> Moving on > by Shock-Wave > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Packing up > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- It was the beginning of summer in ponyville, all the fillies were out of school and every one was doing their morning chores. Apple Jack, Big Mac and Apple Bloom were bucking apples trees. Rarity was designing her new dresses for an upcoming tour, with some help from Sweetie Belle. Rainbow Dash was working with the weather patrol. Fluttershy was taking care of her animals. And Pinkie Pie had taken the morning shift at Sugar Cube Corner. But at the Golden Oaks Library, things were very quiet. Twilight and Spike were still fast asleep due to a tiring night of study and a visit to the princess, getting them home very late last night. Spike had grown exponentially, out growing his little basking getting him his own full size bed. Spike was still very small compared to full grown dragons, he was only about a foot taller than Twilight. Spike was the first to wake up resisting the urge to fall back asleep; he knew he had morning chores to do. He got up went down stairs and started breakfast. Twilight woke up soon after, to the smell of Spikes cooking and went down stair. “Good morning Spike” Twilight said wiping the sleep out of her eyes. “Morning Twilight” Spike said while keeping his attention on his cooking. "Breakfast smells good. What is it?” “Just some pancakes and fruits” Twilight noticed something off about Spike; he seemed a little less happy than his usual self. “Spike are you ok, you seem like something’s bugging you?” Twilight said in a worrying tone. He hesitated for a second before replying “N-Nope nothing’s wrong”. Twilight could obviously tell something was wrong. She tried to think of something that would have irritated Spike, and then it hit her. Rarity, she had an upcoming tour with some famous critics all around Equestria, and she knew that Rarity would be gone for well over a year. But she had to make sure. “Spike is this about Rarity going on her fashion tour?” Spike stopped his cooking and looked at Twilight. The look he gave her told Twilight that she was absolutely correct. “It just bothers me that I won’t see her for a long time, I asked her if I could come and help but she refused” Spike said with a sad tone. Twilight worried and thought of a way to cheer him up. “Hey Spike how about after breakfast we go to Sugar Cube Corner and get a little treat, I think I remember Pinkie telling me she’s working the early shift for the Cakes. That seemed to do the trick; Spike had a smile on his face stretching from ear to ear. “Really are you serious” “Of course, you’ve earned it with all your work around the library.” Twilight was relived to get Spike in a better mode. Spike finished cooking and they both ate. Twilight watched in awe as Spike ate his food almost as soon as he put it on the table. After breakfast Twilight and Spike started towards Sugar Cube Corner, Spike had a little skip in his step all the way there. When they got there they were both surprised at the amount of ponies in the shop. It was just Pinkie standing behind the counter and Derpy Hooves at a table in the corner eating some muffins. “Hey, how you two doing this evening” Pinkie said. “Were fine we just came here to get a quick treat.” Twilight said walking to the front counter. “Hey Pinkie could I get one of those sapphire cupcakes?” Spike said with a smile and a watering mouth. “Sure thing Spike I’ll have that out in a second” She said as she walked back to the selves behind her and pick out the cupcake Spike wanted and came back. “Here you go one sapphire cupcake” she said giving Spike the jewel covered treat. Spike left to go sit down and dig in to his dessert. “How much will that be” Twilight said getting out her sack of bits. “No need, this one’s on the house” “Thank you Pinkie” “No problem, have a nice day you guys” As Spike and Twilight made their way back to the library they ran into Rarity, which brought Spike back to his depressed state. “Good evening Twilight, and hello to you too Spike” Rarity said, she was wearing a light blue dress with ruffles at the bottom. “Nice to see you Rarity” Twilight said “Hi” is all Spike would say. “Do you know when you’ll leave for you tour?” Twilight asked “I will be departing early tomorrow, I’m still packing” Spike saw his chance and took it “would you like some help with your packing.” “That would be lovely Spike.” with that Spike and Rarity left towards Carousal Boutique leaving Twilight to walk home alone. “I hope Spike will be ok when Rarity leaves?” When Twilight got back to the library she started gathering a pile of book of astrophysics and some advance spell casting by Star Swirl the Bearded. She sat down at her wooded table and got to work. Easily losing track of time she studied for over 4 hours before taking a break. Just then the front door of the library opened. “Twilight I’m back” Spike said shutting the door. “Hey Spike” Twilight said still focused on her books. “Would you like me to start cooking dinner?” As if it was listening Twilight’s stomach rumbled. “Dinner sounds great right about know” she said trying to hide her blush. Spike went into the kitchen and started cooking. After dinner Twilight went back to her studies as Spike started tidying up around the library, soon after Spike started getting tired. “Hey Twilight do you mind if I turn in early tonight?” Spike said while yawning. “Not at all, I’ll probably stop soon too.” “Thanks Twilight” Spike said ascending the stairs to the bedroom. About 25minuets later twilight found a place to stop and headed off to bed. Spike was already asleep when she got there. As Twilight lay down she thought about what’s to come without Rarity. “I really hope Spike will be okay without Rarity.” > Without her > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mornings in Ponyville were usually quiet but as the sun was just peaking over the horizon Twilight, Spike, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Apple Jack and Pinkie Pie were all at the Train station saying their last farewells to Rarity as she was about to board her train. “Wish me good luck” Rarity said as her train started moving. “You won’t need it” shouted Rainbow dash. Just then Pinkie Pie pulled out a gigantic megaphone “DON’T FORGET TO WRITE”. “Do you think she heard me?” she asked the group who currently had the hooves (or claws) covering their ears After the train was no longer in sight everypony started walking home to resume their daily lives. As Twilight and Spike were walking home Spike didn’t bother to look where he was going he just stared at the ground the whole way there and when they got back to the library Spike dragged himself to the couch and sat down with the emotion of complete sadness. Twilight had never seen Spike this sad “Spike you need to cheer up it’s not like she’ll be gone forever” Twilight said sitting down beside him. Spike knew he was overreacting. He let out a deep sigh “Yea, I guess you’re right” After a few moments of awkward silence Twilight tried to change the subject. “So…. What are your plans for today?” Spike thought for a moment “Well since Rarity is gone, I guess I don’t have anything planed” “Oh, in that case maybe you would like to join me to lunch with the others girls?” “Lunch, where?” “The girls and I planned on having a picnic by the lake just outside of Ponyville with all seven of us, being as this is the calmest weather we’ll have for a few days, but Rarity left sooner than we expected.” Seeing as he had nothing else to do “Sure lunch sounds great” ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… As the train rode along the tacks a certain white unicorn was thinking how this year away from home would be. ‘I do hope all goes well’. Rarity’s thought was cut off when she heard a loud screech and a the conductor announcing- “We have now arrived in Manehattan” “Well it’s time to see what this year will throw at me” Rarity said as she exited the train and headed off to a nearby hotel. As Rarity had rented her room and started unpacking the thought of writing to her friends sounded like a great idea. So she grabbed a quill and some paper and started writing. Dear Ponyville friends, I’m glad to tell you that I have safely arrived in Manehattan and will have my first fashion show in two day. I miss all of you already and can’t wait to be reunited with you all, wish me the best of luck. Sincerely, Rarity After she finished sealing the scroll she used a quick spell that Twilight taught her to teleport the letter strait to Ponyville Post office. “Well now that that’s handled I have to think of what to present at this show.” ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………... As noon was approaching Twilight, Spike, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Apple Jack and Fluttershy were all at the lake sitting on a red and white checkered blanket eating some sandwiches. “Wow, you weren’t kidding when you said the weather would be perfect, Rainbow” Twilight said looking at the cloudless sky. “Ya, don’t get used to it, we can’t keep this perfect weather forever you know, we have a schedule.” Rainbow said as she finished what was left of her food. Twilight looked over at Spike who was less sad than before but still was not as active as she would have hoped. “So does anyone have anything exciting coming up?” Twilight said “Well, apple cider season is coming up in two weeks.” Apple Jack said taken back a little by the sudden change of topic. “Oh ya! I just hope I can get some this year, you almost always run out before I could get any.” Rainbow said with a little sadness in her voice. “Eh don’t worry I’ll set aside a cup for ya this time.” “Really, aw sweet Thanks AJ” Rainbow dash said doing some flips in the air. “Oh, that reminds me; Spike your finally old enough to have some this year.” Twilight said hopping that would get Spike in a better mood. Which it certainly did, Spike was looking at Twilight big eyed. “R-Really You mean it?” “Well yes, you’re not a baby anymore.” Twilight said as the others agreed “You really have grown up since you came to Ponyville.” Fluttershy said rather quietly “That itty-bitty Spike isn’t itty-bitty anymore.” Pinkie said standing next to Spike comparing each other’s height to prove her point. “Just a little though, you know what can happen if you have too much; right Rainbow Dash” “One time, It happened one time” she argued as the memory came back to her. Last year when Rainbow was blowing off some steam at a local bar, She had drank so much that she woke up the next day in a random alley inside a garbage can covered in mud and some other sticky substance which even today she didn't know what it was. Everyone except for Rainbow couldn't help but roll on their back laughing. “It’s not funny.” Rainbow pouted and turned away. “Aw were just messin around Dash” Apple jack said still lightly laughing “Ya right, whatever.” By then the sun was starting to set as everyone helped pack up everything and to head home. When Spike and Twilight got back they were both tired and were not in the mood for studying as surprising as that is when they both walked by Spike room Twilight noticed the huge mess in his room. “Spike I thought I told you to clean your room yesterday?” Twilight said in a stern voice “Yes mom” Spike said sarcastically “I’m serious Spike, How can you live in a mess like this?” “Easy like this” Spike said as he tried to maneuver around all the stuff in the ground, but soon he misplaced his foot and fell on his face.” Twilight tried to stay serious but couldn't help but smile. As Spike got up and made his way to his bed “OK I’ll clean my room tomorrow.” “Thank you. Now good night” “Night” Twilight closed the door and made her way to her bed and as she lay down she thought to herself ‘well there’s one day without her. I hope you’ll be okay Spike’ as she let sleep overwhelm her. > Apple Cider (revised) > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Twilight walked around an enormous room with a sky high ceiling and walls like they would go on forever and had pristine clean floors. But what really stood out was that this room was filled to the brim with books, scrolls, spells and mysteries, all just waiting to be read. *Tap...Tap...Tap.... Down every row and along every wall, more and more information for her and her alone. *Tap...Tap...Tap... Twilight stopped 'What's that tapping noise' she wondered. The noise continued even after Twilight had stopped moving all together. *Tap...Tap...Tap... It was strange to hear such a faint tapping noise coming from nowhere at all. As far as Twilight knew she was the only one in this room of knowledge. She searched high and low, around every corner and behind each shelf, nothing. *Tap...Tap...Tap... The situation turned from strange to creepy when her thought where confirmed that she was completely alone. Not only that but she noticed that the walls and selves seemed to look different, like they've lost a bit of color to them and on top of that the room became more and more dim with each passing tap. *Tap...Tap..Tap... Twilight started running around the entire room checking and double checking and even triple checking for a sign of any other being in the room but found nothing. As the room became darker and the colors faded more the room wasn't so thrilling anymore, it became that of a night terror. *Tap...Tap...Tap... As if things weren't bad enough all of a sudden the wall, shelves, and even the floor simple just faded away into black nothingness. But the strange part was that Twilight wasn't falling to her fatal end, she was just....there, wherever there was. *Tap...Tap...Tap... At this time Twilight was completely terrified, she didn't know where she was, she didn't know what just happened and she still couldn't find out where or what that tapping noise was. The more she thought about it, the more it confused her. All Twilight wanted was to exit this barren, lifeless, dark.... All of a sudden Twilight flipped up, out of her blankets covered in cold sweat. Twilight was breathing heavily while examining her surroundings. *Tap...Tap...Tap... As she started to recognize her surroundings in the dark room lighted only by Luna's moon, Twilight had a calming relaxation wash over her as she realized it was just a dream and she was safe in her own room. *Tap...Tap...Tap... Twilight jumped a little when she heard the tapping noise still as clear as every even after waking up from her dream. This utterly confused Twilight as she was thinking of where or what the noise was. *Tap...Tap...Tap... It sounded like it was coming from down the hallway near Spike's room, which made Twilight shift from confused to skeptic. Twilight's brain was going haywire as she thought of something to explain all of this, but she was still tired from being up so early that she didn't even want to know. But one thing was for sure, the tapping wouldn't go away unless she checked it out. So with nothing more to do than try falling asleep, which she knew that it was unlikely given the circumstance, Twilight pulled herself out of bed to go see what this was all about. As she neared the room she noticed the door wasn't fully shut, so she peeked inside to see what was happening. What she saw was certainly not what she expected, in the room Spike was pacing back and forth repetitively and every now and again looking at the clock just to sigh and pace even slower. It was a few hour before the sun would rise to start the day of the opening of the Apple cider stand and a Spike was vary disappointed at how slow time seemed to pass. When Spike woke up he was very mad at how early he got up he was up a good hour before the alarm he set would go off. Spike paced back and forth throughout the bedroom trying to find something to set his mind on while he waited. The thought of going to the stand by himself crept into his mind a few times but he promised Twilight that he would go with her when she awoke, Spike kept asking her if he could set up a tent like Pinkie Pie did for the past few years but Twilight said "waiting in a line won't kill you" but it certainly felt like it would. Spike itches with anticipation to get to the stands but he knew well enough they wouldn't open for quite some time. "This is insane, I've already did my morning chores I've cleaned my room" which took forever in his opinion but really only took about 40 minutes "and the stands won't open for another hour" Spike sighed as he went over his mental checklist of things he could do while he waited. He didn't have to make breakfast yet and he couldn't clean up the library because... it wasn't dirty. As Spike continued pacing he didn't expect his door to open or for Twilight to step in. "Spike what are you doing,why are you up so early"? Twilight asked as she let out a yawn and started to stretch out her legs. "Oh sorry Twilight I didn't mean to wake you up, I guess I'm a little impatient about this whole cider thing" Spike said as he scratched the back of his head trying to look as innocent as possible. Twilight looked over to the clock sitting on Spikes night stand to see what time it was and then gave Spike the are you kidding me look. "Okay fine I'm a lot impatient" Spike grumbled while crossing his arms in a fit. "Spike, is this event really that important to you? You're as eager as Rainbow Dash is waiting for the next Daring Do book to come out". "That's easy for you to say, you've never had to wait on this, you were old enough when we came to Ponyville" Spike said still in his mood. "True but that doesn't change the fact that you're over reacting about this whole thing" Twilight said while she sat down to rest her morning fatigue. "Oh like you've never overreacting about anything" Spike said adding some emphases with some rapid claw motion. "Hey, I've only overreacting when there were dire consequences" Twilight said defending herself. "Oh Ya, what about that time where future you tried to tell you something was going to happen soon any nothing happened" Spike replied with a smug look on his face. "Give me a break Spike future me looked like she was going to warn me of a upcoming invasion and she was part of some sort of resistance team" Twilight said in a huff to try and defend herself. "I doubt you would've reacted any differently. Spike opened his mouth to protest but he had nothing to say "You have a good point there. I guess you're right maybe I am a little too anxious about this" Spike sighed and slouches over in defeat "Well, now that you're up I guess I'll go start breakfast". As Spike walked out the door to his room and proceeded down the stairs, Twilight was finally allowed some peace in here morning and took the chance to just sit there and relax. Giving a second to appreciate the condition of Spike's room from whence it was last night. While she was looking around his room Spike's calendar caught her eye and as she notice of course there was a picture of Rarity crudely sketched on the top part of it that made Twilight give a quick chuckle, but on the bottom half she noticed that their was many x's on all the days that have past since a certain date that Spike had written in 'Rarity's departure'. Twilight then counted how many x's there were from that day. "15" A sudden realization washed over here as she noticed two full weeks have flown by since that day. She thought back to the day Rarity left, Spike seemed so depressed that it she thought he would have never been able to pick himself up. 'Well at least spike is acting normal again, all of his groaning and sadness was starting to bug me, I wounder how Rarity is doing I thought by now she would have written a letter abou*'. Twilight's train of thought was cut short by a very delicious scent emanating from down stairs. Then as if she were floating she smoothly made her way down the stairs and into the kitchen, where she saw Spike swiftly transition from the oven to the fridge and counter, flipping pans, mixing things and squeezing fruit, all while wearing his little pink and white apron with a purple heart in the middle that looked way to small on him and seemed like it could break any second. All of the moving and mixing the frying and such was making Twilight's head spin,Twilight never really could get the hang of cooking down. As much as she tried, it just didn't come to her a well as magic did, 'I guess magic and cooking just don't want to get along with each other'. As Spike continued to switch from one place to the next he noticed Twilight standing next to the entrance of the kitchen purely baffled by what he was doing. Spike gave a little grin and said " Too much for you". Twilight huffed in embarrassment and trying to defend herself said "we're all good at something Spike, Its just....cooking is not one for me." Spike gave a small laugh remembering the last time Twilight almost burnt down the library after she tried making breakfast. "oh don't worry about it, maybe i can teach you some day."Spike offered while still trying to sustain his laughing. At this point Twilight was blushing with embarrassment,"oh ha ha, hey don't forget re-shelving day is coming up pretty soon." Twilight shot back while waiting for Spike's reaction And oh what a reaction it was, all at once Spike stopped laughing, stopped cooking, got to his knees and almost started to cry. "N-Not that Twilight, Anything but that. I'll do anything, I"ll polish the floors, I'll sleep outside, Just please, don't make me re-self the books!" Spike whimpered. At this time Twilight was just enjoying here number one assistant beg for mercy. "Sorry Spike, but you knew this was coming up, and as much as i love re-selfing every, single, last, book in the library, It would be a lot better with some help" Twilight said playfully all the while watching Spike fall more apart with every passing word. As Twilight was enjoying her victory she heard a family clicking noise outside indicating that the daily mail had arrived. Even though she wanted to stay and soak up here sweet victory, she knew that she had troubled Spike enough to let him go.... this time. As Twilight made her way to the door she saw Ponyville's mailmare Derpy looking at here schedule. "Good morning Derpy, hows the mail delivering going"? Twilight asked Derpy jumped and almost dropped her schedule "Oh good morning Twilight. Sorry I can't talk right now the manager at the mailing office caught the feather flu, and without the manager the whole system has gone all wacky, Got to go" Derpy said flying off to her next destination. Twilight saw her fly off around the corner and out of sight, coming back to reality she remembered why she came out here in the first place. Twilight then proceeded to open the mail box and retrieve its contents. "Bill, Bill, oh a coupon to the spa, Bill, and, ...Whats this" Twilight read the return address, "Manehatten , but that could mean..." Twilight wasted no time to open the letter and read who the message was from. Twilight smiled when her suspicions were confirmed, opened the door to the library where Spike had finally got off the ground, albeit still grumpy, finished breakfast and was currently setting the table when Twilight called out " Hey Spike guess what just came in from Manehatten. " "I'm not in the mood Twilight, can we just eat breakfast so we can go to sweet apple acres." Spike huffed clearly not calm from what had happened earlier. "Alright fine, I'll just throw this letter from RARITY, in the garbage then" Twilight teased wagging the letter in the air just a few feet from herself. As Twilight turned around to proceed to the trash can, she realized that the letter was no longer in her telekinetic grasp, and through the corner of her eye she saw spike, letter in hand reading every word over and over to catch every little detail. Once spike had read the entire letter he slouched over and sighed deeply. "It's short but none the less still thoughtful." Twilight said softly "Hey, why don't we eat breakfast and then we can head of to Sweat Apple Acres" Twilight motioned to the table that was already set fully with food. Shaking the feeling in his head " That sounds like a great idea" Spike said while exhaling, reliving himself and followed Twilight to the table. Walking through Ponyville is always a way to keep your mind calm, with friendly ponies everywhere it's almost impossible be mad, with Twilight and Spike there was no exception, regardless of earlier events the two friends were heading out of town towards Sweet Apple Acres chatting about happy memories and unforgettable tragedies that they and their friends have been through. As they finally arrived at the apple farm and headed to the back of the line they noticed something different, there were 3 separate lines albeit still all moving the same pace, "Isn't there only supposed to be one line?" Twilight ask skeptically while standing in the line in the middle. "How am I supposed to know, I usually stay back at the library when you meet the girls here." Spike replied while crossing his arms "Well either way with three lines the wait time will only be 1/3 of what it usually is" Twilight said and she was correct the line is usually about half a mile but now was only about 110 ponies in each line. "Good, i just hope they don't run out of cider this time" came a voice from above, This made both Twilight and Spike jump a little as Rainbow Dash came swooping down to the ground landing swiftly next to the unicorn and dragon, as Fluttershy right behind Rainbow took her time and came down to the ground in a much more calm manner. "Ah, Rainbow don't do that you scared the heck out of me" Twilight said while recovering from the jump scare. "Ehh you'll live egghead" Rainbow said shrugging it off. "So Spike why were you guys so late the stands opened like 20 minuets ago?" Rainbow said in a jokingly manner. Spike chuckled "oh ya, you weren't exactly here right when it opened either so you have no room to talk"Spike said while moving closer to Rainbow Dash. Rainbow Dash followed up by moving right up to spikes face "oh yea" Rainbow said merely inches from Spikes nose. "Yea" Spike replied with a grin that could only be described as 'bring it on'. As the high tension inflamed between the dragon and mare, Twilight and Fluttershy were spectating a safe distance away. "Is it just me or as Spike continues to grow up he's picking up a lot of 'Rainbow Dash' in him?" Twilight asked Fluttershy in a more hushed volume than compared to Spike and Rainbow. Fluttershy shrugged and said "I try not to get involved" in her calming voice. Still locked in an silent war of sight Spike and Rainbow Dash after staring at each other for about a minuet both started busting out laughing from the 'seriousness' of there war. "Never gets old" Spike said still holding his gut from all the laughing. "You said it" Rainbow replied through gasps of air. "Okay, now that your weekly starring match is over, would you two actually want to start waiting in line. Even with the new amount of lines it still won't be a short wait."Twilight said to the both of them "Yeah yeah don't get your bangs in a curl, we're just trying to have some fun." Rainbow said while totally recovering from her laughing. All Twilight could do was roll her eyes. After about 40 minuets of jokes, stories and playing around, the line was at its end with only two ponies in front of the group of friends. And as the line finished up the group of friends finally realized why there was three lines. Standing behind the counter was the yellow, orange and white fillies that weren't exactly children anymore. "Hey, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo its been a while how have you three been, and more importantly why are you guys working the stands this year?" Spike asked willing putting two bits on the table in front of Apple Bloom. "We've be alright, still no luck with are cutie marks though." Sweetie Belle said with a hint of frustration in her voice, while pulling four mugs out for the group "Oh don't worry girls, your cutie mark will come when it's ready" Fluttershy said while putting her two bits on the counter. "Yeah yeah we've heard it all before but it doesn't seem to ever want to be ready" Scootaloo replied while poring the cider in the four mugs. "Oh and to answer Spike's second question, Sweetie and Scootaloo are helping out because they need some bits for the summer and my sister said she would give them a cut of the profit for helping out." Apple Bloom said while putting the money in the chest. "Well that about covers it, you four enjoy." Apple Bloom started to wave to the group as they left, But Rainbow stopped when she had an idea that totally gave her a devious grin. "Actually Apple Bloom I need one more thing." Rainbow said while turning around and headed back towards the counter. "Sure thing, do you need another mug?" "Not exactly" Rainbow pulled a hefty coin pouch out of her saddle bag emptied its content, 40 bits "Give me an entire barrel." Apple Bloom smile completely faded, "Are you sure Rainbow Dash that's 20 servings of cider not including the one in your hoof?" Rainbow's grin became bigger "I'm completely sure" Rainbow said Apple Bloom shrugged " Okay," she then turned around and raised her voice "Hey Apple Jack we need another Barrel." In ten seconds flat Apple Jack came out from the other side of the barrel stack picked up a barrel and ran over the stand. "Didn't i just give you a barrel less than a minute ago?" Apple Jack said after setting down the cider. "Yeah you did but Rainbow Dash just bought an entire barrel" Apple Bloom said pointing to Rainbow dash while rolling the barrel around the counter. Apple Jack looked over the counter at Rainbow Dash with a hard stare. "That's a lot of cider for one pony Rainbow" "Don't worry AJ I'll be fine, and besides I won't drink it all myself." Rainbow said to Apple Jack with a innocent smile. "Alright then I got to get back to work, you be careful with it." Apple Jack said while running back behind the barrel stand. "I will" Rainbow hollered back, Rainbow then proceeded to roll the barrel back to an area full of benches and tables where ponies could relax while enjoying their cider, Rainbow proceeded to a table were the group was sitting and evidently Pinkie Pie joined the group and was now sitting at. "So Rainbow, you said you aren't going to drink that all by your self huh, who's going to help you with all that cider. Spike chuckling as he took a big gulp of his first taste of cider savoring ever little bit of taste. "You are big guy" Rainbow replied while Spike spat out his drink and started choking. "I may not know a lot about dragons but what I do know is they can really hold down their liquor. So I challenge you to a drink off" Rainbow announced Twilight interjected "Rainbow Dash, Not only is that reckless, but Spike is still too young and is nowhere near ready for that amount of cider." "Aw don't be a stick in the mud egghead he'll be fine" Rainbow huffed. "If it makes you feel any better, at any time during the drink off if you think Spike is done you can take him home... but that just means I win" Rainbow said boldly. "Okay but what about you how will you make it home safely you need to fly home?" Twilight asked skeptically "Why do you think I watch the butterfly migration with Fluttershy each year, This is how Flutters repays me, she lets me crash at her cottage for the night." Rainbow said visible eager to get the drink of under way. "Are you okay with that Fluttershy?" Twilight ask in concern. Fluttershy nodded "Oh I don't mind Rainbow isn't to much trouble compared to the mood of some of my animals, and besides its always nice to have some company at the migration" Fluttershy said in a nice soothing voice. "Alright then, what about you Spike" Twilight asked Spike who was sitting right next to her but Spike said nothing "Spike?" Spike had already locked eyes with Rainbow Dash "OH IT IS ON" Spike said while Rainbow pored the first drink, all Twilight could do was sit back and go over all the reasons in her head that this was a bad idea. "I'll be the referee" Pinkie Pie shouted from the table. And so it began. > The Drinking game > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- And So It Began "Alright the rules are simple, we both take our hits at the same time, first one to tap out, pass out or throw up losses" Rainbow Dash preached loud enough so every pony in their group including others surrounding them could hear her. Spike was being stared down at like he was some snot nose little filly that had never even thought about touching anything alcoholic in his life. Little did Rainbow Dash know, Spike was not so much scared as he was thrilled, excited and motivated to see how well dragons could actually stomach hard cider. "Alright just don't be disappointed when you lose." Spike chuckled while he shot back his own glare of the challenged being accepted. "But, lets make this a little more interesting" he mused after downing his first mug, thus starting the challenge. "Every few drinks one of us will wager a dare upon the other, who ever losses must take on all of the victors wages." Rainbow Dash sat in her spot for a moment stunned at the dragons cockiness while absorbing all of the irresistible aroma of a good challenge. As she chugged her own mug full of the sweet alcoholic beverage that was the determining factor of this event Rainbow Dash huffed "You're on, and may the best drinker win". With that, the challenge was off with a literal bang that came from Pinkie Pie's party canon. All of the inhabitants of the surrounding area were all shocked from the unexpected bang of a cannon all while shooting a mean glare at Pinkie. "What" Pinkie wined with a look of non-understanding on her face. "All of my emergency bells that I hide are all in Ponyville, this was the only thing I had on hoof" she explained. 3 drinks in As Rainbow Dash and Spike continued their challenge they were starting to draw a crowd around the table, as such events are particularly rare at a social gathering. Ponies all around the two started making bets with one another on who would drop out first. Clearly noticing the crowd forming around them Rainbow decided that it was time to place the first wage. "I'll start the wager off easy for you, lets say if I win you have to give me two of your favorite comic books" Rainbow proclaimed loudly so that all of the crowd could hear her. She then downed the mug in her hoof and began to fill it back up from the barrel. Spike gasped with a surprised look on his face "You know i love my comic books" Spike said. "Whats that I hear" Rainbow teased, "afraid your going to lose"? That got Spike back into the swing of the competition. "Not a chance, but say I win then you have to give me your signed first edition of Daring Do". Spike said proudly as he chugged his fourth cup of cider, and giving Rainbow a quirky grin. Rainbow Dash gasped, " You know that has way to much sentimental value to just give away". With the tables turned Spike was just itching to give Rainbow a taste of her own medicine, "Whats the matter, scaaared" Spike said while doing an imitation of a chicken. This made the crowd gasp slightly as they turned to Rainbow to see what she would do. "You have no idea what you getting yourself into" Rainbow replied with a smirk. "I could win this competition in 10 seconds flat". “Oh care to put your bits where your mouth is”? Spike said confidently while filling up his mug from the barrel. Locking eyes with her opponent “Bring it scaly breath” Rainbow Dash replied. 6 drinks in As the competition progressed and the crowd around Rainbow Dash and Spike grew significantly, Pinkie Pie took the liberty to not only be the judge but being the commentator as well as she grabbed the microphone from who-knows-where, Pinkie Pie announced boldly. “The competition is getting ‘Fierce’ everypony, each combatant is on their 6th drink, with a barrel containing 20 servings and after they had both bought a single serving on themselves there are still 10 servings of Apple-Cider left in the barrel. As we've reached our half-point who will become victorious! Will it be Rainbow Dash a pony who is not foreign to this competition, or will it be the newbie Spike although his first participation in this kind of event, he holds a significant advantage over the Pegasus being able to hold down the substance with more resistance. It's a neck and neck battle with wagers being thrown left and right who will end up on top and who will have to suffer defeat nopony knows.” “As much as I want to say that I'm not with this entire competition I'm actually getting kind of excited.” Twilight says with a bit more enthusiasm than she wanted. “Howh you feewing Spike, not ready to quith on me are you?” Rainbow says while unsteadily filling her mug. “Don't vorget you can alwayz drop out whenefer you want but juss know, if you do I win.” “Are you kiddin I'm juss geffing started you won't be able to tosk me off to the sidee that easiwy.” Spike says with a little bit more difficulty than he had anticipated. “But what do you shay, think it'sh about time for anover wager?” “Ha you read my mind, I'll shay when I win you havfe to be my pershonal ashsistant for a whole day.” Rainbow proclaimed right before Downing her 7th mug. “Ohh  raishing the stakes a little I shee how about when I win you have sto take over my shpot, reshelving the books in Twilight'sh Library.” Spike said confidently and then followed suit downign his 7th mug. “Ahh I shee the little drake is done playing gamesh now, alrighty shwrimp wage accepted” Rainbow slurred. “Likewishe.” Spike replied. 10 drinks in At this time the sun had set and the late hours of the evening were drawing near, as the crowd that just started out as a couple ponies had now increase to about 60 and bets across the crowd were increasing the enthusiasm of this event it had sparked into what would appear to be a full on Throwdown. Pinkie Pie continued commentating “You're seeing it here first folks Rainbow Dash and Spike have finished their tenth drink, with only two servings left in the barrel each combatant are looking extremely exhausted not to mention intoxicated, will they be able to finish the barrel or go down trying, the final drink Starts Now! Twilight starts to look around at the crowd and back at Spike who like Pinkie Pie says wasn't looking too hot “Spike this was fun while it lasted but I think you've had enough, it's time to stop this.” “No twoilet I cun hondle this, don't worry bout meh I can finishh thish off. Whatsh about you Rainsbow Dawsh you look licke you're about to drwop.” Spike practically spat trying to keep his lips under control to little avail. “Arwe you kidding me dwragon I cood do thish all night glong.” Both Rainbow Dash and Spike proceeded to fill up their mug for the last time emptying the barrel completely, and ready to put this competition to rest. “all rightsh Shcaly swhen I show you lup with this vinal drink you haff toooooooooo” Rainbow says while her voice slowly fades away into the back of her throat as her arms become limp and she passes out headfirst on the table. The crowd gasps extremely audibly as Rainbow Dash has completely falling out of the competition and some of the ponies bets were now a payday for their opponent. “This is it folks, all Spike has to do is finish the cider in his mug and he can Proclaim victory!” Pinkie Pie announced. A lot of cider gone and a Pegasus passed out on the picnic table not exactly the evening that Twilight had hoped for, but she was excited that her number one assistant had bested Rainbow Dash against her own game. Spike then raised his mug into the air to solidify his accomplishment getting a roar from most of the crowd and all of his friends that were still conscious. He soaked up his glory for the moment as he then lowered his mug down from over his head below his chin passed his elbows and down below his waist as Spike fell back in his chair and passed out. Everypony then let out a loud gasp as both of the combatants had falling unconscious and the outcome of the event was unclear. Everypony looked at Pinkie Pie who was the judge and commentator of the event for an answer to this endeavor. Pinkie Pie started stammering to give the ponies a conclusion to this event “Uh uhhhhhh……. As the judge of this event I proclaim that this means uhh….. that it's a tie.” Everypony kept looking at her as to explain why it ended in a tie, ‘Well even though Rainbow Dash went down and out first Spike never finished his mug thus they both drank the same amount and there is no winner, so all bets are off!” Pinkie Pie announced which was then replied with another gasp from the crowd of ponies. It was then that Twilight felt the urge to make the population scarce “Alright everypony the competition is over we gotta get these two home.” Twilight announced as everypony in the audience replied with a disappointing “awww.” As the crowd began to disperse it was then that Applejack joined her friends after closing down the cider stand, Applejack walked up to Twilight “Howdy partner I can see that since we have two passed out friends that tonight was eventful.” “You can say that again, I think I've had about all the excitement I can handle for one night.” Twilight replied showing the signs of a long day affecting her. “I'm sorry I can't stay and chat, but I have to get Spike home. Hopefully next time he will learn to enjoy these kinds of things in moderation.” “Well at least they had fun right?” Fluttershy chimed in. “Can't argue with that, it really seems like Spike was having fun, but maybe next time he can have a little more fun without getting intoxicated.” Twilight laughed. “I reckon that this is going to happen again next year no matter what, but I can't blame them. Rainbow Dash is just a competitive spirit and Spike always has been a character to improve his skills whatever that skill may be. But I might as well follow suit I've had a long day at the cider sand and I'm about ready to hit the hay, Y'all have a good night.” “Goodnight Applejack.” Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie and Twilight all said in unison. “I think it's about time I skedaddle back home too, I'm running the front counter at Sugarcube Corner tomorrow so I've got a big day ahead of me, are you two going to be okay getting our contestants home safely?” Pinkie Pie asked. “Oh I'll be fine, this isn't the first time I had to escort Rainbow Dash home after a fun night, and it most certainly won't be the last.” Fluttershy replies. “Spike is getting pretty big but I don't think it's anything I can't handle, I think we'll be fine Pinkie Pie you go and head on home and will follow suit.” said Twilight. “Okie dokie loki” Pinkie Pie happily exclaimed. “Bye-bye Twilight, have a good night Fluttershy.” And with that Twilight and Fluttershy were left alone with two friends who were unaware of their presence. Twilight and Fluttershy then made their way to their comatosed friends as they proceeded to pick them up and give each other their final goodbyes for the night. Twilight was having a little more difficulty caring Spike home then she had thought, not only has he gotten a lot bigger but he was getting a lot heavier as well. But with a little difficulty she had finally made it to her front door it was then that Spike started mumbling in his sleep “Hah yeah you'resh going down.” Spike uttered in his sleepy state. Twilight smiled as she listened to the dragon fumble around in his subconscious. She then proceeded up the stairs into spikes room and once again being very thankful that he cleaned it, she easily made it over to his bed and gently laid the drake down. It was at this time Spike open his eyes a little bit and stared directly at Twilight “You're hreally beaustiful Rarity” he slurred as he then fell back asleep. Twilight chuckled and blushed a little, even though the compliment wasn't specifically directed towards her she still enjoyed being complimented on her looks. She then kissed her number one assistant on the forehead and exited his room Twilight then made her way up to her own bedroom and just as she laid herself down on her bed she swiftly follow Spike's lead and fell asleep to be whisked away in her biblical dreams. > The End (cut really short) > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sorry It has to come to this but for those of you who wanted to know how this was going to play out, I will attempt to give you guys a brief summery of how this story was supposed to play out After the Chapter: The Drinking Game: There were going to be a few more chapters of slice of life focusing mainly on Spike and how he would get more comfortable without Rarity and closer to Twilight, all the while Rarity would still be writing back to Ponyville about how everything on her fashion tour was going great. However later on down the line Rarity would hint that she has a surprise for all of her friends back home when the time got closer for her return. Spike would get all happy when the day came that he could see Rarity again, but to his dismay the surprise that she has been hinting at was a new Colt-friend and that he was her very special some-pony!!! This would send Spike off in a crying state as he ran away but not away away, just away from the train station. He would then find himself swinging on a swing set at the school house to be alone. While he was alone Cheerilee would see him there all sad and try to comfort him, while trying to find out why he was so sad. She then would ask him what he looked for in a "Partner" and as he listed off the things he looked for in a partner he realized that while Rarity checked most of the boxes on his check list there was another that checked them all, Twilight. Even through Cheerilee was very supportive Spike thanked her but wanted another ponies advise on this subject, somepony a little closer to him. He then consults Celestia on the mater and the conversation goes fairly similar to the conversation with Cheerilee. But this gave him a conflict, now that he realizes his feeling for his Friend, could he really confess his feelings for her. And yada-yada-yada, Spike confesses and Twilight accepts and they all lived Happily ever after! But he still wasn't all to happy with Rarity, which I wanted to make an epilogue about but that didn't pan out either!