I have never been close to death until now, but I am no longer afraid. I suppose it is only when confronted with the experience does the victim begin to

grasp the understanding of death. I'm fairly confident that Twilight would say something regarding this situation, but for the life of me, which is slowly exiting

my body, I can't think of what it would be. Hay, if she saw me in this condition, Twilight would be scolding me mercilessly for acting so foolhardy, or wailing

like a newborn filly for my untimely demise. She, the girls, the princesses, and perhaps everypony I have grown accustomed to would more than likely freak

out when ponies get news of my death. Would they understand as to why this had to be? Would they have the heart to forgive me for going along on this

dangerous odyssey, or would they curse me for my unnecessary sacrifice? More importantly, was there some truth in the late tyrant's words regarding the

departure of this purple dragon? That this would be the sorry tale of Spike, the former number one assistant to Twilight Sparkles? Sitting here on the now

crimson-stained crystal wall awaiting my departure, has given me time to gather my thoughts and reflect on the events that lead me here. One side of my

mind regrets having gone through all this suffering, whilst the other side is proud and happy to have been of service to my friends despite the knowledge that

it would not end well for me; honestly, I'm at a loss.

This all started with that bell. One average afternoon, I heard a bell ringing from a distance. It was strange because this particular ring was not like the

one associated with the clock tower, and there was no report of any ceremonies going on within Ponyville. This resonance sounded tranquil, pleasing to the

heart and soul, and quite divine. I asked Twilight if she heard it but she dismissed it as my brain playing tricks on me. I attempted to empty my mind of the

muse-like tone, but it proved to me more difficult than I originally thought. With each passing day, I would hear that same enticing ring pass through my fins

and put me in a trance of some sort. These moments would not happen periodically, but at random. Finally, Twi, my beloved guardian, sent me off to

Canterlot so that Princess Luna could assist me with my daydreaming problem; if not, I would be forced to go through basic training on how to eat with my

mouth closed, again. Upon my arrival, the two Princesses greeted me with open forearms; Celestia, my surrogate mother during my early years, and Luna,

the later whom I constantly bested at board games. When the moment came for Luna to inspect my thoughts she was happy to assist. It did not take long,

but the aftermath was what worried me as the night alicorn's expression was saddened and unsure. I questioned her as to what she saw, but she said that

she could not sense anything wrong with me, but warned me to be on guard should I hear the bells once more before warning me in advance:

"Do not mention this to Twilight or anypony else, understand?"

I nodded in obedience and left. When I reunited with Twi, I told her that the sound was a side-effect from eating too many gems.

It had been almost a year since I had last heard those ringing bells. The few times I had heard them were in my dreams; that was only three times. I

decided to ignore them and focus on my work as the new librarian or "Guardian of the Scrolls" as I called myself. At first, Twilight was against the idea of me

living by myself because she thought I was too young or that I couldn't handle the pressure; however, after a long discussion, thanks to Rarity, Applejack,

Pinkie Pie, (and Celestia) my OCD friend, relented because they reminded her that this would benefit me and help me be more responsible when I'm older.

Granted, I had my ups and downs while working alone, and sometimes I would have to contact the others for help, but I soon adapted to my new found

independence. Then came the month that would lead to the event I was now in: my birthday. I was ecstatic because it was a sign that I was coming of age

and becoming a true Draco, not some young drake. Truth be told, I always felt as old as Twilight and the others were, but due to my short height (my

forehead passed their nose), my unformed wings and childish behavior, I was still a "not-so baby dragon" through their eyes. That didn't get me down,

because it would a day worth remembering for it would also be the anniversary that our friendship was formed. Each one of the mares would have a present

for me, and I would have my own for them. I could already imagine their expression as they would each receive a gift, courtesy of me; and if I was lucky,

Rarity would give me a kiss and I could finally confess my feelings to her. At that moment, I believed that nothing bad could transpire on my birthday – I was

dead wrong.

A letter written by Princess Cadence was delivered to us, requiring the seven of us (finally, somepony included me) to meet with her and Armor, regarding

an important discussion. I hoped that this was something simple but after all our previous adventures, my instincts told me that this would be anything but

simple or good. Our trip up north was nonchalant as all our previous trips to a location: the girls would be talking, Twilight would either be writing down

potential strategies, in case a nasty event transpired, or jumping up and down in anticipation of seeing her brother, sister-in-law, and nephew, Prince Del Lak

Lancia "Lance". Everypony within the empire, especially the girls loved the whelp, but the foal took an extreme liking to me for some odd reason (despite my

draconic appearance); on the bright side, Cadence asked if I was interested in being their son's uncle, if not, a godfather, which I happily accepted. I should

have been excited about the meeting but I wasn't because something did not feel right. I couldn't explain it, but I felt as though an ominous force was

approaching and it would be unlike any other previous encounter. My thoughts were short-lived by none other than Pinkie Pie, who was not being her bubbly,

unorthodox self, but bore a concern and serious expression – that was not a good sign. She questioned my mood and I told her I was fine, but continued to

pressure me until I gave in and told her as to what I was feeling; how she guessed as to whether or not it had any connections with the bell incident (which I

never told anypony else about) was a shock, but I told her it did not. When I finished my confession, she assured me that everything would turn out okay in

the end, which calmed my nerves a tad. However, it did not last long because she immediately told me that before everything was good, there would be "a

whole lot of pain and hurt before all was said and done" and that I should "follow my heart, regardless of how icky the situation may seem". I theorized that

Pinkie had predicted something and was giving me the heads up before continuing with her discussion on the importance of rock candy and how it would

benefit the crystal ponies. I, however, remained silent and watched the landscape pass, contemplating on her words. Our meet and greet with the rulers was

short as the pair immediately directed us to the castle and into the basement where scrolls and dangerous artifacts were sealed away from the population.

Inside the confined wall was a familiar red horn trapped behind an encased cylinder that oozed with fear, hate, and violence – it was none other than King

Sombra's horn. Cadence immediately explained to us that a scouting party found the horn three years ago and brought it to them. Celestia and Luna, who

were informed prior to its discovery, told the pair to keep the item sealed off and to prepare should it act up. They explained to us as to how the horn would

glow black, grow in power, and that snarls and growls could be heard within the crystal walls at night. Overall, Sombra was returning via his horn.

Attempts to destroy the horn proved to be fruitless for no amount of force, magic, seals, communication or a "Be Nice and We'll give you Candy" party

(Pinkie's plan) would sway the horn from growing in power; not even the Crystal Heart could neutralize the horn's strength and neither Cadence nor. Finally,

a plan was set in which Twilight and the others would use their rainbow powers to dispel the horn of its magic. The date was made, location selected, and

everypony was prepared except me — the useless onlooker. In a desolate location in the frozen wasteland, the ritual was underway as the mares performed

their duty. Things appeared to be going swimmingly as the horn was beginning to shrivel up and lose its mana, until a predictable problem came underway

[honestly, how the hay am I mentally/talking like this]. Immediately, the horn began whisking out negative energy at random while the mares were unable

to move because of the ritual's effect. Acting quickly, I made my way toward Cadence and, despite her protest, took her away from the catastrophe while

Armor attempted to save the others. With the princess at a safe distance, she retreated back to the castle in search of additional help and I went back to help

the others. Upon my arrival, I was petrified as I saw a dark silhouette float above the girls: its eyes were a mixture of green and crimson with purple mists

empting from the side of its face, the pupils were slit and fangs could be seen underneath its deformed muzzle. Sombra, albeit a shadowy figure, hovered

above us with a hubris expression. The mares gawked in horror and Armor glared daggers at the late tyrant as he fired rounds of energy toward the shadow,

which harmlessly passed through him. Something told me that Sombra could kill us all if he wanted to, but instead, he did not. As a maniacal laugh left the

phantom's mouth, a blinding flash of light erupted from the place where the horn was absorbing the energy of the rainbow magic. Slowly, my vision returned

to me and to my fear, I was greeted by a nightmarish reality. Shining Armor laid on the snow, unconscious but not entirely injured, while the girls were in

worse shape; their bodies were littered with black stones that discharged red sparks, their limbs twitched aberrantly with their eyes rolled behind their heads,

and their breathing was shallow and growing weaker by the second. To make the matter worse, I had no idea what to do.

I felt defeated. Once again, I was unable to do anything as my friends put themselves in harm's way to save the lives of others. This time, they were the

ones suffering and I was unable to assist them. The comforting voices of guards and allies alike would not heal this newfound scar – it merely made it worse.

I no longer had the courage to face anypony else and my depression would continue to grow the following week until I got word that the girls' condition was

worsening. It turned out that Sombra had used an unidentifiable ability that none of the doctors or crystals ponies were aware of and the chances of any of

them surviving were unlikely. It was too much for me; as soon as I heard the news I ran away, not caring where I ended up. I wanted to be left alone, away

from all this pain, guilt, and unfairness that life threw at me and simply cry. My friends were dying, Sombra was returning, and I had no way of saving them.

Once I calmed down a bit, I began to see these visions involving Sombra, the girls, me, and other ponies, grieving at the loss of some unidentified creature.

It was weird at first, but after much thinking, I began to speculate that the explosion somehow infected me like it the girls but instead, it left me with visions.

Probably some taunt set up by Sombra. I thought with disdain. Nonetheless, the vision was convenient for me because those visions helped me locate where

Sombra was: somewhere deep in the frozen wasteland was an underground catacomb that housed the bones of those who died while under the dead king's

reign; the bones were frozen over after so many years and it was reported that it was a place where Sombra would perform alchemic ceremonies on his

subjects in a bid for power. Celestia told us about these atrocities, but I was disturbed as to why Sombra was letting me know of his current location.

Previous exploits told me that this is a trap and that the girls' current condition was a means to draw his target in. I wanted to tell somepony about this and

thought that maybe a platoon could be sent to this location, or perhaps I could inform the princesses of this situation since they usually know what to do. All

of these plans I wanted to act on but I couldn't. Some force was holding me back, instructing me to do this on my own – stating that is was my responsibility

to perform this task and no one else's. Was it guilt, recognition, or some divine interpretation that was forcing me to do this? I had no idea, but I did know

one thing: I was going to save my friends. With renewed resolve and determination burning within my heart, I made my plans and took off toward Canterlot.

I knew there was a chance that I wouldn't survive this pilgrimage, so I needed to make sure that certain things were taken care of. A week after the

incident, I created six additional gifts for the girls that would go along with the presents I had in store for them; if I was going to die it would be best that

they understood my true feelings for them. Next, I contacted Discord, the fully reformed Draconequus, former Spirit of Chaos, and fellow friend, and asked

him to collect every book that dealt with taboo magic within the regal sister's old and current castle and teleport them within Twilight's castle. It was difficult

convincing him to assist me because he was still grieving for Fluttershy's near demise, but Fate was on my side as he indifferently did as instructed. After

completing the objective, Discord questioned me as to why I needed all these books, considering that some of them were dangerous, if not forbidden, and

should not be dealt with unless I intended to use them for a pranking purpose. I stated that they were for an experiment that Twi and I were about to

perform, which was not entirely a lie. Once the books were gathered in the center of the council table, I asked Discord to take a seat in my chair so that he

could help me inspect these books. He almost objected to my hospitality, saying that it was getting late and he needed to help Angel keep the other creatures

occupied, and that he would prefer sitting in Twilight's seat instead of mine. I was fearful that Discord would eventually catch wind of my deceit and respond,

(which he almost did) but I proved to be a few steps ahead of him as the tea that he sipped was spiced with an odorless substance and the petrification

emblem I carved underneath all the seats would neutralize Discord's power and render him unconscious. After dragging his body into the guest room, setting

him beside an unconscious Owlicious [yes, I did] and sealing the door off, should sompony come looking for him, I went off to perform my experiment: book

burning. I knew it was immoral and Twi would be against this but it was a way to ensure that the girls didn't do anything stupid afterwards. The third step

would be to locate the parents/relatives of the mane six and commute with them. Nothing special, just some questions regarding the girl's previous life

before our adventures: what they were like, what were the best parts of their lives, and of their contribution. Some of them were skeptical at first, but they

each relented and told me tales of the girls and of their accomplishments. I was touched at some of the stories that they told me regarding their daughters,

which only compelled me to act faster. Once my research was complete, I went to the library and began comparing notes on how much I've done for the girls

and how much they've done for me and others. It didn't take long to decide who won that contest. I soon got word that the girls' condition was worsening

and that they would probably pass in less than a week. After making out my will and confession via scrolls, I placed the six presents on the table, each one

designated to the girls, and departed toward my final journey.

Having arrived back in the Frozen North, I began searching for any signs of Sombra. During the process, visions involving Sombra and girls suffering

would plague my thoughts, and to make matters worse, the bell I had heard all those years ago was back. The difference was that it sounded louder and

stronger than ever, almost alluring. I ignored them both and continued my foolish search until I saw a desolate cave. Using this as an opportunity to rest, I

entered the abandoned home, made a fire [the fact I'm cold-blooded was not a factor in any way] and warmed myself up before taking a small nap. In my

dreams, I saw visions of Sombra, except they were of his younger years before his first banishment. The scenes revealed a young unicorn that was naïve but

determined to prove himself to those around him because he was hardly recognized by his peers or the adults. He wanted to be cherished by others and

worked tirelessly to be the best unicorn he could be. Sombra did everything he could for his peers but they did not appreciate his skills, and viewed him as a

nuisance to be taken advantage of. It did not matter to the crystal ponies how hard he tried or how much knowledge he gained, the young Sombra could not

catch a break and be respected for his efforts. From the perspective of that generation of crystal ponies, he was nothing but a face within a crowd – one that

can be easily forgotten. That was when his heart fell toward darkness and he began plotting vengeance on those he felt had wronged him; if he couldn't win

them over with kindness and love, he would use fear and pain. When I awoke, drenched in cold sweat, I slowly began to understand Sombra a little bit.

Despite all his evil, I could somewhat relate with him: we both long to be recognized and appreciated for our good deeds by our friends and others. Truth be

told, there were times I felt as though the girls thought I was excess baggage or that I was easy to manipulate for their own benefit. Secretly, a part of my

heart may have resented them for not placing any trust in me and seeing me as a baby. Additionally, I would sometimes wonder what they truly thought of

me – what was I to them actually? If that be the case why would I go to incredible lengths to save them? Was I doing this for recognition? Attention? Was it

for the glory that I did something noble and I would be praised for it? That couldn't be the case, could it? Would a good pony-drake-go through this much

trouble just to win the hearts of others?

No.

Only a selfish, corrupt, vile, big-meanie would do something so cruel. A fraud that probably had no care for his own life that he would use an event as

serious as this to throw it away. At that moment, I no longer felt like an adult, but a child who had not learned a thing about friendship or love. I was still the

avaricious, cowardly, useless whelp who couldn't do anything without the help of his friends, and when push came to shove, I had to be honest with myself: I

wanted to live. Without a second thought, I pulled out a parchment and wrote to Celestia. The guards would find me, I would tell them where Sombra was,

and they would go out to face the danger while the dragon would stand by and watch. I would live a lonely and shameful life, while those brave souls forsake

their lives to destroy an evil that had already slain six known heroes. How many more stallions would die before the beast was satisfied? All those noble souls

– sacrificed so that the majority could live, including the reptile, whose sacrifice could end up saving them as well as his friends? Yeah, that's fair [sarcasm,

by the way]. I had finished writing the letter and was about to ship it off when my claws suddenly stopped. I stared at the small note, unable to take my eyes

off it. After what felt like a minute, a thought came to mind.

I can't do it.

As childish as it was, I couldn't bring myself to lite the scrap of paper because memories of all my friends flashed before me:

Picking apples with Applejack.

Having tea with Fluttershy.

Baking cakes with Pinkie Pie.

Helping Rainbow Dash train for a big race.

Assisting Rarity with her dresses for a client.

Acting as a lab assistant for Twilight.

Memories of them and of the ponies I've grown accustomed to cause me to let go of some tears I've been holding back. Immediately, I realized that I was

nearly caught in a trick set up by Sombra. He wanted me to give up and turn my back on my friends because the same thing had happened to him. His

attempt was to make me feel that their lives were not worth saving because they were imperfect and made choices that should justify me into betraying

them. Even if that weren't the case, he wanted to show me that what I was doing was no better than his previous attempts at making friends, which was

somewhat true. I didn't want to see my loved ones, the ponies that made my life something worth living, die — I was guilt-ridden because I felt that it was

not fair that I, a being who had done less, should live while his friends, who had done much, should fall to darkness. Also, I wanted to prove to everypony,

and myself, that I was capable of doing something as big as they did during the encounter with Tirek. I was (am still) an avaricious, childish, imperfect whelp

– I accepted that. And yet, I just couldn't stand by and let my friends leave. The smart thing would have been to contact the princesses and tell them of my

visions, but I still felt that this was something I had to do, and I didn't want to feel guilty for causing additional casualties if one would be enough. Having

made the final decision, one that would surely have a positive/negative reaction afterwards, I looked at my crudely-made ticket and ripped it to pieces. I was

confident that the chances of me surviving this trek was slim, that my friends would curse me for going along on this asinine journey, that I would end up in

the Inferno Planes for my previous sins and what I was about to do, but if this was the only way to save my friends and prevent the injuries of other noble

guards, then I would do so. With that, I departed to my final trial, [the bell I heard so many years ago lingering inside my head], to write my wrong and "go

to Tartarus", if I had to.

Locating the meeting spot where Sombra was stationed proved to be easier than expected, as if he was expecting me. Unlike our previous encounter, he

was now in his physical body, albeit, his fur was pale in color, and he looked old and frail; however, his venomous glare and spine tingling chuckle informed

me that he was just as dangerous when he was defeated a second time. Behind him was a floating orb that radiated with power, which I instinctively knew

belonged to my friends. When questioned as to what his attempts were, the revived king informed me that his horn was a contingency, should he ever fall in

battle. After his body was destroyed, he transferred a portion of his awareness into his horn and feasted on the magic resonating throughout the empire and

its subjects, slowly regaining his strength until his revival. It was not until the mares tried to use their rainbow magic that Sombra was able to absorb enough

energy to return. At that moment, I realized the king's plan: he had cast a spell on the girls before vanishing in order to drain them of their magic and life

force in order to reach his potential and take revenge on the empire that had betrayed him. What struck fear into my heart was when he revealed his other

intent to me – one I did not see coming. He was not just gathering the element's power, but he was planning to transfer said energy and his conscious into

me. Shocked as I was, he explained that he sensed great potential in me and saw me as a decent candidate to be used as a puppet for his revenge.

"What better way to satisfy my wrath than by using their "hero" against them," he proclaimed.

It happened so fast, that I barely had time to counter one of Sombra's attacks as it showed that he could still perform spells, despite being hornless. It

was clear that Sombra wanted to torture me a bit before achieving his ambition because every strike he dished out left gashes on my scales that bled

profusely. It was apparent that he had some pint-up aggression toward the crystal ponies and those who humiliated him, and was planning on beating me

half to death before using me as his sacrificial lamb. I retorted with dodge-rolls and fireballs, but the revived king was better skilled than me and took his

time to make me suffer as the life-force of my friends filled his orb. It was smart of me to bring some items I thought would assist me in the fight and I

succeeded in causing some harm to the mad stallion, but my counter-attacks still had little effect and made him all the more livid. Eventually, I found myself

on my back, body littered with cuts and the cold floor stained crimson. My lungs begged for air but the tyrant's hoof crashed onto my sternum. Our eyes met

and I could see a triumphant sneer form on his muzzle as a good portion of his horn (what was left of it) hovered beside him in a veil of black magic. To

make matters worse, he realized the emblem mark I placed on it, which I planned on using in order to seal him inside once I got close. The tyrant flicked the

broken spec away and proceeded to cutting off my oxygen supply so I would lose consciousness. Out of desperation, I was left with no choice but to use plan

B: Placing my right claw on his hoof and my left claw over my heart, I activated the sealing technique I etched onto my claws before coming here [as an

insurance policy, should the horn plan fail]. The conversion went swimmingly as the dark king's consciousness transferred into my own body, but the pain it

brought was agonizing as his memories, power, and emotions were fused to my soul as well. I lost conscious for a moment, and feared that Sombra had

gained control of my flesh – luckily, it did not happen. The power I felt and knowledge that came with it was indescribable for it made me feel invincible.

However, this pleasure was short-lived as Sombra's voice echoed within my head, reminding me that it would not be long before I lost control of my body.

Rushing toward the orb, I realized that my friends were knocking at death's door as the container radiated brighter with their power and strength. Hacking

into Sombra's memory, it showed me that Sombra had placed a hex on the sphere, just in case some creature tried to unlock it. To make matters more dire,

it could not be broken unless a life was sacrificed (kind of cliché, but it explains why he wanted me in the first place). My now dark purple claws reached for

the rainbow ball until Sombra's roar rung inside my head, warning me not to deactivate the seal because both he and I would fade away into the dark plane

forever. I stood there, facing the item that would cause our death and thought of Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie, Fluttershy, Rainbow, and Twilight. Without a

second thought, I latched onto the giant orb. No words could define the pain that plagued me as the curse coursed through my body, destroying every

molecule at a slow and arduous rate. Despite the agony, I felt something else flick through my body – it was hard to describe it, but the feeling I felt was

warm and harmonic. I realized that it was my friend's energy being released from the container and departing back to their body. Afterwards, an explosion

occurred, and my body was sent colliding toward the wall.

So here I am – a pitiful wretch awaiting death's arrival. My body was now charcoal color, coated with open wounds and gash marks; my right arm is limp

and drenched in blood, followed by my left eye, which I could no longer open; I'm fairly confident that the majority of my bones and organs are damaged,

preventing me from moving. Sombra's voice continues to bash against my psyche. Not only is he enraged at having been bested by the drake that assisted in

his defeat, but now there was no chance of him surviving because of the fusion. He curses my existence and threatens to make my life in the Inferno Plane

miserable, saying that I would regret ever crossing him in the first place. For the most of it, I ignore his jabbering remarks – the deed was done and there is

no changing it. His plans have failed, my friends are saved, and the empire is safe from his malice intent. Even now, his voice is beginning to falter and die,

indicating his departure, but his hatred remains as strong as ever. As his voice dwindles, I listen as he questions my actions. I respond with another question:

Would you not lay down your life for a friend?

The comment must have left him bewildered because I no longer heard his voice. Before the spirit departed completely, he left behind a spiteful retort:

You fool. If you truly believe that this little act will make your friends hold any feelings for you, then you are an incompetent fool. Who could ever care for

trash, such as you?

And then he was no more.

I should have ignored the comment, but the way he said it…it got me a little. It's not that I felt sympathetic for the unicorn (not anymore), but the way he

stated his question made me feel foolish for what I had recently done. I was on the verge of death and the girls, who probably didn't know where I was, must

live with the knowledge that their friend went through physical/psychological pain in order to save them, which would rub salt onto an already injured wound.

Also, if the tyrant's word rang true, then I would end up in the same destination he would. Another reason why his comment stung me was because there

was a dash of truth to what he said. I did not want to acknowledge his statement but there existed some doubt as for the reason behind my actions. Was it

for respect? Did I desire a heroic death so that I would obtain a legend equal to my friends? Or was I a mere servant who was bound by the words of his

superiors? My friends possessed so much while I had so little: status, relatives – everything a blessed pony could ask for. All I had that truly mattered to me

than all the gems in the world was – is – the bond we shared and now I must part from that. Was I just plain foolish? Was this all for naught? Just then, my

workable eye caught sight of one of the items I took with me on this expedition. To most, it was a plain bronze watch locket, but I knew better: it was a gift

that Twilight was going to give to me for my birthday. Out of all the presents I opened early, I chose hers. Perhaps it was a confidence booster of some sort.

However, it was not the watch itself that made it special but what was inside it. Relying on willpower, I forced my tail to make contact with the watch and

force it open. It was painful, but victory was mine as the lock came undone. On the left side of it was the clock with the protected layer cracked but the

clockworks still functioned, and on the right was my keepsake. A picture of the girls and I posing in front of a camera, with Fluttershy displaying a bashful

expression while Pinkie made a silly face directed toward the machine. Rainbow and AJ were having a friendly argument over some ludicrous discussion and I

stood in the center of the image with Rarity giving me a kiss on the forehead and Twilight embracing me in a platonic hug. Seeing the image brought a tear

to my good eye and erased any lingering distrust I once held. My actions were somewhat selfish, but I tried to do something good. I died, not a hero or

fraud, but a Draco who cared about his loved ones so much that he was willing to put his life on the line, should the event demand it. If the others were in

the same position I was in, they would have done the same thing. This may be the end of me, but I was no longer afraid; if I am to face judgement for my

action, I will accept it with open arms. At least, this way, the girls can continue to live and enjoy the silver linings of life – just without me. It was one heck of

a ride because I've done and experienced so much in this world that I couldn't feel bitter, even if I tried; I kind of wish that it would have lasted a little

longer, but I have no contempt; it was a life worth living for, a life worth dying for, and I couldn't have asked for anything better. It was a marvelous

existence, and I thank the unseen Maker for giving me one.

With my mind cleared and my destiny accepted I stared up at the crystals that hung over me. It was strange, but despite what Sombra said, seeing

those crystalline stalactites glimmer told me that my departure would not be menacing. I stared at my watch once more and listen to the rhythmic pattern as

my mind began forming images of the ponies I cherished and would be waiting for in the Garden.

Shining Armor and I sitting by a lake as he tries to cheer me up: My dad – our dad – told me that a cutie mark is not just a representation of a ponies'

ability but a calling of some sort. If they are able to use that characteristic in service to their home and to help those they love, then that pony should have

faith in their ability and put in the time and effort into making their skill useful. Even if some creatures can't obtain a mark, they should find a talent they are

good at and be the best at what they are. In your case, Spike, your talent is helping our sister whenever she's down and needs support because no one else

can do a better job than you. Do you understand?

60 seconds…

Pinkie Pie and I setting up a birthday party for the Cake twins: Spike, you're the bestest, bestest, of friends I could ever ask for! You like parties, seeing

ponies smile, and just know when to have a good time! We should do this more often because you're always there to turn a grumpy frown upside down! I

know I already said this but you're my super dooper, quadruple, best partylicious friend!

50 seconds…

Rainbow Dash giving me a noogie after I save her from a bad fall: Are you kidding?! You used your own body as a cushion so I wouldn't get hurt; that's

not stupid, that's being loyally awesome. Next time you need help, I'll be the one to save your scales. While I'm at it, I'll even show you how to be a 20%

cool drake.

40 seconds…

Applejack giving me words of wisdom when I tell her that some ponies gawk at me suspiciously: Ponies git scared of things they 'ave no understandin' of.

Ah was the same way wit Zecora n Discord. When them folks look at you, Spike, they see ah creature that'll go 'bout an destroy their homes n rob their fancy

keepsakes due to some greed problem. I don't see that, sugarcube. I see a dependable dragon that puts his friends first over 'emself. Never mind what them

scallywags think o' you. Only you can do that yourself. An' that's the truth and nothing but the truth.

30 seconds…

Fluttershy patching up my injuries after an accident occurred while helping her with some chores: I like helping poor, injured creatures. That is my skill,

and I take pride in what I do, Spike. I don't care if you grow up looking like a big, scary dragon. It no longer bothers me. You are my friend and I will always

be there to patch you up whenever you're hurt or sick – of course, if you want me to, that is.

20 seconds…

Twilight telling me how important I am to her: Spike, I love you. You're my number one assistant, my LBBFF, my son, and my partner. During our times

together, I would never have guessed that you would grow up to be this wonderful young drake. No matter how bad things looked, you would always find a

way to turn it around and make it better. You might not know this but I want you to know you have a place with me Cadence, Shining Armor, and my

parents. We will always love you, no matter what happens.

10 seconds…

Finally, Rarity demonstrating her affection for me: What's makes you so special, Spikey-Wikey? Everything, and I couldn't have been happier to have met

or known a wonderful, gentle-drake like you *smooch*.

A weak smile forms on my muzzle as I reminisce of the time I've spent with my friends. Despite our ups and downs, it was all good, and I was happy to

be a part of it. It was nice. Staring at the ceiling once more, I shut my eyes as the memories of my friends came to mind. 5 seconds…

Applejack, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Twilight…

3 seconds…

Thank you.

1 second…

Darkness now envelopes my sight and my breath decelerate. Funny, my mind is starting to play tricks on me because I'm almost certain I hear

somepony's voice from a distant. Shining Armor perhaps? Maybe it's Luna or Discord – I don't know. I do know one thing, however; I hear a sound that is

peaceful and joyful – that celestial bell I heard all those years ago, except it's easier to hear. The melody playing from that remarkable chime is temperate

and emanates an innocent echo, untouched by corruption or sin. Instantly, I knew where I was going…

…I was heading home.