Living Up to the Hero's Name
The Crystal Empire was lively with ponies trotting and talking to each other. The games might have been over, but the thrill of it was still fresh in their minds. However, just as soon as it had started, it had ended, and the ponies headed back to the hotel. The competitors went to their respective rooms, either preparing to go to sleep or just converse about the day they just had.
The Crusaders and Twilight’s friends talked, waiting for Spike to bring the bags to their rooms. He pushed them towards Twilight, breathing heavily.
“Why do you insisting on carrying our bags, Spike?” Twilight asked. “I keep telling you that we can always get other ponies to take care of them for you.”
Spike put his claws out, grabbing his knees. “I’m... fine… Twilight… I just… want to… help a bit.” His voice was shaky and cracked. Barely anything he said came out as coherently as he wanted it to.
Twilight trotted towards him and levitated the remaining bags.
“It would be best not to wear yourself out,” Twilight said. “You already used up most of your energy tonight, so I suggest that you relax and enjoy yourself. You deserve it.”
Spike blushed, kicking at the ground. “Ah, I didn’t do anything that special.”
“Nothing special? Are you kidding me?” Pinkie Pie bounced behind Spike, pressing her two front hooves on the top of her head. “I couldn’t believe how fantastic you were! You just jumped in, melted that that giant ice that was going to fall down on all the ponies and go all… KERSPLAT!”
Spike flinched at the thought of failing, but still flushed from the praise.
“I… don’t think that ‘kersplat’ is such a pleasant image,” Rainbow Dash said. “But dude, you were really awesome out there! I didn’t think you could breath fire that big!”
Spike rubbed his forehead, chuckling. “Heh, I didn’t know I could do that either. It just… kinda happened.”
“And what a splendid time for it to happen, darling,” Rarity commented, causing Spike’s cheeks to heat up even more. “Those ponies that you courageously saved are indebted to you.”
Spike watched as the remaining contestants from Ponyville enter their rooms. The thought of keeping those he cared deeply for out of harm’s way made him feel better than he had felt in a long time. The memory was still playing in his mind. The ice falling, him being the only one capable of actually doing something about it. If he had failed, they would have all…
He shook the alternative out of his mind. That wasn’t important. What was important was that he had managed to bring safety to the Crystal Empire. Again.
“Yeah, well that shouldn’t prevent me from helping you guys out,” Spike said, suppressing a yawn. “I don’t see why you won’t let me help you guys clean the stadium tomorrow. It’s not like I haven’t done that much work before.”
Twilight shook her head. “While that might be true, you’ve had some pretty eventful few days, Spike, and we don’t want you to get worn out. I suggest you spend some time with Cadance and Shining Armor and take a load off.”
“But—”
“Why are you trying to do more work?” Sweetie Belle asked, standing alongside Applebloom and Scootaloo.
“Yeah! Don’t ya wanna relax a bit? I would love to travel around the Empire if I was given the opportunity,” Applebloom said.
“Besides, at least you get to stay here longer!” Scootaloo pressed her hooves against her cheeks, groaning. “Why does school always have to happen during the fun stuff? I’ll be missing out on so much now!”
Rainbow Dash chuckled. “Trust me, kid, you are not missing out on anything important. We’ll just be working ourselves to the bone all day. Honestly, I’d rather shoot spitballs in class!”
Twilight rolled her eyes and turned back to Spike. “Listen, I know you want to help, but why don’t you just spend some time with your admiring fans instead. That should keep you busy for a while, right?”
“Well, I guess.”
“And aren’t you a little curious as to what Cadance and Shining Armor have planned for you back at the castle?”
Spike rubbed his chin. “Just a little.”
Twilight nodded, nudging Spike. “Then it’s settled. You don’t do anything for the remainder of this trip except relax and enjoy yourself. If I catch you lifting up a single piece of plywood, you will feel the wrath of Princess Twilight!” She lit her horn in an attempt to be intimidating. Normally, that would work on him, but he could see the feigned intimidation she was trying to pull off. He could even see her smiling through her gritted teeth. Still, he wanted to humor her, and it was probably for the best. Maybe he did need some time off.
“Okay okay! You win!” Spike held out his claws and shook them. “I could use a day to nap, anyways.”
Twilight’s frustration melted into a smile. “Good.” She lifted a map from a small bag and handed it to Spike. “Just in case you don’t remember how to get back, this is a map of where everything is in the Empire, including the castle. You should be able to find your way around with this.”
Spike rolled up the map and pushed it inside his mouth, using his flames to store it inside of him. “Don’t worry, Twilight. I know this place like the back of my claws.”
The number of bags remaining that Spike had carted were nearly depleted, his friends deciding to finish the load for him.
“Well, there’s no point in us standin’ around here for tha night,” Applejack said. “Ah say we should head back to the inn.”
“Yes, indeed.” Rarity stretched and yawned. “I could use some beauty sleep. It’s been such a long day.”
“Sleep? Already?!” Pinkie cocked her head to the side. “But the it’s not even that late yet! There’s still so much to be done!”
“Pinkie, the moon has been up for for several hours now,” Rainbow Dash said. “I’m pretty sure that the night isn’t that young anymore.”
“But I’m not tired!”
“You will be if you drain your all energy! How will you be able to help liven up the clean up crew if you can barely stay awake tomorrow?”
Pinkie Pie hummed, nodding her head. “Well, when you put it like that, let the sleeping begin!”
Spike stood there, enjoying the light conversations between his friends, until Twilight shoved him back with her magic.
“You’re still here, Spike? Shouldn’t you be heading off somewhere by now?”
“O-oh yeah! Right!” Spike stammered. He turned around and whistled, leaving the room and walking towards his destination.
As he walked down the stairs, he noticed some of the crystal ponies looking at him. He could tell that some of them were doing their best to contain their delight in seeing the savior of their home. It was a lot for him to think about.
It was weird for him to be leaving them behind to be served by others. It was almost as if he was royalty on high. At least that’s what he was perceived as: a hero, a savior. It was all so new to him. It was a lot to handle in one day. Just the thought of being worshiped was exhausting.
Either that or he was really tired. Could have been the latter, seeing as how he was fighting to keep his eyes open. The streets were shimmering under the lamps. It was practically empty and serene. Most of the crystal ponies had retired to their homes, most likely riding out the thrill they experienced. Nopony was on the streets except two ponies trotting right towards him.
Two ponies dressed in the royal guards outfit patrolled the streets, looking up in both shock and pleasure when they saw Spike. They ran up to him, immediately bowing down.
“Oh Great and Honorable Spike the Brave and Glorious, to what do we owe the honor of being in your presence on this lovely night?”
Spike raised an eyebrow. He still wasn’t used to being called that, even if it did have a nice ring to it. “I’m just heading towards the castle. I was told that Cadance and Shining Armor wanted to see me.”
The guards nodded. “And you were planning on walking there all by yourself?”
“Well, that was the idea. It isn’t that far from here, is it?”
“But, your greatness, you’ve been busy all day. Surely you don’t want to tire yourself out anymore, oh Great and Honorable Spike the Brave and Glorious.”
“It’s no big deal, guys,” Spike protested. “You shouldn’t worry about me when you have a job to d—”
Before he could finish his sentence, Spike was swept off his feet and lifted onto one of the guard’s backs. “Nonsense, Great and Honorable Spike the Brave and Glorious. We owe our lives to you, and this is the least we could do. We will carry you to the Princess Cadance and Prince Shining Armor.”
Spike was going to protest it, but the offer was too good to refuse. If they were going to willfully take him there, who was he to stop them?
“Fine,” Spike said. “But could you please cut down on the Brave and Glorious name? Not that I mind being called that; it’s flattering and all, but that has to be a mouthful for you guys to say all the time.”
“As you wish, oh Great and Hon—”
Spike folded his arms and glared at them.
“I mean, as you wish, Spike… the Brave and Glorious.”
Spike couldn’t help but chuckle. “Close enough.” He held onto the helm of the guard to keep his balance as they turned back towards the castle and trotted with great speed, eager to get Spike to his destination.
As they passed through the glistening city, Spike took the opportunity to think about his current situation. The statue, the title, his adoring fans, crowding around to get his autograph: it was an empowering situation. Never before had he received such praise among others, nor was he ever worshipped to that degree. It was a little intimidating for him.
Now I know how Twilight must feel.
Spike, the Brave and Glorious. Just one of the many titles that he was given. Even the princess bowed to him, declaring his greatness to him. Was he dreaming? Was he in a coma? Was he alive? Did he fall victim to Sombra on the day that he was claimed a national hero, and all of this was just the afterlife, a peaceful departure?
Or was he just grasping at reasons to why this wasn’t reality? It didn’t matter how or why he was being praised for what he had done. What mattered was that it wasn’t a fantasy. It was real. Spike was still unsure of how to feel about it. On one hand, this was a lot of attention. He didn’t envy being popular like some of the famous ponies like Sapphire Shores. All that attention can drive somepony insane really fast.
On the other hand, he got fed free gems. So, that kind of balanced out in his mind.
“Um, Great and Honorable Spike the Brave and Glorious?”
And then there was that name. What if he had to sign everyone’s autographs with that title? His claws would probably cramp up after writing just ten.
“Huh?”
“Pardon us if we were interrupting something, your humbleness, but we have arrived.”
While deep into the thought, he hadn’t noticed that they were already in front of the castle doors.
Man these guys move fast!
“Now, we can escort you to the princess if you would like, oh Great and Hono—”
“No need,” Spike interrupted. “I think I can walk the rest of the way.”
“Are you sure, Magnificent Scales?”
Magnificent Scales? That was new. Spike responded by lowering himself off the guard’s back. He landed on the ground, tapping his toes against the ground and smiling wryly.
“Yeah, I’m positive. Shouldn’t be that demanding to walk from one room to another. But I do appreciate you guys carrying me here.”
The royal guards bowed down to him. “Anything to serve the savior of the Crystal Empire, oh Great and Honorable Spike the—”
“Brave and Glorious,” Spike finished. “Yeah, I’ll consider that offer. For now though, don’t you have some royal guard doodad to be getting to?”
The guards stammered. “Y-yes sir! We’re sorry for being a burden, oh benevolent one!” The two backed away, keeping their eye on the glory that was Spike.
He waved and smiled awkwardly, waiting until they turned their backs and closed the castle doors. He sighed. At first he thought that being deemed as a hero would be really fun. Too bad that it was starting to look like more of a hassle than anything.
“How does Cadance and Shining Armor deal with this!” he blurted, hearing his voice echo throughout the crystal home. Spike covered his mouth, hoping that the voice didn’t carry and disturb anypony.
“How do we deal with what?”
Well, there went his hopes. He saw a set of pink hooves traveling down the stairs alongside white ones. Spike looked up, noticing both Cadance and Shining Armor walking towards him. They weren’t dressed up like how Spike normally saw them though. Cadance’s mane was unkempt and down. She was wearing a purple robe, which dragged along the ground. Shining Armor looked about the same, but with a messy mane as well. Both looked like they had just got out of bed recently.
“Um, hi guys,” Spike said, waving at them. “Sorry if I disturbed your sleep. I didn’t mean to impose this late at night.”
Cadance smiled and shook her head. “It’s quite alright, Great and Honorable Spike the Brave and Glorious.”
Great. Even she was doing it.
“We assumed that you were going to come a little late considering that you were helping Twilight and the others load the games participants’ bags. We were waiting for your arrival, so that we could personally get you accustomed to your temporary arrangement.”
“Oh.” Spike kicked at the ground. “Still, sorry for making so much noise.”
Both Cadance and Shining Armor chuckled. When the two reached the bottom stairs, they kneeled down and bowed in front of Spike. His eyes widened as he saw two royals kneel before him.
“Please, not you guys, too,” Spike said, almost glumly.
Cadance opened an eye, looking up at Spike, who seemed to be uncomfortable with their display.
“I mean, come on! You’re royals. You shouldn’t have to bow down to me.”
Cadance shook her head, lifting herself from the ground, winking at Spike. “I understand. Guess we’ll have to do our best not to bow down to you every waking moment, huh?”
Shining Armor raised up next, chuckling and trotting closer to Spike. “Well, glad you let us get up. Don’t think I could deal with bowing down every time you graced my presence, Spike.” Shining Armor nudged Spike’s shoulders afterwards.
Spike had seemed to calm down a little. “Thanks guys,” he said. “It just feels so weird, you know. First I’m just some nobody and then—”
“You have an entire empire wanting to greet you every waking moment of your life?” Cadance finished his sentence, eliciting a warm smile.
“Seems like they want to kiss the ground I walk on as well,” Spike said. “Though that would be ill-advised. I don’t think my feet leave off a pleasant aftertaste.”
“No, I wouldn’t imagine it would.” Shining Armor stifled his laughter. “Anyway, you look beat, Spike. I think we should get you to bed.”
Spike flicked his arm at him. “Me? Tired? Nah, I’m just fine. Not tired one…” His own mouth betrayed him, a yawn escaping his mouth. He giggled, looking around and fumbling his claws together.
“It’s okay, Spike,” Cadance said, pointing at the stairway. “You need to rest up. Many ponies would like to see you spry and energetic tomorrow. We can lead you to your room, and talk more on the way.”
Spike nodded, rubbing his eyes and waiting for the two to lead him to his room.
“So, how do you feel about all this attention, Spike?” Shining Armor asked as they turned around to walk back upstairs.
Spike remained silent for a moment, trying to process his position. “I’m not sure, honestly. I mean, it’s cool and all but this is a lot. I mean, the statue, being fed, the titles I’ve received. Magnificent Scales? What’s next? Prince Great and Honorable Spike the Brave and Glorious? Jeez, that’s hard enough to say on it’s own.”
Cadance snickered. “Oh, don’t give them ideas, Great and Honorable Spike the Brave and Glorious.”
“But at the same time, it’s pretty nice,” Spike continued. “I’m actually deemed a hero here, and not some rampaging mo—” Spike froze. Horrid memories came flooding back to him. The images burned in his mind. All those ponies he could have hurt, every screaming civilian, and even the cries of Rarity all rang in his skull. He sunk his head, trying desperately not to tear up.
“Spike, are you okay, little dude?” Shining asked.
Spike lifted his head, sniffling and fighting back the urge to cry. “Yeah, I’m fine. I was just thinking, that’s all. It’s a little overwhelming to be deemed a nationwide hero now.”
“Well you deserve it,” Cadance said. “You were the one who protected the citizens of this great empire twice. I can’t think of any other title more fitting for you, Great and—”
Spike held out a claw. “While hearing that is flattering and all, I’ve had my fill of praise for the day. I would just like to end this day as a normal guy for once. Doesn’t sound like I’ll get much of that for the rest of the week.”
Cadance smiled. “That’s fine by me, Spike.”
Just as soon as the conversation had ended, they had reached the top of the stairwell. Cadance and Shining walked towards the left, leading Spike towards his sleeping arrangement.
They walked down the hallway, passing by several rooms to find Spike’s. After passing by four rooms, Shining Armor and Cadance stopped in front of a door with a green diamond heart encrusted on it
Gee. Wonder why they did that?
. Using his magic, Shining Armor opened the door, showcasing Spike’s room. It was quite large and spacious, obviously not an ordinary guest room. Most of his bags were still unpacked, but the bed was already set for him, covered with purple linen sheets and green, fluffy pillows. Made to compliment his skin tone no doubt.
“Sorry for how the room looks now, Spike,” Cadance said. “We’ll have the housekeepers unpack and sort out the rest tomorrow you and Shining Armor survey the clean-up crew.”
Spike raised an eyebrow. “ I didn’t think I was going to work.”
“You aren’t,” Shining Armor said. “You and I are just going to watch over the others, as well as instructing them where to put things.”
Spike huffed. “Yeah, survey. I wouldn’t be surprised if most of the ponies just spend their time trying to talk to me.”
“Well, that is a likely chance,” Shining added. “But if it gets old, we’ll try to get them to calm down.”
“What my husband said. Anything to make sure your time is more comfortable here, we’ll make sure to provide for you. Just give us a call if you have needs, and we’ll do the best we can.”
Spike smiled. It was kind of nice to have royalty at his disposal. Even if it was a little awkward, he could see the benefit of it. Still, his yawns signaled that thinking wasn’t the best thing to do at the time.
“I appreciate the offer, and I’ll have to take you up on that,” Spike began before his mouth released a strained yawn, “but I’m really tired now, as you can probably tell.”
Shining Armor and Cadance looked at each other, smiled, and then looked back. Spike was unsure of the exchange, nor did he care at the moment. Whatever they had planned could be addressed the following morning.
“Of course, Spike,” Cadance said. “Please, do get some rest. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Night, champ,” Shining Armor said, before the two turned and walked out of the room.
Spike sat on his bed, nearly sinking into it. The material was so soft and pillowy. He could already imagine himself falling asleep fast on it. He pushed the covers off slightly and wedged himself between them and the mattress, resting his head on the feathery pillows. It was like heaven.
And yet his mind kept wandering off.
Great and Honorable Spike the Great and Glorious.
Magnificent Scales.
The Great Spike.
Great…. Great…
It felt like a fantasy. It almost felt like he would just close his eyes, and then wake up in his basket at the library. Just that everyday, normal nobody.
And he would find out if this was true or not after he woke up, as his heavy eyes forced sleep upon him.
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Wanted to beat someone to it
4365531
Man, I miss this game.
This will be a curious fic to witness take shape.
I look forward to where it goes from here, bro.
~Skeeter The Lurker
Oh my, this is a ship straight out of left field
And I can't wait to see how it turns out!
Oh man, Shining Armor is NOT gonna like this.
Well, this should be interesting. He's not letting it get to his head but he's not completely comfortible with all the praise.
This is going to be a great series. I can't wait to see where this is going. I want to see what is it that makes makes go to Can for help. Seeing the forbidden love grow more and more will be interesting to watch. As the princess of love can she ignore her growing love for Spike and her feeling (whatever they might be or become) for her husband. I am sorry to Shinning but I just get the feeling Spike would me much more interesting of a person and fun to be around then him. He always gave off a boring standard joke style to him. Spike seems like he would be fun to spend time with and I think that is something Can will really like.
4365667 True, but I think the majority of people don't care and would rather have Spike come up and take the Can and the kingdom from under him lol.
4365663 I know the forbidden love growing more and more. Them trying to act like they don't love each other. But with each "practice" make out session they fall more and more in love. While doing all this behind her husband's back. This is something that will be very interesting to watch develop
4365697 I feel that is how Spike would react to this situation. He would enjoy it alittle at first but he doesn't seem like the type to want to be treated better then everyone else. That redeeming quality will be one of his many draws. And he has so many of these draws it can even lure away married women lol.
OH YES GLOW-REE-US
4365705
Actually, you'd be wrong. Most people don't even like Spike. :V Now if this was Twilight with Cadence... you'd have most of the site agreeing with you.
[Paid for by the Committee of Spikebelle OTP] (Spikence is a false prophet!)
4365848 Most people do like Spike, they just prefer their entertainment to prominently feature ponies. When it comes to romance/clop, a lesbian relationship is much hotter than suspending one's disbelief enough to pretend that a canonically young character is mature enough for something so serious. But they do like the guy; Pinkie Pie F*CKING said so!
4365848 Lol really, I never really liked Shinning myself. So anyone other then him is a win (But Spike is a epic super mega level win to the tenth power!) We all know the big deciding factor will be the claws. Hoofs are okay but it doesn't compare to a claw. The second he run it down her back .... Spike wins. Flawless Victory! lol
4365879 I am and will always be a member of the Spike Army. IN SPIKE WE TRUST!!!! lol.
4365880
Shining is fun when he's portrayed as his Friendship Is Witchcraft persona. The gnarly surfer-boy obsessed with corndogs.
4365879
Yet nowhere I look do I see more than a handful of people declaring any favor for Spike. Those that do usually tend to be cultists of a fashion in my experience. The sort where you say anything that isn't glowing praise about him, the slightest besmirching or even just saying you have a favorite over Spike, and they gang up on you and attack you viciously like a bunch of squalid children mobbing you and screaming their heads off - or the pseudo-intellectuals feeling the need to try and bore you to death to protect the character they use as their canon self-insert. Note, when I say 'don't like' I don't mean they hate the character, I mean I don't see people putting him high up on the tier list, so to speak.
I actually didn't mind Spike personally until I ran across the aforementioned people who gave me no end of trouble for not putting him on my favorite list of ponies and I had to spend four or five days arguing with them that Spike does not go on a list of ponies. Then all the abuse I've seen favored authors of mine getting for not making Spike a prominent character in a story that has no reason to include him, the constant yowling and yammering that he wasn't made into some kind of badass pimp in a story where Spike wouldn't even have a part in more than a mention. After awhile I personally grew to dislike the character, and I've found more people who agree than disagree, and many times more who just don't hold the character as one of their 'top picks'.
Mileage my vary, if your experiences are different I certainly don't hold it against you.
That said, I still find Spikence a weird ship! Spikebelle will always be my Spike shipping. It's too adorable.
4365916 Huh is that the one where it turned it wasn't his kid he has been raising, His wife cheated on him and 'knew' the kid wasn't his, and then brought her into their life (or should I say she 'let' him stay in their life), AND he wasn't even mad about all this when it came into the light.... Sorry even if that Shinning is a little more fun, just cant back him for just going with the flow with all of that and not being angry about all of that when he found out.
4365931
That one was fun, too! Though, because he didn't get angry, he did wind up with two mares who are more than happy to tend to his needs rather than him being the bitch in a relationship with his wife and her lover. So, for a short period of emasculation he got his metaphorical spine back at three times the size it was to begin with. I was hoping he'd get the maid in there, too. Maybe later on. But, yes, that is an example of the corndog machine Armor that I like. Should have been his canon personality, then he'd /have/ a personality...
All said though, unless something is specifically labeled a cuck/cheating fic so I can stay away, the whole cheating aspect of a story rankles me - especially when the partner is portrayed as loving and dedicated but either with flaws or a busy job to support the couple. Most of the time either written by people who've never had it happen to them, or when it has, by people who seem to absorb the pain and turn it into a fetish to try and get over the past. In the end, most stories could simply just do without that aspect and still be written the same way, or in a different direction.
A Spike shipping from Draconic Soul?
...I am extremely interested on how you will pull this off with Shining in the picture.
Is this finally a Spikedance fic? Cause if so thank the Fimfiction gods. Nobody is safe from Spike.
4366120
Still right. I did say most. There's a helluva lot of support for Twidence fics and not many Twidence fics! That said, I'm giving you +5 points (and one upvote) for the Breaking Bad video. Good show, chap! And I totally don't mind that you don't like a character. I'm not -that- big of a hypocrite, you see.
I had a bad feeling in my gut while reading the description... but I guess i'll read it for now, it's pretty good after all... even though the premise, if I read it correctly, is a tad um, yeah...
Signed,
--Pyro The Faithful Hesitatingly-Out-Of-Comfort-Zone Reader
4365916
First thing, thank you for those comments.
Even if I personally don't agree with everything you said, you always...
made...
...sense!
Anyway, you have to know that (most of) the Spike's fans "agressivness" is caused by his exclusion from most of the fandom works.
I never noticed this before S4 aired, but for example, just look at the banners of this site, where is Spike? We got even OCs but somehow a major character isn't here, same for EQ, how many banners have all of the mane six, the CMC and even secondary character (and one with all of the main charers , some of the secondary ones and Owlowiscious too) but not him!
There are fics that don't need his presence, true, but that doesn't mean that he have to DISAPPEAR from existence, and anyway more than half of the fictions where he doesn't appear actually need his presence, and they don't even make sense without him, and I'm not saying that he must have a major role.
Without speaking of ALL of the drawings out there without him, drawings with names like "the
gang is all here", yeah everyone but him or even Christmas pictures with all of the ponies having good time without the orphan!
Really. even if Spike has never been my favourite character, and even now that I like him a lot more he still isn't my favourite, it's impossible for me to not get reeeally annoyed by those kind of things, and this fandom is fillied with them.
Well I hope I haven't killed the english language too much today,
have a nice a day!
4366429
At the same time I understand why he isn't. He's... not actually a main character. Despite getting quite a lot of screentime and his own episodes, the show has always left those roles to the Mane Six. Canonically speaking he is not a main character and is not intended to be. That is the desire of the fans and their own headcanons speaking. About as unrealistic as the people screeching that Luna deserves to be the sole ruler of Equestria and to be the seventh main cast member, taking over for Twilight as the lead role.
Previous to my abuse at the hands of his cult-like fans, I felt he fulfilled his role amicably, and that there was no problem with Spike. He performed his role as he was meant to perform it, he filled his niche in the story and dynamic when it was appropriate that he be there to do so. Then you find his fans and they complain that Spike isn't in a story about Fluttershy. Or that Rarity is shipped with... I don't know, Big Mac, and Spike either only gets a passing mention or just doesn't appear because he doesn't fit the actual individual story's dynamic itself. Just tacking him in would feel like adding on a third wheel, and forcibly writing him into the very thread of the story doesn't make it a story about Rarity and Big Mac, but a story about Rarity and Big Mac and Spike, which was not the intention.
When I point this out I tend to get downvoted and threatened, but it's still the truth. After getting that sort of screaming rammed into your metaphorical ear for the better part of two years you start to dislike the character that people are demanding you worship as some sort of harem-building god or all-important cast member that must be in every story about the ponies that you signed up to read about or else they'll go on a riot. More often than not these people show signs that they've emotionally attached themselves to the character BECAUSE he is not often mentioned, inserting their own feelings of being ignored or abandoned into his absences and lesser consideration and getting themselves all worked up like they're the ones being given a bad rap.
Which is pure insanity and blurs the line of reality and fiction. Thus, cultists.
Promise me the ending won't be spike waking up and it'll have been a dream.
4366451
True, absolutaly true!
Personally I always considered Spike "the cuddly talking animal of the main character".
Of course The Show focus on Twilight, the main character (well she was during S1, 2 and 3, now I'm not sure) and on her pony friends, because this is a little girls show.
But you know why this show is so f***ing great? Because even the talking magical animal has a deep characterization, dreams, goals and probably a great backstory! Sure the show can't focus that much on him nor in his backstory, nor in his relationship with Twilight nor in the story of the Alicorns Sisters figthing Discord, because the show must focus mostly on the six ponies.
But you see, those fictions aren't written for little girls, they don't have to focus entirely on the mane six, and while I can accept a story that focus on certains characters, how can I found it credible or original if Twilight leaves everytime her best friend that only wants to spend his time with her (as he said in TBNE) for no reason at all, or simply he disappear, in the void! At least find a credible excuse, or give him a minor role!
Of course there will be always the annoying fans with the maturity level of a 9 year old child , but that doesn't mean that everyone who complains is just a "cultist"..
But in any case you, for the sake of the story, can't just ship Rarity with BM and ignore Spike existence, "and then Rarity, the element of Generosity, decided to broke little child heart after years of using him like a personal slave to stay with... the first stallion she meet!" That's not exactly In Character, The problem is that you can't make a story with such deep characters using them like plot devices, someone will always complain. And of course there are stories where he has absolutaly nothing to do and still there is the angry mob of spike fans complaing, but we could say the same for the Luna fans etc.. But his fans are more "motivated" by the fact that he's usually excluded without a valid reason.
4366540
I'm more of a mind with people who enjoy the story for the story's sake. Because it is entertaining, not because it doesn't/does include a character who has no impact on the story's intention. The psychotics who start fights over whether a character's there or not or hand out death threats because you don't like the object of their obsession seem to be highly numerous moreso than the more reasonable people who just have their likes and dislikes and don't care if you do the same, or at least they're attracted to me because I trip over them left and right.
I still don't believe he's required to be mentioned in every story, regardless if it includes Twilight or Rarity, just because he's so attached to them. Many stories don't involve the entire Mane Six and don't even mention the ones who aren't present except in passing. Some don't even do that, and they're damned fine stories. What these hypocrites don't seem to get is that it's the same for Spike. If ANY character is not central to the story and including in any way only draws away from the story's intention or feels like unnecessary additions, then you simply don't include them. It goes for Twilight, Luna, Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie, AJ, Dash, any character at all. Yet they don't care if AJ gets ignored, because despite her being the 'backbone' of the group - which arguably makes her more important to the dynamic and therefore more of a constant than Plucky Sidekick #1 - they're hyperfocused on Spike even though I believe at one point he had more screen time than AJ did, and tends to have about equal story-spotlight time as he does within a fic. AKA: Kind of... there, says a line or two, or doesn't show up at all.
Yet they don't complain about fair play for AJ because they're too busy blowing things out of proportion and crying foul play for the whelp. An example, but a prudent one. It boggles me how people can put blinders on and completely divest themselves of objective reasoning purely for emotional bias and selfish subjectivity.
Yep, I knew when after watching the episode someone would notice and write a fanfic about it...
Still, you got my interest.
4366665
Well but Spike hasn't an "Appreciation Day".
You know what your problem is? You are being logic!
You are probably thinking that Spike has the role he deserves, that in certain fictions he isn't so important and we can close an eye on his absence, right?
And probably you consider all those stories where he is sooo depressed because he is soooo alone , leaved by everyone really stupid, don't you?
And with "Spike at your service" even if he was a little out of character, the important thing was enjoy the show, not start complaing that the writer didn't portray him perfectly.
I mean why should he be treated differently than the other characters?
Am I right?
Because this is what I tought, then I started to notice what his situation truly is and I started to watch the show and the fandom works with the eye of a Spike fan.
Yes, the spike fans blow things out of proportion but that's only because they (excluding the more immature part of the fandom) are exasperated... I was exasperated too! ! The problem isn't A story or A drawing without him, No! The fact is that he is excluded soooo maaaany times, and I'm not speaking only of fictions but in everything, the show, the comics, the drawings, the videos, the games. I wouldn't care AT ALL if his absence would be justified and I don't think any Spike fan would, but sooo many times his absence doesn't make sense, and occasionally it's even offensive! A cristhmas scene with all the ponies gathered toghether
without the orphan.
A family reunion with Shining and Cadence, Twilight,, her friends
without Spike...
"I'm so happy you could all join us"...and i just can't stop remembering him in during "The Crystal Empire"...
Seriously he's only a child that wants to be loved,
And those are just two examples.
So yes, you are perfectly right, but don't get too angry to the spike fans, I "felt their pain" and it's not exactly what I loved to feel watching a show called "Friendship is Magic".
Cadance cheating on Shining Armor?
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4366822 I think you got it. I mean Spike was the one that got me into MLP in the first place. So imagine how I feel when I look and see he barley in the show at all, and most of the time he is he is represented badly or given poorly written episodes. In my opinion as a Spike fan he is such a interesting character that has many different parts in his personality that make him more then a one toned character but that never get touch on but by Spike fans. Don't even get me started on EG I mean really a dog.... what a slap in the face to all people that like Spike. That is why I am trying personally to fix the whole Spike dog thing but that is my point They trash Spike so much we have to stand up and show how great of a character he is.
4366665
4366822
I disclose that I am a Spike fan, and also a Sparitylight shipper, part time. Just not one of the rabid ones.
And part of me is a a little annoyed at the way they treat Spike. But hey, that's life. You can't get everything.
With that said, I read debate between the two of you. Very informative!! I would wish more people would take a open mind like you two have done.
4367048
Twilight wasn't an alicorn yet, true when Spike delivered the Heart (S3: eps 1 and 2). But you have to remember, this story is directly after the episode "Equestrian Games". Twilight has wings now, you probably have seen the tribute to Spike the Savior, among other things.
4366822 XD Let's count some more not-justified episodes in which he was gone.
Twilight's Birthday Party in Canterlot in "Sweet and Elite".
Meeting Maud Pie in... "Maud Pie".
... Is that about it, or is there more?
Well, at least you had the common sense not to title your story after a love song; if you'd have done that your first fifty comments would've been that particular song... I'd know
4366859
You underestimate the power of a dragon
In all seriousness though, I just wrote this for fun. Understand your resistance to the idea but eh. I'm going through with it.
4367108
Well, you could say that it's part of a soundtrack but that wasn't the intention and I just noticed after a happy accident xD. Yeah, wouldn't want the comments filled with songs, otherwise I wouldn't get to see all these comments about Spike going back and forth
So this is going to be a shipping, but between whom? (praying for Spilight)
4365531 I WAS GOING TO DO THE SAME THING. JSRF FOR LIFE!
This will go exetremely well, like, totally. xD
Okay, I love Spike's portrayal in this
Ya'll got my attention
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Make this happen, but in reverse.
4367341 Where did you get that?!
4367352 Type spikedance on derpibooru and you'll see it.
But... ponies have fur. They have to shed. They even seem to get winter coats, judging from the fact they don't really need more clothing then. Umm. Well. Gonna pass on this then.
4367341 No, DS, stick to the script. It's much hotter to see the lady taking that much initiative.
4367356 looked it up, found the source, and followed their blog. I gotta say, I didn't think about this ship, but damn I'm already starting to like it, and I haven't even read this fic yet. Can't wait to read.
Is the concept of Cadence's marriage nonexistent in the fandom?
people ship this because of all the attention spike received from cadence.
people ship thunderlane and rarity because he saved her and he hugged him
people ship fluttershy and discord simply because she is his reformer
all you need is a few hints and this fandom will ship it like fedex
Good start. Wonder who came up with that name, because I doubt it was Shinning or Cadance
.
4366822
Drastically wrong. In a story ABOUT Spike and how he feels about being left behind, I don't mind. Because Spike is SUPPOSED to be in that story. It's his story. I have a problem with the people who demand he be in every story that's NOT a Spike-centric story. I have literally argued tooth and nail against some twats who demanded Spike be put in a Vinyl/Octavia shipfic where they live in Manehattan. I thought I could just write them off as random loonies, you know the sort no one listens to who has this one-time post in a thread that gets ignored. But no, they went hard on that.
I'd ignore that as a one-time thing, except it wasn't. It happens extremely often. As exasperated as Spike fans may be, in which I completely understand the feeling, I think I can speak for those of us who aren't when I say we're exasperated with being told that Spike must be included or the story we like is a pile of garbage and we're all idiots. I have no problem with his sensible fans, just the cult-like ones. The type that tell me they're going to track me down and shoot me when I say he's not my top character. After a few years of that sort of thing, you can easily imagine being fed up with the whole thing, can't you?