Author's Note

I deleted this chapter to update. I added the trial. It was cut content Think of it as cut content that is now official. Al

Spike's funeral would happen soon. But there was also the matter of a trial for Beezen.

He was to face trial for his crimes. It wasn't private. Many were present. Mainly those that knew or heard of Spike.

Twilight was the judge. "Beezen, your crimes include, kidnappings Spike, torturing him, enslavement and the brainwashing of children and using the DNA of me and my friends that you stole for your spells. How do you plead"?

His green face looked like it would turn red with anger. "What's the point of this trial. You already made up your mind".

Twilight didn't deny it. "Perhaps. But we still need to discuss somethings".

"Like what"?

"You took Spike from not only me, but many. Did you ever once feel guilty for what you did"?

Beezen huffed. "Is this your plan to make it up to Spike. He's dead, he won't be coming back, no matter what you do to me".

He turned to the others. "I plead guilty to the crimes I'm accused off and I don't regret it. But let's get something straight. I admit to his children, I manipulated things to make them look worse that they were". He turned to Twilight. "But this is true. He was simply a clown to you and your friends antics. I admit you didn't treat him horribly, but there were times his suffering, trivial or not could have been addressed. It could have taken only one discussion. But you never did when you had the chance and now you have the nerve to be angry at me for taking it away. Guess what. I regret nothing, except that I was unsuccessful in my plans. As for the children, they are fools to think you'll treat them better".

As he finished, he looked at Twilight who looked like she could melt the son with her eyes.

"You're right Beezen about some of what you said. There are times I could have put my hoof down. But Spike meant a lot to me. You can guilt me all you want, it won't change what I already regret. But know that me and my friends will protect our children. Although I never had the chance to make it up to Spike, I can protect his son, my son. Glint is something of Spike that I will always have and that I will always protect.

Applejack joined in. "Same here. If anyone tries to harm my boy. Know that me and ma family will make them regret ever thinking it".

Rarity was next to speak. "In a weird way, you gave us a gift. Something that will always let us have a part of Spikey. We do have regrets, but we've been told he forgave us long ago. That was his decision and it's something that I hope we can offer you someday".

Plenty were gathered for Spike's funeral. Not only his family and friends. Some leaders such as Ember and Thorax were present. They never met Spike, but felt he would have been a great friend. Others included the dragon, Smolder who heard many tales of Spike and would liked to have met him. Nearly all the residents of Ponyville also made their presence known. Owlicious also missed Spike and was present and so was Peewee. It took a lot of burying, given Spike's size.

Twilight was currently addressing a huge crowd. "We are all gathered today to moan the loss of someone really special. Someone special to me. To my friends. To my family. To Ponyville. Spike has always been there for me. Always there when I needed him, loyal assistant or friend. Always there for Ponyville. Always happy to help us. It was Spike who made me what I am. It is thanks to him that I became a student to Celestia. And it was through her I found Ponyville and met my friends. And it was all possible, because of him. I regret that I never got to spend much time before he was taken. He missed my birthday in Canterlot and sadly that would not be the last one he would miss. I miss his sarcasm. I miss his loyalty. I miss his help. He was not only my best friend; he was my brother. I love him drearily and will always miss him". Twilight walked away, trying to keep her composure.

Next to speak was Rarity. "Spike had always been there to help me when I needed him. He was a very special dragon. If I had known he was taken, I would never have given up on looking for him. None us us would. But not all is lost. I have Ruby, something that me that's shared between me and Spike. Twilight has Glint. Applejack has Burning Apple. Rainbow has Bleu. Fluttershy has Chase. And Pinkie has Flaming Pie. Something of his that we got to remember him. He was a dear friend who we will all miss dearly, especially myself and I regret that I will never see him again. Unlike Twilight, Rarity cried as she finished.

Candence was next. "The Crystal Empire moans the loss of a great hero. It was Spike who helped liberate my kingdom from King Sombra. It was Spike who saved our lives with his ice breath. Spike did make mistakes, but we all have. I regret that I forgot to invite him. That I made my hero, our hero feel left out. Even knowing he would forgive me, a part of me will have to live with that guilt for a very long time. I regret that my daughter never got to know the dragon who saved us. Although I said it before, I will say it again. "Spike, please forgive me".

Celestia took her place as she walked away. She sighed. "Before I gave Spike to Twilight, I briefly raised him. During that time I considered him a son. It was me who found his egg. Because of my duties, I gave him to Twilight who I knew would be an excellent replacement. Sadly, the relationship we had as mother and son came to an end. I had Twilight keep me informed but sadly I never did much else. It was only after he went missing, that I realized that I had plenty of chances to repair our bond, only when it was too late. I made many mistakes throughout my life and this is one that will haunt me dearly. Spike know that despite everything that happened, you are my son. I love you". She went back to Luna who tried to comfort her older sister.

It was difficult for the small dragons to speak, so Glint volunteered to speak. "To many, they have the greatest father in the world. One they would never trade. And me and my siblings feel the same. Our father protected us, he raised us. Always made sure we were fed. Always made sure we were in great health. Always made sure we looked after each other. Our father always had nice things to say about Ponyville". Glint coughed before continuing. "It was him who gave our life to save us. I know it's not my fault. He died protecting me and the others. He risked his life for those he cared about over and over. And although I regret that he is no longer with us, he loved us. We loved him. He was a great dragon, a great friend and might I say, a great father". Twilight rushed to comfort Glint who was in tears, his siblings also came to comfort him.

Although not the biggest grave stone, it had 4 words to describe Spike. 'Dragon, Hero, Friend, Father'. A mournful tune was played as they all closed their eyes with their heads down.

When the funeral finished, crowns started to disperse. The 6 dragons stayed at the gravestone. Ember went to give them her condolences. "I'm sorry for your loss. I never knew your father, but I would have liked to".

Glint nodded. "Thanks, Dragon Lord Ember".

Ember smiled kindly. "Just Ember for you six. If you ever want to visit the Dragon Lands, know that you are all welcome there".

They nodded. Flaming gave a small smile. "Thank you".

As the others walked away from the grave, Burns didn't. He wanted another minute.

"Ya alright"?

He turned to his mother. "Yeah, but it's hard".

Applejack nodded. "I know what it's like to lose parents. I cried when they passed on and I cried when Granny passed on. This scarf I wear belonged to your great granny. It's hard to move on, and we never will fully. But you can rely on those that care about you to help you through it".

Burns hugged her hoof. "Thank ya". She smiled and returned the hug.

Burns went to join the others. "What do we do now"?

They took a few seconds to respond to Burns' question.

Flaming jumped up and down to get their attention, it worked. "We could try the School of Friendship. Mummy said we can meet new faces, make new friends".

They thought this over.

Glint nodded. "I always did want to give school a try".

Then Bleu. "Sure".

Then Ruby. "We should give it a try".

Then Chase. "Why not".

Then Burns. "Could be fun".

The mane 6 were delighted to hear this.

Twilight and Glint. Rarity and Ruby. Applejack and Burning Apple. Fluttershy and Chase. Rainbow Dash and Bleu. Pinkie Pie and Flaming Pie. It would always be difficult to be without Spike. But they had each other and although it would take time. They would get use to the rolls of pony mothers, each with their own dragon children. And others in their pony families would happily have them as one of their own. Celestia would happily treat them as if they were her own grandchildren. Candence and Shining would often invite, not only his nephew Glint, but his siblings too. As for the likes of Beezen, he would be imprisoned for a very time.

Author's Note

I apologise about the last chapter. I admit it was rushed.