A tense moment falls between the Spartans and my mother. They don't seem to know what to do with the information I just dropped. Understandably, of course. I sigh and step closer to my mother, resting my forehead against her large snout as I press a claw against her. Her hum echoes through the air, almost lulling me to sleep. It's a sound I can only relate to from early on. Back from when I was just an egg. I hear the Spartans behind me begin to shuffle, but I hold onto the moment a bit longer. It's not one I get to enjoy often.

"Spike?" Storm mutters as he steps closer. I sigh again, this isn't going to be easy. Maybe for now it will be, but I know the fall back with Twilight will be huge.

"Everyone, this is my mother, Barb." I tell them as I turn back to face them. Even with their helmets, I can see the conflicted thoughts in all of them. "Mother, these are the Spartans... er, try to keep it in common though."

"... of course... eh... good meetings," she replies, taking a moment to think of the words to say. "Eeeh, who are... mmm... St-storm?" Dad looks to the others for a moment before stepping forward, removing his helmet to look up at my mother. She leans forward and tilts her head to get a better look at him. He stands his ground, outwardly appearing confident. I'm sure he's at least a bit nervous, if not confused.

"Hello... I'm Storm Cloud. I...uh... I'm Spikes adopted father," he tells her, glancing to me for a moment.

"Do rahlo. Well met. Ehhh...forgive me, my uh...many feelings... fail me."

"I understand. I... too have mixed feelings right now." I look away from him for a moment. Here it comes.

"Suns end is coming. I... mmm... go to rest. The beast will rise soon... we shall, ehh.... speak soon. Aal fil aak hi." With that she turns to nuzzle me. Being much larger than me, she practically knocks me over in the gesture. I return it, but it's short lived. She quickly pulls away though, giving a powerful flap of her wings to take to the air. Just as quickly as she appeared, she dives back into her cave. I let out a slow breath as I stare back at the cave entrance, knowing why she acted so.

"You alright Spike?" Miles asks when he walks up beside me, setting a hand on my shoulder. I look to him for a moment before nodding to him. He squeezes my shoulder for a moment before turning to the others. He begins to yell at them to get camp ready, giving precise orders that they follow through with. I just move outside the perimeter and sit against one of the aircraft, looking up at the cave. I grasp the ground beneath me as I think back to my time here. It wasn't bad, but it did bring up a lot of new emotions. Things that I never thought I'd have to face before.

After an unknown amount of time Dad comes over and sits beside me. He doesn't say anything at first, just sitting there with his helmet off. I don't really know where to start. How do you tell your adopted father that you found your biological parent. It's part of why I didn't move with them to Canterlot. If I stayed around them for too long, it would have been brought up. I didn't want to hurt Twilight like that. Given, this will probably hurt more now than before.

"So," Storm starts, looking up at the cave thoughtfully. "Barb."

"Yeah..." I stay quiet, not knowing where to go with that.

"Not the most social dragon, is she?" His question comes out more like a statement. He sounds neutral as well, not mad, but not happy either.

"She became a recluse when... things happened." I tell him, bringing my knees to my chest and wrapping my arms around them. I've heard her story before, and I don't like dwelling on it too much.

"I see. Look Spike, you know there's nothing you have to hide from me. I'm an open book. If you don't want to talk about it, then that's okay. But I'll be here when you want to, Twilight as well-"

"It's not that I want to keep this bottled up. It's... well, part of it is that it's not my story to tell. This is her story, and she should be the one to tell it. But, at the same time you two are still my parents. You both raised me, you should hear what happened to her and myself. I just... don't know how to bring it up without... I don't... it's-"

"Spike," he cuts me off, resting a wing on my shoulder. Well... lower back, but it's the thought that counts. "You want to hear what I think you should do?"

"Yeah."

"Go to her, talk to her and see if she's okay with speaking with us in person. If not, ask for permission to tell her story. If she says no, then we'll respect her decision... This is a good thing Spike. Not many ponies, or dragons in this case, get their parents back-"

"You did." He stops and smiles at that, nodding along with me.

"Yeah... I did. I guess it's a family thing then, huh?" He gives me a slight nudge, making me smile slightly. "Go, stay, do whatever you feel is right. Just remember that no matter what happens, you will always be my son." He gives me a few more nudges before standing up and putting his helmet back on. He starts to leave, but stops when I grab his tail.

"Losing me wasn't a choice." I leave it at that. We stare at each other before he, leaves without another word being said. What was said was more than enough for him to understand though. I stand up and look up to the cave again. I know what I want to do. I remove my clothes and set them inside the ship before flying up to the mouth of the cave, where I stride inside confidently.

I walk into the newly constructed building and make my way to the meeting room in the center of the stone building. Inside I find all of the Spartans gathered around a hologram map of the area. A few are talking to one another quietly as Miles stares at the map, a hand over his mouth as he thinks deeply about something. I make my way over to him and stand at his side, looking at the map with him.

"Spike is speaking with his mother." I tell him, not getting a response from him other than him leaning over the map more. "Orders?"

"Who here besides Si Ye can speak Minotaur?" he asks, avoiding my question.

"I can sir." Johnathan, the barn owl griffin, says while raising a claw.

"I can as well." Hunter, the zebra, adds.

"Hmm... alright, slight change of plans. I'm taking Hunter, Night Fury, and Yinbei with me for a lead from Goblin country. Everyone else is to report to their post here until further notice, understood?"

"SIR!" We all yell in unison. We all salute him when he goes to leave before going to our duties. I rush after him and follow after, unsure why he pulled me from the run to Minotaur country.

"Miles-"

"Spike will need you here, plain and simple," he cuts me off, stopping just before he enters an aircraft.

"Spike is an adult Miles, he doesn't need Daddy at his side-"

"No but it wouldn't hurt. Is this going to be an issue?" I hate it when he does that. When he puts the issue on me when it's clear a biased call. It's bullshit and he knows it.

"No sir-"

"Good. Now be a good wife and watch over my house, can you do that dear?" I huff at that and salute back to him. "Storm... look, I know-"

"Permission to speak freely?" I ask, cutting him off. If it were anypony else, he'd beat the crap out of them for cutting him off. But, he lets me continue on. "You're being biased."

"Well duh-"

"I am your Lieutenant, and as such I should serve with you. The codex says so-"

"It also says to follow through with direct orders," he cuts me off, stepping closer to impose his stature. "That rule also is in line with wartime conduct-"

"Are we not at war with the Kroth that landed six years ago? We've been treating all encounters with that as such." This is a weak argument that I know he'll skirt easily, but I have to try it. He shifts slightly, eyeing me closely.

"Why are you arguing with me? What's really going on?" Dammit, I thought he'd try to continue arguing.

"It's... well..." Buck my ass, now I have to tell him something that I really didn't want to admit. "I... made a promise to Twilight-"

"And what could be so important that it would override your duties here?" Dammit, why can't he just leave it at that! Even worse, everypony is watching us, listening closely. With a final sigh, I swallow my pride and look him straight in the eyes to tell him.

"I promised her that I would attend this years Grand Galloping Gala with her-"

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH BOOOO!" Ellzy yells endearingly, rushing over to hug me tightly. He lifts me up and gives a spin, squealing like a little filly. I groan as the others laugh at me. Yeah, he's squealing like a filly and I'm being laughed at. This is humiliating, to say the least. "What kind of dress are you going to wear?" Okay, now it just got worse.

"Easy there private." Miles tells him, getting him to release me. "Is that it?"

"Yeah. I've avoided it every year until now... now I have to stand at her side as her husband-"

"HA!" Night Fury chokes on his laughter, pounding a hoof against a counter. "Twilight... Twilight has to... to show off her wife! HA!" Que more laughter at my expense. I take it all in stride though. Just another part of being Twilights' husband while being a Spartan. Jokes, teasing, and constant wife jokes.

"SPARTANS!" Miles yells, ending all of the laughter. He holds his hands behind his back and starts to walk around the room. "I have an announcement to make. Though I wanted to keep this quiet for a bit longer, now has made itself a more... opportune time. The Spartan regiment has been formally invited to this years Grand Galloping Gala by the King and Queen of Equestria. You are all being ordered to attend as representatives of not only Terradisia, but as the Spartans! Any disorderly conduct will not be tolerated in the slightest. If I hear word of deserting, I will personally flog you in front of the towns people. You will attend in full colors, meaning a seamstress will be coming to fulfill this-"

"Rarity?" I ask, getting a nod from Miles.

"Like I'd trust anyone else. To summarize, you're all going to G cubed, it's mandatory. If Luna mentions your name in a negative manner, I'll kick your ass. Questions?"

"... WHAT!?" The room erupts with voices. Some seem rather happy by this, while most seem beyond angered. The Berserkers seem the most upset by this though. Most of them have good reason to be though. An orc, jade hound, gorilla, and farmer at the Grand Galloping Gala. This is going to be interesting. That's not even including the others! I wonder if Twilight knows already?

"ENOUGH!" Miles yells, silencing the room. "I will not tolerate this form of conduct! The next person to raise their voice will personally answer to me! AM! I! CLEAR!?"

"SIR YES SIR!" We all yell. I can't help but smirk at this though. It's nice to know that I won't be the only one to suffer through this.

"This goes for all Spartans, Damian included." The room goes quiet at that. Those that were smiling have stopped and are staring at Miles as if he's crazy.

"But... he'll ruin my night!" Ellzy complains.

"Well a nice fuck you too!" We all look back to see Damian standing in the back of the room with his signature cloak on. "I happen to be an excellent wallflower, slash mocker of posh ponies, for your information!" He sashays his way over to Miles, oblivious to the glares from Ellzy and Butterscotch. "So... mind dropping me and my group off at Moosden?"

"I'll think about it. But there's one last piece of information that I nearly forgot to mention. You all get a plus one. If you're married, it has to be your wife." The room stays quiet for a moment as we all try to process what that actually entails. Twilight is already going, so who else would I bring?

"You desire me to bring Azzeal to this... Galloping Gala?" Raz asks, getting a few nods from the others. I can understand the orc not wanting to subject his wife to something like this.

"You want equality? It doesn't start by being scared." Miles retort, getting the orc to look down in thought. "I did not make this call without thought. There is more at stake here than just image. If Terradisia is to have a future, we need to start building relations beyond just military means. If that means we have to suffer through a dance or two, then I expect you to dance. We have a goal to achieve Spartans, and we're going to need allies if we're going to succeed. Understood?"

"SIR YES SIR!" We all respond, though I doubt half of them truly understand what he's talking about. I've seen the maps, I know about the labor force at work. You can't conquer a country without support from its people. Not unless you want rebellions to start up.

"Good! Now, I expect you all to hold the fort and gather as many materials as possible. At the end of the week I'll be returning to take you all to Canterlot, assuming we haven't finished by then. Make me proud Spartans, dismissed!" The others give a salute before going back to their duties. I follow Miles and the few going with him outside. I can see Damian has his band of Statera misfits still. A few new ones, but I recognize most of them. They load up onto an airship that has had a few of its weapons stripped off. Miles stops by the door and turns to me, waiting for me to say whatever it is I need to say.

"Did you really need to take us from maternity leave?" I yell as the engines begin to roar to life. He reaches down and pats the side of my neck a few times before removing his helmet to look down at me.

"Don't worry dragon bait, it won't be that bad here. Just remember you're an officer. Act like it. Vale." With that he gets on the ship and slides the door shut. I step back as it begins to take off, rising vertically slowly before shooting off into the air. With a sigh I turn back to the base and watch as several Spartans move about. What was that suppose to mean? I know I'm an officer! Maybe it's not translating to the others well enough? Given... I've hardly spent any time with the new recruits. I guess Miles wants me to step it up, assert my authority over them.

"Dash!" I yell, getting her to fly down from her perch on a cloud.

"What's up?" she asks nonchalantly. Yeah... that's a little too informal. Maybe I do need to get away from the friend zone and be more assertive... Dammit. I sound like Fluttershy now. "Storm?"

"Dash, if it's just the two of us, I don't mind the informality. Until then, it's Grand Lieutenant." Maybe that's too soft? But... it's Dash. I know her well enough to be a little more lax with her. She rolls her eyes but nodds along anyway.

"Alright, Grand Lieutenant, what can I help you with?" she asks, sounding neutral in her response. It's... better. Right?

"I want these clouds gathered and pressed for our water reserve. Then I want you to take two other Jumpers and scout out the area directly next to us. I don't want any surprises jumping us. Got it?" She gives another salute before jumping into the air. She grabs Dust Devil and High Flyer before heading out. I look to the others before steeling myself to start taking command. It feels a bit off taking charge like this. Normally it's something Miles would do, but I guess I have to learn sometime.

With a deep sigh I push my closet door open and stomp my way into my bedroom. Due to the christening I had to throw my entire sleep schedule out the window. I had to go on basically four hours of sleep for the past day and a half. So needless to say, I'm a bit tired. I march straight to my bed and drop down onto it, letting out a long breath into my pillow, warming it up immediately. It wouldn't have been as bad if Miles didn't tease me the entire time. It was fun in the moment. But being left high and dry has convinced me it was a mistake. Frustration aside, at least Celestia was willing to watch Tempestive for a bit longer. She even offered to watch him overnight, but we decided to leave that to Tempestive.

I start trying to get comfortable in an attempt to fall asleep quicker. It seems the universe doesn't want me falling asleep that easily though. First the sun was in my eyes. Then, when I shut the blinds I soon realized I needed to shut the window. Then a little sliver of light got through the window and was still in my face. All I want is some sleep, is that too much to ask for? I bury my head beneath all of the pillow and blankets in a fit and try to relax. Maybe I should have just put a spell on the window instead of all of these theatrics.

FLASH

"Mom!?" I let out a long breath when I hear Tempestive in my closet. A long breath. "Why are you buried under all of the blankets?"

"I was going to try and take a nap." I tell him as I dig myself out from the blankets to look at him. "Why aren't you at the castle with Celestia?"

"Something came up and I had to come home. I think I'll take a nap too. It's been an... odd day," he tells me as he starts to head to the door.

"Alright, sleep tight." I tell him as I drop my head onto the pillow and close my eyes. And to think I once complained that he napped too much.

Sleep starts to work its way over me. I still fidget over little things, but I start to doze off easily enough. Just as I was about to slip out, I hear the door creak open. Being in the middle of sleep and consciousness, I don't open my eyes. Part of me hopes that he just left the door open. That hope ends when I feel the bed shift ever so slightly when Tempestive climb onto the bed. Before I could question him though he snuggles his way under my wing and curls up against my stomach. I catch my breath slightly from this. I don't know what's gotten into him. The last time we napped together was...ages ago! Not that I'm complaining though. I've missed the affection greatly. I just hope it's not because of something from his incident that's causing this. Either way, I rest my wing over him and lean down to nuzzle the top of his head slightly.

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK

"You have to be kidding me." I groan. Why now? Why can't I just have this?

"Just ignore it, they'll come back later if it's really important." Tempestive tells me as he adjusts himself slightly.

"Agreed." I reply as I continue to try and fall back to sleep. If it's really important they'll come back later. It's nap time now.

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK

"Miles? Luna? Tempestive, are any of you home?" My eyes snap open when I hear that voice. Maybe Tempestive-

"It's Aunt Trixie!" he exclaims as he jumps up, ending any hope of napping. So much for that then. I groggily start to get out of bed, Tempestive jumping on my back before I start to walk out. Tempestive seems to have had a second wind hit him, seeing as he can't stand still. Then again, seeing his little friend after so long is probably worth getting excited for. I get to the door and open it, finding Trixie standing there with her little filly, Nightly Ruse, standing on her back. The dark purple filly with the silver mane waves enthusiastically to Tempestive, who waves back just as eagerly.

"Hello Trixie, Nightly Ruse, what brings you two to Ponyville?" I ask as I move aside to let them in. Trixie steps inside, getting Nightly Ruse to jump off her back. Tempestive jumps off my back and the two of them immediately run off together. Trixie and I share a look before heading to the kitchen. If we're going to talk, I'm going to need some coffee in me.

"We just finished up our contract up in Manehatten. With the next school year just around the corner, I figured Nightly would like to go to school here in Ponyville." Trixie explains as she takes a seat at the table. I start making the liquid gold and turn back to continue talking with her.

"Is it that time already? It still feels like yesterday we were signing Shadow up for grade school." She nods to my statement, smiling softly. "But, why Ponyville? Wouldn't there be better job opportunities in Manehatten?"

"There would have been, if the theater I was working at didn't shut down." Trixie tells me bitterly. "Not enough ponies willing to dish out for shows nowadays, so I took it as a sign to move on."

"I'm sorry to hear that. Are things really that bad?"

"It's not as bad as it seems," she reassures me with a wave of a hoof. "Ponies have to pay more for food, so they can't afford luxuries like magic shows or concerts. Big names like Sapphire Shores or the Wonderbolts do just fine. But us small names were barely getting by. But don't worry about us though. I have a bit saved to last us through November. And the fall Carnival is suppose to make an appearance here by then, so that'll be a nice boost."

"Are they really bringing it back?" The last two years it was cancelled. They couldn't get the funding for it or something like that.

"Yup! I have a friend who told me so. She even said she'd put a good word in for me to do a set while it's in the region." I nod to that, glad to see her getting some work without being run out of town. "So... is Miles home?"

"... no. He's out on a mission in the Southern Badlands, as is Night Fury." I know all too well about how she feels towards my husband. At first it made me extraordinarily bitter towards the mare. But, she is only a friend to Miles, in his eyes at least. And after she had her foal she calmed down tremendously. I still have my eye on her, but I did allow her some slack. I would even go as far as to say we're friends at the moment. Though she's on very thin ice.

"When are they due back? I'm sure Nightly Ruse would love to see her father again." I smell the coffee and pour myself a cup. I offer one to her, that she takes with two sugars and some cream. I prefer mine black. I enjoy the more pure coffee flavor. Every now and again I'll put some cream in it, but usually I prefer it back.

"I'm not sure. Spike has to attend a dragon meeting and they're there to provide back up for him, if he needs it." I take a long whiff of my beverage before taking a sip. Nothing beats a good cup of coffee.

"Hmm." She takes a sip from her mug, letting the near silence fill the room. Tempestive and Nightly are chatting up a storm at the moment. It's good to see him interacting with somepony of the opposite gender. Not that there is anything wrong with most of his friends being colts! It's just... sometimes I fear there's just too much testosterone around him. "Will Tempestive be attending this year?"

"Huh?"

"Ponyville Elementary, will he be attending this year?" she clarifies. I chuckle at that slightly, taking a moment to take another sip from my mug.

"No, no. He's homeschooled by Miles and myself. There are some subjects that he's smarter than me at honestly. I don't think there's anything for him to learn from there." Trixie goes to say something before stopping herself. She looks away and mumbles something before taking a sip from her mug. "Is there something you wish to say?"

"What? No! No, of course not!" she defends quickly, making me scowl at her. "I-it's just... that..."

"Trixie." I start out slowly, setting my mug down. "You don't have to be afraid to speak freely with me. I'm not a princess here. Here we are equals. What's on your mind?" She mulls it over for a moment before sighing in defeat, setting her mug down as well.

"It's just that... well... has he really learned how to make friends?" The question hits me rather oddly. I immediately went to shoot it down, but stopped when I asked myself the question. The only friends he has are the ones that come over, at least that I know of. I mean, he knows plenty of other filly and colts. But how many of them are truly his friends? He rarely goes out. If he does, it's usually with Miles or me. He has Rampant and Jet, and on occasion Nightly Ruse. But...

"I can see the merit in your argument." I admit hesitantly.

"... really?" Trixie asks in astonishment.

"Yes, really. I am his mother, I think I'd know who his friends are. And if I can count them on my hooves and stay standing... that's a problem." Trixie nods to that and takes her mug back with a sip. "I don't think he's a recluse though. He loves interacting with others."

"So I've seen. But so was Twilight before she met her friends, nothing against her of course."

"No, she was reclusive introvert and was so wrapped in her studies she resorted to making paper friends. I think Tia still has a few of them actually." Trixie and I chuckle at that. "I do not wish the same fate for my son."

"No, the paper cuts would be awful." Again we chuckle together. It's not that we dislike Twilight, it's simply the easiest way for us to bond. And they're only simple jesting words. Twilight is above such notions.

"But... Tempestive in public school? He's a Pr... my son. We already have trouble with the vultures looming around town."

"I thought the paparazzi agreed not to harass you guys here?"

"Most did. On occasion we get a few stragglers that try to catch a photo of me or Miles. Most of the larger editorials won't print the picks, thinking that they are altered one way or another. Luckily Tempestive doesn't get any of the fire, but that's only because we force him to wear a vest outside... and he rarely goes outside really."

"What about Shadow?"

"She's been approached once. It ended with Lupus and Hati chasing some poor pony halfway to Canterlot. Though, I don't think anypony would get an answer from her anyway." I take a seat at the table and take another long drink from my mug, trying to drown out my thoughts. If only for a moment.

On one hoof, we're exposing Tempestive to the world more. This is a good thing, but with it's own obvious complications. On the other, keeping him inside would only stunt his social inhibitions. As a pony who will eventually be a leader of Equestria, that is not acceptable. On the last hoof... well, the mother in me doesn't want my baby boy leaving the nest so soon. But that's me knowingly being selfish. Going to school will probably bore him to no end, but the chance to interact with ponies his own age could easily make up for that. If he were to go, it would be to make more friends. It would be obvious to everypony, Tempestive included. Would he shirk off his responsibilities because of that? I don't think so, but... how would school be for him?

"Well, the deadline is a month from now." Trixie tells me as she finishes her coffee. "If it was up to me, I'd send him to school. Even if he flunked out, if he came out with at least one more friend, it would be worth it. I have to get going now, but we'll be setting up just north of you-"

"Ah, our new neighbors then. I'll bring something by to welcome you to the neighborhood then!"

"NIGHTLY! TIME TO GO SWEETHEART! Dinner then?" I nod to her, getting a smile in return. The two of them come down and start begging to stay longer, until we inform them of our dinner plans. With that in mind, leaving proves to be much easier. I set about making something to bring to their home for dinner, though my mind is occupied with thoughts of Tempestives future.

Steam fills my vision again as another breath leaves my mothers nostrils, filling the room with a soothing warmth. She was a wreck when I first came in here. Seeing me again so soon nearly broke her again. Unlike last time though, she had fallen asleep rather than going on a rampage. Now I lay against the side of her massive head and lazily flick at the pieces of gold beneath me. Last time I was here, she was much smaller, much more frail. It's good to see her in such good condition now, or better condition at least. She begins to stir again, another bad dream easily. I look up and gently blow a low flame behind her head. I've learned it's one of her sweet spots that help calm her. It's something I share with her.

It's hard to believe it was six years ago I stumbled into this very cave. Broken, crestfallen and cursed by Discord. If it had been any other cave, any other dragon, I don't think I'd be here now. But, fate had other plans. It had to be her. It took a fight and harsh words for her to realize who I was, but I guess dragons never forget their offspring. How she was able to nurse me back to sanity and lift the curse is beyond me. Maybe it's just some inherent dragon ability or something. We never had a chance to go over it properly. Given, we were only together for such a short amount of time. No where near enough to work over all of our wounds properly. It'll take time, but now that I know. Now that I have the power to, I will make this right.

"You're doing it again." I perk up when I hear Dads voice. I look over to the entrance and see him standing there by himself. He doesn't have his armor nor any of his weapons. He stands there for a moment, staring back at me as if he's waiting for something. I motion for him to take a seat beside me,which he does promptly. We sit there in silence again, just like at the ship. I know he's waiting for me to respond, but I wait to do so. I don't like bringing up sour topics, especially when they're about those present in the room. But, eventually I give in.

"Doing what?" I didn't mean for my question to come out so distant, but with all that's on my mind, I couldn't help it.

"Thinking. You have a face when you do it. It almost looks like a scowl." he chuckles at the last part. I smirk, but it dies quickly. Mother lets out another huff, turning the room into a sauna, for Dad at least. "Remember when Rarity finally agreed to date you, you started making schemes of what to do for your first date? You went to every restaurant to question all of the chefs, authenticate their wines, test their dining etiquette-"

"For a mare like Rarity, you have to-"

"You even schemed to have different waiters work at other restaurants so the night would be perfect! Giving them extra training tips, magically enchanted serving trays, and even went as far as to go to the nearest metal artisan to have them polish your scales! And what happened?"

"She called it off-"

"She called it off!" he practically yells with a hearty chuckle and a thump on the floor. I smile at the memory of that night. Showing up at her door dressed to the nines, only to have her answer in her pink robe sneezing up a storm. All of that planning, down the drain because she went to bed with a wet mane. "We were all devastated! We wanted to go down there and drag her sorry flank down to the restaurant and force her to eat that stupid paste food! Twilight nearly popped a blood vessel because of her inconveniently getting sick! And don't even get me started on the staff! Rarity couldn't even walk down the same street without them mad dogging her! But what did you do that night?"

"I brought her soup." Best date ever. Nothing over romantic. No planning or scheming. Just the two of us, a thermos of vegetable broth, and a nice novel by the fire. It could not have gone better.

"You brought her soup. Spike, I wish I was half as smooth as you are. Heavens knows Twilight would appreciate it." We go quiet again, though it's a much heartier silence. Dad has that way about him. The way he tells stories, it's the best. He gets completely invested in the story, getting thrown through the loops with everypony, even when he's telling the story. Dinner is never boring if he has a story to tell. "Soup... I think they're serving soup at the fort. Want me to bring you some?"

"No... thanks Dad." He gives me arm a playful punch before getting up and leaving. The steam has coated him in sweat, but he doesn't care. He just trots on, mumbling ill tidings to those that finish said soup without him. I lean back and smile from the memory. I didn't think to bring her soup, it was just a gut feeling. She was probably hungry and was in no shape to cook herself. It... just made sense to me. I didn't need to think, I just... did.

"He is a good father." Mother tells me quietly, making me nod.

"I know he is." She adjusts her head slightly so she can lean over and nuzzle me slightly. I lean my back into her cheek and sigh into the embrace.

"Before we leave I... I would like to speak with him. If... if you are okay with that." She's trying to sound brave, but her nervousness shows easily though. I reach up and begin to scratch between two scales, getting her to sigh.

"If you think you can, I'll support you...mother." She hums her response to me, letting out another vent of steam that warms the room up even further. "For now, let's rest."

Cultural Reference Guide: Equestria

Cultural Reference Guide: The Orc Tribes

Be sure to Join the Man of War group to catch further updates,

Brony on!