The weather in Ponyvile suited Spike mood nicely; cold and overcast. He'll admit that he didn't feel like the happiest dragon in the world at the moment. Spike just got back from another big, dangerous adventure with Twilight and the gang and let's just say that his performance in high stress situations needs a little work. Okay, a lot of work. He just can't protect his friends against the threats of Equestria, let alone himself. If it hadn't been for Twilight's skill in magic, AJ's strength, Pinkie's energy, Rainbow's speed, Fluttershy's stare, and Rarity's skill in...Um... fashion, Spike would had been dead long ago. He was useless to the team, and mostly bringing them down from their potential. He never really noticed how much he really weighed down on them.

How embarrassing... The dragon in a group of ponies is the least valuable member. Spike let out a sigh. Why do I have to be so weak? The walk back to the library was long and needed a topic to talk about. Luckily Twilight noticed her assistant was in distress. She decided to break the ice.  

"Spike?" His ear twitched in response to his name. "I can't help but see you're in deep thought, is anything bothering you?"

He signed again, louder this time. "I guess you can say something is "bothering" me."

Twilight gave him a curious look. There was a small pause.

"...Would you like to talk about it?" She asked, offering a smile.

Spike kept his gaze on the floor. "No, thanks."

"Are you sure?" She egged on. "I could help you with whatever's on your mind."

Spike looked up to her. She was about a foot taller than him, she wore a comforting grin. Seeing his friend in such a cute state didn't help him feel better.

"No, Twilight, you really couldn't help me." Spike replied in a low voice. "Thank you for offering though."

She stepped in front of him and started walking backwards. "Oh, come on, Spike." She stared into his green eyes. "You can always try talking about it with your big sis."

"Please, Twilight, you wouldn't understand." He broke her stare and focused on the ground again.

Twilight's smile faded, her face changed into one of understanding.

"Alright Spike, I'll leave you be this time," He looked up again. "But if you won't spill to me, you should a least tell someone else of your problems. You shouldn't keep things bottled up."

She's right, I have to open up to someone. "I'll think about it." He answered, giving the same attitude of sadness. But who can I trust other than the girls? Well, I shouldn't blab to a mare about this stuff, I don't think any of them care about being weak. No, this is a guy topic. Spike paused his thoughts, they arrived at the crystal library. He opened up the giant main door and stepped inside, Twilight soon followed.

"I'll be in my room if you need me." Spike started his way to his chambers.

"Okay, I'll start on dinner." She called back. "Do you have any requests?"

"No, anything is fine." He turned down a hallway out of Twilight's sight.

I hope he feels better soon. I can't stand to see him like this. She continued her path to the kitchen.

I need to speak to a stallion for this kind of stuff. Spike laid on his bed searching his mind for a familiar face. I really wish I had more guy-friends. He sat up and rubbed his temples hoping to think harder. His mind stopped on a face. AHA, that's it! He's always been there for me before...

Spike rushed over to his desk and grabbed a quill, ink, and a small scroll. He began writing:

Dear Shining Armor,

Hey big bro, How have things been going? Well, the reason why I'm contacting you is because I'm not feeling so hot myself. I feel like a weak coward that only gets to tags along with Twilight because she feels sorry for me. I keep putting me and my friends in danger. I'm not strong enough, physically or mentally, for the threats they face. If things keep up I might get everyone hurt or worse. I need your help Shining, I hate being useless. Can you help a brother out?

-Spike the dragon.

Spike rolled up the scroll and blew his magic fire on it. The paper faded into smoke and flew out the widow. That should do it. I hope he replies soon...

"SPIKE! DINNER IS READY!" He heard Twilight's call. He shrugged. Well, can't have a stallion to dragon talk on an empty stomach.

Spike got up form his desk and followed the smell of freshly prepared food, surprisingly, feeling better already.

Twilight just finished setting up the table when Spike walked into the dining room. Seems like he feels better now. I wonder what was eating him.

"What are we having tonight?" He piped up, looking at the bowl in front of him.

"Just a simple salad. I put gems in yours." Spike sat down on the opposite side of the table. Twilight looked at him and grinned. "So, you brightened up."

He returned the smile. "If you must know, I took you advise and opened up to someone about my issue."

"Really? Who?" She asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Oh, just your brother. He's the only colt I can trust." Spike nodded.

"Great, but why did you need a colt?" She took another bite.

"Mares just don't get guy problems." He shot back smugly.

"There's a good reason for that." She quipped back.

"Whatever, you're just jealous that we bros got each other's backs." Spike slid on his black shades and crossed his arms.

Twilight shook her head and giggle a bit. "Yea, yea, just eat you dinner bro."

They continued eating in a peaceful quiet. I hope he responds soon... Next Chapter: Chapter 2: Face to Face Estimated time remaining: 24 Minutes