"One of the hardest things to do in life is forgive. No matter how terrible it may have been always do so as soon as you can. If you choose to delay remember that one day it may be too late."
Finally home sweet home. The dragon had just arrived at noon from Canterlot on official business by train.
Spike was needed as a translator between the princess and the Dragon of Flames Ignus. Since he was a dragon, Spike could understand and speak the language of Ignus, which was called Ancient Draconian, after receiving a spell from the princesses. He asked princess Celestia how she did it and why she couldn't use it herself.
"You will learn the language in about a hundred years, I have just used a maturity spell on your vocals. Also I do not think they would take kindly to a pony speaking their language or trust them. Since you are of the same species and go by his code of flames he will accept your words as truthful if he deems you worthy." Sadly he was needed for an entire week and the last day was on Twilight's birthday. Meeting with any of the four dragon rulers however was something rare and not to be taken lightly.
Thankfully the negotiations went well and Celestia wanted to reward him the next morning. She asked what he would want for helping with the negotiations.
He accepted the reward and got something for Twilight instead of something for himself. After the whole greed incident, Spike's materialistic mindset had been nothing but a memory and hoped it would be a start to his apology.
He calmly went through the town smiling, holding her gift in his claws, waving to the ponies he met on the way. Basking in the glory that was his current home. The fresh air that he had been wanting ever since he left. To him nothing could compare. Can't wait until she sees this. She's gonna go nuts.
Spike had made his way over to the library and knocked on the door. He knew that he could stroll right on in but wanted to be greeted at the door to surprise her. He waited patiently for a minute but no reply came. "Twilight?" He banged the door a little stronger this time. Inciting a little more noise and vibration. Spike became bored of standing outside and tried to open the door. To his surprise it was locked. Strange, she's always diligent about her duties. He scratched his head in confusion.
Tired of waiting he unlocked the door with their secret key hidden in the bush, reviving his great smile. Glad we had this. When he got the key he unlocked the door, threw it back into the bush and opened the door slowly, creaking as it went.
The library was completely empty from what he currently could see. "Twilight?" He said a little louder. Still no response. Ugh is she playing around? Spike went straight upstairs to see if she had still been in bed. Running up the steps swiftly he noticed a large pile of books. Really Twilight? When he arrived upstairs her bed was made. Oh she must be out or something. I should clean the place up before she arrives. Starting with that horrible mess of books.
*Growl* His stomach disagreeing. After lunch of course. He laughed at himself. Spike climbed down the stairs and made his way to the kitchen. He expertly made a batch of hay fries for himself and a daisy and daffodil sandwich for Twilight. After finishing his lunch he placed her sandwich into the fridge and left the room.
Okay it's time to start cleaning. I guess those books are nice place to start. He walked over casually not knowing what lay beneath.
How did all these books fall off anyways, was it on purpose? He thought to himself. Spike reached for the first book and put it off to the side. He was about to reach for another when he suddenly saw a muzzle, pair of eyes and purple fur surrounding them. The bright sun now flashing onto her face caked with blood. "TWILIGHT?!" He yelled grabbing the rest of the books off of her as quickly as he could. When all the books were thrown off of her he started to shake her still unconscious body.
"TWILIGHT!" He continued to yell, trying to get her to wake up. Slowly her eyelids started to part, revealing her bloodshot eyes as if she hadn't slept in days. Weakly she looked around to see her assistant shaking her. "Twilight! What happened?" Spike said once more but in a much lower tone of voice. Twilight ignored him and tried to get up but instantly fell back down instead onto the hard wood floor.
"AGH!" She let out an ear piercing scream from the amount of pain she felt. Spike saw her back had a faint tinge of red near her spinal region. Where she initially impacted against the wall.
"Twilight what happened?" He asked once more. The look of pain she had transformed instantly into one of sadness. Twilight remembered the events of last night and why she was here. Why she was hurt and in pain. Both physical and emotional. She let her head fall into her hooves and started to cry audibly. Spike wanted to know what happened but knew it wouldn't be proper of him to ask in her current state. He came up beside her and started to stroke her mane slowly while simultaneously feeding her words of encouragement, trying to make her feel better. He read that it's used to calm ponies down no matter what emotional state they were in. The dragon heard her mumbling to herself. "It's all my fault."
He continued to do this for a few minutes until she stopped crying and started to snore weakly. When he knew for sure she was relatively okay he slowly walked to the closet, grabbed a blanket and placed it over her. This isn't much but it's better than nothing. He glanced over her body once more. I should really clean the blood on her. Spike ran back into the kitchen and opened a cupboard. He grabbed the cleanest cloth he could find and gently ran some warm water through each fibre. Once finished Spike turned the tap off and squeezed the excess water. Slowly he walked back to the still asleep lavender mare. He carefully lifted her mane and saw in detail what the cause was. Two large imprints near her muzzle. He started from her forehead and glazed the cloth over her entire face, careful to go around her eyes and near where he presumed the origin of the blood would be. Sadly the dragon hadn't learned any medical skills so after making sure most of the blood was cleaned he went to get help.
Until he noticed her still reddened back again. An ice pack should numb the pain. He thought to himself. Quickly he grabbed a small bag and placed enough ice cubes to fit half the bag. After tightening the bag, carefully he lowered it onto the blanket. Luckily she did not incite any sudden movements in reaction to the foreign entity that lay onto her back. Okay now I should get somepony. "I'll be back Twilight don't worry!" He insured to whom he presumed unconscious whilst running out the door.
"I'm sorry Spike." She whispered once he closed the door.
(<~><~><~><~><~><~>)
"Pinkie!" He yelled once arriving at Sugarcube corner. He thought she would know something about smaller injuries like cuts if she had an accident or two in the kitchen and since she was close by she would be his best bet. Luckily there weren't any ponies at the bakery so they had relative privacy.
"Yeah Spike?" She exclaimed from the back of the counter. Her perfect smile that could never be replicated, brilliant raspberry coloured poofy mane that made her recognizable at any distance, eyes purer than baby blue sapphires that added the effect of trust you could place to her.
"Quick I need your help! Somethings wrong with Twilight!" He spoke. Pinkie pie's demeanour suddenly shifted for the worse. The attributes she once had were replaced with their counterparts. Her mane's poof replaced by the infamous greyish pink straight hair. The once mood lifting smile was all but a memory. This had been only the second time he'd seen her like this.
"She can help herself can't she. I can't help her anyways, all I would be is an annoyance." She replied flatly.
"What?!" Spike was bemused by her irregular comment. "Of course you wouldn't. What made you think that? And I really need you. Something's really wrong!"
"No Spike. I need to get back to work." She proceeded to go back into the kitchen.
"Pinkie!" She merely ignored him going further in. "Fine! I'll go get somepony else!" He ran out the door and slammed it shut on the way.
Pinkie faced one of her spoons and stared at her reflection. Why did I do that? She asked herself.
What's wrong with her!? She's never like this. I'll find Rarity instead. He ran off once more, this time towards the Carousel Boutique in hopes of finding somepony who could help. On the way however he found Applejack in the marketplace selling her apples like normal. Applejack would know what to do. He hoped.
"Apples! Git yer fresh apples here!" The orange mare advertised behind her cart of apples.
"Applejack!" He ran towards her panting.
"Howdy Spike. What can ah do for ya?" She replied no different from normal.
"Twilight needs help. When I got back this morning I found her bloody and injured and I-
"Ya can stop right there." She interrupted and stuck a hoof out, motioning for him to halt.
"Wait why?" He gave her a puzzled look, unknown of her intentions.
"Ah don't help ponies like her." She replied, cold like a winter's blizzard not looking at him.
"What!? What's gotten into you and Pinkie?" He asked. For the second time today he's been denied.
"Nothing. We just realized something last night." She sighed. "If all yer gonna ask is for Twilight ah suggest ya go. You'd just be wastin yer time." Applejack replied without taking account of both Spike's innocent ignorance or his feelings.
"I'll go ask Rarity instead then! At least she knowns when a friend needs help!" He yelled at her running off, away from one he called friend once again, towards the boutique. Many ponies who witnessed the event gave the orange pony disapproving glances. One mare even came up to her.
"You should be ashamed of yourself." She spoke disapprovingly and simply walked away.
"Darn it Twilight..." She mumbled to herself, tilting her stetson to hide her face.
What's wrong with them? It's like they're completely opposite ponies now. Who cares about them anyways, Rarity will help, there's no way she wouldn't. He thought to himself.
He arrived at the front door of the alabaster mare in a small amount of time knocking on the door as soon as he got there. By now he was panting heavily from the amount of running he was doing. He heard a small click as the door opened slowly.
"I'm sorry but the Carousel- Oh Spikey Wikey where have you been?!" Rarity's smile was not unlike the brilliant sun to the dragon, as if it could brighten even the darkest pits. For a moment he started to daydream about their future together, until she reached forwards to give him a grand hug. "Ooo I missed my gentledrake."
"H-hi Rarity." He stuttered, returning the hug whilst a faint blush was appearing on his cheeks. Even after all this time he's known her Spike could still not take affection from his crush without acting like a slight fool.
"Come in! Come in. We must simply catch up and you must tell me how everything went." She exclaimed, ushering him inside.
"Well of course..." He shook his head rapidly remembering the reason why he was here. "Wait Rarity! I need your help, Twilight's was all bloody and crying and Applejack and Pinkie won't help!" Spike explained quickly.
"Oh." Her smile turned crooked. "Well I don't know. I'm much to selfish to help her. She can obviously take care of herself." Adding more emphasis than needed.
"What? I'm serious Rarity she needs help and I don't know what to do." He stared at her with the most needy face he could muster.
Should I help her..? Not for that deceitful pony but for Spike. He obviously doesn't seem to know what happened last night and it's not his fault. He doesn't deserve any of this. Her expression changed at that very moment. I'll just keep him here. Yes. Away from that devilish pony. "Come in Spike let's talk over some tea. There's no need for you to go back. She can handle herself." She stated. Since the alabaster mare was turned towards the kitchen she hadn't noticed something important.
*Drip*
"Why?" Spike asked, a slight crack in his voice. When Rarity turned around she was met with the sight of the dragon staring at the floor, a few droplets of tears escaping his eyes. In the carpet that lay beneath a patch of darkness grew. In the next second the dragon bolted out the door, tears falling behind him.
"Spike!" But he was already gone. Feeling betrayed.
I hate them all! If I can't get them to help then i'll do it myself. Who needs them anyways. He thought angrily to himself. The dragon had ran back to the library, ignoring anyone who tried to confront him. When he opened the door however he was treated with an unfortunate event.
"Twilight!?" He called out. "TWILIGHT!?" He ran towards where she once lay, only to see it completely abandoned. The small blanket put off to the side and the bag of ice melted onto the floor. Spike immediately ran upstairs hoping she would just be resting in a more comfortable location. He found nothing, her bed no different than it was earlier, letters all neatly stacked on the shelves. Nothing changed since he was last here. "Twilight! Where are you!?" While running towards the basement he silently hoped he would find her doing science as a way of consoling herself. The lights however were off, stealing his hopes without mercy.
Upon searching nearly every nook and cranny of the place Spike was left with the kitchen. Once he arrived however he found the second difference. The door was slightly open, the wind banging the door weakly. Where did she... Spike's eyes fell upon a parchment that lied on their table.
He slowly walked towards it in fear, as if it were his death sentence. Each step feeling like a hot spike driving into his clawed feet. He reached for the written note, curiosity overcoming his initial fear. Once he grabbed it he noticed several dark spots and smudge marks on various parts of the parchment.
Dear former friends and Spike
I've made the last mistake, the worst mistake of my life. I'm truly sorry for what I did, but it's okay. You won't ever have to see me again. I do not ask of your forgiveness. Just... forget about me. Don't bother trying to find me, I don't deserve anything no more.
Goodbye
Twilight Sparkle
"No. NO!" He screamed aloud. His once depressed expression all but a distant memory. He dropped the letter and went out the door, running towards the direction of the everfree. In his mind the only possible place she could go would be somewhere dangerous. Please be safe.
(<~><~><~><~><~><~>)
~Earlier~
"Spike!" The alabaster mare called out to the dragon she held close to her heart. Ugh why did I do that. I'm acting no better than Twilight. She sighed, feeling terrible for the rudeness she showed.
"Was that Spike?" A quiet voice came from the stairs. Slowly Rarity turned her head to see a sick looking Sweetie Belle near the top. The young filly had terrible luck the day before and ate some spoiled lettuce.
"Yes Sweetie Belle and what are you doing outside of your room, you need rest."
"Why was he crying? What did you do to him?" She ignored her and asked innocently, unknown to the harshness of her question.
"Well Sweetie it's... complicated to say the least." She paused before saying a few words she never wanted to say. "I'm sorry but can you stay alone for a short while?"
"Okay." *Sniff* She replied with a smile.
"Thank you dear sister." She rushed out the door leaving the young unicorn alone.
"Stay safe." Sweetie Belle said weakly going back upstairs to her room.
(<~><~><~><~><~><~>)
"Applejack!" Rarity called rushing to her stand, with the intent of bringing her along. She knew what Twilight did was unreasonable but couldn't shake off the feeling that what they did may have been much considering the events of yesterday.
"Yeah Rarity..." She mumbled weakly, packing her goods. She had felt sick ever since Spike yelled at her. The usual cheery and inviting grin she adorned was replaced with a depressed forced smile.
"How are you feeling?" The mare asked noticing her discomfort.
"Not that good. You?"
"I'm not much different." Rarity decided now wasn't time for small talk and cut to the chase. "Do you think what we did last night was harsh?"
"She deserved it and ya know it Rarity. Don't tell me she tried to sell ya lies after last night."
"I never said that and no she didn't. I asked if you thought what we did last night was going a little far." Applejack had nothing to say to her rebuttal. Since the fight started last night something didn't bode well with her. "We should at least give her a chance to explain."
"Ah don't see a reason to. She should be apologizing not us." Her stubborn attitude showing once more.
"Applejack. If what Spike said to me is true, she's at home right now broken because of what she did last night. I'm on my way right now. If you don't want to do it for her do it for Spike. I don't think he knows what happened, and I treated him terribly."
"...We treated her like a rotten apple and I didn't care about Spike's feelings either." Suddenly her expression shifted from depression to puzzlement. She realized something from the night before. Her slow reactions, the hiccups. She would have noticed us unless something was wrong. "Twilight... Was drunk last night. Shoulda known." The orange mare sighed making her way towards the library. "Let's go ah can do this later."
"Wait she was drunk?" Rarity questioned trying to catching up to the mare who continually increased her speed.
"Yes. That doesn't give her the right to say that but you said Spike said she was broken right?"
"He did. What's wrong? Other than the fact she feels terrible about what she did."
"The last time she was broken, the entire town got involved. She might do something drastic again so we gotta hurry!"
"Oh no." The two mares took off past the other stalls, fearing what the purple mare might do. To them it could have been anything. Twilight took anything with friendship two steps to far in every direction. Anything no matter how big or small it was, was important to her. A birthday used to be something that was with family. Friends did not exist when she was younger. They were a waste of her time, her friends would be the books and dolls she had. This was supposed to be the birthday where she could relax at home with all her friends. Just the seven of them.
The two mares rushed as fast as they could.
"Hey guys." They heard a voice up ahead. "What's up?"
"Pinkie come with us." Applejack ordered.
"Sure you two going to Twilight's right?" She asked following them, increasing their party to three.
"Yeah. Has it been bothering you like us?"
"Kind of. I couldn't focus on anything except her. Something's been bugging me ever since I woke up." Pinkie explained.
"She might have been drunk last night-
"Whoa!" Pinkie started to violently shake once the library was in sight. "A huge doozy is coming!" Her body not resting for a moment.
"Oh no. Hurry!" Applejack yelled, going into full gallop, out speeding the two ponies who were beside her. Out of all of the ponies in the town she took heed of the pink mare's warnings the most. Without a care in the world Applejack charged into the door, slamming it open in an instant.
"TWILIGHT!" She yelled in concern.
What lay before her was the same pile of books on the floor from earlier that morning only scattered. A bag of melted water that had evaporated in her eyes and a pink blanket. She stopped in her tracks. There was faint blood marks that seemed to have melded into the wood reminding the orange mare of what she did. Bucked one of her best friend without mercy into the bookshelf and left her there where she could have died. The mare nearly started to cry because of the cruelty she placed upon her friend.
"Applejack! Rarity! Come quick!" Pinkie yelled, bringing the orange pony back to reality. I have to focus on this right now, no point grieving to a past that ah can't change.
"What is it? I can't find Spike or Twilight." Rarity yelled rushing into the kitchen where Pinkie called from. She was greeted with Pinkie's normal demeanour completely gone. Her vibrant and poofy mane replaced with her irregularly depressed straight hair, a darkish pink. The regular smile replaced with something rare to her. A face of absolute horror.
She was holding the note. "What is that Pinkie?" Running over grabbing the parchment with her magic from her hooves.
"What happened Pinkie?" Applejack came through the door as Rarity started to read the note.
"Twilight's gone."