In the month of November, Airborne was fully engrossed in Unity. It was noon with cloudy weather. A strange thing happened to Airborne as well. The Changeling-dragon was reading in Twilight's Castle. He was in the library section sitting on Spike's old giant pillow bed. Starlight Glimmer, a light purple unicorn with big curly, white and purple hair, was sitting next to Airborne in a chair to monitor him. Airborne read aloud, "'Read page 872 if you want to know your uncle."' He then skipped to page 872. He then read, "'Ask him about the secret.' Seriously?! Ugh. Wow, author."
Starlight asked, "What are you even reading?"
Airborne answered, "The book I got from Twilight. I'm on page 453."
Starlight then laughed a bit. "You seem to have taken a liking to Twilight, haven't you?"
Airborne blushed and growled, "No! I just... like reading. And learning."
Starlight asked, "What grade are you in, 5th?"
Airborne replied with, "7th actually and I am 10 times more ahead of my class."
Starlight then investigated his intelligence. She thought of something and for a moment and asked out loud, "Okaaaay smartypants. Who's stronger? Me or Twilight?"
"In terms of magical skill and spell casting, you," Airborne explained. He continued on. "Reason being was that I learned that even though she was an Alicorn, she lost to you in a magical fight. In terms of knowledge, that's indecisive. Who knows, moreover? Twilight."
Starlight was surprised. She then asked another question with confidence, "Uhh huhhhh. Thanks for the compliment. Now, answer me this. Why do dragons have magic if they don't have unicorn horns or any source of magical output?"
Airborne laughed. "Oh man! I love this question. Okay, so dragons have primordial powers of fire, water, earth, lightning, and air. There are also derivatives of those powers in mixed offspring. Humorously, they too have magic because that's their most substantial source of power. I'll give you an example." Airborne set his book to the side and then spoke, "U'Sarra Shide!" The floor then turned to ice. "'S' incantations are for mainly ice spells. 'D' is for gravity, and other letters have extraordinary influences like that." Starlight was in utter shock by her answer. She then looked at the floor stunned. "Desai," he added which made the floor turn back to normal. "That one's for the 'undo' spell."
Starlight couldn't believe it. A dragon doing magic is something she's never seen before. Twilight wandered into the room however using magic to hold up glasses of lemonade she made. She walked over to Airborne and handed him a cup with a straw. "Here you go," she said tenderly. She turned to Starlight and observed her facial expression. "What's wrong?"
Starlight spoke, "He... used incantation! He spoke words, and the floor was frozen in ice!"
Twilight said calmly, "You're missing out. Heh. I've been teaching him dragon incantations as much as he's taught me about new magic spells. You should indeed catch up some time." She turned away and sat next to Airborne. "What part are you on?"
Airborne answered Twilight, "The part where he explained to me of Spike's 'secret'. Hehe, I didn't even know he had a secret from me."
Twilight then asked, "Aren't you worried that maybe you're a bit too engrossed in a book?"
Starlight chuckled, "That's rich. You're informing him he's going too far into a book."
Twilight giggled, "Point taken, Star."
Airborne made a "mmmmmmm" sound thinking about it and spoke, "I think I'll be fine."
Twilight then decided to ask, "So, what more can you tell us about the book?"
Airborne said, "It enlightened me that the first Dragon forged the land, sky, sea, etc. and along with the first Alicorn and the First Changeling. Then many things were blessed with the land. Life itself was known, then more. Man, this book is fascinating."
Twilight questioned, "How do you know this book is 100% factual?"
Airborne said, "I don't know, really. I mean, I've learned incantations so maybe..."
Twilight shrugged. She then said, "That's alright if you don't know. We can find out with a spell."
Airborne said again, "Princess Twilight, I think the spells are good enough. There was no sense of dragon history like this in any book, but there was recorded history of the war in every history book. This one just has a personal story."
Twilight nodded in understanding. "I agree with that statement, but I do think we should all explore what went on in the past."
Starlight then said, "Well it's real to Airborne. It really has not lied to us... yet."
Airborne quickly said, "I don't think the book will lie."
Twilight said, "Well, I'm not saying it will lie, but I just want to know if everything in it is true. Can I analyze it?"
Airborne was afraid to hand the book to Twilight. "I'm sorry, but... I don't know if it'll hurt you or not."
Twilight then said, "Trust me. I'll be okay. If it shocks me, then I guess it means the book is now fully designated to you." Airborne hesitantly gave the book to Twilight. This time, it did not shock her. Twilight held it in her hooves and handed it to Starlight. "I understand. No one can just take the book from you. You must willingly give it. Starlight, revert the room around us back into an age of all the events that occurred in the book.
Starlight used her magic to reverse the time of the castle in a small done. In that dome, there was nothing but war ground around. They watched the past world in a dome that soon vanished. They did not time travel; what they did was just make the area around them have an image of the past without being in the past. What was happening in that time was a changeling-dragon walking over to the exact same location the group is at. He had the exact same form and shape as Airborne, except he was 10 feet tall. He also had golden horns, a white scales body on top, beautiful dragon-shaped changeling wings with the colors of purple and blue, and a yellow underbelly. What he did was wave a "hello" to the group. He spoke, "I know you all will see me someday. But for now, a map lies here for you to come to see me." He stopped speaking and went in between every one of them. He buried a map right underneath the group. He continued on saying, "Find me when the war starts. Princess Twilight, I believe you will be delighted to meet me. Airborne, you and I have a lot to discuss. Starlight, don't stop believing." Pretty soon, he walked away. "Make sure to stay united as one. You will do many great things, Airborne. Also, Happy Thanksgiving in your time."
Starlight stopped the spell reverting everything back to normal. She then was so shocked that her jaw was dropped and she stared into space in awe. Twilight then clapped her hooves on the ground and shouted, "That was amazing! I can't believe a past changeling-dragon spoke to us! And oh yeah. Airborne, we should get back to our families for Thanksgiving. I must see my brother and parents for the holiday again. You should see your family too."
Airborne then said, "But I've got to... read more."
Twilight said, "Airborne, I know how important it is to want to learn more about this, but doing this whole experiment today was enough knowledge for a lifetime. What you can do though is find the map that is under the castle and head home. Other than that, as your teacher, I want you to give me a friendship report on the importance of Thanksgiving."
Airborne sighed. "Oh, alright, Princess Twilight." He gave her a gentle hug. "Goodbye."
Twilight hugged back, "Goodbye, my faithful student." Airborne went to Starlight and said, "Happy Thanksgiving, Starlight, and goodbye!" He then flew out through the library window and went to the base of the castle. He then began digging. Starlight, however, still in the library couldn't believe what she saw still.
"Well..." Starlight started. "I guess I'll just... go to... see... Sunburst. Goodbye!" She ran out. Twilight shrugged and flew out the same window Airborne did. She then flew straight for her hot air balloon.
Airborne dug for a long time underneath the castle. It took a while, about an hour, but he finally got under the entire castle to grab the map. He went out the tunnel he came in and stood up. Opening up the map, it was dirty and old. "I found it!" he quietly exclaimed. He then flew away and towards Rarity's Carousel Boutique. Entering the shop, he looked around for Rarity. He saw her downstairs admiring her dresses. "Rarity, do you know where Spike is?"
Rarity looked up from one of her dresses and said, "Oh, Airborne. Yes, I do. He should be in the Everfree Forest as we speak. He said he had something to do."
Airborne said, "Thanks. Have a great day" as he left.
In the Everfree Forest, it was a large, dark, and seemingly evil forest that has many fallen trees but many tall trees too. It was grassy and showed no dirt on the ground. Airborne wandered into the forest and walked around. He was shouting Spike's name. "Spike! Spike you here? Uncle Spike! I need you to take me home!"
There was talking. Some words were heard. "Where will you live, Garble?" Other words were, "I will just wander." Airborne followed the voice silently. He listened to more talking. "But... But Garble, you-..." and an "I want to experience the open life of Equestria." There's more. "But without you, Airborne..." Silence struck... Airborne drew closer. He can hear clearly. "I would never want to leave the child open to another attack, but I can't be his guardian for the rest of his. He's stronger without me here." Airborne then stopped as he now saw Garble and Spike talking. Garble appeared to be hungry, thin, and frail. He also looked dirty, but he seemed... happy.
Garble spoke, "My decision is final... I'm never living with dragons until Airborne's accomplished whatever goal is in his destiny."
Spike then looked down sadly. "But it isn't just Airborne who wants you to stay. You're my friend. Will I be able to see you again?"
Garble smiled, "Of course you will. It's just going to be a while before... I'm... " Garble sniffed the air and looked in the direction of Airborne. "Aha! There's our little buddy."
Airborne wandered over. "So... you're leaving?"
Garble looked at Airborne sadly. "Yes. I'm sorry. You may have taught and changed me, but I'll find a place to go before I can come back to the dragons."
Airborne shouted, "No! You're not going anywhere."
Garble spoke softly, "But I-"
Airborne said, "You're coming over for Thanksgiving! You're family, now."
Garble couldn't fathom what to say but just look at the sky and the sun. He couldn't help but wonder why Airborne cares about him so much. All he could do was smile and say, "Sure. I'd love to."
Spike blushed at Airborne's outburst. "Why did you say that?"
Airborne asked, "Why are you red?"
The purple dragon concealed his face shouting, "I'm not red!" with embarrassment.
The changeling-dragon laughed. "Because he's family too. He's the only dragon bully who I helped save." Airborne walked to Garble, went behind him, and nudged him with his head to move forward. "Let's go! We're going home, Garble."
Garble fell forward a bit. "Gah! I'm going, I'm going!" he laughed a bit.
Spike just thought to himself, "Airborne... You don't want to know what I really think. I think you'll be upset with me." He looked down sadly. Airborne saw Spike feeling sad.
"Why are you sad? Garble's gonna stay!" asked Airborne.
Spike said, "It's... just that... well... I am happy Garble's staying for Thanksgiving but... I uhh... You won't understand."
Airborne said, "You won't know until you try."
Spike sighed, "No. Now's not the time. I'll tell you when I feel I'm ready."
Airborne then questioned Spike by making a confused expression. He looked at Garble asking, "Do you understand?" Garble shook his head saying no. "Hmm. Alright."
Soon, the 3 went to the Dragon Lord's rock and land outside of it. To the entrance of the rock, there was a large cave going inside. As they head inside, there were carvings of ancient dragon lords. Airborne saw them all except the first one. He then questioned, "Wait. Where's the first Dragon Lord's carving?"
Garble answered, "Huh? Wait. You mean from your book? Uhh... I don't know. Good question."
They all traveled through the cave into the dining room. Airborne's parents were there and they were speaking to each other and the servants. They soon turned their attention to Airborne and the other 2. Garble waved hi.
Ember then said, "Hello, sweetie. I see you brought Spike and Garble."
Garble then smiled, "Hi, I'm staying for Thanksgiving. Possibly... longer if you allow me to."
Thorax happily said to Garble, "You defended our son. Of course, you are welcome here."
Ember said, "I agree with my husband that you are indeed apart of the family already."
Garble looked around wondering what time it is. Spike saw a sundial that was on the ceiling saying it was 1:30 pm. The purple dragon said, "It's 1:30 and dinner will start at six."
Ember then asked, "Do you mind if you three go pick up some groceries? We need some more pumpkin pie and a large turkey from the farm."
Spike responded, "We'll get right on it. However, I think you should help Garble get his health back up. He's not eaten in a while."
Ember and Thorax then led Garble to the table and sat him down. They ordered appetizers for the red dragon. Spike and Airborne left the Dragon Lord's Rock and flew out towards Ponyville. There, they went to various shops. One of them was the Sugarcube Corner. It was a colossal bakery with lots of desserts and treats and pastries. Additionally, it had a display case where the cash register and order section are posted. It had stairs that led upstairs. A pink earth pony with a slightly darker pink mane. It was big, poofy, and curly. She then gasped saying, "I've never seen a special littl creature like you before, little dragon... changeling... fusion or hybrid! That's so cool! I'm going throw you a special party for that and it's gonna be amazing!" She was radiantly beaming with intense happiness.
Airborne felt overwhelmed by the profound sense of joy from the pony. He responded, "Wow. Thanks so much... Umm... What's your name?"
The earth pony responded with, "I'm Pinkie Pie! And I work here, sometimes throughout the week. At other times, I eat pastries, cake, anything sweet, and throw parties!"
Spike rubbed Airborne's head speaking to Pinkie, "This is my dear nephew, Airborne the sky demon."
Airborne gave a playful remark, "Hey! I may be an excellent flier, but I'd prefer speed demon!"
Spike then jokingly said, "Next to Rainbow Dash!"
The 2 dragons laughed.
The earth pony gasped again. She spoke to Spike, "You never showed me your nephew! This is him? Aww, ain't he just so adorable! You can just eat him right up like an absolutely delicious pound cake!"
Airborne blushed hard at the compliments. He looked elsewhere bashful. Spike continued on, "Heh. Remember when I was that adorable?"
Pinkie Pie then said, "Yeah but you were very, very small compared to now. And you constantly needed help made messes except when helping!"
Spike then got embarrassed. "Hey! I didn't make that many messes... I... just made few. That's all. Besides, I look after Airborne and so does Garble."
"Ooooh, you are such a good uncle, Spike," Pinkie said. "So, what can I get for you 2 today?"
Spike answered, "A few pumpkin pies, please."
Pinkie ruefully said, "Oooh... sorry. We ran out an hour ago."
Airborne asked in disappointment to the response, "Are you able to make some more?"
The earth pony shook her head no. "We don't have the ingredients either. How about apple pie? We had not run out of those!"
Airborne then pulled out his book and looked at the words of incantation. He scrolled through for anything about conjuration. Spike asked, "What are you doing there kiddo?"
Airborne said, "Just looking for a conjuration spell that will help us make a cake with magic." He continued searching and searching inside the book of Unity until he came across a spell. "I found it! But it's risky. I'd prefer not to use this one. Dang, it. Looks like we are all out of ideas."
Pinkie Pie then said, "Hey! Why not ask Starlight Glimmer to use her magical powers to conjure up the pie that you need?"
Airborne nodded in agreement but Spike said, "Actually... ummm... Let's not use magic for this one. I'd prefer if nothing went wrong on this day."
Pinkie Pie said, "Alright. Do you want anything else?"
Spike said, "No thank you, Pinkie. We will be leaving now."
Pinkie said bye, and the dragons left the store. Airborne looked up at Spike. He wondered what was his secret. He thought in his head, "What is it that he doesn't want to tell me? I really wanna know. Did he do something bad? Did he hurt someone? I've got to know... or... maybe he will tell me on his own. I wish I could see the future as the author of my book. I wonder what the author's name was, though... Hmm... " Spike looked at Airborne. Spike just stared at Airborne as they walked around Ponyville. Airborne spoke out loud. "Well if there aren't any more pumpkin pies left, should we head to the farm to get a turkey?"
Spike answered, "Sure, might as well." The two dragons flew off to the farm that was outside Ponyville. It was large, had so many acres, and looked to have a big red barn as well. It had spots for certain animals like a chicken coop, a pigs' den and other things. The acres of land were entirely filled with apple trees. A bright orange pony with a blond mane and tail was kicking trees. Her cutie mark had three apples on it. Once she noticed Spike, she came over.
"Spike, how are you doing there, fella?" she asked.
"Apple Jack!" Spike called her. "I was wondering if you had any turkeys left for sale."
Applejack gave a disappointed remark. "Oh, I'm sorry, sugar cube. We just sold our last turkey to a family already."
Airborne grew upset. "No pies, no turkey? Ugh. Worst Thanksgiving. Now there's nothing that we can call a 'Thanksgiving feast."'
"I'm sorry, little billy," Apple Jack started, "but that's no way to pout on this holiday."
Airborne said, "Well... what's the point of Thanksgiving without the proper food for it?"
Spike then held his hand over Airborne's mouth. "Please excuse my nephew. He's not really knowledgeable about the holiday spirit."
Airborne said, "Yes I do. It's where you sit around and eat food all day and just hang out with family for a short while."
Apple Jack immediately and sternly said, "No. That is not the truth of Thanksgiving. It's where you celebrate for what you're thankful for with your family."
Airborne said, "What? That's preposterous... uhhh is it?"
Apple Jack said, "Of course it isn't preposterous. Don't you want your family to be there?"
Airborne timidly said, "Well... yes but-"
Apple Jack interrupted saying, "Well listen here, little boy. Family itself is so important. Without it, you'd have a cold, cruel, and broken heart with much bitterness. You need need to realize that family for Thanksgiving means to bond, them. Food or not, it's a special holiday regardless."
Airborne was shocked by her gesture. He grew nervous. Spike then picked up Airborne hugging him. "Apple Jack, Airborne may be 11 but he does have a lot to learn about the entire world than he already knows."
Apple Jack said, "Of course he does, Spike." She then looked at Airborne. "I'm sorry for being so rude, Airborne. But I think you need to understand the true meaning of this holiday."
Airborne said, "I... think I agree too. No one's ever told me that before, not like how you did at least. Thank you."
"Any time," the pony returned. "Now. Off you both go! You should get back to your families."
The dragons said their goodbyes and flew back home. On the journey home, Airborne flew out of Spike's arms and in the air. Airborne thought about the words Applejack said and then spoke, "Do you know her?"
Spike said, "Yeah. I know many ponies. Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Twilight Sparkle especially, Starlight Glimmer, Pinkie Pie, Princesses Celestia and Luna, Princess Cadence, Fluttershy, and a few more I can't think of right now. I know many ponies and a few dragons and only two changelings. I think... I think you're gonna like every last one of them once you've met them all someday."
Airborne stayed quiet for a moment and thought to himself. He couldn't help but think, "Is this what I'm missing? I have not had friendships with everyone and am absolutely lost in friendship. Turns out there's more to it than I thought. Man. I do have a lot to learn... but... Thanksgiving? The meaning is family? I naively thought it was about being thankful for..." Airborne looked at Spike and then stopped just hovering. Spike quickly stopped flying forward and he turned around hovering in the air. Airborne spoke out loud, "Wait. Uncle, I want to state something."
Spike was nervous, but he asked, "What is it?"
Airborne said, "What... does it mean being a member of a family?"
Spike then flew closer. He then pulled Airborne's left claw and flew him to Dragon's Canyon. "I'll show you."
Once they've reached Dragon's Canyon, they flew overhead seeing changelings in their Changeling area converging. The changeling side of Dragon's Canyon consisted of fresh, lively plants that were scattered everywhere. Because the canyon was so vast, it had such gigantic structures and places within the changeling hive. The buildings kept changing, opening and shaping and moving. The ground was thoroughly grass, the buildings were scattered so there were open spaces to fly around, and there were many warning and comforting areas. The metamorphosed changelings formed a unity circle around the whole area. Airborne and Spike flew down to be a part of it. The changeling-dragon sat in between 2 changelings and asked, "So. What are we doing right here?"
Some changelings just looked at Airborne in disgust. Others moved away from him. Spike, however, sat next to Airborne in love and empathy. He wrapped a wing around him. The other changelings bluntly refused to reform the circle. One of them stepped forth and asked, "Eugh. Why is the abomination here?"
Some of the changelings just whispered about Airborne. They were loud whispers, but hurtful ones too. Airborne got the message that he wasn't wanted. However, an unmetamorphosed changeling came up and said, "Hey! Quit picking on my nephew." It was Pharynx.
A random changeling added, "How can you defend him? He's hideous."
Pharynx said, "And you will be too if you don't back off! I'll make you look even uglier than anything you've ever seen!" Pharynx transformed into a giant Ursa Minor and begin roaring, allegedly punching and kicking around. The metamorphosed changelings ran away and scattered screaming in fear. Pharynx transformed back to normal and asked Airborne while going to him, "Are you alright, nephew?"
Airborne nodded yes. "Thanks for coming."
Spike said, "Oh yeah, I forgot. You're Thorax's brother! Thanks for coming."
Pharynx grew angry at Spike. He growled at him before speaking. "Why did you let your nephew suffer like that? You're an idiot!"
Airborne looked up at Spike and then at Pharynx. "Actually... he isn't stupid."
Spike and Pharynx said, "What?" at the same time.
Airborne continued on. "Family... cares for you in a way no one else does. They pick you up and stand for you." Airborne walked to Pharynx giving him a loving hug, but the changeling didn't like it. He only tolerated it. He did however not make an enraged face of the hug. Airborne let go. "And... you care for me enough to protect me no matter what the others might have done or thought of you."
"Well, I couldn't just sit by and watch them hurt you. You're too important to me, nephew," replied Pharynx.
Spike then said, "I brought him down here to actually experience life with his own kind. I thought that since the changelings were nice, they'd accept straight away. Now I truly understand that both races Airborne was born with don't want him."
Pharynx said, "Yeah. It's sad. But, enough of that. I'm famished!" Spike and Airborne looked at Pharynx in a disappointed expression. "Too soon? Heh..." said the changeling.
Airborne and Spike chuckled, then all 3 flew to the Dragon Lord's rock and went inside. They went inside to the dining room where Thorax was the only one inside deciding how the silverware and plates should be arranged. He then looked up from the table and then said, "Oh hey you guys. Wait. Where's the food?"
Spike then answered, "Sorry, Thorax but we tried to get the pies and the turkey and Ponyville was all out."
Thorax said, "Ah, that's okay. We can celebrate without those and have substitutes instead of them."
Airborne went to Thorax and just looked up at him. He then said, "Want to know what I'm thankful for?"
"And what is that?" asked Thorax.
Airborne responded happily, "I'm glad I have you, mommy, Garble, Spike, and everyone else who is in my life. I love all of you guys so much."
Thorax smiled at the revelation. He gave Airborne a hug saying, "And I love you, too." The 2 just hugged for a brief moment before Spike and Airborne went to Airborne's room.
Pharynx went to Thorax and said, "I'm glad to be here. It's nice being here with my family."
Thorax said with a smug tone, "And here I thought you didn't care about anything and you didn't want to love but feed on it."
Pharynx responded with an aggressive attitude, "I really don't... have no feelings. I have low feelings. But... It's enough to care in some small manner. I just... wanted to say that... You... mean a lot to me."
Thorax nudged Pharynx with love. "Thanks," he said. "You being here means a lot to me."
It was currently 4 o clock and Airborne was perusing his book some more in his bedroom and Spike was there. The 2 were sitting on the floor. The changeling-dragon He read, "'Destiny... Friendship is the key to your life. You just have one more thing to learn about Thanksgiving. This is the day that all 4 of the kingdoms that were united celebrated for the first time together. That's how they got the name of "Thanksgiving." If you want to learn the entire history, read page 602."' Airborne then closed his book and read to Spike, "I'm really loving this book, Spike."
Spike then smiled at Airborne laughing. "You're just... loving that book. How do you keep reading it?"
Airborne said, "I don't know! Oh hey, I just realized. I still can't use my dragon or changeling powers."
Spike said, "Oh. Do you want to learn how to breathe fire? I could do it before your age. Maybe you can do it now!"
Airborne then sighed. He then said, "I'm probably not going to do well."
"Come on, all you've got to do is try it," Spike said enthusiastically. "I guarantee you'll be able to do it."
Airborne then decided to try it after a few seconds of hesitation. He then breathed hard into the air but nothing came out. "Aww..." He sadly said.
"Keep trying. You'll get it!" Spike encouraged.
Airborne did so once again, trying to breathe flames. He then did so angrily, but still, nothing came out. He tried over and over again with more of Spike's encouragement. However, nothing worked. Airborne stopped trying a few minutes later and sadly sat down.
Spike said, "Well hey. If you can't breathe flames, it's okay. We can keep trying some other time. I'm sure you are bound to get it sooner or later."
Airborne lovingly said, "Thanks, uncle. That means a lot." He gave a slight smile and looked down sadly.
Spike then crawled over to Airborne on all 4's and sat next to him. He then patted the child's back. "Look at this." Spike slowly breathed in and then intensely breathed out flames into the wall. The wall was made of rock so it could not be ignited. "See? You need to breathe with fury."
Airborne then did so, but a puff of smoke breathed out. "I... I did it! Well, a bit. I tried and it possibly worked! My first dragon power besides incantation!"
Spike said, "That's great! I'm so proud of you." he hugged Airborne with a wing and then nuzzled him. Airborne nuzzled back. "So, you hungry? I think that you should have a light snack. Thanksgiving dinner won't be ready for another."
"I don't wanna. I wanna keep trying to use my powers," exclaimed Airborne.
Spike nodded. "Alright. Welp, cya later. I'm gonna go get a snack." he then stood up and walked away.
Airborne was alone in the bedroom room now. He just read his book some more... until Pharynx came into the room. He looked at Airborne and said, "Hey! Stand up." Airborne did so, standing, looking at the changeling. "Do you want to learn how to be a changeling now? I'm going to teach you!"
Airborne said, "Sure. But... I don't know how to transform. I just started learning how to use my fire breath. It's just a puff of smoke, but soon I'll be able to breathe awesome and large flames!"
The changeling stepped closer to Airborne and spoke. He sounded stern. "You are not ever going to get to be a changeling if you don't know how to transform. All changelings transform. You being unable to means that you have not acquired the status of changeling, but only the looks."
Airborne sighed, "I know... I know..." He looked down a bit upset not. "I'm sorry... I'm exhausted now, but I'll make you proud. I promise."
Pharynx looked around and then gave him a slight hug. "Don't ever tell anyone I did this. And... I love you. Don't ever tell anyone I said that." He let go. "You can do it. I don't care what anyone says. Changeling or not, you have amazing potential for greatness and I will never let you fall."
Airborne said, "But what if I fail?"
Pharynx said, "You won't. You will never allow yourself to be a failure. Failures quit, and you won't."
The child said, "I don't want to..."
Pharynx then looked at him sympathetically. "You won't, and you're better than even me."
The changeling-dragon looked back up at Pharynx. "Really?" he asked.
"Indeed," said Pharynx. "You're much more capable than I am. I don't know what you're better at, but you are very special if you're a hybrid of the dragon lord and the changeling king. Maybe... you've got special power? I don't know. But I do love you, nephew."
"I love you too," Airborne replied. He then adjusted his feet and then began thinking to himself. "If only... I can do this."
Pharynx then places his hand over Airborne's neck and stroked it gently. "Do it." He stepped back. "Picture yourself transforming into something you want. Try transforming into me."
Airborne then growled and tried to transform. He failed however and sighed sadly. "I... I failed."
Pharynx said, "Do it again."
Airborne tried once more, but he actually failed. Growling, he said, "It won't work. I know it! I'm just... not a changeling."
Pharynx raised a brow in confusion. He then walked closer to Airborne. You don't believe in yourself. Why?"
Airborne said, "Because I may be a changeling-dragon... but... I have not shown much of the changeling part of me. I just... can't do it."
Pharynx then pushed Airborne. "Loser. I shouldn't have believed in you."
Airborne fell and narrowly looked ar Pharynx in sadness. "Really?" he said with a heartbroken tone. "But I thought-"
Pharynx interrupted saying, "Shut up! You're pathetic. I'm done with you. I should have never trusted in a failure like you."
Airborne growled and began crying. "Jerk! I'll show you!" He then shouted, "I'll show you!" The changeling-dragon then transformed into a timber wolf. It was a large wolf made out of wooden logs and tree trunks, branches, leaves, and other plants. He then growled at Pharynx.
Pharynx said, "Well well well. That should make the bullies stop trying to harm you."
Airborne then shouted at Pharynx, "I've had enough to deal with besides the dragon bullies and my 2 races hating on me! I'm sick of it! And you turned against me. You of all creatures! I'm so mad at you! Quit bullying me and get a life!" He stomped his foot in the last word.
The changeling then clapped his feet. "Nice one," he started. "But save it for the real bullies. Your training is over with."
Airborne looked and examined himself. Examining the changes of his body, he shouted cheerfully, "I did it! I transformed into a timber wolf! I am a genuine changeling after all." The changeling-dragon turned back to normal.
Pharynx said, "Welp, family is all that matters on Thanksgiving, is it? Glad I could help too. Now if you need me, I'll be helping your parents in the prepping." He walked away leaving Airborne in the room alone.
Airborne just decided to climb into bed and nap. When he woke up, it was 6:00. However, he woke up due to Spike getting him up. He climbed out of bed standing next to Spike. He looked up at him. "Can you carry me on your back?"
Spike said, "Sure" happily and picked him up.
He set Airborne on his back and then ran out of the room. The 2 made playful airplane noises as they went towards the dining room. Laughing as they played, they entered the dining room. Airborne jumped down and flew toward a chair and sat in it. Everyone was there. Thorax, Spike, Garble, Pharynx, Ember, Airborne, and someone else. Ember's father, the previous Dragon Lord, Torch. They all were sitting at the table. Torch was shrunk down to standard height by Ember to fit inside the room. He saw Airborne saying, "My astonishing grandson." He looked around the room with a heartwarming smiled. "Ahhhhhh, I'm so delighted I am here. Thanksgiving will be as great as they were in the past. Just all of us family here."
Airborne said, "I can transform!"
Spike said, "You can? Really? We can we see?"
Airborne tried to transform and he did! He became Spike. "See?" He then transformed back to normal.
Everyone in the room clapped at the performance. Torch said, "And my grandson finally is presently able to wield his powers. Even more glorious."
Airborne said to his parents, "Hey mom. Dad. Can we all remark what we are thankful for first?"
The parents nodded their head saying yes to the request. Everyone spoke about what they were thankful for. Airborne rehearsed his thankful speech earlier but elaborated it even further. He was grateful he learned of his powers, he excelled in school further than other kids, and he was happy with everyone in his family. He spoke more as to how the year has been harder than before, but he has grown more. Even so, he's been thankful for everything that's happened to him to sway him where he is. Everyone appreciated the kind gestures and warm remarks, and everyone said their Thanksgiving speeches. Once that finished, everyone ate the Thanksgiving feast that was served.