“Do you know how long I’ve been told I don’t belong in either world?” Spike asked, throwing up his arms in a huff. “For most of my life, I’ve been treated as some exotic stranger in the pony world, and when I come here, I’m treated as if I were some pony dressed up as a dragon.” Spike approached Ember. “Do you know why I stuck with Twilight and the girls? Because they treat me like who I am. Twilight looks at me as a brother. That’s good enough for me. And because of their trust, things in Equestria are finally beginning to change.” Spike’s jaw snapped shut, and he hissed before continuing. “I don’t need your traditions or their approval. I know I’m a dragon and a better dragon than those old rotting corpses you grovel to.”