//------------------------------// // Chapter 1: Kindling for the Flame // Story: Igniting the Torch // by Blooming Cherries //------------------------------// It was beautiful outside. The snow was falling ever so gently towards the ground, covering everything in a soft blanket of snow. There was a chill in the air, it wasn't an unbearably freezing temperature, just cold enough to remind somepony that they could still get sick if they decided to stay outside much longer than need be. This was the epitome of a perfect winter night. And Spike wouldn't have it any other way. Spike had been watching the weather from one of the higher towers in Canterlot. From the balcony he was on, Spike got a front row seat to the weather and its elements play out a scene before him, the snow and wind entangled in an elegant dance across the skies. Moonlight was shining through an open spot in the clouds, covering Spike in silver light. Pieces of his royal regalia were shimmering in the moonlight. All of his attire; from his silver horseshoes to his moonstone tiara, were reflecting the moon's light back into the night. His dark blue fur and feathery wings felt nice under the glare of the moon. Luna had the right idea. This was another of a series of dreams Spike has been having. For a year or two now, he had been dreaming of being one of the four current equine princesses. Though when Spike first started having these dreams, they were all silly. Each dream was filled with never-ending nonsense and had no point to it whatsoever. One dream was him as Celestia ordering the guards to fortify the castle against an attack of sentient pancakes. He was his sister Twilight in another, and in this dream Twilight was leading an army of quills in a war against the parchment separatists. And let's not forget one of his all time favorite dreams of being Cadence and forcing Rarity to fall in love with the Spike of that dream. Eventually though, his dreams of the princesses had become more serious, silly escapades turned into an actual job or activity one of them would actually be doing. Celestia and Luna were passing laws and signing treaties, Cadence was trying to pair Twilight with a coltfriend, and Twilight was studying with and/or for something. Spike never complained about these dreams though. They were always a pleasant experience he thought gave him more of a connection with the princesses. And this dream was a relaxing one. He never knew how relaxing the moon could be to somepony. The radiance of the moon seemed to relax his muscles and calm his mind. Spike wondered if this was how Luna actually felt being under the moon. He would definitely ask her the next chance he had. Luna had been visiting his dreams and keeping him company for a long time now, so he wasn't worried about not being able to ask her the now important question. Spike was shook from his thoughts as Father Winter let loose a mighty breath, the wind was blowing harder and the snow began falling ever more vigorously to the ground. The spot in the clouds that had let the moon peek through had sealed shut, tucking the moon behind the clouds. There was a storm brewing. Spike disliked many things, but if there was anything he disliked the most, it was one thing. Planned weather. Spike sighed, he knew he would have to retreat indoors soon too avoid the upcoming snowstorm. But before he would go inside, he would get one last look at the town below. And what a town it was. The entire city of Canterlot was lit up and decorated with an assortment of different colored lights associated with the upcoming holiday. His mother, Twilight Velvet, used to take him and his sister around Canterlot all the time when they were younger and look at the displays of lights ponies would put up. It was a hassle to convince Twilight to stop studying and go with him around the city, but it was always worth it. Spike watched the late hour traffic below. Canterlot was so busy this close to Hearth's Warming, as are most major cities. The city was still lively this time of night, ponies quickly shuffling around one another. It was refreshing to know at least some ponies other than him were up at this hour of late, even if part of it was due to the holiday season. In the corner of Spike's eyes, he spotted a light in the distance. His focus shifted to the sign of lights lit in the distance and a grin grew on his fur covered muzzle. It was Ponyville, a little town in which him and his greatest friends lived in. Even if it was just a dream, this all seemed so real. Spike took a moment to look over himself. The heavy cold air blew through his starry mane and tail making the ethereal nights sway in whichever direction the wind deemed it to sway. His dark blue feathered wings lay folded against his sides partially coated in snow. The familiar mimic regalia still lay on his body, the tiara still planted atop his head in confirmation. Spike shuffled his hooves around. In his dreams walking with hooves took a while to get used to. It was getting harder to maintain his balance when walking on hooves, the difficulty increasing the less surreal the dreams had gotten. Eventually he had mastered it, but it was very inconvenient to say the least. "A beautiful sight, is it not?" The sound of another pony's voice suddenly speaking behind him startled Spike, making him to let out a girlish squeal and almost causing him to jump out of his horseshoes. Spike quickly turned his head around to face the pony who had sneaked up on him. Spike's gaze met with the all too familiar teal blue eyes of Princess Luna. "H-Hi." Spike said nervously, his face flushed with embarrassment. Nopony knew about his princess dreams, even his sister Twilight was left in the dark. The last pony he ever wanted to know was Luna. She would never let him forget about it. It was inevitable to keep this from her though, they were all dreams. "Umm, h-how are you doing, Luna?" The Princess was standing in her usual defined posture in the doorway that separated the royal bedchamber and the balcony. A playful grin was spread across her face. She came out from under the doorway stepping onto the balcony and walked to Spike's side. "I am doing fantastic this evening. Thank you, Spike. I see you are having fun dreaming about me?" Luna mocked. "He-he. Uh, y-yeah," Spike stammered. He looked down, using his hooves to draw his attention away from Luna. "It's okay, Spike. I only jest. We all have had dreams of being royalty or a princess at one point in our lives, Spike. I happen to find it to be very flattering when ponies, or a drake in your case, dream about me," Luna proclaimed. She draped a wing over Spike and pulled his body closer. "And even more so when they dream of being me." "So, you really don't mind?" asked Spike. Luna shook her head and nudged Spike in the shoulder with her wing. "Not at all. And to be honest for a moment, this wasn't exactly the first time I caught you dreaming about being me either," Luna added with a knowing wink. Spike's heart stopped and his face was once again flushed with embarrassment. Spike wanted to jump over the balcony's railing and die of embarrassment. It would prove to be a fruitless endeavor however, for he was in a dream and therefore could not actually die. Not that Luna would allow it to happen anyway. Who else would she poke and prod at for amusement? Certainly not her sister Celestia. Luna has had many a century to torment her elder sibling, the fun from it loosing its luster long ago. Spike swallowed the lump in his throat. "Really? You saw all the other dreams?" Spike asked nervously. Luna nodded in response. "Indeed, I have. I had planned on blackmailing you with them on a later date. I thought about telling your friends or forcing you to service me. But in the end, I found teasing you to be much more gratifying." Luna added. Spike rolled his eyes at Luna's remark. One of Luna's favorite things to do was tease him. She took every chance she was given to poke and prod at him. He figured a thousand or more years of experience playing with Celestia would make any pony really good at teasing. In fact, being related to Celestia was what probably made her an expert of the art. Celestia could be just as bad as, if not worse than, Luna when nopony else was around. But unlike her younger sister, Celestia had more control. "I'm glad you don't mind. I was sure you would find it strange. I mean me of all ponies, Twilight's somewhat egotistical dragon assistant, dreaming of being a pretty Princess." Luna put a hoof to her chest and let out a faux gasp. If Rarity were able to see Luna in action, she would have been a very proud mare. It was truly a gasp for the ages. "You find me to be attractive?" Luna placed the back of her hoof to her forehead, feigning astonishment. Another classic Rarity move. "I never knew you carried such feelings for me, Spike." A giggle escaped Spike's lips at Luna's little display. If it was fun she wanted, fun Luna would get. "And how could I not? You are the fairest of them all, Princess Luna. No mare could ever hope to stand up to your alluring prowess." Spike praised, heavily emphasizing the word alluring. A hearty laugh escaped Luna's lips as she prodded Spike in his side with her hoof, a mischievous grin strewn across her face. "And don't let my sister tell you otherwise!" exclaimed Luna. "And what if Celestia happens to change my opinion?" Asked Spike with an impish smile. "Your sister can be such a very good persuader." Luna put a hoof to her chin in thought. After a second or two of pondering the smug grin on Luna's muzzle grew wider and more wicked. "If Celestia does manage to sway your thoughts. I shall simply do this," Luna closed her eyes before wrapping a hoof around Spike's head and pulling it closer to her own, their muzzles meeting in a kiss. Not a romantic kiss, but a kiss none the less. Luna held the two of them together for a few seconds before releasing Spike from her grasp. A word escaped Spike, one that sums up that entire experience. Unexpected. It was a mix of teasing and affection, and that was what made it so unexpected. He would give a Luna nuzzle or a hug every now an then and she would return the gesture. Using the knowledge that he would let it slide and also take the opportunity to tease had made it such a ingenious strategy. A strategy that should definitely be in Cadence's book The Art of War : Friendship and Love Special Edition. A book that has had very good reviews since its release a few months ago. Spike was definitely going to grab himself a copy now. Maybe he could even get a good discount in the Crystal Empire. And an autograph. The value of that book would skyrocket. Spike was so absorbed in his thoughts he hadn't noticed that Luna had left his side. Snapping out of his perplexed trance, Spike looked around for Luna. The search didn't take very long. Luna had only moved back to the doorway she was under earlier. Waving a hoof, Luna beckoned Spike to follow her inside. "Let us continue this inside, Spike. Someplace more cozy that is not out in this snowstorm." The sound of howling winter winds once again reached Spike's ears. He had forgotten about the bad weather, tuned it and the world around him out when Luna arrived so suddenly. Spike shook off the snow that had taken up residence on his body and followed Luna inside. The heat of the room stopped Spike in his tracks. The sudden change in temperatures had caught him off guard. Spike's thoughts couldn't help but wander. How long was I out here? After a walking few feet into the bedroom, Luna suddenly halted, prompting Spike to stop behind the mare less he run straight into her flank. Not entirely a bad thing mind you, but one to avoid none the less. Spike was starting to worry about his friend. Why did she stop moving so suddenly? Spike was prepared to voice his concern, but was cutoff by Luna. "This is what you think my quarters are like?" Luna questioned, Her voice sounded completely confused as she looked around at Spike's interpretation of her room. The room itself was black from wall to wall. Various decorations were mounted on the walls; pictures of Luna and Celestia, moon themed trinkets, and a large silver bordered vanity mirror. A large bed sitting on a silver frame with Luna's cutiemark embedded on all the pillows and blankets lay against the western most wall. In the center of the room stood a pedestal with many a variety of gems slotted into it. The pedestal itself wasn't very impressive, but what it did was amazing. The gems were radiating a soft light, powering the shrine to create a miniature mass of stars on the ceiling. A spiraling collection of stars varying in size and color lit up the room, sparkles of colors here and there shined colorfully on the onyx walls and reflected off the silver lining everything in the room had. "Well, I've never actually been inside your quarters," Spike admitted. "So over the years I just kept imagining things you would have." "My room is actually dull in comparison. I indeed do have things of high caliber, me being the Princess of the Night and all, but I do not line everything with a silver border or embed my cutie mark on their surfaces." Luna deadpanned. "Hey. A lot of other ponies think you do that," Spike held out a hoof in defense. "Sure they do, Spike," Luna replied flatly. One could feel the aura of unconvinced Luna was emanating. That feeling quickly subsided when Luna gestured a hoof towards the bed against the wall. "Come. Let us converse on the lovely feeling of a soft mattress." And so the pair embarked on a noble quest for soft bed sheets and fluffy pillows. Many trials and tribulations awaited the coming adventurers. The Steps of Straining. The Callous Carpets. The Stained Mahogany Coffee Table of Inevitable Sovereignty. And lastly was Tedders the Teddy Bear. Actually there was nothing forbidding either of them from reaching the bed besides maybe a step here and another there, but that was about it. So unless they were that slothful it was nothing too strenuous or tedious to deal with. When she reached the edge of the bed, Luna pounced onto it like a house cat, her impact causing pillows to jump into the air and scatter across the bed. Spike smiled inwardly at Luna's foalish display, For an alicorn that is over a millennia old, she could be such a filly at times. Spike followed Luna onto the now messy mattress and seated himself across from her. The mattress was really soft, it was what he imagined a cloud to feel like. To Spike's dismay, he had not sprouted any wings during his aging, unlike his full grown dragon counterparts. It was especially saddening to find out he could only get wings if he had hatched with them, so his dreams of flying in skies amongst his friends and relaxing on the floating white cotton candy were shattered and buried. Silence permeated the room. Neither of them said anything to one another, nopony wanting to break the quiet spell currently on the room. It gave each of them a moment to think. Luna was the first to break the silence. "You did a wonderful job though, Spike," Luna's words shook Spike away from his earlier thoughts. He raised a questioning eyebrow at Luna, he wanted more of an explanation on what she meant. What did he do a good job on? His curiosity steadily rising. With a sweep of her hoof, Luna gestured Spike as whole. "I am referring to the form you are using, this replica of me you currently are wearing. It's very easy to dream an image of somepony into your dream, for the mind never forgets a face it has seen. But dreaming of being somepony else is by far harder, more than anypony would think it to be." Spike was nodding, confirming he was paying attention and waiting for Luna to continue. "Anypony can dream of being, Celestia or myself, Spike. Most ponies only use estimations or common details anypony has had of us to subconsciously create our image on themselves. But for you to do so in such detail, and so accurately at that, is what is truly astounding." Luna explained. "But this is a dream though, isn't it? Does any of this actually matter?" Spike asked quizzically. One of Luna's bare hooves ran along Spike's side, the sudden feeling eliciting a feminine squeak of surprise from him. "This may just be a dream, yes. But dreams are not credited for their accuracy," Spike watched Luna drag one of her hooves against his well groomed dark blue fur coat. "The texture of my fur is correct. Not only the feel of my fur, but -" Luna took a quick whiff of Spike's fur - "the scent is exact as well. The aroma of my Moonflora shampoo lingers on your fur. I can't help but wonder if..." Spike stayed quiet patiently waiting for Luna to continue. He clutched the pillow in his hooves tighter, the uneasy silence rattling his nerves. Was this a premonition for something to come? "Does this mean anything, Luna? Is there something more to my dreams?" said Spike voicing his concern. Luna shook her head. "It was just a thought, Spike. I would not ponder too hard on the subject. You have been assisting my sister and I very frequently these past few years, not to mention the numerous visits I have made to converse with you these past years. I would say the amount of time you have spent with us has simply gathered in your thoughts to a point where it needed release," Luna's ears droop and her now downcast eyes look away from Spike, her smile no longer there." We have all been working you exceptionally hard as of late." A heavy sigh escaped Spike. His job had been exhausting and emotionally draining. All the princesses had been running him ragged the past few months. Being a personal adviser for the four of them and the lead organizer on many of their varying projects throughout Equestria wasn't a walk in the park, it filled his schedule up to the brim. And to think, this all started a few years back when Spike was looking for a job to bring in some bits. Princess Celestia had found out he was searching for an income, by an anonymous purple-winged unicorn that shall remain nameless, and offered him a job helping her organize a few events and grand openings. When it was all well and done, Celestia was beyond impressed with the dragon's success and wanted to compensate Spike for services rendered. He had originally declined Celestia's offer to pay him, not wanting to take money from a friend who he was helping, but she was very insistent that he accept the bits as payment. And Celestia had payed him more than plenty. From then on, Celestia had given Spike more jobs to do. Most of the jobs still consisted of assisting her with tasks around Canterlot, very rarely was it something different. To Spike's disappointment he could no longer regularly help Twilight, and so she had to hire another assistant to help out. Nopony could replace him, Twilight made sure he knew that, but it was all she could do while he was working with Celestia away from Ponyville. After a year working solely for Celestia, Twilight wanted his help. Spike was happy to once again be assisting his sister. And thus began his very busy position as a royal assistant and foremen for all of the princesses. And a very satisfactory pay-grade. Very satisfactory indeed. Releasing his grip on the pillow he was holding in his hooves, Spike inched closer to Luna's side of the bed. He wrapped his front hooves around her neck in a comforting embrace and nuzzled the side of her face. "Hey, it's okay, Luna. I wouldn't be Equestria's number one assistant if a little hard labor could hold me back," Luna returned Spike's nuzzle and gently broke his grasp on her neck. She looked back at him and into his eyes, a smile once again formed on her muzzle, a smile that should have never left in the first place. "I am not the chubby baby dragon I once used to be, Luna. I would like to think I have done some growing up in these past years." Spike felt Luna nuzzle him cheek before she began speaking. "Indeed you have. And to think, you used to barely reach Twilight's withers," said Luna. Spike chuckled into his hoof. "That was years ago Luna! I am at least four-to-five times taller than that now." "To you, perhaps. To me, it seems like it was only yesterday when you were smaller than I," said Luna. There was a moment of silence. Neither of them spoke. "Spike," Luna asked as she looked up at him. Her happier tone had shifted to an ever the more serious one. "May I be so bold as to ask you a question?" "Sure, Luna," Spike said, his voice slightly hesitant. "Fire away." "Why do you put up with all of my foalish antics?" Luna asked solemnly. "Surely, you do not find them pleasing or complimentary? I am curious as to why you deal with me." "Why, you ask? Well, it's because you are a really good friend, Luna," Spike replied. He saw the ears on Luna's head droop slightly, though her facial expression remained unfazed. That wasn't the answer she was looking for it seemed. But she wasn't going to show it. "And, because you are a very important mare in my life." Luna's ears perked up. That was what she wanted to hear. "You helped me get through some tough times in my life. Times when Twilight and her friends tried to help, but were unable to. And that's when you came and started to talk to me in my dreams. You helped console me when nopony else could," Spike explained with a grin spread across his muzzle. Luna's expression softened, her features loosing there once solemn edge. "I could not stand idly by while one of my subjects suffer. Especially if said subject is a friend." Spike placed a hoof on his chest over his heart. "Ever since you started those visits, I've counted you as one of the ponies I hold close to my heart. In a way you are like Twilight, I wouldn't survive if either of you stopped caring about me. And nor could I stop caring about you two. I am bonded to the both of you." Luna sat quietly absorbing the words spoken by her companion. She knew Spike wasn't lying when he said they were bonded. If he was not by Twilight's side, he was by hers when he had a job in Canterlot. She had assumed he was just more comfortable around her because of all the late night chatting they've done over the years. It was something she had never payed any mind, never once To be regarded so dearly by another in such a way by somepony other than her sister baffled her. Luna was at a loss for words. "Now, may I ask you a question, Luna?" Spike asked, interrupting Luna's train of thought. Refocusing her attention on Spike, Luna held out a hoof motioning him to continue. "You may. Ask away, Spike." Her curiosity peaked. What could Spike want to know? "Does it not bother you that I've been talking to you the entire time using your own voice?" Spike questioned with a smug grin on his face. Luna laughed at Spike's question. She worried he would ask something deeply private about herself. And was she ever the more wrong. "And why would that bother me, Spike? I happen to enjoy hearing myself talk." And once again the two alicorns laughed and giggled together. This is what these dreams were about. Not actually dreaming, but having fun with a friend. What may have started as a place to hide away in solitude and isolation from rejection, had come so far as to become something far more than Spike could ever imagine. It became something hopeful and fun. A place where he could enjoy quality time with his amazing friend and princess, Luna. The pair calmed down from their laughing fits, breathing in and out to calm their fast beating hearts. After calming down, Luna turned to Spike once again. "It is such a shame you are courting another mare currently, otherwise I would claim you as mine right here and now," Luna moved to lay on her side and sighed heavily. "You are too kind in indulging an old alicorn with affection such as a gentle nuzzle or a close embrace. You are a very good friend, Spike." "I know, Luna. And you are a very good friend as well," Spike stopped speaking and moved his wings to cover Luna across from him. "I want you to know that I am here for you, Luna. I will be by your side if you ever need me, just as you have done for me. Let's say on the off chance my current marefriend no longer wants anything to do with me, and you still have these feelings for me. Now, I'm not saying that I wish us to be separated or for us to break-up. No. None of that. But if it does happen, I will be ever the happier to court the Princess of the Night. But for the moment, I need said princess to stay a very close friend. Can I ask that of you, Luna?" Luna released a depressed sigh. She placed her wings over Spike's and gave him a slow dejected nod. "Okay. Then a friend I shall remain, Spike. For now at least. May I be granted one more affectionate nuzzle session this night?" Luna pleaded. She looked up at Spike with the most regal puppy dog eyes she could manage. Stoic, yet adorable. Luna is such a tease. "Of course you may." And for the last time tonight Spike nuzzled Luna's warm cheek. It was the least he could do for Luna. She had an infatuation with him and still remained so calm and collective about him being with another mare. And if he had to cuddle and hold Luna every now and then, it was a price worth paying. A tremor shook the pair out of their thoughts and abruptly ended their nuzzling session. The whole room was shaking violently, pictures and wall decor were falling onto the floor with a crash. Spike, scared by the sudden shaking, gripped Luna tightly with hooves and wings and held on to her for dear life. And then as sudden as the quake had appeared it had vanished. "What was that!" Spike exclaimed turning his focus to Luna, who was chuckling at him in his clutches. He unfurled his wings around Luna and slightly let up his hold around her. Why was she laughing at him? "T-tis all well, Spike," Luna assured the panicked mess of an alicorn before her. "Somepony in the waking world is attempting to stir you from your slumber. Nothing to fret over." Another quake shook the dream hard causing the entangled pair to roll of the bed and onto the floor. With a thud, Spike hit the ground and groaned outwardly. His back was to the floor and Luna had landed on top of him. In an attempt to get up off the cursed floor Spike had rammed his muzzle straight into Luna's. With a giggle, Luna pulled away from the impromptu kiss. "Spike, you sly fox. What would your marefriend say if she came across you kissing other mares?" Luna said mockingly. A blank expression replaced Spike's former shocked one. He just stared expressionless at Luna who could only giggle more at the reaction she had gotten out of him. "You are about to be woken soon, Spike," Luna pointed out. "I shall see you again when you arrive in Canterlot." "And I shall see you then as well," said Spike. He waved Luna a hoof goodbye. "And will you tell your sister I said hello." Luna nodded. "I shall. But before I go, I would like to be the first to w-" The dream world vanished before Luna could finish. The wonderful realm of imagination was replaced with a temporary complete darkness until a flash of sharp pain surged through Spike's jaw. Spike opened his eyes and winced at the light now invading his vision. His sleep filled draconic orbs were shut tight, hiding from the blinding summer light shining in from one of the many windows in his view. Spike rose from his spot on a seat and put a claw to his agonizing jaw and rubbed it soothingly. His claw? Spike was no longer an alicorn it seemed. He was once again a purple and green magical dragon. Thick armored purple scales from head to toe, a mouth filled with razor sharp teeth, recently sharpened green claws on his hands and feet, and pointed green spines trailing in a line from the top of his head down his tail ending right before his pointed spade. Darn, it was such a good dream too. A heavy fusion of a yawn and a groan escaped Spike's scale covered maw. He once again opened his eyes. This time, instead of blinding sunlight, he saw Apple Bloom standing in front of him. The light was no longer shining in his eyes, but cascading over Apple Bloom revealing her well toned frame. No longer was she a small filly with a mission to do anything and everything to obtain her cutiemark, she had turned into a fine young mare that had discovered her special talent, whom he was proud to call his marefriend. One of the things Spike loved about Apple Bloom was that she always smiled when she was around him. Except when she was angry, frustrated, embarrassed, or overall upset with him. So about half of the time. And now was one of the those many times. Apple Bloom was leering at him with an annoyed yet embarrassed expression on her face. Spike's winced and applied pressure to his no longer mysterious wound, temporarily breaking his attention on the farm pony. The pain in his jaw asserted its presence, pulsing once again in agony. "By the name of the Celestial Sisters! Why would you do that!" he yelled. A hoof from Apple Bloom pointed to spot on the seat to his left. "Yer near boilin' drool was startin' to melt the darn seat! We could all smell the burnin' materials from the other side of this here train car," she shouted at him. Spike sniffed the air. As if on queue, a new "intoxicating" scent invaded his nostrils. He turned his head towards the spot Apple Bloom had indicated with her hoof. It was the spot where his head was laying moments prior, only there were some differences that separated that part of the seat from the rest of it. Where his head had been was a crescent-like shape crease where the material of the seat had begun to meld and burn from his molten-like saliva. Spike, with the back of his clawed hand, wiped the remaining drool of his face. "Oops." Snickers from many other ponies could heard from behind the nearby seats and to Spike's right. Standing in the middle of the walkway were Apple Bloom's best friends; Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo. Those two, like Apple Bloom, had also aged passed their crusading stage and earned their own cutie marks as well. Peering over the seat in front of him were Applejack and Rainbow Dash trying to stifle their laughter. Applejack was covering her smile with her signature stetson while Rainbow was holding a hoof over her mouth. And lastly, in the seat behind him were Fluttershy and Rarity, whom were both giggling at the dragon's expense. "Enjoy the nap, punching bag?" Rainbow Dash quipped, causing another wave of snickers from the other mares surrounding him. "Yes, ha ha. Let's all laugh at the big purple dragon who got hoofed in the face by his marefriend," Spike said with a grimace as he threw his claws in the air. Not too long after did his expression subside and change into a small smile. "You guys could've just woke me up the way, Twilight does you know." "No can do big guy," said Applejack. She adjusted the tattered stetson on her head before continuing. "Ya know very well that, Twilight is the only pony who can wake ya up like that. None of us ain't got that special touch like Twi' does." "But that doesn't mean you physically assault me with an Apple Family hoof to the jaw," Spike rubbed the sore spot on his jaw. "I gotta' give thanks to whatever force gave dragons scales for armor. That would have been broken otherwise." "Better that, than lettin' ya burn the seat further and pay fer the whole thing. At least this way ya just gotta pay for that darn seat," said Apple Bloom. Spike grabbed Apple Bloom and pulled her close. He held the young farm pony in slightly tighter than normal embrace. "And that is one of the reasons I love you, Apple Bloom. You save me a few bits every now and then." The young mare in Spike's grasp was more than welcome to return his affection, deciding to wrap her own front hooves around his scale covered neck and kiss the drake. All the mares around the couple, excluding Applejack and the two feather headed flyers, let out a collective 'Aww' as the two lovebirds held one another. "And here I thought ya' loved me for my voice, and lovely personality," said Apple Bloom with a coy smile. Barely a moment passed before her coy smile grew bigger and more flirtatious. "And fer that one other thing I do for ya every other Friday," flirted Apple Bloom. The surrounding group of friends all blushed at her dirty implication, the exception being Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo who were both snickering at the reactions of their other friends. "Whoa, settle down there broodmare," said Applejack astonishingly. Her face was by far the reddest out of the group. Be it from full on embarrassment or a mix of it along with anger, nopony could tell for sure. Applejack pointed a hoof at her younger sister. "There ain't a need for ya to go flaunting yer 'escapades' around. Especially with me here, Missy." A giggle escaped from Apple Bloom's lips. She turned to look at her older sister behind her. "Alrighty, sis. Yer just no fun, ya know that?" "She's just a little jealous is all, A.B.," Spike whispered into Apple Bloom's ear. Applejack pointed a hoof accusingly at Spike. "Ah heard that ya' overgrown lizard! It ain't like that at all! I just don't wanna hear about how the two of y'all go at it like dogs during mating season!" exclaimed Applejack. She had yelled loud enough that the other ponies residing in the train car turned their heads towards her to find out what all the fuss is about. "Applejack, darling!" Rarity yelled in shock. "Keep your voice down. We wouldn't want the little fillies and colts sharing this cart with us to hear such crass language." Applejack looked around and noticed all the extra attention she was attracting. Cursing at herself inwardly, she sank down in her seat and tipped her hat to cover part of her face to hide her embarrassment. "My bad," said Applejack at a much lower volume. Spike and the rest of his friends all laughed at Applejack's embarrassed state. It took a friend a friendly hoof to the side by her friend Rainbow Dash, but not long after did Applejack also join in the merriment and laughter. This was what it was all about. Friends being together and having fun. They could always rely on one another when they needed anything. And that meant a lot to each and every one of them. "I love each and every one of you guys," Spike happily said. He looked deeply into the eyes of the mare within his grasp, Apple Bloom. "And I definitely love you -" Spike tightened his grip on Applebloom, pulling her closer and rubbing his scaley purple cheek against her own warm furry cheek "- my little, Apple Blossom." Apple Bloom returned Spike's nuzzle affectionately. She pulled her head away from his and gave him a playful bop on the tip of his snout. "And I love ya too my dashing knight of scales." "Bleh." Scootaloo retched at the completely sappy display in front of her. "P.D.A much?" And with a hoof that has turned the page of many a romance novel, Sweetie Belle whacked Scootaloo over the head hard enough to make the orange pegasus elicit a loud cry of pain. "OW! Why with the hitting!?" "Don't ruin the moment!" Sweetie yelled, scolding Scootaloo for her insubordination to the romantic . "C'mon, Scoots. You know very well that our group has always had a thing for violence. It's our go-to option for threats against Equestria," said Spike. "Well, except for, Fluttershy over here. No offense." Fluttershy waved a hoof dismissively. "Don't worry, no offense was taken, Spike. I don't like to harm living creatures, or other ponies for that matter. Gosh, I don't even like thinking about it," said Fluttershy. Her voice soft and compassionate. "Yeah, c'mon, Squirt! Get your head in gear!" Rainbow yelled excitedly. "Hitting things in the face is one of many awesome things we get to do on a regular basis. Comes with being in the group." "And yet, Twilight denied my request to have club t-shirts made," Spike shook his head in disappointment. "Such a shame. Would've been a hit." Apple Bloom raised an eyebrow at her draconic partner. "And how exactly do ya think you will fit in one of em? Yer spines would just rip the darn thing into shreds faster than, Winona could destroy a roll of toilet paper." Spike turned towards Apple Bloom, a defeated expression now on his face. "A dragon can dream, Apple Bloom. A dragon can dream." "Well, Applebloom darling there is that. And the fact that our dear, Spikey Wikey is over twice our size. It would require me to tailor a shirt to fit him respectively. I would ever graciously do so, but I have so many orders and deadlines on my plate as of late. It shall have to wait until I have thinned down my list of responsibilities, however," Rarity pointed out. A thought came to Spike's attention. He had been asleep since he first boarded the train to Canterlot. He had no idea how long he had been out. Him and his friends were heading to Canterlot from Ponyville to celebrate his birthday. Well it wasn't actually Spike's birthday, it being a week later than the actual day. Princess Celestia had wanted to celebrate all of Spike's past birthdays she was unable to attend. She wanted this birthday to be like no other he had experienced before. And with all of his friends there, it definitely just might. Spike looked around at all of his friends. "Do any of you guys know how long I was out?" he asked curiously. "Well, Spike. Since yer just itchin' to find out. I suppose I can tell ya we're almost to Canterlot," Apple Bloom playfully teased, her tone of voice matching her flirtatious visage. She ran one of her hooves in slow continuous circles on Spikes chest. "I reckon we got a lil' under half-an-hour till we reach our intended destination." "Well then. I think we should use this limited amount of time to our advantage," said Spike, his masculine voice mirroring Apple Bloom's amorous tone. He placed one of his clawed hands on the back of her head and pulled her in for a kiss. "Okay, Squirt is right. You two seriously need to get a room," Rainbow Dash said flatly. After taking a deep breath to calm down she started rubbing her temples with her hooves. The amount of pure saturated sappy romance in Rainbow's view emotionally and psychologically hurt Scootaloo and herself. "Could you two just bang it out when we get to Canterlot. If I have to go another minute listening to the two of you get all kissy-feely, I'm going to vom. I swear on my life, I haven't seen this much sexual tension since, Shining Armor and Princess Cadence decided they would abstain from sex for a day in support of newly wedded couples." "Rainbow!" Rarity exclaimed, shocked to hear her friends choice of words. "Both you and, Applejack seem to have a very colorful choice of words today. I hope that the two of you will not be acting in such a manner whilst we are in Canterlot. I kindly ask that the both of you at least indulge me in that matter." "Relax, Rarity. It's fine. My little Apple Blossom and I haven't been helping in that regard," said Spike. "Besides, we're going to be celebrating my birthday after all. I want everypony to relax and enjoy it. Even if I have to force, Twilight to do so." "Don't worry, Spike," Fluttershy said sincerely. "I'm pretty sure, Twilight will do her absolute best to stay calm and relax." Everypony looked at Fluttershy with flat neutral expressions, making the mare giggle nervously as she shrunk into her seat They all knew Twilight. She would have helped organize everything: plan the days events, made sure the staff got Spike's favorite meal down, arrange the seating chart for dinner accordingly, make a list of all the presents Spike will be receiving if any, double check all of her lists, and lastly worry Princess Celestia will think she has done something the wrong way and fail everypony in Equestria. It was similar to almost every event that involved Celestia's presence. Twilight may have gotten over calling her Princess, but Celestia was still the one she looked up to. "I'm sure that girl is doing okay," said Applejack as she adjusted the stetson on her head. "To tell y'all the truth, it's, Pinkie Pie I'm gettin' all anxious about. That girl hasn't been in Canterlot's newly remodeled kitchen before. I'm a little worried she'll have a lil' too much fun and hurt herself and the staff baking his cake." "Pinkie will be fine, dear," Sweetie Belle assured. "After all, she is made of some pretty stern stuff." "Ya don't have to tell me twice," replied Applejack wholeheartedly, earning a quick laugh from everypony. "Well, let's just hope the two of 'em haven't burned the place down faster than, Sweetie Belle can burn orange juice," said Apple Bloom mockingly. Sweetie Belle's face exploded in red. Her once white cheeks were now a dark rosy red from embarrassment. "That only happened twice!" yelled Sweetie Belle in response. Spike couldn't help but laugh and smile at all of his friends. Without them, today would be pointless. "I love all of you guys. Today is going to be the best late birthday ever."