and hugged all three fillies tightly.

Even though he may have not been Spike's biggest fan, Garble felt like he owed Spike this one. He was a little reluctant to leave his Smolder's side as she had never ceased sobbing when they had first gotten to the funeral, but his buddies took his place comforting her. He took a deep breath and rubbed the back of his neck.

"I may not have always liked you, Spike, but after today, you've undoubtedly earned my full respect. Looking back, I am beyond thankful that you came to the dragonlands to cheer me up despite me being a total jerk. I know I've always mocked you for being a wimp, but it seems, as usual, I was wrong about about you. That day, you proved you really are as tough as me and my buddies, maybe even more so," Garble sighed. "I still remember when Smolder fell in love with you. I was a little skeptical at first of where this would go. However, I heard about how you treated her during the three months when you were in a relationship with her. She was always happy with you, and she told me how you always made her feel like a true Dragon. That's when I knew that you were the right guy for her. When I received news that you had perished after successfully saving all of us, I felt like my whole world came crashing down. I've heard that you always put your pony pals ahead of yourself. At first, I felt like all was lost for me, until I took one look at Smolder when she saw you on the ground. I made me realize that I needed be there for her and I could deal with my emotions. That's what friends and family do for each other. You may be gone, but you've successfully done something no one else would dare. Straightening me out and teaching me a very valuable life lesson. So long, little buddy. I cannot thank you enough for helping guide me down the right path," Garble smiled sadly before giving a military salute to his former rival. "Rest easy, warrior. You've fought well."

After some coaxing from Garble, Smolder had managed to get her emotions together and slowly stood up. The usually tomboyish dragon felt numb to the bone.

The orange dragon turned to her older brother. "Did you bring it, Gar-Gar?"

Garble nodded and handed Smolder what she was asking for, a red rose that had been stripped of its thorns.

"Thank you," Smolder whispered. She then slowly made her way to where Spike lay in his golden casket. She slipped the rose in between the fingers on his hand that was on top and the back of his hand on the bottom before she took a shaken breath and began to speak. "Spike, you truly are an example of what it means to be a dragon. You're tough, cool, brave, strong, and you have a heart of pure, solid gold. I am fortunate to have become your friend and lover even if was for a very short time. I still remember how I felt my heart would feel so light and fluttery and my face would always heat up a bit whenever I was around you ever since you helped reform my brother, Garble. I also remember that I got this feeling when I began thinking of you. At first, I didn't know what this was, and I asked my friends why I felt this way and they told me I, like the Cutie Mark Crusaders, had fallen for you. I didn't believe them, but as time went on, I realized they were right. Then came that confession at the hospital. I was so eager to get my confession off my chest. It was a dream come true to tell you that I loved you, Spike, more than anything. You were so sweet to me, even when we were just friends. I was looking to so many happy memories with you after the battle with the Legion of Doom, but I guess fate had other plans in mind," she paused as she leaned into the coffin, closed her eyes, and planted a kiss on the dead center of the sleeping adolescent's forehead. "Sleep tight, cutie pie. I'll never forget you."

Smolder backtracked no more than one-quarter of her path back her seat before she collapsed and broke down in another fit of tears. Garble immediately sprang from his seat, scooped her up, carried her back to where his buddies and he were, and held her tightly against his chest for the rest of the time.

Gabby sniffed as she got up to share her speech. The usually happy, go-lucky Griffon felt like going to sleep and never wanting to wake up. She had felt awful when she thought Spike didn't want to hang out with her, but that was nothing compared to what she felt now. She wanted to throw up looking at the body in the casket that once was her lover. All at once, every good memory she made with the demised drake raced through her mind and it made her just want to scream out as the anguish of loss rocked her from head to talon once more.

"Spike," she started as two large tears rolled down her cheeks and she squeezed her eyes shut as she tried to keep herself together. "You truly are the best creature I've met in my life. You've helped me get past my breakup, you've hung out with me in most of your free time with me, which got someone jealous because she felt lonely without you, and you've always treated me with top-of-the-line respect. No matter how grateful I am to be alive and safe today, I just don't know how to accept this, Spike. You were the perfect one, the one who'd give unlimited happiness for decades to come, and in the span of less than five minutes, you were gone in a flash, just like that. I love you, Spikey. I-I just..."

Gabby got no further before she collapsed on the ground and began to cry hysterically. All that pain and horror from four days earlier kept chipping away at her composure throughout her speech and it finally managed to destroy the last of it. The poor, grey griffon tried to stand up, but her legs buckled, and she fell back down again, still crying.

"I-I-I'm s-so s-s-sorry, S-S-Spike!!" Gabby choked out through her sobs. "W-Why did y-you have to go?"

Sensing that Gabby couldn't continue on without going into a full mental breakdown, Starlight got up and helped the still bawling Griffon back to her seat. Seeing her like this made the other members of Spike's harem feel even worse. They didn't know how to provide her, or each other and themselves for that matter, with some kind of comfort. They wanted to promise each other that everything would be okay. Sadly, they felt like no matter how many times they'd say it, it'd never be true. Even Fluttershy began to question the things she had said during her speech.

Once Gabby and Starlight were seated Thorax decided to go next. Like Gabby, the shaken King felt like throwing up looking at Spike in his final resting place. After 15 seconds of pure, dead silence, Thorax broke the ice and began to slowly but surely got out his words.

"H-hey, buddy," Thorax sputtered almost hesitant to speak. "This is pretty hard for all of us especially for your harem, Ember, and me. You were always there for both Ember and me and you never asked for anything in return from either of us. I'm partially to blame for that one because I never thought to give you anything. My biggest regret, as well as Ember's, is that we couldn't be there for you, to return the favor. If it weren't for you, not only would I still be on the run from everyone, but the changelings would also not be reformed," He paused, almost losing composure. "I feel like a piece of me is missing now. I feel scared, Spike. I was told by Twilight how you were so brave that day, how you were able to make a split-second decision to save those you loved, and how you fought through your pain to destroy the Legion. I could never have thought so quickly, let alone work through that much pain. Then to add to that, you displayed your selflessness one more final time when you told your harem that as long as we were all safe, you could rest easy," Thorax said, then he sighed. He had no tears left to cry. "I hope you're well taken care of on the other side, Spike. You've earned it." Thorax walked off, feeling not just sad, but empty too. His head hung low, and his usually vivid purple eyes seemed faded.

After Thorax sat back down, Ember made her way next to the deceased Spike.

"I don't know what to think right now, Spike. Like Thorax, I too feel like a piece if me is missing. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't be the Dragon Lord. You weren't just my friend, you were the torch that had helped light my way and guide me through the other end of the dark tunnel that was my opinion of ponies and friendship. With you gone, I feel like I'm entering a whole, new, dark tunnel, except this time I don't have a torch to guide me through it," she paused for a brief moment. "Thorax and I were absolutely devastated when we saw you. We were so broken up in fact, that we couldn't even fly back home. We were granted a room in Twilight's Castle, and we did nothing in that room except just cry thinking about you. Unfair is an understatement of what the results of that battle were that day. You didn't deserve this, Spike. You had so much to look forward to in this world and you threw it away saving us. Even though I'm eternally grateful of what you did, I would give anything to turn back the clock to just show up five minutes earlier than we did," Ember began to tear up and it felt harder and harder to keep her composure. "This isn't fair. What could you have done in your short life that was horrible enough that fate decided that such a painful death at such a young age was an acceptable response to it? Not a damn thing, that's what. When I think about it more, you deserve the title of Dragon Lord more than I do. You got to the Bloodstone Sceptor first, but you handed it to me out of pure kindness." Ember started feeling really bad, "What did I do for you in return? Nothing. I never considered ever asking you if I could help you out with anything important. You always came to me if I needed help. I promised you that you always had one friend in the Dragon lands and that was me, but we barely caught up on any good times we had after the whole Thorax incident and after we managed to hatch the dragon eggs." Ember could take no more and became the fourth creature that day to break down and cry at the funeral. All that guilt that suddenly reared its ugly head to her during her speech made her feel the worst that she'd ever felt in her whole life. She realized all her mistakes, and she could now do nothing to fix them.

"I don't deserve to be your friend," she whispered through her tears. "I don't know how you kept me by your side until you died."

Fluttershy quickly ran over to the sobbing Dragon Lord and wrapped her wings and hooves around her in a comforting hug.

"Shh, there there. It's okay," she whispered soothingly before slowly helping Ember back to her seat.

After Ember was Starlight. She was in such shock since Spike's death and her mind felt so empty, like a big, white, unpainted canvas. For those four days, the reality of the results of that grueling battle were slowly setting into her mind. By the time she had woken up today and realized with the others that today was the day that they had to come say a final goodbye to their dearest friend turned lover, everything had been fully digested. Now, she was up, and it only added to how real the situation was. She looked down at him and began speaking without even realizing it.

"Spike, you don't know how lucky I feel to have met, become friends, and be one of the girlfriends of such a special dragon like you. You were always there for me in my time of need. You were always on the front lines to help me out of a jam when I needed it most. Even after my many, many screw-ups, you never got mad at me. Instead, you accepted me for who I was, and you still considered me your friend no matter what happened. In fact, you fell in love with me for who I was, and I was totally oblivious to it until you were found out to be the admirer. Shows how great of a friend I was, huh? I was looking forward to making so many happy memories with you after this hectic adventure was over. Unfortunately, the Legion made you throw all that out when they threatened the lives of Twilight and the others. In that moment, you made a choice and single-handedly saved your friends and lovers and defeated the villains. In the time you died to this point, I was in such shock by what happened. I spent every second of the last 96 hours trying to fully comprehend your good deed," she let out a sad sigh and a tear hit the ground. "I know you may be gone, but your heroic deeds as well as your spirit lives on inside our hearts and memories." She finished, then before she walked back, she planted a kiss just below his ear fin before whispering her final words, "I love you to the moon and back, Spike. Thanks for sticking by me for so long."

Once Starlight was seated, Rarity had been scheduled to go next. This was the moment that the fashionista looked forward to and dreaded at the same time. The last moments in Spike's life still played over and over in her mind. His raspy voice, his vibrant, Emerald eyes slowly losing their light as he croaked out his final words to her friends and her, pleading with them to forgive Discord and how he asked for them to tell Smolder, the Crusaders, Starlight, and Gabby that he loved them. Then, there was the guilt that stayed with her when she realized that she had completely ignored that he had a crush on her for so long. She had brushed off the way he had always carried her baggage for her, how he'd volunteer to be her pincushion, and how he looked at her so lovingly. The snow-white Unicorn just assumed that he'd get over it sooner or later, but he never did. She had a small saddlebag in her which had surprisingly gone unnoticed by everyone there. Her mascara was running down her cheeks and staining her perfect, white fur. How she looked, however, was the last thing on her mind.

"Oh, my little Spikey-Wikey," Rarity whimpered out feeling a whole, new wave of guilt and sadness rush over her remembering that nickname she had given him. "I don't deserve you. You've always had a crush on me, and I never really took it seriously until now. After you perished saving us and you managed to croak out how you were happy that we were safe, to forgive Discord, and how you told us to tell the other half of the harem that you loved them, I slowly began to recall all the things you did for me. The time you volunteered to be my personal pincushion, the time you gave me that fire ruby, and all the times you've carried my baggage, all the while not asking for anything in return. When I look at it more, I realize you represent the element of Generosity more than I do, especially during that battle. You were generous enough to give up everything, including your life, just to ensure that your lovers and friends were all safe. When I look back, I've realized I've taken advantage of your affections long before you confessed your love to the other girls and me, and I feel absolutely ashamed of myself. You've always stood by my side when I've cried over stallions who aren't interested in dating me. All this time, the universe was trying to tell me to stop pursuing stallions and get with the one who had always stood by my side no matter how out of line I acted. I finally saw the light and realized that you were the perfect on for me. Unfortunately, just as I was starting to repay your feelings, this happened. There isn't any number of days to tell me that I've fully returned your feelings." she paused and sniffled before using a tissue she had brought to blow her nose and wipe her eyes. "After all you've done for me, Spike, I think it's high time I returned the favor one last time."

She reached into her saddlebag and pulled out the only thing inside, Spike's fire ruby except that it didn't have its golden necklace. It still looked as flawless and shiny as it did when it was given to the fashionista all those years ago. Spike's still hands were suddenly enveloped in Rarity's light blue aura and lifted up off his chest. Rarity was careful not to disturb Smolder's rose as she levitated the fire ruby into the coffin and gently wedged it in-between the little dragon's hands and chest. She smiled down at the finished product, before leaning into the coffin and kissed Spike for a solid two seconds on his lips. She broke away and looked sadly at him.

"You've given me your heart so many times, Spike. I regret that I have just one more time to give you mine," Rarity said. She walked away after casting one last look at her knight in shining scales and whispering a final, "I'm sorry, Spike."

Now, it was Twilight's turn. She felt the most crushed out of everyone there. She had hatched Spike and had spent every day of his short life with him. He was always considered to be her "Number One Assistant". Overtime, however, the two grew closer and the Lavendar Alicorn soon found Spike had harbored feelings for her and she soon found herself harboring the same feelings for him long before his speech about how and why he loved her. She remembered how heartbroken and hurt she had felt when Spike had accused her of being jealous of Sludge when she had grown suspicious of him. Now, however, she was feeling at least a thousand times worse.

"Spike," Twilight choked out, overcome with unbelievable grief. "You're the best thing that has ever happened to me. You've always been there to keep me in check if I'm ever on the verge of going insane, you've always helped me to get my jobs done without complaining. I know I've always considered you my number one assistant for things like that. As time went on, however, I felt like you were more than an assistant to me. You made your way into my heart enough to make me consider you my crush long before your hospital confession. I rue the fact that I never told you this sooner. In fact, when you turned 18 in Dragon years, I was planning to propose to you, but because of my neglect to come up with a plan to save you, my better half, my Spike, we can never share the happy times that a Drakefriend and Marefriend usually share together," She began to cry. "To top it all off, I realized that my friends and I have almost never considered taking you on our missions. You've always been stuck at the castle or the library cleaning up the place, so it looks nice for us when we get back." By this point, Twilight was full-on sobbing. All her past mistakes that she had done without even realizing them hit her full-on. "I'm a horrible lover," she whispered through her tears.

Upon hearing this, Twilight Velvet, Night Light, Shining Armor, and the harem, excluding Smolder because she was still sobbing hysterically immediately got up, walked over to Twilight, and embraced her as tight as they could in another comforting hug.

"It's okay, Twi," whispered Applejack. "We know you never meant to hurt him."

The 13 ponies and one Griffon slowly carried the sobbing Princess back to her seat and reembraced her for the rest of the time.

Once Twilight was carried back, Celestia, Luna, and Cadence were about to close the coffin when a Phoenix came flying overhead followed by another 200 more. The Phoenix squawked orders at the other Phoenixes, and they began to make a shape while flying in the sky. Within 30 seconds, the shape was complete, and everyone realized that the Phoenixes had made Spike's head in the sky while flying in place. Then the Phoenix in the lead broke off and flew down toward the coffin hovering no more than two feet above Spike. It didn't take a genius to figure out that was Peewee. Peewee looked down sadly at his owner lying in his final resting bed before looking up to the sky and letting out a mournful squawk to the clouds. The other Phoenixes followed suite and squawked toward the sky, mourning the Dragon who had saved Peewee from certain death. After finishing his mournful squawking, Peewee landed in the coffin, wrapped his wings around Spike's head, and nuzzled his cheek lovingly. The he flew back up to join the other Phoenixes in the sky. They all cast one last look at the open coffin before flying back to the Everfree Forest.

Once they were sure the Phoenixes were done, The Princesses closed the coffin, lifted it off the stand, and gently levitated the small, golden box into the hole six feet underground to its final resting bed.

Before the Princesses were able to get it even a foot under, however, Ember, Garble and his posse, Smolder, and all the other dragons stood up, walked to the hole in the ground, formed a line on either side of it, turned 180 degrees to face the crowd, looked up, and breathed fire at the sky for a solid 30 seconds. The fire altered colors as it was emitted, changing from purple to green and green to purple. Everyone watched in awe as the dragons put on their fire show to honor Spike. Most of the dragons were successful in holding back their tears. Smolder and Ember, however, didn't even bother trying.

As the Pewee and his flock disappeared over the horizon, the rectangular hole was slowly refilled with the dirt that had been dug up earlier. It felt painfully slow for The harem, Ember, and Thorax to watch Equestria's rulers bury their life-long friend and lover.

After what seemed like forever, the hole was refilled, and the tragic event was almost over. The princesses went over to the object that was obscured by the white sheet and they slowly pulled the white sheet away. Once it was off, the object was revealed to be a statue of Spike. He was wearing body armor and holding a sword in his right hand while looking up at the sky with a determined expression. There was a plaque on the front of the base of the statue with letters carved into it.

Here lies Prince Spike
Savior of Equestria
Lover of Twilight Sparkle, Rarity Belle, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Starlight Glimmer, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, Smolder, and Gabby
Sunrise: August 21, 2003
Sunset: October 12, 2019
May he forever be remembered

"Attention, everyone," Celestia cleared her throat. "Although my sister and I loved the name "Spike the Brave and Glorious", we felt that it seemed underappreciating for him to keep it after he threw away everything, including his life, just to push not just the ones he loved and considered his friends, but all of Equestria, to safety. Therefore, he shall be known from this day forward as Prince Spike."

The statue looked beautiful and well detailed. Unfortunately for Twilight, it only seemed to taunt her by making her realize just how real this was. Spike, the one she loved, was dead and wasn't coming back. She was literally living a nightmare. The Lavendar Alicorn began to feel even worse and her friends as well as the other Princesses took notice.

One by one, Ponies, Dragons, Griffons, Changelings, Yaks, Buffalo, Kirins, and Hippogriffs slowly began trickling out of the cemetary. Spike's harem, Twilight's parents, Shining Armor, Ember, Garble and his pack of friends, Pharynx, and Thorax all stayed behind to gaze at the statue and be reminded of Spike.

Celestia walked over to the still sobbing Twilight.

"Twilight," she whispered in a tone that was even softer the Fluttershy's.

Twilight sniffed and looked up her mentor. Her purple eyes reflected unimaginable amounts of pain and sorrow.

"If you or any of your friends ever need any emotional support, please don't be afraid to ask us for help. With each other's help, we can be strong and hopefully be able to move past this event," Celestia said. "Spike would've wanted it that way."

Twilight broke down again. She eventually got her composure together and gave Celestia the scariest glare ever. Celestia gulped and felt chills run down her spine. She knew she had said that wrong. Now, she could only prepare for the tongue lashing that her former student was about to give her.

"I'm sorry, but HOW do you expect us to "move on" from this?! Spike was the rock that supported ALL OF US in our time of need! He was literally THE ONLY ONE who made not just me, but 11 other girls, feel loved and appreciated! Now he's gone not because of his heroic actions, but because I was LITERALLY too stupid to put a plan together and save our Spike and because I can't make a good decision about anything," Twilight choked out between sobs before she began crying even harder. "It's all my fault. I should be the one in that casket. Not him."

Fluttershy immediately spun Twilight around so that she was facing the cream-colored Pegasus. Fluttershy pressed her nose to Twilight's and gave her a very stern glare. Her questioning of her own speech vanished, and she now fully stood by her statements once again. Hope radiated off her eyes for the second time today.

"Twilight," Fluttershy began in a serious tone, her usual soft tone had vanished. "I know you miss Spike just as all of us, but I want to get something straight right now. None of this was your fault, you could've done nothing to prevent this. I too felt like this could've been prevented, but then I realized he did it for all of us. He gave up his future, his dreams just to ensure that Equestria was safe again. If it were you in that casket and Spike was here, he would've wanted to be there for us and would've wanted to know that we were able to fully cope with loss before being able to move on. He'd be just as heartbroken as we all are now, but he has optimism that rivals Pinkie and he'd be looking forward to the day when we'd finally fully accept the tragedy. If you want to remember Spike the most, take lessons from what he did in his life, so you have something to always carry around with you that reminds you of him in a good way," she looked at the others who were listening intently. "That goes for the rest of you, too. I know it's tough for all of us now, but we'll find a way through this, I promise."

Gabby, who hadn't said a word since she had broken down near Spike's casket, also spoke up. "Adding on to that, we all should remember him for not just who he was to us, but what he meant to all of us, Twilight," the grey Griffon said. Her usual perky, happy demeanor was gone, but in its place stood a Gabby that was there for someone in need of a shoulder to cry on.

Twilight teared up again. Except this time, it was out of happiness.

"Thank you, Fluttershy. Thank you, Gabby. I really needed that," Twilight said through her tears. For the first time in four days, she felt her hope and strength return to her.

"Anytime," the Pegasus and Griffon said in unison.

Everyone cast one last look at Spike's statue before slowly making their way out of the cemetery.

"Hey, Twilight, Celestia," Garble asked. "If it isn't too much to ask, can my buddies and I stay with Smolder in her dorm room? I want to be there for her to help guide her through this."

"I don't see why not," Twilight smiled at Garble.

"Thanks" Garble smiled back.

"Night Light and I would also like to stay in the castle," Twilight Velvet said. "We need to also be there to help Twilight in case she needs it."

Princess Celestia beamed warmly, "Certainly, you two."

"Well, we got to head back, but Thorax and I will make sure to visit you all at least once a week," Ember said.

"Take care, everyone," Rarity said.

"Thanks, Rarity. You too," Gabby responded with a little bit of her perky attitude returning to her voice.

Everyone bade each other farewell before heading back to their respective homes.

As everyone headed back home, they were all filled with new hope. Spike's death was a true tragedy, but in that tragedy, lessons were learned, and, in a way, they had all come out stronger because of it.

*****

After everyone had left. The once filled cemetery was now completely empty, saved for two ponies that stayed behind. One of them moved to sit in front of the statue. Silently crying as her tears ran down her face. "Oh, Purple Bear!" Raven Inkwell, Secretary and assistant to princess Celestia. Was just one of the many creatures who were very close to Spike. She knew him just as long as she did Twilight back when the two lived here in Canterlot, before they moved to Ponyville. Despite that, the two still stayed in touch as they were very close friends thanks to their connections to the Sun Monarch.

Which is why Spike's death hit the glasses wearing unicorn just as hard as everyone else who were close to him, be them friends or lovers.

Raven and Spike had always got along and build a strong friendship with each other over the years. As mentioned, earlier. Despite Spike and Twilight's move to Ponyville. The trio always kept in contact and remained close. Raven would often come to Ponyville whenever she could. Most of her visits are business related as she would come to speak with Mayor Mare. But she would always make time to visit and hangout with Spike. So, the two could talk, and joke around. Emphasis on the word joke around. Because Raven really loves to mess around with Spike.

Raven and Spike's Friendship

Spike shows Raven his favorite comic book.
https://www.derpibooru.org/images/1690712?q=artist%3Apony4koma%2C+Raven%2C+spike+

What Raven meant by Celestia's cake ass.
https://www.derpibooru.org/images/2660575?sort[]=1626820309000&sort[]=2660575&sd=desc&sf=first_seen_at&q=artist%3Apony4koma%2C+Raven%2C+celestia

Raven's Doctor.
https://www.derpibooru.org/images/1786957?q=artist%3Apony4koma%2C+Raven%2C+spike+

Spike show Raven his new wings.
https://www.derpibooru.org/images/1847024?q=artist%3Apony4koma%2C+Raven%2C+spike+

Raven apologize for scaring Spike.
https://www.derpibooru.org/images/1882059?q=artist%3Apony4koma%2C+Raven%2C+spike+

Spike helps Raven.
https://www.derpibooru.org/images/2093660?sort[]=1563313331000&sort[]=2093660&sd=desc&sf=first_seen_at&q=raven%2C+spike

But despite her fun demeaner. She can still get angry at times when it comes to Spike being mistreated. Like that one time when Twilight accidentally turned herself into a foal and the mane five plus Starlight ran away and left him to take care of her by himself. Fortunately, Raven was visiting at the time, and she offered her aid. She was very piss at what the others did. She even gave Spike some good advice on what he should do to them.

Spike didn't follow Raven's advice as he chose not to punish his friends. His choice annoyed Raven, but she didn't argue with him on the matter. After all, that's just who he is. A kind and forgiving Drake. Luckily the effects of Twilight's transformation were only temporary. Lasting for only 3 hours, before she turned back to normal. Eventually the rest of the girls came back to the castle and apologize for leaving Spike like that. Of course, he forgave them immediately. Though Raven still believed they should be punished in some way. She quickly dropped the thought as the situation wasn't all that serious. No point taking something that small seriously.

Raven truly cared deeply for Spike. He was her best friend, and she would always be there for him if needed. But the one time she was needed the most. She failed to reach him in time. On that fateful day, Raven was also a part of the large army that wanted to help stop the Legion of Doom (or L.O.D. for short) but they arrived at the battlefield too late. Spike was already dead by the time they arrived, and the reality of his death devastated her to no end. She spent the next three days at home, crying for the young Drake, her Purple Teddy Bear she would call him. A cute little nickname she gave him because of how huggable he is.

Fortunately, Raven wasn't alone during those first three days of grief. She was lucky to have someone else who cared about her wellbeing and that was none other than her twin sister,

Grace Manewitz

Note: They are twins due to being born on the same day, because they're clearly not identical twins.

An earth pony mare with a light-dull purple colored coat, blonde mane, and wearing dark purple glasses. She to lives in Canterlot after moving there to live with her little sister, a year ago and now works as an assistant to Raven. Helping out with paperwork. She's basically Princess Celestia's second assistant and despite being new she isn't treated any differently from how Raven is treated. Celestia had known both sisters for a very long time from their old job before they retired from it and move on to new things. Raven became Celestia's assistant and Grace moved to Manehatten and work as a receptionist.

Grace was also a part of the army that rush in to help stop the L.O.D. running alongside her sister and being there for her when they learned of Spike's death. Grace is well aware of her little sister relationship with the young Drake. To this day she didn't leave her sister's side during her moments of sorrow. No different than Garble was for Smolder. Even now Grace sat in silence behind her sister. Giving the unicorn her space to grieve and say her final goodbyes. To her dear friend.

After a minute of silence, Raven spoke. "For the past four days, I would wake up believing that this was all a dream. Just some horrible nightmare." Raven let out a sigh. "In those moments, I believed that the worst didn't come to pass, and he was still alive and well. Just going about his day as usual."

"I'm sorry, sis, but the truth is that Spike really is dead." Grace said somberly. "That's the reality we now live in, and you need to accept it and move on."

Raven wipes her tears away with a foreleg before speaking. "Oh, I know, dear Faust, I know! I'm not so weak minded that I will go crazy believing that Spike is there when he really isn't." Raven let out a chuckle as she adjusts her glasses with a hoof. "What purpose does that serves to someone like me anyway." She said with a sly grin.

Grace rolled her eyes as she steps forward to sit next to her sister. "Yeah, yeah, I'm just glad you're getting better. The first three days had been hard on me too." Grace let out a sigh. "I hated seeing you so depressed."

"Sorry!"

"Don't be! You'd do the same for me if I'd lost a friend I cared about."

"Actually, I wouldn't. I just go out and party somewhere and leave you alone to deal with your own damn issues." Raven said with a smirk.

Grace gave Raven a light punch on shoulder. "You're an asshole." She said with a smile.

"Takes one to know one!" Raven spouts back. "I still need to get back at you for you did back in Ponyville a few months back. I mean seriously, sis! Secretly following me to town during my day off, disguised yourself to look just like me, just show you can get info as to why I visit there so often! I mean what the FUCK, Grace!"

6 months ago:

Grace disguised as Raven, just to tease her little sister.
https://www.derpibooru.org/images/2541404?q=artist%3Apony4koma%2C+Raven%2C+spike+

Grace let out a laugh, as she remembered that day. The disguise thing was something the sisters loved to do back when they were fillies, as they pretended to be identical twins. Although they never made an effort to make it a 100% match. Hince why Grace didn't have a horn in the memory. But it is always fun to screw with those who know them by pulling such a prank. Ponies wondering what happened to Raven's horn or how Grace suddenly grew one and can do magic. The day they pulled that trick on Celestia was a day Raven will never forget. Finally getting back at the sun monarch after years of being trolled by her.

"What!? I was just curious as to why you always visited Ponyville so, often." Said Grace. Her smile soften. "I assumed it was because of somepony you like. I was shocked to see it was a dragon instead."

"Spike and I go way back." Raven said. "I told you everything about our friendship."

"Only after I interrogated you for the deats." Grace said with a sly grin.

Raven frowned. "You mean tortured! You tied me down and tickle me with a feather until I talked."

"Yep, and it didn't take long for you to sing..... As always."

"I hate you!"

"I love you too, little sis!" Grace said as she wrapped a foreleg around Raven, hugging her. Though still annoyed, the unicorn accepted the hug as she laid her head on her sister shoulder. After a few moments of silence, Grace spoke. "Real talk. Are you going to be, ok?"

Raven sighed. "Yeah, I'll be ok! It's just going to be hard to fully accept that he's really gone."

"I know! Especially since he was such a dear friend to you." Grace replied. "It will take time for you to truly accept the way things are, but you're a strong mare. I know you can make it through this. Just go at your own pace and take things one step at a time." Raven nodded. Grace gives her sister another caring squeeze, before letting her go, breaking the hug as she then stood up on all four. She adjusted her glasses with a hoof before speaking again. "Let's go home, I'll cook us something to eat, I'll even make your favorite."

Raven simply nodded. She then stood up on all fours and placed a gentle hoof on the base of the statue. She looks up at it and with one last tear falling from her eye, she whispered. "Goodbye, my purple teddy bear." With that said she slowly removed her hoof, and wipe away her tear, before turning around to walk beside her sister, as the two took their leave.

As the two mares made their way out of the cemetery in silence. Grace glance at her little sister, expecting to see her still sad and distraught. But was surprised to see that the face Raven was making was one of confusion and deep thought. Something was on the unicorn's mind. Something very bothersome and Grace can easily tell just by looking at her. The only question is what it is, that's bothering her sister.

"A bit for your thoughts." Said Grace.

Raven instantly snapped out her thoughts, as she turned her head to look at Grace. "Huh! W-what?"

"Somethings bothering you." Grace responded. "You always make that look when somethings does. So, tell me what's on your mind." Grace put on a devious grin. "Or do I need to use other methods to get you to sing." She said with a chuckle.

Raven rolled her eyes as she gave her sister a light nudge with a hoof. "If you must know. I'm bothered by the fact that he was at funeral to!" Raven spat.

Grace nodded in understanding. "I was wondering same thing as well when I saw him." She said. Just as she and Raven exited the cemetery.

Raven shook her head in frustration. "I just don't get it! Why the hell was Discord even at the funeral when he should be in the DUNGEONS." She said angrily. "Spike's death is all his fault for crying out loud and it all thanks to that fucking plan of his to help, Twilight. Which I might add, doesn't make any Faust damn sense, when you think about it."

"I agree it really doesn't." Said Grace. "I don't know why he was allowed to attend the funeral." She shrugs. "For all we know, he had been arrested and was just allowed to attend by the princesses................. That or they forgave him."

The second those words left Grace's mouth. Raven instantly lost it. "Pffffffffftttthhhhh, HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA, Hoo, hee, ha, ah ha, hoo, he, ha, and I thought my jokes were bad."

"I wouldn't say bad, more on the line that they straight up suck!"

"Whatever! But real talk. You don't actually believe they would forgive, Discord, do you?"

Grace shrugs. "You tell me. You know more about them then I do. So really that's a question you should ask yourself."

That got Raven thinking. For Grace was right. Because of her friendship with Celestia, Twilight, and Spike. She's able learn and know a lot of things about the Mane six and their adventures and given their history. They have forgiven others for their misdeeds before, and Discord was one of them. So, could they actually forgive him again and let him go free? Would Spike?

Raven shakes the ridiculous thought from her head. "Forgiveness is a thing they would do. Hell, they forgave Discord for betraying Equestria when he sided with Tirek, but there's no way they'll just forgive him now. That draconequus committed multiple crimes against Equestria and it led to someone's death. That's not something you can just sweep under the rug. He purposely gave the evil trio a chance to try and take over the world. Those three weren't even a threat until he made them one." Raven adjusted her glasses. "The trio may have been the ones who killed Spike, but Discord was the one who made such a thing possible in the first place and if those three have to pay for the crimes they committed,"

"Then Discord must pay for his as well." Grace finished in agreement. "As you said, he committed multiple serious crimes through his plan alone. Crimes the princesses can't ignore, especially since someone died because of him. I know enough about that group that they can be forgiving for a lot of things."

"Indeed! Just asked, Starlight Glimmer, Tempest Shadow," Raven glance at her sister and smirk. "or Sunset Shimmer" Grace smiled after hearing Raven say that last name, as it brought up some good memories for the blonde mare. Raven continued. "Those three had been forgiven for each of their severe crimes. Some worse than others. But there is one thing that separate those three from Discord."

"And what would that be?"

"They aren't stupid enough to do something that would jeopardize the second chance they were given like that. And don't even think about using Starlight as a crutch. She was just starting to learn about friendship when she made the mistakes she did. Even then her mistakes weren't a threat to all of Equestria. But Discord doesn't have that excuse to save his ass like it did when he betrayed us to Tirek." Raven shakes her head. "Nope! He has years of friendship experience under his belt and proven it multiple times as well. Yes, he made mistakes here and there, we all do, nobody's perfect. But to come up with the idea to start the LO.D. and actually go through with it is a whole new level of what the fuck was he thinking!" Raven sigh. "Anyway, I definitely don't see that idiot being forgiven at all by those guys, especially, Spike."

"I hear that!" Said Grace. "I mean why would he forgive the guy who basically got him killed, thus separating him from his harem and friends." Grace chuckles. "There's no doubt in my mind that drake must be absolutely piss and want Discord punish for what he did. It's both understandable and makes the most sense."

"I know right! And no doubt the others HAVE to be feeling the same way. I bet that idiot is being escorted to dungeons right now as we speak."

Grace let out a laugh. "No doubt about that!" She agreed. As the two mares continued there walk.

The sisters were silent for a while until Raven spoke again. "Hey Grace!"

"Hmm!"

"You wouldn't by any chance know the full story of what happened the day Spike died, do you? Like how exactly the final battle really went!"

Grace raised a questioning eyebrow at that as she turned to look at her sister. "No more than what the newspapers and Celestia said. Why?"

"Something about his death doesn't sit right with me. More specifically his sacrifice. Something about it just feels..... Off."

Grace takes a moment to think before speaking. "I see what you mean. Tell the truth, I've notice it myself at times, but my primary focus was on you, so I never gave it much thought....... What are your thoughts?"

Raven sighs. "Earlier, when Celestia told the tale about Spike's heroics. She made it sound as if he fought the Legion by himself. Which clearly wasn't the case."

"Because the Mane 6 were there!"

Raven nodded. "Exactly! They were there and you, me, and over hundreds of other creatures, saw them. By the time we all arrived to help them, it was already over. The Legion were unconscious, and Spike was dead. We were told that Spike sacrifice himself to save everyone, but what exactly happened that made him have to do that in the first place? When he haves six of Equestria's heroes by his side. It makes no sense!" Raven said in frustration.

Grace shook her head. "You bring up a good point, sister. Nothing about Spike's sacrifice makes any sense. You could say that the Legion overpowered them, but that still doesn't explain how Spike manage to not only take the bell but caused it to explode by tricking the trio into shooting magic blast at it."

"Not to mention that the bell literally can absorb magic, so tell me how something that was made to take magic, gets destroyed by magic?"

"I have two theories for that one!"

"Which are?"

Grace adjusts her glasses. "Either the bell was too full on magic!"

"Bullshit!" Raven said nonchalantly

"Or Spike didn't use it correctly! I mean how could he? He just grabbed it and immediately used it as a shield. He wouldn't know how to use it the right way at all, obviously. So, the bell must have absorbed magic incorrectly thus resulting in its detonation."

"That does make sense," Raven said as she rubs her chin in thought. "It's the most plausible solution." Puts her hoof down. "Especially if you take in consideration, exactly how the trio was able to learn how to use it."

"Unless Gusty sealed an instruction manual along with the bell. I don't see how those three could have learned how to use it. An artifact that old shouldn't even have such a thing existing in this day and age."

"Yeah, like why the hell would Grogar make an instruction manual for something that was only meant for him?" Raven asked. "Wasn't he who created the damn thing. So, why make it possible so that anyone can use it. Thus, meaning it could be used against him?"

"Not only that, but if such a thing as an instruction manual did exist back then. Then why didn't Dusty the Great destroy it?"

"And how the hell did the mean 3 even find it? There plans to betray Grogar could never happen if they can't use the bell!"

Grace shrugs. "Your guess is as good as mine, little sis! All we know is that they did find a way to use the bell, which kick started their plans."

"Thus, leading to Spike's noble sacrifice." Raven shakes her head. "I'm still frustrated about the whole sacrifice thing. Fuck everything else. I want to know all the details about why Purple Bear had to sacrifice himself and I know just the pony to talk to,"

Twilight Sparkle

To be continued.