Twilight was beginning in the village of Ponyville. Many of the village’s inhabitants were finishing up their errands for the day while some were taking strolls with loved ones. Sunlight was slowly disappearing as the street lamps began to light themselves one by one. In the center of town, the lights of the library were nearly all extinguished. Inside the foyer was the newly crowned princess’ assistant with their back to a shelf and a comic in their hand. Beside them was a pile of comics that stood as high as they were. The baby dragon flipped a page as an oven dinged in the distance.
“Are you sure you don’t want to come, Spike?” Twilight asked. “Rarity’s going to be there.”
“As nice as that sounds, I think I’ve filled my quota for Pinkie parties this month,” Spike said. “Last week was her ‘Summer’s here’ party, a few days later it was her ‘Meteor shower’ party, and then it was her ‘Just because’ party the next day.”
“Those just because parties are the best ones though.” The oven door clicked and a light clang soon followed. “I know for a fact that you enjoyed that last one. How did you end up stuck on the ceiling anyways?”
Spike scowled. “I’ll take that secret to my grave. And it perfectly describes why I don’t want to go.” They lifted their nose and sniffed the air. The smell of yeast lingered in the foyer. Mixed in with it was a light oily scent with a bitter aftertaste. “Sesame oil, vegetables, and yeast…what are you making?”
“Baozi,” Twilight said, entering the foyer. Floating in front of her was a metal tray full of white spherical buns. The top of each bun had a spiral pleat and steam was rising from them. “I’m bringing them to Pinkie’s party tonight.”
“Her party’s a potluck?”
“Something like that, yes.”
Spike raised an eyebrow. “What’s the reason for this party?”
“She called it her ‘Holy crap! Summer feels like spring’ party. And because the seasons are acting strange, she decided to do the same with this party. So each guest is responsible for bringing something rather than her providing everything.”
“I see.” Spike stared at the buns with saliva slowly building in their mouth.
“I left some for you and Owlowiscious.” A tapping came from the kitchen. “Speak of the devil.” Twilight turned her attention to the sound. A latch opened and a muffled ‘hoo’ moved through the foyer. Moments later an owl carrying a bun in his mouth and two in his talons entered the room. “Hello Owlowiscious.”
“Who?” Owlowiscious said through the bun. He flew over Spike, dropping a bun on their head.
“Thanks,” Spike said, grabbing the bun. They bit into it and looked to Twilight. “Have a good night.”
“You too, Spike.” Twilight opened the door. “Don’t stay up too late.”
“I could say the same to you, Princess comes back five minutes before dawn.”
“Touché,” Twilight giggled. She left the library with Owlowiscious behind her to close the door. He looked back at Spike.
“Who?” he said, holding the bun out.
“You can have that.” Spike closed the comic in their hands. They placed it down and reached for the top of the comic pile. As they opened the cover a tiny feeling of dread appeared in the back of Spike’s mind. Spike shook their head and focused on the comic.
“I lost it in a bet to…A WITCH!”
“AHH! What did you bet on?! Was she gonna take your babies or eat your guts and stuff? Or was she gonna eat your babies’ guts and stuff?”
“She hoof-wrestled you for it, didn’t she?”
“How did you”… keep going on like this knowing you’re wrong?
Spike clenched their teeth. How can you smile knowing that you’ll never be you?
“Stop it,” Spike whispered. “I’m in control.” They slapped their cheeks before turning the page.
“Back off from my axe!”
“But—“
“But what, Ricky baby?”
“It was a gift.”
…
“Do you know where this guitar came from?”
“Well… I know” that no one will EVER accept you.
Spike’s eyes began to water. That disguise you’re wearing right now? You know, the one that doesn’t fit you? Well, you think that hurts, just imagine what it’ll feel like when you finally drop your guard. Sure, there’ll be relief, but something like this will follow. An icy shock flowed through Spike’s veins. They dropped the comic, wrapping their arms around themselves. Owlowiscious hopped in surprise. He looked up at Spike and saw the dragon shivering. A few drops of water stained the floor in front of them. Owlowiscious flew over to Spike.
“Who?!” The hoot was ignored by Spike. Tears were freely falling from Spike’s eyes as the shivering got worse. “Who!”
This is all that waits for you, you know that. No matter what you do, this is all that’s going to happen. You better ge… “WHO!”
Spike’s eyes shot open. Their shivering weakened as they looked at the owl. His eyes showed a mixture of concern and confusion.
“Owlowiscious,” Spike said. They looked down at the comic finding tear stains in a few of the frames. “Well, this comic is ruined. Hopefully Twilight doesn’t get mad.”
“Who?”
Spike touched their cheek. “What, this?” they asked. “It’s nothing. I... got to a really emotional part of the story.”
“Who?”
“I mean it! Th-there’s nothing wrong, honest!” Spike stood up. They quickly shuffled towards the stairs arms still wrapped around themselves. “Now, I gotta go to bed, good night Owlowiscious.”
“Who!”
“N-no,” Spike stuttered. Their eyes began to water again. “It’s really nothing. I’m just a little cold. She doesn’t need to hear about this. Good night.” Spike increased their pace. Frantic hooting could be heard from behind. They reached the master bedroom and silently closed the door behind them. Spike leaned against the door, the tears having started falling again. “I-I have to stop this. I can’t keep doing this.” Spike looked towards the balcony window. They could see a faint reflection of themselves. They approached it, arms still tightly holding their positions. Spike stopped and dropped their arms. They wiped away their tears before putting on a large fake smile. Spike puffed out their chest and flexed their arms.
“Looking good, Spike!” Spike cheered. “Looking real good!” Keep dreaming. It’s clearly working for you.
“Looking good, Spike!” they cheered again. “Looking real good!” For the third time for the night, Spike’s eyes began to water.
“L-l-looking good, Sp-Spike!” Spike said, voice wavering. “L-l-looking real good!” Spike repeated the mantra and kept flexing their arms. Every time Spike repeated themselves a kernel of misery slowly grew in size.
By the time Spike dropped their arms their voice was raw and a small puddle of tears was at their feet. They gasped for breath as they wiped their eyes. The misery had grown and left Spike cold and numb.
“At least I’m not crying anymore,” Spike croaked out. They looked up and saw the moon was nearly half way finished their ascent. Spike dragged their feet towards their basket. “Maybe I’ll feel better after a good night’s rest.” Spike lied down wrapping the blanket around themselves. They closed their eyes as their breathing slowed down.
That night, Spike dreamt of darkness.