On the inside, Spike was feeling confused.
Emotional problems? Maybe.
Physical injury? No...
Gas? Please...
Yet, he couldn't figure it out. Every inch of him seemed to be draped in guilt and sadness, though he couldn't figure out why. It can't be from his outburst towards Twilight, so what?
Speaking of which, he has been feeling this way ever since that day. Though, they both forgave each other and moved on with their normal lives. It seems as though that day erupted something in him, something that he would never comprehend.
He came to a realization. Why did he yell at Twilight? Why did his personality vanish for that split second in which caused his caretaker so much trouble?
As he was in deep thought, he kept thinking more and more about his dragon heritage with each question. Remembering his journey into the Dragon Lands, he remember the sudden revelation he discovered when he returned.
Who I am is not the same as what I am.
Then he started to question who he was. No life-threatening journey can solve this problem. Was he just Spike The Dragon? Did he truly know who he was? A friendly dragon with the personality of a pony? Or was he something more? These questions shaded his mind as he ruffled around in his small bed. Trying to forget about the thoughts, he simply thought of something else.
The only other thing to think about was the race. He knew Rainbow Dash wasn't going to just let him have her signature move without a fight. His rational thinking was at his best at the time, but know when he looks over his actions, he thought.
Can he really beat Rainbow Dash? And in that matter, did he want to?
He knew Rainbow Dash was fast, that was a fact that will never become an opinion. He looked over his training, and how well he had done in those courses. He would always surpass Rainbow Dash's expectations and never give up. He was dedicated on becoming the fastest flier in Ponyville, just like Rainbow.
He didn't realize these goals until he first grew his wings. He never even thought once about flying before this whole ordeal. He never really thought about much things. Hell, he completely forgot about the whole incident with Rarity. Though, even with the whole boyhood crush thing out of the way, he still felt... Empty. He changed that day. He never really considered finding somepony else.
Besides, who would be interested in a drake like him?
Rainbow Dash laid restless in her cloud mansion. She couldn't stop thinking about the race. She knew she was fast, yet Spike was just as fast. Her Sonic Rainboom was on stake and she couldn't bare to lose it. Even if it was to Spike... She didn't mind if she lost to Spike, that would just mean she had taught him well. In fact, she would enjoy it if Spike won. She developed a closer bond to him over the last few weeks. She couldn't help, but feel... Something for him. It was warm and joyful, yet she couldn't put her tongue on what it was. She shrugged it off, like she always did before, but once again it came back. As she laid her head back to her plush, cloud pillow, she couldn't stop thinking about him.
You're just a damn dragon! You don't belong in pony society! Spike kept trying to fight off his own insanity.
The only thing you bring is pain and destruction! You should be ashamed! The voice kept pulling at his nerves.
Spike woke up, gasping for air and sweating uncontrollably. His heart rate was going crazy as his headache pain grew. The one thing that didn't keep him from passing out was the fact that his eyes were rapidly moving. Spike, in an attempt to calm down, took deep breaths while relaxing. All the while, a sleeping Twilight was covering her ears with two pillows.
"Spike... Go to sleep..." Twilight moaned.
"I can't. I'm... Um... Thirsty." Spike lied. "I'm gonna go get some water, is that okay?"
"As long as it will get you to sleep." Twilight turned over in her bed.
Spike got up and stretched, getting his limbs as nimble as possible. He slowly crept through the library's quiet hallways to avoid disturbing Twilight. One night on the coach wouldn't be so bad. Beats sleeping in that damn basket, that's for sure. I wish Twilight would just throw it away and get me a real bed, or better yet an actual room. Spike headed down the stairs, careful of which steps would creak with the slightest pressure applied to them. He gently skipped over them in a precise matter, and went over to the coach.
However, he stopped in his tracks when he heard a strange noise from the kitchen. The sound of plates shattering and weird noises can be heard. He swore he could have heard some form of gibberish. Assuming it was a burglar, he grabbed the heaviest book he could find, and slowly crept to the kitchen door. Opening it slowly, he peeked in to see the perpetrator that threatened him and Twilight. He saw the refrigerator door open and a pair of hooves taking items from the icy storage. Deciding to ambush the robber, he turned on the lights to get full vision of who was by the fridge.
As he turned on the light, he noticed the infamous, blue-haired DJ swiping food. She stood there motionless as Spike stared blankly with the book in hand, while the other was still by the light switch. She slowly turned her head and sighed in relief, seeing it was Spike that turned on the light. Owlicious was flying overhead, carrying a glass bottle.
"Uh, what's up, Spike?" Vinyl Scratch nervously said. "Don't mind me, I'm just..." She paused to think of a response. Owlicious set the cup down and flew away, not wanting any part of this.
Spike dropped the book and sighed. "It's alright, Vinyl. What are you doing here so late and how did you get in?"
"Well," She grabbed the cup and poured herself some water. "Something happened with Octavia..."
She still hasn't answered how she got in... "Yeah?" Spike sat down by her, waiting for answers.
"Well, I was recording some mixes up in my noise-cancelling room, since it was late at night." She drank the entire glass of water in one go. "I just finished recording three of my favorite mixes, when Octavia comes in. She starts saying to keep it down and how she has a violin recital tomorrow or today, since it is a bit past one."
"So what exactly was the problem?" Spike questioned.
"Well, I said how I have to get these mixes out by tomorrow and we got in this huge fight. Long story short, I left in a fit of rage and headed over here. I swear, Octavia has been a lot more snooty than usual. She would never mind me recording as loud as I was. I knew about the whole recital thing, so I made sure to keep it a bit lower."
"Maybe the recital is just that important?" Spike offered a piece of advice.
"Yeah, maybe. We haven't exactly done anything as a couple in a while." Vinyl put her head down.
"I really don't know much about that stuff, Vinyl. Can't help you there. I especially wouldn't know about 'playing the other side' if you know what I mean."
"Speaking of couples, weren't you always drooling over Rarity?" Vinyl asked. "I don't mean that offensively, of course."
"Yeah, but I gave that up some time ago." Spike sighed. "Since then, I never really considered going out with any other mare in town."
"No offense again, but aren't you a little young to be dating older mares?" Vinyl said in confusion.
"Actually, I turned eighteen about five months ago. You remember when I became all greedy two years back? I turned sixteen that day."
"Woah, really?" Vinyl looked at Spike with amazement. "Then how come you're so... Short?"
"Well, since dragons live about five times longer than ponies do, eighteen is still considered a baby, but yeah, in pony eyes I'm eighteen."
"Does everypony know about this?" Vinyl said.
"Yeah, I'm surprised you didn't find out. Pinkie threw the BIGGEST party. I thought you were the one DJing..."
"Nope, turns out, I got the Horn Herratitis, so I couldn't take any orders. Man, there's a lot of things I don't know about you, Spike."
"Yeah, yeah." Spike opened up the refrigerator when a certain question popped into mind. "How did you get in again?"
"Oh yeah, I used this spare key that Twilight gave me. Pretty cool, am I right?"
"Wait, you got a spare key?! From Twilight?!!" Spike slammed the door shut in shock. "How?!! She never gives anypony that kind of responsibility except me!"
"Heh, I got some explaining to do." Vinyl poured herself another glass of water. "Well, you remember the Grand Galloping Gala?"
"Yeah..." Spike looked at her in confusion.
"Well, Celestia personally had me hire the whole chorus that was there. Octavia has some awesome connections with her old group back in Trottingham, so I hired them and naturally all the snobs back in Canterlot had a blast, including Octavia. I seriously don't get how she likes that music."
"I'm missing the part that has to do with Twilight..." Spike was waiting for an answer from the DJ.
"Well, when Twilight's friends had came and destroyed everything, she asked me to for Octavia's forgiveness. After an hour of calming her down in the fit of rage she was in, Twilight thanked me. She was going on about how sorry she was for Octavia and stuff and if she could repay me. Of course, I said I didn't want a reward, but she insisted on me taking the spare key to the library. Seeing as I had nothing better to do, I gladly accepted her key and went about my business."
"Well, buck. What a weird reward for a simple apology..." Spike sat down on a nearby chair.
"I thought that same thing too, but I didn't question. I was tired and I didn't feel like asking her to take it back or for anything else, so I just shoved it in my bag and left with Octavia. Believe it or not, this was the first time I use it. I had nowhere else to go, so I came here."
"Well, now that you're here, how long are you gonna stay?" Spike asked.
"What, you don't want me here?" Vinyl snickered a bit.
"Not that, I just wanted to know. Plus, I can't sleep anyways and I really need somepony to talk to." Spike slumped in his seat.
"Is it okay if I crash here? Don't worry, I'll leave before Twilight wakes up." Vinyl asked.
"Why not..." Spike said.
"Alright!" Vinyl yelled. Spike looked at her angrily and signaled for her too keep her voice down. "Woops... Sorry." Vinyl whispered.
Vinyl sat down by Spike, who had his head down in his chair. The air was getting more and more awkward with each second, Vinyl knew she had to break the ice somehow.
"So, you ever wonder why we have technology like hospitals, speakers, and fridges yet it still seems like we live in medieval times?" Vinyl wondered.
"I was just thinking that the other day. Why DO we still have royalty when we have technology?" Spike wondered the same thing.
"I mean, don't get me wrong, I'm glad they invented speakers. In fact, I probably wouldn't have my cutie mark without them, but still it seems weird. Plus, we still live in stone and wood houses when we have concrete. Our evolutionary era is all out of proportion."
"Never knew you could have so much insight, Vinyl. When did you get so brainy?" Spike grinned a bit.
"There is one thing you don't know about me, Spike. In fact, nopony knows." Vinyl snickered back.
"Oh yeah? What would that be? Fill me in." Spike said.
"Promise you won't tell nopony? Not even Twilight?" Vinyl asked.
"Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye." Spike proceeded to do the maneuvers of the Pinkie Promise.
"Ok, here goes..." Vinyl leaned in a bit, Spike came in a bit closer.
"I can actually be called Dr. Vinyl..." Vinyl blushed a bit.
"What does that mea- OH..." Spike looked at her confounded. "You mean having your doctorates degree is a secret? Vinyl, if I were you, I would showing that off to everypony in sight..."
"Yeah, but in my line of work, that's shunned upon... If I ever told Octavia, she would stick a violin in my hand and make me play it." Vinyl sighed.
"Well, that's still pretty cool, even if you are a DJ and all." Spike got up and stretched. "Anyway, I got this big race with Rainbow."
"A race with Rainbow?! Spike, you do know what you're getting into right?"
"Yeah, yeah, but trust me. I've been training with her and I think I'm ready to race her."
"Well, Spike, good luck on your race. Don't come crying when you lose in ten seconds flat."
"Thanks for the vote of confidence... Anyway, I think imma hit the sack. You need a blanket and a pillow?"
"That would be appreciated." Vinyl smiled at him.
Spike headed upstairs, being careful once again not to step on the steps that creak. He headed up the flight, reaching the top without making so much as a squeak. He got a blanket and two small pillows. He headed to the balcony of the stairs and called out to Vinyl.
"Yo, Vinyl! Catch!" Spike tossed the blanket and the pillows to Vinyl, who caught them in quick succession. "Night, Vinyl. Remember, don't sleep in. You wouldn't wanna get zapped by Twilight..."
"I'll keep that in mind... Night, Spike." Spike nodded and yawned. Unfortunately, he has to sleep in the basket again, since Vinyl took up the couch. He headed back to Twilight's room, slowly opening the door and creeping in. He took the sound of Twilight snoring as a good sign and went back to his basket. He shuffled around for a bit before settling on a comfortable position. He went back to sleep almost instantaneously, giving no mind to anything in his environment.
Especially the crying Rainbow Dash outside his window.
She had flown over to the library in a desperate attempt to talk to Spike. She thought she would be able to talk to him about all the things that was bothering her and not letting her sleep. She also just wanted to talk to him and be a bit closer to him. Unfortunately, when she arrived she heard talking coming from inside. She heard the voice of Spike and somepony she couldn't recognize. She flew by the window in order to look at the source of the other voice. When she looked inside, she saw Vinyl and immediately jumped to conclusions. She couldn't hear what they were talking about. A secret jealousy was growing inside her and tears were starting to well up in her eyes. She flew back to her mansion in a hurry, still crying.
The next morning was a slow one for our small dragon. He got up and stretched once again, his back aching from sleeping in the basket he hated so much. Twilight was still sleeping soundly without any worry. The sunshine that illuminated the whole room didn't even seem to bother her. Spike went downstairs in search of a certain unicorn. As he arrived at the bottom of the staircase, he noticed a loose blanket and two overturned pillows in his wake. Knowing Vinyl left already, he picked up the blanket and the pillows and put them back where he found them.
He went into the kitchen to prepare breakfast for the day. He found Owlicious asleep in his cage. The subtle 'hoos' gave him away. After a few minutes, Spike finished making breakfast for him and Twilight. He set the food on the table, while Twilight came down the stairs, yawning as she reached the bottom.
"Good morning, Spike." Twilight said, while approaching the table.
"Morning, Twilight." Spike said as he set down the last platter.
Twilight wiped her eyes with her fore hoof. As she regained her sight, she noticed her assistant in front of her. What she saw shocked her as she let out a big gasp. "S-Spike?!!"
"What's wrong, Twilight?" Spike looked at her quizzically.
"Look at you!" She levitated a mirror to a confused Spike.
"What? I don't see any-" Spike was interrupted as he saw that he grew considerably taller. He was at least a quarter inch taller than Twilight was and his wings were a bit more expanded. "Woah."
"Spike, what happened to you? Did you eat anything funny or-" She diverted her attention back to the Bright Idea's books info. "Oh..."
"What, Twilight?" Spike was still admiring himself in the mirror.
"Bright Idea said that you would start growing after you get your wings... I just didn't think that you would have grown so fast..." Twilight put her head down.
"Well, it was bound to happen at some point." Spike looked away from the mirror, still giving occasional glances, and walked back to his seat.
"I have to inform Celestia about this." Twilight ran to get a quill and a parchment.
"Is that really necessary? I mean, I'm just growing..." Spike said as he gulped down one of his sunny-side up eggs.
"Of course, Spike! If this keeps going, you might grow super tall and not be able to live in Ponyville anymore! Don't you know what that means?!" Twilight looked down again, saddened. "I don't want to lose you, Spike." Spike could see a tear roll down Twilight's right eye.
"Twilight..." Spike flew over and grabbed Twilight in a giant tackle/hug. He hugged as tight as he was sure that he was never going to stop being her assistant. "Don't worry, Twilight. Nothing will stop me from being your number one assistant!"
Twilight looked at him once again with big soft eyes. "You better not."
As they let go of each other, Spike went back to the table and gestured Twilight to eat.
"Regardless, Spike. I have to inform her." Twilight sat at the seat across from Spike, who finished consuming the last piece of toast on his plate.
"Fine, but can this wait until tomorrow?" Spike said as he got up and put his plate back into the sink.
"Why?" Twilight said.
"Well, I got a race with Rainbow Dash today, and I definitely can't miss that."
"I guess it can wait. Hey, wait a second... You're racing Rainbow Dash?!" Twilight gasped again.
"Well, yeah. I told you like ten times yesterday, yet you were so wrapped up in that dragon book of yours."
"This is bad, Spike. You know how competitive Rainbow Dash gets? It's Rainbow Dash! I don't even know how to describe it!" Twilight was still trying to find the words to describe her enthusiasm about sports or anything for that matter.
"Aw, come on. It's not that bad, is it?" Spike gave a nervous smile. Twilight didn't respond, instead giving a look of dread. "Well, I'm downright boned, aren't I?" Twilight could do nothing, but nod.
As Spike finished the rest of his chores, he couldn't help but feel a bit of dread coming on. He completely underestimated his friend in every way and now he was going to have to face her in a test of skill. I, myself, would have never stopped worrying if I went in a race against Rainbow Dash, but then again, this is Spike we're talking about. He has a tendency of doing that.
He left the treehouse, saying his goodbyes to Twilight before leaving, and set off. The flight was long and arduous for the dragon. The feeling of dread seemed to grow larger and larger with each flap of his wings. His mind kept pacing back and forth between the outcome of the race. He kept doubting himself and why wouldn't he? He's going up against the fastest pegasus in possibly Equestria and he just started flying about one and a half months ago.
He arrived at the starting line of the race, seeing Rainbow had taken the liberty of putting up a starting line and a banner.
Well, at least I don't have to do it... Where is she anyway? Spike thought. As Spike was looking around, he didn't notice Rainbow Dash overwatching from a nearby cloud.
Woah, did he get taller? Whatever. Still doesn't make up for what he did. Rainbow thought. She examined Spike, noticing the height difference from before. His tail was a bit more longer and the scales on his tail seemed a lot longer as well. The spikes on... Spike's head was still curvy, but seemed to arch a bit. His wings grew in size as well, becoming perfectly proportional to his body.
"Rainbow Dash! HELLO!" Spike shouted at the top of his lungs. Where is that damn pegasus...
Spike just waited.
And waited.
And after he finished waiting, he waited some more.
It's been nearly an hour already! I don't think she's here. Might as well head back. Spike started his trip back, until Rainbow came flying out of the clouds.
"Spike!" Rainbow Dash yelled.
"Finally Rainbow! I've been waiting all day." Spike gave a gentle smile. Rainbow Dash didn't return it.
"Hello, Spike." She said in a dull tone.
Spike looked at her with confusion. What's up with her?
"Um... Hey, Rainbow. You ready to start the race?" Spike said excitedly.
"Yeah. As soon as you're ready to lose..." Rainbow Dash said as quietly as possible.
"What's that? Didn't hear that last part." Spike said while leaning in.
"Nothing." Rainbow said dully.
"Err... Ok. What's the route of the race?" Spike said.
"We fly off here and fly straight in the direction of the mountains. We loop around, and then head over to Ghastly Gorge. We go through there, avoiding all the eels and head back here."
"That's a lot for a simple race." Spike said as he got on the starting line.
"Well, the prize is worth it. No one can just take the Sonic Rainboom without a fight. You gotta take it from my cold, dead hooves." Rainbow Dash prepared herself at the starting line, trying to distance herself from Spike as much as possible.
Spike noticed the large gap between him and her. He shrugged it off as personal space.
As the two positioned themselves on the starting line, Spike was as nervous as ever. Did he ever really have a chance of beating Rainbow Dash? Her name alone describes how fast she can go, and what did Spike have? Scales? Even though the race hadn't started yet, he was sweating uncontrollably. What the hell was he thinking? All this over a stupid move? Will he ever need this in society? Why is he asking all these questions?
Too late to turn back... Spike gulped. Rainbow Dash finished stretching and readied herself onto the starting platform. She didn't even give one glare towards Spike. She looks angry. Wonder what's got her in such a knot? Spike stared at her and waited for the signal of the inevitable.
I'm not looking at him, I'm not looking at him, I'm not looking at him. Her mind kept pacing back and forth with that sentence.
"Ready," Rainbow said, lowering her head while looking straight forward.
"Set," Spike did the same gesture as Rainbow.
"GO!" Rainbow zoomed off, leaving a cloud of dust behind. Spike was still there, caught off guard by the sudden speed. He noticed Rainbow Dash in the distance already, getting farther and farther with each millisecond. He sped off, catching up quickly to Rainbow Dash. He flew up right next her, causing her to move to a further distance from Spike's side. The two kept flying neck and neck, avoiding clouds whenever possible. Up ahead, Rainbow Dash saw a small black cloud that looked as if it was about to precipitate. She increased her speed a bit and reached the cloud and Spike, who didn't notice Rainbow Dash's absence, nor the black cloud ahead.
Rainbow Dash waited with anticipation, making sure to time at what time Spike would be under the cloud. As Spike came through a nearby stratus cloud, he looked up to see he was directly under the small, stormy cloud. Rainbow Dash immediately jumped with all her force, causing lightning to hit Spike directly. Luckily, he had scales and the lightning blast barely hurt him. He thought it was just bad luck that he managed to fly directly under a storm cloud, as he was oblivious to the fact that it was Rainbow Dash that shocked him. She got off the cloud and went back to flying at a rapid speed. She snuck back next to him without him noticing. Spike was rubbing his arm, which had a burn mark from the lightning strike.
"Hey, Rainbow, you ever been struck by lightning before!" Spike yelled, Rainbow didn't even bother to respond. She flew faster, wanting to avoid talking to Spike. OK, she is acting REALLY weird... Spike caught up quickly.
The two came up around the mountain range, and curved around at intense speeds. Spike wasn't very good at making hard turns, so he hugged the mountain wall as they kept flying. Spike looked at Rainbow Dash again. She had a completely blank expression on her face and didn't seem to know that Spike existed. Is she mad at me?
Rainbow was indeed angry at Spike, if anything, she felt like pushing into the mountain. Of course, she didn't, because that would mean a VERY painful scolding from Twilight. Man, he's cute... No! Remember what he did! She put on an angry expression and flew with all her might around he mountain. Since Rainbow was a master at making tight turns, Spike knew he was at a disadvantage. He pretty much lost all sight of her as she zoomed off the other side of the mountain. Fortunately, Lady Luck was on Spike's side today as he found a small cave that led out to the other side of the mountain. He quickly flew in and accelerated as much as he could. It was merely seconds he emerged from the other side and was once again neck and neck with Rainbow Dash.
What?! How! Rainbow Dash looked at him angrily. She looked back to see the small formation in the mountains face. Oh, that little...
Spike put on a smirk. "Not gonna pass me that easily, Rainbow!" He proceeded to fly with all his might. Of course, Rainbow caught up.
If looks could kill, Rainbow Dash would be on a massacre with the angry expression she had. She only had one option left, and she would have to save it for after they pass the gorge. They entered the crevice through one of its many branching crevices. The distance between each of them became immediately tighter as the trench was very narrow. The many cracks and indents that this gorge has suffered over the years is immeasurable. If rocks could die, this gorge would be long gone. The two fliers were just minor details on its enormous face. If you overturned a mountain and stuck it in there, there would still be space for one more mountain. But enough about the god damn trench.
Spike and Rainbow Dash were once again neck and neck. Rainbow Dash didn't like to be neck and neck in a race, especially in a short one like this. She still had one more trump card she could use, and the time was now. This'll show him.
As the two were reaching the end of the crevice, they were soon heading back to the makeshift starting line. The crevice threw them very far away from it, producing a very formidable home stretch. Ponyville was all, but a speck on the massive horizon.
Rainbow was obviously flying with all her strength and Spike knew it. He was watching her use all the remaining muscle she had in her to exert it into her wings. Man, Twilight was right when she said Rainbow was competitive. Hey, wait a second... He examined her more closely. There's only one time he has ever seen her strained herself that much and that was whenever she would do a Oh no...
That's right, she was about to do a Sonic Rainboom. This troubled Spike, as he now knew he ad to find some sort of counter measure against it. What was he going to do? It was a Sonic Rainboom for Celestia's sake. How is he going to stop it?
His question was answered with an idea. If she was gearing up for a Sonic Rainboom, would there be some way to interrupt her? No, she would be going at pretty much light speed. So what could he do? Wait, she wasn't at full gear yet, this is Spike's chance. Going with the irrational side of his thoughts, he jumped in front of Rainbow in a upside-down spread. He stuck his tongue out at her, teasing her. Rainbow Dash's anger swelled and she tackled him. She ended up tackling him all the way to the finishing line.
Rainbow Dash stopped a few centimeters away from the starting line, Spike getting launched away due to the inertia. He hit the finish line, pretty much destroying it. He stood up from the rubble unscathed and dusted himself off. Rainbow Dash was in shock. I... Lost...? Her jaw was wide open. No one had ever beaten her in a race before. NO-ONE. She didn't even cross the finish line, she just turned away, not wanting to look at Spike.
"Woo! I won! The student surpasses the master!" Spike was ecstatic. He was jumping and cheering all about, until he heard something. What is that? He recognized the noise as a sort of muffled whimpering. He looked around when he saw Rainbow covering her face with her hooves. "Rainbow Dash? You alright?" he approached her slowly.
She didn't respond. "Aw, come on, Rainbow, It's just a silly race. Don't get so- OOF!" She bucked Spike right in his stomach and flew away. Spike bent over and rubbed his stomach area, still sore from the painful kick he received. Damn, she hits hard... Aw, man, what did I do... He flew off after Rainbow Dash, going in the same direction she flew off after her surprise attack.