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“So I take it you know the basics about dragons, but are confused about magic dragons, which makes sense since they are rather uncommon.”  
Spike nodded. I know earth dragons are generally more physically strong, and flying dragons have wings. Is it like with ponies how they have earth ponies and pegasi? Are magic dragons the unicorns of dragons?
 
“In basic terms, yes,” Barius confirmed, “All dragons have a dormant magical potential within them, which is how most dragons are capable of growing to gargantuan sizes, but magic dragons are able to utilize that potential and perform feats of magic, otherwise known as spells.”
 
“Really?” Spike was listening intently, Does that mean I can do magic too?
 
“Well not in the same way unicorns can,” Barius corrected him,
 
“Unicorns have a focus for which they can cast spells from, their horn, which is connected very close to their brain, so theyre more able to control their magic discharge.”
 
Spike grabbed at his head, I dont have a horn. He was disappointed that his ideas of being able to do magic tricks seemed so short lived. “But you do,” he said pointing at Barius trio of horns on the side of his head. “Can you do magic?”
 
“Not really,” Barius admitted, “One, theyre kind of small, so they wouldnt be able to discharge a lot of magic as it is, plus since theres three of em, its more difficult to control.”
 
“So whats the use of being a magic dragon, if we cant use magic?”
 
“You didnt let me finish,” Barius explained, “What we lack in control and focus, we make up for in raw power.”
 
“How so?”
 
“We have our dragon breaths,” Barius smiled, “In fact, all dragons have the basic fire breath, which in essence is just a release of stored up magical energy. But we magic dragons have the ability to change that type of energy for other uses, like for enchanting items.
 
“OH!” Spike realized, “Like how my breath can transport scrolls, breathe away magical demons, and weaken enchanted objects!”
 
“Yeah, just like what what?” Barius was suddenly stunned at Spikes revelation, “you can do what with your breath?”
 
“Uh yeah,” Spike seemed a bit confused, “I mean, cant you do that kind of stuff?”
 
Barius shook his head, Most Ive been able to do with my breath is change it from fire to frost. Ive only started reading about how to perform different spells, though its mostly for unicorns, and applying that to a dragon breath isnt the easiest thing. But if youre able to perform spells like that without even knowing about it, thats amazing, youre a natural spellcaster! Barius became excited and enthralled with Spike.
 
“Well, I dont know about that” Spike said trying to be humble, “I always thought it was just some weird spell the princess put on me to have this ability to deliver messages. Do you mean, its just been me this whole time?
 
“If my research is correct, totally!” affirmed Barius with a huge grin,
 
“This type of data is great for my research” he caught himself, “I mean, if its cool with you.”
 
“Sure it is!” Spike smiled, “Im all up for learning more about this stuff. So we friends now?
 
Spike held out a fist with an expectant look. Barius looked at the fist, smiled, and bumped it, Yeah.
 
“Well, well, well, look whos managed to get the dragon to come out of his shell,” came a voice from the balcony. The two dragons looked to the source and saw the red dragon straddling the rock rail.
 
“Mangle!” Spike greeted, “Enjoy your flight?”
 
“Sure did, after being locked up for a week. I need to catch up on my flight time. Mangle stood and walked over to the two, leaning against a stone wall. So I overheard you two near the end there, so youre a magic dragon, huh Spike?
 
Spike nodded, Lucky huh? Makes sense, since my breath was able to blow away that energy sapping enchantment on those cuffs.
 
“And you must be the resident expert on magic dragons, huh Barius?”  
Barius blushed a bit, Not really, I cant do spells like Spike can.
 
“Either way, if youre a friend of Spike, then youre a friend of me,” Mangle stated confidently, “and I look out for my friends.”
 
“Well thanks but-” Barius started to say before he was interrupted by a swift kick to the door causing the three to turn towards it.
 
 
[Link]
 
“IVE GOT PIIIIEEEEE!” exclaimed an enthusiastic Snort, as he barged his way into the room.
 
“Ever heard of knocking?” Barius said a bit annoyed at being surprised yet again.
 
“Its a recipe that Jitte taught me, except instead of using orange topaz I used a lighter ruby for a more tart taste,” he started explaining as he walked into the room, and planted a seat right next to Barius. He handed him the pie, “Here you go, try it!”
 
“For me? Why? Barius looked at the pie, still warm from the oven and up to Snort who had a big dumb grin.
 
“Cause you left dinner so early, I thought you could use a snack.” Snort replied, Also a bit of an apology, for scaring you off like that back then.
 
“Oh” Barius took pause, “I wasnt scared of you guys.”
 
“Then why did you take off so suddenly?” Mangle asked.
 
Barius sighed, I thought you were just another group my mom was trying to get me to join, it wouldnt have been the first time.
 
Spike thought back to when he first met dragons, and understood where Barius was coming from. He was a thinker, not one for rough physical activity. No wonder he never got along with other dragons, he was the odd guy out. And he probably thought his mom was only trying to toughen him up.
 
“Well, were not just another group,” Spike said, “Sure some us are kind of rough and tough, but some of us are also really cool guys.”
 
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