//------------------------------// // [Rarity] Epilogue // Story: The Heart of a Dragon // by Razorbeam //------------------------------// Spike sat on the side of the street, his twelve-foot-tall frame casting long shadows in the evening light. Over the last few years he had grown hardly at all. Though Celestia assured him he would grow eternally, it didn't seem as though he would be growing very fast for the rest of his life. He allowed himself a comfortable smile at that, glad things would not be getting out of claw in that department for some time. He smiled as his expected guest crested the hill down the street. Three years ago, almost exactly, he had seen her there just like she was now. She called to him, and like he was simply replaying a scene from a movie he waved to her as he had on that long ago occasion. She trotted to him, smiling warmly, and the two shared a comfortable and well-practiced kiss. Three long and beautiful years had passed between them, yet for all that time they had only grown closer and closer; slowly, the way Spike grew taller. Spike could still recall that first night he had stayed with her. He hadn't slept all through it, had stayed up and gazed at his love for hours. He could be lost in her frame, her eyes, or anything about her. Time was fleeting so long as she held his attention, whole weeks feeling as if he had simply skipped them in her company. Yet the memories of those short times were too vivid and real for Spike to believe they had never happened at all. "Are you ready?" she asked, breaking him out of his reverie. Spike resisted the urge to reply with 'as I'll ever be', and smiled back. "Of course," he replied, his heart doing a short loop in his chest. He and his mare were to take a sunset walk in the park before dinner. He had been busy at the library all day, and thought it might be easiest if they met up somewhere for a bite. That's what he'd had Rainbow tell her, anyways. The two made their way to the park, and the hill where she had once rejected him long ago. Spike fought the drive to laugh at that part of their history. Though it was the defining turn in their relationship, the whole thing felt stupid and foolish now. Both he and she had failed so miserably then. Today, Spike would see that hill redeemed in their lives. The sun painted it a reddish orange as they crested it, perching on the world's edge as if trying desperately to remain for what was to come. "You remember back then, don't you?" he asked with a warm smile, curling in the exact place he had that long ago time. Rarity sat in his folded arms, as she always did these days. "Of course," she replied with a sad smile. "How could I forget that moment?" Spike brushed her cheek lightly with a claw, bidding her to smile more joyfully, more sincerely. His heart pounded as he prepared himself for the most important part of all. "And you remember this place because of that. But so much has happened since then, and even though that memory is important to us both, I never want to look at this hill and feel the pain of that day," he said, hugging her tightly. "Spike, what are you-" she began to ask, but he stopped her with a mere look, the softness in his eyes bidding her to listen. He set her on her hooves in front of him, and took a knee in front of her. It did little as he still towered over her, but he didn't let that stop his advance. "I want us to remember this place differently. I want you to be filled with joy every time you come here, every time you see this place from the boutique window," Spike said softly, taking her right front hoof in his claws gently. "Rarity, this is the place where I ask you to be my wife. Will you marry me?" His heart bounced off his ribs like a rubber ball, going mad with hope, though he knew beyond a doubt what she would say. Rarity's eyes filled with happy tears, words refusing to come as her mouth turned up into the shakiest, warmest, most beautiful smile Spike had ever seen. Her voice suddenly found her, and she pounced on Spike, throwing her forelegs around his lowered neck and nuzzling him roughly. "Yes! Oh yes, Spike!" was all she could say, crying like he hadn't seen her cry in years. He picked her up tenderly and held her, like she always asked him to, smiling into her teary, beaming face. He didn't wipe those tears away, but let them idle there, a testament to the joy he could put in her heart. "Spike..." she began, but he stopped her with a gentle squeeze and a warm smile. "I will always hold you like this, and I will never let you go," he promised her, knowing as he always did what she had been about to ask. She was stunning, a picture of perfection as she approached the altar. She had spent months on end on her dress, and Spike was glad she had, for he had never seen her so beautiful in all his life. Her hair was done as it always was, but only because he had requested it. He wanted to see her the way he always did, the mare he was going to marry. Celestia presided over the ceremony herself. All of Canterlot and Ponyville combined were crowded into the castle's main hall, decorated for the occasion. Behind Spike stood Twilight, practically staining the carpet for all her happy weeping. Arrayed behind Rarity were the rest of their friends, bridesmaids all, and even Rainbow Dash looked more than happy to be a part of such a glorious occasion. She gave Spike a sly wink, and he returned it with a warm smile, glad to have the support of his friends. Celestia began the service, the hall falling silent. The ceremony dragged on, the two making the standard wedding promises to love and honor one another. Neither of them had written their own vows, for Spike had insisted against it. No matter what he could promise her out loud, it could never compare to the love he would show her in their life. He said so during the service, leaving Rarity speechless. It wouldn't be the last time he did so today. At last it was time for the 'rings'. Spike's was a ring, but for most ponies, a ring wasn't viable. Instead, he presented something far more meaningful, and useful. A necklace that he had carved from solid gold, using only his fire and his claws to do the work. It was etched and symmetrical as if done by a professional jeweler, infinitely beautiful as it reflected the light of the stained glass windows around them. But most important of all was what the necklace framed. Inside it held the heart-shaped ruby he had given to her so long ago. It dazzled the crowd, its many facets sending light dancing in all directions. Gently, he placed the necklace around her neck, pleased by her awestruck face. Speechless again, she nearly forgot to say her final 'I do'. At last she said it, and Spike did as Celestia bid him, kissing his new bride deeply. The reception was a blast, yet another 'best party ever' from Pinkie Pie's endless stream of them. Wedding gifts bowed the legs of a sturdy table by their sheer numbers alone, and a toast was called by Twilight as the bride and groom prepared to exchange their own gifts. Rarity's brought tears to Spike's eyes as he looked at it. A painting of the two of them, Spike holding her as he had always promised to. Now he always could, for the painting was perfectly detailed, down to the very last amethyst scale on Spike's hide. He had no doubt that she had spent a very long time on it. He wondered if maybe she had even started on it long before they were to be married. Spike felt sheepish, and blushed as he took the gift. Rarity looked at him with a curious smile. "Spike, what's wrong? Don't you like it?" she asked, knowing full well that that wasn't the issue. "I love it," he replied, his tone so full of warmth and gratitude that it brought a happy flush to her cheeks. "It's more beautiful than anything I have ever seen in my life, except for you." He kissed her on the head gently, giving the painting one last look before setting it aside respectfully. "I'm just afraid my gift won't compare," he admitted sadly. "Honey, whatever it is I am sure it will dazzle me," she replied with an encouraging grin. "After all, you've never failed to surprise me before." His faith in himself restored, Spike smiled back at her. "I wrote you a song, Rarity. And I would love to sing it for you," he said quietly. Many in the crowd gasped, including Twilight. She had no idea her son could be so romantic, so creative. Rarity was giddy with excitement as Spike readied his deep voice, the entire hall going quiet. "Love is a thing that grows with time, A blessing in which we now share, To think that I could call you mine, That you would someday be my mare. Like a flower it blooms in strife, With caring to replace the sun, Compassion brings it all to life, Tears are how the rivers run. A flower needs a place to grow, But first you need to find a seed, Your heart's the only earth I know, Your faith's the only light I need. My love is rooted in your soul, And yours beats in my own, And even when we've both grown old, It will be ours and ours alone. My love for you can never die, And even when the years grow long, You'll be the ruby of my eye, And you'll always have this song." The notes were beautiful, crystal clear and pleasant, his deep voice majestic and powerful, yet strangely soft as it conveyed such tender words. The melody was sweetly sad, a promise of hope in the face of time to come, the unknown ahead. The hall erupted in applause as tears sprung in Rarity's eyes, Spike taking a gentle bow. She rushed to him, throwing her hooves around him and thanking him over and over. He stroked her mane, promised her that she was welcome, and kissed her gently. The rest of the reception paled in comparison to that moment. They made love for the first time that night. Spike was still nervous of his size, but Rarity had promised it certainly didn't have a negative impact on her desire for him. It was the most passionate moment of either of their young lives, a perfect joining of their souls on a physical and emotional level. Never had they given each other such pleasure in so many ways at once, never had their relationship felt so right during something so intimate. Their marriage was more than just permission for the act; it was proof that they were ready, that at last they could achieve this level of being together. Spike caressed her cheek gently as he lay next to her, the hours of their lovemaking at last behind them as the two realized their exhaustion. She giggled, a goofy, sexy smile coming to her lips. "Spike, that was amazing!" she moaned, edging even closer to him on the bed, pressing herself tight against him. Spike only chuckled as he tucked her close, nuzzling her. "You're telling me," he said with a slight laugh. They both knew that anything else tonight would tax the limits of their bodies, as long as they had been at it. Still, they were too riled up from their lovemaking to go to sleep, and so they settled for simply being close to one another, kissing now and then. At last, the evening took its toll, driving them both into true exhaustion. Rarity snuggled close to him, and only half awake called to him. "Yes, Rarity?" he asked back, rubbing her back gently to coax the tired words out. "Sing that song for me again?" she pleaded, her eyes already closed. He hummed out a quiet laugh, and stroked her mane gently. "As you wish." And so he sang his lover to sleep. "Spike, wait!" Rarity called, rushing out the door with a package floating in front of her, covered in a light-blue aura. Spike turned around, tucking his wings back in. His eyebrow quirked curiously at first, but then he slapped a clawed hand up to his face and groaned. "I almost forgot!" he called back, meeting her halfway back to the boutique. "What would you do without me?" she scolded, scowling at him lightly. "Fall right out of the sky because I'd likely forget my own wings if you didn't make sure they were still attached each morning," he replied lovingly, kissing her cheek gently. Little jokes like that were his way of showing his appreciation for her hard work at keeping him organized. She smiled, glad for the humor. She loved these moments, the simple things they shared. "Just remember to eat it before it gets too cold," she reminded. Spike nodded and kissed her once more before he took flight. He had been flying to Canterlot each weekend to practice with the Airborne Elite. They were far more agile than his fifteen foot frame would allow him to be, yet they could use a flier like him. Skilled, faster than almost any pegasus could hope to be, and strong as a hundred oxen. Rarity had her fashion business, and it was booming of course, but Spike wanted to help support his wife. She shouldn't have to slave away for him. He had promised he would begin looking for houses in Canterlot, the two of them having talked long into the night on many occasions, dreaming of that house in the city. Spike knew it would have to be modified greatly to accommodate him, no matter the building they purchased, but they had been saving, and now was the time. That evening he arrived at the castle, always a welcome guest of his dear friend. Tia greeted him as always, hugging him close and inviting him to dinner. He accepted as usual, and spent the short time until then contemplating his question. At last, after he and Tia had enjoyed each other's company and the meal was finished, he asked her. "Tia, do you know of anyplace that Rarity and I could buy in the city? Or even closer to it? I know shopping for a dragon isn't easy, but we've saved up enough from both our jobs that we should be able to afford renovations and all that," he said idly, just talking business. "Spike, you know you could always live at the castle..." Celestia began, but he just smiled as if he had expected that. "I know, and trust me, the offer is appreciated; but we'd like to get our own place. Somewhere we can call home, for the rest of her days," he said quietly, his smile barely twitching sadly. Celestia pondered this for a moment, then smiled. "There's no place that would suit you, I'm sorry to say. Not yet, anyways. It's been quite a while since the building crew had any work to do though; I'm certain they'd love a new project. Especially one with such... unique requirements," she said with a warm laugh, sipping on her wine. "Really?" Spike asked, shocked that she would offer to build them a place of their own. "I don't know that we have enough for that..." he finished quietly. Celestia looked hurt. "Spike, please. It's the least I can do, and I won't take no for an answer. Now, with that settled, make sure you let Rarity know very soon. In fact, bring her here for a weekend sometime. It's been so long since I've seen her, and I want to see the look on her face when she realizes her dream of living here will be coming true. That's all the payment I would ever need," she said with a friendly smile. Spike smiled right back, knowing better than to argue with her on this point. "You've got yourself a deal, Tia. Thank you so much, this means the world to both of us." She raised a glass to Spike, and he raised his as best he could, though in all fairness it was really and entire barrel of wine. She laughed as he tried not to slosh any, the handle-less container a bit unwieldy in his claws. "Don't mention it, at least not too loudly," she teased with a wink. "After all, what are are friends for?" Spike choked as he saw her lying there, his head poked through the hospital window. She was just asleep now, he knew, but he was afraid. Sixty long years they had been married now. Sixty perfect, marvelous years. Though they knew they could never have children, it had never come between them, had never distanced their relationship. It only made their dependence on one another even greater, especially when her friends had all gone on to get married and have foals of their own. She had needed Spike badly then, but had borne it all in the end with her customary grace and willpower. She was old now; eighty five years old, much older than doctors had warned Spike she might live to be. He knew he should be grateful for that extra time, but he still felt as though he would soon be robbed of her. That tie deep in his soul to hers could feel her fading, knew that something from beyond was calling her. And he knew that she would answer soon. He had come as soon as he had heard, had nearly toppled the hospital itself to find a way inside, to go to her. He was far too large for that now, his full height nearly twenty feet. The doctors had moved her to one of the outer rooms, where the windows were large enough to accommodate his giant head, and that had had to be enough. She had fallen down the bedroom stairs at their home in Canterlot; it had been specially constructed for the strange pair, with incredibly high ceilings and wide rooms. Even the staircases were custom-built, wide enough to contain two sets of stone steps; one pony-sized, and the other more designed for someone of Spike's proportions. Doctors reassured Spike that she had not fallen down the dragon-sized stairs, belaying his fear that his size had indirectly hurt her. Still, she lay there all the same, injured and fading, because Spike had not been there to help her. He had been away on business at the castle, having taken a job with the guard corps at Celestia's urging. He hated himself, blamed himself. "Spike?" the doctor called to get his attention. Older and wiser now than most creatures ever grew to be, Spike knew all too well what the sadness in the medical master's tone meant. He turned to the doctor and nodded, not daring to speak. He knew what was coming, knew what he would say. "I'm so sorry, Spike. Your wife was too old to handle a fall like that... There's no way she'll recover from this. The best we can do is ease her passing, and your grief, as best we can," the doctor said, true sorrow and pain in his voice. Since they had moved to the city, everypony had grown to know and love Rarity. Her fashions were the best around, her company sought after and adored; and his by proxy. The doctor himself had been a close personal friend of the two for years now. Spike looked at the doctor, tears welling in his mammoth eyes. "I feared you were going to say that..." Spike admitted, looking at his unconscious wife. "I knew, doctor. I knew the moment I got the call that she was in the hospital that she would be leaving soon. I've known since I married her that one day, this would happen. And I had hoped I would be ready," he said, choking on his words. The doctor put a hoof on his enormous snout, tears coming to his eyes as well. "You could never be ready for this, Spike. I'm so sorry..." he said quietly. "Doctor... I know you want to ease her pain, but you have to let me take her," Spike said quietly. The doctor, tears still in his eyes, looked at him sadly. "I can't do that Spike, we've got strict rules that forbid-" he stopped suddenly as a noise by the bed stole both of their attentions. "Doctor... Let him have his way..." Rarity rasped from the bed. Her face, tired, wrinkled, and deathly pale even under her white coat, turned up in a weak, pained smile. Her eyes however, those perfect pools of blue that had never dulled with age, broached no argument. "Would you really argue... with a lady on her deathbed?" she asked. The word 'deathbed' hit Spike like a cannon shot to the chest, boring out his heart and heading for his soul. So she knew, too. Yet she smiled at him as the doctor sighed in defeat. "No ma'am, I really wouldn't," he admitted with a sad smile. He pushed the bed over to the window, letting Spike pluck Rarity gently from it. He was careful not to move her much, knowing she was injured badly, though her coat showed no blood or damage. She never winced or complained, for which Spike was glad. "Thank you, Doctor," Rarity said quietly, her voice barely a whisper. "I will see you again someday." The doctor's eyes flooded as he watched Spike take her away. Spike alighted on the hill, Rarity cradled safely and gently in his powerful arms. He could feel her fading fast, but he knew beyond a shadow of a doubt, knew from their connected souls, that this was her desire. That this was the place she wanted to be, when at last she left this world. The hill in the park, which held so much meaning in both their lives. It was the only place Spike could imagine parting with her. He looked down on her, eyes closed, breathing shallow, and clearly in pain. She opened her eyes and smiled at him, and Spike's heart ached. "Tell me, my lord..." she intoned, raising a hoof to his face as he bent his head near. "Am I still beautiful?" Spike choked, his eyes flooded with tears. "Yes, my love; as beautiful as the first day I ever laid eyes on you," he replied, his words sincere and honest. Old as she was, for him her beauty had never faded, for the image his eyes received was layered with love and adoration it had never held then, ignoring her age. She smiled at him lovingly. "Kiss me, one last time. And then, sing me to sleep," she asked, her tone warm, her voice steady. She was ready, Spike knew. It was her time to go. Crying hard, he leaned in and kissed her gently, the tears running off the tip of his nose and into her coat as he pulled away. Choking on the words, he did his best to ready his voice. "As you wish, my lady," he sighed. He sang through his hot tears, his aching heart, as his chest filled with sorrow. And as the last verse left his shaking lips, at last he felt her fade away. The funeral was massive, more so even than that long ago wedding. Everypony who had ever been graced by Rarity's smile, her presence, and her love was in attendance. Celestia led this service as well, and everypony watched on with broken hearts as their strong and mighty princess cried through the entire ordeal, hoof-in-claw with Spike at the podium as they told of Rarity's marvelous life and friendship, and together bid her a final farewell. When they laid her in the ground in the Ponyville cemetery, Spike collapsed into Celestia, and though she was nearly as grief-stricken as he was, she did her best to help him weather the storm of his loss. "I miss her, Tia," he wept. By now, everypony had said their final goodbyes and departed; all save Spike, his dear five friends and their families, and Tia. "As do I," she cried back. Twilight soon joined them, her sad smile not in concert with her tear-filled eyes. Together, as a family, they at last let everything flow, crying long and hard as the sun set on that most unfortunate day. "Uncle Spike! Uncle Spike!" the pink and brown pony squealed, hopping into the living room of Spike's home in Canterlot. The old dragon smiled, placing an enormous claw on the ground and waiting patiently. The colt hopped into his palm and promptly sat down. Spike waited a while longer, certain that the young pony was not alone. Sure enough, eleven others filtered in, two of them far older than the rest, perhaps in their late twenties. The nine fillies and colts all clamored about, shouting 'uncle Spike' this and 'uncle Spike' that. Spike just chuckled, and set down his other claw as well. The ten youngsters filled his hands, all sitting like they had been taught so that they wouldn't lose their balance as Spike lifted them up to eye level with himself, nearly forty feet above. "Hello there, little ones," he rumbled warmly, kissing each lightly on the head. "What's the occasion for such a sudden visit?" They all began talking at once, and Spike laughed, wiggling his hands gently to get their attention. "One at a time, one at a time!" he chided, all of the children looking sheepish. The oldest among them spoke up now instead, taking charge. "Mom said she thought it might be a good time to come and visit, since we haven't seen you in so long, and we've all got off school for the week. "Oh?" Spike asked, looking at the oldest filly's mother and father. The mother, a deep purple unicorn smiled and nodded. "Well of course. Does family need an invitation?" she asked, giving Spike a playful scowl that he remembered all too well; she got that from her great grandmother. Spike chuckled and made to set the children back down. Once they had all disembarked, he curled on the floor, the purple mare and her husband trotting closer to better speak with him. "It's been a long time since I saw you last, Miracle," Spike said warmly, nuzzling the older mare as best he could. The children had taken to playing amongst themselves, eagerly splitting into teams to conquer their uncle's home. As usual they took it upon themselves to try and use the dragon sized stairs instead of the set intended for ponies, but he had learned long ago that warning them not to was pointless. "It's nice to see that you brought all the kids this time." The mare smiled, and shook her head. "It's not that we don't want to visit, it's just that's it's so hard to find the time. It's not easy taking after Great Grandma as the Element of Magic," she pointed out, and Spike nodded sagely. If anyone knew how busy that job could be, it was certainly him. "The rest of the Elements had business to take care of, but they let me bring their kids along." It was easy to tell whose kids were whose. Anypony with a speck of pink in the mane was a direct descendant from either Fluttershy or Pinkie Pie, and all of Rainbow Dash's had rainbow manes. Applejack's ilk were all blonde and styled country, hardly ever seen without a hat. And all of Twilight's family had a distinct pink stripe running through their manes and tails; much to the chagrin of the colts in the family. Though it was now three generations past since the original six friends of Ponyville had passed away, their legacies lived on in full. "And how are you, Spirit?" Spike asked. Spirit Soaring was one of Spike's very favorite ponies, always clever with his words, and willing to crack jokes even at the big dragon's expense. Not to mention he was a loving husband and father, something Spike deeply respected in his family. The forest green pegasus smiled, winking at Spike knowingly. "Busy as usual, if you know what I mean," he said, looking out the corner of his eye at his wife. She missed the gesture, busy looking up the staircase where a ruckus had started. Spike laughed, and Miracle's attention suddenly snapped back. "Did I miss something?" she asked, her gaze going deadly as she realized she had likely just been the butt of some joke. "Nope," Spike and Spirit said in unison, neither of them batting an eye. Miracle groaned. "It's uncanny, really," she grumbled, rolling her eyes. "No wonder you two get along so well." Any further conversation was interrupted by cries of 'uncle Spike' from the top of the stairs. Miracle's oldest, a unicorn very skilled with magic, came bustling down the stairs, hovering a rectangular object in front of her. She stopped in front of Spike, holding it up. "Uncle Spike, is this you?" she asked. Spike eyed the painting, his heart filling with wonderful memories as he looked at the painting Rarity had done of them together so long ago. The rest of the children came half-walking, half-falling down the stairs in hot pursuit of the young filly. "Yes, little one. That was me, a long time ago," he said fondly. Miracle smiled, sensing an oncoming story that she had heard once when she was a filly, too. "Who's this lady?" the filly asked, looking at Rarity. "She's really pretty. Is she your marefriend?" Spike chuckled at that, though his heart ached at the question. "No, little one. A long time ago, she was my wife." The children gathered around, all suddenly going quiet as they noticed that tone in Spike's voice; the tone he always used when he was about to start some old story. "Let me tell you all the tale about how I met the love of my life, and all the adventures we shared. The story of Lady Rarity."