Author's Note

So, this is not the story I've mentioned in my previous chapter from Spike's Kingdom, but I had this story in my heart for a long while. The idea came to me when I was rewatching one of my favorite childhood cartoons. Giving with the month we're in, I say now would be a good time to start. I will balance myself with working on these two stories and the third one coming soon.

Spoiler Alert: The crossover is MLP and Martin Mystery

New Beginning

Spike walks by Twilight's Headmare room after dismissing the students in the School of Friendship for her and notices she and the girls preparing for the retreat Twilight had devised weeks in advance; he smiles at them and approaches before they venture to the Everfree Forest right after a photographer came, took pictures and departed.

"Heya, Twilight, the students left the school to complete their homework and assignments you and the girls handed for the week since you're going on your retreat and all," Spike is hopeful Twilight would allow him to accompany them to the retreat near the Tree of Harmony.

"Thanks for the help, Spike," Twilight graciously thanks Spike for his help, especially in gathering the materials necessary for the trip and ensuring every student understands the task assigned.

"So, what will you do while we're away, Spike?" Rainbow asks Spike, now realizing Twilight didn't invite him to the retreat when they spoke about the thrills of camping and showing Starlight a good time.

"I -" Spike gags for a second, then burps a letter from Princess Celestia, which made the girls feel eerie by its' sudden timing, especially Twilight 'cause whenever Spike burps a scroll from the Princess, it's usually urgent. Spike unveils the letter to read aloud for everyone to hear.

Dear Spike,

"Huh?!" Twilight is confused about the letter issued to Spike rather than her and the girls; she's keen to comprehend why the Princess would importantly prefer Spike over the Princess of Friendship herself. Starlight, Rainbow, Pinkie, Fluttershy, Rarity, and Applejack wonder why Spike is needed more than they and hope it's a get-together since Spike is not joining them during the friendship retreat.

Spike reads ahead to himself and quickly seals the scroll Princess Celestia had written. "Twilight, there's imperative information I cannot concede to you, according to Princess Celestia, so I'm off! Bye!" Spike understands the gravity of the situation and attempts to leave when Twilight uses her magic to levitate the young dragon, forcing him to return to the room after not knowing the details of Princess Celestia's urgency.

"Spike, you need to tell us what's happening!" Twilight demands him to reveal what the Princess said regarding Spike when curiosity eats her alive about a compulsory circumstance.

"Why can't Twilight hear what the Princess wrote, Spike? Can't we listen?" Rarity wants to find loopholes within the letter to bypass whatever Princess Celestia declared when Spike read the rest to himself.

"I -" Spike hesitates within the moment because of the glaring issues that would upset Twilight, thus making her more curious to input herself into his business; he winces when he needs to explain. "can't. Princess Celestia explicitly says I cannot disclose any information with you."

"Twilight, let Spike go," Starlight understood and experienced Twilight's inquisitiveness to disguise herself as a ballerina figurine in a music box when she went to ease a friendship/sisterly problem in Canterlot; she wants Twilight to oblige Princess Celestia's authority regarding the letter written for Spike.

"Yeah, Twilight, I'm sure Spike will tell you everything once he's finished fulfilling Princess Celestia's desires," Pinkie doesn't sense anything wrong with Spike's immediate summoning to the Royal Sisters for a meeting or something relatable.

"Let the fella go, Twi," Applejack notices Spike sweating while remaining hovering due to Twilight's levitation spell; she knows Spike would return after his trip to Canterlot or elsewhere, depending on Princess Celestia's location.

"Sorry, but anything regarding Princess Celestia, I must know!" Twilight would have allowed Spike to leave, but anything involving Princess Celestia matters to her, whether life-threatening or a simple gathering; she pries the letter from Spike's grasp to continue reading aloud to her friends so they understand the dilemma.

According to Discord, by now, Princess Twilight Sparkle and her friends departed the School of Friendship to embark on their friendship retreat, thus leaving you behind within the Castle of Friendship. Please note not to inform Princess Twilight Sparkle or her friends about your summoning to Canterlot Castle to discuss pivotal information regarding your position, for we, Princess Luna, Discord, and myself, have much explaining regarding your status in Equestria. Do not pack your belongings. Go straight to Canterlot so we can discuss thoroughly and answer every question.

Sincerely,
Princess Celestia

P.S. I'll send an envoy straight to Princess Twilight Sparkle, disclosing all the details regarding your position, including a team of maidens and butlers to fulfill your duties at the Castle of Friendship from now on.

"SAY WHAT?!" Twilight is fuming after reading the letter from Princess Celestia, specifically writing to Spike regarding his Number One Assistant position and possibly losing a friend because Celestia says so.

"Spikey-Wikey is leaving us?!" Rarity doesn't enjoy the sound of her friend leaving Ponyville for who-knows-what Princess Celestia has in mind concerning Spike.

"Not again!" Rainbow becomes unhappy and remembers a pivotal moment when Spike mentioned being with Garble and the other dragons after having a party during the Dragon Migration; the news about Spike's residency in Equestria stunned her and the girls of Spike's possible departure.

"Why would Princess Celestia choose you over us to solve what may be a crisis beyond understanding?" Twilight turns to Spike, trying to piece together his worth to Princess Celestia, especially the statement mentioning not to pack and come immediately.

"I don't and won't know anything unless I go now, Twilight! Now, please, let me go!" Spike urges Twilight to set him free since she knows too much, knowing Princess Celestia gave an explicit command about Twilight; he hopes Twilight doesn't force her way to Canterlot with him.

"Girls, I'll see you at the rendezvous point near the Tree of Harmony; I'm going with Spike to Canterlot," Twilight refuses to allow Spike to go by himself to Canterlot since she has questions for Princess Celestia, Luna, and Discord about Spike's importance for the meeting and why she got excluded.

"Twilight, I'm not sure that's a good idea, considering we heard unauthorized information for being nosy," Fluttershy believes Twilight is walking on thin ice for inputting herself to travel with Spike to Canterlot for a job the Princesses and Discord are entrusting.

"I have to agree with Flutters, Twi; this doesn't feel right, considering you allowed your emotions to possess you to read confidential information none of us were supposed to hear," Applejack concurs with natural feeling of uncertainty with Fluttershy, considering they had their duties and fulfilled it undisturbedly.

"Don't do it, Twilight," Pinkie is a mare of few words, but they're impactful and meaningful; she doesn't want to see or hear her best friend suffering due to the outcome ahead in Canterlot.

"I'm going with you, Twilight," Starlight Glimmer is still not thrilled about going camping for the first time; she hopes Twilight would allow her to accompany them to Canterlot for moral support and to understand thoroughly Spike's position in Equestria.

"Okay, let's go, Spike," Twilight continues to levitate Spike out of the School of Friendship while Starlight Glimmer trots next to her teacher, feeling nervous about the affair with Twilight willing herself to disregard Princess Celestia's decree; she hopes Twilight and her don't receive an earache during the supposed meeting between Spike, the Princesses, and Discord. Starlight is more eager about Discord's involvement regarding Spike's status in Equestria than anything else.

Spike is embarrassed throughout the trip to Canterlot after hearing Twilight theorize possibilities regarding expulsion, war, a villain only a dragon could witness, or a simple get-together that doesn't involve her. Spike believes Twilight feels entitled to do what she pleases whenever it involves Princess Celestia and pleases her in every way possible or gaining favor.

Once the train arrives in Canterlot, Twilight, Starlight, and Spike depart the station and continue their walk to Canterlot Castle; Spike hopes Princess Celestia would calmly excuse Twilight and Starlight rather than things escalate into a heated conversation regarding his position in Equestria. The Royal Guards standing in attention at Canterlot Castle allowed Spike entrance while using their wings to block the pathway for Twilight and Starlight due to Princess Celestia's strict command.

"Excuse me? Please stand aside to allow Starlight and me to visit Princess Celestia!" Twilight uses her sovereignty to override the Royal Guards' authority regarding their direct orders.

"Our apologies, Twilight, but Princess Celestia explicitly advised us not to allow you or your friends to accompany Spike for an essential briefing," One of the Royal Guards informs the Princess of Friendship of their directives from Princess Celestia.

"We hope you understand -" The second Royal Guard bites his lips, watching Princess Twilight Sparkle getting in his face.

"Anything regarding the dragon I raised is my concern! Now stand aside!" Twilight speaks using her royal and motherly voice, scaring the daylights out of the Royal Guards, which allow entry for Twilight and Starlight.

Spike embarrassingly sighs while watching the two Royal Guards quiver to Twilight's command as Starlight chuckles to herself, watching the extent her teacher is willing to go when something doesn't include her when she remembers Twilight did the same to assure things go her way during her trip to Canterlot. Starlight shares an embarrassed look with Spike to the throne room.

Princess Celestia, Luna, and Discord are in the throne room, preparing themselves to answer every question Spike may ask regarding the news they'll share. They hear the doors to the throne opening and become upset that Spike allowed Twilight and Starlight to intrude on private affairs.

"Twilight," Princess Celestia is visibly disappointed that her student would disregard her authority in the letter and permit herself to accompany Spike.

"I told you to wait an hour, but noooooo -" Discord sways his arms left to right when he sarcastically says no; he does the arms cross while hovering mid-air. "and now, this has become our headache due to your impatience, Luna!" Discord stares and points at Princess Luna for ushering her sister to send the letter immediately rather than wait a little while after.

"Sorry, but we couldn't wait any longer!" Princess Luna responds to Discord's blame game; she's more angry at him for not alerting her and Celestia that Spike was still with Princess Twilight Sparkle rather than alone in the Castle of Friendship.

"Alright, enough!" Princess Celestia bellows in her throne room to calm the quarrels between her sister and Discord; she turns to Twilight and Starlight.

"Can someone explain what all of this is about?!" Twilight matches her teacher's bellow with one of her own, longing to know Spike's importance regarding his residency in Equestria.

Discord and the Princesses sigh and take a deep breath to respond to Twilight and Spike's questions since she inputs herself into a situation that'll be difficult to illustrate. Starlight wishes she was with the girls going to the campsite rather than spectating a heated debate about Spike.

"Twilight, please understand that the letter I wrote was not to disrespect you in any manner nor make you jealous regarding us; however, since you and Starlight interjected yourselves in this affair, you'll hear the news that I didn't want to convey immediately," Princess Celestia warns Twilight of an unfortunate circumstance that'll render her sadness.

"Please elaborate as to why Spike is important and not me and my friends, for we're capable of handling everything through our friendship," Princess Twilight Sparkle wants to know why Spike has become vital with the glaring issue.

"The issue we wanted to disclose with Spike has no relation with your power with friendship, nor desired for this announcement," Princess Celestia announces to her student and Starlight about the misinterpretation.

"Twilight, our world is connected throughout space and time within other planets and galaxies in this universe and the different dimensions tethered to Equestria. Earlier this week, I received a galaxy letter selecting a worthy delegate for an organization as my replacement since I'm entering retirement," Discord explains his situation and has spoken vividly to Princess Celestia and Luna about refraining from specific details about his involvement.

"Retirement from what?!" Twilight and Starlight shout and wonder what exactly Discord is retiring from and if it's his obligation as the Lord of Chaos; they fear Spike may become the new Lord of Chaos and take things seriously.

"Classified," Discord simply responds, for he cannot explain further about the organization he works for.

After Discord discussed and displayed redacted information about the organization, he examined everyone's potential, including my sister and me," Princess Celestia continues to explain further from Discord's statement involving the galaxy note.

"This led to Spike's position in Equestria, for Discord sees Spike as an assistant and nothing much with tedious jobs while you are Headmare of your School of Friendship and the Princess of Friendship with higher responsibilities than anyone else, which included your friends with their lives prioritized with teaching lessons in classes, working, and embarking on friendship quests across Equus. Discord disqualified them immediately, including his best friend, Fluttershy, for he believed Fluttershy wouldn't complete the necessary jobs the organization requires," Princess Luna sadly states, knowing Twilight would become agitated about an opportunity unlike any other.

"So, after much discussion with Princess Celestia and Luna, we've agreed to send Spike to the organization as my replacement; I'm sure you understand and feel happy that Spike gets to explore something thrilling in his life, Twilight," Discord says, hoping to soften the blow that Spike is receiving an extraordinary opportunity to become something incredible rather than an assistant.

"I don't approve of this, and I want Spike with me!" Twilight doesn't enjoy feeling separated from Spike by an organization she doesn't know about. "Don't take him away from me! Please!" She's on the verge of tears, holding Spike lovingly; earlier today, before going on the retreat with her friends, Twilight had decided to surprise Spike with an invite, knowing leaving him was wrong.

"Twilight Sparkle," Princess Celestia flies in front of her student, extending her left Alicorn wing to hug and nurture Twilight in making a difficult decision a Princess must make and not for a selfish desire; she wipes a tear off Twilight's cheek and smiling warmly at her student. "I understand wholeheartedly the love you have for someone close; however, during an essential period, you must make intricate decisions as a Princess, and some are not appealing, but it's necessary to permit and address."

Discord and Princess Luna were silent when Princess Celestia took control and eased Twilight's heart, knowing how strong her bond with Spike was, unlike any of her friends in Ponyville.

"What will happen with Spike about his residency since the letter spoke about it?" Starlight asks, hoping to understand more about Spike's new position of replacing Discord with the organization.

"Classified," Discord painfully answers since he's sworn an oath about his commitment to the agency; he cannot disclose anything due to the presence of Twilight and Starlight.

"To an extent, Discord," Princess Luna knows what to say regarding Discord's unfortunate predicament; she takes a deep breath to answer Starlight's question thoroughly without revealing unprecedented information. "Discord will take Spike to his organization where he'll work, and the location is unknown to us, for we don't have clearance to unveil all the necessary information."

"What you need to know, Twilight, Spike will experience something unique that no other has undergone before, and during a paramount course, he'll have to make a decision, which none of us can swindle him out of position. Also, it'll impact me and my retirement," Discord continued Princess Luna's statement since it's not restricted data; he hopes Twilight would understand the opportunity could be life-changing compared to her transformation into a Princess.

Spike is confused about an opportunity to see where Discord is working and perhaps endure many adventures with new friends unless the position is far different than what he's used to; he's eager to see where this path would take him, and according to Princess Luna and Discord, there'll be a time to decide to stay or return to Equestria and reunite with his friends once more. The opportunity sounds temporary, and if he doesn't enjoy working for the organization, Discord could remain a worker until he finds another suitable delegate.

"I accept the opportunity, for I know it's temporary until I decide what's best for me," Spike boldly says while Twilight still hugs him in her grasp, unwilling to let him go.

"Nooo, Spike! I -" Twilight pants with sadness, not wanting to watch her dragon leave her and possibly for good. "I-I-I -" Sorrow eats Twilight alive as she bursts into sadness, with the possibility of never seeing Spike again if he chooses to remain where he works.

Starlight hugs Twilight, knowing she must endure a painful goodbye while watching a close friend leave for a better opportunity unless Discord is lying and devising a wicked scheme for chaos' sake.

Spike hugs Twilight tightly, knowing it could be the last time they embrace unless he rejects the offer to stay within the organization. "You have to let me go, Twilight. I want to embrace the new challenges ahead of me as you have your responsibilities as Princess of Friendship; you have so much going on, and I have little. I'm not in school, I'm not teaching, I'm just doing mundane jobs as your assistant, but know that I enjoyed much of my time with you since my birth."

Twilight stares at her young dragon for acting mature when she's crying like a baby, not wanting to give up something precious to her, but the saying goes for every parent. To see their child succeed, let them explore what life offers and make the best of it. She smiles at Spike and relinquishes her hold on him, taking a few steps back.

Spike couldn't believe Twilight had accepted the events unfolding to embark on this new path laid before him. "Does this mean you're -" Spike didn't need to finish his statement after watching Twilight nod in approval.

"Who am I, the Princess of Friendship, to deny a friend's destiny of achieving greatness with an organization I don't know, and you get to decide what's best for you? You stood beside me during my transition to become a Princess, elevating my magic and staying late nights to aid me with my studies and keeping me company. You've done so much for me, and -" Twilight swallows a hard truth about Spike's youth. "I kept you away whenever I planned to be with my friends or do things without you and kept you at home when you should be reaching your potential to strive for greatness and finding where you'll stand in Equestria. I understand why Discord had chosen you, and I was blind from seeing something new in you, Spike. I want you to embrace the new challenges, and if you ever need me, don't hesitate to call; I'll teleport to you immediately."

Spike sheds a tear in happiness and is glad Twilight came with him to Canterlot, knowing Twilight is also maturing as a Princess to make a formidable decision.

Starlight approaches Spike and gives him a tender, loving hug a friend can share, considering she never had the chance when Sunburst departed after receiving his cutie mark. "I will miss you at home, Spike," Starlight admits her feelings for Spike since he treated her like a brother during her span in Equestria under Twilight's occupation.

"I'll miss all of my friends, but know it's not a goodbye, but a see you later," Spike hopes his comment would ease their hearts when he leaves Equestria and embarks on this new journey to Discord's organization.

"Right on time," Discord checks his watch; the hour has arrived as a blue screen entrance of an office room appears behind him with the silhouette of different anthro-morphic entities going along with their routines. Princess Luna turns to see what's beyond the blue screen when Discord uses his magic to blindfold Luna's vision. "Classified, Luna. Spike, it's time to go!"

"No fair! I'm the Princess of the Night and I want to see!" Princess Luna growls at Discord for preventing her from seeing what Discord does with the organization beyond the blue screens portal.

"You'll see once Spike and me have departed, Luna," Discord promises Princess Luna she'll have her vision, considering she pledged Discord to retrieve the information he wasn't allowed to share.

"Okay, coming!" Spike's heartbeat pounds rapidly in excitement and nervousness about traveling to who-knows-where within the galaxy since he remembers Discord receiving a galaxy letter from his agency.

"Can we have a -" Discord uses his magic to blindfold Princess Celestia, Twilight, and Starlight to prevent their curiosity from overtaking them and facing a harsh penalty for violating the organization's regulations. "No peeking, Twilight. Sorry, Starlight and Celestia, I cannot reveal what's beyond the blue screen; know that you'll hear a sound that would mean we're gone. I'll return shortly, though."

Twilight and Starlight sigh heavily, for they cannot see their friend depart one last time if Spike decides to remain with the organization. Spike hugs the duo, letting them have one final embrace as friends before his new chapter begins; he does the same with Princess Celestia, giving her a hug and feeling a teardrop hitting his upper right shoulder. Spike didn't know how much he meant to Princess Celestia until now, and he wonders about Princess Luna; he approaches Princess Luna, hugging her, and she pulls him into one, knowing it'll take a while to see him, let alone watch his valiant bravery fighting different monsters during his dreams whenever work was slow.

"Follow me, Spike," Discord extends his lion's paw to Spike, ensuring he doesn't drift when they enter the blue screen entrance.

Spike is about to grab Discord's lion's paw when he turns around, watching Princess Celestia and Luna smile graciously at him while Twilight and Starlight struggle to keep their smile, knowing they want to cry, but in happiness. "I love you all, and I'll keep you in my heart on this new journey I'm partaking. Please, let the others know that I'm doing fine, for I found a purpose to strive for!"

Despite being blindfolded, Twilight and Starlight wave bye with their front left hoof, standing proudly at their beloved friend for welcoming a new chapter without them; they'll be hurt, with notable changes in their routine; however, they'll keep Spike in their hearts in everything they do and will explain thoroughly with the girls at the retreat what went on and how to embrace the new change the following day.

"Let's go," Spike walks with Discord, entering the blue screen entrance, immediately making a distinctive sound, alerting the Princesses and Starlight that the portal has closed.

Discord's magic wears out, allowing the blindfolds to disintegrate, thus granting the girls their visions. Princess Celestia and Luna look at each other, discussing something pivotal for Twilight and Starlight to hear.

"Well, now that Spike has become an interim worker in whatever occupation Discord is affiliated with, let's rejoin our friends at the retreat, Twilight!" Starlight wants to share the good news about Spike's departure and the new adventures he'll share when he returns soon.

"Of course, and thank you, Princess Celestia and Luna, for clarifying Spike's new ambition with us!" Twilight graciously thanks her teacher and sister before departing when she notices the doors to the throne room refusing to open.

"Uh, Twilight," Starlight notices the golden aura repelling the door from opening, meaning the Princesses have something else to say regarding Spike or something different.

"Although you and Starlight witnessed a spectacle moment and learned what Spike may do for Discord, you two did disobey my strict command within the missive I've sent to Spike, so before you can embrace your friendship retreat, you'll have to endure a fitting punishment," Princess Celestia wasn't going to allow Twilight and Starlight off the hook for neglecting her command.

"And what would our penalty be, your highness?" Starlight nervously asks before Twilight can recuperate and imagine horrific, exaggerated punishments that'll make her queasy and terrified.

"Nothing too rash, right?" Twilight nervously chuckles while watching her teacher smirk devilishly, making it feel as eerie as Discord's erratic, chaotic behavior.

"Before you leave, enjoy Princess Luna's home-cooked meal!" Princess Celestia laughs like a mad pony when an experiment has gone right upon a poor soul.

Princess Luna presents Twilight and Starlight with a poorly made stack of pancakes, looking dry and pale with spoiled fruit and mayonnaise decorating the pancakes, adding a fearful, dreading, nightmarish taste unlike any other.

Starlight and Twilight clutch each other in dread while hearing Princess Luna maniacally laugh as if she were Nightmare Moon offering the punishment. They scream in horror, wishing to elude an unforgiving tastebud that'll stain their tongues for the rest of their days for being disobedient to Princess Celestia's command in the letter she addressed to Spike only.