**Celestial Era 1002: The Fourth Princess of Equestria**

**Twilight’s Parents’ Old Home:**

"Spike, hurry up and get yourself ready. We need to head to the annual Canterlot Royal Political Summit soon," Twilight's voice echoed from the dressing room, reminding Spike, who was still at the dining table, stuffing his face with food.

"Coming! Just let me finish this last pancake. We can't waste it."

Today was a significant day in Equestria's political landscape. Princess Celestia had notified the newly crowned Princess Twilight of the summit two weeks ago. Twilight and Spike had been preparing for it diligently, as it was Twilight's first time attending as a princess. She had conducted extensive research, prepared numerous contingency plans, and rehearsed potential speeches. Spike had stayed up late with her for many nights. After all, who else could claim the title of "Number One Assistant"?

Three days ago, Twilight and Spike arrived in Canterlot. They visited her parents and prepared for the event. Today, Velvet had prepared a sumptuous gem feast for Spike, which made him reluctant to leave the dining table even as it was time to depart.

Twilight stood before the mirror, tidying her mane. Although she was never good at dressing up, she aimed to present herself clean and neat for the summit, where all the royals and nobles would be present. She didn't want to embarrass herself in front of them. After fixing her mane, she donned her crown and royal gold boots. Twilight looked stunning, albeit lacking some royal grace, but that could be cultivated over time.

"Spike!" Twilight called as she stepped out of the dressing room.

"Your Number One Assistant reporting for duty. Your wish is my command," Spike suddenly appeared from nowhere, bowing to the princess.

"Are you ready?" Twilight looked at the little dragon before her, dressed in a tailor-made tuxedo from Rarity. Although he was only eleven, Spike's maturity far surpassed that of other ponies his age, though his height hadn't grown much, barely reaching Twilight's chin when standing.

"Always ready to go!" Spike saluted like a royal guard.

Twilight chuckled, covering her mouth. "Alright, Spike, no need to be too formal."

"Hehe, you're a princess now. As your Number One Assistant, I need to be formal," Spike said proudly.

"At least not in front of me. You know I don't like it when my friends act like that," Twilight said as she lifted Spike onto her back. They were ready to go.

Walking through the bustling streets of Canterlot, they arrived at the palace gates. The guards respectfully opened the doors, welcoming them inside. The palace was a place of splendor, with gardens where Equestria's elite mingled. Inside, the corridor leading to the main hall was filled with Canterlot's nobility. Some of these ponies' ancestors had helped found Equestria and were granted titles. Others were leaders of the unicorn tribe. These ponies enjoyed their ancestors' honors and held high status in Equestria, even the princesses had to give them some respect.

"Hello, Princess Twilight!" An orange male unicorn stepped forward to greet Twilight, followed by two other ponies.

Twilight recognized them. This was Duke, the Duke of Maretonia, with his wife and daughter. Their family had aided the royal family many times. Twilight was thankful she had researched the attendees beforehand.

"Welcome, Duke Maretonia, Duchess," Twilight politely bowed.

"You don't need to do that, Princess Twilight. We are but humble servants. Your accomplishments fill us with admiration," the Duke bowed back.

"Sorry, I'm not quite used to it," Twilight smiled.

"Oh, what's that?" The Duchess noticed the creature on Twilight's back.

"This is Spike, my assistant," Twilight replied.

"Number One Assistant!" Spike jumped down, bowing to the Duke and Duchess. "Nice to meet you, Duke Maretonia, Duchess."

"Oh my, is he a dragon? How can a princess have a dragon as her assistant?" The Duchess exclaimed.

"Hey, what's wrong with a dragon being an assistant to a princess?" Spike felt offended.

But the Duke ignored him. "Forgive our rudeness, Your Highness, but dragons are known to be dirty and greedy creatures. I fear it might tarnish the sanctity of the royal family."

"Yes, he's a dragon, but he's been with me since he was born. He's different from other dragons, very well-mannered," Twilight quickly explained, pulling Spike back to her side with one hoof.

"Your Highness, we mean no harm, but a dragon is still a dragon. In Canterlot, they're not welcomed and could harm your image. If you don't mind, my daughter could serve as your assistant," the Duke suggested, pointing to the young mare beside him. Her name was Light Glow, and she had recently been admitted to the Unicorn School for Gifted Ponies with excellent grades. Twilight had read about her.

"No, thank you. Spike is doing just fine. Thanks for the offer, but we must be going now," Twilight politely declined.

"Let's go, Spike. We need to get inside," Twilight gently nudged Spike, who took a moment to respond before following her. The Duke and his family respectfully bowed as the princess left.

"I'm sorry, Spike. I apologize for the conversation just now."

"It's okay. It's not your fault. Anyway, Canterlot nobles are always like this," Spike said angrily. He thought being the assistant to a princess would earn him some respect.

"I'll talk to Princess Celestia about this. At least to make the nobles less prejudiced against you," Twilight promised.

"Please state your name and identity. After verification, you may enter," the two royal guards at the main hall's entrance blocked their path.

"I'm Princess Twilight Sparkle, invited by Princess Celestia to attend the summit. This is my assistant," Twilight answered.

The guards bowed to Twilight, allowing her through. But when Spike followed, they stopped him.

"Gentlemen, he's my assistant," Twilight explained.

"I told you earlier," Spike complained.

"Sorry, only royalty and nobles are allowed inside. He must stay outside," the guards insisted.

"Please, Princess Celestia knows me. She will allow me in."

"Sorry, even if Princess Celestia knows you, you need the nobles' consent. And clearly, you cannot enter," the guards were firm.

"Please, I need my assistant for the meeting," Twilight continued to plead.

"Sorry, Your Highness, this is our duty. Please don't make it difficult for us," the guards remained unmoved.

"Spike, I'm sorry. I didn't expect this," Twilight comforted him.

"It's okay, Twilight. I'll stay outside. I don't need to see those nobles' faces anyway," Spike crossed his arms, clearly angry. He had had enough humiliation for one day.

"I promise I'll talk to the princess about this," Twilight reassured him.

"Go on, Twilight. Don't worry about me."

Twilight gave Spike a final hug before turning to enter the main hall.

"Sigh," Spike leaned against the nearby wall, getting angrier as he thought about it.

"He will only tarnish your image," those unsettling voices echoed in his mind.

He had saved the Crystal Empire. Even if they hadn't heard of him, should the princess's assistant be treated like this? Or was it just because he was a dragon?

"Spike, I've told you many times. I don't know where your egg came from, nor do I know who your parents are!"

He had lived with ponies since birth. He didn't know what real dragons were like. He lived like a pony. Why couldn't they see him as one? He had tried to find his kind and migrate with them, but they were cruel and violent. Spike didn't want to be like them, so he chose to live with his pony friends.

"I only see a dragon lying. You're not the dragon I liked anymore."

Twilight was his family. Being her Number One Assistant was his pride. But now, Spike felt that the title was an insult. He was just an assistant and nothing more, not even a member of their family.

"You're a dirty dragon!"

Sometimes Spike felt he was still in King Sombra's door. He had never left. Once proven useless to Twilight, he would be cast away.

"Spike, leave! I don't need you anymore."

He was an orphan. Orphans, once useless to their foster families, risked losing their homes.

So, Spike worked hard, striving to be the best assistant. He woke up early to make breakfast for Twilight, helped her study during the day, and stayed up with her at night. He was only eleven but never felt like he had a childhood. Sometimes he wondered if Twilight truly loved him or just used him until she found other friends. He missed many adventures and even Twilight's birthday, though they later apologized.

Sometimes, he wished he had been born a pony, with a normal family, loving parents. For other ponies, it was normal, but for him, it was a luxury.

The sun was about to set, its rays turning Spike's cheeks red. He realized he had been lost in thought for a long time. Those toxic words and humble fantasies finally stopped echoing.

"Never mind, Twilight should be coming out soon," Spike thought, though he wasn't happy.

Finally, the hall doors opened slowly, and the nobles poured out, discussing the meeting.

At the end of the crowd, Spike saw Twilight talking to Shining Armor, now a prince of the Crystal Empire.

"Twilight!" Spike ran to her.

"Oh, Spike, you must have waited a long time," Twilight hugged him.

"Long time no see, kiddo," Shining Armor ruffled his head.

"Hi, Shining," Spike greeted him.

"We didn't

expect Shining Armor to come today," Twilight smiled.

"Cadance was supposed to come, but the Crystal Empire is still rebuilding, and she's too busy. I had to take her place," the white unicorn admitted.

"We should have told you we were staying at our parents' house these past few days," Twilight placed Spike on her back as usual.

"I just arrived in Canterlot yesterday. Princess Celestia arranged a room for me in the palace. I wanted to visit Mom and Dad, but I got caught up with some old comrades yesterday," Shining Armor chuckled.

"How's life in the Crystal Empire?" Twilight had so many questions.

Twilight and Shining Armor chatted all the way, the siblings hadn't seen each other in a long time, and Spike was naturally left out.

Spike lay on Twilight's back, wanting to talk to her, but those voices came back.

"You're just an assistant."

He was just an assistant. What right did he have to interrupt the conversation between a princess and a prince? To get the princess to comfort him, a little dragon?

"Twilight won't comfort me," Spike thought, lying on Twilight's back, tears welling up in his eyes.

He turned his head away from Shining Armor, trying to control his sobs.

...

"How has your stay in Canterlot been?" Shining Armor finally asked about his sister's life.

"Great, Mom and Dad prepared rooms for us. They even made a sumptuous gem feast for Spike today," Twilight said happily.

"Really? Spike, are you eating all my gems again?" Shining Armor chuckled.

"Remember when he almost ate the gem necklace you were going to give Cadance?" Twilight teased.

"Spike?" Twilight noticed his silence and called him.

"Mm..." Spike tried to keep his voice steady.

"Are you okay?"

"I'm... I'm fine," Spike's voice trembled. He didn't want to trouble them.

"Are you sure?"

Spike clung to Twilight, fearing he might lose control. He sobbed quietly, wiping his tears with a claw, not letting them fall on Twilight. He said nothing more.

Twilight noticed his distress and stopped asking, not wanting to make him more uncomfortable.

"You know you can talk to me if something's bothering you," Twilight said one last time before resuming her conversation with Shining Armor.

"He gets like this sometimes," Twilight explained.

"Kids' emotions are unpredictable. It's normal," Shining Armor reassured her.

...

"This must be one of your most painful memories," the Rainbow Dragon sneered.

"That incident did trouble me for a long time, like a thorn in my mind. But what does it matter? Are you going to mock me?" Spike crossed his claws, feigning indifference.

"As I said, this made you start wanting something. Your dreams told me the answer," the Rainbow Dragon waved a claw, changing the crystal ball's scene to a few months later.

**Celestial Era 1002: The Day Before Hearth's Warming Eve**

"Spike, tomorrow Mom and Dad are coming to spend Hearth's Warming with us. Shining Armor will bring Cadance too. Are you sure you want to attend Applejack's hearth gathering?" Twilight asked. Every year, she and Spike spent Hearth's Warming together. She didn't want Spike to spend it away from her.

"Yeah, I accepted AJ's invitation. The Apple family gathering welcomes everypony. I've heard about it for a long time. This time, I want to see it for myself. Besides, the Apple family is huge, and AJ is the host this year. It's a rare opportunity," Spike said, lying in his little bed, waiting to sleep.

"But we always spend Hearth's Warming together," Twilight sat up, still unwilling to let go.

"We have plenty of chances to spend it together, but opportunities to attend AJ's family gathering are rare. You can spend tomorrow with your family. I can spend it with my friends. Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo are also going to AJ's," Spike continued, justifying his actions.

"Alright then," Twilight turned off the light, feeling a bit sad but unsure why.

"Goodnight, Spike. Sweet dreams," Twilight closed her eyes, wishing him goodnight. She didn't know what was wrong with Spike, but she knew that in such situations, showing too much concern might make things worse.

"Goodnight, Twilight," Spike closed his eyes too. He didn't want to avoid spending Hearth's Warming with Twilight and Cadance, but he always felt like an outsider with them. He couldn't remember when he started feeling this way. AJ's gathering, though family-oriented, was much larger, with many friends from Ponyville attending. Spike thought it would make him feel better.

It was getting late. The little dragon and the alicorn gradually fell asleep.

"Spike, sweetie, wake up." Twilight's call came from downstairs. Because it was a holiday, Twilight was making breakfast today, although her breakfasts were never that good.

Spike opened his eyes and yawned. The winter sun shone through the window. Today, he was going to AJ's family gathering. He clearly remembered last night's conversation.

"Coming," the little dragon washed his face and went downstairs.

Seeing Spike coming down, Twilight couldn't wait to lift him into his seat with magic.

"Hey, I can come by myself."

"I know, but Mom can't wait for you to try today's sapphire pancakes," Twilight placed a plate of pancakes in front of him.

"Mom? Velvet is here?" Spike asked, confused.

"You mean your grandma? She'll be here by noon," Twilight obviously misunderstood him.

This confused Spike even more. "What's going on today?" he thought. Although he had always considered Twilight his mother, he had never called her "Mom," nor had she ever referred to herself that way. Maybe it was because of yesterday?

"Twilight, you don't have to try to keep me. I promised AJ I'd go to her gathering," Spike thought he had found the problem.

"Spike, what are you talking about? Aren't we going to AJ's gathering together? Your grandma and your uncle and aunt will be with us," Twilight's gentle eyes looked at the little dragon.

"Twilight! Stop pretending. You're not my mom!" Spike slammed his fist on the table.

Twilight was startled by his sudden outburst. "Spike? What's wrong?"

"I said, you're not my mom! I'm not your son, not your brother. I'm just your assistant, a dragon who works for you and lives in your house!" Spike shouted, letting out the words he had kept inside for so long. "I'm just your assistant! I wake up early to make breakfast, fetch books, clean the library. But I'm just a kid. I don't even have my own time! And you? When I'm at home doing chores, you're out picnicking, adventuring with the girls. You didn't even tell me about your birthday in Canterlot. I just stayed home preparing a party for you for nothing. Really, I'm just an assistant! You give me food and shelter. I'm willing to work for you. That's all we have. Now, please stop meddling in my life!" The little dragon poured out his grievances, tears streaming uncontrollably.

Unexpectedly, Twilight rushed to hug him. "Spike, what are you talking about?" Twilight's voice was almost a sob as she tried to stop her tears. "You've always been my child. I love you, Spike. Mom always loves you. Really, I never abandoned you. We went to see the Wonderbolts in Cloudsdale, watched your favorite movies in Canterlot, and had picnics with our friends in the Everfree Forest. Don't you remember?" Twilight said as she brought their photo album, showing Spike each picture. "And my birthday, don't you remember? I took you to Canterlot."

Twilight flipped through the album, showing pictures of her and Spike, solo photos of Spike, and group photos with friends, from Canterlot to Cloudsdale, Ponyville, from baby Spike to his current age. Every significant event had photos of Spike. But these memories didn't exist in Spike's mind!

This can't be real! Twilight never took him to Cloudsdale, never took these many photos. Spike struggled in Twilight's embrace, trying to break free.

A terrifying thought entered his mind: this wasn't his world, at least not reality.

Spike stopped struggling in Twilight's arms, letting reason take over.

Seeing her child calm down, Twilight relaxed her grip. She kissed his forehead gently.

In his memory, Twilight had never kissed him like that. Spike blushed, staring blankly at her. Then he noticed the necklace she was wearing, the one with the glowing purple six-pointed star.

"Twilight?"

"Mom is here," the purple alicorn answered softly, stroking the little dragon's back fins.

"Where did you get that necklace?" Spike thought of a point to verify.

"It was your Mother's Day gift to me. You made it when you were little. That's when I realized how much you meant to me, so I've always worn it. Don't you remember?"

He had made her this necklace, but he had used it to exchange for another gift. She couldn't possibly know about it. Now Spike was sure this wasn't some prank. This wasn't his reality.

"Um, sorry, Twilight," Spike organized his thoughts, starting to apologize. Even though she wasn't his Twilight, and he didn't know what this world was, his heart told him he couldn't hurt her for something they didn't do.

"It's okay. Mom forgives you," Twilight wiped away her and Spike's tears, giving him a smile.

Spike's heart ached again. His Twilight hadn't been this kind to him since moving to Ponyville. He couldn't help but cry again.

"Spike? Why are you crying again?" Her voice was full of concern.

"I... I," Spike sobbed, bury

ing his head in her mane. He didn't know how to face her. Should he tell her he didn't belong here?

"It's okay. You don't have to say anything," Twilight patted his back, gently holding him.

In his mother's warm embrace, the little dragon gradually calmed down. Whether he belonged here or not, he decided to keep the secret and find a way back when he could.

"Do you feel better now, sweetie?"

The little dragon nodded.

Twilight glanced at the clock. It was almost eleven. They had wasted a lot of time that morning, and the gem pancakes were cold.

"Are you still hungry?"

Spike touched his belly. Despite not eating, he didn't feel any hunger.

"I'm not hungry," he finally spoke after his emotional upheaval.

"It's late, son. We need to go to the train station to pick up your grandparents," Twilight released him, placing him on her back.

He had never been called that. He always wanted a real family, even following a group of bad dragons to find his origin. "Okay, I can eat later."

Twilight quickly tidied the table and carried the little dragon out.

Walking to the train station, a gentle breeze blew. Despite it being winter, the weather was exceptionally nice today. The sun shone brightly, and ponies on the road greeted the new princess and the little dragon on her back.

The little dragon sat on Twilight's back, carefully observing Ponyville and every pony they passed, finding nothing strange.

"Is it just between me and Twilight that's different in this world?" Spike muttered.

"Spike, we're almost there," Twilight pointed to the crowded platform ahead.

"So many ponies."

Because it was Hearth's Warming, the train station was bustling, with many ponies either picking up their relatives or taking the train to celebrate elsewhere. Also, with Applejack's family gathering, it would soon become even more crowded.

Applejack had been waiting by the station for a while. She was responsible for bringing her family members to the farm.

Seeing Twilight and the little dragon, Applejack waved.

"Good afternoon, Twilight and little Spike."

Twilight noticed her, squeezing through the crowd.

"Nice to see you, AJ. We're here to pick up some relatives too."

"My cousin Braeburn's train is arriving next. Your parents' train will be here in a few minutes," Applejack informed Twilight.

"Glad we weren't late. My little dragon was giving me a hard time this morning," Twilight joked, making Spike blush.

"Spike, did you upset your mom again?" Applejack walked over and patted the little dragon's head.

"I... I didn't mean to," Spike didn't know how to explain. He couldn't tell them he didn't belong here.

Seeing the little dragon's red face, Applejack laughed. "It's okay. Little Apple Bloom often makes trouble and upsets me, but as long as you know your mistakes, you're a good kid."

It wasn't what she thought, but Spike could only nod in agreement.

The train's whistle sounded from afar, about to arrive.

"My cousin's here," Applejack shouted to Twilight, trying to be heard over the whistle.

"Go get them. See you tonight," Twilight shouted back.

As the train arrived, many ponies rushed forward, some to find their relatives and help with their luggage, others to board the train.

The train stopped, and passengers with large bags poured out. Applejack spotted her cousin in the crowd.

"Hey! Cousin Braeburn, over here!" Applejack waved.

Braeburn arrived with his parents and cousins, handing his parents' bags to Applejack.

"Welcome to Ponyville, everyone," Applejack smiled.

"We can't wait for the gathering, AJ. This year you're the host. Let's see how you do," the cowboy pony said.

"Haha, I'll take you to the farm. Two princesses will join us tonight," Applejack led the way.

"Princesses? AJ, you sure know how to impress," Braeburn said.

"We're friends," Applejack adjusted her hat, smiling bashfully.

"We're off, Twilight. See you tonight!" Applejack called back.

"See you!" Twilight watched them leave.

"Is that Princess Twilight?"

...

Ten minutes later, the Crystal Empire's royal train finally arrived with a whistle. Guards disembarked first, welcoming their princess and prince, along with their parents.

Twilight and Spike stood on the red carpet, waiting for them.

The royal train attracted many onlookers. Cadance wasn't a common sight in Ponyville.

But unlike expected, the royals didn't emerge in crowns and gold adornments. Instead, they wore scarves, devoid of royal decorations. Cadance led, followed by Shining Armor and their parents.

"Cadance, Shiny, Mom, Dad!" Twilight hugged them one by one.

"We're here, dear," Velvet said, her voice carrying the tone of a middle-aged lady.

"How have you been, Twilight? We missed you," Night Light said.

"I'm doing great, Dad. I missed you too," Twilight replied.

"Let me see my little nephew," Shining Armor used magic to pull Spike over, ruffling his head.

Spike had hoped they wouldn't notice him since the royal train arrived. They always felt familiar yet distant, making him feel out of place. But in this world, they truly were his family, leaving him at a loss.

"Ahem... Nice to see you, Shining," Spike finally managed.

"What's wrong? Shy to see us?" Cadance laughed, looking at Spike.

"N... no, Cadance," Spike felt overwhelmed by the adults' attention.

"Spike, you should call her Aunt," Twilight corrected him.

But the Princess of Love didn't mind. "It's okay, Twilight. He rarely sees us."

"Dear, take us home first," Velvet gestured to the surrounding crowd.

"Oh, sorry, Mom. I'll take you to Golden Oak Library," Twilight led the way.

Cadance signaled the royal guards to carry the luggage and follow Twilight.

Spike tried to climb onto Twilight's back but was intercepted by Night Light.

"Let me carry you, my little grandson."

Spike reluctantly let him lift him onto his back, feeling very reserved.

"When you were little, I carried you every day to buy you food," Night Light reminisced as they walked.

"Really? Hehe, I don't remember," the little dragon felt awkward.

"Of course, you probably weren't aware then," Night Light then started the typical grandparent talk.

"When you were little, you were chubby, like a little meatball, always nibbling on things at our house."

"I remember when he almost chewed your and Mom's picture frame," Twilight added.

"Speaking of that frame, it's made of rare gems I found while exploring years ago," Night Light boasted.

"Dad, here we go again," Shining Armor sighed, predicting his father's story.

"I remember being in a remote place far from Equestria, called the 'Valley of Dreams.' Legend says once you enter, you never come out," Night Light's story always thrilled him.

"Dad! You made it out," Shining Armor said, impatient with the story.

"You silly colt, if I didn't make it out, how could I be special?" Night Light glared at him.

Everyone laughed. They chatted all the way to the library.

Twilight ushered them into the first floor. Because it was Hearth's Warming, she had set up a table, a fireplace, and borrowed sofas from Rarity's place, arranging everything for a cozy gathering. The guards placed the luggage inside and returned to the Crystal Empire on Cadance's orders.

Night Light and Velvet suggested cooking lunch for their children. Twilight and Spike sat on the rug near the fireplace, while Shining Armor and Cadance took the sofas. They chatted casually.

"Is this what family feels like?" Spike felt the warmth of the fireplace, looking at his "family," pondering. He wondered if he had given Twilight the necklace, would his world be like this?

He stared at the fire, lost in thought. If he had done that, would his Twilight have treated him so well? The little dragon remembered what he said that morning. In his world, he was just an assistant.

The fire suddenly dimmed.

"Spike?" Twilight noticed his daze.

Her call snapped him out of his thoughts, seeing her concerned face.

"Is something on your mind?" The purple alicorn asked gently.

"No, I was just..."

"You know you can tell me. I'm your mom."

The little dragon saw the concern in her eyes. He couldn't lie to her. Spike would eventually leave this place. He didn't know where this world's Spike was. He was stealing her love, like a shameless changeling. It wasn't fair. She deserved to know the truth.

"...Twilight, what if... what if I told you I'm not your Spike?" He trembled, finally voicing his thoughts.

"What? How could you not be my Spike? There's only one Spike in this world, and that's you, my child," she thought he was joking.

"It's true," the little dragon gave her a determined look. "I don't belong here. I woke up this morning and found myself here. I never gave you that Mother's Day gift, nor am I your child. In my world, I'm just another assistant to you."

The fire dimmed further.

"Spike, whether or not you gave me that necklace, it doesn't matter. I've always loved you, not just as an assistant."

The world around them grew darker, light and sound fading. First, the kitchen sounds, then Cadance and Shining Armor's conversation, until only the fire remained.

The surrounding scene was swallowed by darkness, leaving only the fire, the dragon, and the purple alicorn.

But the alicorn seemed unaware of the changes, continuing forward, hugging Spike. "I will always love you. You are my child."

"I

... I."

The fire's light extinguished completely, leaving only the glowing six-pointed star on her chest.

"No, don't leave me." Spike felt fear as the world faded away.

"I'll always be with you." The alicorn released her hug, swallowed by the darkness.

"Don't leave me, Twilight, Twilight!" Spike reached out, trying to grab her but couldn't move.

"Spike, Spike?"

"Mom!"

Spike sat up abruptly from his bed, finding himself in tears.

"Spike, what's wrong? Did you have a nightmare?" Twilight sat by his bed, concern in her eyes, wiping his tears with a hoof.

Spike looked at her, dazed. It had all been a dream.

"I... I dreamt of my mom."

"Oh." Twilight paused, her sharp insight and understanding of Spike told her she had figured out what was troubling her little dragon.

"How is she?" Twilight asked cautiously, not wanting to hurt him.

Spike looked down, avoiding her eyes. "She's perfect"

"Family, yes," Spike admitted.

"She gave you what you wanted. In return, you had to help her with some things," the Rainbow Dragon said.

"I never thought there was anything wrong with that," Spike still didn't understand what he meant.

"I've explained, your actions weren't driven by your will," the Rainbow Dragon continued.

"Now I'll tell you how her actions will make Equestria worse."

Author's Note

I am not very familiar with the family customs of Westerners, including their way of addressing and interacting with each other. I am only writing according to what I am familiar with. If there are any errors, please point them out