This story begins about a month after the defeat of Opaline, Sunny and her friends had returned from helping the Aurora-corns. The group had gotten back late at night so had turned in for the night and just enjoy some free time. As Sunny lay in her bed, she snuggled beneath the warmth of the covers as her eyes became heavier with every passing minute until she could hold them open no more and she quickly fell into a peaceful slumber.
On the Isle of Scaly, when Spike and the others had returned from helping Sunny and her friend defeat the evil alicorn they had licked their wounds and had been resting up. He was in his cave while the rest slept in the main chamber, resting his head on his forelegs, "I'm so relieved that it's over.." he said to himself as a yawn passed through his lips. He looked back over the recent events and in doing so felt himself smile briefly, "being around Sunny and her friends brought back memories to me that I haven't thought about in ages. Because well...I have been sleeping under a spell for so long." He had to admit that it had felt good to be back out in the world once more and around ponies as well. He deeply missed the ones he had grown up with, their faces, had never left his mind. His eyes softened and stung with unshed tears as he thought of them. Feelings coming to the surface after being dormant for so long, it was in these rare moments of solitude that Spike allowed himself to release such feelings. Despite the other dragons knowing everything about him, he still felt that he would never show such emotion around the others, "I didn't realize how much my heart hurt until now..." he thought to himself as his tears fell. After a few moments his tears subsided and he was able to soothe his hurting heart and he was able to find sleep.
When the sun rose the next morning it shone in on the peacefully sleeping dragon, eyes fluttering slightly as a wing came up to block the brightness. A soft growl emitted from his throat as he turned his head away from the sun, "too early..." he muttered, a yawn passing through his lips. His eyes remained closed for a moment more before slowly raising his head and finding his feet, "perhaps an early morning flight is what I need..." he said to himself. A gentle breeze blew into his cave, tickling his wings slightly as he took to the sky without a word to any of the others. He flew over his island, his domain where he had found a home long ago. He let his bright green eyes roam the land below him as he admired the beauty of it. However as he flew over it he spotted the marestream, still where it had come to rest when Sunny and her friends had arrived there, "hmm...I wonder if it could be repaired?" he silently wondered. He looked at it for a moment or two before turning away from it and heading towards the direction he wished to go.
In the lighthouse that was her home Sunny Starscout was just starting to awaken from her restful night sleep. She had fallen asleep as soon as her head had hit the pillow and slept sounder than she had in a long time. When she raised up, her long magenta mane was in a tangled mess and her bright aqua eyes, still heavy with sleep. She shook her head slightly and climbed out of her bed to get a morning shower before heading out. Once she had showered she went to rebraid her hair but decided to leave it down for once. Today was a day of rest so she decided to go to a place she hadn't been in ages, "I can't wait to get to the lagoon...I haven't been there since I was a filly." She strapped her bag around her shoulder before heading out the door and heading for the beach. When she got there the gentle breeze blew through her long mane and she breathed in the fresh ocean air, "it's still as peaceful as I remember..." she sighed as she sat on the sandy shore.
About this time Spike was nearing Maretime Bay, he had allowed the air current to carry him where it wished, "hmn Maretime Bay..." He glanced down at the land below him but as he neared the shore he spotted someone on the beach, "now who could be out here this early?" he wondered as he propelled himself foward with his powerful wings. Once he was in eyeview he realized who it was below him, "Sunny...hmm, wonder what she'd be doing down there alone?" he wondered as he came in closer.
She was enjoying the feeling of the ocean air blowing through her mane but became distracted when she heard the sound of wingbeats above her. When she tilted her head up to look, she was delighted to see a familiar form, "Spike!" She couldn't keep the excitement out of her voice upon seeing the purple dragon once more, "I wonder what has him out this way so early? Could he being coming to check on Sparky?" Her thoughts were cut short when the dragon landed in front of her, "morning Spike.." she greeted. "Morning Sunny, how are you?" he asked as he approached her. She smiled at him, "I've been well Spike. How about you?" she asked. "Me too, it feels good to be out in the world again after being away for so long," he stated. She nodded her head to let him know she had heard him, "so I'm curious..." she made her gaze meet his, "what has you out so early this morning?" he asked. "Well I hadn't been here since I was a filly..." she turned her gaze to look out at the waves, "I use to come here with my dad." Spike could tell that there was more to what she was saying so remained silent as she continued, "after losing him...I couldn't bring myself to come down here." "Why not?" he asked as he lay near her. She looked up in the gentle green eyes of Spike, "because sometimes the memories were painful and I just...I just stayed away from here." Sunny felt her eyes start to fill with tears, "I think about him all the time...I really miss him..." she said wiping them away with her hoof. "I sometimes wonder if he would be proud of me and everything I've been able to accomplish?" she said looking down slightly. Spike was sympathetic as he placed a gentle claw on her withers, making her look in his direction, "I know he would be proud of you Sunny. You were able to bring everyone together again and restore magic to everyone...not many ponies can say that," he replied removing his claw from her withers. She let a smile play on her lips, "thank you Spike..." she replied. "And I understand the feeling," Sunny glanced up at the dragon, "I think about my friends, Twi and the others a lot and I miss them. It's hard to believe that it's been so long since I was with them." Sunny looked down slightly, "it must've been hard leaving them behind like that."He nodded his head, "it was but I knew at the time it was what was best to protect my friends. I just wish they could be here now. I know they would enjoy getting to know you and your friends," he replied. Sunny smiled at his words, "it would be amazing..." she said. Spike smiled at her but became distracted when the ocean breeze blew through her mane, "wow..." Sunny seem to notice the look on Spike's face, "Spike..." hearing his name seem to bring him out of his distracted state, "yes." "Are you ok?" she asked arching a brow at him. "Yeah I'm fine, I was just noticing that you're wearing your mane down today," he replied. She ran a hoof through her hair as she spoke, "I usually don't..." her eyes rested on the sand beneath her. Before he could stop himself Spike placed a claw beneath her chin so her gaze would meet his, "it's a shame...you look lovely with it this way," he said. Sunny's face became very warm as a light blush played on her cheeks, "Spike..." she murmured. He smiled at her briefly before withdrawing his claw, "hey um..." he suddenly found himself feeling nervous as he spoke, "would you like to go for a flight?" he asked. Sunny's eyes lit up, "really?" she asked. "If you want to," Spike replied. "I'd love to..." she said standing up on her hooves. He smiled at her enthusiasm as he allowed her to approach before holding out his claw to her, "I'll lift you up," he said. She nodded her head before stepping into his claw and allowing him to place her on his back, "hold on," he said standing up. He raised his wings and propelled them off the ground and into the air.
He flapped his wings for several moments until he found the air current that allowed him to glide. Sunny kept her hooves on his neck as the wind blew her mane around her face, "it's so amazing up here.." she said. Spike chuckled, "yes it is...I always enjoy flying, being up here above the world...it's so peaceful." Sunny closed her eyes for a moment or two to enjoy the feel of the wind on her face and in her mane, "do you normally fly alone?" she asked. Spike shook his head, "no not usually but I was the only one up this morning so I slipped away to have time to myself." "Oh I didn't mean to intrude on it..." she said, as she now regretting calling out to him. He let a small laugh erupt from his throat, "you're not intruding on anything Sunny, I enjoy your company very much." "Do you really mean that?" she asked. His face softened, "yes...of course I do..." he replied giving her a smile. A blush played on her cheeks and she felt her heart race in her chest as they flew over a part of the shoreline Sunny had never seen before, "look down there..." she said pointing, "I've never seen this part of the coast before." "Well then let's check it out," Spike suggested. "Alright," Sunny said as Spike began to descend towards the ground below them.
Spike was able to land carefully so as not to jostle Sunny from his back, "here..." she looked at him, "I'll help you down," he offered gently. She smiled, "thank you Spike..." she said, a smile playing on her lips as she was brought to the ground. She stood near the dragon for a moment or two before walking down the path that led to the shore with Spike following right behind her. He couldn't help but notice how she seem to enjoy this time with him and he had to admit that he was too, "wonder if we'll find any seashells?" he said. Sunny looked at him for an instant before turning her eyes to the sand beneath her hooves, "I use to look for seashells with dad, we found so many one day that I stacked them in a pile and decorated a sand castle with them." "Those sound like fond memories..." Spike replied but then he noticed the change in her mood, "Sunny?" He brought his head down to her level as she wiped a stray tear from her cheek, "they were...they were some of the best memories I have of my dad and me." Spike looked down slightly before bringing his muzzle in close to gently nuzzle Sunny's cheek. She was surprised at first but returned the nuzzle and relished in the comfort he offered her, "I know it still hurts to think of loved ones we've lost but they'll always be with us," he murmured. His deep soothing voice made her feel safe and she was grateful to him for comforting her, "I know..." she whispered. When she pulled back slightly she looked up into Spike's bright green eyes to see the warmth that was held in them. She felt herself being drawn into his emerald pools but became distracted when the wind blew her mane into her face. Spike took a gentle claw and placed her mane behind her ear, letting it linger on her cheek for an instant before placing his claw back on the ground beneath him. Sunny kept her hoof on her hair for a moment, "I should've brought a hair tie with me..." she said. Spike chuckled but then remembered something, "well I may not have a hair tie but..." he lifted his wing to pick up a piece of ribbon that he kept around the base on his wing. Bringing his head down to her level once more he released the ribbon, "here use this.." he said, "I've had it with me since I was young." Sunny cocked her head slightly at him, "where did you get it?" she asked as she gently took it from him. A soft look played on his face, "Rarity gave it to me the day I left," Sunny looked up at him as he continued, "she told me to keep it with me always." Sunny looked at the ribbon in her hooves, "Rarity...the element of generosity..." turning her aqua gaze to meet his green one, "it must mean so much to you. Are you sure you want me to use it?" she asked. He nodded his head, "yes besides I'm sure Rarity wouldn't mind," he replied laying down on the soft sand. She smiled at him, "thank you..." she quickly braided her hair before coming over and sitting next to the dragon.
Silence passed between them for a few moments before Sunny spoke, "Spike..." he glanced at her which silently told her to continue, "there's something I've been wondering about." "What's that?" Spike asked. "About you and Rarity..." she swallowed down the slight nervousness she felt before speaking, "were you two um...?" Sunny bit her lip for a moment as the dragon looked down at his claws briefly before speaking, "for a while we were...it was the happiest we've ever been. Then one day we were given a great gift and a very unexpected one." "What was that?" Sunny asked. Spike was a little hesitant to share this but he felt like Sunny could be trusted with such a secret, "Jade..." he murmured. Sunny's mouth hung open slightly, "what? You mean she's your...?" Spike chuckled at Sunny's reaction, "yes...she's my daughter, that's why she looks so much like Rarity colorwise." "That explains the hair...but what about the others that have it too? Who are their parents?" she asked shook his head, "I don't know they were on the island when I arrived but when I saw them I knew they were half pony like Jade." "Wow...I didn't know such a thing was even possible," Sunny said. "Neither did we..." Spike mused. Sunny processed what she had heard before speaking again, "I promise Spike," he looked at her, "I will keep your secret." He gave her a warm smile, "thank you..." he lowered his head to gently nuzzle her. When he pulled back their eyes met and Sunny found herself blushing slightly at having the dragon, she had heard so much about, so close to her. Her heart continued to race in her chest, placing a hoof on her chest, "why am I feeling so nervous now being around him?" Spike took notice to the look on the young mare's face, "I know that look..." he thought to himself. He caressed Sunny's cheek gently to help her calm her racing heart, giving her a soft smile. Before she could stop herself Sunny placed her hoof on his claw and nuzzled against it affectionately which made the scales on the dragon's cheeks darken slightly. "Can I...ask you something?" Spike asked. "Sure..." the orange mare replied, still keeping her hoof where it was. "When we first met you told me that you had heard stories about me and my friends. I was just curious if you had a favorite," he said. Sunny was silent for a moment or two as she thought back to every story she had heard before giving him her answer, "well...I'd have to say the one I enjoyed most was..." she thought a moment more as she continued, "the story about the how you helped the Crystal Princess save the Crystal Empire from King Sombra." Spike scoffed at the name as he let his claw drop from her cheek, "oh yes Sombra...I imagine he and Opaline would've gotten along. They had the same disposition.." he commented. Sunny was silent for a moment before speaking again, "what was the Crystal Princess like?" she asked. Spike thought back for an instant as he tried to recall the pink alicorn, "her name was Cadance and she was the sweetest alicorn I've ever met. Twi use to tell me how Cadance use to look after her when she was a filly." "Wow...my dad told me that she was married to a stallion named Shining Armor," Sunny said. "Yes she was, he was Twi's brother..." Spike replied. "Really?" Spike nodded his head, "they were all sweet ponies, they were the only family I ever had..." he rested his head on the ground with a distant look in his eyes. Sunny couldn't help but notice, "Spike?" She approached him slowly before laying down next to him, "you ok?" Spike was silent for several moments before speaking, "it's just I haven't thought about any of them in so long...didn't realize how much I missed them..." he said, closing his eyes to keep them from filling with tears. She could tell that the dragon's mood had become different after talking about his past, she felt bad for him, "I never meant to make him sad..." She placed her hoof on his foreleg, gaining his attention, "I never meant to make you sad...I'm sorry Spike." He raised his head slightly, "you didn't do anything wrong Sunny..." he replied. He wore a soft look on his face but he became distracted when he felt Sunny nuzzle against his cheek affectionately. He couldn't keep the smile from his lips as he purred in response to the affection and comfort she offered him.
They spent most of the day at the cove they had found, just relaxing and enjoying each other's company. By midday they were sprawled out in the warm sunshine, watching the ocean waves crash against the shore. Spike was thoroughly enjoying himself spending time with Sunny, "you know something Sunny," she glanced in his direction, "I haven't been able to really enjoy time to myself like this in a very long time. Even before the spell...the other dragons were always hovering somewhere nearby and it made it hard to slip away." Sunny was sympathetic, "it isn't easy being the Dragon Lord is it?" she asked. Spike merely shook his head, "no not at all." Silence passed between the two for several moments before either of them spoke again, "it's too bad we didn't find any shells here, I thought there would've been at least one," Sunny said. Spike looked at her as she shifted the sand with her hoof in a spot or two but then became distracted when he caught the scent of something. Sunny took notice to the dragon's actions, "what are you doing?" she asked curiously. "I smell something..." he said, standing up and walking along the shoreline for a short distance before stopping. Sunny followed close behind him but remained silent as she watched him closely. After a few moments Spike took his large claw and began to dig into the soft sand until something shimmering caught his eye, "hey...I found something," he said excitedly. Sunny watched as he dug for a moment more before lifting out what he had found, "wow..." said the mare, her eyes widening slightly. Spike's emerald orbs shimmered as brightly as the stone he had discovered buried in the sand, "it's beautiful..." Sunny added. "It is..." Spike let his eyes take in every detail before lowering it to allow Sunny to take a closer look at it, "look at how it shimmers..." she looked up at him as she continued, "it's the same shade as your eyes Spike." He let a small chuckle pass through his lips, "it is..." he smiled. "Did you use to find gems like this before?" she asked. "Yeah a time or two but nothing like this," he replied. "I've never seen anything like that ever. I would dig in the sand but I never found anything remotely like that, it was usually just seashells," she said. Spike looked thoughtfully at her before kneeling down to Sunny's level and extending his claw, "here...perhaps you should have this one..." he said gently placing it in her hooves. A small gasp passed through her lips as her eyes gazed up at him, "really? Are you sure Spike? I know how much you like gems," Sunny replied. "You truly are sweet Sunny, always thinking of others..." he said. Sunny smiled at his words, "but I want you to have this one..." he added. Sunny couldn't keep the blush off her cheeks as she accepted the beautiful green gem from the dragon, "thank you Spike...this...this means a lot to me." He merely smiled at her before nuzzling her affectionately. Sunny returned the nuzzle then placed the gem into her satchel she always kept with her. Spike lay on the grass while Sunny lay next to him, she felt happy that she had gotten to spend this time with him. She glanced at him from the corner of her eye before turning her gaze back to the ocean scenery before them. She looked down at the locket around her neck, placing a hoof on it as she let a small smile play on her lips. Spike meanwhile was deep in own thoughts as he stole glances at the vibrant orange mare, "why can't I look away from her?" he thought to himself. Without looking at him Sunny spoke, "you know...when I reached Opaline's castle and saw you under her control and in a barrier, I didn't know what to do." Spike turned his head slightly to look at Sunny as she continued, "I was worried because I didn't know if I could bring you out of the spell she had cast." Sunny clutched the locket around her neck as tears burned her 's eyes widened slightly at hearing her words, "Sunny..." he murmured. "I know that you are a dragon but..." she looked up into his bright green gems, "I was scared for you...I know that we haven't known each other very long but I've known about you since I was a filly and if...if anything happen to you, I would never be able to forgive myself." Spike was left speechless at her words as they had deeply touched his heart and before he could stop himself he brought Sunny in for a gentle embrace, allowing her to bury face in his chest. Lowering his head, he rested it against her, nuzzling his nose into her soft mane, "oh Sunny..." he continued to nuzzle her, "you have such a kind heart and it's sweet how much you care but you don't need to worry about me, nothing will ever happen to me." Spike pulled back just enough to look her in the eye, "I promise..." he whispered, caressing her cheek ever so gently. Sunny's eyes quivered slightly as her tears rolled down her cheek, she placed a hoof on his claw before nuzzling against it affectionately. When her aqua eyes met Spike's emerald ones she felt her heart flutter in her chest, "why is my heart feeling this way?" she wondered to herself. Spike too felt his heart flutter in his chest in a way it hadn't in ages, "my heart hasn't felt this way in a long time." He couldn't deny that from their brief interactions that there was a bond forming between them, he just wasn't sure what kind yet. Sunny too had the same thoughts that Spike did but she was starting to realize something. After hearing so many stories about him, somewhere along the way, she had developed feelings for him and they had only intensified when she had found him. Still holding onto each other something passed between them and they didn't notice the sun starting to set. Spike's face was soft and his emerald eyes warm as he spoke, "it would seem that a small flame has been kindled between us..." he murmured as he leaned in slightly. Sunny seem to subconsciously mimic the action, "what am I doing? Is he...is he gonna kiss me?" When they were mere inches from each other, blushes bright on their cheeks, they knew they had to make a decision as to what their next action would be. "Spike...I..." she whispered. "I know..." came Spike's purred response. Unable to stop themselves now they pressed their lips together into a brief but sweet kiss, "this is really happening...I'm kissing Spike." Sunny's cheeks burned with a bright blush as they let go of the kiss for air. Spike couldn't hide the blush on his scaly cheeks either as they nuzzled each other affectionately, "we should really head back..." he replied. Sunny ran a hoof over the small scales on his cheeks, "I know...I just don't want this day to end..." she said resting her forehead against his muzzle. "I know me either..." he replied, giving her a soft purr. "The sunset is so pretty..." Sunny commented. "Yes it is but it pales in comparison to you Sunshine..." he said. Upon hearing his pet name for her, she made her gaze meet his before giving him a soft smile. He returned the smile as he lowered his head to allow Sunny to get on, "hold on..." he said once she was settled. He then took to the sky once more and headed for the lighthouse he knew was her home. It didn't take long to reach it and upon doing so Spike landed carefully so as not to jostle Sunny. He brought his head down so she could slip down and once on her hooves she turned to face him, "I had a really nice time with you today Spike...thank you..." she said. "It was a pleasure and I will always make time for you," he lowered his head down to her level, "my Sunshine..." he murmured, nuzzling her. Sunny smiled at Spike, her Spike, "goodnight my sweet Spike..." she whispered. "Goodnight Sunny..." he replied, flicking his tongue against her cheek. They nuzzled a moment more before he stood tall in front of her, "I'll come see you again soon...I promise," he said taking to the air once more. Sunny watched him as he flew into the distance, "I know you will..." she said as a gentle breeze blew against her face. She made her way inside to prepare herself for a peaceful night's rest with thoughts of her and Spike in her mind.
On his way back to Scaly Spike couldn't help but do a playful loop and barrel roll, he felt more exhilarated than he had in so long. He couldn't keep the smile from his face as he came in close to the island, doing a couple of backflips and barrel rolling through the air, not bothering to hide his playful nature nor his good mood. As he neared his cave he found a few of the other dragons out and about, "hmm seems they were waiting for me to return..." he said to himself as he came in to land. "Fa...Spike you're back... we were worried," Jade said coming over to nuzzle him gently. He purred softly, to reassure his daughter before looking at Blaze and Fountain who were standing in front of him, "yeah when we awoke to find you gone we didn't know if we should venture out to search for you or simply wait for you to come back," Blaze added. Spike chuckled, "there's no need to worry about me, I just decided to have a day to myself is all. You know I will always come back home safe and sound," he replied. Hearing this Blaze and Fountain exchanged looks before meeting Spike's gaze once more, "well if that's all it was your Spikeness then you only need say so," Blaze replied. Spike merely nodded to her as he made his way to his cave with the other three dragons looking at him curiously and as if sensing their eyes on him, he spoke, "do you have questions?" he asked arching a brow. Jade knew that there were times when her father wanted to be alone and she had learned long ago not to pry, he would share with her if he wished for her to know, "we do but if you do not wish to share it with us then we understand," Jade said. Spike looked thoughtfully at his daughter as he secretly intended on telling her later on when the others turned in for the night. Blaze and Fountain looked at the white dragoness before turning to Spike, "just please tell us next time so we won't be worrying about you," Blaze stated. "I'll remember that.." Spike said letting a yawn pass through his lips. "We'll let you rest," Fountain said as Blaze followed behind her. Jade was about to follow them when her father's voice reached her ears, "Jade..." she looked up to meet his gaze, "yes." "Stay a moment..." he replied. Jade nodded then turned to Blaze and Fountain who had stopped upon hearing him speak to her, "go ahead guys, I'll catch up in a minute." With a nod the pair disappeared from sight and into the main chamber for the night.
Now left alone with her father Jade came into his cave to sit next to him, "did you want to see me about something father?" she asked. This was only time she was allowed to call him as such, being that the rest of the dragons didn't know. "Yes I actually wanted to tell you about my day," he laid down beside him as she settled in to listen to everything he had tell her and he mimiced the action. "So where did you go?" she asked. "I had intended just to go for a flight but I end up in Maretime Bay," he replied. "Where Sunny and Hitch live?" she asked. Spike nodded his head as he continued, "anyway she was sitting by the shoreline and when she saw me she called out to me." Jade's eyes lit up slightly but remained silent, "she was out early this morning just as I was so when I landed next to her we talked about different things. She told me the shore she was sitting at, she hadn't been to since she was a filly." "How come?" Jade asked tilting her head slightly. "It was because she had gone there with her dad long ago but after losing him, she couldn't bring herself to go there," Spike replied. "Then why did she go this morning?" "She was thinking of her father and wondered if he'd proud of everything she's accomplished. I told her that he was because not every pony can say they brought everyone togther again." "I agree...her father would be proud of her. Not only has she restored magic and brought everyone together, she saved everyone from Opaline," Jade said. "You're right my Jade, anyway after talking for a bit I took her for a flight," Spike said. "Did she enjoy it?" Jade asked. Spike nodded his head as he spoke again, "yes she did and I did too." Jade noticed the smile on her father's face, "you really enjoy her company don't you father?" she asked. At this Spike's face softened slightly, "yes I do...there's just something about her..." he said. Jade couldn't keep the smile off her face, "you like her don't you?" she asked. Spike was silent for a moment before answering his daughter, "I do and I did tell her..." he admitted. "Oooo did you kiss her?" Jade asked excitedly. The dark blush on her father's cheeks told her that they had in fact kissed, "*gasp* but you two barely know each other though..." she stated. Spike bit his lip slightly, "it's true I don't know very much about her yet but she's known of me since she was a filly. Today when we were spending time together she told me that when she saw me under Opaline's spell she was actually scared for me...for my safety." "Aww..." Jade replied sweetly. "She's so sweet and always putting others before herself," he closed his eyes for an instant, "she reminds me so much of your mother," he added looking at his daughter. Jade smiled at her father's words, "you haven't been with anyone since mom died. Maybe Sunny is the one you are suppose to be with now," she reasoned. Spike nodded, "you may be right my Jade. Before we kissed she told me that if anything had happened to me she would've never been able to forgive herself. I held her close and comforted her. I can't deny from our brief interactions that we've certainly formed a bond but I never imagined that it would be this strong already." "Maybe it's supposed to be that way..." Jade reasoned. Spike processed his daughter's words, looking out into the distance briefly, "perhaps...still I can't hide how my heart feels when I'm around her...a flame has certainly been lit between us," he then turned his gaze to Jade, "that's why I kissed her. To let Sunny know that what she feels, I feel too." Jade was proud of her father for opening himself up to someone again, she knew how much it had hurt him when her mother had died, "I'm proud of you father." He smiled at her, "I do have a question though..." Jade said, "I'm curious...did you tell Sunny about me while you spent time with her?" Jade was surprised when her father nodded yes, "we've been here for so long and been keeping it a secret, even from the others. Why did you feel compelled to tell Sunny?" Jade asked curiously. Spike chuckled in amusement, "because believe it or not she asked." "Huh?" Jade arched a brow at her father's words, "she asked about you and mom?" Spike nodded, "yes she did, she said she always wondered about it so...I decided not to hide the truth from her. She trusts me so I felt I should trust her as well," he replied. "Oh..." was Jade's only response. "Plus she promised she would keep our secret," Spike added. Jade smiled briefly before a yawn passed through her lips, "you should get some rest.." he said caressing his daughter's cheek. "Yes father..." she let another yawn pass through her lips, "would it be alright if I slept in here tonight?" she asked. He simply nodded his head before before nuzzling her gently, "rest well my little jewel..." he whispered. Upon hearing this Jade looked at her father curiously, "you haven't called me that in a very long time." He merely smiled before laying his head down and drifting off. Jade watched her father for an instant before mimicing the action and falling asleep next to him.
When the sun rose on Scaly Blaze was the first to awaken from a peaceful night's slumber. She let a yawn pass through her lips, she turned her head expecting to see Jade laying near Lava but upon not seeing her became curious, "I thought she was coming in here last night?" She decided to go look for the white dragoness and silently crept from the main chamber where the others still slept. Once she was outside she stretched her wings briefly before making her way over to the spot she had last seen Jade. Blaze followed the trail that led to Spike's cave in hopes of finding her, "I hope she's ok..." she said to herself. When she reached the area she was surprised to see that not only was the white dragoness alright but she was sleeping next to the Dragon Lord. "What?! What is she doing sleeping next to him?" she wondered as she approached.
Jade was unaware that the hot pink dragoness had found her sleeping next to her father but when a gentle breeze began to blow, it brought Blaze's scent to her nostrils. She slowly opened her blue eyes and let a yawn pass through her scaly lips before raising up her head. However when she saw Blaze standing there she got a little nervous, "B-Blaze...good morning..." she greeted, keeping her voice low so as not to wake her father. Jade carefully stood up and walked from her father's cave. Blaze looked at the white dragoness before she spoke, "what were you doing in our Dragon Lord's cave?" she asked, raising her head slightly. Jade looked away for an instant before meeting Blaze's blue eyes, "well uh...we talked for so long last night I got to feeling sleepy so he let me stay the night," Jade answered. Blaze looked at Jade up and down skeptically, arching a brow at her, "hmn...but why would he allow you to do that when he doesn't allow the rest of us to?" she asked, raising her voice slightly. Jade looked away slightly but the pair of females became distracted when a voice reached their ears, "*yawn* huh...what's going on?" Spike asked groggily, letting a yawn pass through his lips. The pair of female dragons looked in his direction as he turned his head to look at them, "Blaze? What are you doing awake so early?" he asked. Blaze arched a brow as she spoke, "I noticed Jade was not in the main chamber with the rest of us so I came looking for her." "I see..." he said."Upon seeing her here, sleeping next to you makes me wonder why you allow her to do it," Blaze added. Spike then stood up from where he was laying and flew down to where Blaze was standing. He glanced at Jade who merely nodded her head to his silent question, "well if you truly wish to know Blaze then perhaps it's time to share it with you," he said. Blaze arched a brow at him, "what are you talking about your Spikeness?" she asked. "Come with me to the main chamber and wake the others..." he stated. Blaze glanced at Jade briefly before doing as Spike asked.
Now left alone for an instant Jade decided to speak, "do you really think they are ready to hear it now father?" she asked. Spike looked at his daughter, "yes I believe so..." he said walking towards the main chamber with her at his side, "besides they were going to find out sooner or later." "Yeah I guess you're right..." Jade replied as they entered the main chamber. Upon doing so the pair saw that the other dragons were awake and had their eyes trained on him and Jade. Spike sat in his place before speaking, "good morning..." he greeted, "I'm sure that Blaze has told you that I wish to speak with you." "She did but she didn't say why..." Luxxe replied. "Is there something we should know?" Fountain asked. "Are we in danger again?" Lava asked. Spike chuckled and shook his head, "no no...nothing like that," he reassured. "Then why?" Tumble asked. Blaze decided to speak, "you told me that you would tell us why it is that Jade sometimes sleeps by your side..." she said. At hearing this the other dragons' eyes widened slightly, "what?" Leaf whispered. "Jade sleeping in our Dragon Lord's cave?" Luxxe said. "Quiet!" Jade said, gaining everyone's attention including her father's. He silently wondered if he should allow her to do this instead of him, "do you wish to tell them?" he asked. Jade thought on it a moment or two before nodding her head to him, "very well.." he replied. Jade took a deep breath before looking at the dragons she had come to know since they arrived there, "I don't know what you all are thinking right now but we decided that we should share something with you, something we've kept secret since we arrived here on Scaly." At this Blaze lowered her head slightly, "what do you mean a secret? What have you been keeping from us?" she asked angrily. Jade ignored Blaze's comments as she stood her ground, holding her head high as she spoke, "there's a reason why he understands ponies...and it's more than just that he was friends with them. They raised him from when he was young and in the time he spent with Twilight and the others he found himself forming a bond with one on a much deeper level." "What are you saying?" Tumble asked. "I'm saying that..." she looked at her father who merely nodded, encouraging her to continue, "that I'm not full blooded dragon, I...am half pony," she said. Gasps were heard around the cave along with whispers, "wait so...that means that you're..." Fountain looked at Spike as she continued, "his daughter?" she said motioning with her claw. "That's right I am," Jade replied. "But why not just tell us? Why keep it a secret for so long?" Lava asked. "Because we didn't know how you would react," Spike answered, "I know that some dragons didn't like other species so we kept the secret of Jade's lineage."
Silence fell around the chamber for several moments as the pair allowed the other dragons to process what they had heard. It was then that Luxxe and Fountain spoke up, "so are we..." she said looking at Fountain. "What?" Leaf and Tumble replied together. "It's true but we never knew who either of our parents were. We just know that we were brought here by a dragon who knew the ponies of ponyville, who knew Twilight and her friends," Fountain said. Luxxe spoke once more, "we know that Blaze is too," she said looking in the hot pink dragoness' direction. Blaze looked away slightly as Tumble spoke, "is that true?" he asked her. Blaze swallowed the lump in her throat before responding, "yes it's true...I have only vague memories of my mother but..." she sighed heavily, "I still remember her." "I thought so..." Spike said gaining the dragons' attention once more, "I could see it plain as day, the mane's are what gave it away." "Really?" Fountain asked. "Yes and judging by the similarities between you and Luxxe, I'd say you two are sisters," Spike answered. "Well...we may not have known our parents but we did at least know that much," Luxxe replied. Spike chuckled at the yellow female's response before looking at Blaze, "now for you Blaze," the hot pink female made her gaze meet his, "I once knew a unicorn mare name Tempest, well that's what she called herself. Anyway I'd say she was your mother going by your eye color, that also explains the hot pink scales...same color as her mane." Blaze's mouth hung open slightly, "how did you know?" she asked, "I've never told anyone?" "It's like I said, I just noticed a few things and put the pieces together," Spike replied. It was then that Tumble spoke, "so knowing that you're our Dragon Lord's daughter, should we address you as...?" Jade merely shook her head, "just treat me as you always have, I am no different now from when I was then. I'm still the same Jade..." she replied. "Very well..." Leaf replied as Tumble and Lava nodded in agreement.
In Maretime Bay Sunny was just starting to wake up, her mane was surprisingly not in a tangled mess. She looked down at her braid and noticed that the hair tie she had borrowed from Spike was still there, "I forgot to give this back to him..." she said, placing her hoof on it for an instant. She then raised herself off the bed and made her way down to the kitchen to fix herself some breakfast. She couldn't keep the smile off her face as her mind went back to the day before with memories of Spike in her mind. She decided to fix a fruit smoothy for her breakfast before taking a walk around town, "maybe I'll go see Hitch to check and see how Sparky is doing..." she said to herself. After finishing her smoothy she trotted from her house towards Hitch's but upon reaching it she heard quite a lot of sneezing, "what on earth?" She knocked on the door, "Hitch! Hitch it's me. Is everything ok in there?" she called out. She waited a moment more before Hitch came to the door with a blanket over his back and looking very unsteady on his hooves, "Hitch...you don't look so good. Are you alright?" she asked. Hitch merely shook his head, "no it seems all that cold and snow has given me a...*achoo*...cold." "Aw Hitch...is there anything I can do to help?" she asked. Hitch blew his nose before speaking, "yeah actually... Do you think you can take Sparky for the day while I nurse this cold."Sunny gave him a gentle smile, "of course I can Hitch, you can always count on me." "Thanks Sunny," the palomino stallion turned his head to look behind him, "com'ere Sparky..." he called. As soon as the little dragon's name was spoken he appeared near his guardian, "hey Sparky..." Sunny greeted. Sparky gave a little wave before his little eyes turned to Hitch, "Sparky, Sunny is gonna take you for the day while I nurse my cold but I'll see you later on ok.." he said sweetly. Sparky nodded his little head before hugging the stallion he saw as a father before approaching Sunny, "come on Sparky," she said gently before turning to Hitch, "I hope you get to feeling better Hitch...I'll see you this afternoon when I bring Sparky home." "Ok thanks Sunny...you be good for Sunny Sparky," Hitch said. "Oh he'll be fine Hitch, you just focus on feeling better. He's in good hooves," Sunny said as she began to walk away. Hitch waved to them once more before closing the door and going to rest.
Sunny made her way down the path that led to town to see if they could find something to do for a bit. Sparky held to Sunny's mane but she didn't mind, she trotted onward until she reached the bridge that overlooked the ocean. Sparky let his little purple eyes roam the view in front of him before nuzzling against Sunny's neck. Sunny giggled as she returned the nuzzle, "come on let's go to the beach..." she said, "I bet we could find some seashells." Sparky made a small purring sound which only made Sunny giggle as she trotted in the direction she wanted to go.
Back on Scaly Spike was laying out in the warm sunshine, letting the warmth from the sun heat up his scales as they shimmered in the light. He was laying out in an open field not far from the main chamber and his cave, wanting to feel something other than stone and sandy soil beneath him. Ever since the talk that morning the other dragons had been talking with Jade about different things like their parents and their memories. If anything it seemed to bring the young dragons closer together which pleased Spike immensely. In truth he had been a bit worried what the others would think after revealing that Jade was indeed his daughter. He allowed a smile to play on his lips as he thought of Rarity and what they had long ago, "oh Rarity...what would say to me now? Would you be proud of how I raised our daughter?" He stared down at his claws for a moment or two before turning green gems to the cloud-filled sky, "what would she think about Sunny?" His mind was filled with questions now that he was alone with his thoughts. He knew of the talk he'd had with his daughter but even so he was curious and he couldn't help wondering. Jade had reassure her father that he was doing the right thing by moving forward and that perhaps Rarity had placed Sunny in his path so he would meet her in hopes that he'd find happiness with someone again. Spike had to admit that he was feeling more at peace than he once did and that there was just something about Sunny that intrigued him.
Being so deep in his thoughts he had noticed that he wasn't alone anymore in the field, Jade had sought him out as she had sensed his unsettledness. She watched him briefly and when she noticed his tail swishing and twitching she knew he was deep in thought, "must be thinking about mom again.." she said to herself as she approached. She remained silent for a moment or two more before letting her father know she was there, "father..." Upon hearing his daughter's voice Spike turned his eyes to her, "Jade...I thought were still with the others." "I was but they wanted to go hang out at the lagoon," she replied sitting on her haunches. "And you didn't go with them?" he questioned curiously. "They asked but I said no...at least for now anyway," Jade answered. Spike arched a brow at his daughter as he could tell she had something on her mind, "something on mind my little gem?" he asked. A light blush covered her cheeks, until yesterday Spike hadn't called her that in ages and she couldn't recall the last time he had. "No not really..." she said keeping her eyes down at her claws. He could see the uncertainty on her face and purred softly to soothe her, her eyes immediately found his when she heard that soft soothing sound. He merely offered a soft smile, "you can share what is on your heart daughter...that has never changed." She knew he was right but it wasn't so much her that was unsettled, she had sensed the feeling within her father, "it's not so much on my heart as it is yours," she stated. Spike gave Jade a curious look, she laughed at seeing his expression, "you seem to forget that our familial link allows me to be able to sense when you are unsettled," she replied. Spike glanced away for a moment before looking back at Jade, "yeah I guess I have been..." he murmured. Jade gave her father a sympathetic look as she spoke, "so what's on your mind?" A heavy sigh expelled from his nostrils before he began speaking, "I was just thinking about your mother. Wondering if she would want me to move on with someone else and find that kind of happiness again?" Jade came over to nuzzle her father lovingly, "of course she would want you to be happy. You know as well as I do that she wouldn't want you be alone anymore and that she would want you to find love again." Spike looked down at his claws but was surprised when he felt Jade's gentle claw beneath his chin, "even if it's no longer with her." A small smile played on the Dragon Lord's lips, "it's like I told you last night, perhaps mom placed Sunny in your path so you would find that kind of happiness with her," Jade said letting her claw fall from his chin. Spike couldn't keep the smile off his face, "you are wise far beyond your years Jade and your mother would be proud of you, just as I am." The white dragoness smiled at her father's words, "maybe you should go see Sunny again and talk to her, maybe it'll help you figure things out a little more. Afterall you two already kissed..." she reasoned. "Yeah I suppose you're right," Spike then stood up from where he had been laying, "I think I will go see her again and thank you my little gem for always being there when I need you," he replied nuzzling his daughter. "Always father..." she replied when the gesture ceased, "I'll let the others know so they won't be worried about you this time..." she added. "Thank you..." he said opening his wings and taking to the sky. Jade watched Spike until he was out of side before joining the others at the lagoon.