Spike does not notice, but he has more influence on ponies lives then he knows. Acts of kindness can change a pony's world, but for him, its just another normal day.
Summer had just started in full force, leaving most of the town covered in a strong wave of heat. A small dragon happily lapped up the heat while he quickly ran from one wooden box to another. Spike had planned the stage for over three days and had all the materials ready last night. Spike started his project early in the dawning hours of the morning. Ponies who were shopping walked past with a curious glance and read the sign in front of the Carousel Boutique. Spike happily informed them of the show with a few ponies promising to come back.
The morning project was completed with several hours to spare. Spike wiped the sweat off his scales on his head. He may not be hot, but work was intense with a time limit before the show started. The stage was almost as wide as the Carousel Boutique. A catwalk with curtains was erected and tested to make sure nothing snagged on the large curtains and ropes. When Spike was satisfied with his work he walked inside and felt the cool air against his scales. He went into the kitchen and drank some water before looking for Rarity. There were several pony models in the boutique and each one had several costumes in several booths. Some booths had a curtains close while in use.
After not seeing Rarity any where, Spike went back outside and laid on the stage. He happily soaked up the heat before he heard a young voice call his name.
'Morning Spike.'
Spike sat up and waved at the young unicorn. 'Good morning Sweetie Belle. Do you know if Rarity is free? I wanted her to check the stage in case she wanted anything changed before the show starts.'
'She actually sent me out here to apologize that she could not come out here to inspect the stage herself. There was an emergency with one of the dresses so she is upstairs fixing it.'
'I hope everything is alright. Let me show you what we have.'
The walk around the stage was brief and Sweetie Belle appreciated the explanation.
'Really, my sister just kicked me out so I would not accidentally spell a dress.' Sweetie Belle confessed. She flushed slightly at the omission when Spike started laughing.
The show started and Spike sighed when everything went smoothly. He sat on the sidelines before choosing to look around town while the show was going. It was slowly turning to late afternoon when he came back. The show was at an end and customers had started walking inside the store. Spike immediately started taking apart the stage. All day he had been watching the sky for the early signs of rain but did not spot any so far. He knew he would have to work quickly.
Rarity's mid-day extravaganza for her new clothing line was a success as far as Spike was concerned. Rarity was now busy inside taking specialized orders for the line. Quite a few customers liked what they saw. Spike had volunteered earlier that week to help set up and put away the theater Rarity wanted to use for the show when she could not find any workers available to hire. Spike new it would be a lot of work when he agreed to it. While he did not regret volunteering, Spike always felt happiest when he was useful, he was willing to admit he was not prepared for the strenuous activity being a stage hand entailed.
What made the job difficult was the time limit. Shops had started to light night candles outdoors and among the low light Spike was making his best effort to finish before night came. Spike did not want any of the wood to be exposed in case it rained. Rainbow Dash informed him the weather pegasi wanted to try and cool the land down that night and it could not be postponed farther than that evening. Rarity was only given the day because she had informed them well in advance of the heat wave that hit the town. Rainbow Dash did admit that she was not sure if she could get enough clouds together to make it rain but she had to try. Spike was just grateful for the warning.
Spike stood on the final piece of platform while pulling out the nails with his claws before glancing inside. He smiled slightly as Rarity was in her element and happily wrote down orders and setting them on rolls of cloth to be made in the following weeks. Spike went back to work knowing he was almost done. Night had fully come when he closed the shed doors. Spike ran inside and grabbed a cup of water before taking a seat and relaxing in the kitchen. Rarity was still working with customers. He was ready to go home but did want ask if there was anything else she needed before he left.
'I think it will be alright if you want to go home Spike.' Spike looked up and noticed Sweetie Belle standing at the door to the kitchen. She looked over to her big sister and sighed.
'You think so?' Spike asked. It felt rude to just leave with out saying good bye but Rarity was quickly writing down notes for a yellow earth pony who kept adding changes to her order. Spike looked to his left and still counted three other ponies who were talking but clearly wanting to make their own orders. Each of customers were looking at several pieces of attire on pony manikins while waiting for their turn.
'Go get some sleep. I think she will actually stay up and start working when she is done. She has that look.'
Spike chuckled as he too saw the glimmer in Rarity's eye as she both wrote down notes and moved spools of cloth behind her already moving them to the cutting boards. Apparently he wasn't the only one that noticed.
'I really wish she would let me learn how to do that. I can hardly move that cup of water of yours. And I only was able to since the start of spring.' Sweetie Belle softly said to herself.
Spike and Sweetie Belle were both looking at Rarity. Which meant the young unicorn did not see Spike's look of surprise. He had thought he saw her use magic all the time. After a moment he realized that it was usually Sweetie Belle's sister that moved things for her.
Without thinking Spike asked, 'Have you been practicing?'
Sweetie Belle looked at him with an haughty reply, 'I practice everyday.'
Spike looked steadily at her. Her face wilted slightly.
'Alright, not as much as I should. I do try and pick up things. But it is simpler to get ready for the day when I ask my sister for help.'
Spike sighed before pointing at his cup. Curiously, Sweetie Belle used her magic and it surrounded the cup. Spike let it go and the water cup slowly wobbled in place. Sweetie Belle gasped before she noticed she was loosing concentration. Spike grabbed the cup out of the air before it fell. He motioned to her to follow into the dinning room where he could have a closed door and a conversation that was not being distracted with Rarity giggling in excitement at the line of orders she received. Rarity started cheering and jumping around when the last customer left. Spools of cloth, scissors and measuring tape flew in the air with practiced ease.
In the dinning room, Spike grabbed another cup of water and set both of the cups on the table and motioned for Sweetie Belle to sit across from him. When she looked at the two glasses of water Spike started.
'O.k. Go ahead and move one.' Sweetie Belle thought it was sweet of him wanting to help, but had some doubts Spike could help with her magic. She did as she was told and a faint hue of mauve circled the glass of water before it wobbled. Sweetie Belle set the glass down before it spilled and made a mess. The young unicorn sighed before looking up at Spike. The purple dragon was tapping his cheek with his claw while thinking. Sweetie Belle had seen a similar action done by Princess Twilight Sparkle and repressed a giggle.
'What are you thinking about when you are using magic?' Spike finally asked.
Sweetie Belle was not surprised by the question, her sister asked it when Sweetie Belle asked for help. She felt that she was about to go in circles like she had with her sister. Disappointed but not surprised, Sweetie Belle replied, 'I'm thinking about collecting my magic and telling it to move the glass and keep it steady.'
She looked at Spike already knowing he would say she should try harder. He was smiling a smug smile for a dragon. Sweetie Belle bit back a retort that would have cut him off.
'Do you think about every step you take when you walk or run?' The look of confusion made Spike chuckle.
'How about when you breathe or swim?' Sweetie Belle shook her head no. Of course she didn't. The young girl was beginning to get annoyed with his superior attitude. She pouted right before she started to defend her self.
'You are a lot like your sister you know.' Spike interrupted again while smiling at her. Sweetie Belle gave an aggravated growl.
'If you think you can just make fun of me then you have another thing coming mister! I thought you were going to help me with my magic, not make a fool of me.'
Spike waved his clawed hand at her and lifted up his cup. After a drink he looked at her. 'Lift your cup up and drink.' Spike set his cup back down and lifted up again. He was looking at her the entire time and sipped with out looking at what he was doing.
Annoyed, Sweetie Belle lifted her cup with her magic took a drink from her cup and with one fluid motion set it back down, still glaring at Spike while she did so. Spike smiled and started clapping. Slowly Sweetie Belle looked at her cup. It did not spill and she moved the cup like her sister did.
'You are a unicorn Sweetie Belle, using magic is just like using any other part of your body; walking, running, talking, they are all things you do after you first learned how. You already did the hard part by manifesting your magic. You just need to stop thinking about magic like its separate from you.' Spike finished the last of his water. He stood up and went to the sink and washed his glass before drying it and putting it back in the cupboard. It would be bad form to leave dirty dishes around when he was a guest. When he was done he looked over his shoulder. Sweetie Belle looked excitedly at her cup while she moved it around the table and in the air.
'Good night Sweetie Belle. I think its time for me to head home.' It was well after dark and some of the street lights had already gone out.
'Good night Spike.' Sweetie Belle said distractedly. Spike smiled at her. Spike knew Sweetie Belle would be up all night with something new to work on. Spike breathed to himself. 'Just like her sister.'
Half way out the door he felt the unicorn run up to him and hug him tightly.
'Thank you Spike. Your help means so much to me.'
Spike patted the young girl in a return hug before leaving.
Spike got back to the castle late. The torches in the halls were dim with a slow burn. Spike checked the study in case Twilight was awake. Sure enough she was staring at a piece of vellum intent on a problem. A dozen books were open to various pages across the desk. Spike jumped on the table and looked at the formula.
'Celestia's theorem again?' Spiked asked. Twilight sucked in a breath in surprise before looking at her assistant. She glared at him when he gave her a smug look that was not too different from the one he gave Sweetie Belle.
'Yes. It's like most of the other proofs I have read. I know it works, we use this all the time when using magic. But the math? Some times I get lost in the runic formula's.'
'It is enough for most ponies to know magic works Twilight.' Spike turned around and started breathing magic fire. The green fire floated to each of the torches lighting them brighter than the dim night time burn. Spike turned in time to see Twilight eye the green flames before they turn golden on the torches.
'I know, but this theorem doesn't apply to you Spike. That is what has been bothering me for years.'
Spike nodded while sitting down on a pile of books Twilight wasn't using. He yawned slightly. He had heard this all before. After realizing he too would be up for a while Spike started looking at some of the formula's again. It was all familiar. Math symbols reignited old conversations the pair have worked over for years.
'We can start our experiments again later. I know your day has been long Twilight. We both need to unwind for a bit.'
Twilight looked at him before sighing and closing a book to her left with her magic. 'It is not only that Spike. You were given to me as an egg when I was barely old enough to think about starting primary. And in all the years we still know nothing about where you come from. About you.' Spike's sullen look made him regret the turn of the whole conversation. It wouldn't hurt to remind them both why they stopped searching.
'Twilight, I'm not like the dragons we see here in Equestria. I don't have wings, and I use magic. And we already tried to deconstruct my magic with no results. It took a long time but I don't loose sleep anymore about where I came from. Honestly I would be just as happy if you don't loose sleep over this any more. I am happy where I am.'
Twilight was glaring at her vellum scroll before her face softened. She rolled up the scroll and started putting away the books. Each book began to fly to its designated spot. Spike was unceremoniously dropped on the desk. Spike and Twilight shared a laugh at the unintentional drop. Spike dropped off the table and led the way to the kitchen.
'Why do you put away books that quickly when its late? It would save me a lot of time organizing your old bed room and even the library.'
Twilight shook her head. There was always something personal when she read each title and look for its devoted spot in her library. In the kitchen and at a loss on what to get for a late nigh snack, Twilight spotted the can of power chocolate mix on the table.
'Spike lets go get some hot cocoa and sit on the couch. How was your day with Rarity?'
Spike quickly started boiling water and Twilight got the tea cups, the powder and marshmallows and started mixing cocoa. 'Do you mean my date with a bunch of lovely planks of wood? It was amazing. There was this long piece of wood I ended up dancing with who had a little too much fun and was about to fall over me. Luckily, the house decided to cut in and be the planks' dancing partner.'
Spike's deadpan comment made them both look at each other before they started laughing. The conversation was placed on hold until they moved over to the couch in front of the fire place in the library. The fire placed a warm glow to the cold walls. Spike watched how Twilight used her magic to levitate her cup of cocoa.
'Did you know Sweetie Belle was having problems with her magic? I thought she had been using it for a while but I guess I never paid as much attention as I thought.'
'Rarity said she was concerned for her sister. While it is normal to not use magic while you are young, to not have it manifest at all was disconcerting. Rarity was relieved when Sweetie Belle was showing conscious use of magic. Last year Sweetie Belle was using magic but not realizing it and it got her into all sorts of trouble.'
'I think she finally has it sorted out today. But she did get me thinking about my fire.'
Twilight and Spike shared a look thinking the same thing. 'You are right Spike. We have not done an experiment with your magic since before we moved to Ponyville.'
'There was never any time. If it was not a festival in town, it was an emergency or if it was neither, we were struggling to catch up to the days we fell behind.'
The two talked about ideas well into the night. The hearth fire was well into its final embers when Spike woke up on the couch in the early morning hours. Spike was not surprised that they had both fallen asleep during their conversation. Spike saw Twilight had her wings wrapped tightly around herself. Spike frowned when she shivered slightly. Spike turned to the fireplace and blew slow breaths of fire to the fire place reigniting the hearth. Spike knew it wouldn't heat up the room right away. So just like when they were younger, he curled up against Twilight and slowly fell asleep. The last thing he remembered was a half asleep Twilight raising her wing and pulling her personal heater closer before falling back into deep sleep.
Spike awoke to the murmur of the girls. He slowly sat up and looked around with half open eyes. Spike was still on the library couch where he fell back asleep last night. After hearing something about traveling to the castle of the two sisters, Spike laid back down intent on sleep. It was too early in the morning to think about what they were talking about.
Some time later Spike was awoken by a tap on his head. He looked up blurred eyed. Twilight smiled at him.
'The girls and I are making a quick trip to the Everfree Forest. I was looking at some of the magic in the castle and did not recognize some of the runes. I did a rubbing of them and we are going to see if there is any references in the ancient library.'
Spike perked up at that. He yawned one more time before hopping off the couch. 'Alright I'll get the castle organized for guests. If you still wanted to keep the library open in the castle we still need to get it presentable. I will head over to the Quills and Sofas to get the last of the stacks of ledgers.'
Twilight hugged him.
'Thank you Spike, if you want to look at the runes look at the top of every door. I thought they were just decoration but when my magic interacts with the castle the runes respond back. I do not plan to see what they do until I know what the runes mean.'
Spike waved good bye as all the girls as they walked out of the castle. Spike watched the group walk down the road for a few moments before going back inside. It was still early in the morning and Spike wanted to get ready for the trip to town. A cold breakfast courtesy of Twilight filled his belly before he bathed in boiling water and was out the castle door.
Ponyville was a small town compared to where he grew up. However the perks of a smaller town were appreciated. Spike entered a shop with the ring of the bell attached to the door.
'Good morning Mr. Cake!" exclaimed Spike. Spike was surprised the father of twins was the one at the front counter. Mr. Cake usually took care of the children in the morning.
'Hello Spike. What can I do for you?' Spike looked around the store before finding the cake he was looking for.
'Just that cake. Twilight will be coming back into town later and likely bringing the girls with her. I plan to prep dinner and keep it on stand by until they eventually come back.' Mr. Cake had already packaged the cake and Spike grabbed the bag handle after placing the cake carefully in the bag himself.
'Good to hear, I'm by my self for now, the family took off to visit my mother for a day or two. My ma really wanted to see them since they were born but has not been able to travel as far out as Ponyville.'
Spike smiled at that. While Ponyville was in the center of Equestria, most ponies traveled well around the Everfree forest which could add days of travel. 'Did you need any help while she is away?'
Mr. Cake shook his head. 'I have Pinkie Pie if I ever need any help. Today and tomorrow are our slowest days. I am not expecting to be very busy.'
Spike waved a good bye and left before heading to his next stop. He quickly realized he may have a wait. The proprietor was not outside for once. Quills and Sofas was an odd store. While they did for the most part sell quills and sofas, they had a small corner devoted to other office supplies. Most of them had to be special ordered and it could take well over a week for the order to get in. But it was also the only place in Ponyville where you could order the things Spike needed without directly traveling to Canterlot.
'Good Morning Davenport.' Spike called as he entered the store. The store was relatively empty save for one other customer.
Spike patiently waited while looking at a sofa not too dissimilar to the one he slept on that morning. He looked up when it sounded like the pony who was talking to Davenport was finished. Spike smiled politely at the pony. The pony briefly tilted his head in acknowledgment before departing.
'The ledgers arrived this morning Mr. Spike.' Davenport beckoned for the dragon to follow him to the back corner. Next to the catalog was several samples and a medium sized box with Spike's name on it.
'I'll need to borrow the cart for this one. I still have a few stops. Is it available?'
Davenport reported an affirmative before moving quickly towards the back where Spike followed with his bag from the Cake's bakery. In the back was a large garage with wooden wheels hung up along the walls and large boxes that contained a variety of different kinds of furniture. And then, there it was. The wagon which Spike has carted around since Twilight and he had moved to Ponyville. While Twilight had fond memories with her books, that Sofa's and Quills wagon held a special place in his heart. He gently patted the large wooden wheel which was as large as he was.
'I told you I would be back. No massive adventures this time. We are just going for a long stroll.' Spike put the box of cake in the back and looked back to Davenport who watched him amused. He pulled out a small pouch for the final purchase of the ledgers, quills and the desk that he had hauled in that very same wagon days earlier.
'Everything looks in order Spike. Just let mye know if you need more time with her. But if you put out another axile you are paying for it.' Davenport gave the small dragon a firm but amused look.
'I'll be careful. You know I do not go looking for trouble.'
'I know Spike.'
The wagon was pulled around to the front and the box full of ledgers was placed in it before Spike picked up the two long rods that were used for much larger ponies and pulled the wagon. With the light load, it did not take long for Spike to build the momentum to take several long strides to keep a steady speed far faster than his legs could normally take him. Spike lifted his body above the ground held up by the rolling wagon. He only took steps to slow or speed up the wagon as he left town and out to Apple Acres.
Finally out of town Spike let his feet hit the ground and pushed hard against the dirt road really picking up speed. 'Come on girl a little faster or we are not making it up that hill!'
Spike cheered to himself. The wagon continued its speed as it approached the incline. The small dragon landed his feet at a full run pulling the wagon up the last few meters to the crest of the hill. Spike finally stopped and sighed.
'One of these days I'll be able to just pull you up like Big Mac.' Spike parked the wagon near a tree and sat down. The town below him was busy as the town entered full swing just before midday. Just beyond the town on his left stood Twilights Castle. It stood starkly to the town but at this distance it blended in with the mountains that layed beyond it. Just farther north, Spike could barely make out Canterlot Castle.
'Hello Spike. What are you doing out here?' Spike turned around with a start. A black pony with a gray mane looked back with a grin.
'Thunderlane! I have not seen you a while. How have you been working as a weather Pegasus?'
'Good actually. My team and I spotted you while trying to look for stray clouds. There's still not enough for a good rain and Cloudsdale does not have the reserves to make it rain.'
'I had wondered, Rainbow Dash said she was not sure if she could get enough clouds to make it rain yesterday.' Spike stood up and looked to the sky. The sky was solid blue and completely clear. Not even a haze that would hint at water vapor in the sky. Thunderlane frowned as he too looked up to the sky again.
'It is getting difficult to find water without flying a good distance to the other side of the mountains and try and coax clouds without loosing too much water on the way back. The distance alone would be a coordinated effort. Right now we definitely do not have the pegasus power to do something of that scale.'
'The river is to big for a small team to bring up to the air too then?' Spike remembered blowing the horn for the entire population of pegasus ponies to drag a large reservoir of water to Cloudsdale the year before.
'Yes, we would need over two hundred pegasus ponies to get still water to move. A current would make it impossible. If we can't find water soon crops are going to go bad.'
Speaking of water, Spike went to the wagon and opened his bag that held his cake and got a bottle of water out. 'Flying out there has got to to be exhausting, at least get some water in you before you go back out again.'
'Thanks Spike. And pardon me I'm going to use some of this to cool me off too.' Spike waved his clawed hand in understanding, it is something Rainbow Dash did often when she was hot. Thunderlane drank his fill and splashed water on his wings and flapped them gently to cool off his body and his already fatigued wings. Spike watched the mini rainbow in the air as his wings flapped quickly to dry and cool him off. The resulting spray scattered around him in a light mist.
Spike pursed his lips before finally asking something he had wondered about.
'Thunderlane, how about mist? Would mist be easy to move for a small group of pegasus?'
Thunderlane chuckled, 'It sure would but if we had mist clouds on the ground we wouldn't need to be on a hunt for them.'
'I know, but we do have water falls, they might not spray a lot of water out, but...'
Thunderlane looked at the dragon and the smile on his face went from ear to ear.
'Spike, you are a genius. Of course its not that easy, but with some team work I think we have a plan now. I've got to go. Thanks Spike, you'll know it worked if it starts raining!'
Thunderlane took off in a gust of wind that shook the tree branches. Spike watched him take off. He could vaguely hear him give orders before the sound faded. Spike laid on the grass in the sunlight letting his body feel the soothing heat. It was some time later that Spike had enough of the heat and started making the rest of the way to Great Apple Orchards.
'Mac!' Spike hollered. He slowed the wagon to a halt and called a few more times before Mac walked out of the barn with a barrel rolling in front of him.
'Sorry Mac I should have come running when I heard the barrel roll.' Spike took over for the large horse.
'Dont'cha worry Spike I've been moving these around all day. It's too hot outside right now to work the fields.'
Spike picked up the barrel and placed the keg of cider in the wagon.
'Thanks for holding on to it for so long. It's hard enough coming out here for anything with a castle to set up as the new library. I was just happy I got the wagon this time.'
Big McIntosh looked at the wagon before asking, 'Isn't that the one that you ran into the barn?'
'It was filled with furniture for Apple Bloom's tree house. It was a little too heavy to stop after that hill.' Spike defended. 'Besides you were laughing to hard to be angry at that.'
Spike was just getting back to the castle when he started noticing a haze build in the sky. He smiled to himself before stopping the wagon at the front gates and unloaded his haul. The cake went inside after being checked it was not damaged during the rough trip up and down hills and the abrupt stops Spike had done during his journey. The cider rolled with a loud rumble in the echoing halls. Spike parked it just inside the door. He could lift it up but he did not trust the chairs to be strong enough to hold his weight and the cask to get it up to the counter. The ladder he normally used was just too short. Finally, the box with the ledgers was taken to the library that was facing the door to the throne room. The wooden doors creaked when he walked into the library. It was one of the coolest places in the castle. It had the fewest windows and the ones it did have faced east, allowing light but not direct sunlight to filter inside during the evening.
Spike was disappointed that the girls had not come back already but took that as a chance to return the wagon. Davenport greeted the young dragon with a hearty hello.
'I was actually disappointed you did not damage it, I always liked your stories.'
Spike laughed with him. The wagon was placed back in its original stall. Spike was about to thank the pony for the use of the wagon before he heard it for the first time in weeks.
The sound of rain drops on glass windows.
Spike paused what he was going to say and looked to Davenport before running to the window. It was not the downpour he was sure Thunderlane was hoping for, but there was a sprinkle of water that got ponies walking outside to cheer.
'It is too bad it is a light drizzle, but every bit helps. Hopefully its more than a start. Thank you for use of your wagon. I should head back in case we are going to get more than a sprinkle of rain.'
Davenport smiled. 'Any time Spike, but I am not too worried about heavy rain. The weather pegasus know that too much rain would flood us for sure with this much parched land. They will stop it before the weather becomes a heavy rain. Parch land will not absorb water very well, it just runs off of it. A slow rain. That is more like it.' Davenport looked at the ground and saw the water pool and sit on the ground in puddles.
Spike hummed at that. He never knew it could be a good thing to have a light rain. 'Thanks for letting me know. I never new there was so much tied to the land when weather ponies control the weather.'
'The light rain is a start, that's for sure.' Davenport observed.
Davenport bade the dragon good night and Spike made his way back to the castle with water lightly tapping the ridges of his spine.
Spike actually forgot about the party cannons. Which was why he charged through the castle like a dragon possessed. He exhaled in relief when he found Twilight covered in confetti but by and large unharmed.
Twilight took one look at him and started laughing.
'You look how I felt Spike.'
Spike walked into the empty room and gave her an annoyed look. The vault ceiling was only slightly lower than the rest of the castle. But the room had a set stairs hinting at a second floor.
'Huh, I didn't think there was a second floor.' Twilight got off the ground and shook of the confetti. Spike was walking to the stairs but not before pointing at his head. Twilight ruffled her mane before letting her magic float the remaining mess out of her hair.
'I remember spotting a balcony when I flew around the castle a few days ago. When I landed on the balcony to the second floor the doors were locked and I could not spell them to unlock. I've been hunting for this room ever since.'
Spike started going up the stairs. At once he avoided a second party canon.
'Why did Pinkie think to put cannons up here? There is nothing else up here. It's just an empty room with the doors I think you were talking about.' Spike announced as he went to the crystal clear doors that led out side. A crystal latch was unlocked with a single clawed finger. Out side he could see most of Ponyville below him. He could even see parts of the Everfree Forest. Twilight walked next to him and looked around.
'I'm not sure. Pinkie likely thought the more cannons the better. Well that is one mystery solved. Let's get back in side Spike. It is still cold.' The sun was just barely clearing the horizon and the cool air would not last long. Spike decided to close the door in case an opened door would heat up the castle.
'I never did ask you how the search at the Castle of the Two Sisters went. I assumed you found something since you brought so many books.'
Twilight thought about the thick tomes and sighed. 'Nothing concrete. I had an idea of what I was looking for but I did not find anything about runes. I did manage to salvage some tomes in decent condition from under some rotting shelves. The magic to sustain them was fading so I brought them first. I think we should go back for the rest tomorrow. There are plenty of things that can still be salvaged. It's amazing what Celestia and Luna did to protect the castle from the elements, even after all this time.'
'I can see if we can get the wagon for tomorrow.' Spike offered eagerly.
Twilight laughed to herself.
'You and that wagon. But it might be a good idea. If we really wanted to start salvaging we would need a few days and some hands to get it done.' Twilight thought about it before shaking her head. 'Actually for that level of excavation I will need to consult Celestia first. It is her property. Never mind that it has been sitting there for centuries.'
'Well if that is the case, I suppose I can finish up the library. It's not done yet but we already have people coming in.' Spike informed her.
'That is good to hear. Did anyone who had a book when our tree-' Twilight's voice hitched a moment, 'was destroyed return them?'
Spike nodded as he patted her shoulder for support. He guided her to the library and went to the opened ledger at the door. 'A few people did already. Its a good thing, but there were not that many books out when it- happened.'
Spike gave her an apologetic look before Twilight shook her head. 'It is fine Spike. There are just some moments where it hits me unexpectedly.'
A gentle knock on the door frame made them both look to the entrance. Applejack stood there shyly with her hat off her head and in front of her chest. 'Pardon the intrusion Twilight, but I couldn't help hearing. Are you alright?'
Spike answered for her. 'She will be now that you are here, was there anything we can do for you Applejack?'
Applejack saw the distraction for what it was and played along.
'I wanted to invite you both out for a lunch. I'm in town dropping my sister off and have not made the trip to spend time with you both outside of meetings.'
The by-play was long enough for Twilight to regain her composure. Spike looked at her and smiled. 'Twilight is free, go have fun girls. I still have work to do.'
Spike jumped off the stool and went deeper into the library. Before he left he turned to them while waving. 'She needs to be back before dark. Don't let her talk to too many colts, or they will get the wrong idea. And make sure she eats something.'
Spike and Applejack traded grins before Twilight was pulled out of the castle in mid-protest.
Spike looked back to all the books he still had to sort. A large contingent of the library had not been organized from Celestia's library and he knew of half a dozen books were only for Twilights eyes only. Spike looked at the ladder and the one floor in the library that had no steps leading to it. It was only accessible through flight.
'Looks like I got my hands full figuring out how to get up there.'
Several hours later the library had turn into a maze of tables turned ramps and chairs turned steps. Spike left the mess as is, as he kept finding more and more books that would need to go to Twilights personal library.
'Hiya Spike! Watcha doin?'
Spike looked up from the book he was reading. And waved at the three girls below him. He had taken a break on top of one of the book shelves near the top of the maze, just three table turned ramps below Twilights designated library. Too lazy to get down to get food, Spike had chosen to simply open a book and read for a break.
'Hello crusaders, I am just up here sorting books for Twilight. What brings you all in?'
Spike got up and started making his way down the ramps with the book still in hand. It would not do to leave it on top of the shelves and forget where he put it among the other stacks of books.
'We were actually looking for a book on the seasons. We were just assigned a report!' Scootaloo answered for the group. Spike ran through the list of books and sighed. The section on the weather was on a high shelf near the back.
'I'll get it. It is pretty high and I wouldn't want any of you to get hurt if you fell. The ladders we have are not really good.'
Spike looked at the group and repressed a grin. Their faces were mutinous. Spike led the girls to the back and pointed to the shelf. The books related to the seasons were near the top on some very old bookshelves that were at least 6 ponies high.
'See what I mean? Give me a second I'll get a ladder and get them for you. Anything specific you need?'
The girls were craning their heads back but it was Applebloom who answered. 'We are doing a report on the summer rains.'
Spike scaled the ladder and found himself in front of several books and picked one that had larger print and was geared towards school foals. He waved the book at the group and had started to make his way down when Sweetie Belle announced. 'I can get it! I have practiced what you showed me Spike!'
Spike had experienced this moment enough time to know how this would play out, even as he let go he felt the book come alive and pull him towards the ground. Half a second later he realized the ladder flung backwards into the adjacent bookshelf. The girls screamed as both book shelves started to rock. In mid-fall Spike shouted, 'Sweetie Belle push them.' as he was looking towards Applebloom and Scootaloo. Obediently Sweetie Belle used her magic to push her friends out of the collapsing book shelves. Spike landed next to her on shaky legs and looked up. He pulled Sweetie Belle closer to him before he felt his chest bubble with fire. Spike spat a glob of magic that hit the books above the pair. Spike kept breathing fire as more and more books began to fall on them. With each book that entered his fire they turned into fine smoke. When there were not more books directly falling on them, Spike looked to see a shaken Sweetie Belle in his arms. He sighed in relief when he saw she wasn't hit by anything. He looked to his right and saw the two other girls both shaken but relieved that they and their friend was safe.
Spike patted Sweetie Belle gently. 'That was a great job Sweetie Belle, you were quick on your hooves and saved your friends. I wouldn't have been able to protect all of you if you didn't save them.'
Sweetie Belle felt her self tear up slightly. 'But your books!'
Spike smiled reassuringly. 'Thanks for reminding me Sweetie Belle. Excuse crusaders, this is not going to be pleasant for me.'
Spike went over to an open spot beyond the aisles and belched. Green fire reformed into books and with each belch more and more books appeared. Spike coughed when the last book left his breathe. 'I'm going to need to drink a lot of water, that was gross. What?'
Spike looked at the girls in confusion. Sweetie Belle looked horrified. Scootaloo looked fascinated. Applebloom answered for them in shock and confusion. 'What?'
'I can breathe letters into smoke and send them. I thought you know that already.'
The girls sighed and slumped together. Scootaloo looked at the books that Spike had belched out. 'No spit, or singe marks, or nothing.'
Spike looked annoyed at the comment. 'I'll have you know my fire is the fastest mode to send letters. Granted I never really thought to send anything else that way. But books are paper so I figured it would work.'
Applebloom looked indignant for Sweetie Belle who thought of the books falling on them. 'Wat if it didn't?' Applebloom cried at him.
Spike looked at the girls non-pulsed. 'I would have burned them. I wasn't going to let anything hurt you girls. The books are important, but never as important as you three.'
Spike turned back to the books and already thought it would be better to get the shelves looked at before putting anything back on them. He was confident he heard a crack during that fall. He felt the girls following him as he worked out a plan. Finally after a few moments of them not moving he figured that everything was safe enough for now.
'Girls, lets go get some cocoa. You look like you all have something you want to say.' The girls nodded while still unsure what to say to Spikes' declaration. At the library doors, Spike locked the doors and flipped a hanging sign next to the door to closed.
Cocoa was served minutes later. Spike sat on his stool and watched all three girls patiently. Whatever was bothering them, they would need to work it out on their own. Rushing them to ask something they did not know how to articulate would do no one any favors.
The girls had shared glances at each other and looked to be having a silent conversation and obviously arguing by the looks of their eyes as all three of them took turns going wide eyed. It was eventually broken when Scootaloo realized she finished her drink. She looked at the girls and noticed they had nearly finish theirs too. All three girls noticed Spike had not touched his. He just sat there patiently waiting for them.
Finally Scootaloo asked, 'Is it really O.K. to just... What I mean- Why are we so important?'
Spike smiled slightly. 'Why do you place more value on anything else?'
'But those look really old. And Princess Twilight said that most of those books were given to her by Princess Celestia!' Sweetie Belle added. Applebloom nodded her agreement.
Spike pursed his lips while looking at them. 'Scootaloo, there is nothing more important than any foal in Equestria.' Spike leaned back and looked at the ceiling. 'You girls are the future. It doesn't matter what we loose so long as you all remain safe. And yes Sweetie Belle it was an accident, you didn't loose control. I knew what was about happen because Twilight does it often enough with out thinking, we were just unfortunate we were in the middle of an aisle when it happened.'
Applebloom sipped the last of her cup and looked longingly at the black powder. Spike laughed as he offered the girls more. They nodded but the break didn't seem to alleviate their apprehension. While his back was to the stove where he magically heated the water faster than the stove could he heard an intake of breath and a pause before Applebloom asked, 'Why do you need to be the one that protects us, I mean there are three of us, why couldn't we have protected you from the fall or the books. You asked Sweetie Belle and she reacted, but me and Scoots could only get pushed around.'
Spike humm'ed to himself as he mixed the powder into the heated water. The girls added their own marshmallows and it gave Spike to sort out what they were really asking. They had asked why he had to protect them, why they were so important, were they concerned that he placed his self in danger?
Finally it hit him.
'How old do you girls think I am?'
The girls all looked up caught in their own mid thoughts. 'I don't know Spike, I always thought you were pretty close to how old we are.' Sweetie Belle answered. It apparently was an approximation the group agreed on since they all nodded their heads.
'So I guess it would be a shock to say I am just a couple of years younger than Twilight.'
Spike scratched his cheek and finally sipped his cold cup of cocoa. Judging by their looks it did.
'For a test to enter the academy, Twilight was asked to test her magic against an object that had an incredible resistance to magic. It was a dragon egg. Her magic was so strong she hatched my egg. She was very young, far younger than you three are right now when I was born. Her ability allowed her to be apprenticed to Princess Celestia. I know some people still call me a "baby dragon" but really that is more a remark about my size not my age.'
The girls mulled over the facts while Spike excused himself. He walked to the library while thinking of the group. The girls were young and naïve. Very much like he was at times but clearing the air about those misconceptions will hopefully get them to understand why he thought he would put himself before them. He may be a "baby" but they were young. Spike found a different season book than the one they picked and pulled it out of the pile. He had lost track of their first pick and it would take too long to find it now. He spotted his own book and tucked them both under his arm as he left the library. When he went back into the kitchen he found Twilight, Apple Jack and Rarity with the crusaders. Twilight turned to him but was relieved to see he was alright.
'Spike! The girls said the bookshelf collapsed?'
Spike nodded and handed her a book he was going to read himself. 'Yeah but there was no lasting damage Twilight. I was more worried the girls were hurt than anything. Here, this might help you out with that project.'
Spike continued to talk to Twilight and the crusaders watched him. It never occurred to them that Spike talked to Twilight as an equal. They had assumed that he just worked for her, or maybe they thought themselves as brother and sister. But the two stood there and talked about something related to runes and other words they did not recognize. It really sank in.
Spike was an adult.
Huh.
Rarity interrupted the groups' thoughts. 'Well darlings, it is time to go home. It will be getting dark soon and I know Apple Jack and Apple Bloom will have a ways to go before going home. Will you need someone to escort you home Scootaloo?'
Scootaloo watched the sisters pair off and her wings pulled themselves closer to her body and she felt her self shrink slightly. She started to reply with a, 'No-'
'I'll walk her home Rarity. We need to go over some things about the season book for their report. The book they chose is a little higher reading level than they are used to.' Spike nodded to the rest of the girls and grabbed the book before standing next to Scootaloo. 'Shall we?'
Scootaloo nodded mouth too dry to say anything.
The sun was setting. The sky turned into several shades of orange and red. Scootaloo had always like this time of day that blend into the same color as her coat. But at the moment she could not bring her self to enjoy it. It never felt good to be escorted by one of her friends sisters. She was grateful to Spike for volunteering to walk her home.
Spike guided Scootaloo to her home, a small wooden cabin that was donated to the girl when her parents passed away. Several families took turns watching over her, but she had refused adoption. Most understood and watched her as they were able. The home itself was a small building near a large tree that offered additional protection from the elements. The home was made of steady wood and painted an array of colors thanks to Scootaloo's artistic talents when she was smaller.
'Are you listening Scootaloo?' Spike asked easily. Held the book opened to the back index and had circled three entries for her and her friends to look at when they do their report.
'I am now. I am sorry Spike. I've just been thinking about. Well what you said. It doesn't feel like you are really old. Ya know?'
Spike smiled at her. The look made Scootaloo feel really young. Spike ruffled the mane on the top of her head. 'Its normal. And I'm not really surprised you did not know. I am positive most of the girls have never made the connection.' He looked away wistfully and Scootaloo just had another epiphany.
Rarity.... She does not know. Scootaloo remained silent the rest of the way while Spike showed her a few parts in the back of the book where they can start their research for their report.
Spike looked up in time to see Pinkie Pie run after Fluttershy with a violet wig in her mouth and a saddle on her back. 'Fluttershy it works I promise. You will feel like a brand new pony. You just need to put on "the wig of confidence"!'
Spike ignored them in favor of cooking breakfast for the girls. It was one of the few times that all of the girls had not planned to meet up at the castle. They all naturally came for their own reasons. Rarity wanted more information about the library incident, Apple Jack wanted to know what happened to her missing barrel of cider. Something Spike wanted to give a healthy glare to Big McIntosh in thanks. Fluttershy had come to request permission for Discord to "stretch his legs" for an hour that afternoon. Pinkie Pie must have smelled Fluttershy's hesitation because she ran to the castle with a wig and a saddle full of who-knows-what announcing that Fluttershy needed her. That just left Rainbow Dash.
Spike stopped mixing the pancake batter and looked over to Rainbow Dash who sat at the table looking amused at Pinkie Pie. 'Why are you here Rainbow Dash?'
Rainbow Dash just smiled.
'I'm just here for a free meal!' she answered without a hint of remorse.
Spike laughed in spite of himself and went back to pouring pancakes on the pan. The girls eventually settled down when the stack of pancakes was large enough to be passed around. Spike only had syrup for them but they all said thanks as they finished their meal. Twilight led a stuttering Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie outdoors to talk to Discord. Spike felt more than saw Rarity and Apple Jack wait for him while he finished washing the dishes. Again it was Rainbow Dash he was most curious about since she still sat there finishing her pancakes and belched happily rubbing her full belly.
Rainbow saw him looking and answered with a wide grin, 'I am just waiting to see what Apple Jack does to you.'
Spike sighed and closed his eyes in exasperation. He continued to was the dishes and dry them one at a time. It felt odd making others wait but he had to finish this now, or he would not get the dishes done until much later. His day was busy enough as it was. Spike turned to the girls and looked at both Rarity and Apple Jack. Rarity looked patient and smiled at him. Apple Jack squinted her eyes and gave an impatient huff.
Apple Jack first then. 'Alright Apple Jack what did I do this time?'
Rainbow Dash grinned wider as Apple Jack huffed through her nose. 'I had saved a barrel of our best cider for my aunt who just announced she planned to visit us soon. She is a tough customer and had never approved of me running Apple Acres without a strong husband.'
Spike, Rarity and Rainbow Dash all looked at her. She was too angry to be flustered and plowed through the blush that was beginning to flush her cheeks. 'Suffice it to say, I don waste no time looking for a colt when there has been work to get done. I had hoped that showing how well our cider tradition was being held, she would leave me be. Big Mac just told me this morning that he had lost it in a bet. I'm not even going to tell you what I did to him for betting my barrel on a hoofball game.'
Spike rolled back on his heels while observing her. After a second but knowing there was more to the story that peaked his curiosity, Spike moved over to the cabinet and opened up the storage unit. Inside was her untouched cider barrel. Spike was disappointed that he had to give it back but he understood that the barrel was important to her.
'I had not even touched it Apple Jack. I'm sorry. I didn't know he bet something that was not his.'
Apple Jack sighed in relief and placed a hoof on the barrel. The shade of desperation was still there when she looked between the barrel and Spike. 'Thank you Spike. I was mighty worried when Big Mac said he had given it to you earlier this week. All it would have taken was for Pinkie Pie to call a party for the castle and there it would go.'
Spike looked at Apple Jack blankly. The girl still needed to talk to someone. Spike gave an apologetic smile to Rarity before he offered, 'I will carry it for you. I am sorry Rarity, do you mind if I just come by your shop later this afternoon?'
'If it is not much of a bother Spike. We have not chatted since your help at my boutique.'
Spike smiled and nodded before he knelt to lift the barrel over his shoulder. He turned to the three girls and patted the barrel securely on his shoulder. Applejack led the way to her home. She had calmed down considerably but Spike did not try to chat her up as they left the castle. Behind them Rarity sighed at the same time Rainbow Dash moaned in disappointment.
'I was still hoping to see something interesting with the way Apple Jack marched into town. You would have thought she was going to war.' Rainbow Dash sniffed.
Rarity hmm'ed aloud as they both got out of their seats and left the castle. 'Don't let Apple Jack fool you. I did not know what happened with her aunt, however bumping heads with her over the past year, she only brings up her aunt in the grimmest of circumstance. I honestly don't know the mare's name. She was always just "Apple Jack's aunt". It makes me feel uneasy considering how close she is to her brother, sister and grandmother.'
Rainbow Dash raised her eyebrows. It was more than what she had heard. Rainbow Dash only had a vague idea about Apple Jack's home life but not much beyond she had a large family.
On the path beyond Ponyville Spike felt thirty minutes was long enough for the mare to tell him what really bothered her.
'Your aunt makes you that nervous?'
Apple Jack nodded. Her canter slowed slightly to turn her head to Spike. She looked at the dragon. 'More than nervous. She is a real piece of work. Granny Smith does what she can to protect me and Big Mac. But we know we have been protected our whole lives. I can't rely on her do to it this time. Not when she is getting slower this past year. It will be a victory if we can just make her recognize us as adults and not little foals with a crazy granny. You are usually good with strangers. Do you have any ideas?'
Spike chuckled. This is always why he appreciated Apple Jack. He could trust Apple Jack to see him as he is. 'You could always just talk to her how you talk to me. You believing yourself as her equal should always help.' The two slowly walked up the hill that cut off apple Acres from Ponyville. 'You were never mad about the barrel of cider were you?'
Apple Jack had the decency to blush at Spikes observation. 'I had given that barrel to Big Mac ages ago. Just receiving that letter from my aunt did put me in a right state this morning. I had originally come to beg for it back. But I think I built up steam as I walked over. One barrel really won't make a difference to her if she has her mind set. But it is not like she would just choose a colt for me. Its more the disapproval. Granny Smith seems fine with it, but my aunt hosts five ranches and could convince enough people that we need help and just have people take over. And I know that I- ' Apple Jack stopped when she realized she kept talking and closed her mouth and looked down. She exhaled and could not look at Spike when she added 'It was not my intention to come and ask for help...'
'Apple Jack.' Spike slowed to a halt and Apple Jack slowed down and turned to the dragon. The barrel hit the ground with a soft thud. They were still a ways from Apple Acres and the sun was still an hour before noon. Spike looked around both to the orchard in front of him and the town behind him. Apple Jack followed the gaze and smiled at what she saw. When she turned back to Spike, the dragon was sitting on the barrel and at eye level. Spike had her attention and smiled encouragingly at her.
'Apple Jack, you love it here. No one can take that away from you. Not your aunt, not any of the rest of your family. I met at least half of them remember? They would want nothing but the best for you. What does it matter that someone wants to change your life. You have time and you are using the best of it now to have a better future for everypony. Just remember all of that when you talk to her. You are equals remember?'
Apple Jack kept her smile and looked back to Ponyville. It saddened for a moment.
'She is old fashioned Spike. I can argue but she always had that air of authority. Even if the family didn't like it, they would listen to her. She always thought mares should be caring for the home and being the host, not being in front of the plows and the last to leave the barn.' Apple Jack sighed as she tucked her hat over her eyes. 'It was- My father was the same way. I don't know what I would be if my parents were alive.'
Spike gave her a sympathetic smile. 'Apple Jack, there is no use thinking about it now.' After a moment, 'So what are you going to do about Arlet?'
Apple Jack paused at the mention of her aunts' name. The mare swore quietly to herself. "Big Mac can't keep his maw shut.'
Spike smiled before jumping off the barrel and lifting it up. 'And you are thankful for it. It's good to hear the same things from two different people Apple Jack. It's affirmation. Just because I heard Mac's opinion does not automatically mean I am parroting what he says. Think about your parents, but don't let those memories be tainted by your aunt. I really think you have done an amazing job with the farm. Arlet Apple should see it too.'
Apple Jack took a moment before she was able to raise her hat above her eyes again. 'Thanks Spike.'
The two resumed their walk down to the orchard. 'So.. When is your Aunt coming?'
'In three weeks.'
'Think she would accept an escort from the train to Apple Acres?'
Apple Jack smiled and laughed lightly. 'She would. Thank you Spike.'
'You know I would do anything for you girls.' Apple Jack truly smiled to that.
Spike shared some time with the Apples. The conversations stayed clear of the letter the family had received that morning. Right before Spike was about to head out he asked Apple Jack. 'How is Apple Bloom? All three crusaders still seemed shocked last night.'
Apple Jack smiled. 'Apple Bloom at least seemed more upset that she should sit back when something is happening. In a sense I think she feels like her group is the next generation of adventuring ponies. I think you are the first to really shake that vision.'
Spike smiled. He wondered how his talk to Rarity would go. 'We'll I am about to head over to Rarity's, do you need me to relay anything to her?'
'Nothing comes to mind. Although if my sister is there tell her to come home.' Spike nodded before he started running up the road at a brisk pace back to town. Carrying the barrel had really slowed down the trip to Apple Acres. He wanted to make up the lost time to visit Rarity. Spike exhaled through his nose thinking about that old topic. He picked up the pace as he started down the hill towards town. Another friend was waiting for him.
Spike slowed to a trot as he entered town. His pace moved him past several blocks with a polite nod to a few ponies who waved hello. He slowed down to a walk when he came to the last block. The path ended at the steps of Rarity's boutique.
Spike could hear the crusaders squeal in laughter as he approached Rarity's home. He chose to ignore the front door and walked around to the back. Spike paused and observed the three foals, each with a cape on their back. It looked like they had taken to grabbing another spool of cloth from Rarity's store.
'I hope Rarity gave permission for you to use that.' All three girls jumped and screamed at the unexpected visitor. Spike looked back at the three impassively. He was more curious what they were making. Wavy lines and a circle were cut from an orange cloth. The white cloth they were currently using had shapes in the form of...
'Clouds? Is this for your report?' Spike asked as he walked closer while the girls took their time to calm down.
'Yep! We are making a poster for our presentation.' Declared Scootaloo. She gave the dragon a cheerful wave even as her other hoof was pointing to an image she had found in the book Spike handed to her the night before. 'We are getting an early start since we wanted to be the first to present to the class.'
'Good to hear you are all making progress. Sorry to interrupt your work girls. Apple Bloom, your sister said she wants you to come home. She has to talk to you about a family member who is going to visit.' Apple Bloom perked at the news. She had always loved it when family came to visit. It was no different now as she gave a cheer. Spike watched her pack and leave shortly there after. He wondered if Apple Bloom ever met Arlet Apple before. Spike turned back to the two remaining crusaders. He felt his chest tighten and his breathe hitched.
'Is Rarity inside Sweetie Belle?'
Sweetie Belle exchanged looks with Scootaloo before replying. 'Yes she is Spike. She would be in the attic right now. She is looking for an old pile of magazines from a few years ago. I think she was looking for inspiration for something.'
Spike thanked the two girls and turned to go inside. After he left, Scootaloo sighed and rubbed her head. Sweetie Belle scratched the dirt with a delicate hoof.
'Sweetie Belle, you see it too right?'
'Yeah. I do. That is so...' She stopped before saying anything else. She watched Spike through the window as he made his way upstairs. 'I still don't know how I feel about all of it.'
Scootaloo patted her friend on the shoulder with her wing. 'Let's get this cleaned up and go play. I don't think we are going to make any progress with Apple Bloom gone. She would be sad if she wasn't here to put together the poster.'
Spike could hear Rarity mutter to herself as he walked up the stairs. He smiled as he got to the top stair and saw her head deep in an old chest with several stacks of year old books, catalogs and magazines scattered around her.
'Need a break Rarity?'
Rarity curiously lifted her head out of the chest and looked to the stairs to see Spike. 'Spikey! I was ready to believe you would be over at Apple Jack's all day.' She tossed her mane about to have it rest correctly.
'I almost did. We had a good long talk.'
Rarity gave Spike a sympathetic smile believing he had a rough morning. 'I am sure you did. Lets go down and get some refreshment. Did you eat already?'
'Yes, but if you have not, I'll happily sit with you and drink some tea.'
The girls could be heard below them as they thudded in the house. Just as quickly as their steps sounded in the house, they left again, running back out side to play. Spike just caught the sight of Scootaloo closing the door on the way out.
'Good to see them in high spirits. Scootaloo looked down yesterday when I dropped her off.'
Rarity murmured in agreement. 'They all seemed to be in high spirits this afternoon after school. So I think they had resolved any reservations they have had about the library incident. I wanted to talk to you about Sweetie Belle but that little issue seemed to have calmed down for which I am thankful.'
Rarity looked around her cold box for what she would eat. A head of lettuce and a bowl of cold vegetables floated to the table. The pony went to the cabinet and started rummaging around again.
Spike stood next to Rarity, taking the things she took out of the cupboard and placed them on the table. It looked like she was making a sandwich for herself. Spike planted one hand on the counter and hopped up to grab her a plate before she could reach for it.
Spike grinned at her amused look.
The two had settled into a comfortable routine they had done for over a year. Spike started boiling water and grabbed the tea leaves while Rarity floated the cups from the high cupboard to the table. They occasionally had to invade each other's personal space. The kitchen was small and the table took up most of the room.
Rarity busied herself with making the sandwich as Spike blew a flame to quickly boil the water. With the tea kettle whistling he poured two cups of hot water into cups and set down the kettle on a metal grate that sat in the middle of the table.
Spike sat back as he stirred his tea infuser with his claw. It was a small stirrer with just enough room to pack in a clump of dried tea leaves. He took one sip and sighed. After a calm relaxing look at his cup he looked up to Rarity who giggled.
'Spikey. I wanted to talk to you for a while now, we have not a proper chat since you took it on yourself to set up my stage for the mid-day extravaganza. Thank you again for your help. I am sorry for not being able to get anyone else to help you.' Rarity frowned at the memory. Spike recalled she could not find any help to hire and was only able to pull off the event because he volunteered to set up the stage singlehandedly.
'I knew how important it was going to be for you. You know Twilight would have gone too if she could.'
'I know she would. But Celestia needed her. I would never begrudge anyone including you if you could not have helped Spike.' Rarity sipped her tea and pushed back her plate. Her sandwich was mostly eaten. She started peeling an orange with her magic before she set it down and looked to Spike.
'Spike, thank you for helping my sister. She described a few of the times you helped her when I was not around. I am relieved there is someone there for her when I can not be. Just as you have been there for me.'
Spike found himself chuckling. He had been thinking it more often. Spike looked right at her before saying, 'Anything for my girls Rarity.'
Spike poured himself more hot water to make tea. After he sat back down to stir his tea he saw Rarity look at him in surprise, her mouth shaped in an "oh".
Spike laughed aloud at the look. 'Is it that weird that I would think of you all as mine? I'm a dragon. I may not be greedy nor do I need a horde gems and gold, but still I have my treasure. All of you are my friends and there is no replacing any of you.'
'Oh Spikey Wikey!"
Rarity smiled and blinked away the mist that may have formed around her eyes before walking around the table and hugging the dragon. Spike hugged her back and leaned into her neck and mane. After a moment, he pushed back his friend and looked at her. She giggled.
'Look at me, my make up must be a sight.'
Spike rubber her cheek as the make-up ran down her face. 'You look as beautiful as the first day I saw you.'