The King's Son

The next morning, the sun shone into Spike's room. The sunlight made him stir for a bit before he woke up. When he woke up, he saw that he was still in his bed, and still nestled into Cadence's embrace, her warm frame providing a soft and comforting pillow for the waking dragon. Her wings were still wrapped around him like a protective cocoon.

Spike blinked a few times, taking in the peaceful morning light filtering through the curtains. The warmth and security of Cadence's embrace brought a small smile to his face. He carefully shifted to get a better look at her, not wanting to wake her up just yet.

Cadence stirred slightly, sensing the movement, and opened her eyes. She looked down at Spike, her expression softening into a loving smile. "Good morning, Spike. Did you sleep well?" she asked softly.

Spike nodded, his voice still a bit groggy from sleep. "Yeah, I did. Thank you, Cadence. I really needed that."

"You're welcome Spike." Cadence said, before she took a more serious look. "Spike, can you tell me a bit about your nightmares? I think it would help you feel better if you talked about them."

Spike didn't know how to answer that. "I... well..."

"It's ok if you don't want to tell me about them. If you are uncomfortable with it, then it's ok" Cadence added.

"It's ok Cadence, I can tell you about them. I do owe you one for staying with me last night." Spike said.

Cadence nodded and stayed silent, allowing Spike to start explaining.

"It started with me, waking up in this very room. I get out of bed, but then I hear a knock on the door. I open it up and see that it's a crystal guard that has a serious look on his face. He said that you required me in the throne room at once." Spike started explaining. Cadence was scared at how it might go, but she kept silent.

"I followed him to the throne room to see you, with a group of guards on either side of your throne with you on the throne looking at me with a cold and unforgiving look on your face." This made Cadence more scared about this.

Spike took a deep breath to calm himself before continuing. "You called for your guards to restrain me. They tied me up with rope and chains. I tried calling you for help, but you just continues to look at me like I was a monster."

Cadence brought a hoof to her mouth. "Spike, I would never-"

"Please Cadence, let me finish." Spike interrupted her. She just nodded slowly.

"I was slammed into the ground, and I asked why you were doing this to me. You said that I was just a monster and that I deserved to die. You said the only reason you invited me here was to kill me and do something you should have done 2 years ago. You unleashed a spell, and the pain was unimaginable. Before I blacked out, I could hear everyone cheering—Twilight, her friends, even Shining Armor. They were glad that I was gone. I called for help, hoping Luna would come, but she never did. Then, everything went dark."

Tears filled Cadence's eyes as she listened to Spike recount his nightmare. She couldn't believe the depth of his fear and the pain he had endured, even if only in a dream. She held him tighter, her heart aching for the young dragon who had suffered so much in silence.

"Spike," Cadence began softly, her voice trembling with emotion, "I'm so sorry you had such a horrible nightmare. I can't imagine how scared and alone you must have felt. But I promise you, with all my heart, that I would never do anything like that to you. None of us would. We love you, and we're here for you. You’re not a monster, Spike. You're a wonderful, brave, and kind dragon who deserves to be loved and cherished."

Spike nodded slowly, the lingering fear from his nightmare still present but less overwhelming now. "Thank you, Cadence. I know that now."

They stayed like that for a while longer, savoring the warmth and reassurance of each other's presence. After a few minutes, Cadence then unwrapped her wings from Spike and suggested, "Now, how about we go and get some breakfast."

Almost as if on cue, Spike's stomach growled. "I guess I didn't really eat much last night. I can eat."

So Cadence got off of the bed and waited for Spike to follow suit. Once he was off, they walked out of the room and to the dining room.

Upon entering, they found Shining Armor already seated at the table, engrossed in a newspaper. He looked up and smiled warmly. "Good morning, you two. Sleep well?"

Spike nodded, offering a small smile in return. "Yeah, I did. Thanks, Shining."

Cadence took her seat beside Shining Armor, her wing brushing affectionately against him. "Good morning, dear. We both slept well."

"Yeah, I was kind of worried when I woke up to not see you sleeping next to me, but then on the way to the dining room, I saw you guys sleeping together."

Spike felt a pang of embarrassment, but also relief that Shining Armor seemed to understand the situation. "Yeah, I needed some extra comfort last night," Spike admitted.

Shining Armor nodded sympathetically. "We all need that sometimes. I'm glad you have Cadence to lean on."

As they started breakfast, Cadence got an idea that Spike would love. "Hey Spike, would you like to do a scavenger hunt around the Crystal Empire today. It involves some news that you will be the first to know about."

This intrigued Spike. "I'd love to go on a scavenger hunt with you guys. That sounds really fun."

Cadence smiled with glee. "Wonderful, let me do a few things and then we can be on our way."

"Sounds good."

After breakfast, They each got ready to start the day, but before Shining got ready, he whispered something into the chef's ear. Spike went back to his room to make his bed and get himself ready for the scavenger hunt. Shining started brushing his mane and tail to look good and Cadence did the same thing. However, after she got ready, Cadence went into the study. She wanted to write a letter to princess Luna, so she could understand why Luna hasn't been helping Spike at all. She got parchment, quill and some ink, put it on the desk and began writing.

Dear Aunt Luna,
Can you come into my dreams tonight for a minute. I need to talk to you about something urgently.
Yours Truly, Mi Amore Cadenza, Cadence.

After she wrote her letter, she rolled it up using her magic, and put a seal of urgency on it. She tapped the seal with her hoof and it was sent off in a bout of smoke.

As Cadence sent off her letter, she took a deep breath, hoping for a quick response from Luna. She then made her way to the main hall where Shining Armor and Spike were waiting, ready to start their scavenger hunt.

Spike's eyes lit up with excitement as Cadence approached. "Are we ready to go?" he asked, his voice brimming with anticipation.

Cadence smiled warmly. "Yes, we're all set. This scavenger hunt will take us to some special places in the Crystal Empire. Let's see if you can find all the clues!"

Shining Armor handed Spike a small scroll. "Here's your first clue, Spike. Let's see where it leads you."

Spike unrolled the scroll and read the clue aloud. "To start your quest, you must have a full rest. Then the first place you seek is where young ones spend their week." He looked up at Cadence and Shining Armor. "Where do young ones spend their week?" he asked himself.

"You have to tell us, or the answer won't be special." Shining Armor told him.

Then a grin started spreading on Spike's face. "I think I know, It's the school. It's where young ones spend their week. Plus, it gives me an excuse to see how the school is doing without that tyrannical principal. Let's go."

With Cadence and Shining Armor following close behind, Spike led the way to the Elementary School. As they approached, Spike spotted a small group of students, including Lemon Zest, waving at him, cheering for him that he saved the school from Abacus Cinch.

"Aw, they look so much happier with the principal gone." Spike said, then looked at Cadence and Shining Armor. "I take it that this is the correct place?"

They nodded. "Yes it is Spike. Very well done." Shining Armor told him. "Although I suggest that you write down the places we go to and the things it includes, because at the end, you're gonna have to look back at where we went so you can guess the surprise."

"Ok." Spike said, before gaining a look of disappointment. "I didn't bring any paper or any pencils with me for this."

"Oh Spike." Cadence told him. "I'm sure the students won't mind if you borrowed one of their pieces of paper and a pencil from them. After all, you did save their school."

Spike thought about it for a moment, and then nodded with a smile. "You got a point." he then walked up to the fence where the group of students was.

"Hi Spike the Brave and Glorious." the group said.

"Hi students." Spike greeted them. "I know this may be out of the ordinary, but does anypony have any spare paper and pencils I can use?"

Almost immediately, a random colt said, "I got a spare piece of paper you can have."

"And I have a spare pencil you can use." another filly said. So the colt and filly opened up their school bags and took out a piece of paper and a pencil and gave it to Spike through the fence.

"Thanks guys." Spike thanked them.

"You're welcome Spike the Brave and Glorious." the students said in unison. Spike then started writing down a list and put 'elementary school: featuring playful fillys and colts'.

"Well done Spike." Shining Armor congratulated him before giving him the next clue. "Here's your next clue Spike."

Spike unrolled the scroll and read the clue aloud. "Though this hall is rather small, in it you'll find files of all kinds. This one's different from the rest, look behind the birth certificate of Lemon Zest." Then Spike had a confused look. "What does Lemon Zest have to do with any of this?"

Cadence smiled at him. "You'll have to find out, Spike."

"Well, I know where the next clue is taking us. It's the records hall. Let's go." As they walked, Spike kept thinking about the clue. They soon arrived at the records hall, a modest building filled with shelves of files and documents. Spike led the way inside, with Cadence and Shining Armor close behind.

The clerk at the front desk, a friendly mare named Crystal Note, greeted them. "Good morning, your highnesses. How can I assist you today?"

"We're here for a scavenger hunt," Shining Armor explained. "We need to look at Lemon Zest's birth certificate."

Crystal Note smiled warmly. "Of course, feel free to browse the records."

Spike headed straight to the section containing birth certificates. After a few moments of searching, he found the file for Lemon Zest. He looked at it, and saw an adorable picture of Lemon Zest as a foal.

"Aw, that's adorable." Spike said while looking at it. He took out his piece of paper and pencil and wrote down 'Records hall: Birth certificate'.

"Well done, Spike!" Cadence praised him. "And, here's the next clue."

Spike read aloud. "This next place is where, you can buy a table or chair. Or even a comfy bed, to rest your sleepy head."

Shining then asked him, "Where do you think the next clue is gonna be?"

"Well, It's definitely gonna be at the furniture store at the end of Main Street. Shall we head there?" Spike asked.

"Yes we shall, Spike the Brave and Glorious." Cadence said, giving a mock bow.

As they made their way to the furniture store, the streets of the Crystal Empire buzzed with morning activity. The sun was shining brightly, and the air was filled with the cheerful chatter of ponies going about their day. Spike felt a sense of excitement building inside him. The scavenger hunt was not only fun but also a comforting distraction from his worries.

When they arrived at the furniture store, Spike saw a friendly salespony named Maple Shine arranging some new chairs in the display window. She looked up and smiled as they approached. "Good morning, your highnesses! Spike! What brings you to our store today?"

"We're on a scavenger hunt," Spike explained. "I think the next clue is somewhere in your store."

Maple Shine's eyes twinkled with amusement. "A scavenger hunt, you say? How exciting! Feel free to look around. If you need any help, just let me know."

Spike began to search the store, checking behind various pieces of furniture and displays. Cadence and Shining Armor followed, offering encouragement and hints when needed.

"Wow, this store is so large that I may never find the answer to this clue."

"I believe in you buddy." Shining Armor told him while patting him on the head. "Would you like a hint?"

Spike nodded.

"Well then, here is your hint. It involves a tall frame with bars to keep foals safe."

Spike thought for a moment, then his eyes lit up. "A crib! It's a crib!" he exclaimed.

"Exactly," Cadence said with a smile. "Let's find the cribs." After a minute, Spike, Cadence and Shining Armor made it to the aisle where the cribs were. When they made it, Spike took out his piece of paper and wrote down, 'Furniture store: Cribs'

"Well done again Spike. Now, here is the last clue." Shining told him, giving him the last clue.

Spike read aloud. "This clue has been saved for last. I certainly hope you had a blast. Let's go to where this day began, because this is the end of our plan." Spike then got a grin on his face. "It's the Crystal Castle. It's where the day began. Let's get back."

With a sense of excitement and accomplishment, Spike, Cadence, and Shining Armor made their way back to the Crystal Castle. The streets seemed even more vibrant as the morning sun cast a warm glow over the Crystal Empire. Spike felt a mix of anticipation and curiosity about what awaited him at the castle.

As they approached the grand entrance, Cadence turned to Spike with a smile. "You've done an excellent job, Spike. I'm so proud of you."

"Thanks, Cadence. This has been really fun," Spike replied, feeling a sense of pride in himself.

Once inside the castle, Cadence led the way to the dining room room, where Spike saw something giant and delicious. It was a giant cake with a pattern of blue and pink layers. Spike's mouth waters at this, but before he could let his urges take control, he took out his piece of paper and wrote down, 'Dining room: Blue and Pink cake'.

"So Spike, did you like the scavenger hunt?" Shining asked him.

"It was awesome." Spike told him. "Although at the end of a scavenger hunt, they have a prize. Is there one for this one?"

"Yes Spike," Cadence said, "All the places we went today had something in common, you just have to put the pieces together like a puzzle. You can use your list for help."

Spike then took out his list and started reading it over. "Let's see. We went to the school which had foals. Then we went to the record hall where we saw a baby picture of Lemon Zest for some reason. After that, we went to the furniture store to find a crib, and then we get back here to see a blue and pink cake."

"Take your time Spike." Shining said.

"So we have cribs, baby pictures, foals and blue and pink stuff." Spike deduced. Spike continued thinking what the answer was for a minute, and then he had a giant goofy smile on his face. "You guys are..."

"Yes Spike. We're gonna be having a baby." Shining Armor and Cadence said in unison.

Spike's eyes widened with joy and excitement as the realization sunk in. "Really? You're having a baby?" he exclaimed, his voice full of happiness.

Cadence nodded, tears of joy in her eyes. "Yes, Spike. We're going to have a little foal soon."

Shining Armor wrapped a hoof around Cadence, beaming with pride. "And we wanted you to be the first to know, Spike. You've been such an important part of our lives, and we wanted to share this special news with you."

Spike then started jumping around in joy. "I'M GONNA BE AN UNCLE!!! I'M GONNA BE AN UNCLE!!! I'M GONNA BE AN UNCLE!!!"

Shining Armor then gave Spike a heartfelt hug. "We know you'll be an amazing role model and friend for our foal." Cadence joined in the hug. They stayed like that for a while, basking in the warmth of their shared love and joy. The scavenger hunt had not only been a fun adventure but also a beautiful way to share the news of their growing family.

After a few moments, Cadence pulled back slightly and smiled at Spike. "Now, how about we celebrate with that cake? I think it's time for a sweet treat."

Spike nodded eagerly. "Yes, please! That cake looks delicious."

They sat down together at the dining table, and Cadence used her magic to cut generous slices of the blue and pink cake. As they enjoyed the sweet treat, they chatted excitedly about the upcoming addition to the family, making plans and dreaming about the future.

Later that night, Cadence was dreaming about reading under a tree, while Shining was playing with their foal in a big meadow. Just then, everything changed and Luna entered the dream. Cadence saw this and walked up to her with a serious look.

"I got your letter earlier today Cadence. Is something wrong?"

"Yes, something is wrong." Cadence said with a more serious tone. "It has been brought to my attention that Spike has been having horrible nightmares about all of us murdering and betraying him. Have you been stopping those nightmares?"

Luna sighed. She knew she had to say it. "No Cadence. I haven't been stopping them."

"WHAT?!" Cadence asked with angrily. "What do you mean you haven't been stopping his nightmares? Spike is clearly suffering and you're not doing anything about it?"

"Now hold on Cadence," Luna said so she can defend herself. "I tried time and time again to interfere and open his door to stop his nightmares, but something is keeping me from doing it."

"Really?" Cadence asked, not really convinced. "Like what?"

Luna's expression grew somber, her eyes reflecting the seriousness of the situation. "I think it's best if I just show you." she told Cadence while leading her out of her dream and into the dream realm where many doors were. "All of these doors are the gateways to many ponies dreams. Whenever they have nightmares, I can open them and stop them with ease, but an external force is keeping me from stopping Spike's nightmares."

Cadence's anger softened into concern. "So none of this is your fault?"

"No it isn't, and we're arriving at Spike's door." They stopped and stared at what was in front of them. It was Spike's dream door, but it was covered in a thick layer of black smoke. "Watch what happens when I try to open his door." Luna then tries to open Spike's door, but the smoke releases energy and knocks Luna on her back next to Cadence.

Cadence tried thinking of something, "Do you think my love spell can work Aunt Luna?"

Luna thought for a minute before getting back up and looking at her. "It might be worth a try."

Cadence took a deep breath and closed her eyes, focusing on her love spell. She visualized a warm, comforting aura of love and reassurance, directed specifically at Spike's dream. Her horn began to glow softly, and she extended the magic toward the black smoke enveloping Spike’s dream door.

The spell's gentle light touched the smoke, causing it to turn white, and then waver and slowly dissipate. Luna watched with a mixture of hope and concern as the black smoke began to clear. The once dark and forbidding door started to reveal its true colors beneath the shroud of darkness.

"Keep it up, Cadence!" Luna encouraged. "Your magic is making a difference."

Cadence poured more of her energy into the spell, and the door's outline became clearer. The swirling black smoke gradually dissolved, revealing a door that was now glowing softly with a warm, inviting light.

"Look, it’s working," Cadence said with relief, as she continued to focus on the spell. "We’re getting closer."

Once the door was fully revealed, Cadence and Luna approached it. The black smoke had been completely cleared away, leaving behind a door that seemed to be in perfect condition.

"I’ll open it now," Luna said, stepping forward. She carefully placed her hoof on the door handle and pushed it open. The door creaked slightly as it swung inward, revealing the dreamscape beyond.

Spike's dream was a bit unsettling, where many ponies were looking down on him with irritated looks on their faces. But what they saw next baffled them. A wave of magic moved through the dream and hit the dream. The ponies then had smiles on their faces and started hugging the dragon, with Spike hugging them back.

"It looks like the black smoke was causing his nightmares and stopping you from stopping them." Cadence said as she looked down. "I'm sorry for shouting and being angry back there."

Luna smiled. "Don't worry about that. You had no idea what was going on, so I forgive you. However, you should get back to your dream, I saw you reading and Shining playing with a foal, so you must have found that relaxing."

"Yeah it was." Cadence told her. "Let's go back." So Cadence and Luna walked to Cadence's dream door and Luna opened the door to let Cadence in, before closing it. "Have a good night Cadence." she said before turning over to Spike's door. "And good night to you Spike."