Harsher in Hindsight: Arguably, this is true for one of the reasons why Razorfang is reluctant to either use Spike's name or give the 'hatchling' his own (Spike later considers it's probably not his real name). It's because one dragon wishing another to call him by their actual name is to imply that they are considered family. Razorfang lost his mate and two young sons, to hunters 'a long time ago'. Even worse that Spike has no idea that what he thinks is a demand for some common courtesy means something else entirely to the older dragon.
Hilarious in Hindsight: The story has Spike gaining wings and trying to learn how to use them. About six years after the story was published, the cartoon itself gave Spike his own wings. Even funnier, he didn't have much trouble learning to use them.
Moral Event Horizon: In chapter 10 someone launches a harpoon at Spike while he's in mid-flight and carrying other ponies. Fortunately, it missed.
Tear Jerker: Spike finally giving up on Rarity at the end of chapter 12. Ouch.
The Woobie: Spike. The poor kid was put through a lot in this story: Fantastic Racism, a duel to the death with another dragon, even attempted murder. Word of God says that he always viewed Spike as this in the series, which served as inspiration to this Fan Fic
