//------------------------------// // Chapter 1: Happy Birthday, Spike! // Story: The Struggle Within // by B_25 //------------------------------// “Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday dear Spi-ike! Happy Birthday to you!” Pinkie finished her serenade by almost slipping on one of the party streamers that were scattered across the library floor. “Gee, careful, Pinkie!” Spike giggled. “You don’t need to do that, y’know.” He pointed to the three-story cake that was somehow still balanced perfectly on her head. “Nah, I do this all the time, silly,” Pinkie giggled as she brought the cake to the large wooden table. Fluttershy, Applejack, Rarity, Twilight, Rainbow Dash and Spike all sat around the table, their mouths watering as they eyed the cake hungrily. Rainbow Dash stood up from her seat. “Let me help ya, Pink.” She reached over to help Pinkie with the cake. Pinkie shook her head, causing the cake to wobble on her head. Everyone held their breaths, as they waited for the delicious chocolate cake to be tested against the floor. However, Pinkie, despite not being a unicorn, possessed her own kind of magic. Luck. And with that magic, Pinkie managed to balance the cake perfectly on-top of her head. She tried to place it on the table. “Whoa whoa whoa!” Spike exclaimed, raising his claws. He approached Pinkie and tried to help her with the cake. As he was taller than her, it would be easier. Pinkie looked up at him. “Silly. The Birthday Boy isn’t supposed to do anything.” “Yeah. But this Birthday Boy—” Spike pointed a claw at himself. “—wants to eat an un-destroyed cake. Especially one with emerald toppings.” Spike’s tongue slithered out in an attempt to steal one of the juicy gem encrusted with bits from other spicy gems. “Spiiike,” chided a voice in a far too familiar sisterly tone. His tongue halted in its tracks. A playful punch from Pinkie caused Spike shut his mouth—biting his own tongue and dropping the cake. Pinkie caught the cake with her head and in the same motion placed it upon the table. She looked at Spike with a smirk and returned to her seat, softly singing, “That’s what you get when you don’t trust me!” Spike sighed and took a seat as Twilight levitated the cake to the middle of the table. Spike watched the seventeen candles burn on top of the cake, each little flame reminding him of his life. It’s been a long time since Twi and I first came to Ponyville. Spike looked over at the gifts on the table. “Heh. Hey, do you guys remember that one time. Y’know, when I received so many gifts I transformed into a giant rampaging dragon and destroyed half of Ponyville?” It felt like so long ago. Spike sighed with nostalgia at the warm memory. Applejack raised an eyebrow and glanced at her wrapped gift before slowly sliding it off the table. Spike sighed. Maybe that wasn’t such a warm memory to them. He looked back at the candles. What to wish for? “C’mon, Small Stuff,” Rainbow called. A fork and knife ready in both hooves. “Make a wish already! I wanna eat some cake!” “Don’t rush him, Rainbow Dash,” Rarity said and looked over at Spike. “Take your time, darling. And make sure you wish for something you truly want.” “Come on, Rarity,” Rainbow said with a raised brow. “We already know what he truly wants.” Rarity shook her head. “I have no idea as to what you're referring, Rainbow.” Spike itched his eye. Even though he had gotten over his childhood crush, it still stung to get shot down so easily. Spike felt something on his shoulder. He turned to see Twilight smiling. “Wish for what you really want, Spike,” Twilight said. “That way, we can finally eat!” What is it I really want? Spike paused for a moment as he thought about it. He was surrounded by friends who he had spent the day playing pin the donkey and other such games. He’d gotten the chance to talk with them and catch up with what they had been up to. It made Spike feel happy. Spike smiled, closed his eyes and blew out the candles, being careful to not accidentally add extra fire to them. Everyone cheered, although maybe a few were cheering because they could finally eat some cake. Pinkie did the honors of cutting the cake and Rarity assisted by levitating a piece to everyone. “Thanks Rarity,” Twilight said as she levitated a fork and began eating.. The room went quiet as they all enjoyed Pinkie’s delicious confectionary. After a few mouthfuls however, Rainbow spoke up. “So, pipsqueak.” A few cake crumbs fell onto the table as she attempted both talking and eating simultaneously. Spike did the same as Rainbow Dash. “Why do you keep calling me small?” Spike swallowed. Dash did the same. “That’s because no matter how big you get we’ll still remember you as the little baby dragon.” Rainbow said, patting his head. Spike couldn’t help but groan. “Besides,” Dash went on, “you still act like a kid.” Spike resisted the temptation to shove Rainbow off her seat. He curled his claws irritably and ground his teeth. Rainbow raised her eyebrows in surprise. “Hey, don’t take that as a negative. The best way to live life is to never stop acting like a kid.” That didn’t make him feel better at all. Dash sighed as she continued. “Anyways, what did you wish for?” “No way I’m telling you, Dash,” Spike said. Pointing a claw at her. “If I tell you, then it won’t come true.” Spike grabbed another piece of cake with his tongue and used his tongue to mash it up in his mouth instead of using his teeth. He liked how powerful his tongue was. “Spike!” Twilight scolded. “Manners!” “Mmph mph,” Spike apologized. “Why won’t you tell me your wish?” Rainbow whined, obviously taking her own advice about acting like a kid. “I mean, if your wish is to see a sonic rainboom done by yours truly then you’re going to need to ask me in order for it to happen.” “But that wasn’t my wish,” Spike said. Dash nearly choked on her food and started violently coughing. Rarity giggled at the sight. She stopped, though, as if a thought had hit her. “Pardon my ill manners, Spikey-Wikey,” Rarity began. “But could you at least offer us a hint to that you were wishing for?” Spike looked away from her and played with his third piece of cake as he thought. A small red blush accompany his cheeks. “Well,” Spike said, unsure as he continued to think. He turned back to his friends. “Okay. But only one hint!” he said, with his index claw raised. Rarity nodded. “It’s something that has to do with the six of you, my friends.” This time it was Rarity’s turn to almost choke on her food. Rainbow Dash followed with a burst of laughter. “Yeah, you wish, champ!” While Pinkie Pie and Applejack shared an amused glance and Fluttershy hid behind her mane, Twilight blushed and turned to Spike. “Uh, Spike. I know you don’t want to tell us what you wished for, but… could you elaborate a little more. So it doesn't sound as… dirty?” “Dirty?” Spike repeated. Why would it sound dirty? His wish wasn’t dirty at all. Twilight slumped her shoulders and sighed. “Never mind,” she huffed and looked at Rarity. “Are you alright?” “Yes, I’m fine,” Rarity said quickly, clearing her throat several times. “Nothing to worry about.” Spike glanced at the still giggling Rainbow Dash and wondered what was so funny, but nothing came to mind. So he shrugged his shoulders and went for his fourth piece of cake. The three story cake went fast. As did the rest of the day. Spike looked out the window just in time to see the sun dip past the mountain, taking the last rays of sunshine with it. Luna should be raising the moon pretty soon Spike sighed, realizing his birthday party was coming to a close. Spike knew it was time for everyone to go. Spike and Twilight, being the good hosts they were, showed them out to the door. “Before anyone leaves,” Twilight said, halting her guests. “I’m sure Spike has something he would like to say.” Twilight looked over to Spike, who nervously fiddled with his claws. Building up his courage, Spike looked up at his friends. “Thank you, ladies, for coming to my birthday.” Spike looked at the calendar that hung on the wall, not looking at any particular date as his twilding became faster. “I kinda thought you wouldn’t make it, seeing how Sweet Apple Acres extension has been delayed, or how heavy the demand for dresses are this season, and Sugarcube Corner being so busy lately with tourists coming so far as Canterlot.” Spike’s closed his eyes for what he said next. “And I know I’m getting too old for these kind of parties anymore.” Now that I think about it, Rainbow Dash was right about life being best as a kid. I really don’t want to grow up, but I guess no one’s a kid forever. “Are you KIDDING!” exclaimed Pinkie, throwing a hoof over Spike’s shoulder. “Friends are what make the party! Besides, you’re never too old to party and dance!” “But what if you get so old you need to start using a cane?” Spike asked. “Then the cane will be my dance partner, of course!” Pinkie answered. Spike couldn’t help but smile. “Oh come on, Spike!” Dash began, resting her hoof on the drake as she hovered next to him. “Don’t look like that! You know I’d miss napping for you and the girls. Scoots as well.” Spike beamed and pulled the two mares into a tight hug, almost picking them up. He span around happily. “Whee!” Pinkie exclaimed in delight. “Alright, Spike,” Twilight said. “If you swirl any faster, I’d assume you were training them for space travel.” Spike stopped spinning, almost dropping Dash and Pinkie, before carefully letting them down onto the floor. Spike awkwardly scratched the back of his neck once his arms were free. “Eh, sorry about that. I guess I’m just pretty happy. Thank you all again for coming.” “It was no problem at all, Spike,” Fluttershy said. “But I’d better be going. My animals might get worried as I’m not usually out this late.” “Oh!” Pinkie exclaimed. “I’d better get back to Sugarcube Corner before the Cakes realize I even left!” Pinkie ran out the door as fast as a blue hedgehog. “I think I hear a cloud just calling my name,” Dash said with a yawn, “Happy Birthday, Spike.” “Well, I reckon Big Macintosh probably needs my help finishing up around the farm right about now.” Applejack said. She gestured for Spike to lower his head. Spike expected for her to whisper something, instead, she gave his head a noogie. “Happy Birthday, sugarcube.” “Darling, I really hope you enjoy the new suit I made for you,” Rarity said. Spike was surprised to see a blue aura levitating a measuring tape which measured his body all over. “But I didn’t have your current measurements. You’ve just been growing so much lately! I do hope I haven’t spoiled your birthday present.” She put away the measuring tape in a small bag. “Tell you what, Spikey, I’ll go make sure your green suit fits perfectly—Eurgh! Why in Equestria would I chose green? Purple suits you far better than any green would.” For some reason, Rarity slapped herself with her own hoof. “Sorry. As I was saying, if you want to come by and get proper measurements done, I can make you a new suit and design it—” Rarity's self-conscious rant was cut short by a hug. “You chose green because you knew it was my favorite color,” Spike reminded her. “And I think a green suit would be perfect.” Rarity let out a deep breath and squeezed Spike in return. “Ohh, what would I do without you, Spikey-Wikey? You’re right, I’ll make you a green suit.” She gave him a chaste peck on the cheek. Spike blushed and pulled away from the hug. “Thanks, Rarity,” he said. Rarity giggled as she continued. “But darling, you must inform me if the suit is not to your taste, alright?" Spike smiled. “Okay.” Rarity shared his smile and turned to make her way out the door. She was the last guest to leave, however she left the door open. Spike narrowed his eyes on the door. Rarity should really close the door when she leaves. Everyone should close doors when they leave. That’s common courtesy, no? A purple aura consumed the door and closed it. Spike looked to Twilight and smiled. There we go. Someone who closes things! “Well Spike, today has been a long day with the party games and the dancing and all. Especially the little performance at the end there—” Spike’s face reddened in response. “—but it’s late. We should think about going to bed.” Spike opened his mouth to speak, but Twilight spoke first. “Now, I know I gave you these two days off to enjoy your birthday, but you shouldn’t allow it to mess up your sleep schedule nor fall too far behind in your studies.” “I know, Twilight,” Spike said, looking over at the fold-out table that held more wrappers than presents. “I’m just going to stay up a little longer to check out my presents.” “Alright,” Twilight cooed, the sister in her coming out. “Just try not to spend too much time in front of the mirror.” Twilight smirked as she ascended the stairs that led to her room and looked back at the drake. “Oh, and Spike?” Her eyes met his own. “Happy Birthday, my number one assistant.” They shared a smile before she went into her room, leaving the door open. As she disappeared through the door, however, Spike’s smile faded. Everyone should start closing doors, y’know. With them open, flies and noises can come and go. And we can’t have that. I could go and close the door myself, but then I would be cleaning up after others. And Twilight’s the one who told me that’s not a good thing. Well, she said it’s sort of not a good thing. Still, if I start making ponies close the doors then it should catch on. And if it doesn’t then I’ll become just like Princess Celestia and make it a well known lesson to close doors. Maybe Twilight could write me a friendship letter about it? Spike shook his head and scratched his ear, digging for… something. He couldn’t find anything, so he shrugged and got busy with his gifts: notably, his green suit. Rarity even included a fedora. Manly. As he put it on, he found it was a little right around his waist and the cuffs were too short on his wrists. Still, Spike loved the design of the suit, making him feel like a secret agent straight out of a movie. Spike pulled the usual poses; standing sideways with claws in pockets. Lowering his fedora to cover his eyes, he stood with his legs slightly apart. Spike tossed the hat aside and grabbed at his stomach as if a bullet had passed through it and he was preventing the bleeding. He slumped over, and with his free claw he pointed an imaginary gun at the mirror. “Bang.” With that, Spike fell over on his back, playing dead. After a few seconds, he giggled and used his claws to leap back up. He continued to do more poses for a little while. Soon, however, Spike became tired of looking at himself in the mirror (which was a surprising, he could admit). He took off the suit and hung it up. A loud chirp grabbed his attention. Looking over at the cuckoo clock, he gasped at the time. It was midnight, and Spike was on the verge of breaking his promise with Twilight. He quickly tidied up what mess he had made and crept up to his bedroom, hoping he wouldn’t wake his big sister up. Spike could just make out Twilight’s door on the way. It was too dark to see, but it still looked open. Spike sighed, curling his right claw. Doors should be closed when not in use. Come on! A sudden drowsiness came over Spike. The hallway swayed slightly, and for some reason his left arm felt a bit lighter. I must be getting tired. Too much cake. He glanced down the hall to check that no candles were burning. Twilight hadn’t forgotten about that, at least. Walking over to the door, he realized that it had actually been shut already. Huh. I guess Twilight did close it. Weird. Walking over to his own room, Spike opened the door and made a conscious effort to close the door as tightly as possible once inside. Just to make sure it doesn’t accidentally open during the night. Spike shook his head again. Was he talking to himself now? He scurried over to his bed. Snuggling under the sheets, he sighed as his bed welcomed him home. Snuggling into the sheets, he reflected on his day and smiled as he looked forward to the next.