● 3 Months after the Episode "The Molt Down"

"I can't do this." Spike panicked when they got to the door of the great hall. This was such a big moment for him. He knew there was a crowd of creatures on the other side of that door. The ceremony was pretty scary; he had been preparing for so long and now that he was here it was almost too much.

Twilight Velvet smiled at her son, the little boy's new wings were fluttering nervously. I suppose it depends on your definition of new, however, they were a few months old now. Regardless, Velvet attempted to ease the boy's concerns, "That's not the 'courageous hero' I know and love." She smiled an easy smile. “Don't get cold feet now!”

"What if I mess it up!?" Spike whined.

"That sounds more like him." Night Light grinned teasingly, "Worrying about every minor thing, just like your brother and sister. I honestly don't know where you foals get it."

Velvet glared at her husband as if to say, 'I blame you.'

Night Light didn't notice. He was too focused on his son, "But just like them, I know you could never let a little thing like a room full to the brim with creatures expecting you to perform will stop you from realizing your potential. You have faced things far worse than this."

Spike gulped. He was pretty anxious. That speech hadn't really helped very much.

Now it was Celestia's turn. She smiled, pulling the dragon over to her with a wing. Then leaving it there in a tight side hug. "Did I ever tell you how I came across your egg?" Spike looked up at her. "I bought it in bulk from a magical creatures' breeder. You were supposed to be a Couatl, a type of winged serpent that can only hatch from high exposure to magic. Normally the parents will collect crystals and use them to build a nest, but Unicorn magic works even better. After my potential students hatch the egg they get to keep the Couatl as a familiar.”

Celestia gently poked Spike with a hoof. "With you, no one had any idea how a dragon egg got mixed up with the others but it was undoubtedly the best thing that ever happened to me! Over the Millenia I have raised many orphans, including your older brothers Blue Blood and Clockwork, but you were my first real surprise.” Spike blushed a little. He remembered a little about those days. Celestia had made a wonderful mother and he was always surrounded by amazing magic and friendly ponies.
"I will admit, I was sad to give you over to your parents when they informed me they wished to adopt you…” Spike remembered that moment well. It was hard leaving Celestia, but his new parents were so nice to him. He remembered meeting them for the first time and feeling the happiness that family life can bring. “Though I stayed as your mentor and was thrilled that your parents allowed me to share such a title with you. And you kept calling me 'mummy' as a baby. I couldn’t ask for a more special student.”

"Still for all my efforts. I had no idea how dragons raise their young. I didn't even know Equus Dragons don't actually mature to be any bigger than myself. That their size is a result of a magical ability to grow. I knew so little about your people, but still I tried to teach you.” Spike remembered having been sad not to know more about his people. Ponies barely had any books about dragons that weren't complete fictions or pictures in his comics. He never even learned his roots. “I even fed you lots of protein and gems, as I knew Dragons need such a diet. I'm sad to say what I thought would be an appropriate meat substitute didn't cut it. It’s the specific kind of magic found in meat your body needs... not the protein... I failed you in that regard."

The very fact Equus dragons usually have this ceremony at 15, but Spike's wings hadn't grown in until he was 17 was another failure on her part. He had been a late bloomer because he was suffering from malnutrition.

Spike's eyes began to water, before they hardened with determination fitting a dragon, "You didn't fail me. You taught me as much as you could about my people! You were a great teacher--” And for a moment he choked on a word. “--Mummy!" He blushed as the childish title passed his lips. He hadn't called her that since he was a hatchling. It was embarrassing, but fitting. Still by the bright smile on Celestia's face, it was clear she still treasured the word. Maybe he should call her that more often?

"You've grown up knowing little about your nature as a result, but since dragons opened their borders to us we’ve all learned much.” Spike remembered his first trip to the dragon homelands. It was so different from what he’d grown up with. He sometimes wondered what life would have been like if he hadn’t been born in Equestria. Would it have been any better? Looking around at his family--All those bright and colorful faces--For a moment, he couldn’t have asked for a more perfect way to have lived.

Celestia continued, “The celebration after completing the molt is an important day in a young Dragon's life. It is not something I can deny you. You have been denied so many things about your race--It's not about if you get the ceremony right, but about your friends and family celebrating you in their lives. It means a lot to dragons, and I know it will mean a lot to you when you grow up. It already means a lot to me." Celestia nuzzled the little dragon. "Don't be nervous or embarrassed, it's not possible to fail."

That was exactly the speech Spike needed right now. All the memories of his life were in order. Everything had led up to this one moment where he was to move from infancy to childhood. It was important to everyone--It was important to him. Everyone he knew would know who he was now. Spike hugged her snout and sighed, feeling the anxiety slightly lifted. "Thanks Mummy,"

"Are you ready?" Velvet asked.

"Y-yeah." Spike took a deep breath and opened the door.

Heavenly music was played from strange instruments by many adult dragons as they sang in their native tongue. Spike didn’t know it, but it was a common song for this kind of ceremony about a dragon coming of age. The aggressive roars and growls contradicted the divine melody, yet somehow worked with it.

Oh he understood the words... somehow... All dragons are born knowing how to communicate in Draconic as it was a magical language. Much like the ponies own abilities to understand any spoken language from the moment they are born... dragons are more limited in that regard, as they could only understand Draconic at first.

As Spike was thinking about the differences between Dragon and Pony languages, Celestia, Velvet, and Night Light walked behind him as they passed row after row of benches. All of his friends and family were present--Even several nobles of each nation. Spike parted ways with his parents once they got to the front row. He continued onto the stage with adult dragons, in all their glorious hugeness, awaiting him.

Celestia took her seat beside Twilight in the front row, right next to the rest of Spike's family. The little dragon didn’t have a very orthodox family--a dragon raised by ponies was strange enough--but Spike technically had two families.

There was the Sparkle Family, Velvet and Night Light's children and sole grandchild. Their Grandfoal, Flurry Heart, was still very much a foal after so many years. She was just so small. Alicorns age slower then ponies and Flurry was no exception despite being born one. She was the daughter of Shining Armor, the oldest of Velvet's children, and Cadence, one of the orphans Celestia adopted. Cadence was an Alicorn who ascended at a young age with no guidance. She unlocked the secrets of self enlightenment by herself, without any formal training. Celestia had decided to take her in and train her to be a more just leader than the Alicorns of old. She even gave her a job foalsitting the children of Celestia's employees, all to teach her patience and compassion.

Children like Twilight Sparkle. Twilight became the middle child of Velvet and Night Light after they took Spike in, but for the longest time, she was the youngest. Cadence watched her whenever the foal's parents went on one of their archaeological digs for Celestia, recovering lost and dangerous magical artifacts of old. Twilight eventually became Celestia's personal apprentice after managing a feat as great as hatching a dragon egg, though no pony knew there was a dragon inside it until after she hatched it.

Yes, Celestia and The Sparkle family had been connected long before Spike was in the picture, but they hadn't really grown as close as they had until he arrived. Celestia had hopeful ideals for all her children. She had to, given her station. Blue Blood, the middle child, had lived up to his with flying colors. He was one of the greatest Ambassadors ever put on her staff, and had even managed to learn some humility in recent years. Blue Blood was the last of a great house, descended from one of Celestia's most cherished consorts from near 700 years ago. She loved Blue Blood, and was perhaps a little too hard on him, but only because she saw such great potential.

Right now, Blue Blood was trying his best not to look teary-eyed and hold himself with dignity. He was a good boy as a colt and had grown into a fine stallion. Maybe a little too obsessed with appearances and took far too much glee in tormenting gold diggers, but he was a brilliant diplomat; he was charming beyond all reason when he wanted to be. Celestia had been conned out of many a cookie just before dinner when he was a child, but was always sure to split it with Spike.

Then there was her oldest son, Clockwork, who she hoped would never reach his potential. He was a soon to be middle aged stallion; she spoiled him a great deal--Constantly made excuses for his less than royal behavior, but still she cherished him. He might not behave like stuffy royalty, but he had the heart of a noble stallion. She tried to shelter him; he did not yet know the dangers of his true nature and she hoped her sun grew dim before he found out.

Cadence certainly lived up to her potential, being ruler of a City State that had been lost for a thousand years. She was doing well, easing them into the ways of the 1100st century.

Then there was Spike, himself, the son of two great houses. As far as Celestia was concerned, anyway. He had held up his end of the bargain; he had become the bridge between two races Celestia had hoped for--The ambassador to the Dragon Lands--Respected and loved by both races. Sure there were a few bullies the little dragon had to deal with in the dragon lands, but their leaders loved him.

Twilight often wondered why the Tree of Harmony had given her such a tall ceiling but it was kind of obvious now. It was big enough to let full grown dragons wander the halls and enter all the important rooms. There were even a few dozen large bedrooms with ridiculously sized bathrooms. It was meant for Spike. The castle was designed so Spike could live comfortably in it for the rest of his eternal life.

Yes he would naturally never get any bigger then 7 feet, being an Equus Dragon and all, but many such Dragon prefered to use their size changing magic and stay giants all the time (they were more powerful like that after all). It was a power that required training and practice to get to that point, but this castle would allow for even a giant Spike to wander the halls comfortably if he so chose.

It was one of the reasons she had so much faith in the map. Whatever gave them this castle, it was clearly intelligent and it clearly cared about them. Showing off it's affection in little ways like making sure her family was taken care of.

Spike looked back at his family. He was still as cute as ever, even with his "big boy" wings. He was so proud of them. Celestia didn't even know Equus Dragons don't grow wings until they became fledglings. She had told Spike his lack of Wings was a birth defect... because that is what she thought it was. Poor Spike--He grew up knowing so little about his people. Everything he did know was misinformation Celestia had gathered. At least now he had a connection to his people; one that she hoped was improved by the end of the day.

He was wearing a white robe, as was tradition. Ever since Twilight learned about this little ceremony she had wanted Spike to have it. Celestia was all in agreement. Spike didn't get to experience much of his dragon heritage due to being raised by ponies but this--This was important to them. It was the first step on the road to adulthood. They couldn't deny Spike such an important moment in a dragon's life. It had as much meaning to a dragon as a cute-ceañera did to a pony... and it was already several months late as it was supposed to happen immediately after the dragon returned from their momentary exile.

Equus Dragons went through stages of puberty. With the first instance of their "molt" happening all at once over the course of a day. During this Dragons send their whelps out into the wild to try and survive the night. After their wings sprout they come back home to a massive party in their honor, complemented by this ceremony... Spike should have had this months ago, the moment he came back with wings, but ponies didn't know about it.

Nearly all Equus dragons are taught how to handle themselves during this right of passage ritual from a young age... but Spike never recieved the training. Nor did he know what to do for the Ceremony. So Smolder filled him in and trained him for it well Dragon Lord Ember prepared the Ceremony. They just gave Spike a few months to get ready given his circumstances (Dragons weren't completely heartless after all).

When a dragon grows their wings they go through this ceremony. They stand before a Cleric of Io, the dragon god of peace and balance, the leader of all the dragon gods. There they are baptized in fire and declared a fledgling, the dragon equivalent of a child instead of a baby. They were supposed to go through another molt when they turn 100, which last about a month instead of a couple days. After which they are bigger and stronger and considered a "Rookie" dragon, meaning "teenager"... however much Spike wanted to grow up, he was happy he wouldn't have to suffer through such a long molt for several decades.

For right now, Spike looked nervous enough as he stood before the huge dragon.

"Little dragon," The dragon Cleric spoke once Spike was in front of him, "Are you ready to prove to your family that you aren't a hatchling anymore?"

Spike gulped and hesitantly nodded. The great dragon gently turned Spike around so he was facing the audience. With a soft pushed Spike was guided to the edge of the stage.

Beside Twilight, Shining Armor was already in tears as he yelled out, "You can do it little bro!" his wife, Cadence, eagerly stumped her hooves, and their daughter, Flurry Heart, cheered.

All of Spike's friends were cheering loudly, including Discord who was waving a ridiculous foam finger and wearing a hoofball shirt. Thorax looked nervous and Ember looked proud. It really is amazing just how many friends Spike had gained among all the species of Equestria, and all of them were here. Even his pen pal Screwball. The little Demigod was looking around the audience like they were going to eat her. It meant a lot that she got over her fear enough to actually come to this.

Spike sucked in a breath and let out a "Mighty" roar. Twilight did her best not to snicker about how cute it was. She knew how hard he had been practicing it for days. Twilight couldn't help but feel nostalgic as she remembered how he used to sound like a little colt screaming impudently at the world but now he sounded like a little lion cub. It was absolutely adorable but definitely not a sound a pony could make. Twilight had come to understand that's just how dragons are; it's a part of growing up. Their vocal cords change and allowed them to let out a true roar.

As Spike roared the Cleric allowed a steady stream of flames to burst from his mouth and completely consume the much smaller dragon. The little dragon continued to roar as his robes were burned away. It was a truly impressive sight. The flames continued to burn until the robes were incinerated to nothing. Finally the large Dragon choked them back and Spike continued to burn for a moment longer. When the flames died there Spike stood completely unharmed; His bare scales shined as if freshly polished.

The old dragon smiled and greeted, "Welcome to the world Fledgling,"

Normally the Ceremony would end there but Celestia had asked the Cleric for something special. He pulled out a small crown and put it on Spike's head before bowing to the little dragon, "All hail Solar Spike, Prince of Ponyville,"

Spike found the crown on his head and felt confused. He looked out as the crowd bowed to him. He was completely uncertain of what to do. Even so, to have all the people you care about recognize you for something? It was an amazing feeling.

He would never forget that day.

###

● 21 years later,
9 years into the Space Age
Celestia's Sun

38... Spike was 38... and still a child, still as small as a child... he knew he would regret saying he was grateful his second molt was decades away. He still sounded, and even thought, like a little kid. Why did dragons have to take so long to grow up?

Eventually Spike grew into his life as royalty and as an ambassador to the dragon lands. As he was loved by both ponies and dragons, he found himself smoothing things over much of the time. He was actually the one to convince the Dragons to build a colony here on Celestia's sun, that way the living planet wouldn't be lonely in her retirement / exile.

Their sun was truthfully no hotter then the dragon lands... so long as you avoided the volcanoes shooting out plasma and the lava rivers. While uncomfortable for ponies to live year round, it could support life of all kinds. It was just more suitable for life like the dragons.

That was some years ago, before the invention of space galleys could fiery creatures to the moons, so Celestia and Luna were isolated much of the time. The whole reason the space age got kicked off was because ponies still wanted to see the sisters regularly... without feeling guilty each time they came down for a party when they should be recuperating on their worlds.

The dragons settling on the sisters planets had done a good deal to improve relations with the ponies. As the ponies felt indebted to the dragons for keeping the sisters company.

After ponies discovered Space travel, they built domed cities on the Sun and Moon to withstand the extreme temperatures. Many ponies lived here on the sun with Celestia, while frequently trading with the Equus Dragons for their Alchemy magics... the new races living in such close proximity had resulted in a lot of dragon / pony hybrids being born. They liked to call themselves "Drakehooves" and were developing their own culture on Celestia's sun.

As Spike became more and more immersed in dragon culture, he and his family found the dragon nobles to be more and more... pushy. The Nobles were an entire species of dragons called "True Dragons"... and that name alone should tell you how arrogant they were.

Unlike Equus Dragons "True" Dragons coloring wasn't a fluke gene but rather their direct species. Each color had a different bone structure and different type of flame. They were direct spell casters, unlike Equus Dragons who could only use fire magic and touch based spells... also where Equus Dragons could change their size, True Dragons were naturally dozens of feet tall (some breeds of then were actually over a hundred feet).

As the Dragon Hierarchy was a cast based society judged by race, True Dragons were the nobles of all... and they acted like nobles. They typically did nothing but collect wealth and "allow the other races to serve them"... obviously Spike had some choice words for them the clawful of times they had met... which typically resulted in the huge beast picking him up and... spanking him while telling him to remember his place.

The more it happened the more convinced the nobles became that Spike needed proper schooling instead of what the ponies were providing him.

Spike was still considered very much a child by dragon standards (and would be until he was a hundred), and it was becoming more and more clear to the dragons that pony home schooling wasn't enough. As far as they were concerned he needed a proper education through traditional dragon survival training. If only to gain a better appreciation of the hierarchy.

Ember gave Spike’s parents a run down of how survival training worked and they knew, deep down in their jellies, that Spike wasn’t cut out for that. Dragons were one of the oldest space fairing civilizations, yet because of their appearance (and more often then not the size of many dragon species), Dragons were treated like common monsters. Throughout the galaxy, dragons were robbed of their treasures and even killed for the magical properties of their bodies. They were butchered to become armor and potion ingredients. Survival training was supposed to make Fledglings tough and frightening, while teaching them how to control their powers and use them for defense. However it also gave them an actual education, so far as Draconic history and the nature of the hierarchy was concerned.

Equus Dragons were third in command at the Hierarchy and were specifically responsible for protecting all other races. So their training was particularly harsh... it would not be a good place for Spike, Ember had stressed that.

For starters, Spike's growth had been stunted by a lack of meat. Yes he had been eating a pony approved diet of fish since they became aware of the issue, but the damage was done. That would leave him hurting for a way to physically endure the training. More importantly, the emotional training was similar to boot camp. Ember understood it was a more gentle hand that was for Spike, in order to get him to continue to resonate with pony kind. To be an ambassador to both nations, Spike would have to be tough, but also soft. Ugh, one of those catch 22s.

In the end, Ember felt that instead of intense survival training, it might be better for Spike to be tutored in all things Draconic. That way he could be taught a better respect for the nobles. Yes, Spike showed her plenty of respect, but he didn't know how to act around "True" dragons. They required a lot more pomp and ceremony then even Canterlot unicorn nobility recieved. The True dragons were tired of Spike "disrespecting" them every time they spoke, but were willing to compromise as they understood Spike needed to be relatable to the ponies to play his role as Ambassador.

But who could teach him? A typical dragon tutor would be just as hard as survival training. Smolder? Spike's only dragon playmate had been teaching him what she knew of dragon customs and their powers, but she was just a child herself, only a clawful of years older then Spike. She couldn't be expected to teach him when she was still in school herself.

However there was... one possibility. News and rumors filtered around the system of a new school. A school to teach all races, where the Headmaster actually had an intergalactic Doctorate in Draconic studies... a Stallion... that wasn't a Stallion...

So the family took a shuttle to Celestia's sun, with her letting them stay at her new palace in one of the domed cities. It was so bucking hot on this planet. While the dome made it livable, the world still felt like living in 100 degree weather on a regular basis.

Spike found the temperature pretty relaxing, but his parents were melting.

Velvet and Night Light had let Spike run off to explore the castle while they talked with Celestia (promising him he could play with her after their business was finished). So now they found themselves waiting outside the great hall to see the sun god.

Velvet wondered aloud, “Do you think she can help us?”

Night Light shrugged his shoulders quietly. “It’s worth a shot. I mean Twilight couldn't get an audience with the Doctor, he's been so busy setting up his school, but surely he would come when Celestia summons him. She raised him for crying out loud!"

“Celestia may value family, but the Doctor isn’t part of Spike’s family anymore.”

“If he ever was.” Night Light grumbled. “I liked Clockwork a lot better than the god he ended up turning into.”

Velvet sighed. “So did I…” They looked at each other for a moment before looking off in opposite directions.

“Anyway.” Night Light waved a hoof. “The Doctor has a doctorate in draconic studies. If we could get Spike into that school he’s running, it would be perfect. The Dragon Nobility even agreed to it! We just have to get him to answer our calls and then I'm sure he'd help."

A servent opened the door to the great hall. One of an army of tiny bipedal lizards the Equus dragons had trusted to tend to Celestia. The lizard was small, even when compared to ponies. He was no bigger then a foal, standing just over 2 feet tall. His body was so skinny, he appeared to be nothing but scales and bone. His muzzle was as long as an alligators but much more narrow. Despite all this there was something that screamed "cute" about him. Like an ugly dog that was somehow cuter the uglier it was.

“Celestia will see you now.” said the lizard, what is known as a "Kobold". They were the very lowest of the low in the Draconic Hierarchy. A servant class that was used to tend to the needs of all dragons. They were even lower then the Draconic animals in the hierarchy... yet somehow they were one of the most loved strictly because they served all others... although not respected, other dragons thought of them as pets that do housework (ponies don't have words for things like "slavery", though Kobolds found a great deal of joy in serving the more powerful dragon species. It was more a symbiotic relationship then that word would imply).

However, to give you an idea about how much respect dragons had for hybrid dragons... while Kobolds were far better respected then the Drakehooves. As far as Dragons were concerned Kobolds at least had pure dragon blood.

Dismissing their shock at seeing a kobold answer the door, Velvet and Night Light got themselves together and entered the great hall. The gorgeous stained glass windows shone brightly in the sunlight. Celestia was reading a scroll but quickly put it away as the two ponies entered. “Velvet, Night Light--It’s wonderful to see you again. I appreciate you braving the heat to see me."

That made the ponies feel guilty, as they were strictly here on business.

“Always a pleasure.” Velvet insisted.

Night Light added, "I hope we aren't interrupting anything important?"

Celestia chuckled, "I'm retired from royal business, even here on my sun. I just like reading fan fiction in the throne room for nostalgia's sake."

The ponies smiled at her.

Celestia nodded, getting down to business, “What can I do for you two?”

Night Light bowed his head a bit. “Well, see, it’s not what you can do for us. It’s what you can do for Spike.”

“Oh?”

Velvet nodded. “We were wondering if you could possibly help us get Spike into that new school the Doctor is opening up.”

Celestia hummed thoughtfully. “Do you have a reason for wanting him there?”

Night Light waved a hoof. “Well, we were worried about the dragon survival training. That’s normally where foals, errr hatchlings, his age would go to school. But we all know that Spike isn’t really prepared for that.”

Celestia sighed. “I do know that. I wasn’t certain where he was going to go either. Queen Twilight’s tutelage was helpful but he definitely will need a higher education.”

“That’s right.” Velvet nodded. “And the Doctor has a doctorate in draconic studies. He could teach Spike what it means to be a dragon without having to put him through intense survival training that Spike would end up… You know, broken.”

Celestia sighed. “It would have to be the Doctor’s school. We aren’t exactly on the best terms.”

Night Light pinned his ears back a bit. “I uh--I take it he didn’t leave your family well...”

“Not at all.” Celestia looked off to the right. “But at the same time he hasn’t wondered too far from our planet, or at least, he always comes back. Which is slightly different than he usually behaves, I’m told.”

“Got a soft spot for ponies, huh?” Night Light huffed.

Velvet crossed in front of her husband. “Well I doubt he’d fit in on other planets looking like he does now.”

Celestia raised a hoof. “I’ll talk to him, but I can’t guarantee anything.” She quickly scribbled something on a fresh piece of parchment. Then called the servant back, handing him the letter, “Please have one of the mail dragons send this to the Doctor.” Celestia turned to the family again. “It may take him a few days to get out here. From my understanding he is currently living at the Rift. Would you be willing to wait in the Palace til he arrives."

The Sparkle parents looked at each other. Sending each a private message strictly through facial ticks, as only a couple married for so long could. Well it would be hell to endure this heat for so long, it would be nice to chat with Celestia again. They both silently agreed and looked back at Celestia. The couple bowed before her.

Velvet spoke, "It would be to our delight."

Celestia smiled, standing from her throne, "Excellent! Now let us find Spike."

As The family left the room, Celestia couldn't help but worry how the Doctor would react to seeing her again. With a mental sigh, she thought too herself, “I hope this goes better than last time.”

###

A few days later the Doctor walked through the door to the great hall. Not even waiting for the Kobold to announce him. Celestia decided to hold off summoning the Sparkle family, as to let the Doctor vent privately at her about whatever was hexing him about her this week.

He looked completely disinterested with being there already. “Yes, what is it?”

Celestia sighed quietly at being regarded so harshly. “Thank you for coming.”

“Need me to design some more things for your civilization, hm?!” Geez, what an angry voice. “Want me to make you some fancy new technology to get you ahead of the game?!”

“Please calm down.” Celestia tried to maintain composure.

“Oh yes, I’m going to calm down when you call me. Let me just get right on that.”

“Please.” Celestia was doing her best to keep on an even keel. It’s not easy when someone you treated as a son for so many years bites back like that. He had the face of someone she loved. That child of hers--Taken.

“You used me, now you want to use me again?” The ends of the doctor’s nostrils flared. “Is that it?”

“No, that's not.” Celestia huffed. “You haven’t even heard what I have to say yet.”

The Doctor grumbled at being interrupted. “What--What do you want?”

Celestia choked back tears and raised her head high. She felt better about getting down to business. “It’s about Spike. I wanted to ask you if it would be possible for him to enroll in your special school.”

“Spike?” The Doctor looked to the side. "Has he developed a class? Wouldn't that be one hell of a coincidence." His voice had an almost accusing edge.

"No," Celestia retained her composure, she had managed to smile well negotiating peace after a global war. She could take a few hate filled words from one of her more rebellious children. "He has not developed a class. However, The Dragon nobles have been demanding he be sent through survival training." The Doctor looked alarmed at that. Good, he understood Celestia's concerns. No need to elaborate them. "Dragon Lord Ember believes being under your tutelage will be a livable compromise for them."

The Doctor looked thoughtful, suddenly a lot calmer, “Well, I know he’s got a very important job to the dragons. It isn't very often they get a proper Ambassador to ease relations with 'lesser' species. I imagine they are watching his development very closely..."

“You’re the best suited to teaching him.” Celestia looked away. “He has a lot riding on his shoulders and his schooling needs to be more gentle or he won’t hold sway as an ambassador to both nations.”

The Doctor sighed. He stared out the window for a moment looking forlorn. “I miss the boy sometimes. Blue Blood too.” He turned his head to regard Celestia again. “I wouldn’t mind looking after him at my school.”

“You miss him?”

“I do. The identity fades but the memories don’t.” That hung in the air for a moment between them. Celestia stared at the Doctor and the Doctor stared at Celestia. “Don’t look at me that way.” the Doctor said, as he was the first to break eye contact.

“Sorry.” Celestia looked away as well. “I’ll send for Spike and his parents so you can enroll him.”

“Alright.”

Celestia called for a Kobold to retrieve Spike, Velvet, and Night Light. They entered shortly after. Spike was following his parents, but on seeing the Doctor he paused.

Gosh, it was hard to see that face. Spike thought. That was his big brother’s face. Why did it have to be connected to that soul? He sighed and caught up to his family.

Velvet asked quietly. “Have you two thought about sending Spike to the Doctor’s school?”

Celestia nodded. “Yes.”

The Doctor waved a bashful hoof at Spike, who startled and didn't know what to do for a moment. Spike decided to give a little wave back, as to not be rude... but it was as sure as Tartarus the most awkward wave he had ever given.

“Congratulations! You’ve been accepted.” The Doctor hoofed over some documents to Velvet, “Please sign these documents so I can leave this room.”

Spike blinked. “Wait. I’m going to his school?”

Night Light nodded. “That’s right. It works out a lot better than dragon survival training, don’t you think?”

“I--I... guess?” He thought really hard. “If I wanted to learn about jerks I could get a doctorate there.”

Night Light laughed nervously. “That’s the spirit! Honey?"

Velvet eyed him a moment as she held the papers with her magic. Reading over it as she filled out the document. Part of her wondering if the Doctor would try to hide any less then savory agreements in the school papers, but they all looked in order.

The Doctor awkwardly fiddled with his metal wand, occasionally stealing glances at Spike. Desperately wanting to say something to his baby brother but not finding the words.

Everyone in the room felt unbridaled tension. Nopony there liked the Doctor but everypony there had loved Clockwork--And yet nopony could tell the Doctor off because he could very quickly end their lives if he wanted to. They didn't know the Doctor well enough to know he won't... all the knew of him was the sight of him single hoofedly destroying an army.

Obviously the Doctor understood their reaction... he hadn't been a very good pony until Derpy reminded him what it meant to be "The Doctor". Still having known these people--Their lives, their stories--How was he to judge their displeasure? So everybody edged off into silence until Velvet finished the paperwork and hoofed it back to the Doctor. “There.”

“Alright I’ve got everything I need. You’ll hear from me later. Good day.” The Doctor quickly left. Practically running out the door to get away from them... and imagining this was how Sombra must feel around the pillars... maybe the Doctor shouldn't tease him so much...

Once he was gone, the remaining ponies just stared at the door a moment... as if he would turn around and suddenly be Clockwork again.

“Well…” Celestia sighed, once he was truly gone from sight, “That’s about as well as that could have gone.”

Spike grumbled. “About as well as a trip to the dentist.”

Velvet sighed. “I know it’s going to be hard but please try to focus on your studies at your new school.”

Spike was so very angry, but silently knew he had very few other options. It really was this or boot camp. Why did it have to be with him, though. Why him? Why that face?! “Yeah. Whatever...” Spike walked away and out the door.

Night Light pinned his ears back. “Well, he sure took that well.”

Celestia shook her head. “We did what was best for Spike. He had no other options.”

Night Light grumbled. “It would have to be his school.”

Celestia sighed and waved a hoof. “Now you see why I said that, don’t you?”

Velvet sat down. “We’ll just have to hope for the best. Spike’s a tough little scaled foal. He’s faced worse.”

Celestia nodded. “That’s all we can ever do.”