The Dragon's Apprentice

by Discordknight618

Rating: everyone
Tags: Ember, Slice of Life, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Original Character, Spike
Length: 3431

A young pegasus seeks Spike's help in learning how to become a dragon.

Spike was curious why he never got the chance to teach a class in the School of Friendship. When a young pegasus colt comes to him with an unusual request, he realizes that teaching is a lot more difficult than he thought it would be.

(Set between season 8 and season 9)

Submitted for the "New Blood" writing contest. Prompt: Wrong "pony" for the job.

Featured on 8-3-2024

Published 2024-08-03 16:30:01 UTC
Last updated 2024-08-03 16:30:01 UTC

Heart of a Dragon

Spike was taking an afternoon stroll around Ponyville. Ever since Twilight and her friends became teachers at the school of friendship, Spike had much more time to himself. He still helped Twilight with some paperwork once in a while, but he was mostly on his own for a decent part of the day. Spike sat on a nearby bench and scratched his head. He admired the pretty sky and the unique cloud shapes that occupied it that day.

Spike had learned many things in the years he spent with Twilight, both about life and the magic of friendship. What he didn’t expect was how often he’d hear his friends venting about how difficult it was to teach a whole class about friendship. From Rainbow Dash to Rarity, it seems everypony who taught at that school was exhausted by the time they got home. Spike was befuddled at this idea. How difficult is it to teach some kids, let alone teach them friendship?

As Spike finished staring at the sky, he heard the school bell ring and saw several foals run out of Ms. Cheerilee’s classroom excitedly. Spike got off the bench, but as he was walking to Sugar Cube Corner, he was quickly met with a blur of blue and orange fur. He tumbled to the ground and shook his head. When he looked up, he saw a blue pegasus colt with orange zig-zag patterning on his fur and a slight crystallized shine on his coat. He looked a little older than the CMC, but not much older.

“Oh, I’m sorry! I didn’t see you-”

The colt cut his own sentence short as his face went from apologetic to utterly excited.

“Wait! You’re Spike, the Brave and Glorious!”

The colt jumped up and down excitedly as Spike got up from the ground, confused.

“Uh, yeah, that’s me, heh-heh. Hello there!”

“I can’t believe it! I mean, I knew there was a giant statue of you back home but you’re really here! In the flesh!”

Spike shrugged and smiled sheepishly.

“Well, in the scales is more accurate.”

The pegasus colt stuck out his front left hoof and shook Spike’s claw excitedly.

“I’m Strato Sphere! I just moved here from the Crystal Empire! I’ve read about dragons before, but I never expected to meet one in person, let alone a heroic one! Are those wings new? Can you breathe anything other than fire? What’s living with Princess Twilight like?”

Spike’s body shook up and down rapidly as Strato continued shaking his claw.

“Do-o-o-o y-o-o-u-u th-i-i-ink y-o-u-u-u ca-n-n s-l-o-o-w d-o-o-o-w-n-n?"

Strato stopped shaking Spike’s claw and smiled embarrassingly.

“Whoops, sorry!”

“No worries! So, do you have any questions? I’d be happy to answer them, provided they aren’t too complicated.”

Strato fluttered his wings excitedly and jumped up and down a couple times.

“Honestly, I have so much admiration for dragons that I wish I could learn what it was like to be one. So I was wondering…can you teach me how to be a dragon?”

Spike was completely shocked. The energetic little pegasus wanted to be a dragon? Obviously, that would be impossible. But Spike didn’t want to break the colt’s heart! He sat in silence for a few seconds as Strato’s excited face slowly fell into one of disappointment and his ears flopped downward.

“It’s ok if you can’t. I probably shouldn’t have asked at all.”

Spike shocked his hands frantically and looked at the pegasus sympathetically.

“N-now hang on, I didn’t say no! I just… need to think about it. Plus, you should ask your parents about this. Can I get back to you in a couple days?”

Strato’s face lit up again as he nodded his head.

“Of course! I promise you won’t regret this, Mr. Spike!”

Strato flew off excitedly as Spike fell on his back, completely baffled at the events that had transpired.

“Me and my big mouth.”

“I’m sorry, he wants to do what?!” Twilight cried.

Spike rubbed the back of his neck nervously. Two days had passed and he was still stressed about the idea that Strato Sphere planted in his head.

“He said he wants to learn how to be a dragon. I didn’t wanna just say no, but I don’t know the first thing about teaching! Besides, when someone thinks "dragon", I don’t think they imagine me!”

Twilight sighed, clearly frustrated. The other 5 ponies looked at Spike with amusement and sympathy.

“Don’t sell yourself short like that, Spike! The way I see it, it’s better if someone like you taught him rather than a brute like Garble! You are what every dragon should aspire to be!” Rarity comforted. Spike smiled warmly at her.

“What does he mean "be a dragon"?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“I have no idea! I don’t know if he wants to learn the culture of the dragons, or if he literally wants to become a dragon! I just…AAGH!!”

Spike paced around the room frustrated, scratching his forehead. Twilight looked at Spike sympathetically.

“Whatever you decide, we’ll try to help you however we can!” Twilight insisted. The other ponies nodded in agreement. After a few seconds, Spike took a deep breath in and out and got up.

“Maybe instead of showing him what a dragon is like, I can show him what a dragon could be. A dragon with noble intentions, who tries to help instead of hoard!”

“Exactly! That’s the spirit!” Rainbow Dash cheered.

Spike smiled and walked over to the Mane six, pulling them into a hug.

“Thanks guys! I’ll make you proud!”

Spike jumped up and started flapping his wings, flying out the door with a wide smile on his face. Applejack looked at Twilight with a worried look on her face.

“Are ya sure it’s wise to let Spike teach somepony like this, Twi?”

“Whatever happens, it will be a valuable lesson for Spike to learn. For better or worse.”

“Hopefully for the better!” Pinkie chuckled. The other nodded.

Spike flew over Ponyville looking for Strato. He found him eating lunch with his mom outside. Spike flew down near the table, skidding to a stop.

“Hey Strato!”

Strato leaped out of his seat excitedly, much to his mother’s annoyance.

“Spike, Hi! I hope you are having a great day! This is my mama! Say hi, mom!”

The light blue pegasus mare waved hello, clearly embarrassed by her son’s enthusiasm.

“Sweetie, can you dial it back a few notches?”

“Oh, right. Sorry!” Strato sat back down and took a few deep breaths to calm himself down.

“Soooo, are you gonna teach me about being a dragon?” Strato asked excitedly.

“It took a lot of thought but…yes. I will teach you the ways of the dragon!”

Strato bounced up and down in his chair.

“But! We’re gonna do things my way. Firstly, are you ok with this?” Spike asked the pegasus mare.

“Yes, but be careful.” the mare replied.

“Secondly, are you prepared to push yourself beyond your comfort zone? Because dragons don’t back down from a challenge!”

“Yes I am!” Strato boasted.

“Great! We’ll start at 3:00 PM sharp at the park. See you then!”

Spike flew off as Strato looked at him with wide eyes of admiration. His mother cautiously continued eating her salad, unsure if allowing her son to do this was a good idea.

Sure enough, Strato Sphere was at the park at 3:00 PM sharp. When he got there, he was met by Spike wearing a blue helmet on his head and a leather jacket on his torso, with his wings proudly outstretched.

“Good, you made it.”

Strato was amused at the outfit that Spike was wearing, stifling a chuckle that was building up inside him.

“Something amusing about my outfit?”

“No-no, of course not! I was just surprised Dragons could be wonderbolts!” Strato joked.

“Ah ha, ah ha. Very funny. Well you won’t be making many comments about my outfit after the exercises I have you-” Spike cut himself off when he saw Strato’s eyes following a butterfly that was flying around.

“Hey! Pay attention!” Spike said, snapping his fingers. Strato shook his head and looked at Spike, trying to stay concentrated.

“Are you ready for what’s ahead?”

“Yes!”

“Alright! Let’s begin! I’ll make a drake out of you yet!”

Strato was confused.

“Drake is another word for dragon.”

“Ooooh!” Strato said, understanding Spike’s statement.

Spike led Strato to a small obstacle course standing a few feet above the ground.

“Lesson number one: Dragons are swift and cunning! If they’ve got somewhere to go, they’re getting there fast!”

Spike jumped up and started flying.

“Watch and learn!”

Spike flew through the obstacle course with ease, weaving through the rings and poles with speed and style. As he finished, he did a backflip onto the ground and held his arms up proudly.

“Now, you try!”

Strato gulped and began flying. Despite being a pegasus, he was not as good at flying as Spike. He bumped into everything, even knocking his head against the top of the ring a couple times. Spike winced as he saw the unfortunate event unfolding in front of his eyes. Strato flew through the last ring woozily and plopped onto the ground. He innocently smiled at Spike.

“So how did I do?”

“Eh-he, we’ll work on it. Let’s try again with something else.”

They tried a smaller obstacle course but Strato still had difficulties with it. After that, Spike decided to end the lesson.

The next day, Strato was back at the park for his next lesson.

Spike led Strato to a basket. He walked behind the basket and put his claws behind his back.

“Lesson number two: Dragons don’t let their fears control them, they conquer them and they never back down! Case in point…”

Spike tipped over the bucket. A snake slithered out and looked at Strato. It did not look very angry or dangerous. He yelped and hid behind a nearby bench.

“S-s-s-snake!”

“Yes, I can see that.”

“It’s gonna bite you!” Strato cried.

“Not if you out think it first!” Spike said. He grabbed the snake's neck quickly with one hand, clamping its mouth shut, and grabbed its body, restricting it from writhing around. As quick as a flash, Spike threw the snake in the basket and closed the lid.

“If you let fear overcome you, you’ll get bit more times than not.”

Strato looked utterly confused at this lesson.

“Let’s just move on to some wing-ups.”

Day after day, Spike tried to teach Strato about being a dragon but Strato just would not understand. Despite Spike’s insistence, Strato could not focus and seemed to fall flat on his face for all the exercises Spike put him through. Spike frequently ended his day by banging his head against the castle walls in frustration.

After a week, Spike felt close to giving up. He talked to Twilight and the others about what he can do to improve. Spike listened to this advice and headed to bed. Whatever he decided, it was best to do it after a good night’s rest.

The next day, when Strato met him on the hill, Spike took a deep breath and looked at him.

“Strato, can I be honest with you?”

“Of course!”

“I’m not sure I’m the right dragon to teach you. There are plenty of other dragons who can show you how to be a dragon better than me. I’m friends with the Dragon Lord for Celestia’s sake! What’s so special about me?”

“Well, that’s easy! What other dragon has gone on as many adventures and learned as many lessons as you? You’re only a few years older than me, but you’ve lived a life most ponies could only dream of! If there’s anyone who’d know anything about being a good dragon, it’s you!” Strato exclaimed.

Spike smiled and knelt down to face Strato.

“Alright. How about we start these lessons over, but let’s do them the right way, OK?”

Strato nodded.

Now, Spike slowly coached Strato through the exercises instead of rushing him through them. He flew alongside Strato rather than in front of him, he did wing push ups right next to Strato, counting them out loud so they could keep track.

“Remember: Dragon’s never back down!” the two of them cried as they flew through the air.

After every lesson, Spike was exhausted. But Strato started catching on and became much better at these exercises and practicing.

Week after week, month after month, Strato continued training with Spike. He got stronger and stronger, his flight skills and speed rapidly improving. He also was way less afraid of things, easily scooping up the garter snake and putting it in the basket. Soon enough, Strato had overcome every lesson Spike had thrown at him. He was ready for the final challenge.

Both Spike and Strato were excited yet terrified about today. The whole town had gathered to cheer Strato on for his final challenge. Spike had even called in a favor to have Dragon Lord Ember officiate the challenge herself! Smolder was also there, clearly excited to see what this little colt could do. There was a huge obstacle course hovering above the crowd several feet in the air. As Spike started to breathe rapidly, overwhelmed at the pressure the day brought to him, Twilight put a hoof on his shoulder.

“Easy, Spike. Take deep breaths in and out.”

Spike did so and calmed down.

“Strato’s gonna do great, Spike. It doesn’t matter if he wins or loses, you still did your best teaching him.” Twilight said comfortingly.

“I…you’re right. No matter what happens, I’ll cheer him on all the same.”

Spike smiled as Strato walked towards the starting line. He was wearing a special cover over his wings that made them look like dragon wings. He was very happy with this, since Rarity designed it specially for him. A hush fell over the crowd as Ember cleared her throat.

“Welcome one and all to quite the unique event. Today, we will witness Strato Sphere prove his strength in the eyes of the Dragon Lord, to see if he is worthy of calling himself a dragon. Welcome…to the gauntlet of flame!”

The crowd cheered as Strato smiled confidently. Ember looked at Strato and continued her speech.

“This course will take everything Spike has taught you and see how you can apply it under pressure. Your goal is to run through the obstacle course, make your way through the Everfree forest, and bring back the golden egg in under 10 minutes.” Ember explained. Strato nodded, his mind laser focused on understanding his goal.

“Do you think you have what it takes to be a dragon?” Ember asked.

“One hundred percent, your highness!” Strato proudly proclaimed.

“Alright! Then let’s get this gauntlet started!”

Strato took his starting position at the starting line as Spike watched in anticipation.

“On your mark!”

Strato unfurled his wings, showing off his custom wing cover. Spike looked at Strato and gave him a thumbs up.

“Get set!”

Strato took a deep breath and readied himself.

“GO!!”

Strato took off with a rocketing start as the crowd erupted in cheers. Strato had never been more focused than he was at this moment. He sailed through the obstacles with style and speed, dodging swinging pendulums and hopping from platform to platform. He finished the course and soared back towards the ground, waving at his mom as he flew towards the Everfree forest.

Five minutes had gone by, Strato could not find the golden egg anywhere. Plus, the Everfree forest was coated in a thick coat of fog. Strato started to get distracted before resting on a tree branch. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He closed his eyes and sniffed the air. He could smell the scent of smoke and eggs nearby. He opened his eyes and followed the smell to a nearby cave.

As he entered the cave, he spotted the golden egg sitting on top of a large pile of gold. Unfortunately, a large dragon with yellow eyes and gray scales guarded the egg, roaring at the little filly. Strato hid behind a rock, his heart beating out his chest in fear and exhaustion. He looked around the cave to look for tools. He saw a long rope, a decently sized rock and a stalactite above the dragon’s head. He steeled himself and let out the closest thing he could muster to a roar, grabbing the rope and rocks. He tied the rock to the rope, swung it around with all his might and let the rock fly towards the stalactite. The stalactite broke off the ceiling and hit the dragon on the top of the head length-wise, knocking him out. Strato grabbed the golden egg and flew out of the cave at top speed.

The crowd grew anxious as the timer ticked down. There were only 30 seconds left and Strato was nowhere near the finish line. Fortunately, Spike spotted the little blue pegasus flying towards him from the horizon. The timer ticked down to 20 seconds, then 15. As the timer reached 10, Strato crossed the finish line and placed the golden egg on the pedestal next to Ember. Smolder stopped the stopwatch and looked quite impressed at the sight before her. Strato Sphere did a somersault in the air and landed on the ground with a dramatic THUD!

The crowd cheered as Strato’s mother hugged her son with tears of joy streaming down her face. Strato was completely exhausted, but it was clear by the smile on his face that he could not be happier.

Strato knelt down before Ember as she placed a golden metal on his neck. The Mane Six watched the ceremony with proud smiles on their faces. Discord teleported next to Fluttershy with a very noticeable bump on the top of his head.

“I can’t believe you managed to rope me into this! I’m going to have migraines for weeks because of this kid! He could have asked me to turn him into a dragon for a few hours!”

Twilight shot Discord a very annoyed glare. Fluttershy flew up next to Discord’s face and hugged him tightly, gently rubbing the side of his face.

“I’ll make it up to you later, I promise. Does ice cream sound good?”

“With you, my dear, anything sounds good.” Discord replied happily.

Strato stood back up and puffed his chest out proudly and happily. He was clearly trying to stay professional despite being seconds from basically exploding with joy. Spike walked next to Ember as she raised her scepter above Strato’s head.

“Strato Sphere, you’ve shown that despite being a pony, you have the heart of a dragon! You never gave up no matter what!”

Ember gently brought the scepter down on Strato’s left shoulder, then his right shoulder before gently tapping the top of his head.

“Therefore, I dub you, “Strato the Persistent”, honorary dragon!”

The crowd cheered for Strato as he looked at Spike with admiration and pride.

“Welcome to the pack, buddy!” Spike cheerfully chimed.

Strato jumped towards Spike and hugged him tightly, which Spike was more than happy to reciprocate. He then went to hug his mother and jump around excitedly. Spike walked back over to the Mane Six.

“I guess when I said “The word impossible means nothing to me!” I really meant it!” Spike said. Twilight chuckled at Spike’s joke.

“I’m really proud of you, Spike. Was there anything you learned from this experience?” Twilight asked.

“Clearly, being a teacher is way harder than I thought it was! That just makes me respect you all the more! If you wanna be a good teacher, you need to learn the best way to understand who you are teaching.” Spike replied.

“Exactly! There’s no “one” way to teach someone, everyone learns differently!” Twilight exclaimed.

“You know, maybe I could be a teacher at the friendship school! The school could always use another dragon!”

“Maybe in a few years, Spike. After all, you never really stop learning!” Twilight replied. She and the purple dragon shared a laugh as they made their way back to the castle. Spike looked at Strato one last time, giving him a little salute. Strato returned that salute before waving goodbye to his mentor, both sharing the same proud smile.

Author's Note

This is the first time I've written a story for a contest, so please go easy on me in the comments. I hope I did at least a decent job.