A Returning Dragon

by Sir Sensible

Rating: teen
Tags: Romance, Comedy, Slice of Life
Length: 8167

Spike has been gone for a few years and has returned to Ponyville.

After being gone for 5 years, Spike has returned to Ponyville. He runs into Rainbow Dash right away and they go together to go and tell everypony the good news. As they travel around Rainbow Dash realizes herself how much Spike has grown.

Published 1970-01-01 00:00:00 UTC
Last updated 2014-06-01 09:06:23 UTC

Chapter 1 (Redone)

They mock me…

Why do they treat me this way?

All I want is their admiration.

Upon looking at his old home, the young dragon’s heart filled with glee. The sunrise gave warmth to the town of Ponyville.

It was worth getting up to see the sunrise; I hope I am not too early to meeting everyone at the Library.

Although it was still early, he could still barely make out a few colorful dots making their early rounds. “I’m home,” spike murmured under his breath.

            A couple of years have passed since Spike journeyed out of Ponyville. Once he reached the age where he yearned for independence, he somehow convinced his mother figure and mentor Twilight to go out on his own. This freedom made him realize how much his friends meant to him. Eventually it became too much for Spike and he began his trek home.

            “Sure is nice up here huh?”

            “UAAAAAAGH!”  Spike shouted, surprised by his guest.

            “That happy to see me?”  The cyan colored pony said, trying her best to stifle her laughter.

           Spike finally turned to see the perpetrator, but he had a good idea of who it could have been.  “Rainbow Dash!” Spike exclaimed, happy to see the first of his old friends.

            Rainbow Dash was flying her usual route around Ponyville, clearing some clouds that usually leaked in from the Everfree Forest. The scheduled pegasi weather was for sunshine all day. Rainbow did her best to make sure her job was done right, so clouds were being kept to a minimum today.

“HYAAAA!” She shouted giving a nice kick to a rather large cloud, causing it to break apart and eventually dissipate into nothing. “And that’s the last of them, time to get my relaxation on before the big meetup.”

Rainbow Dash began flying to one of her favorite spots on a hill pretty close to ponyville. As she got closer she saw that someone else seemed to have the same idea. Not wanting to cause them any disturbances, she kept her distance and flew up and around them to stay out of sight.

Hey… Isn’t That? SPIKE!

Rainbow got a jolt of energy and began to speed to toward him, then immediately came to a halt.

I got a better idea…

“It’s great to see you Spike!” Rainbow gleefully said, “I could hardly recognize you with how much bigger you’ve gotten, you sure did change a lot in 5 years.”

Seeing Rainbow Dash examine Spike made him feel embarrassed. He realized his friends would be amazed that he was just bigger than them now; but he knew they would become accustomed to his new look soon enough.

Before he realized it Rainbow was giving him a hug and whispered in his ear.

“We all missed you a lot…”

Rainbow broke out of the hug, her eyes seemed almost teary for a moment before she gave her head a shake and put on a smile.

“Well I missed all of you as well! I wonder if anyone is waiting at the library already, it is still pretty early.” Spike said, trying to ease the awkwardness of the situation.

“Pinkie has been staking out the place for the last week, she has been planning this out since you sent that letter a while back,” Rainbow said, glancing over to the Library in the distance. If anyone outside of Ponyville were to have looked they would not be able to distinguish the tree from this distance.

“What about everyone else?” Spike said, excited to hear about his friends.

“Most of us have been there since last night. I was just out making sure the weather will be clear this morning before heading back. They did not really expect you to be here this early though; usually you’re the one who sleeps in.” She explained to Spike.

“Heh, yeah... I am still used to getting up early from the… Well, that is something to explain later.” Spike said, wanting to save his stories for later.

“Everyone must be dying to see you as well! I can’t keep you all to myself now can I?” Rainbow said sarcastically, “Race you there!”

And with that Spike watched Rainbow Dash speed off towards Ponyville leaving a rainbow streak behind her.

Spike tried to keep up with her, but he knew he did not stand a chance. Before he knew it she was out of sight and he slowed down a bit to catch his breath.

“Always one to be first isn’t she,” He said as the trail also began to disappear.

As rainbow excitedly flew away, a peculiar thought crossed her mind.

Spike looked a lot better grown up then I thought he would…

Rainbow came to a complete halt and shook her head. But the thought still lingered in her mind.

Chapter 1 (old)

By: SensibleGnome (Sir Sensible)

The Returning Dragon: Chapter 1

Spike looked upon Ponyville, and his heart was filled with glee. The sun had recently begun to shine upon Ponyville.

It was definitely worth getting up early to see the sun rise and I was able to make it here much quicker than I expected, so I should be able to visit all my friends!

He could hardly see the small, colorful polka-dots moving around the small town from the hill he was standing on, but it was exactly how he remembered it. “I’m home,” Spike said under his breath. A couple of years had passed since Spike had left his mentor and mother figure Twilight to try and be independent, as many young ponies yearn to do. But he felt that the life he was living was not what he wanted, so he came back to see all his old friends where he knew he would feel welcomed. Speaking of welcomed what was that Spike could see in the distance…

Was it a bird? No it’s too big for that…

Could it be a dragon…? Definitely not a dragon, it’s much too small. Why a dragon would be near Ponyville in the first place was beyond him, although it WAS him. What was he doing again? Oh yes, the flying thing.

Is that a hint of rainbow? Could it be her? Spike thought happily as he could see the mysterious flying thing get slightly closer and closer, although not in his direction.

“Rainbow Dash! Over here!” Spike shouted, waving his arms frantically in the air to get her attention. He noticed her turn and dive towards the dragon. Spike had made quite the show of himself as he jumped around and waved his arms.

As he saw Rainbow Dash get closer he soon began to realize what was about to happen by the look in her eyes. He knew running was not an option; her target was alright in sight. Spike simply sat there and waited for the inevitable…

************************************************************************

Rainbow Dash was flying merrily along her usual flight path making sure none of those pesky clouds from the Everfree Forest came sneaking in. She saw only one cloud in the sky, but he was an exception.

Ahhh McCloud I can always depend on you.

She kept him around just so she could get a good snooze on in an emergency. She was flying towards her special cloud when she suddenly heard a faint cry of: “Rainbow Dash! over here!”

She turned her head towards where she thought she heard the source of the voice. When she saw who was standing on the hill just outside of Ponyville, she dived straight towards him at full speed. Who needs a nap when you can go visit a friend who you haven’t seen in years?

Sorry McCloud, but I got a dragon to catch!

She briefly considered not charging into Spike for a full on Rainbow hug, but quickly dismissed the thought, simply because she was so excited to see him again. She could not think of a better way to welcome him back. He was about the same size of her now, but size has never intimidated her before.

“Here I come, Spike,” she said with determination in her eyes.

THUNK!

Rainbow Dash found herself rolling all the way down the grassy hill with Spike and ended up pinning him to the ground.

“Hey Spike! How was the trip?”

************************************************************************

The stars where still spinning around his head as he heard the familiar voice of his friend.

“Uhhh hey Rainbow Dash, been awhile hasn’t it?”

Rainbow Dash gave a small chuckle and responded.

“Awhile? It’s been 5 years since any of us have seen you,” Spike felt Rainbow Dash finally get off him and help him up. “You’re lucky that you ran into me first; imagine how Pinkie is going to react when she hears word that you’re back!”

Spike sighed and imagined a party banner up with, “Welcome back Spike you left but you’re back because you missed us so I threw you this party” printed on it, with all of his friends beneath it wearing party hats. He let out a short laugh as he brushed the grass of his scales.

“I can guarantee there’s going to be a party tonight.”

As Spike glanced up he saw Rainbow Dash take off and perform a quick backflip while she was at it.

“You bet! I can smell the cake already!” she said as she started to sniff the air.

Spike out of curiosity sniffed the air as well, but was surprised by what he smelled. “Say Rainbow, I think I actually smell cake.”

Almost if on cue, a pink blur knocked Spike back upon the ground. As Spike opened his eyes he saw one of the largest smiles he has ever seen, which is not very surprising considering it was Pinkie Pie’s.

“Omigosh Spike you’re back and that means I can throw you a super extra sprinkly fun welcome back party and invite all our friends, set up party decorations, sing a song, make some punch, and bake a cake! Are you excited? Because I am excited! We can catch up later because I have to get ready for a party, but I guess you know that, because I just told you!” she finished with the same enormous Pinkie smile. She immediate dashed off at a speed that Spike had only ever seen Rainbow Dash travel at.

Spike could not help but let out a smile of his own after his encounter with Pinkie. Rainbow Dash plainly said, “Well, there goes Pinkie Pie being her usual self.”

Spike shook his head, agreeing with Rainbow Dash. “She certainly hasn’t changed much over the years, has she?”

“Besides her parties being even more awesome,” Rainbow Dash said enthusiastically, “not a bit!” Rainbow Dash flew over to Spike and began to trot alongside him towards Ponyville. “Since I didn’t have any plans the rest of the afternoon, why don’t I accompany you around the town awhile?”

“Why not? I’m sure you are as curious as I am to see how everypony is going to react,” Spike said, imagining all his other friends, and especially Twilight. “Say, let’s go to the library first. I’m sure Twilight will want to know I am back right away.”

“Race you there,” Rainbow Dash said as she started to speed her trot to a gallop and took to the air.

Spike knew he had no chance of beating Rainbow Dash in a race, but decided to humor her anyways, “You’re on!”

************************************************************************

As Rainbow Dash flew at a reasonable pace so that Spike could keep up with her, she had a stray thought cross her mind.

He really has grown over the years, hasn’t he?

Chapter 2 (old)

By: SensibleGnome (Sir Sensible)

The Returning Dragon: Chapter 2

Spike was gasping for air as he fell to the ground by the library.

“You win this time Rainbow, but next time I will definitely win!”

Rainbow Dash playfully laughed at Spike, “You wish! I went easy on you, and I still beat you without breaking a sweat!”

We’ll see about that! Spike thought while getting up from where he was resting. Who am I kidding? Rainbow Dash is obviously faster, and the way she was doing tricks all around me, she must have been practicing a lot too.

“Well, here we are! I can’t wait to see Twilight again; I bet she will be so surprised to see me!” Spike said with renewed energy at the idea of seeing her again.

Spike walked up to the door and gave it a strong knock.

“Coming!” said a very familiar voice, followed by the sound of hooves walking down stairs.

Gee, now that I think about it, I never did send Twilight any letters… I hope she’s not mad at me, Spike thought. He started to get nervous as the hoof steps grew louder. I just really wanted it to NOT to end up like the last time I went off. She’ll understand, right?

The hooves stopped right in from of the door and it was beginning to open.

I sure hope she’s not mad!

“Hello there… SPIKE!” Twilight eyes widen with surprise and a giant smile was plastered on her face. She rushed out the door and gave a large hug to the now equally sized dragon.

Whew, looks like I dodged the bullet on this one, Spike thought as he returned Twilight’s loving hug.

“Twilight, you can’t believe how glad I am to see you again!” he said as he tightened the hug a bit to emphasize his point.

“It’s good to see you too, Spike,” Twilight said, pulling away from the embrace, “but would it have killed you to send me at least one letter?”

Horsefeathers, I’m in for it now, he thought, cringing at the thought of getting a lecture of Twilight.

“Well you see, I just didn’t want-“Spike started to say before being interrupted.

“I understand completely; it was your journey to be had and you didn’t want any of us coming to help you.” She said, indicating Rainbow Dash as well.

“We were all worried about what you were up to, and Twilight may have tried asking Celestia about it once or twice.” Rainbow Dash said accusingly towards Twilight.

Twilight gave a slight glare towards Rainbow Dash.

“Okay, fine! It may have been my idea, but I was just joking when I suggested it!” Rainbow Dash yelled, trying to defend herself.

Spike laughed a bit before he said anything. “Well it is a good thing I told her not to tell you girls! She had me sending her letters constantly during my trip about what I had learned about growing up and being on my own.”

“By the way, Spike, where did you go? We’ve all been anxiously waiting to hear all about where you went and what it was like!” Twilight said guiding Spike and Rainbow Dash into the library.

Spike had sat down at a table that had a few books scattered around it and glanced at a few of the titles.

The Lucky Pony? By Nieghclos Sparks?  Isn’t that some romance novel? Spike thought as he started flipping through some of the book, but before he could start reading a purple glow took hold of the book and snapped it shut.

“Hey, I was going to read that!” Spike yelled turning to Twilight who was hiding the book away.

“This book?” Twlight said raising the book slightly with her magic, “you don’t want to read this book its boring and… uh… look at this book here!”

Twilight immediately pulled out a Daring Do book from one of the shelves and thrust it in Spikes face.

“It just came out the other day! It is definitely more interesting than the other thing that is totally not interesting at all!” Twilight said, obviously not wanting the subject pushed any more.

You win this time, Twilight, but I am still going to pester you about this later! Spike thought taking the Daring Do book in his claws, right before Rainbow snatched it from him.

“A new Daring Do! I can’t wait to read it!” Rainbow Dash squealed, and immediately began paging through the new book.

Spike let out a heavy sigh. Looks like I won’t be reading any time soon.

“So Spike, tell us all about your trip!” Twilight said returning from stashing away the romance novel from curious dragon eyes.

“Well, it wasn’t really that interesting, but I’ll be glad to satisfy your curiosity!” Spike said before clearing his throat.

************************************************************************

Spike was had just gotten off the train, and began walking down the dirt road.

I don’t know where I’m going, but I am sure I can do it alone. I’m a big dragon now, and I need to act like it! Spike thought as he began the long journey ahead of him.

When suddenly, a trio of stallions wielding samurai swords leaped out from the side of the road, and started to approach the young dragon.

“You will not escape us, dragon warrior! You will face your destiny and fight!” The largest of the three stallions yelled beginning an overhead swing towards Spike.

************************************************************************

“Whoa there, Spike! I do not believe that a group of samurai ponies would just suddenly attack you; claiming you to be some legendary dragon warrior.”

“Ah c’mon Twilight,” Rainbow Dash said lying on the floor, “it was just getting good!”

“Well I wanted to make it more interesting!” Spike said throwing his arms up in the air.

Twilight shot Spike a glare.

“You’re no fun,” Spike said, crossing his arms, “Fine; I’ll tell you what really happened.”

************************************************************************

Spike was just getting off the train at Dodge Junction, he walked up to the nearest pony he meet and asked, “I heard that there’s a cherry farm around here that is always looking for help. Is that true?”

“Why, yes it is! You just happened to bump into the right pony too, ma name is Cherry Jubilee.” She said, turning around, “I am always looking for a… Dragon?” She said clearly not expecting Spike to be standing behind her.

“That’s great, because I’m a dragon!” Spike said, not noticing her surprise one bit.

“Well, I guess you could come work at the cherry farm, though we normally only have pony folk,” Cherry Jubilee said doubtingly.

“Don’t you worry Miss Jubilee, I’m a great worker!” Spike said jumping excitingly.

“Alright, you can start tomorrow mornin’,” Cherry Jubilee said turning back around, “follow me to the ranch, you can stay with us as long as ya need.”

Can you believe it? I am here for a few seconds and I already got work! Twilight would be so proud of me, Spike thought as he began to follow Cherry Jubilee towards Cherry Hill Ranch.

************************************************************************

“So you were at Dodge Junction this whole time?” Twilight asked.

Spike responded, “Only for a year or so, just until I gathered up enough money to try and step it up a notch and moved into Manehattan!”

************************************************************************

“Whoa!” Was all Spike could say as he stepped of the train into the bustling city of Manehattan.

This is completely different from Dodge Junction! All the buildings are ginormous, Spike thought as he started to wander into the city.

“Say, you look awfully familiar,” He heard a voice from beside him, “aren’t ya from Ponyville or somthin’.”

“Well, I was, until I moved out on my own. My name’s Spike!” He said offering his claw to the pony beside him.

“Ma names Babs! Glad to meet ya, “She said, giving him a hoofshake.

“Wait, you’re related to Applejack right?” Spike said remembering her show up at the Summer Harvest Parade that one year.

“You bet, and Applebloom, I am part of tha Cutie Mark Crusaders!” She said proudly pulling out her Cutie Mark Crusader cape.

“Just don’t tell them I’m here, it’s a secret!” Spike said in a slightly hushed tone.

“If you say so,” Babs said giving a slight shrug, “You got a place to stay?”

How lucky can I get? First I run right into Cherry Jubliee, now I run into one of Applejack’s relatives. Spike thought, happily following Babs.

************************************************************************

“So then I ended up working for the Apple family the rest of the years,” Spike said happily, “But then Babs was telling me all about her fun times at Ponyville the other month and I got really homesick,” Spike admitted.

“Well we are glad to have you back!” Rainbow Dash said, pulling Spike in for a hug, “Even if you didn’t fight any samurai ponies.”

Twilight joined in the hug, “I am glad you got to spend some time on your own and mature.”

“Oh I almost forgot! I was going to send one last letter to Celestia about growing up!” Spike said hurryingly taking out a piece of parchment and a quill.

Dear Princess Celestia,

Today I returned back to Ponyville after being gone for 5 years, it really has been a long time. During this time I learned many lessons about growing up and living on my own, but today I learned a lesson about family. No matter how far you travel, or how much you grow; they will always be waiting for you to come back.

Your faithful subject, Spike

Chapter 3 (old)

By: SensibleGnome (Sir Sensible)

The Returning Dragon: Chapter 3

Spike spewed out green flame as he set his letter to Celestia. He watched the green cloud fly off towards Canterlot.

“Hopefully that’s the last one of those I’ve got to send,” Spike said, turning away from the window.

“So what are your plans the rest of the day?” Twilight asked Spike.

I know where this is going, Spike thought, quickly preparing his excuse.

“Because I got a whole new shipment of books the other day, and I need some help sorting them,” Twilight added, with a spark of excitement in her eye.

“Actually, Twilight, I was going to go around with Rainbow and let everyone else know I’m back!” Spike quickly said as he started to inch towards the doorway, Rainbow Dash caught on right away and followed his lead.

“Yeah! we’ve got a whole lot of people to tell, so we don’t have any time help out sorting books,” Rainbow said to back up Spike.

“Are you sure you can’t stay for a little whi—“Twilight began to say before a purple and rainbow blur went out the door and slammed it shut, leaving Twilight alone again.

Twilight let out a deep sigh.

“Looks like I’ll be sorting books alone… Agai—“Twilight was interrupted yet again, but this time by Pinkie quickly opening the door.

“Twilight! Here’s an invitation to Spike’s welcome back party, it’s tonight at Sugarcube Corner, you’re going to come right?” Pinkie said, knowing there was no way Twilight was going to miss this party.

“Well, I’ve got a lot of books to sort out by this afternoon, but…” Twilight had stopped talking as she noticed Pinkie started to buzz around the room at insane speeds putting books in their proper places on the shelves. Moments later the pink mare was bouncing out of the library.

“See you tonight Twilight!” Pinkie said as she closed the door.

Twilight simply stood for a moment, trying to take in what had happened.

“It’s just Pinkie, calm down,” she said, turning from the door. On the table was the same romance novel she has just hidden earlier with a note on it.

Dear Twilight,

This book was hidden away in the refrigerator for some reason, and I thought that you may have been reading it during breakfast and forgot it in there! So I took it out for you and wrote this note so you would know why it’s here.

From, Pinkie Pie

“Might as well finish reading it,” Twilight said taking the romance novel she just hid off to her room.

************************************************************************

“Whew, good thing we got out of there before she roped us into sorting books,” Rainbow said flying alongside Spike.

“Yeah, that’s the last thing I want to be doing my first day back in Ponyville,” Spike said as he began his route to the next mare.

Isn’t this the route to Carousel Boutique? Rainbow Dash thought to herself.

“So, who are we visiting next?” Rainbow asked.

“Rarity! I bet she will be really glad to see her Spikey-wik— I mean, grown up and mature Spike again!” Spike said, trying to cover up his little slip up.

I don’t think he knows. Wait, of course he doesn’t know! He’s been gone for 5 whole years! Rainbow began to worry to herself a little bit.

should I break the news to him? I don’t know how he will take it.

“Umm… Spike?” Rainbow Dash began as they were approaching the boutique.

“Yes?” Spike said, not paying attention to Rainbow Dash at all.

“You know Rarity is taken right?” Rainbow said hesitantly.

“Taken with what?” Spike said, without even looking back.

He is not even paying attention to me! Rainbow thought offended.

“You know, like… she’s dating somepony?” Rainbow dash said, almost yelling.

“I’m pretty sure Rarity doesn’t like dates,” Spike said, deep in thought.

Rainbow Dash let out a huge sigh of frustration.

“Dragons are complete idiots,” Rainbow said knowing that the dragon wouldn’t even catch it.

“Mmmhmm,” was the only response Spike gave back.

This is going to be interesting, Rainbow Dash thought as Spike approached the door to knock on it.

************************************************************************

Oh boy! I bet Rarity is gonna be super impressed with the new, grown up Spike! He thought as he began to knock on the door.

“Come in!” said an unfamiliar stallion’s voice.

She must just have a guest over! Spike thought happily to himself.

Spike saw Fancy Pants sitting down at the table with a cup of tea magically being held up beside him.

“Why, hello there Rainbow Dash… and is that Spike? It’s been some time since I last saw you. It was at the royal wedding, was it not?” Fancy Pants said setting down his tea and walking over to the guests.

“Ummm… Yeah, it was. What brings you to Ponyville?” Spike inquired from the stallion.

“Well, I was just here to pick up Rarity before we head out on a date, but you know how she is with getting ready. Everything must be perfect.” Fancy Pants finished with a bit of a chuckle.

Did he just say date?

“A date?” Spike asked, as if he missed what he had said.

“Yes, a date, we are going to the fanciest restaurant in town; Le Balle De Foin.” Fancy Pants said with pride.

“Who’s that downstairs?” said a very familiar voice from upstairs.

“Rainbow Dash and Spike have come to visit you, dear!” Fancy Pants responded back up.

“Spike is here? I’ll be down in a second!” The voice called back followed by the clattering of things being thrown about and hastily put away.

Spike soon saw Rarity to walk from downstairs in a beautiful blue gown decorated with many jewels.

“Hello there my little Spikey-Wikey, it’s so lovely to see you again after all these years!” Rarity said walking up to Spike and giving him a hug.

“I-it’s good to see you too, Rarity, “Spike said still in a bit of shock from his earlier revelation.

Rarity glanced at the clock on her wall and let out a gasp, “Oh, look at the time! We are already late for our date. I am sorry I can’t stay and chat Spike, but we simply must be on our way.”

“It’s alright. I’ll just drop by another day, “Spike said defeated.

“Hmmmm. Tomorrow I should be free around three or four in the afternoon. Would you care to stop by then?” She began to ask as the three ponies and the dragon stepped out of the boutique.

“I guess that works for me, since I don’t really have any other plans.” Spike said, giving out a bit of a sigh.

“Sound like a plan! I will see you tomorrow then Spike!” Rarity said as she walked away with Fancy Pants.

As soon as they were out of sight Spike turned to Rainbow Dash, who was has been watching the whole scene play out.

“Why didn’t you tell me she was dating somepony?” Spike yelled at Rainbow Dash.

“Oh, it must’ve slipped my mind,” Rainbow said unenthusiastically.

“When did it happen?” Spike asked Rainbow Dash, still very upset.

“She and Fancy hooked up about two years ago,” she began to explain, “The princess sent us some more gala tickets that year, though I’m not sure why she’d invite us again after the first time we went.”

************************************************************************

Twilight stepped out of the carriage and turned to the rest of the group, “Now, this time we aren’t going to mess this up, right?” Twilight said, questioning the rest of her friends.

“Psh, don’t worry about it Twi, “Rainbow Dash said, exiting the carriage after her, “we’ll just do what we should have done last time, stick together!”

“But what if everypony remembers us, and points and laughs at us!” said Fluttershy as she peeked out of the carriage, “I don’t think I could take it. I think I’ll stay here and— “

“It’s time to paaaarrrrtaaaayyy!” shouted Pinkie, as she leaped out of the carriage along with a plethora of confetti, dragging Fluttershy along with her.

“Rarity I am wearing my hat, and that’s final!” Applejack said, walking out of the carriage with a white mare right behind her.

“Applejack, please! It doesn’t match the dress I made you at all! You simply must wear this hat instead!” Rarity said pulling out an extremely fluffy, pink hat.

“Your jokin’, right sucarcube?” said Applejack giving Rarity a very confused look.

“This hat will make you look so much more dignified and fitting of such a party.” Rarity said tossing her hair a bit.

“There ain’t no way I’m wearin’ that hat, Rarity,” Applejack said, walking toward where the rest of the group was gathering.

“But you simply MUST!” she said, in close pursuit of the orange mare.

“Alright girls, where are we going to go first?” Twilight said turning around to see her two friends arguing and Pinkie trying to get Fluttershy out of a nearby bush.

“GIRLS!” Twilight shouted, getting all of them to be quiet and stare at her.

“Ahem… can we all try not to argue tonight and maybe just have some fun?” Twilight asked, giving them all a sad look.

The group all let out small “alrights” and apologized to one another.

“Good, now let’s go have some fun!” Twilight said, leading the group into the castle.

************************************************************************

“Alright girls, I will be right back, I’m just going to grab some punch.” Rarity called out, leaving her group of friends.

She trotted over to the table of food and picked up one of the glasses and used her magic to begin and begin pouring herself some punch.

“Rarity? What a coincidence, I was just talking to a friend about you earlier tonight,” Fancy Pants said, walking up to Rarity.

“Fancy Pants! It’s a pleasure to see you again, “Rarity said, lifting her glass of punch beside her with her magic.

“It has been quite some time since you last visited from Ponyville, some of us up here miss having you at our little parties.” Fancy Pants said giving off a slight sigh.

“Yes, I wish I could attend more of those, but I cannot leave my boutique behind and my friends behind,” Rarity said.

“Hmmmmm… I do believe I have an idea,” said Fancy Pants, rubbing his chin.

************************************************************************

“So that’s when Fancy started visiting Ponyville, and he kept visiting more and more until he just moved here,” Rainbow said, finishing the story.

I guess it was just never meant to be, Spike thought giving off yet another sigh calming down from his earlier shock.

“Well, I guess we can go visit Applejack next,” Spike said, heading off to Sweet Apple Acres and Rainbow Dash was right beside him.

Chapter 5 (old)

By: SensibleGnome (Sir Sensible)

The Returning Dragon: Chapter 5

“So, anything new about Fluttershy I should know before we get there?” Spike asked, raising his eyebrow to Rainbow Dash who was trotting beside him on the trail to the quaint little cottage.

“Hmmmmmmm… Nope, still the same old fraidy cat she was when you left.” Rainbow said with a chuckle.

“You sure there’s not some new guy, or maybe she remodeled her cottage?” he asked teasingly towards Rainbow.

“Oh!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed, stopping Spike just before the bridge to Fluttershy’s home.

Rainbow looked back and forth to be sure the coast was clear.

“Do not, under any circumstances, bring up Angel.” she said in a barely audible whisper.

“Wait… is he...gone?” Spike said hesitantly.

“Yeah…” Rainbow said slightly saddening, and also prepared for her explanation.

“About a year ago Angel ran off into the Everfree Forest in a fit because of Fluttershy didn't get him the right kind of lettuce, or something. She flew off after him but she lost track of him after a little while. Fluttershy immediately came to me and I tried to decipher what she was saying between sobs, but I got the jist of it. I gathered everyone up and we all searched the forest for Angel. When we found him… It was bad to say the least. She blamed herself for his death, and we tried to tell her it was not her fault, but she didn't listening.”

“She just got over his death a couple of months ago and stopped blaming herself, but that is mostly because of Melody.”

“And just who is this Melody?” Spike question.

“She’s Angel’s daughter, or at least we think she is. She showed up with Angel one day as a little baby, we have no idea how he got her."

“Alright, so I promise I won’t bring any of this up, I would hate to make Fluttershy cry,” Spike said.

Spike and Dash approached the cottage, and then Rainbow Dash took a deep breath.

“Hey, Fluttershy! You home?”

“I'm over here,” shouted a soft voice from behind the cottage.

“Let’s go see what she is up to,” Spike said, running around to the other side of Fluttershy’s home.

Upon seeing Spike, Fluttershy gently put down a bag of chicken feed and rushed up to meet him.

“Oh, Spike, it’s so good to see you,” Fluttershy gently said, giving spike a short nuzzle.

“Pinkie had invited me to your welcoming party, so I figured you would be showing up around here soon,” Fluttershy said, explaining her lack of surprise.

“I can’t wait for the kind of surprise she has in store!” Spike said, also quite giddy with excitement.

Rainbow flew up and landed by Spike, " I have not seen Pinkie this excited for awhile now, and that's saying something."

“Well hopefully it isn’t… Well, startling; but if you like that sort of thing, then I guess it’s okay,” Fluttershy said, hiding behind her mane a bit.

“Spike, if you wouldn’t mind I have a favor to ask of you. I need to go feed the chickens, but Melody also needs her carrot. Would you mind feeding her for me?” Fluttershy said, pointing to a nearby basket of carrots.

“I don’t mind, how bad could it be?” Spike said, puffing out his chest a bit.

Wait, this is Angel’s daughter right? Spike thought walking away from the two mares, picking up a carrot from the basket.

Spike’s mind was filled with memories from his past experiences with Angel, namely the time he had to watch all the pets and Angel was constantly causing trouble. Afterwards he and Angel were on pretty good terms, but that still did not change Angel’s general attitude.

If she is anything like her father, this may be a lot tougher of a job, he thought, hesitantly opening the door and peering inside.

“Melody? You in here?” Spike said, wandering into the house. His eye’s soon locked with a white rabbit with a stunning resemblance to Angel. The little white rabbit, who Spike guessed was Melody, had looked at Spike for a moment, before bouncing over his way.

“Hello there, my name is Spike!” he said, trying to act as friendly as possible towards the new rabbit.

Melody stopped before him and gave him a look over. Spike had offered the rabbit a smile and gave her a pat on the head.

“You’re not a bad bunny, are you?” Spike said giving a hesitant chuckle.

Melody simply gave a happy smile and jumped around a bit.

“Guess what I got for you Melody?” Spike said preparing to reveal the carrot he had hidden behind his back.

Melody tilted her head a bit and then tried to look behind Spike’s back. Spike had turned his body so that the rabbit could not see what he was hiding.

“Comon’ guess!” Spike said encouragingly.

I wonder if she is as good at pantomiming as Angel was, Spike thought staring expectantly towards the rabbit.

The rabbit started to do skiing motions and then hopped off and grabbed the make believe skis and held them up.

“Nope not a pair of skis,” This rabbit is pretty good.

Melody stroked her chin a bit before a light bulb appeared over her head, and she immediately began to mime her next guess. After repeating this process a few times Spike had decided he had enough fun and revealed the carrot.

“It’s just your dinner! Fluttershy told me to feed you for her since she was busy,” He said holding out the carrot.

Melody, apparently un-amused by Spike's guessing game, kicked him surprisingly hard in the shin. Spike yelped out in pain and tossed the carrot up in the air. Without missing a beat, the adorable white rabbit caught the carrot and hopped away, not before turning around and sticking her tongue out at Spike.

“I guess it still went better than what I expected,” he said, surprised by how much the little gal had hurt his shin.

Spike, having completed his job, walked towards the front of the house. After carefully maneuvering around the devil rabbit, he opened the door and approached the chicken pen, by which he saw Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash.

************************************************************************

Watching Spike disappear behind the cottage, Rainbow and Fluttershy began to grab the Chicken feed and fly towards the pen.

“Spike seems like he has grown a lot, what do you think?” Fluttershy asked, throwing the seed on the ground.

“He’s definitely more mature then he was five years ago, a lot cooler as well.”

“That’s good to hear, I can’t wait for him to tell me all about his journey, if he is alright with that.” Fluttershy said, looking towards the cottage a bit.

“Don’t worry about him feeding Melody, he has taken care of all our pets many times, remember?”

“I know, but Melody can be so stubborn sometimes. She really is kind at heart and I hope Spike can see that.” she said, tossing out another batch of seeds.

“I am sure it will be fine, Spike will take care of it no doubt!” She said with absolute confidence.

“Your right, I should not worry about it so much.”

After tossing some more seeds they heard Spike leaving the cottage, mumbling something under his breath.

“How did feeding Melody go? Did she act nicely? I hope she didn’t cause you too much trouble, she’s a good rabbit and I reall—“

“Fluttershy! Calm down, everything went fine. It actually ended up better than I thought it was going to go,” He said, trying to reassure her.

“Oh, that’s great news! I’m so happy that you could get along with Melody,” Fluttershy said rushing up to Spike and giving him a hug.

“Yeah, well it is getting late, and I don’t want to be late to my own party,” Spike said, trying to get Fluttershy off of him.

“I almost forgot! I better get ready to go,” she said, rushing up to her cottage, “I will see you both there!”

After she shut her door, Spike and Dash started down the path back to town.

“Well she really seemed excited,” Spike said, taking one last look at the cottage before the trees blocked it off.

“After what happened with Angel she really is careful for what happens with Melody.”

“Well now that we have visited everypony let’s get to that party! I can’t wait to see what Pinkie is going to do,” Spike said excitingly as he quickened his pace down the road.

Chapter 4 (old)

By: SensibleGnome (Sir Sensible)

The Returning Dragon: Chapter 4

As the duo wandered down the dirt path to Sweet Apple Acres, Spike heard his stomach let out a thunderous growl.

“Hehehe, guess we should stop and get something to eat?” Spike chuckled as he patted his stomach.

“That doesn’t sound like such a bad idea. What did you have in mind?” Rainbow questioned, floating down next to Spike.

“I was thinking that we could—“Spike immediately stopped talking and sniffed the air.

“Wow, that smells like fresh baked apple pie.”

“That means Granny Smith must’ve made a fresh batch!” Rainbow said, immediately taking to the air again.

“I call first slice!” she shouted speeding off towards the red barn, leaving a bright rainbow trail behind her.

“Hey, that’s not fair!” Spike said running down the path, then immediately tripped over a stray rock.

“Ow!” Spike got back up, rubbing his head, and noticed a trio of mares walking from the nearby orchard towards the road.

“Applebloom! Sweetie Belle! Scootaloo!” Spike shouted, jumping over the gate and running towards them.

“Spike!” The three shouted in unison and ran up to the dragon and engulfing him in a group hug.

“It’s good ta see you again,”Applebloom  said, releasing the dragon from their hug.

“It’s good to see you too! Babs said something about you girls getting your cutie marks?” Spike said anxious to get more details on the subject.

“Since when have you been talkin’ to Babs?” Applebloom said, questioningly raising her eyebrow.

“I have kinda been staying with them over the last few years,” Spike said, letting out a chuckle, “I made sure she didn’t tell you girls though. She said something about you getting your cutie marks, but didn't tell me anything more than that so she 'didn’t ruin the surprise' for me.”

“Well, we did!” Sweetie Belle shouted and showed off the bell with a music note on her flank, “my special talent is music!”

“Mine’s for doing stunts on my scooter!” Scootaloo added, doing the same action as Sweetie Belle, but revealing a scooter cutie mark.

“An’ my talent is carpentry!” Applebloom said, completing the trio by showing her cutie mark of a wooden looking apple with a hammer.

See! If only they listened to what everyone was telling them before they wouldn't have had to wait as long! Spike thought before his stomach let out another rumble.

“That’s awesome! I'd love to hear all about how you got them, but if we don’t hurry up Rainbow Dash will eat all the pie!”

The three ponies let out large gasps and sped off towards the barn, and Spike was right behind them. Upon reaching the barn, the group charged through the door and slid into the kitchen.

“Is Rainbow Dash here?” Scootaloo questioned, completely uninterested in the pie.

Scootaloo looked over to see Rainbow Dash gobbling down some pie.

“Heya, squirt!” Rainbow said after swallowing down her mouthful of pie and ruffled Scootaloo’s mane.

“Is there any apple pie left?” Sweetie Belle said, turning towards Granny Smith.

“Yeah what bout’ the pie?” Applebloom said worriedly.

“Don’t you worry none girls, there’s plenty a pie for all y’all,” Granny Smith said reassuringly turning to see them, along with Spike just entering the kitchen.

“That’s great; I can’t wait to have a slice,” Spike said letting out a sigh of relief.

“And who do we have here?” called a voice from behind Spike.

“Hey Applejack!” Spike said turning and giving her a hug.

“Look at you bein’ all grown up. WoooWeee, Looks like you grew some fine lookin’ muscles as well,” she said hitting Spike in the arm.

Spike started blushing a bit and rubbed his arm.

“Only kiddn’ with ya Spike, but seems like somepony got her sights on you.” Applejack said throwing Rainbow a wink as soon as she pasted by Spike. Rainbow Dash pretended not to notice and kept eating her pie.

Wait, somepony has their sights on me? Spike thought, turning and following Applejack to the oven, where she began to take out some pie.

“What makes you say that, Applejack?” Spike questioned, taking a plate with some pie from Applejack who began to distribute it to the rest of the group.

“Oh, no reason” she said with a sly smile.

Spike gave Applejack a confused look for a moment before thinking, Whatever, I'm too hungry to think about it right now, and dug into his pie.

“So, care to tell all of us bout’ yer trip?” Applejack said, placing some more plates of pie around the table for everyone, including Big Macintosh who just entered the room.

“Yeah! We’ve been real curious what ya been up to.” Applebloom said with a mouthful of pie.

“Eeyup” Big Mac added sitting down at the table.

“Well I will be glad to tell you all about it.” Spike said.

************************************************************************

“I call the first slice!” Rainbow said, dashing off toward the barn.

Ha! that first slice is as good as mine! Rainbow Dash thought as she sped closer to the barn.

A few seconds later she landed in front of the home and gave the door a few knocks.

“Rainbow? What you doin’ here?” Applejack said after she swung open the door.

“Well, Spike said he smelled pie so I fig—“

“Spike!?!” Applejack said cutting off Rainbow Dash.

“Oh, yeah! He's back in town and we’ve been going around to everypony and saying hi,” Rainbow said waving her hoof dismissively. “Now, about that pie.”

“We just took the first one outta tha oven sugarcube. I take it you want a slice?” Applejack said jokingly.

“You bet!” Rainbow said walking past Applejack, and went straight towards the kitchen.

"Hey Granny Smith!"

"Howdy there Rainbow Dash." Granny Smith replied as she was preparing another pie to go in the oven.

“So… Spike grow up some?” Applejack questioned watching Rainbow help herself to the pie on the counter.

“Yeah, he's about as big as we are now, and he doesn't look half-bad either.” Rainbow said, more focused on getting to eat her pie than what she was saying.

“Doesn't look 'half-bad'?” Applejack said, raising an eyebrow.

“Wait… I mean he's not some cutesy-wootsey dragon anymore, he's more… you know… cool?” Rainbow said trying to find the right word for it.

“I’m sure he is sugarcube,” Applejack said giving Rainbow a snicker.

“You know what I meant!” Rainbow said before digging into her pie.

“I'mma go upstairs a second. I’ll be back down in a moment to take out the pie.” Applejack said while heading up the stairs.

Just as she finished going up the stairs a trio of ponies burst into the house.

************************************************************************

“So you were with our family all along?” Applejack asked, slightly surprise.

“Yup! The Apple Family sure is friendly, I got to meet a lot of your relatives who visited as well.” Spike said, finishing off what remained of his pie, “I would even say I'm part of the family!”

“I’m sure nopony would mind having y’all at the next gatherin’,” Applejack began to pick up the plates around the table and bring them into the kitchen.

“Well, it was nice catching up with you! We have to go see Fluttershy before Pinkie’s party tonight.”

Spike got up off his chair and began to walk towards the door with Rainbow Dash, “And I can’t wait to hear about how you girls discovered your cutie marks!” Spike said to the young mares.

“Oohhh!” Sweetie Belle shouted, “How about we tell you on the way to Fluttershy’s cottage?”

“Sweetie, we can’t! We've got a CMC meeting soon with some our new batch of recruits!” Scootaloo said.

“Ohh… That’s right.” Sweetie Belle said with a hint of disappointment before perking right back up again, “another time, then!”

“Alright, I hope to see all of you at Pinkie’s party tonight!” Spike said before leaving.

“Let’s get going!” Rainbow said, beginning to trot towards Fluttershy's.

Spike’s thoughts were elsewhere at the moment.

What did Applejack mean when she said “Somepony has their eyes on me”?