The Ninth Fantasy - Gaia

by MrAlterad

41. Slew of Love Letters

Spike took in the final sunset, the sky being painted in all manor of colors. Seeing the sky like that reminded him of his conversation with Applejack over a week ago, and he felt his chest ache. He then shook his head, trying to distract himself from the sensation as he appraised a particular gemstone from his treasure pile.

It was an Emerald, and a fairly large one at that. Most gemstones he's found were as big as a single claw, this particular Emerald was as big as his hand. It was also cut into the shape of a four-pointed diamond, and now that it was getting dark, he noticed that it seemed to give off a small glow.

He felt no new powers from it, and was really considering eating the tasty looking treat. However, looking at the gemstone, he couldn't help but be reminded of a certain Fire Ruby, and a certain mare. With Rarity suddenly appearing on his mind, Spike was now starting to feel conflicted.

Ever since leaving Alexandria a week ago, he's found his thoughts drifting towards Applejack more often then Rarity. His heart would start to beat faster as he thought of the armored mare, as he once did for Rarity. Spike shook his head as his mind started to wander towards Applejack again.

No! Come on Spike! Rarity is waiting for me, I, I can't be distracted... Yet, he still found himself thinking about how Applejack's been looking out for him, and how she's come to rely on him. Not as an adorable cutesie-wootsie-assistant, but as a friend on equal standing.

The young dragon let out a conflicted groan as he looked to Equestria. He then looked back to the large Emerald, trying to use it to distract himself again from the self imposed problem, and was struck with an idea.

Oh! I know! I should give this to Eiko! He recalled that Eiko and Dagger learned eidolons from gemstones, and felt that Eiko would appreciate the Emerald more than the princess. Thinking on it, he was now very certain she would love it. Nodding to himself with a smile, he put the gem away, but not before noting that it matched Applejack's eyes. He let out an annoyed sigh, and coming up with a better idea, pulled out the Garnet with Twilight's name on it, and feeling closer to home with it in his claws, he let his mind wander towards the sky.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The sun had set several minutes ago, and Eiko couldn't help but wonder where everyone was. She was sitting on the castle side of the moat, at the dock's pier. The pier itself was on a lower level from the castle grounds, separated from the castle by several feet of stairs and a water fountain. She had been expecting Pinkie or Zidane to be here, waiting for the others, but it appeared she was the first to arrive. So she sat there, kicking her feet over the side of the dock, her shoes inches from the water as she let out a sad sigh.

I can't believe I lost the letter that the nerdy philosopher helped me write! Her brow furrowed for a moment before she let out an annoyed sigh. Guess I'll just have to write it again, it was pretty short. She then looked over the water, the moonlight reflecting on it. Still, I lost the other one too. She felt conflicted on the second letter, she didn't like it as much as the one she had help with, but, she had written it for Spike. I kinda wish I still had it.

“Blank... There's no one here...” an unexpected voice stated from above Eiko's perch, making her jump in surprise, prompting her to look around and see who was talking. Peaking over the corner, she saw two suspicious characters talking near the water fountain.

“Well Marcus, that just means I'm early.” The man called Blank proclaimed with a nod. He seemed to be very happy about something, and Eiko couldn't help but wonder why.

“Maybe...” Marcus reluctantly said as he gave Blank a cross look. “Still, I wonder, just who wrote you that love letter?”

Love letter!? Eiko thought, wide-eyed, as Blank bashfully scratched the back of his head.

“Well, just read the letter! I bet she's beautiful!” Eiko was so engrossed with their conversation that she failed to notice Zidane arrive by the boat, quietly moving next to her, sharing in her stealthful peeping.

“Really?” Marcus asked, still doubtful, “You sure you didn't write it yourself? I mean, you caught the letter falling from the floor above you, right?”

“I'm telling you, she was too shy to hand me the letter herself! And if you don't think I'm a ladies man, you're wrong. Chicks are really into someone as good looking as-”

“Someone's comin'!” Marcus stated in surprise as he turned to the sound of someone wearing heels approaching. “Good luck man, guess you were right!” And Marcus ran down the stairs. He then stopped when he saw the two innocent observers, and Eiko was even more surprised to finally notice Zidane. Zidane made a 'quiet' motion to the two of them, giving them a sly grin. Eiko took up Zidane's grin, her heart racing at witnessing a romantic rendezvous.

Not missing a beat, Marcus adopted Zidane's smile, and joined the pair as they mischievously spied on Blank. Eiko saw a woman with gray hair wearing a light blue bandanna and dress approach Blank, looking quite surprised.

“Blank, I didn't expect ta see you! The letter-”

“R-Ruby!?” Blank asked in complete shock, and from the corner of her eye, Eiko saw Zidane and Marcus adopt the same look. Seeing both of their silly, shocked faces, perfectly mirroring Blank's, made Eiko cover her mouth, concealing her grin.

“Look ... darlin', I really didn't think ya had it in you.” Ruby said a she adopted an embarrassed smile, “I'm really glad to see ya here tonight.” Blank looked like he was put on the spot, caught completely off guard for this encounter. She moved closer to him, a look in her eyes that made Eiko's heart beat faster. Eiko tried to lean closer, to better hear the conversation, and saw her company was doing the same. “Blank, after what I heard 'bout the Evil Forest, I was so, so-”

“Who's out there!?” A familiar mare cried out from the castle, making Ruby look to the source in shock. Blank was too flustered to assure that it was just a friend, and Ruby grabbed him by the hand, pulling him along with alarming force, causing a letter to fall from out of his pocket, as they ran down to the dock to hide. They took up a spot behind the double stairs opposite of where the three onlookers were peeping from. When Ruby noticed Zidane and Marcus, her face matched her namesake, and Zidane and Marcus shared a very sheepish, and concerned look. Concern for themselves.

The sound of hooves striking cobblestone drew their attention, and no one felt particularly keen on being caught in ... whatever wrong they assumed Applejack would have thought they were in. Eiko saw the orange mare appraise the castle courtyard before letting out a sigh, moving close to the fountain.

“Darn it, we don't need anyone snoopin' around the castle. Not right now.” Applejack admitted as she looked over the moat, failing to catch sight of the five individuals hiding from her.

Of the five, only three of them were worried of being found. Eiko and Zidane shared a light smile, enjoying seeing the nervousness wracking the other three. Ruby wasn't keen on the notion of being found out by somepony she's never met, and Blank seemed to be completely terrified about being caught.

“What's this?” Applejack asked as she picked up a letter resting next to the fountain, reading it's contents.

“'When the night sky wears the moon as its pendant, I shall await you at the dock'...” Applejack looked over the letter, the apples in her head turning as she looked to the moon, high in the sky. “Wait... Is this, a love letter!?” She stood there for a moment, looking over the letter again, and she started to turn red. “Did, did somepony leave it here, fer me!?”

Looks like my letter turned up! Eiko thought as she held her mouth shut, keeping her surprised amusement contained-

“Ah, Applejack, you came.” Freya's voice trialed out through the night. Eiko's stifled laugh instantly died as she looked to Zidane, wide-eyed, who looked back to her, mirroring the expression, and they both quickly peeked over to see Applejack looking to Freya, looking completely baffled.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Y-you were waitin' fer me!?” Applejack asked as Freya approached her. Please tell me this isn't what I think it is! Applejack mentally pleaded to nopony in particular.

“Was it wrong of me to assume?” Freya asked, stopping a pace from Applejack.

“I-It's just, well, huh?” She left me the letter!?

“Applejack. I've had something on my mind as of late. I want you to hear me out.”

She did!

“Y-Yer serious!?” Applejack took a panicked step back as Freya took a step forward. Freya looked confused as she looked to Applejack.

“I'm quite serious. It's only you. I can't trust any other.”

“Freya, this is just, too sudden! I mean, I'm a mare! And what about Fratley!?” Freya tilted her head, looking a little surprised by Applejack's reply. Applejack thought she heard bubbles coming from the fountain, but giving it her attention was far removed from her flustered mind.

“Applejack, whether you're a mare or not doesn't matter!” Freya stated, almost seeming disappointed, “Its simply because you are you! And Fratley ... he had his chance, and he failed. So, will you hear me out? Please?” Applejack took another step back as she put her hoof over her face.

“I can't believe I'm goin' through this, again!” She took in a deep breath, trying to compose herself as she looked to Freya, “Look ... Freya. I'll tell ya what I told Dash. I prefer guys!” Freya now looked more confused then ever, but still pressed forward.

“Applejack, 'what you prefer' doesn't matter to me! It needs to be you! Will you please hear me out?” There was a fire in Freya's eyes, making Applejack falter. Freya was now close to Applejack, so close that the mare looked terribly uncomfortable, and uncomposed.

“O-Okay! I'll hear ya out!” Applejack said, then very quickly added, “Cause we're friends! And I want us to stay that way!” Freya gave her a wide smile, and she grabbed Applejack's forehoof in her hands, making Applejack's coat change to a color matching the apples on her armor.

“This is very important to me. So I'm happy that you're giving me the chance to get this across...” Freya looked Applejack in the eyes, and Applejack didn't look away, she seemed locked in that gaze, and held to it, giving Freya a firm, if terribly uncertain nod.

Okay Applejack, you can do this. Just say no! She's tough, she can handle it! Applejack assured, but seeing that fire in Freya's eyes made the mare doubt her planned reply, as Freya spoke the words Applejack was dreading.

“Applejack. Will you help me obtain Kain's Lance?”

“Sure thing, sugarcu-.” Applejack quickly answered, then blinked, clearing having expected Freya to have said something else. “Wait, huh?” The confusion spreading on her face started making her blush again. “Ya, ya want me to help ya find a lance?” Applejack asked, clearly double checking for her sanity's sake.

“Yes, it's very important,” Freya's brow then furrowed, “and very dangerous.”

“I, I see!” Applejack affirmed as she let out a very big sigh of relief. “That's good! Very good! I'll be glad to help ya!” Applejack affirmed, composing herself as if nothing had happened. I glad nobody else saw that, least of all Spike-

The bubbling in the fountain reached a crescendo, and a pink and blue and wet ball of laughter sprang from it. It was a pink pony, wearing a snorkel mask, which was quickly discarded. Freya looked to Pinkie in surprise. Applejack felt her coat start to change color as the laughing mare slowing walked closer to them.

“Applejack you-” Pinkie began, but was interrupted by her own laughter, exhaled heartily as she held her sides. She struggled to get out a message between her chuckles, “I- I just can't- wait to tell- Dashy~~! I- didn't think it would turn out th- this great~~! B-Best prank ever~!!”

“P-Pinkie!?” Applejack exclaimed, “You aren't gonna say a darn-” she was then interrupted by the sounds of several others finally letting lose, and the mare turned a deeper shade of scarlet as she came to understand just how bucked she was concerning what just happened.

“Would someone care to tell me what's so funny?” Freya asked, only prompting another fit of giggles from Pinkie.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

He appraised the letter in his hands again, and wouldn't have bothered coming to the rendezvous, if it wasn't for the happy glow coming from the dock. He hopped down from his perch, sensing Pinkie and the others nearby, clearly enjoying themselves.

He walked upon a scene that he could only guess at. The Burmecian's aura was confused, while Applejack's aura gave off an intense desire to be somewhere else. The man couldn't help but find something amusing in the red tint Applejack's coat was currently adopting.

He could also sense Eiko, and several others, including the monkey. Though, to be honest, he didn't need his ability to sense auras to notice them, as they were laughing quite loudly.

Pinkie took notice of him, and her laughing immediately stopped. Her aura didn't change, so the man was wise to her, she was still filled with mirth, and clearly was adopting some sort of plan to make a fool of him.

She adopted a very suggestive look as she approached him, looking to him almost wistfully. An act, he saw, as her aura still radiated her mirth, shining brighter then he's seen since he first met her. He felt an urge to adopted that aura, but abandoned it, instead giving the mare his attention, who was clearly seeking it.

“Oh~ Amarant … I didn't think you would come~!”

So, the letter was her doing. He thought as he folded his arms.

“I heard a commotion, so I came.” He replied, prompting a sly grin from the mare.

“Amarant~, Was that really why you came? I wouldn't mind, you know, if you an I were, well...” She let her sentence hang in the air as she looked to him, her aura betraying the suggestive look her eyes carried. “So, what do you think?” She asked as she got even closer to him. He could tell she was trying to make him adopt the same aura Applejack had, and wasn't going to have any of it. “Amarant~~ What am I to you?” She asked sweetly, batting her eyes at him.

He took in a moment to appraise the auras of the others. The monkey seemed to be wise to Pinkie's ploy, but all the others were quite confused by the mare's shift in attitude. The man scratched his head as he actually considered her question, recalling the rogue asking it earlier in the day.

“I simply like to see your aura as it is right now.”

“Ohh~ Amarant, just that~? Why not be with me?” She asked, trying to press her act, her aura wavering as doubt started to enter it. The man scratched his head again as he turned his back to her.

“You can do as you wish, I won't stop you.” He proclaimed, getting a very surprised shift in her aura. She was now just as confused as the others, and sensing that, the man's own aura took up a mirthful color, and he adopted a smirk nobody could see as he left the pink mare, heading to the castle.

“H-Hey~! You can't do that!” Pinkie declared as she bounced to his side, looking at him, her head tilted in confusion. “What did you mean?”

“Do as you wish, and I won't stop you.” He repeated, making the mare stop, looking to him, her mouth hanging open. He moved several paces before stopping, turning back to the mare. “Coming?” Pinkie looked at him for several seconds, her aura shifting between happiness and confusion.

She jumped in surprise when Eiko put her hand on her, and looking to the child, Pinkie quickly adopted a smile, and her aura shifted back to its mirthful color, as she gave the man a happy nod.

---

~~~~~~~~~~~
Moogle Notes:
~~~~~~~~~~~

'Pinkie! She found Eiko's letter after Freya lost it, and made some copies of it. She's quite the prankster! Kupo~!'

Author's Note:

Happy Hearts and Hooves Day!

The next chapter will be coming out tomorrow, see everyone then! Here's thanks to you, Seiya, and OCisbestpony, because you're all awesome!

---

Mister: What a turnabout!

Alterad: Right you are Mister!

Mister: Welcome back folks, to the NF-G Grand Prix! I'm Mister.

Alterad: And I'm Alterad! And boy, the last hour of the race sure was something!

Mister: To those that just missed out, in the 41st hour of the race, the Mk2 payload salvaged by the 'Amarant Pie' was deployed! Sinking several other vessels in a stunning display of weaponry!

Alterad: Indeed, the 'AppleDash', which has been lagging behind since the start of the race, was sunk, along with the 'AppleFreya' and the 'AppleTrix'.

Mister: Don't forget about the 'AppleBlank', Alterad.

Alterad: With this, the only ships remaining with the apple flag are the 'AppleSpike' and the 'AppleDane'.

Mister: The 'AppleSpike' has been a favorite of many since the race's early hours. However, it has recently come under constant fire from the 'EikoSpike' since the ship caught up in the 29th hour.

Alterad: Man, such a small ship, with little support, and yet, that ship has some serious fire-power!

Mister: Shame it accidentally lost its payloads, the LV-L7R Mk1 and Mk2. It was the Mk2 that sunk most of the Apple ships, and we can only wonder when the Mk1 will show up!

Alterad: We can only wonder. For a recap of the standings, we have the 'Zidane Dagger' in first, followed by the unexptected upstart 'Amarant Pie', which is currently tied in second with the 'Eiko Pie' and 'Carol Coral'.

Mister: Ever since Tropical storm Iifa, those three ships have been sailing close together, you think they may be forming a fleet?

Alterad: I can only guess! Tied for 3rd is the 'AppleSpike' and the 'EikoSpike', and I can bet you my left horseshoe that one of those ships will sink by the end of the race!

Mister: Now for some other bit of news. It appears the 'Sparity' has started to take on water, odds of it finishing the race seems slim. Also, the 'Freya Fratley' sails strongly, making a steady recovery since hurricane Cleyra, just reaching 4th place!

Alterad: With the lead the 'Zidane Dagger' has over the others, it's likely to cause moral to fall on the 'Zidane Pie' and 'AppleDane'.

Mister: Wouldn't surprise me if they both fell out of the race-

Alterad: Just a second, Mister. We've just gotten word on a weather development. It appears tropical storm Alexander has moved up to a category two hurricane!

Mister: Oh no! Not another! This race has sailed through too many storms as it is!

Alterad: Well, it's all part of the race, let's hope all the ships get through, stronger then when they entered.

Mister: Indeed, may Celestia watch over them. This is Mister.

Alterad: And this is Alterad, hoping to see you at the finish line!

Mister: To the victors, happiness!

Alterad: And to the losers, glory! Till next time, stay safe everypony!

Comments

[Sable Dawn]

Applespike forever, and Trixlight, oooh and the Amerant pie. hmm, maybe Freya and Beatrix.

[chronocrosser]

Nice to here from Spike again. Also nice to here you will update again s soon.

[ayh]

Darn, I'm torn at AppleSpike and EikoSpike, they're both just so adorable I can't choose!

One thing though, if Applejack does eventually get the 'Save the Queen', she won't be able to use it until she's honest with herself about at the very least being a bit sweet on Spike.... Unless that's her challenge in the castle of Ispen.

[MetalKnightStar]

lol Applejack's expression was priceless.

This part is even funnier than the game. And looks like Pinkie is taking an interest to Mr. Sunshine.

[Wild Blaze]

Applespike applespike applespike applespike applespike applespike applespike applespike