Spike's true family

One day, Spike the dragon was in his room, reading his favourite book series of "The power ponies". He was having a great time, just relaxing. Then Twilight came to him with news.

"What's up, Twilight?" Spike asked looking up.

"Spike, Smolder wants to see you. I expect it must be important," she told him. Spike got up as Smolder came in, looking concerned.

"Is everything alright, Smolder?" asked Spike.

"Well, the thing is, Spike, it's my father. He wanted me to bring "the dragon who lives with ponies" to our home to see him for some reason, and I'm pretty sure you're the one he's talking about," replied Smolder.

"Really? Well, I would be nice to meet him, but why is it important to him?" said Spike, feeling confused.

"Well, I don't know if you've thought about it before, but… do you have any idea who your parents were?" asked Smolder.

At the mention of parents, Spike felt surprised.

"I… I… I never knew my real parents, or if I had any at all. Are you saying…" said Spike, feeling more nervous now.

"He knows them, Spike. And I have a feeling he wants to let you know what happened some time ago."

Spike didn't reply. He mind was filling up with thoughts, that he couldn't think straight.

"Oh no!" Twilight rushed over to get him an air bag and placed him down on the sofa to calm himself down.

"…sorry, Spike. Did I cause you to freak out?" apologized Smolder.

"No, no, it's alright," said Spike once he regained his breath back. "I'm just a little, surprised, that's all."

"Well, if you don't want to go, I'll let my father know. He'll understand," said Smolder.

"No, wait. I'll go, Smolder. This sounds like something I have to know," said Spike, sounding more eager now.

"Alright, let's go then." Said Smolder, gesturing Spike to follow her.

"And I'm coming with you, Spike," said Twilight. "For support."

"Thanks, Twilight."

So the two dragons and the alicorn princess went outside and flew in the air, heading to the dragonlands.

When they got there, Smolder led the way to her home, a cave in the distant mountains. Smolder gestured Twilight and Spike to wait outside, while she entered in.

"Are you feeling alright, Spike?" Twilight asked her friend.

"Yep. Nothing to worry, about," replied Spike confidently. But he didn't feel confident inside.

Smolder came back outside. "You guys can come in."

Twilight and Spike followed Smolder into the cave. They turned a corner, and saw an old dragon lying on a rock bed. He had red skin, brown scales, and a long tail. He looked like he had been in a fight, because there were bruises and scratches all over his body. And one of his wings looked bent.

"Father, I'd like you to meet Spike. He's a teacher in my school and a great friend," said Smolder, introducing him to Spike.

Smolder's father slowly sat upright and looked at the small dragon.

"So you're Spike… the dragon who lives with the ponies?" he asked slowly.

"Yes, I am. You wanted to see me?" replied Spike curiously.

"I can't believe it. You're here. After so long… oh, please excuse me. How rude of me to start off without introducing myself. I'm Grittler. And you're a teacher of the School of Friendship my daughter goes to?" Smolder's father said.

"Yes, that's me. And, Smolder told me you know about my… parents. Is this true?" Spike asked him.

Grittler looked down at Spike with a look of sympathy and warmth in his eyes.

"Yes, it's true. I knew your parents, Spike. We were close friends all those years ago. Do you want me to tell you the story?" asked Grittler. "Or, perhaps I'd better not, if you're not feeling well," he added hastily, seeing Spike's uneasy expression.

"I do want to know, Grittler. It's something I feel like I have to know, that I've never known my life so far," Spike replied.

"Very well," said Grittler. He struggled to get up and sat on the edge of the bed, gesturing Spike closer to him. Twilight put an arm around him, and Smolder sat next to Grittler. And he began telling his memories of the past…

Years ago, I knew your mother and father, Plasma and Fizzler. They were inseparable from each other, and always spent their time together. Going out for flights, feasting on gems, or lava surfing, you'd never see one of them without the other. I've been taking care of my oldest son and younger daughter with my own wife and we both vowed to protect them and raise them with care at all costs.

After a while, your parents had a newly-laid egg. They protected it from any danger, and did their best to keep it warm. But unfortunately, no matter how hard they tried, it wouldn't hatch. We tried helping them out, but to no success, and it made them very upset.

And then one fateful day, disaster struck. A fierce storm swept over the dragonlands. It was so strong, that it caused multiple rock supports all over the mountains to crack apart and produce rockslides. Dragon Lord Torch ordered every dragon to evacuate as quickly as possible.

Unfortunately, your parents weren't quick enough to get out. So while my wife flew out with my children to safety, I flew right in their collapsing cave, and got inside before their entrance got buried by the falling rocks. We were trapped with no way out. And just when I thought things couldn't get any worse, the rooftops of the cave we were inside began crumbling apart. We didn't have time to waste. We took hold of their egg and flew through the tunnel as fast as we could.

More rocks were falling in and it didn't seem like we would make it. At last, your parents gave me the egg, and trusted me with it. If they weren't going to make it, then they hoped their child at least would. I was very reluctant at first, because I didn't want their dragon to grow up without their parents, but because we were flying for our lives, I didn't have a choice. I held on tight to the egg as hard as I could, keeping it safe under my body and refused to get it out of my grasp. Some stones hit me on the body and bruised it over. A boulder fell right on my left wing and before I knew it, I was having trouble flying properly, but I didn't give up. There was a faint opening up high in the cave, but it was rapidly getting smaller. So with one last look back at my dear friends, I flew right out, just as more boulders covered the gap.

When the dust cleared away and the storm was gone, I never saw your parents from the ruins again. Tears welled up in my eyes as I realized what had happened. I looked down at the egg I was holding, and I realized, that it wasn't safe for it to be here in the dragonlands. And because it wasn't able to hatch after a long time, I didn't think I was responsible enough for another egg with 2 other dragon children to look after.

Grittler stopped talking, when he saw how sad Spike looked. His eyes were watery and he looked like he was going to break down crying any second.

"I'm terribly sorry, Spike… this is way too much for you, isn't it? Perhaps it wasn't a good idea to tell you the truth after all…" he regretted.

Spike wiped his face, and replied, "I'm fine, don't worry. At least now I know why I never saw my parents. But, what else I don't know, is how I ended up in Canterlot and Ponyville in the first place?"

"You know, as a filly, I never actually realized where you came from before you were born. Do you happen to know about it, if you could tell us, Grittler?" said Twilight.

"Well, I might not know everything that happened later, but I could tell you everything I remember," replied Grittler.

"Please, do," said Spike.

So Grittler continued the story, this time, about how Spike ended up living with Twilight and her family.

So, one day, despite my wing injury, I flew out of the dragonlands with the egg in my hands, without telling my family. It was difficult flying with a broken wing, so sometimes I had to walk when it was safe enough on the ground. I tried looking for a different kingdom, a place where the dragon child would feel safe and be raised well. But none of the kingdoms I had encountered felt right for the egg, and I was close to losing hope.

But then at last, when I thought there would never be a safe place for the egg, I looked up ahead, and saw a brightly coloured, crowded, and pleasant-looking town. In that town, there were ponies. Civilized, friendly, polite and good ponies. The town in question, was none other than Canterlot. I couldn't have felt more relieved to have finally found a safer place than it.

I snuck towards the town without getting myself seen. I didn't want to attract attention to myself and cause the ponies to panic if they saw a dragon in their kingdom. First, I borrowed a piece of paper, a quill, and some string. I wrote a note and tied it around the egg. The note I wrote read:

"To the Princess Sisters. Please take care of the dragon in this egg. He has no parents and he cannot hatch despite our efforts, so I trust you to bring him to Equestria and raise him with love and care."

I flew up to the castle tower towards the balcony of the princesses' room. I carefully opened up the window, placed the egg on a bed, and closed it behind me. After that, I began flying back up and away from Canterlot, to return to my children in the dragonlands. But flying all that way had made me lose my energy, and I collapsed into the ground of the Everfree forest.

I don't remember what had happened after I blacked out. The only thing I remember is that when I finally awoke, I was back here, in this cave. I expect some other dragons must have found me helped me back without me realizing it.

"That, is all I know. And ever since, I haven't been able to get better, or get out beyond the dragonlands because of my current state. I kept on taking care of my kids on my own. My wife sadly disappeared. And I couldn't help but worry every now and then, and hope, that you would finally hatch, and be raised by someone with love. And here you are now, Spike."

Spike stared back at Grittler, not saying a word. Grittler, however, turned to Twilight.

"You're Twilight Sparkle, aren't you? Have you taken care of Spike this whole time?" he asked her.

"Yes I have, since I first got him to hatch out using my magic spell," she replied earnestly.

"I couldn't thank you enough," said Grittler feeling relieved. Then he looked at Spike.

"Spike. I want you to know, that your parents have always loved you, and trusted me whenever a serious situation broke out," he told Spike. And then he added, "I'm your godfather, Spike. And I'm sorry for everything that had happened. I shouldn't have let you go. I should have built up the courage and raised you with my family… will you ever forgive me?"

Spike didn't reply back. He wasn't feeling upset or scared. He just looked emotionless.

"I think I need a little time to myself," was all he said.

He got up and went out of the cave. He came towards the edge of the mountain path and sat down, gazing at the terrain of the dragonlands in front of him. Then Smolder came out and sat down beside him.

"Hey, I know it's not easy for you. You can talk about it to me if you want," she told him with a sympathetic tone in her voice, that Spike never heard her talk in before.

Spike turned to face her. He never expected her to look more concerning than he had ever seen look as well. He couldn't hold it in any longer. He burst into tears and embraced her. Smolder felt sorry for Spike immediately. She hugged him back and held him tight.

"Let it out, Spike. You'll get better…" she whispered.

At last, Spike stopped crying, and let go of Smolder, but he still felt upset.

"I could've grown up with a dragon family, like you did! I could've been a proper dragon, like you…" said Spike.

Smolder looked at Spike, as if he had gone completely crazy.

"What are you talking about, Spike? You are an absolutely proper dragon, if not one of the best, and kindest dragons I've ever known!" she told him. "In fact, do you want to know why I didn't like going to the School of Friendship at first and didn't want to make friends?"

Spike didn't know, so he shook his head.

"It's because of my father. He is very caring and loving, but because of his kindness, he ended up getting himself hurt. He took big risks for his friends, your parents. And I was afraid that would happen to me if I became soft. But now I realize that friendship makes us stronger for ourselves and our friends. And you're an inspiration to me, Spike. You've lived with ponies your whole life, and yet you've still shown that you're capable of doing everything a tough, strong dragon would. And that is what makes you special and wonderful," said Smolder.

Spike felt very touched by Smolder's compassionate speech.

"Thanks. I feel better now," said Spike.

Spike got up and went back inside, with Smolder behind him. Twilight had been talking with Grittler, and she turned around to see Spike.

"Are you feeling better, Spike?" she asked coming up to him.

"Yep," he replied.

"Good. Because now I think there's something we should take care of," said Twilight.

Spike felt confused. But Twilight nodded in her direction to Grittler, who was now lying back down, and still feeling pain from his current state.

"Ohh… you're right. We'd better help him get better," said Spike.

Spike and Twilight let Grittler know that they'll be back soon, and they left the cave, and flew out of the dragonlands. Grittler sighed as they left. Smolder came up beside him.

"You did the right thing, father. I'm sure Spike will forgive you soon enough," she assured him.

Grittler turned towards his daughter and weakly smiled back.

"Thanks, honey. I hope you're right," he replied feebly.

"Oh, I know I'm right," said Smolder feeling confident.

Twilight and Spike had come to a cottage near the Everfree forest and knocked on her door. Fluttershy came to answer it.

"Hello, you two. What brings you here?" she said.

Twilight and Spike told her everything that had happened. When she first heard about the story, Fluttershy felt so sorry for Spike, that she felt like crying herself, and embraced Spike when it was done. Then they told her about Grittler's injuries and how he hadn't been able to get better ever since.

"Will you help us give him medical treatment? He really needs it," asked Twilight.

"Say no more!" replied Fluttershy eagerly as she rushed into another room. She came back carrying the first aid kit, and some birds flew down on her.

"Show me the way."

Soon, Twilight, Spike and Fluttershy had come back to Smolder's home.

"What did I tell you? I knew they'd come back," Smolder told her father.

Grittler looked up to see Twilight and Spike back, and a yellow Pegasus with them.

"It's nice to see you two again. And who might you be?" he asked.

"I'm Fluttershy. They've told me about you and, oh my!" she gasped upon seeing Grittler's injured body. "You poor thing! I'd better not waste any more time!"

Fluttershy summoned her bird friends to help her. She set to work at once. Treating his bruises, covering his scratches. And as for his wing, Fluttershy found it difficult to bend it back upright, but with her animal friends' help, she was successful. Grittler winced in pain as Fluttershy tended to him, but he kept himself from jerking about. It wasn't that hard, since he didn't have a lot of strength inside him.

Soon, Grittler had bandages all over himself.

"Just don't attempt to fly or exhaust yourself for a few weeks, and you'll be as good as new, dragon sir," said Fluttershy, feeling tired, but proud of her efforts.

"Please, call me Grittler. And thank you, Fluttershy," he smiled.

And then he slowly stood up, and came up to Spike.

"Your parents would be very proud of you, Spike. I know that for a fact. You've lived your whole life with good ponies, made new friends in them, and my daughter as well," said Grittler feeling better. Then he added with a tone of guilt in his voice, "I hope you will forgive me someday."

Spike stared at him. Then, he held out an arm towards Grittler.

"I forgive you, Grittler," said Spike, as Grittler extended his arm back and shook hands with Spike. "And, thank you, too. You might not have saved my parents. But you saved me, even though I wasn't your child. You brought me to a wonderful home in Ponyville, and a really awesome life I've been experiencing so far!"

Grittler couldn't have felt more happy than to see his godson happy again.

"I might not have parents anymore. But I do have a family," he continued. "And it's you. All of you guys."

Twilight, Fluttershy and Smolder then embraced him in a group hug. Grittler watched from aside, feeling relief and joy. Spike then looked towards him, and gestured him to join in. Grittler hesitated, but then put his arms around everyone. They all stayed together for a minute, before releasing Spike again.

"Spike?" said Grittler. "When I get better, I promise, I'll come visit you in your home, and I would also love to check out your school, Twilight. Smolder here has told me how wonderful it's been."

Spike and Twilight simply beamed back at him. Flying away, with Fluttershy behind, they waved goodbye to Grittler and Smolder, and headed back home to Ponyville. Fluttershy bid Twilight and Spike farewell, and split up to head back to her own house.

It was late in the evening by the time Twilight and Spike reached their house and went inside. As they were getting ready for bed, Spike called.

"Twilight?"

"Yes, Spike?" she replied.

Spike didn't answer back. He just went up to her, and hugged her tightly.

"Thank you. For always being there for me. For looking after me. For being my family…" he whispered.

Twilight hugged Spike back.

"I love you, Twilight…"

"I love you too, Spike…" whispered Twilight back at him.

When they let go, they both got into bed and turned in for the night. Twilight soon fell asleep without trouble. But Spike was wide awake. He got up, and went over to a window, lifting up the blinds.

As he gazed at the night sky, with the moon raised high, he caught a glimpse of two very bright stars, next to each other over the moon. Spike's eyes watered and he whispered to the stars, "I love you, mom, and dad. I always will. And you'll always be family to me."

Writer's note: It's about time I took a step away from the focus of Shade Soul and his motivations. He'll still be prominently featured later on in this season, mind you. This story is one I've had a clear idea on for quite a while; Spike's origin. I know it's not official, but this here is my vision on his parents, as well as how he ended up in Canterlot, and Ponyville later on. And there's also an OC(Original character) I thought up in the form of Smolder's father, Grittler. The moral is that you should be grateful to be alive, and appreciate the good deeds from anyone, that benefits you. I'm sure there are other theories of Spike's origins out there, but this is just my take on it. Let me know what you think of it. More stories coming up soon.