After months at sea, the ship Marshall was on had finally reached its destination upon the shores of The Riverlands. The bell was sounded and the crew scrambled to their positions as they prepared to dock while the knight captain slowly awoke to find his beloved mares sleeping soundly next to him.

Raven was sleeping peacefully with her long black mane hanging down and covering one of her eyes while Lightning Dust was laying on her side as her lover leaned down to give them both a kiss to gently rouse them from their slumber.

"Mmm...morning lover." Raven smiled while feeling his hand brush her mane out of her face as their lips met.

"What time is it?" Lightning grumbled before feeling his hand caress her belly before she too was given a kiss.

"We just pulled in, my family should be here to greet us." Marshall smiled at his mares before getting up to get dressed.

"So you think they'll be happy to see you after all this time?" Lightning asked while watching him put on a uniform as he strapped his longsword to his waist.

"Well it's not like I'm expecting a big homecoming." Marshall joked as he stepped onto the deck but the second the gangplank was lowered he was greeted by cheers and trumpets followed by a big banner that read "Welcome Home" as a crowd of familiar faces came to greet him.

"Welcome home young master!" A butler shouted with a gentle smile as he and a few others bowed their heads respectfully.

"What is all this?" Marshall asked in astoundment when he heard a familiar voice.

"Why it's your Welcome Home Celebration of course."

The moment he heard that voice, the knight captain saw a stallion much older than him with appeared and he immediately fell to one knee.

"Mon pere."

To this, the old stallion scoffed in disapproval as Marshall raised his head.

"Is that any way for a son to greet his father?" He asked while opening up his arms.

"Give your old man a proper greeting."

Marshall could only smile as he got off his knee and embraced his adoptive father in a firm hug that seemed to make him feel lighter as he was patted a few times on his back.

"Welcome home my son, welcome!"

"It's good to see you father. Is...mother here?"

"Ah well..."

“EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!”

Suddenly, a slightly elderly mare came barreling towards Marshall, followed by a duo of younger mares.

"Oh boy..." Marshall braced himself as he was tackled into a pile of crates as the mysterious mare began hugging and cuddling him like a foal.

"Ohh my baby boy has finally come home!! Ohh we've missed you so much!"

"I've missed you too mother!" Marshall grunted while trying to escape her embrace.

"Odette, Claire, good to see you two!" He groaned as her grip tightened.

“Little brother!” They both cried happily. “We missed you so much!”

“Ack! Can’t breathe!” Marshall gasped.

"Girls please! give the poor boy some space."

"Oh Jacque how can you be so cruel? Our sweet baby boy has finally come home and you would deny us this embrace?"

"Don't be so dramatic Vivienne and besides he has brought guests." Marshalls father pointed to Raven and Lightning Dust followed by Twilight and her friends.

Lighting Dust and Raven nervously approached Marshall’s family.

“Mother, father, my sisters,” Marshall said. “This Raven and Lighting Dust. They’re my two lovely mates whom I am in a herd with.”

"Oh my." Vivienne clasped her hands while examining them both.

"I promise to explain everything."

"Pardon the interruption." Twilight chimed in while waving hello to the family.

"I'm pretty sure you already know me but I am-"

"Princess Twilight Sparkle. Welcome to Prance." Jacque said as they become more polite and bowed respectfully to the princess of friendship and her friends.

"You all must be tired after such a long voyage. Let us return to my manor."

As the group made their way from the docks, Marshall noticed a wedding ring on his sister’s, Claire’s, finger.

“Claire, you’re married?” Marshall asked, surprised.

“Hmm? Oh, yes! I am!” Claire said happily. “And you’ll never guess who is my husband. Your old friend, Biscotti, who used to work for us in the kitchen with his father, Croissant. And who used to steal pastries when you were a colt.”

"SHHH!!!" Marshall tried to silence his sister before feeling the cold gaze of his mother upon him.

"So that explains why there were always a few pastries short at tea time."

"Uhh heh heh heh..."

The group mad their way through the busy streets of the city by carriage as Twilight and her friends took in the sights and sounds.

"This city is amazing! So many new things to see, so many shops."

"Wait til you try our cuisine." Jacque said as he twirled his mustache a little when Pinkie smelled something sweet in the air.

"Ooh is that a bakery? can we check it out? pleease?"

The door opened and out came a stallion with a curly dirty blonde mane and tail. His fur was chocolate brown, and his eyes were hazel. He wore overalls and a white apron as he carried a basket of baguettes. As soon as he laid eyes on the group, he froze when he caught sight of Marshall.

“…Mon dieu,” the stallion gasped. “Marshall…?”

"Biscotti?" Marshall was the first to step out and greet his old friend.

"Biscotti! It's good to see-!"

WHAP!

The group let out a gasp when the baker suddenly slugged Marshall onto the ground with an angry look in his eyes as he cracked his knuckles.

"You got SOME nerve coming back here! First you leave the mansion without a word and not tell your best friend?! Then you come home like it's nothing!"

"Why you!" Marshall growled as he returned the favor and socked him right on the nose before the two began grappling with each other like colts on a playground.

“Marshall!” Raven said, attempting to stop them but Jacques held his hand up.

“Let them be, my dear. This is normal,” Jacques chuckled.

“You were always so pig headed!” Marshall barked. “Even as colts! You insisted on filching the good croissants filed with jam!”

"Oh that's rich coming from the guy who ran away from home!" Biscotti countered while putting him in a headlock.

"Says the guy who couldn't find the nerve to ask my sister on ONE date when we were colts!!"

"Bastard!"

"Chicken!!"

"Doofus!"

"NIMROD!!"

"Alright boys, that's enough." Vivienne said with two claps of her hands as the servants pulled them apart.

Even though it may have looked like a harmless squabble, it became apparent that Biscotti held ill-contempt for Marshall.

“Why are you even here, Avalalon?” Biscotti asked. “Come to break more promises and end more friendships!”

“Biscotti! Don’t say such things!” Claire snapped.

“Why not?!” Biscotti said back, pulling his arms away from the servants. “This salaud has no idea the turmoil he put you and your family through when he just up and left without a word! Not even one letter made it to my mailbox! Not one!”

"I had my reasons." Was all Marshall would say as they exchanged glances.

"But that's not the worst of it! You never came to our wedding! I wanted you to be my best man!" Biscotti said, his voice a mix of emotions while pointing an accusing finger at him.

"Then my wife suddenly tells me that SHE got a letter saying her little brother-The big war hero was coming home!!"

"I didn't know-" Marshall tried to explain himself when he was cut off.

"Of course you didn't know! You practically cut us out of your life and after all we did for you!!"

"Biscotti, you've made your point." Jacque intervened as the baker began to calm down and take a few breaths.

"So umm how much for those pastries in the window?" Pinky asked while pointing to the display at the shop.

“But you want to know what the worst part is?” Biscotti said, ignoring Pinky. As if the timing couldn’t be worse, the door to the shop opened up to reveal a small unicorn colt with a mane and tail similar to Biscotti’s but his fur resembled Clair’s.

“Papa?” The colt said.

“You weren’t there for the second best day of our lives,” Biscotti sneered.

"Oh! perfect timing." Clair smiled as she picked up the colt and smiled at Marshall.

"Sweetie, this is your uncle. The one I told you about."

“Uncle Marshall?” The colt said.

Marshall had to collect himself as the colt stared at him curiously. “What’s your name, son?”

“Brioche!” The colt chirped.

"Brioche...that's a good name." Marshall smiled before Biscotti got between the two of them.

"Brioche, go inside. Your...uncle and I have much to talk about." He said while looking at Marshall.

"But Papa-!"

"Go son." Biscotti spoke more firmly before Brioche went back inside.

"So how old is he?"

"Seven. Like I said, you missed a lot while you were away..." Biscotti said bitterly before heading inside his bakery.

"The pastries are two bits each, three for the ones freshly baked. Finish your business and be quick about it."

“Would you please give me a moment, everypony?” Marshall asked and Twilight nodded. Marshall entered the bakery with only Clair. There were no customers at the moment as Biscotti just glanced at him. “Biscotti…Clair. I believe it’s only fair to tell you why I left.”

“More excuses?” Biscotti scoffed.

“No. The truth,” Marshall said.

"After I left the manor, I took a job as a mercenary. Anyone who had the bits for my services paid up front and I made sure to give them their moneys worth, it didn't matter if it was a bodyguard or an escort for a caravan but then I got an unexpected offer from the last pony I thought would ever need my help....Blueblood." He then took a small sip of coffee as he continued his tale.

"For a while the money was good until I got in deeper. He gave me not only gold but wine, food and eventually any women I could want, even offered up Princess Celestia's former secretary as a prize for me....at first I ignored it all, the enslavement, the atrocities but then I just couldn't take it but I also couldn't just leave not after what I did...I could never return home or...that's what I thought."

Biscotti and Claire were silent as they listened to Marshall.

“That’s…that’s a lie!” Claire said. “There’s no way my precious younger brother would become something like…a mercenary!”

"It's the truth...Raven is...was my slave but I grew to love her and she loved me. She was my light in that darkness and then Lightning Dust came along and well...let's say after a few drinks we got a little closer." Marshall smirked.

“If…what you’re saying is true,” Biscotti said. “Then confirm something with me. My father wouldn’t speak with me about it while we worked for the Chandeliers to build up funds for this shop. But I always had my suspicions even as a colt.” Biscotti looked into Marshall’s eyes. “You’re not really a Chandelier, are you?”

"....officially no." Marshall confessed.

"I am the bastard son of Lord Franz Chevalier. I was adopted by the Chandeliers when I was a colt."

“WHAT?!” Biscotti gasped. “CHEVALIER?! THE FALSE NOBLE?!”

"Yes...the very same..." Marshall sighed while his friend stood there in shock.

"Our father made Claire and I swear to only tell you when the time was right and well...now's as good a time as any."

“That pathetic excuse of a stallion was never the same since the war,” Claire informed Marshall. “I had heard he lost his noble status when several controversies about him came to light.”

"Guess karma finally caught up to him." Marshall said before finishing his coffee and leaving a few bits on the table.

"Thanks for the coffee...it's been a while since I had a taste of home." As Marshall prepared to leave, he felt something tug his cloak to see little Brioche looking at him with sad eyes not wanting him to go.

"Oh now don't be sad Brioche, I won't be leaving for a while and I'll be sure to come visit you again."

"Promise?"

"Promise."

“Marshall!” Biscotti said, making Marshall turn to him. “I…I may not fully understand why you left but I’m starting to understand. Perhaps I just need time to process everything.”

"Take as much as you need. I'm in no hurry." Marshall said before finally leaving the shop with the others.

Later

When the group arrived at the family manor, they were astonished. Out in the front was a garden similar to the ones at Canterlot with hedges cut into shapes of ponies and various animals and at its center was a fountain with lily pads and some frogs along with some fish swimming below.

"This is amazing!!" Twilight gasped as Marshall took a moment to breathe in the air and began walking around the courtyard like he was in a trance as a flood of memories came rushing back, memories of his childhood spent in his adopted families care as he was growing up.

"It hasn't changed a bit..." He smiled before seeing a tree with a rope swing tied to it.

"Brother." A voice called out when Marshall noticed his mother standing with a young unicorn mage with a snowy white mane and coat.

"Odette." Marshall smiled as the mare embraced him in a warm hug.

"Welcome home little brother."

"Good to be home sister." Marshall smiled as they were lead inside to find the entire mansions staff waiting in line to greet him.

"Welcome back, young master!" The servants shouted in unison as they bowed respectfully and presented their guests with an amazing feast prepared especially for them.

"Oh my." Fluttershy gasped at the illustrious gourmet dishes laid out while Pinkie started to salivate over the elaborate desserts.

"And of course I couldn't forget your favorite." Vivienne smiled while showing him a cheese wheel and some bread. While it seemed a simple dish to the others, to Marshall it was equal to the food of the gods as he took that first bite.

"My cheese..." He said before one of the servants poured him some wine.

"From your fathers personal stash young master. Saved for when you'd return home."

Marshall took one savory sip that seemed to lift his spirits before he took a piece of bread.

"My wine...my bread...I....I am home." He said with tears in his eyes before his mother embraced him once again.

"My sweet boy, we've missed you."

“Um…you really like cheese and bread that much?” Twilight wondered.

“We Prench ponies value cheese and bread as if they’re our greatest delicacy,” Odette said.

"Well that and they were Marshalls favorite snack growing up." Claire smiled as they gathered around the table for the meal.

"While I know this isn't a casual visit, I say we put all business aside and treat ourselves to a gourmet meal! And of course this calls for a toast." Jacque said as he raised a glass.

"A toast to my son for coming home and his friends who have joined us but most of all to the news that my wife and I will soon have another grandchild."

"Cheers!" The group clinked their glasses and began to help themselves when Twilight noticed something about the handkerchiefs decorating the table. Each one was embroidered with a flower and decorated with frills, somepony wanted to turn these simple pieces of fabric into works of art.

"Um excuse me, Lady Vivienne?" Twilight called out.

"I couldn't help but notice the handkerchiefs."

"Oh they're lovely aren't they? We recently ordered them from a new business associate of ours, I think you should meet her." To this, Vivienne gave a clever smile as if she were plotting something.

"What are you scheming mother?" Marshall smirked as he sipped some more wine.

"My dear boy I'm a mother, I'm always scheming something." Vivienne admitted while dabbing her napkin on her lips.

"Wow, I never thought I'd be eating grub this good!" Lightning Dust proclaimed as she enjoyed her meal while receiving a few looks from Claire and Odette.

"So Lightning Dust is it? what exactly is your relationship with my brother?" Odette asked while folding her hands.

"Our relationship?" Lighting inquired as both sisters shot suspicious glares at her.

"Yes. You and Lady Raven slept with him with the exception of you being drunk so what is our dear brother to you?"

"Now hold on this is going too far." Marshall objected before being seated back down by his father.

"Well if you wanna know, when he and I first met we tried to kill each other." Lightning seemed proud of that statement as she sat up straight with her nose in the air.

"But shortly after that we became partners and our relationship only progressed when we both got drunk and had a very passionate evening."

The air suddenly became tense as Vivienne strained a smile while doing her best to keep her wine glass steady as she slowly turned her head towards Lightning.

"So what you're saying is you got my sweet boy drunk, seduced him and lured him into your trap is that right?"

"Not exactly. He tried to let me sleep off the booze but the moment he put his hands on me, there was no way I was letting him go~." Lightning grinned at her lover who was starting to sweat as the gaze of his mother and sisters began to focus on him.

"So our dear brother got drunk and spent the night with a strange girl?" Claire asked with a damming stare.

"Nothing strange about her and I plan to wed her when this whole thing is over."

"Me and your new secretary." Lightning Dust smirked.

"My my son, you certainly have been busy." Jacque chuckled as they finished their meal and gave a tour of the family manor, while it all seemed new to Twilight and her friends it was all very familiar to Marshall as the memories of his childhood came flooding back.

"After twenty years this place hasn't changed...I once became lost in this hallway during a stormy night when father found me an over there, we used to sneak into the kitchens to see what snacks we could swipe.

"Yes and as I recall mother caught you and Biscotti one time and gave you an earful." Claire giggled when one of the servants whispered something in her ear that made her smile.

"Excellent. Princess Twilight, if you and your friends could follow me please? I think there's somepony I know you'll all be happy to see."

"If you don't mind sister, I'd like to join you."

"Of course. Now ladies, follow me!" Claire said with a more chipper voice as she lead Twilights group to the eastern part of the manor where they noticed several servants hauling out all sorts of dresses and suits.

"This is our closet, The Prench are also known to be entreprenuers of fashion as well as food and our most recent investment has put out quite the clothes line this season."

"No no NO! This fabric is absolutely horrid!!" A voice screamed from behind the doors that made the girls hearts skip a beat.

"That voice...it couldn't be..." Twilight gasped.

Unable to restrain herself, Twilight flung the doors open with her magic to see the face of somepony she recognized all too well.

"R...Rartiy?" She called out when who else but her friend Rarity turned to see her with a surprised face before opening her arms to embrace her.

"Twilight darling!" Rarity beamed with excitement as she squeezed Twilight who was still dumbstruck at the sight of her friend safe and sound.

"Oh darlings it's been far too long!" The fashionista smiled when she noticed the tears forming in Twilights eyes.

"Why Twilight dear, whatever is the matter?" She asked before suddenly being brought in for another hug as Twilight let it all out.

"It's you, you're really here!"

"Oh darling I'm so sorry to have worried you." Rarity said with a few gentle pats to her back.

"I would've written to you all sooner but the entire kingdom is on lockdown what with the war raging on."

"We're just glad to see ya Rarity and I see you've been busy as usual." Applejack said, having taken notice of all the dresses and suits no doubt designed by her friend.

"Oh yes. After losing all my stores to those horrid Stonehooves, I took what little bits I had and made my way here with my family. The only upside of all this is father is still the sweet stallion who married my mother and Sweetie Belle is safe and sound."

"And I see you got yourself some swanky new digs." Rainbow teased before she noticed Marshall giving her friend a suspicious look.

"Forgive the late introductions miss but I am Marshall Chandelier, son of Lord Jacque and Lady Vivienne. I have just returned home with your friends as my guests."

"Oh yes, I heard about you." Rarity said as she gave a curtsy to the knight captain.

"It is an honor to work for such an esteemed household as yours sir."

"The honor is ours, your designs are well known even here but I am curious as to how my family managed to recruit you into our service."

Sensing his suspicion, Rarity decided to humor him and brought her friends to the corner of the room for some tea.

"Well a friend of mine escaped with me and my family when Canterlot fell. For a while, we wandered the land aimlessly that is until we came to this city where many refugees had fled." Rarity explained while stirring Twilights cup.

"It was during that time I met your mother who saw me sewing up a poor childs clothes and as expected from any resident of Prance, she could tell my skill was superb and decided to hire me for my services. In exchange for room and board, I was to help provide her my best designs."

"But that was not all was it?" Marshall asked while calmly popping a cookie into his mouth.

"Indeed. As I'm sure you are aware, the Chandeliers are not your average noble household.'

"Uhh there something going on here?" Twilight whispered to Applejack who simply shrugged when she noticed Marshall making his way towards a set of sewing needles.

"You'll forgive me then if I have doubts about your benefits to our household."

Without warning he flung the needles at Rarity as the others gasped in shock only for the unicorn to stop them midflight with her magic before a dagger was suddenly pressed to her neck.

"Too slow."

"Oh contraire moinsure." Rarity smirked when Marshall felt another needle pressing against the back of his neck.

"Had you been any slower, I might have accidentally buried this in your brain stem." Rarity said with a smug grin as they lowered their weapons with a respectful bow.

"WHAT IN TARTNATION IS WRONG WITH YOU?!?" Applejack shouted angrily while getting in Marshall's face, her eyes staring daggers into him as he explained himself.

"Nobody joins the Chandelier family without learning a few of our tricks. It's required that each new employee or household member learns to defend themselves."

"He's right darlings and after what transpired at Canterlot, I refuse to stand by and be helpless, especially given my new responsibilities." Rarity said, catching her friends interests.

"New responsibilities? What're you talking about?" Rainbow asked when a knock came at the door.

"Come in."

"Hey Rares, sorry to interrupt but I-!! Twilight?"

Twilight instantly froze up when she saw a tall, purple winged dragon with green scales staring back at her in complete shock.

"S-Spike?" Twilight gasped as a flood of emotions overwhelmed her while Spike smiled sheepishly and waved hello to his old friends.

"Hey girls, long time no see."

“SPIKE!” Twilight flew straight at Spike and tackled him. “I MISSED YOU SO MUCH! I THOUGHT YOU WERE DEAD! I WAS SO WORRIED! AND! AND!”

Twilight had to force herself to stop what she was doing when something felt off. When she first laid eyes on Spike, her mind made her see the image of the little dragon boy who always was at her side. But this felt different. Her arms weren’t completely around Spike’s torso. Instead, they barely wrapped around his frame. Next, Spike was much shorter than Twilight but for some reason this person felt very tall. Twilight blinked until she slowly looked up to see the very same Spike the dragon. Only…

“Spike…?” Twilight said flabbergasted. “Is…that really you?”

"Yeah I uh had a growth spurt." Spike admitted before adjusting a little bundle he was carrying in his arms.

"Oh and be careful, we're squishing her."

"Her who?" Fluttershy asked when they all leaned in to see a little baby dragon wrapped up in the blanket he was carrying.

"Girls, meet Cinder....Our Daughter."

“DAUGHTER?!” Everyone shouted.

"Shh girls! please don't shout." Rarity scolded her friends just as the foal began to whine and squirm.

"Ohh there there sweetie, we didn't mean to wake you. Come to mommy." Rarity cooed as she took little cinder out of the bundle and into her arms to show she was part pony as well as dragon; a kirin.

“I-I don’t understand!” Twilight said, her eye twitching. “How did-! When did-! What-?!”

“I think it’s best we explain properly.” Spike sat down in a chair and sighed while Rarity tended to Cinder. “It all started a couple months after the Fall.”

Flashback

WHAM!

Poor little Spike was kicked in his stomach and sent flying into a tree as Rarity watched in horror as she was cuffed. Stonehoof stags, traitor stallions, and brainwashed stallions surrounded the poor drake as he desperately tried to stand back up.

“You…won’t…take her!” Spike hissed as he glared daggers at the group.

"Aww the little dragon is protecting his lady!" One of them teased while they made Rarity watch.

"He's got balls I'll give him that but he should've just handed the girl over when he had the chance." Another said before ripping Rarity's shirt off and revealing her underwear.

"Whoa HO! Blue lace~! me likey~!!"

“Stop! Get away!” Rarity pleaded as they roughly groped her.

“She’ll make a fine brood slut~!” One of the stags grinned as he pulled his trousers down. “Hold her steady! I’ve been wanting to bust a load for weeks~!”

Spike watched helplessly as the stag loomed over her. He clenched his little claws as his anger boiled up inside him.

“No…” Spike snarled as his eyes shrunk to slits. “No!” His body heaved as his arms and legs slowly grew, along with the rest of his body. “NO!” Green flames escaped his nostrils and his fangs grew razor sharp.

"What the hell?!?" A stallion shouted as two wings shout out from the drakes back and began to grow almost as quickly as he did. Spikes muscles, fangs and scales grew at a surprisingly fast rate as his eyes blazed with anger and before anyone realized what had happened he had become a juvenile dragon in a matter of seconds.

ROOOAAAARRRGH!!

“What in Dainn's name?!” A stag cried before Spike lunged forward and bit his head off.

"Spike?" Rarity gasped as Spike went completely feral and began digging his claws and teeth into every one of them even as a few managed to plunge their spears into his hide but that only seemed to anger him more as he blasted them with a torrent of green flames.

Spike’s rampage showed no mercy to the group of invaders and traitors, not even to the brainwashed stallions as their blood spilled across the grass. Some tried to retreat but Spike quickly dispatched them by tearing their entrails out from their guts or sinking his fangs down on their scalps and crushing their brains out from their eyes and ears.

Only when the slaughter was over did Rarity approach, caring more for her friends state of being than her own safety.

"S-Spike?" She called out only to be shove back by his tail as his head darted around looking for more enemies to shred with his claws.

"Spike look at me!" She shouted, almost snapping him out of his rage when he turned to her.

Spike slowly approached the mare as blood dripped from his maw and claws. Rarity didn’t move as she gazed at Spike with fear and uncertainty.

"Spike...do you recognize me?" She cautiously reached out to his bloodied face, still hesitant that he could snap at a moments notice but the moment her hand touched his scales, his eyes began to lose all their fury and he began to regain a bit of his sanity.

"Rarity..." He called out in a deep voice when Rarity's family came rushing to her rescue.

“Rarity!” Cookie shrieked and Hondo grabbed a sword and got between Spike and his wife and daughter.

“Back! Back, you!” Hondo barked.

"No! Father! Mother! It's spike!!" She shouted as Spike prepared to defend himself.

"Spike?!? You can't be serious!" Hondo said as he looked at the massacre around them.

"Father please, you're only making him angrier!" Rarity begged when Sweetie Belle approached the feral dragon just as he was about to ready another fire blast.

"Sweetie no!" Cookie tried to stop her when Rarity held her back.

“Spike?” Sweetie looked up at the still enraged dragon. “If you’re really Spike, then you wouldn’t hurt me.”

"Sweetie...belle..." Spikes voice became more normal as he looked at the little filly and after a few brief moments, he finally calmed down enough to speak and think clearly but his transformation seemed to remain permanent.

"Ohh man...what happened?" Spike groaned before seeing the slaughtered men around him.

"Did...I do this?"

"No time to explain, we need to go now!" Rarity said as she took a blanket to cover herself and lead them out of town, in the dark of night.

They soon discovered they were not the only ones to escape the fall when they came across another group of refugees, one of them being Sassy Saddles who looked like she had barely escaped with her clothes all torn and her right eye badly bruised when she came upon the group. It wasn't long before they could see the brutes setting fire to Rarity's shop along with several others as they made their escape, everything they had worked so hard to build reduced to ashes in a matter of moments.

"Rarity, what'll we do?" Sweetie Belle asked as she watched the stags and traitors round up all the females in the town square.

"I don't know Sweetie Belle but I promise we'll figure something out." Rarity smiled and hugged her little sister. For months they traveled the roads and bore witness to the rise of Dainns twisted empire and each day became a struggle to survive before they finally found a ship to smuggle them to Prance but even after arriving there, life was a struggle.

Rarity's mother had managed to find a job at a small bakery but the pay was very poor while her father had managed to find a job at collecting the cities garbage, meanwhile the former fashionista had managed to open up a small sewing shop on the corner of a busy street near the upper district of the city.

It was here that she would have a fateful encounter. During a slow afternoon, Rarity was busy doing a patchjob for a customer when her doorbell rang.

"Coming! Welcome to Chique, Unique and Magnifique. How may I help you-!" Her introduction was cut short when she saw a high class noble standing in her shop with a friendly smile.

"Good day miss, I was wondering if you do embroderies? My usual seamstress is out sick today and I need it done before tomorrow."

"Oh but of course madam, what can I make for you?" Rarity asked as she began to assemble her sewing kits.

“I would like something modern, but eye-catching,” the noble said. “Something that will make me the center of attention but not so much that I must fight off the stallions. Does that make sense?”

"Hmm I know EXACTLY what you need miss, I'll only be a moment." With but a few simple spools of thread and a single needle, Rarity began to work her magic on the ladies handkerchief with razor sharp focus so that no mistakes were made.

“You’re quite skilled with sewing,” the noble noted. “How long have you been at this, madame?”

"Well before this whole war fiasco, I owned several shops. One in Manehattan, one in canterlot and of course my first shop was in Ponyville." When Rarity said this, the lady gasped and began to tremble for a moment before shakingly pointing a finger at the fashionista.

“Why yes, yes I am,” Rarity said.

“Mon dieu! I knew it!” The noble mare approached Rarity and held her hand. “I am a very big fan of your work! Everypony in Prance gushes over your dresses in the local magazines!”

"Oh well thank you." Rarity was surprised by her sudden enthusiasm as the lady continued.

"Oh forgive my excitement. Ahem I am Vivienne Von Chandelier of The Chandelier Noble Family. Pardon my earlier outburst but when we heard about the fall of Canterlot and Princess Twilight going missing, we feared the worst."

Rarity’s ears flattened and tried her best not to cry. “It’s…been hard not to think about it. I pray every day that she and the rest of my friends are safe.”

"Oh my darling forgive me. It must've been a difficult journey for you and your family."

“It has…especially for poor Spike,” Rarity sniffled.

"Spike? Princess Twilights assistant?" Vivienne was surprised to hear that Twilights number one assistant was in prance before both managed to regain her composure and went back to finishing her order.

"Let me just put on the finishing touches...done!"

"It's lovely!" Vivienne was completely stunned by the intricate patterns of the design and despite having very few materials, Rarity was still able to create something befitting of a noble.

"My dear, I insist you come work for me! You'll be the talk of the town, everypony in Prance will be ecstatic to know the top designer in Equestria is here!"

“Work for you?” Rarity said, sounding surprised. “Oh my, that is such an honor! I don’t think I’m worthy!”

"NONSENSE!! you were the number one Fashionista across Equestria and with my families backing, you can be again! The world must know that your genius still thrives!" Vivienne was determined to get Rarity to work for her unaware her family and Spike were watching from behind the door until they stumbled out.

"Were you all eavesdropping?!?" Rarity was outraged by this sudden surprise.

“Ehehehe…sorry, dear,” Cookie said.

“But to work for a Prench noble family? What an opportunity!” Hondo said.

"Yeah and if Twilight finds out you're okay then maybe she won't be worried!" Sweetie Belle added.

"And given our financial circumstances, we could use the bits." Spike said as he reminded her of their current living arrangements.

“Well…” Rarity contemplated the offer and thought about how designing clothes for one of the most prestigious noble families in Prance was one of her biggest dreams.

In just a few months, Rarity was able to remodel her shop into something more extravagant and was able to acquire more materials for her craft and soon line after line of lavish dresses were pouring out her door with the help of Spike and Sassy Saddles. The number one fashion designer in all Equestria had finally made a comeback.

All the while, Spike was tentatively helping Rarity whenever he could. However, even though Spike was more than willing to help Rarity and her family whenever possible, there was something missing in his new life in Prance. He missed Twilight dearly, and worried about her every day. Spike wished he could return to his home to find her.

One day, like any other, Spike was ringing up a Prench stallion with a smile. However, the stallion arched a brow as if he could see through Spike’s fake smile.

“Why the sad eyes, young lad?” The stallion asked.

Spike let out a short sigh after handing the customer his order and explained the situation.

"Oh yes, Princess Twilight. I heard she barely made it across the border when the Yaks finally got her to the empire and now with those northern scum dotting the landscape, it's dangerous to go anywhere these days."

“Really?” Spike said, sounding relieved. “That’s good to hear.”

“But I can tell there’s something else bothering you,” the stallion said. “Perhaps…it’s about a mare?”

Spikes scales turned pink for a second, making the customer give a short chuckle.

"Ah to be young and in love. She must be quite the gal to catch your eye my boy."

"She is..." Spike sighed.

“Then why are you sitting here like a barrel of fish?” The stallion asked. “If you fancy her, tell her!”

"I CAN'T DO THAT!!" Spike blurted out as his tail became straight as a spear.

"She only sees me as little brother!"

"And she'll only treat you as such unless you make a move. Food for thought my boy." The customer said as he left the store.

Spike’s mind was now in turmoil as he blushed like a fool. As he rubbed his temples with his claws, a couple Prench mares were watching the whole spectacle.

“Aw, look at him.” one of the mares cooed. “He’s such a cute little drake!”

“And so innocent~.” the other mare purred.

"I heard those Stonehooves experimented on him and forced him to grow that size." Another whispered as rumors began to murmur around the shop.

"The poor dear must be traumatized after all that."

“Hey, what if we go and…comfort him~?” The first mare whispered.

"Mmm I like that idea~." The second said when they both suddenly felt a chill crawl up their spines followed by a murderous intent when they turned to see Rarity herself staring down at them with a cold glare.

"Can I help you girls with something?" She asked calmly, her expression unchanged.

The ladies looked at Rarity like she was a towering figure, her gaze unflinching as they made their purchase and left the shop while Spike sat there at the counter, completely oblivious to what had just transpired.

“Hard at work I see?” Rarity said as she approached Spike.

"More or less. Seems the customers just wanna chat with me rather than shop." Spike said as he took inventory of their supplies.

"And I could swear one lady left the curtains to the fitting room open on purpose while she was standing in front of the mirror."

“Hmm, it would seem the ponies of Prance don’t just come here for the clothes,” Rarity teased.

“They can flirt and try to woo me all they want,” Spike rolled his eyes. “I’m not interested.”

Rarity paused and then pulled a strand of her hair to the side.

“Then…what exactly are you interested in?” Rarity asked.

"The only thing I'm interested in is finding Twilight and the rest of our friends!" Spike said, feeling frustrated.

"We haven't had word about ANY of them since this whole mess began."

“Spike…” Rarity gently put her hand on Spike’s hand, making him perk up at her. “What I mean is…who are you interested in?”

It was only then did Spike realize his current situation, the mare of his dreams was holding his hand and technically he was now old enough to start dating yet despite all that his face began to turn bright pink as steam shot out of his ears while he stammered for an answer.

"Kn-know what?" Spike began to sweat as she leaned closer.

"Darling while you did your best, I could tell you've had the biggest crush on me for some time but I didn't want to spoil it for you since you were doing your best to impress me." Rarity leaned forward, showing a bit of the lace from her bra as Spike froze up.

"But since you're not a baby dragon anymore, I don't think there's any need to hold back~."

"Oh Celestia, if this is a dream don't wake me up." Spike gulped before her soft lips found their way to him and his tail instantly became straight as an arrow.

Rarity broke away just as soon as it started to speak. “But it’s more than that. When those brutes were about to defile me, my life flashed before my eyes. I was so terrified that they would warp my mind and body into a sex-crazed harlot.” She frowned and held onto Spike’s hand tightly. “I…I didn’t know what to do. Until…you saved me.”

"R-rarity what are you saying?" Spike asked when she used her magic to slowly close the curtains and put up the "On Break" sign before locking the door.

"What I'm saying my dear Spikey Wikey is that I want to thank you." She said with a sincere smile as she began to unbutton her blouse.

“Th-Thank me…?” Spike gulped as she unbuttoned the last button and pulled off her blouse. Her lace bra was on full display as she sat on the counter in front of him.

“Spike. Tell me how you really feel,” Rarity said. “I want to hear what your heart is telling you. Not as a young drake, but as a man, what do you think of me?”

Spike could barely think straight as he struggled to find the right words to describe her but no amount of praise could give justice to the beauty standing before him and without thinking, he let his instincts take over and pinned her to the counter.

"Rarity!" He called out as their lips met again but their kiss was more aggressive, more passionate as Rarity allowed him to take her and even began undoing his shirt for him.

But what was most impressive was his wings as they fanned out to give them shade while Rarity continued to decorate his face with her lipstick.

"Mmm Spikey darling, could you un-clip my bra for me~?" She flirted after they had calmed down for a bit.

"It un-clips from the front~."

"Uh...okay..." Spike gulped as his hands reached for her bountiful breasts.

He found his goal between her bra and unclasped the garment. Spike had to suppress a nosebleed as her glorious bust was freed. Her dark purple nipples stood erect as his hands moved on their own and gently clasped each soft orb of flesh.

"Mmm yes Spikey wikey, touch me~." Rarity moaned as he nuzzled her chest to feel her soft coat all the way down to her belly.

"You're so beautiful Rarity." He huffed as he kissed his way back up to her breasts.

"Mmm you want to suckle them don't you~?" Rarity giggled, making him blush.

"Nothing to be ashamed of Spike, it's why we women have these~."

Spike looked down at her nipples and it was as if they were staring back at him. He licked his chops and opened his mouth a little to begin gently sucking on her teet.

"Mmmm~!" Rarity bit her lips as she could feel the tips of his fangs digging into her tit as he began to pull on her breasts one after the other and even began kissing her in between fondlings when Rarity could feel something poking her panties from below.

"R-Rarity you should know it's-"

"Shh. It's my first time as well darling."

Rarity got up from sitting on Spike’s lap knelt down between his legs. Her eyes lidded at the tent pitching in his pants and brushed her hand along the fabric.

"This is so embarrassing..." Spike blushed as she undid the belt buckle with her eyes fixed on her prize.

“Nothing to be embarrassed about, darling~,” Rarity cooed as she pulled down his pants. “We’re newfound lovers indulging in our passionate pursuit of love~.”

As soon as she pulled down his boxers, Spike’s dragon cock sprung out over her face. It was long and pointed at the tip with small ridges on the sides.

"Oh my..." She said aloud, not expecting such a shape while Spike blushed.

"Yeah I did some research and dragons tend to be...rough with their mates.'

"Mmm is that so~?" Rarity seemed enticed by the idea as she stood up to remove her panties slowly in front of her dragon lover.

Spike caught a whiff of her womanly scent as she knelt back down and gently grabbed his dick. Her hand went up and down, making Spike groan softly.

Rarity had also caught whiff of his musk and found herself breathing heavily as she stroked the rugged shaft in front of her while reaching down to finger herself.

"Rarity..." Spike stopped her before pulling her in for another kiss.

"I love you." Hearing this made Rarity's heart soar now that he finally said it.

“I love you too, my dear Spikey Wikey,” Rarity purred and went down to lick the tip of his dick, making him flinch.

"Don't worry Spikey darling, I won't bite~." She teased before kissing the tip and wrapping his cock around her supple breasts.

"Mmm I read that this is the best way to arouse a man~."

"W-what kind of books to they sell here?" Spike huffed as she gave him a teasing look while watching him squirm.

"Even when fully grown, you're still so cute~."

Rarity leaned down and licked the tip of Spike’s cock as she rubbed her breasts up and down. Spike was on cloud nine as he leaned his head back and groaned from the sensation.

"Ahh Rarity..." Spike moaned as he looked down at his beloved, he had been dreaming of this moment for years and now it was finally happening and as the feeling began to grow his claw slowly reached out and grasped her head and without thinking, he shoved her down to the base of his shaft with a feral growl.

"MMM!" Rarity yelped in surprised but did not resist as she adjusted herself to take in his full length.

"Mmm~."

"Sorry Rarity but...I can't hold back anymore!" Spike grunted as he grabbed her head and began ramming into her mouth forcefully.

While Rarity was taken aback by his sudden dominance, she did not resist in the slightest. In fact, she was hoping to bring out his latent dragon might and claim her. After all, it’s what her dearest Spikey Wikey deserves.

Once he was good and aroused, Rarity bent herself over and presented her luscious flank to him with a cute blush in her cheeks.

"You can...do whatever you want but please be gentle?" She asked just before Spike dove in and buried his muzzle into her now soaked pussy while his claws gently glided across her flank.

"So...so soft~!" he growled before slapping both cheeks.

“Hey now~! I said be gentle, Spike!” Rarity scolded. “You must know how to treat a lady when making love. Especially during foreplay.”

Spike seemed to ignore her complaints as he began to grope her breasts hard while licking her neck as his instincts slowly began to take over.

"Rrrr...Rarity, mine!" He said with a bit of a growl in his voice as he gave her neck a sensual lick.

“Ah~! Oh my~!” Rarity moaned. “Does my Spikey Wikey want to claim his mare~?”

Spike would only snarl in response as he got her on the counter , at first Rarity seemed eager to get started but when she looked down at his nethers she was met with a surprising sight.

"T-two?!?" She gasped as her dragon loomed over her, panting heavily before nuzzling her chest.

"Rarity..." He said with a low growl as he held her hand.

Rarity gulped at the sight of both his dicks. On the one hand, she never took two at the same time. On the other, she didn’t want to disappoint Spike at this moment. Steeling her resolve, Rarity took a breath and positioned one dick in front of her back door, and the other at her pussy.

"Take me Spikey Wikey~." She said in her most gently voice as Spike finally made his move and gently pushed into his mare.

"Ah...Rarity you're hot inside~." Spike hissed while she clawed at his back, feeling her hymen about to break.

Rarity whimpered as both his dicks entered her ass and vagina and she gasped when her hymen was broken. Rarity could feel immense pain in her loins but steeled herself for Spike.

Sensing her pain, Spike kissed her gently on the lips and began to caress her body before slowly moving his hips as she continued to hold onto him.

"Ah...ah...oooh Spikey wikey~!" Rarity cried out as the pain slowly turned into pleasure.

Spike moved his hips back and forth as he penetrated her womb and asshole. Rarity moaned loudly and gripped onto Spike’s frame as they made love and she moaned loudly.

"Argh! but Rarity the shop?" Spike panted while keeping pace.

"Nnng the customers can wait~! Make me yours, hump me, break me, make me never forget you~." Rarity said before surprising him with a french kiss and wrapping her arms around him tightly while her legs dangle in the air.

"I don't mind being humped into submission if it's by you my dear little dragon~."

Spike snorted through his nostrils and began to pick up the pace. His carnal instincts began to take over as he grit his teeth and humped her harder.

“Spike…WANT!” Spike barked.

Rarity threw her head back with a loud moan as her eyes rolled back and she allowed him to completely dominate her holes as his cocks plowed her to oblivion.

"Spike brutal! Not gentle~!! Spike make Rarity mine~!!"

"Augghyes~! Rarity is Spikey Wikey's forever~!" Rarity screamed in the same speech pattern as her mind started to go blank.

Spike then hoisted his mare up and pinned her against the wall where she had sun dresses hanging. Rarity didn’t care that her clothes were getting wrinkled or fluids were spraying all over them. All she could think about was Spike and his two dicks going in and out of her marehood and ass.

During the commotion, Sassy Saddles came down from upstairs after hearing one of the mannequins fall over and thought they could use a hand when she saw Rarity's legs pointed straight in the air with one foot missing a shoe and the other barely hanging on by the tip of her toes.

"Mmm Spikey wait, if you do it inside I might-AH~!"

"Spike breed Rarity, make babies~!" Spike growled with determination as he hilted both cocks inside her, making the mares eyes roll back as she grit her teeth baring the girth of both rods.

“Oh…oh my…” Sassy gasped as she hid behind the corner. “I knew they would eventually become a couple but…wow~.”

She then peeked around the corner to see the dragon about to finish the job as he pulled his cocks out halfway and slammed them back down with great vigor, letting out a primal roar that combined with Rarity's scream as she felt his seed flood into her.

"My busselles and bows!" Sassy gasped after seeing Rarity's face now aflood with messy mascara and sweat her mane looking like a rats nest. As if to assert his dominance, Spike bit down on her right breast and began suckling hard making her give out a weak groan as her body went limp.

"...Mmm I love you my Spikey Wikey." Rarity smiled as she let him play with her.

"Rarity? Rarity? RARITY!!" Twilight called out, snapping her friend out of her daydream.

"Oh. Um sorry darlings, I was lost in thought but as I was saying. Once we confirmed our love for one another, we got married and shortly after this little darling was born!" The fashionista beamed as she held up little Cinder to her friends.

“And it’s been a dream come true,” Spike smiled as he gently patted his daughter’s head.

“I wonder how he’ll be when she discovers boys?” Rainbow muttered to Applejack.

"And what about you darlings? I heard rumors that you are actually...allies with some Northlanders." Rarity said with concern while bouncing her daughter.

"More than allies Rarity, they're our friends." Twilight then began to explain the circumstances that lead to them becoming allies with those who were meant to be their enemies and as expected she was shocked but even moreso when she learned that two of her friends were lovers with their leader.

“My word! What an unexpected surprise!” Rarity said. “And here I thought all caribou were uncouth brutes! To think, there are some with actual class.”

"Hey! that's our man you're talking about." Rainbow Dash scolded her friend.

"Oh apologies darling but it's just so surprising but it also explains your new attire." Rarity said while looking over Rainbow's new outfit.

"You know, you girls came at a most opportune time. As it so happens, the royal family is hosting a grand ball to discuss the war efforts and while I'm not supposed to say this, there are rumors that the queen wishes to ally herself with The Crystal Empire."

“That would certainly be beneficial,” Marshall said. “We need all the help we can get. I hate to admit it but Dainn is more cunning than any of us care to give him credit for. It’s almost as if he always has a secret card hidden in his sleeve to play.”

"There's more to it I'm afraid." Rarity said while handing Cinder to Spike.

"The members of the noble faction are considering joining the new "King" on account of his influence."

"Does that mean He will be there?" Marshall asked, referring to his bastard father.

“I’m…I’m afraid so, my son,” Lord Chandelier sighed.

Marshall would say nothing and bowed his head to his friends before leaving to prepare for the ball.

"Well now that business is out of the way, let's get you all settled in. I'm sure you must be tired from the journey." Lady Vivienne smiled and ordered her servants to show the guests their rooms.

“Ladies?” she said to Lighting Dust and Raven. “A word?”

Once everyone was out of the room, the three sat around a small table where some tea and snacks were prepared as Lady Vivienne poured for her guests.

“It gladdens me so very much that my boy has you two looking after him” Vivienne said as she eyed Lighting Dust with a smile. “Do you plan to have children?”

"No. Well not yet at least." Lightning said while Raven sipped her tea.

"And you. Raven is it? You are no longer my sons slave yet you stay with him. I must know, why is that?"

“Because…he saved me,” Raven said. “Had he been any other traitor stallion, I would’ve been tossed around like a slab of meat.”

"Then you know what he did as a mercenary I take it?" Vivienne asked while helping herself to the tea.

"Yes we know of that. There is very little a son can hide from his mother."

“And…what do you think of it?” Raven asked.

Vivienne placed her teacup back on the table and gently folded her hands on her lap as she calmly looked down.

"To be honest, I was heartbroken. While we did allow our son to strike out on his own rather than relying on us, we did not think he would end up in such a dreadful line of work. We sent him letters saying he could come home when he was ready but each reply insisted that he was fine but it takes more than some ink and paper to stop a mother from worrying about her child."

“Did you ever think about going to him directly?” Lighting asked.

“Once. With my husband.” Vivienne said. “It…didn’t end well.”

Flashback

“Marshall, please!” His father begged as Marshall seethed at him. “I only wish to talk! That’s why I came out here!”

"I told you not to come father! You know what will happen if they find out who you are?!?" Marshall said angrily while pacing back and forth in a panic. His father had barged into the merc camp unannounced with his mother in tow but thankfully the rest of the mercenary company were busy feasting with Blueblood in the fortress.

“We just could not stay away!” Vivienne pleaded. “You’ve not been home for almost a year now! Your sisters miss you! We miss you!”

"You know I can't go home!....not after what I've done..." Marshall said as he grabbed a wine bottle chugged it down in front of them.

“You succumb yourself to drink?” Jacque gasped.

"It helps..." Was all Marshall would say as he wiped the wine from his face.

"You should leave while you still can...I can get you to the border before you're noticed."

"We're not leaving without you!" Vivienne scolded when her son suddenly slammed the table in anger.

"Do you know....WHAT I'VE DONE?!?" Marshall snapped at his parents, his face hot with wine and rage.

“No! We don’t!” Jacque barked.

"But that doesn't matter, you're our son and we want you to come home!"

"You don't get it...men like me can't change...we...are KILLERS!"

“Marshall!” A voice from outside barked. “Are you done visiting with your guests! We got new orders! Wrap it up!”

Marshall then grabbed the bottle and greedily drank down the remainder of its contents before stumbling his way to the exit.

"Leave....now..."

As he left, Vivienne wept as Jacque consoled his wife.

“Just remember, son,” Jacque said, making Marshall pause. “You’ll always have a home in Prance.”

"I've been worried sick ever since that dreadful day but seeing him now, the man he has become...I've never been more proud to call him my son even if he is not of my blood."

“I’m surprised you didn’t lay into him for being so disrespectful,” Lighting Dust commented.

“Do you think he’s been carrying this guilt all this time?” Raven wondered.

"Perhaps but enough of that. Rest tonight, these walls are well protected."

Meanwhile in another part of the mansion, Marshall stood with his father in front of the fireplace admiring the family portrait while enjoying a night cap.

"Ah aged for twenty years. A fine vintage." Jacque said when he noticed his son had barely touched his glass.

"Is it not to your liking son? I could find something sweeter."

"Why?" Marshall asked cryptically as he put his glass down.

"Why are you so welcoming towards me? after everything I put you all through....why?"

“You are my son,” Jacque said straight away. “And as my son, I will never turn you away. Not like your father did. The night you came to us covered in mud and drenched from the rain, I swore on the Chandelier name that no matter what you chose to do in life, I would always be there for you.”

"But...father-"

"Hush my boy, there is no need to be ashamed." Jacque said as Marshall tried to fight back the tears.

"But I did so many terrible things..."

"You were lost but you have found your way again." Jacque said as he wrapped an arm around his sons shoulders.

"I'll admit, I feared the worst when we found you teetering on the edge and feared you would fall so far that not even we could save you but I thank Celestia each day that it never came to pass and no matter what anyone says, I will always be proud of you my boy."

Marshall couldn’t hold it in any longer as small tears leaked from his eyes.

“Please…forgive me, father,” Marshall wept.

"My dear boy, I already have." Jacque smiled as he held his boy close and let him cry into his shoulder just as he did the night they brought him into their home.

End.

Author's Note

the first chapter I've posted in a while. Things have been hectic since my grandfathers passing but rest assured, I will update when I can