Sitting atop the roof of my home, I exhaled softly, savouring the crisp morning air as the wind tousled my hair. A faint smile crept across my lips as I gazed out over the quiet world below. Normally, I’d have my partner in crime by my side, but with him still out of commission, I found myself alone with only my thoughts for company. And with Zecora's ready working wonders, much to my surprise, my thoughts weren't nearly as dower as usual.

Turning my eyes to the horizon, I watched as the rising sun began to banish the lingering chill, replacing it with a gentle warmth that brushed away the early morning blues. The thought of the Princesses starting their day brought another small smile to my face. Standing up, I leapt gracefully from the roof, landing with ease before strolling down the stone path leading away from my home and out through the front gate.

As I made my way into town, I noticed most of the repairs from the recent chaos had been completed. Only the town fountain remained in need of attention, its central fixture still awaiting final repairs. I’d ensured to cover the costs myself—after all, it wouldn’t do for someone in my position to shirk responsibility. Besides, the blame rested squarely on my shoulders. I could have taken Damien into the Everfree Forest, away from the heart of civilization.

Soon, I found myself outside a cosy little café I’d been meaning to visit for some time. Stepping inside, I noted it was mostly empty save for the staff and a couple of early risers. At the counter, I ordered a chocolate muffin and a simple mocha before settling down at a small table out front. The hot steam from my drink curled into the brisk air, and after a tentative sip, I nodded in satisfaction. Fluttershy’s recommendation had been spot-on.

As I took another sip, savouring the rich flavour, a familiar pair of voices drew my attention. A pink-and-rainbow-haired duo appeared and took seats beside me.

“Oi, oi,” I said, glancing at them with a grin. “Fancy meeting you two here.”

“Speak for yourself, big guy,” Rainbow Dash shot back as she plopped into a chair. “When Fluttershy said she recommended this place to you, I figured there was no way you’d actually show.”

“And what made you so sure, Miss All-Knowing?” I teased, taking a bite of my muffin.

“Dude,” Rainbow made a face. “We haven’t seen you eat in, like, a month. You even had the Princesses worried.”

“Oh? And how would you know that?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.

“They, uh…” Fluttershy began hesitantly. “They told Twilight to keep an eye on you after you moved here.”

“Not to mention,” Rainbow added, “I’m pretty sure they had Ghost reporting back to her somehow. Don’t ask me how, though—he was practically glued to your side.”

I chuckled, sipping my coffee. “Knowing them, they probably had some secret arrangement. Maybe nightly reports or something.”

“Wouldn’t put it past Twilight,” Rainbow nodded, taking a sip of her own drink. “Speaking of Ghost, how’s he holding up?”

Swallowing another bite of muffin, I answered, “There’s been an increase in brain activity, and his organs are stable, so we know he’s alive. But beyond that… no real improvement.”

“He’ll pull through,” Fluttershy said softly, placing a reassuring hand on my shoulder.

“I hope so,” I replied, my voice low. “I just don’t know when—or if—he’ll fully recover.”

“Hey, you came back,” Rainbow said firmly, her tone leaving no room for doubt. “And that was supposed to be impossible. If you can do it, then Ghost can too.”

“Hard to argue with that logic,” I admitted with a small nod, finishing the last of my muffin. “By the way, have either of you seen Spike? I was thinking of taking him fishing after all the drama with the ship.”

Fluttershy hesitated, her voice barely above a whisper. “Is that… is that the only reason?”

I paused my drink halfway to my lips, momentarily caught by her swift deduction. For some reason, I couldn’t bring myself to lie. Tossing back the rest of my mocha, I cleared my throat. “No,” I admitted quietly.

“Dude—” Rainbow began, but I cut her off.

“I know,” I said, my tone brooking no argument. “Can I tell you two something?”

They exchanged uncertain glances before nodding. “Of course. We’re your friends, aren’t we?” Rainbow said.

Closing my eyes for a moment, I smiled faintly. “Spike’s a Draconian. They’re some of the hardiest people I’ve ever met. Truth be told, the risks I mentioned to him were more of a scare tactic than an actual concern.”

"Wait, what?" Rainbow asked, leaning forward. “Why would you try to scare him?"

“There are several reasons why,” I answered quickly, not wanting to linger on the topic. “But I’d rather not talk about it right now.”

Fluttershy reached out, her hand resting gently on my armoured forearm. “We’re here for you,” she said softly, her voice filled with compassion.

“I know,” I murmured, my gaze dropping. “I just need to face my fears first.”

“That’s not healthy,” Fluttershy said, her soft tone now carrying a firm edge.

“Nothing I do is healthy, Fluttershy,” I replied with a halfhearted smile. “Anyway, I’ve got a certain purple Draconian to track down.”

“He’s probably with Twilight,” Rainbow offered after a moment.

“Thanks,” I said, standing and giving them a small smile. “I’ll leave you two to your morning.”

~~

Giving the solid oak door a few firm knocks, I took a step back and rolled my shoulders, absently rubbing them as I waited. Moments later, the library’s front door creaked open.

“Percival,” Twilight greeted with a smile, though her brow was raised slightly. “You know this is a public library. You don’t have to knock every time you come over.”

“Old habits die hard,” I replied with a shrug as she gestured for me to come inside.

“So, what brings you here today?”

Taking a deep breath, I steeled myself for the inevitable argument. “Actually, I came to see Spike.”

“Oh, are you taking him fishing again?” she asked, her tone genuinely curious. “He’s been talking about it for the past day or so.”

“He has?” I tilted my head in mild surprise, met by a pleased nod from the librarian. “Well… not exactly.”

Her expression shifted, confusion flickering across her face before settling into a look of stern understanding. Her tone dropped into an unmistakably serious register. “Percival—”

“I know,” I cut her off quickly, holding up a hand. “Believe me, I know. I just had a quick chat with Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy. If you’ll let me explain?”

Twilight’s eyes narrowed as she scrutinized me, her brow furrowed deeply. After a moment of intense silence, she crossed her arms and nodded slowly. “Fine. Go on.”

We moved to the central table, where I sat down on one of the worn couches. Twilight followed, sitting opposite me with her arms still crossed tightly over her chest, her eyes locked onto mine as if trying to bore into my thoughts.

“I’ve trained people before,” I began, my tone steady but thoughtful. “Some of them were immensely powerful, and a few were closer to me than most. And yet, despite their strength, I doubt any of them are still alive today.”

Twilight’s expression softened slightly, though her arms remained crossed.

“I thought training Spike might reopen some old wounds,” I admitted. “Fresh ones that are still healing. When I mentioned the risks of harm before, it was more of an unconscious scare tactic to dissuade him. I’m afraid of how much this will remind me of my past. But Spike’s a Draconian. Their resilience and toughness are legendary. He’ll be pushed to his absolute limits, yes, but nothing I would put him through would ever endanger his life—not until I was absolutely sure he was ready for live-fire scenarios. I may not be the closest person to Spike, but I would never, ever willingly put his life in danger.”

As I spoke, I noticed Twilight gradually relaxing. Her grip on her arms loosened, and eventually, her hands came to rest on her knees. She nodded occasionally, taking in my words as her eyes never left my own, doing her best to find a hint of a lie. After a brief pause, she sighed, her gaze dropping to the table between us.

“I...I’m sorry I doubted you, Percival,” She said quietly. “I don’t know why I even thought you’d put him through something reckless.”

“You’re his older sister; you’re supposed to worry. I get it,” I reassured her softly.

"Still. It was foolish of me to think," She sighed again, rubbing her temples. “I just… I have a few questions.”

“Of course,” I said, offering an encouraging smile.

“How exactly would you train him? And what, specifically, would you teach him?” she asked after a thoughtful pause. "Neither of you has a horn to serve as a catalyst. I understand that you possess an impressive mana pool, but without the proper tool to channel it, I just don’t see how or what you could possibly teach him."

"We’d be here all day if I explained it in full," I replied with a small shrug, "but to put it simply, I have access to what’s essentially raw energy. It’s somewhat comparable to magic but far more potent." I gestured vaguely. "While Spike has magic similar to yours, he’ll be learning techniques unique to my methods for harnessing and using it in ways you likely haven’t seen before. In a few years—assuming he’s got the talent—I’d wager he could hold his own against almost anyone. Well, anyone aside from Celestia and Luna. Maybe even sooner if he surprises me."

Twilight stared at me for a long moment, her expression hovering between scepticism and astonishment. "If what you’re saying is true, then this is... revolutionary," she said slowly, her tone a mix of doubt and intrigue.

"It would be," I agreed with a nod. "But only a select few individuals can wield this energy effectively. It just so happens that Draconian magic aligns closely enough with my own that it makes translating the techniques possible."

Her brow furrowed, and she tilted her head slightly. "How does Draconian magic differ from Unicorn magic?"

"It’s surprisingly subtle," I explained. "But to put it in layman’s terms: Unicorn magic is like a scalpel—precise, refined, and intricate. Draconian magic, on the other hand, is more akin to a sword—broad, powerful, and direct."

Twilight absorbed this thoughtfully, nodding as she processed the comparison. After a moment, she turned back to me with a more serious expression. "And what if he decides it isn’t for him? Would he be able to quit?"

I nodded, acknowledging the concern in her voice. "I understand why you’d ask that, but that’s not quite how my 'magic'"—I raised my hand, making air quotes—"works. You’re accustomed to Celestia’s teaching methods, where the process is incremental, like climbing a ladder. Each step builds on the previous one, and the student has the freedom to stop or pause whenever they feel ready. That’s also how Unicorn magic functions in general.

"Spike’s training, however, is going to be fundamentally different. It’s not about gradual progress or optional steps—it’s more akin to adapting to an entirely new way of thinking and acting. He’ll be fully immersed in it. If he chooses to stop, it won’t undo what he’s learned, but it’ll certainly limit how far he can develop his abilities without a guide to help him."

“What do you mean?”

“While you’re climbing a ladder, Spike would be falling off a cliff.”

Twilight’s brow furrowed. “So… once he starts, he won’t be able to stop?”

“One does not simply get off of Mr. Bones’ Wild Ride,” I said with a small smirk.

She didn’t seem to register my humour, her eyes shifting as she mulled over my words. After a long pause, her shoulders slouched slightly, and she looked back at me with a resigned expression. “Can you promise you’ll keep him safe?”

“On my grandfather’s name,” I said solemnly, my tone firm.

Satisfied, Twilight stood abruptly and headed toward the stairs at the back of the library. She disappeared upstairs, and muffled voices echoed faintly behind a closed door. After a few minutes of quiet shuffling, Twilight reemerged, Spike trailing behind her with his fishing rod and tackle box in hand.

“Sup, wee man!” I greeted, ruffling the young Draconian’s spines as he approached. “Ready?”

“You bet!”

“Great,” I said with a grin, leading him toward the door. “We’ll need to stop by my place first. This was a bit impromptu, so I’m underprepared.”

“Yeah, sure. No problem,” Spike replied with a shrug.

“Perfect.” I glanced back at Twilight and gave her a reassuring look. “We’ll be back at the usual time.”

“Alright,” she said, offering a weak but genuine smile. “Be safe, you two!”

“Stop worrying, Twi,” Spike said confidently. “We’ll be fine.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll keep him out of trouble,” I promised with a nod, leading Spike out the door. After a quick detour to grab some gear, we headed to our usual spot.

~~

“So, who was that guy the other day?” Spike asked from beside me.

I took a sip from the cold beer in my hand, savouring the crisp bite before setting the bottle on the ground. Gripping my fishing rod firmly, I glanced over at him. “Just another sad soul in the ever-growing line of people who want me dead.”

“You don’t… seem very bothered by it,” Spike observed, readjusting his hold on his fishing rod for comfort.

I shrugged nonchalantly. “It’s all part of the fine print in the job description. Comes with the territory.”

Spike studied me for a moment, his expression a mixture of uncertainty and mild disbelief. His mouth opened as if to speak but closed again, the words evading him. Finally, he tore his gaze from me and looked out over the still lake. His eyes followed his fishing line as it disappeared into the water.

I sighed, reeled in my own line, and carefully unhooked the apparatus, setting it down next to my chair. The air between us had shifted, heavier now.

“Spike,” I began, my tone deliberate, “I need to talk to you about something.”

The seriousness in my voice prompted him to reel in his line without hesitation. He set his rod aside and turned to face me fully, an uncertain look flashing across his face.

“What’s… what’s going on?” he asked apprehensively.

“Spike,” I said, meeting his gaze. “I’m going to be straight with you. I haven’t been entirely honest.”

His brow furrowed, but he remained silent, his eyes locked onto mine, urging me to continue.

“Back on the ship, I told you there was a serious risk of injury—maybe worse—if I trained you,” I admitted. “The truth is, that wasn’t entirely accurate. As a Draconian, your kind is known for your resilience, your strength. Sure, there’d be blood, sweat, and tears. But I wouldn’t put you in real danger until I was certain you were ready.”

Spike’s expression didn’t waver, though I could see his mind working through my words.

“I lied,” I continued, my voice softer now. “Not for your sake, but for mine. I thought training you would reopen wounds that haven't come close to healing fully. I said it was to protect you… but the truth is, I was the scared one.”

“What changed?” Spike asked after a beat, his voice steady despite the weight of the conversation.

“Let's just say I had a conversation with a certain farmgirl. She helped me realize a few things. Mainly I'm not quite as alone as I might feel at times,” I replied with a faint smile that faded as quickly as it came. “But there’s another reason I tried to dissuade you.”

Spike tilted his head slightly. “Another reason?”

I nodded. “If I train you, you’ll learn techniques unique to me. In doing so, you’ll learn how I do what I do. And with that comes knowing things about me—things I’ve kept hidden for a long time. Things I’ve worked very hard to keep buried.”

“What kind of things?” His voice carried a cautious curiosity.

“Nothing pretty,” I said, my tone grim. “So, I’ll ask you again: is this really what you want? Are you sure you’re ready for this, Spike?”

Silence stretched between us. Unlike before, Spike didn’t fidget or falter. The determination in his eyes was unshakable—clear and unwavering.

“Yes,” he said, his voice resolute.

I exhaled slowly. “Then follow me.”

We rose from our chairs, leaving the tranquil lakeside behind. The further we ventured into the Everfree Forest, the denser the air seemed—not just from the humidity but from the tension growing between us. The once-vivid sunlight dimmed, reduced to faint rays filtering through the canopy. The trees around us grew gnarled and lifeless, their twisted forms casting ominous shadows.

The rhythmic tap of my peg leg on the dirt path filled the silence. Spike glanced at me now and then, though he said nothing, sensing my focus. Eventually, the forest opened to reveal the crumbling majesty of the Castle of the Two Sisters. Memories of my earliest days in this world flickered through my mind as we stepped into the ancient foyer.

Before proceeding further, I stopped and turned to him. “Spike, one last time—are you absolutely sure about this? What you’re about to learn will change how you see me forever. You’ll be taught secrets only a handful of beings have ever known. This is your one chance to walk away. Once you start, there’s no going back.”

A flicker of hesitation crossed his face, but it vanished as quickly as it came. He stood tall, meeting my gaze with a look of unwavering resolve.

“Yes,” he said firmly. “This is what I want.”

I nodded. “Do I have your word of silence? That no matter who asks, you’ll keep what you learn to yourself until I say otherwise?”

“You have my word,” he replied without hesitation.

“Good.” I took a step back. “As your first lesson, you’ll learn what I truly am.”

Spike’s brow furrowed. “What you are? I thought you were… Ponyfolk?”

I shook my head. “No. While I don’t blame you for thinking that, I am something far older—and far more dangerous. And as far as I know, I’m the last of my kind.”

His confusion deepened. “So, what are you?”

“Promise me you won’t freak out,” I said, my tone serious.

He hesitated but nodded. “You have my word.”

I took a deep breath. “Spike… I’m what’s known as a Nephalem.”

His head tilted. “A… Nephalem?”

“Yes,” I said, steadying myself. “I’m the offspring of an Angel… and a Demon.”

There it was. The flash of fear and the want to hide. A sight I had seen in many others so many years ago. The colour drained from Spike’s face. His body trembled, his breaths coming shallow and uneven. Despite the fear flashing in his eyes, he didn’t move. His rationality won out over his instinct to run, though it was clearly a struggle. He opened and closed his mouth for several minutes, the words seemingly never coming to him and he swallowed to moisten his dried mouth and throat. Eventually, he spoke.

“You’re… a Demon?” he whispered, as if speaking the word aloud might summon something.

“Half,” I corrected gently. “That duality is the source of my power. The two sides coexist, constantly amplifying each other.”

“So… why fight the other Demons if you’re one of them?” he asked, his voice tentative.

“Because I’m not one of them,” I said firmly. “Demons are cruel, sadistic creatures that prey on the weak and destroy the strong. They are rage, brutal, without mercy. While I may share some of their traits, I have something they don’t—a conscience.”

A faint smirk tugged at my lips. “Besides, if I ever harmed the innocent, my wife would’ve had my head.”

The quip seemed to lighten the mood just enough to break Spike’s tension. A small smile played on his lips as he stepped closer, tapping my chest with his claw as if testing to see how I would react.

“So… you’re not gonna eat me or something?” He asked, a faint teasing edge in his voice.

I chuckled. “Spike, if I wanted you dead, you’d have known a long time ago.”

He nodded slowly, though his posture was still a bit stiff. “I get why you’d keep this a secret. But… why tell me? Couldn't you have taught me and still keep this hidden?"

“Because if I’m going to teach you, we need trust. Real trust. And besides, with what you’re about to learn, the question of how I got this power would’ve come up eventually.”

“Does anyone else know?” he asked.

“Only Ghost,” I said. “He knows, but he’s never seen it.”

“Seen what?”

I smiled faintly. “This isn’t my only form.”

Spike blinked, taken aback. “You… have another form?”

“I do.”

“…can I see it?”

Smirking, I wasn’t surprised when he let his childlike wonder take over. He was still a kid, after all. With a quick motion, I signalled for him to step back. He hesitated at first, but I gestured firmly until he was several meters away. Once he was clear, I closed my eyes and focused, drawing energy into my core. The familiar, searing heat ignited within my chest, rapidly spreading outward like liquid fire coursing through my veins.

Then, with a sudden, controlled burst, an explosion erupted around me. It was small but intense, filling the foyer with a shockwave that whipped harmlessly past Spike. The blast kicked up a thick cloud of dust and dirt, scattering loose stones and debris in every direction. As the dust settled, the glow of fire dissipated, revealing the towering form of my alternate self—my Demon form. I stood before Spike in all my reptilian glory, my shadow stretching long across the room. His reaction was immediate: first fear, then shock, and finally, unmistakable awe.

A guttural rumble rose from deep in my chest, morphing into a low chuckle as I crouched down to his level, but even then, my crown-like horns still towered over him. My head alone was nearly the size of his torso, and I made no sudden movements, allowing him to take his time inspecting me. I had no intention of fighting, so staying in this form as long as I wanted was easy, almost comfortable, even.

“Whoa,” Spike whispered, his voice barely audible as he slowly began circling me. His eyes were wide, filled with equal parts caution and amazement. “Yeah… I can totally see why you’d want to keep this secret.”

“I’d probably give poor Fluttershy a heart attack,” I replied with a chuckle, the deep vibrations of my voice causing him to glance up at me in confusion. I nodded in amusement, letting the comment hang in the air.

For me, speaking felt natural—like normal English. But for anyone else, my voice sounded entirely alien: a symphony of low creaks, sharp clicks, and heavily synthesized warbles. It was an odd quirk, an unintended byproduct of my pure Demon blood blending with its equally pure Angelic counterpart. After years of living with it, I barely noticed anymore.

“I won’t lie…” Spike said softly, his voice trembling. “This is terrifying.” He paused, his expression shifting into a grin. “But it’s so cool though.”

I smiled as best as my massive, lipless jaws allowed, lowering my chin onto the ruined floor. The tattered remnants of a carpet shifted under the weight, its edges, frayed or otherwise, curling in response to the heat of my false limbs. Spike continued his slow, cautious inspection, circling back into my line of sight, careful to miss my firey arm and leg. I couldn’t help but playfully swat the back of his head with my tail, breaking the tension with a lighthearted gesture.

He stumbled slightly but laughed, the sound shaky yet genuine. His hands still trembled, and his wide eyes betrayed a mixture of wonder, fear, and something else. Excitement, maybe? I wasn’t entirely sure. Either way, a small grin crept across his face as he stood there, taking it all in. My tail idly swung back and forth, its rhythmic motion matching the measured pace of his breathing.

Finally, after several long moments, he broke the silence. “So,” he said suddenly, his voice filled with newfound determination. “When do I start?”

Author's Note

And so, the source of Percival's power is revealed
This'll probably, easily be the most divisive choice in the story so far but hey, my story I do what I want with it 😈
Hope you all have a wonderful Holiday this year and I'll see you all in the next year 🎉🎇🎆🎇🎆🎉

Please point out any mistakes I may have made
Constructive criticism is always appreciated
Until next time, I love each and every single one of you, TTFN!