Author's Notes:

Part Two will be coming soon

Princess Luna was sitting in the middle of a field of tall grass in the Everfree Forest. The full moon acted as a lantern and shone through the dark forest. This helped most of the creatures that wandered throughout the dangerous woods. At the moment, Luna’s eyes were fixated on a purple dragon who was in deep concentration. Spike was building up his magic, causing his body to produce a lime-green aura that coated his small body.

“That’s it young Spike,” Luna cheered, “Concentrate and let the magic flow within your body.” With the combination of his teacher’s encouragement and his strong concentration, the aura around Spike kept growing brighter. He extended his arm out toward a lone, dead log and encased it in his aura. Spike tried to lift his arm up, but he was having a difficulty lifting such a heavy object.

Suddenly, the log slowly rose, but soon fell back down. Nevertheless, Luna was impressed, as her student proved to catch on fast. After she taught Spike how to build up his magical energy many times, he was beginning to get the hang of it. Honestly, she never expected him to lift a log that was almost several times his own body weight.

“You have improved my dear student,” She said smiling at him. “Just remember, the object you are trying to move has the same density and weight as if it was moved without telepathy. Once your mind is strong enough, you’ll be able to move things much heavier than this branch,” Luna explained. “Now let’s try it again.” Spike nodded and continued his training.

The next morning, Spike woke up yawning in delight, but he soon felt a bit sad because he would have to go back with his so-called friends. Though the baby dragon wasn’t completely glum since Starlight would be around to keep him company.

Rubbing his eyes, Spike got a good look at the room he was in. Even in the light of the sun, the room still appeared to be in the dead of night with the stars and the crescent moon showcasing the ceiling. He turned to see a vanity mirror with a makeup set, then he turned the other way to see a few bookshelves.

‘This must be Luna’s room,’ He thought to himself as he got up from the bed. Coincidentally, as soon as Spike’s feet hit the floor, the door opened, revealing a regal blue alicorn smiling warmly.

“Spike, my faithful student,” Luna said in her beautiful voice, causing Spike to blush. “Let us go, breakfast is waiting.” With that, she trotted off with the baby dragon riding on her back. They entered the dining room where the elements, the other princesses with Fancy Pants, Starlight, Sunburst, Thunderlane, Pokey, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and surprisingly Prince Blueblood were sitting at the table. Luna trotted over to her chair, gesturing for Spike to sit next to her, which he agreed.

The ponies and Spike began to eat their meals with plenty of conversation. Twilight told her brother, sister-in-law, and Celestia about a new spell she, Starlight, and Trixie have been practicing. This gave Cadance some ideas for when she and her husband got back to the Crystal Empire. Spike asked Luna where Discord was. She informed him that he was in the dragon empire with the new ruler, Dragon Lord Ember, mostly annoying her to no end.

Rarity was talking about the wonderful night she had to which Fluttershy and Pinkie, who giggled and felt their cheeks growing warm, remembering the fun they had last night with their dates. Spike felt a silent anger grow at the thought of Rarity choosing to date a noble class stallion instead of someone who loved her way longer. Applejack and Rainbow just listened as Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom tilted their heads, wondering what the adults were talking about. Fancy, Pokey, and Thunderlane were talking about how they met their marefriends.

Prince Blueblood on the other hoof, was thinking like a whining brat as he noticed Spike sitting next to Luna. ‘Bah! It’s bad enough that those six are here, spoiling a good meal, including that slut of a mare who’s chatting with one of my best ponies. But to have that... that... THING sit with us as well, is just unacceptable. There’s no way I’ll allow that vile creature to eat here with royalty.’ Blueblood’s thoughts trailed off when the dragon received his plate of gem-covered salad.

“Aunty,” the spoiled prince began while staring at Spike in hatred as he began eating. “That horrible thing does not deserve to sit at the table with the rest of us!” He snarled pointing his hoof at Spike. “A beast like him should be in the garden or eating off the floor!”

If looks could kill, Blueblood would definitely be dead. The prince was stared down by not one, but all of the ponies present in the room. However, Luna gave the snobbish unicorn the worst look, causing Blueblood to shiver, knowing the impending doom that was coming to him.

“Blueblood,” Celestia began in a calm manner like usual, “How many times have I told you, never be rude to our guests? I’ll have you know Luna told me about last night. You’re lucky that I had to sleep that night, otherwise...” Her voice grew darker, which surprised everypony in the room other than Luna and Spike. “What my sister did would fail in comparison to what I will do if any harm comes to Spike.” When the sun princess was done, fear was merely an understatement when it came to Blueblood. With some luck, he was able to hold his bladder.

The now broken prince trembled so much, that he could have phased though the chair. Celestia looked over at Spike, who was staring right back at her. She deeply regretted not sending a reply back her son’s request. If it wasn’t for her to attend this meeting with the representatives of Griffonstone, she would’ve had him stay, like old times.

Finally, Princess Celestia decided to change the conversation. “Luna,” She began. “Twilight has informed me that you have taken Spike in as your personal student. Is this true?”

“Why yes, dear sister,” She replied placing a wing around her apprentice, “Spike here is a rare breed of dragon that can perform magic, much like a unicorn. The only difference is that dragons are extremely proficient with the elements around them.” As Luna finished her explanation, Spike hid under her wing to avoid the shocked glances of everypony in the room.

“Spike is that true, you can perform magic!?” Asked the now very excited young alicorn, to which Spike nodded. He didn’t want anypony to know, especially Twilight because both he and Luna knew that she would only use his magic for tasks, like getting more than one book at a time, cleaning faster or cooking better, or doing the laundry.

“Young Princess Twilight Sparkle,” The night princess said sternly, “Spike isn’t ready to perform the tasks you might ask of him. Right now, he needs to focus on his studying.” Spike looked up, happy his teacher saved him from even more slavery when they got back to the Friendship Castle.

“I understand,” Twilight said respectfully. She was disappointed Spike couldn’t use his magic for chores, but she dared not challenge Luna’s authority.

“How will you be teaching Spike, Luna?” The sun princess asked while taking a sip from her cup of tea.

“Through his dreams, sister,” Luna answered without turning her gaze from her student. She smiled as Spike nestled comfortably under her soft wing.

“I see,” Celestia responded turning her attention back to her tea.

“And I would like to appoint Starlight to help him with his studies.”Luna added. This caused the light purple unicorn to blush.

Twilight pouted but didn’t protest. Even though she would like to teach him herself, this would be a great lesson for Starlight.

With that, breakfast continued without any more problems, except some stares from a few of the ponies, mostly from one cyan-coated mare.

After breakfast, the Mane six, plus Spike, two members of the Cutie Mark Crusaders Apple Bloom, and Sweetie Belle, Starlight Glimmer, Thunderlane, and Pokey, all boarded the train to Ponyville. Princess Luna told Spike to head into the Everfree Forest to seek information from Zecora about his kind when he got off. During the trainride, most of the ponies chattered, mostly joking about Blueblood almost wetting himself with fear and their after parties. Spike on the other hoof was asleep along with Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle, due to the sheer boredom and mental exhaustion from his tough training.

Back in Ponyville, the gang trotted, or in Spike case walked, off their train. Suddenly, the dragon’s stomach growled, causing the gang to stop and look at him. They were confused, as they knew they all ate a good meal onboard. A meal that unfortunately didn’t satisfy the dragon’s hunger.

“Ya know, fer ah little guy, ya sure are hungry,” Replied Applejack with her now sleeping sister on her back.

“Like I said, it’s a dragon thing,” Spike said annoyed. He didn’t like repeating himself, since it just reminded him how these ponies don’t listen to him. “Anyway, I’m going to see Zecora, I’ll be back later.” Spike ran from the train station, passing the ponies who were going on with their day. While a few waved at him, most spoke on why he was still living here as he ran toward the forest.

Spike knew where Zecora’s hut was, since he memorized the safest path to take in the somewhat dangerous forest. Spike reached the hut and knocked on the door, but there was no response. This was weird, considering the zebra was expecting him. Spike tried knocking again, but there was still no answer. He was about to knock again when his stomach roared for food, causing him to clutch his belly in slight pain.

“I see a hungry dragon that I must feed, for I know the food you need,” Spike heard a familiar voice said from behind.

Spike turned around and saw the mohawk manned zebra wearing her favorite brown robe. “Princess Luna told me you were hungry, and I agreed to train your tummy.” Spike’s stomach agreed with Zecora’s words, causing her to giggle.

Zecora placed a hoof on Spike’s shoulder. “Your new teacher told me what you want and asked me to teach you to hunt.”

Spike nodded and followed the zebra shaman into the forest. He was overjoyed that the pain in his belly would finally come to an end.

The inside of the Everfree Forest was as lively as ever. One could spot a few boars, deer, rabbits, and anything that tries to gather food before nightfall. A few timberwolves and manticores roamed around as well, looking for a quick bite to eat.

Spike saw a lone boar with its muzzle buried beneath the earth sniffed for its favorite meal, the truffle. The brown tusked pig noticed a bush swaying side-to-side. When the wild boar laid its gaze on the bush, it stopped. The boar was now on high alert, fearing that a predator may claim its life so they could live on.

They it stood for a couple of minutes waiting, watching, hoping that it was something else. After a few minutes of staring, the pig went back to its hunt, thinking it was just a rabbit or raccoon scurrying for food.

Spike slowly crawled out of his hiding spot within the bushes. He remained low and stealthy as he moved in for his first kill, his first meal as a carnivore. The boar was too busy to notice the young dragon. Zecora’s advice repeated in the Spike’s head, ‘I have you warned, the first kill will leave you scorned.’ Spike took each word into consideration, knowing he could be killed out here in the wild. ‘You best keep a low head, otherwise, you’ll end up dead.”

Spike lowered his head more and raised his tail rose, like a cat about to pounce. ‘A predator must learn to blend, otherwise the hunt may come to an end.’ It was another lesson that he must cover his scent in order to catch his prey or hide from other predators.

The wild boar stopped sniffing and began making its way toward its next destination. Spike saw that as his the moment to strike. He pounced onto the boar and latched his claws around the its neck. Instinctively, the beast began to kick and buck, desperately trying get its predator off. The struggle eventually paid off as the pig bucked the dragon off. Spike landed on the ground, but quickly got up on all fours. His eyes glowed a green color, as he prepared to try again.

‘Don’t strike at your pray, for your chance might go away,’ Zecora’s words played. Spike knew he had to wait until the time was right to claim his prey’s life. The boar charged, but Spike sidestepped it at the last second. The wild boar didn’t have enough time to stop its charge, and ended up headbutting into a tree.

The pig shook its head from the impact, it was starting to get angry. ‘You and your prey must not engage. Wait until it tires from its rage.’ more of the zebra’s advice repeated in Spike’s head. The boar once again charged at the baby dragon and Spike to the chance to hop onto the pig. He quickly sank his claws into the pig’s flesh, gripping it tightly so it wouldn’t escape from his clutch. The flow of blood Spike felt was was intoxicating. The pig squealed in pain, trying desperately to get the small dragon off, unfortunately, Spike’s tight grip made it too difficult.

Zecora had taught Spike not to make his prey suffer, as he was only doing this to survive. To put the wild boar out of its misery, Spike sank his fangs into its neck. The force of his jaw snapped the boar’s spinal cord like a twig, thus ending its life.

The boar fell to the ground, motionless. Spike looked up and saw that Zecora had been watching. She wasn’t scared, or even disgusted. The wise mare knew about the circle of life, and the rules that came with it. Why prey have to run from predators. It was the balance of the world.

Normally Spike would be disgusted with himself and pour the contents in his stomach to the ground, but nothing of the sort happened. Spike was in a whole another world, he had just killed a boar. The blood of the boar running on his claws and fangs felt both good and natural. Spike wanted more, and wasting no time, he began to feast on his kill.

“Where could he be?” Asked a worried lavender mare. “It’s getting late and he’s nowhere to be found.” Celestia had lowered the sun about an hour ago and Luna’s moon now shined across the skies. Twilight began to stomp her hooves, worried that her assistant could be in danger or worst. She began to run toward the Everfree, but was stopped by a hoof.

“Relax, Twilight,” Trixie said wrapping an arm around her marefriend, “I think that Spike will be fine. In fact, I think he’ll be back before you know it.”

This seemed to calm the panicked alicorn down, but right then and there, Spike came walking down the street. He had a few scratches and bruises on his arms, but other than that he looked fine. Twilight busted out crying in happiness as she ran over to Spike and wrapped her hooves around the dragon.

“Oh Spike, where have you been? We were all so worried about you.” Twilight let him go and looked at his injured arms. “What happened?” Though Spike knew she was more concerned with him being healthy enough to do chores around the castle.

“Well...” Spike momentarily paused to think of a good excuse. “I went to see Zecora for something dragon-related, and I must’ve took a wrong turn.” It wasn’t the best lie, but the mares seemed to buy it. In truth, Spike was having a tough time hunting his prey. It wasn’t easy, but he did manage to kill the said prey, and satisfy his hunger.

“I told you, Twilight,” the showpony said with a smirk.

“I guess you’re right.” They hugged for another minute before going back inside.

For the past three weeks, Spike had been going into the forest every time his stomach rumbled after a pony meal. This occured twice a day, but Spike always waved his ‘friends’ off before he headed toward the Everfree.

The girls seemed a bit worried, but Twilight and Trixie explained to them that Spike was visiting Zecora for medical help for his stomach, so they just shrugged it off. That evening, Spike was running a little later than usual worry, Twilight asked Fluttershy to check to see if he was still over at Zecora’s hut.

The timed mare was scared at first, but after remembering that Spike was still in the Everfree Forest, she ponied up and trotted into the woods. Within moments, the timid pegasus heard a deer cry before falling quiet. Fluttershy flapped her wings and rushed toward the sound. When she found the source of the cry, the sight almost made her scream.

Laying in a field was an unmoving baby deer, and a smaller creature sitting by its corpse. To her, it seemed to be praying, but a closer look revealed that the smaller creature was actually eating it. The timid pony took a step back, stepping on a twig. The sound caught the creature’s attention, and its eyes widened in fear as they met Fluttershy’s gaze.

“F-F-Fluttershy?” The creature spoke, and to Fluttershy its voice sounded very familiar.

“S-S-Spike?” the terrified pegasus asked while Spike stepped into the moonlight. Now visible, Fluttershy saw that Spike was covered in the blood of the deer he had just killed.

“Fluttershy, wait I can...” Spike’s words were cut off as the timid mare let out a scream and ran away. She couldn’t believe that Spike, the only dragon that supposedly wouldn’t hurt even a fly, was out in the forest, killing defenseless animals. Tears fell from her eyes. She had to tell Twilight and the others what she saw. Fluttershy flew past Rainbow Dash, Applejack, the Cutie Mark Crusaders, all who looked confused and followed the shy pegasus.

Fluttershy banged on the door in the quickest way possible. When Rainbow Dash, Applejack, and the Cutie Mark Crusaders came the door, it opened to reveal Twilight with a worried look. “Did you find him?”

“Y-Y-Yes...b-b-b-b-b-but... can I come in?” Twilight moved out the way to let her and the others in.

“Where is he?” Twilight asked then looked at the pegasus, who looked like she seen a ghost as tears began to fall from her eyes. “D-D-Don’t tell me he’s…”

“N-No Twilight... I-I found him. H-He was...” She swallowed a lump. “E-Eating a b-baby deer.” Everypony in the room gasped, except for Rainbow, who just blurted out laughing.

“Y-yeah right! Spike would never do something like that.” Rainbow said as she flapped her wings. “The little guy only eats gems and sweets, as if he has what it takes to eat a deer.” Rainbow did had a point there. She, Twilight, and Rarity had followed Spike when he wanted to learn about dragons during the Dragon Migration. They remembered when those teen dragons wanted him to crush the defenseless phoenix egg and Spike refused.

Twilight put her hoof on her chin, “You’ve got a point Rainbow, but Princess Luna told him to seek information about dragons from Zecora. I wonder if she’s teaching Spike something?”

“Yeah like what? He’s way too small to hurt anypony... let alone wild animals,” Rainbow commented, but she saw everypony gasp and Twilight pointed her hoof toward the door. Upon seeing what Twilight was pointing to, Rainbow’s jaw dropped. There stood a blood soaked Spike next to Zecora. He looked quite hurt at the accusations.

“Pardon my interruption,” The zebra shaman spoke, “But there is a matter we must attend. For there is a misconception that we must mend.”

Twilight nodded. She and Rainbow after shutting her mouth went on ahead to gather the other bearers. Applejack meanwhile, took the three fillies back to the farm, where her brother, and grandmother could watch them. Now that they’ve earned their Cutie Marks, the fillies weren’t as troublesome as before, but Applejack wanted to keep them away from Spike after what she saw.

“Spike, before the others come here, you should wash the blood my dear,” Zecora advised. Spike nodded and headed upstairs to the bathroom so he could clean the blood. Fluttershy was too scared to look Spike in the eye. She didn’t see him as the cute baby dragon she once knew. She only saw a monster.

After a good few minutes, the rest of the six bearers of harmony, plus Trixie and Starlight, all sat in a circle with Zecora in the middle. Spike peered from behind the zebra, still hesitant to look at the frightened mares around him. “Now that you all have gathered here, I shall try and make this perfectly clear. Spike, as you know, has many traits among his scales, some that would sicken even the toughest males. Some are very good, and some are very bad, others keep him alive, even if it’s sad. What you all saw I’m sad to say, was a trait necessary to keep death away.”

“Hold on,” Applejack interrupted, trying to put together what Zecora was saying. “Are ya telling us that Spike needs to eat other animals in order to live?” To which Zecora nodded.

‘Well duh!’ Spike thought as he glared at the farm pony.

“There must be another way, I mean, not all dragons are carnivores,” The white mare spoke, shocked from hearing this.

“True dragons may eat whatever they want, but at a certain age, they must go on the hunt.”

“Just like the the raid during the migration,” Twilight said as she put two and two together.

“Yes, newly winged princess, it was very much like that clash, when the other dragons found eggs for him to smash. For it was not only for fun and games they did try, but to learn to hunt in a packs without being shy.” The zebra cleared her throat. “Now back to the matter at hoof, if you will, if he hadn’t eaten flesh, many hearts would’ve stood still. For if not his life to be lost by the need, but his instinct to take rise, like greed.” She didn't need to say more, the room was silent from the news that if he hadn’t, not only might he have died, but he could've became a monster again, only with a need to eat rather than hoard.

“Unless there is another question, I think it is best to end this session. Not that I wish to retire, but I fear I left something over my fire.” And with that, Zecora left the map room, leaving the eight mares gasping.

“He did what?!” Asked a light pink mare who was snuggling against a white stallion. They were both was laying on a king sized bed, with golden silk sheets covering their tired bodies after their passionate night. Blueblood had recently dumped the blue mare he brought to the dance, under the account that she was too boring.

“He ate a deer today. Aunty Luna is insane, keeping that dangerous lizard around,” Blueblood said wrapping his hoof around his partner. “She even had the nerve to take the little demon in as her student.”

“That’s awful! What if he gets out of control and goes on a major rampage!?”

“Don’t worry my little love bud, I have a plan. He’s in Canterlot with his master for the next two weeks. I’m sure a prince like me can pull a few strings.” The two nastily chuckled before the prince spoke again. “Now, how about this handsome prince make a lovely mare his princess?” With that, Blueblood tossed the covers over both of their heads. Soon, giggles and moans could he heard throughout the room.

Later on, Celestia was in the throne room reading the letter both she and Luna have received. To say she wasn’t surprised was an understatement, she and her sister weren’t surprised at all. In fact, they were hoping Dragon Lord Ember would’ve told Twilight that Spike will be at the age where he needs to eat meat before he ends up hurting somepony while rampaging.

“I always knew this day would come,” Celestia spoke softly thinking of the repercussion that would befall her ‘son’ if other ponies find out.

“How do you think this will affect his relationships with the others sister?” Luna asked worried about her student’s well being.

“I highly doubt they would look at him the same way for quite some time. Giving it some time, I hope they’ll realize Spike is still the sweet dragon he’s always been.”

“I hope you’re right about this Tia.”

“Have I ever been wrong Lulu?”

Luna rolled her eyes. “Well, there was that time you let Discord track down Tirek. Then there was that time when you said and I quote ‘I’m an immortal alicorn and don’t need love.’ Yet, you feel affection for Sombra, and never said a word about it before the crystal war incident. Then there was that time when you ate all of those sweets during that contest and got sick for the next few days.”

Celestia blushed annoyed, “You’ve made your point Luna.”

The midnight blue alicorn just giggled. “Anyway, I believe it’s time for you to retire for the night.”

The older white alicorn just nodded as she got up from her throne and trotted towards the doors. “Goodnight Lulu. And good luck on your student’s dreams.”

“Goodnight Tia.” Luna waved her hoof, but raised a brow after hearing her comment. “Oh right, Spike’s going to feel horrible tonight.”

Celestia trotted down the hallways, enjoying the scent of the flowers Luna aligned the walls with to help the servants, and off duty guards sleep. On her way towards her own room, she spotted her nephew, Prince Blueblood, obviously waiting for somepony. Sadly, that somepony was her.

“Good evening aunty,” The prince spoke with a smile on his face.

“What are you planning Blueblood?” The alicorn asked, knowing he was up to no good.

“I don’t know what you mean.” The answer was vague and unconvincing.

“You know what I mean,” Celestia replied as she began to lose her patience.

“Well news does travel fast aunty. I heard that little lizard of a son of yours did what most ponies here would never do. Namely, eating other animals,” The prince smirked. “Now what would Equestria think if they find out, huh?”

Celestia’s eye began twitching, “Are you blackmailing me, one of the princesses of Equestria?” She asked. “Because I’m pretty sure that is considered treason.”

“If you thought I was trouble before, aunty, imagine me and almost all of Equestria’s nobility as your enemy. Surely, you don’t want that. Because if you continue to entertain the idea of spreading harmony with other creatures, including that... thing you call a son, well... let’s just see how long the alliance of the nobility will hold. Then there is the matter of your secret project involving the dragons. It would be a shame if Princess Twilight were to learn who her mentor truly is.”

“You’re right, that would be quite a shame,” Celestia sighed as she lowered her head. “But it would also be a shame if the ex Dragon Lord Torch and Dragon Lord Ember hear wind as to who’s the pony who put the sword in Inferno’s heart. And if you don’t know who Inferno is, that would be Ember’s mother and Torch’s mate.” Her eyes turn to Blueblood. “So go ahead and tell Twilight and the other nobles about my son.”

“You’re willing to put Equestria at risk?”

“If you want to blackmail somepony, better do a bit more digging my dear nephew,” Celestia said as she continued on her way to her chambers, leaving a stunned prince behind.

It had been almost two weeks since they left Ponyville to visit Twilight’s parents while Spike visited his mother, who was happy to push her schedule to spend time with him. Even with the new settings, he continued his lessons with Luna every night, and he was getting good at controlling three of the four natural elements. But today, Spike and Twilight where at Pony Joe’s for a small snack where Spike was enjoying a tasty donut when the royal guards trotted through the door.

“Spike the Dragon, by order of the princess, you are hereby under arrest,” The captain announced in a harsh tone.

“Under what charge?” Twilight asked, blocking the guards from trying to apprehend the young dragon.

“First degree murder of the noble Esquire family, and attempted murder of Princess Flurry Heart five days ago,” they answered approaching the dragon.

“W-WHAT?! I NEVER MURDERED ANYPONY, I SWEAR!” the dragon screamed. “Tell them Twi!” he begged.

Twilight shook her head. “He’s telling the truth. He was in Canterlot castle with Princess Luna.”

“Both the attack on Princess Flurry and the murder of the Esquire family took place approximately an hour our after Princess Celestia lowered the sun. Where were you at that time?” One of the unicorn guards asked.

“Like Twilight just said, I was with Princess Luna in the garden,” Spike defended himself. The guards looked at each other before turning back to the dragon.

“I’m sorry Spike, but we’re under orders,” He said obviously not listening to the defenses. “Colts, take him!” He ordered as the unicorns’ horns came to life. The sky blue aura covered the small dragon from head to toe, lifting him off the ground.

“TWILIGHT!” he screamed, that his last word before the guards trotted off to the castle. Twilight could only watch in horror as her little brother was arrested for something he obviously didn’t do.

“DON’T WORRY SPIKE, THE GIRLS AND I WILL FREE YOU! I PROMISE!!” She called out to her assistant to give him hope.