S2 E21 everypony! Hurricane Fluttershy is up next!
On one important day in Equestria the Mane 7 minus Fluttershy were hanging out in a ditch wearing camouflage, Malibu feeling excited for what was about to come; for the Dragon Migration was near at hand.
They had tried to convince Fluttershy to join them but she said she wouldn't, racing out of her house. They let her be, returning back to their hiding spot.
Malibu sat next to Rainbow, using magic to hold his binoculars, trying to spot the dragons. "No dragons so far…" He muttered. Twilight nodded. "Same with me."
"Yup," Applejack said.
"Me neither neither," Pinkie squeaked, holding her binoculars backwards. "Shoot. You don't think we missed them, do you?" Rainbow asked in worry. Twilight shook her head.
"No, I don't think so. We're just a little early, and I'm glad we are. This way, we can watch every moment of the migration without bringing unwanted attention to ourselves," She informed, until the gang heard the voice of Rarity.
Malibu looked around to see her dressed in a usual fancy outfit. "Yoo hoo! Well?" Confetti came out of nowhere, making them all cringe up in fright, looking about for any dragons. "Am I the toast of the trench or what?"
Applejack rolled her eyes. "You'll be toast, alright, when the dragons see you parading around in that get up!" She hissed. Malibu nodded. "I'd rather not have my mane singed, if you please," He said in a slightly nerved voice.
Twilight had the party stuff disappear. "You look very nice, Rarity. But could you maybe look nice down in the trench with us?"
Pinkie suddenly pointed to the sky. "Ahoy maties! Dragons ho!" The 6 friends all turned to the air; seeing multiple dragons soaring above on their migration. Malibu's eyes rounded in awe, having never seen so many dragons together before. This was definitely an experience.
One dragon did a loop the loop pretty close, Twilight smiling at it. "Wow, amazing!" Malibu looked to his marefriend Rainbow as she blew a raspberry. "Pretty lame move. Is that all he got?"
Another dragon was bumped into, making him roar and spew fire at the gang who quickly ducked, Malibu feeling the warm flames slightly singe him. So much for not being singed.
Applejack smirked. "What do ya think of that 'move', Rainbow Dash? Still think they're lame?"
Rainbow trembled, looking more ashened than Malibu was. "Uh, not so much. The word 'fierce' comes to mind."
Rarity fluttered her eyes. "And 'formidable'."
Malibu swallowed. "Rather strong too," He complimented, observing their tight muscled arms. Pinkie Pie was trembling, hugging herself. "And… super duper scary!" She whimpered in a hushed voice.
"Yeah. Us dragons are definitely a force to be reckoned with," the voice of Spike declared. Malibu turned to see Spike giving them snacks while wearing a pink apron. His ears lowered. Spike wasn't exactly a strong or big dragon.
Rainbow began to giggle. "Yeah right, Spike. That's one of the scariest aprons I've ever seen!" She chortled. Malibu was somewhat startled of his marefriend even saying this, but had to agree. That apron didn't quite look masculine.
Her words made Applejack and Pinkie laugh alongside her, Spike looking surprised. "What's wrong with wearing an apron? You won't be laughing when you spill blueberries all over your scales—." He corrected himself. "Feathers. That's one tough stain!"
Dash kept on laughing. "One tough stain against one lame dragon!" Malibu turned, his eyes glaring. "Rainbow, stop teasing him! You should be lucky we have even one dragon as a friend!" He said.
Rarity nods. "Malibu's right! Spike's style is unique! He doesn't have to look like other dragons!"
Twilight nodded. "Or act like them." Rarity suddenly gave Spike a hug. "My little Spikey-wikey is perfect the way he is!" All of those words hit a home run on Spike, who backed away.
"I don't act like other dragons?" He whispered, looking ashamed. Malibu felt like he needed to say something. "Uh, not really, sorry." He said.
Applejack smiled at him. "But why would you want to, Spike?" She asked.
Rarity spoke again. "Yes. You've got something those dreadfully fierce dragons can only dream of."
Spike perked up a little. "What's that?" Rarity squeezed his cheeks once more. "Your cutest little chubby cheeks!" She cooed, making Spike pull away from her.
"Cute?! Dragons aren't supposed to be cute! Right?"
Before Malibu could say anything else to defend him, Rarity had to speak again. "Oh, sweetie, you are turning a delightful shade of red, it is most becoming!"
That was enough for the baby dragon who stomped away after letting out a growl, tossing his apron off, Malibu raised his hoof. "Spike, wait," He called but Spike just ignored him.
"Oh, isn't he adorable when he waddles off in anger?" Rarity asked, a smile still on her face.
"Waddle?! Rrrrggggh!" Roared Spike from afar, Malibu turning back to glare in disappointment. "What was all that? You didn't need to tease him in that way!" He snapped. The other 5 looked at one another from his words, now looking guilty.
Twilight stood up. "C'mon, Malibu. Let's make sure he's ok," She said, the teal alicorn nodding, Rainbow Dash now wishing she could apologize to Spike.
….
At the library Malibu had offered to sleep over to ensure Spike wasn't being stressed from earlier. Spike though kept on asking questions all night.
"What am I? Where am I from? Who am I supposed to be?" Malibu tossed in his bed, wishing he would sleep as Twilight groaned, sitting up. "I don't know! For the last time, Spike, you were given to me as an egg. I don't know who found you or where they found you."
Malibu felt sadness in his heart when seeing Spike glaring. "Seriously? That's all you know?" He snapped.
"Calm down, Spike. They didn't really mean what they said back there. I gave them a talking to," Malibu assured but Spike still wasn't convinced. "That doesn't tell me anything about who I am!" He went to look into a mirror, eyes moistening with tears. "I need answers! I feel like I'm… looking at a complete stranger!"
He collapsed on the floor, hugging himself tightly. Malibu tentatively went over, giving his own hug. "It's alright. It really is," The former gargoyle said. Twilight nodded. "Yes. Why don't we do some late night research? See what we can find out!"
Spike perked up, smiling. "Really?" Malibu nodded too. "Yeah. There must be a book of dragons here somewhere!"
Several hours later…
All the books now were piled up on the floor by 6:00 in the morning. Malibu yawned heavily, tossing one aside after finding nothing. "Nothing. Nothing in this one either," Twilight mumbled sleepily.
Spike threw a book in his anger. "Nothing at all about dragons? This is getting ridiculous!" He heated, tears in his eyes.
Malibu himself was confused. "How come, Twilight? There seriously should at least be one," he pestered to her. Twilight shook her head. "I know. It is hard to believe, but ponies here know next to nothing about dragons. Apparently they're too rare and too scary to try to talk to or study."
That somewhat angered him. For real? Ponies, not even his mom were willing to be brave to speak to a dragon about their culture? This was definitely something to bring up to her later. Spike sniffled. "I wonder if dragons… cry…" he whimpered.
Twilight's ears were lowered, handing a handkerchief. "Oh, Spike," She soothed, but Spike wiped his eyes by himself. "It's ok, guys. I'm gonna discover who I am, if it is the last thing I do!" He stated in determination.
The door was suddenly knocked on, making them jump only for it to be Rarity and Rainbow. "Hey, guys!" Called Rainbow Dash, Spike yelping and hiding. Malibu didn't like that he had to hide from his friends. "Hi, Rainbow," he replied in a tired way.
The cyan blue pegasus noticed that. "Whoa, what happened to you? What's with all the books?" Malibu shrugged. "Just trying to find something about dragons," He mumbled.
"Oh. Do you want to join us for breakfast?" Dash asked. Hearing the word breakfast cheered him up a little. "For sure. Could use some oat pancakes," Malibu agreed.
Spike shook his head, reappearing. "Count me out. I've gotta get an early start!"
Rarity tilted her brow. "An early start?" The baby dragon nodded. "Yes! I'm going on a quest of self discovery! I need to learn what it means to be a dragon! And the only way I'm gonna do that is… to join the dragon migration!"
It really hit the four ponies hard from that, staring in disbelief. Malibu couldn't believe Spike wanted to do it at all! "WHAT?!" They all cried out.
"Spike… but then that means, you have… to leave us," Malibu said, his voice feeling like it was breaking apart. Rainbow nodded. "He's right! And we know you're a dragon, but those dragons mean business! They're big and tough and scary…"
Spike glared. "And I'm small and meek, and I like to wear aprons. You see? This is exactly why I need to spend time with them!" Malibu took a hold of Spike's shoulders.
"I just don't want you to get hurt, Spike," He pleaded, feeling his brotherly and gargoyle instincts arise from the shadows of Thailog's control to protect the one he started to see as a brother.
Spike pushed his hooves away. "I know you want to protect me but, this is something only for me to do. I made up my mind," He argued back, slinging his sack of items on a stick on his shoulder.
Rarity began to panic. "Oh, uh, quick! Do something! Stop him before it is too late!" Rainbow instantly flew to grab the sack, pulling hard. Spike tugged on the stick end. "Hey, give it back!" He snapped.
Twilight appeared before them. "Hold it!" She used her magic to separate the two in an impressive spell Malibu knew he had to learn, Spike and Dash both yelping out from the effects. She smiled at him, handing Spike back his travel sack.
Spike's eyes grew watery again. "Really?" Twilight had a hoof on her chest, nodding.
Rainbow didn't like this. "Don't tell me you think he should go?" Malibu agreed. "I don't want to have him forget the home he was raised in," He said.
Twilight continued to talk to Spike. "Yes, Spike. I couldn't answer your questions. My books couldn't either. I understand why you want to look elsewhere. I truly believe you need to go on this quest. And we have no right to stop you," She said, glaring at Rainbow, Rarity and Malibu whose ears were flat.
"I suppose not," Rarity sighed.
Rainbow grinned awkwardly. "I still say you're nutty, but hey, I've done lots of nutty things."
Malibu rolled his eyes playfully, nudging her. "Yeah, we know," He laughed, causing his marefriend to blush crimson.
Twilight gave Spike a hug. "Well then, I guess this is goodbye, Spike. We can't wait to hear about it, when you return." Spike nodded, Malibu watching him with tears in his eyes now.
"Yeah. We hope your trip—." Rainbow started
"Quest." Twilight corrected her.
"—your quest answers some of your pesky 'who am I' questions." Malibu however, still doubted Spike being safe out there since he never hung out with dragons or in dragon themed environments at all.
Spike bowed. "Thanks, everypony. I know it will." He then set off on his journey, leaving Ponyville.
They all waved him off, until Malibu came with a decision. "Guys, I-I can't let Spike do this alone. I have to follow him," He said in a stressed way.
The other three were startled from his notion. "Are you sure? I don't want those tougher dragons to hurt you!" Rarity gasped. Malibu nodded. "I have a spell that can help me blend in with the dragons that my mom taught me. Only an alicorn can do it."
Twilight at first didn't know if she wanted him to go, but then agreed. "Alright. But please be safe." She said to him with a smile.
Malibu grinned back at her. "You guys will have to remain here, since dragon lands could be dangerous for you." Rainbow narrowed her eyes. "Mal, you're looking at the one who can do a sonic rainboom! I can come!" She snapped. Malibu shook his head instantly.
"No! You're my special somepony. And if any of those dragons burnt you up or ate you, I'd never forgive myself!" He growled, making her lower her ears, before falling silent, agreeing.
Soon it was now time for him to do his spell. Malibu took a deep breath, igniting his horn. The spell lights swerved around his body, which made him feel tingly, soon having his pony parts begin to change.
When the spell was done, he landed back on the ground, Twilight, Dash and Rarity all gasping when seeing Malibu's form now changed into a dragon. He almost looked like his gargoyle self this way but with scales instead of skin, and no hair.
"I will come back, with Spike in one piece. I promise you all," Malibu vowed. Rainbow however came up once more, giving him a small kiss. "Be safe," She pleaded, not acting so tomboyish as usual. He smiled, rubbing his cheek, nodding one last time, before raising his wings and taking off.
…..
Malibu followed Spike's scent, tracking where he was following the migration as well as tracking where the trail was going. It was a long trek, sometimes having to stop for small breaks.
He had never been out this far from Ponyville and Canterlot by himself which scared Malibu greatly, wondering what would await him in the Dragon Lands. Soon Malibu came across a big volcano mountain, hearing roars of many dragons from above, but no sign of Spike.
"Maybe he's already inside," Malibu muttered to himself, flying upward, gasping at the top. For there were many gigantic dragons, including one familiar red one that Fluttershy had confronted those years ago.
A blue adult spewed fire, nearly hitting him. Malibu knew Spike wouldn't go for these adults before hearing rough laughter from down below.
He casted his eyes downward at the sight of some dragons the same size as his disguised form, and actually seeing Spike there approaching them! What luck!
Gulping, Malibu flew down into the volcano, hoping he would fool the dragons and not give away his identity. He could hear the dragons wrestling until Spike spoke up.
"Um, excuse me?" The red male dragon turned at the voice, startled, dropping his opponent. "Er, hi. I'm Spike."
Malibu landed behind another boulder close by, ready to reveal himself when the time was right. A purple dragon with orange hair pointed at Spike. "You sure your name is Spike and not Shrimp?!" He mocked, the other males chortling.
Spike shifted his feet. "No, it's Spike! I'm not, I mean, I'm sure about that…" A buffy brown dragon scoffed. "You look more like a Peewee to me," he leered, poking Spike in the forehead and making him fall down, having the other dragons laugh vigorously.
Malibu knew now was the time, stepping out, trying to growl like a dragon, the others jerking up in surprise at the second newcomer. "Leave my b-friend alone!" He shouted, curling his hands. The red dragon stepped up, a suspicious look on his face. "Yeah, and besides, he might fly away. That is… if he had any wings!" The red dragon taunted, lifting up Spike then dropping him.
The brown dragon folded his arms. "Did you fly on your mommy's back during the migration?" He asked. Spike was about to speak when the purple one spoke. "No, no, can't you see baby Spike's just hatched? I bet he still sucks his claw at night!"
Spike shook his head. "No, I haven't sucked my claw in months!" He protested. Malibu stepped near him. "If any of you hurt him, you'll answer to me!" He growled in his disguised dragon voice.
The red male stepped over. "Huh. I've never seen either of you around here. And… who's your friend, Spike?" He growled, Malibu gulping, thinking hard.
"M-My name is Ma… uh… Magnesio. Yeah. Magnesio." He quickly decided to use as a dragon name. The red dragon folded his arms. "Hmph. If you say so. Call me Garble." He introduced, holding out his claws.
Malibu couldn't help but smile a little, taking it before suddenly Garble pulled him to the ground, making him wince in pain. "Ha! That's what comes for dragons who greet each other! We do so with violence!" Garble laughed, the others joining in. Spike trembled, wondering why this other dragon was behaving oddly. And why was his voice so familiar?
"Good to meet you too…" Malibu grumbled, rubbing his arm that was yanked. "What's your story, Spike?" Snarled Garble. Spike stuttered a little before replying.
"Well, you see, I live in Ponyville and…" Malibu shook his head no sharply, Spike raising his brow at him. Garble huffed again. "Ponyville, that explains it! I knew there was something vaguely pony-ish about you!"
He began to stalk threateningly towards Spike. "If I didn't know any better, I'd say you were part pony!"
Malibu's eyes rounded, not wanting Garble to hurt Spike. "W-we live on the outskirts of Ponyville, actually!" He defended. Garble turned suspiciously. "You too? So that makes you part pony as well."
Spike glared. "We're not all ponies. We're all dragons, see?" He gave a weak roar, Malibu feeling embarrassed, Garble blinking before him and his gang laughed again.
"Or maybe you're a pony in a dragon disguise," He sneered, more laughing occuring, as the purple dragon suddenly leaned on Malibu's shoulder. "Ha! A pony in a dragon costume!"
Malibu laughed nervously. "Yeah, hilarious," He replied, hoping his spell will last for a while. Spike was looking desperate now. "I am a real dragon!" He pleaded.
Garble still didn't buy him. "Oh yeah? Prove it!" He challenged.
Spike's eyes shifted. "Well, how?" Garble groaned. "By acting like one!" He then turned to the crowd. "Who's up for a little belching contest?!" He roared, the dragons cheering in response, Malibu rubbing his belly. He didn't like burping on purpose.
The contest began, Spike and Malibu going last. So far most of the burps were small from two of the dragons, until the burly brown one let loose the biggest belch that came with fire, Malibu flinching, thanking his spell for giving fire protection. The dragons cheered until it was now their turn.
Garble smirked. "You think you both can beat it?" Malibu swallowed, stepping up. He gathered himself to do the biggest belch he could, hoping Rarity would forgive him later. It definitely didn't match the brown's belch but it was good enough since he was still a pony under his disguise.
When Spike belched, Malibu instantly forgot that his friend could deliver letters with his burps, and a letter just happened to come along. Before he could grab it Garble beat him, opening the letter. "From the desk of Princess Celestia. Dear Spike, please te—." He read before stopping. "Ha! Get this guys! Spike's pen pals with a namby pamby pony princess!" He taunted.
Just hearing that made Malibu's blood boil, eyes glowing red from having to hear this bully dragon mock his adopted mom. He so wanted to beat this guy into a pulp but that would give him away, still fuming when Garble threw the possibly important letter into the lava. Twilight wouldn't have approved.
Garble looked at Spike. "Maybe tail wrestling's more your speed," He challenged next, Malibu feeling more nervous for both of them. He knew he wouldn't be able to do it since he didn't have dragon strength.
Two other dragons were up against each other first. "Ready… go!" Garble called out, the two of them tugging each other's tails hard. To Malibu this reminded him of hoof wrestling. The black dragon managed to win, looking smug, Malibu noticing Spike holding his tail gingerly.
I gotta be the one to challenge Spike, or else those guys will mangle him! Malibu thought in desperation before stepping forward. "I challenge Spike to a tail wrestle!" He said in his pretend dragon voice.
Garble grinned darkly, for he wanted to see both these two get taken care of this way, nodding. Malibu lifted his pretend dragon tail onto Spike's who watched him suspiciously, making him grin nervously again.
"Go!" Called Garble, Spike tugging. Malibu knew he had to let Spike win, so he pretended to collapse from being tugged to hard much to the other dragons surprise at seeing the little baby dragon take down someone bigger.
Malibu crept back into the crowd while Spike was lifted into the air by Garble. "Spike's the winner!" He called, the dragons cheering again. Malibu breathed a sigh of relief but it was short lived when Spike suddenly got pretty cocky. "Alright, who's next?"
Garble crossed his arms. "Getting a little cocky huh? I like that! How about you wrestle… him!" He pointed to what looked like a small little dragon tinier than Spike. Spike grinned, closing his eyes in confidence until the 'tiny' dragon revealed his overly large and spiky tail.
Malibu winced, shielding his eyes, when Spike was tossed against the wall. So much for that.
Soon the dragons gathered around a pile of gems nearby, Malibu still hiding himself among them. Garble grinned down at Spike. "So Spike, you haven't exactly proven yourself as a dragon yet, have you?"
Spike gulped. "But… I get an A for effort?" He asked, resulting Malibu to slide his hoof/hand down his face. "Huh, maybe. Let's see how you do in this next contest," He challenged on top of the gem pile, suddenly pushing Spike off of it to the ground.
"King of the Hoard!" Roared Garble in challenge, the others climbing up but getting tossed down by the red dragon. Spike gritted his teeth. "This is my chance!" He whispered, climbing up. Malibu gasped when seeing the purple dragon sneaking up under his friend, growling, charging up and tackling the guy.
"Like I said; you hurt Spike, you hurt me!" Snarled Malibu threateningly, the purple dragon grinning in fright. Spike couldn't help the smile on his face at it upon reaching the top, managing to topple Garble and the burly brown dragon off, Malibu grinning when seeing his enemy toppling to the ground.
Spike lifted his fists. "King of the ho—oof!" He unfortunately slipped, Malibu shielding his eyes again. Once again Spike didn't do too well.
Garble gave a laugh. "Looks like this is another fail for you, little Spike. Can't wait to watch you fail at lava cannonball too!"
Lava what?! Malibu squeaked inside, feeling himself sweating at the thought of jumping into a pool of hot liquid like that, legs shaking while following them. He knew his spell could protect himself from fire but did lava count? Malibu gave a deep swallow of nerves, not wanting to burn up and die away from his family.
On top of the diving rock, Malibu stood in the very back, not wanting to be so close yet. Spike was the same, though confused at why this other dragon was just as scared.
"Whoever makes the biggest lava splash is the ultimate dragon! Geronimo!" Called Garble, diving in. Malibu gulped many times from the lava nearly touching him.
Garble looked up from the pool. "Come on, Magnesio! You're next!" He sneered. Malibu shook, his heart racing in his chest, staring down at that pool of lava, giving soft whimpers. The brown dragon yelled up to him. "Hey, you afraid?" He sneered.
"N-No, I-I'm coming," Malibu gasped, backing up, shutting his eyes, then took a running start, gasping aloud in great terror from the open air, falling down, not even attempting to fly, bracing himself.
He landed smack into the lava feet first, sinking into it. Spike watched from afar in some amazement. Malibu's head broke the surface of the lava, spluttering the taste out of his mouth. But to his surprise; he wasn't even burning.
His fake scales protected his pony skin from being melted off, and the lava was actually rather nice, swimming around slightly in it.
"Heh, good. But Spike could probably do better," said Garble meanly, Malibu glaring back. Spike looked down, seeing it was higher up than he thought. "What's wrong, Spike? You afraid the lava would hurt your soft pony hide?"
The dragons chortled, while Spike backed up, finally jumping and screaming, winding up doing a belly flop. Malibu and the others all flinched from the sight. He reimerged, spitting lava out. "Was I… that bad?" Spike panted.
Garble didn't seem to think so which surprised Malibu. "No, dude, that was awesome! No pony could live through a belly flop like that! You're one tough little dragon."
Malibu now could breathe a bigger sigh since the dragons were convinced now. And he was more than happy to get out of the lava too.
….
After the tests were done the dragons lined up their tails minus Malibu, Spike walking down the aisle, feeling nervous again. "Spike, by belly flopping so hard, you have proven yourself worthy. I hereby dub you… Rookie Dragon." Garble said, using his tail like a sword. Malibu somewhat felt happy for him, but deep down, it meant to possibly losing Spike as a friend.
The dragons eventually began to party, eating the gems from the pile before while Malibu sat in the back mostly just to rest off what had happened today.
Later on in the mid afternoon, Malibu grunted a little when opening his eyes, feeling quite sleepy. But when he glanced over to where the party was, he was seeing Garble and the others taking off, Spike remaining behind when realizing he still didn't have wings.
"Uh, sorry guys! I guess I'll meet you back here at the crater! After the whole raid thing's over? We'll totally hang then!" Before Malibu could run out after him; the burly brown dragon suddenly grabbed his best friend.
"NO!" Malibu shouted in horror, not wanting that guy having his hands on Spike whatsoever. Glaring he began to fly, going after them. He would rescue Spike from this even if it meant exposing himself.
In the forest they all landed, Malibu landing some ways away, seeing that they were going to raid a Phoenix nest. Spike threw a rock at the male who got pretty mad, chasing after him while Garble and the others went to the nest.
Spike yelped while running, Malibu leaping forward and shooting his magic from his hidden horn that stunned the baby dragon, but it distracted the phoenixes as they too heard their babies shriek out.
Malibu panted heavily, Spike staring. "Who… are you… really?" He gasped out. Malibu lowered his 'dragon' head. "Hey, Spike. It's me," He said, a small smile on his face. Spike's eyes popped.
"WHAT?!" He shrieked before Malibu put a hoof over his mouth. "SHH! Don't let that bully know I'm not a dragon!" Malibu growled.
"But-But why did you go after me? I said I was doing this alone," Spike pleaded. Malibu put a hoof around him. "Because… I don't want my little brother to be hurt or killed," He said gently. Spike felt tears in his eyes. "I put on this disguise so Garble wouldn't rip me to pieces," Malibu also added in.
Spike couldn't help the chuckle. "You do look good as a dragon. But come on, we gotta get back to the nest." Malibu nodded, following Spike back over there, looking into it.
All that was left was a small egg since the family left without it. Spike picked it up. "Huh, hey Mal, look at this," He said. Malibu felt sad that the family wound up abandoning their baby.
He quickly went into some bushes from the return of the dragon bullies. "They got away!" Garble stormed before suddenly seeing the egg. "Hey! You stole an egg?" Spike swallowed, struggling tos peak.
Garble looked impressed. "Well, I guess the raid wasn't a total loss after all!" He said, the gang congratulating Spike. But then things took a turn for the worst. "What are you waiting for Spike? Smash it!" Snarled the brown dragon.
Malibu couldn't believe what this guy said. They would be killing an unborn baby this way! "S-smash the egg?" Gulped Spike.
The purple dragon laughed. "Yeah, throw it on the ground as hard as you can!" He sneered. The others began to chant the same thing, Malibu feeling nervous, hoping he wouldn't do it.
Spike at first seemed to, before soon he shook his head. "No!" Spike yelled, hugging the egg. "It's just a defenseless egg! Like I was! And I'm not gonna let you hurt it!"
Malibu's heart filled with pride from Spike defending a baby. Garble however wasn't happy. "What did you say?"
"I said… no!" Spike repeated, a deep frown there on him. Garble began looking intimidating. "No one… says no to me…" He snarled, baring his teeth.
Ok… that's it! Malibu growled to himself, jumping out of his hiding place, eyes glowing a bright red, the other dragons startled. "Magnesio?" Yelped Garble, but the spell soon was lifted, revealing the real Malibu, his alicorn wings wide spread.
All the dragons were stunned, at seeing that a pony had been fooling them the whole time! "You'll stay away from my brother! And you don't deserve his friendship!" Malibu snapped back, glaring as fiercely as a dragon. Garble glowered.
"So… you were a namby pamby pony all along?" He hissed dangerously. Malibu's anger subsided a little, realizing now that Garble wanted to bite his head off, nodding, chuckling awkwardly but not quite willing to give away his gargoyle identity to them.
Spike came to his defense now. "Yes! He was! And he's a better friend and brother than you can ever be! Now if you don't back off, you'll see what us ponies do, when confronted by a huge group of jerky dragons!"
Malibu held a battle stance, ready for a fight despite being outnumbered. Garble towered over the two. "Oh yeah? What's that?" He snorted dangerously.
Spike jumped into the air. "RUN AWAY!" He screamed, taking Malibu's hoof and dragging him along, stunning the dragons behind them before they gave chase.
"Why… are we running? You know I'm an alicorn right?" Malibu gasped. Spike agreed on that but not much. "Yeah, but, I don't wanna make war on an entire nation! Just get us out of here! Please?!"
Malibu soon agreed, not wanting his now quite vulnerable skin to be burnt by the dragons, grunting when igniting his horn for teleportation. He felt somewhat weak after that stronger spell but his determination to get out of there gave him adrenaline enough to finally teleport himself and Spike back to Ponyville, causing Garble and his gang to crash into a tree.
They reappeared by the Everfree Forest, both panting shakily. To their surprise they saw their three friends running over for Twilight had heard the magical zapping noise. "Are you alright?" Malibu asked in a tired voice, bringing Spike close to him.
Putting down the phoenix egg Spike hugged him back. "Think so. And thanks," He said, tears in his eyes. Twilight herself also went to give him a big hug. "We were so worried about you two!"
Rainbow tackled Malibu. "Don't ever go on a dangerous mission without me again, Mal! It wasn't the same without you and Spike!" Malibu nuzzled her back, tears falling down his face. "I would never go back there without you, Dash, I promise," he said softly.
Spike then wiped his eyes. "And… you guys are more than friends. You're my family," he said in a sniffling voice, Rarity cooing at him as they all did a group hug. "Spikey-wikey!" Whimpered Rarity.
….
After settling down again at the library, Malibu watched Spike write a letter to his mom, Celestia. It went like this:
"Dear Princess Celestia,
Seeing the great dragon migration made me wonder what it meant to be a dragon. But now I realize that who I am is not the same as what I am. I may have been born a dragon, but Equestria and my pony friends have taught me how to be kind, loyal, and true! I'm proud to call Ponyville my home, and to have my pony friends as my family."
Spike and Malibu grinned at each other, hoof bumping before soon the phoenix egg they kept hatched into a little baby phoenix who chittered at them. Malibu smiled at how cute he was.
"Aw. Welcome into the family, Peewee! Stick with us. We've got plenty to teach you about being a pony!" Spike greeted, hugging the baby, the two adopted brothers remaining together for a while longer.
The dragons were pretty great to write. I know the next episode is somewhat slow but we're getting to the good stuff soon!
Malibu's transforming spell may come later in season 4.