//------------------------------//
// The Picnic 
// Story: The Duty of Love 
// by Midnight Sky2 
//------------------------------//

     Spike ran down the wooded path toward Ponyville. The leaves filtered out the sun and gave everything an enchanting green tint. The gnarled trunks and branches of the trees formed a living tunnel around the dirt path. Birds chirped and fluttered in the canopy overhead. Their glorious singing reminded Spike of a Canterlot chorus.
Spike was in a conundrum of how to spend the last day and a half he had in Ponyville. He knew that there was a very real possibility that these could be the last days he would ever spend there, but that was a risk he was willing to take if it would save his friends, or at least give them more time to live.
He knew that he wanted to spend the last half day with everyone and the last full day with Rarity. His question was HOW to spend this valuable time. He thought hard on this as he ran. The last days with your friends and family are not an easy thing to plan. He also thought that he might not die. But what if he did? He wanted this to be the best day and a half ever. 
Ideas flooded through his mind. Sleepover at Twilight’s? No. Take them all out to a movie? Nah. Picnic? WAIT! THE PICNIC! How could he have forgotten about the picnic!? He was supposed to go to an all day picnic at Sweet Apple Acres that Pinkie Pie was throwing to help the Apple family get Braeburn and Appleloosa off their minds and now he had missed half of it!
“Great! That’s just great!” Spike hissed to himself as he broke into a sprint. He was already panting heavily but he didn’t want to miss a second more of that picnic than he had to.
As he rounded a bend in the narrow trail he saw where the forest ended. It appeared as a light at the end of an immense green tunnel. Just behind that was Sweet Apple Acres where everypony would be waiting for him. But as he increased speed two mares leaped out onto the path in front of him. He tried to stop too quickly and fell to the ground and slid through the dust. This would have hurt if he was a scale less creature, but thanks to his thick dragon scales, he hardly felt a thing.
He coughed and sat up waving his hands to blow the irritating particles away from his face. As it cleared he saw who was in front of him.
“Who goes there?” the mint green unicorn mare with a lyre for a cutie mark asked roughly.
“Speak up!” commanded the cream colored earth pony with a two toned mane.
“Lyra? Bon-Bon? What is your problem?” asked Spike irritably as he stood to his feet and brushed himself off.
“Oh sorry Spike.” apologized Lyra.
“Yeah, we didn’t know it was you.” added Bob-Bon.
“WHO were you expecting?” asked Spike through clenched fangs.
“Archenlanders.” they chimed simultaneously.
“WHAT!” growled Spike fiercely, narrowing his vertical pupils. “We’re twenty miles from the front! HOW did you two expect them to be around here!?”
“We didn’t know if spies or scouts could be around here.” began Lyra.
“So we set up this check point.” finished Bon-Bon as they shrunk back from Spikes anger. They were confused; Spike was usually so mild mannered and easy going. They had no idea of what he was about to endure for them. 
“You’re not the police or army.” sighed Spike softly upon seeing the fear and confusion on his friends faces. “You’re the town watch; you can’t set up check points. At the very most you can patrol the town and report suspicious activity. So go do that and leave me out of it PLEASE.” he said as he walked past them.
“Will do.” they called after him. It fell on deaf ears. Spike’s powerful legs had already carried him down the road to the open gate of the apple orchard.
He dashed down the long, winding, dusty driveway toward the farm house. It was you’re typical ranch house; creamy yellow in color with white shudders on its few windows. In front of it there were a few blankets spread across the short, emerald green grass. His friends were enjoying the festivities.  Twilight and Rarity were chatting on a white and red checkered blanket that was spread in front of the house. Fluttershy and Big Macintosh were off playing with Winona in one of the vast, open fields that lay just behind the house and helped separate the different groves of the apple orchard. Pinkie Pie was eating a massive slice of cake with Granny Smith on the old, rickety porch. And Applejack and Rainbow Dash were in the middle of a heated one on one volley ball match. He didn’t see Applebloom, Sweetiebelle, or Scootaloo. That was either a really good or a really bad thing, depending on what they were up to. 
Spike ran up to Twilight and Rarity. He bent over panting heavily.
“I’m *gasp* here!” he proclaimed excitedly. His friends looked at him with concerned faces. He was late, he was panting, he had obviously run a long way, and he was red in the face.
“Where were you?” asked Twilight looking him over from her place on the blanket. “You look terrible.”
“Gee, thanks….Love you too.” said Spike sarcastically. 
“Is something the matter?” asked Rarity getting up from the blanket and looking at her lover with a confused look on her face.
“Nope. I’m great!” he proclaimed stretching one way then the other sweat dripping from his thick green scales.
“You smell HORRIBLE!” gagged Rarity, taking a step away from Spike after she had tried to hug him.
“My bad. It’s hard to run clear across the Everfree Forest without getting a little sweaty.” explained Spike.
“WHY did you run across the Everfree Forest?” asked Twilight raising her eyebrow.
“Needed the exercise.” said Spike plainly, leaning against the white rail fence that ran parallel to the driveway.
“Oh, of course.” agreed Rarity as she sat back down on the checkered blanket.
“Did I miss anything?” Spike asked turning to Twilight.
“Not really.” she replied. “This is pretty much what we’ve been doing all day.”
“Cool.” he said nodding his head. “I’m gonna go grab a piece of cake before Pinkie eats it all.” he laughed as he turned to walk to the dessert tray Pinkie had set out on the porch.
“Okay.” said twilight.
“See you later Sweetie.” called Rarity. Spike raised his hand and waved without looking back.

________________________________________________________________________________________

Rarity leaned towards Twilight. “Did he seem a little…different to you?” she whispered.
“Yeah. Something about his eyes.” Twilight said looking up over Rarity to make sure Spike wasn’t looking at them. He was talking to Granny Smith. They were safe to continue their conversation.
“I know darling. What do you think is bothering him?” asked Rarity with a concerned look in her sapphire blue eyes.
“I have no clue but I KNOW he didn’t run through the Everfree just for exercise.” Twilight’s amethyst eyes bore the same expression as Rarity’s.
“I HAVE to agree.” said Rarity. “His eyes were so full of pain.”
“And LOVE” added Twilight. “I’ve never seen such a deep love in his eyes.”
“I know.” sighed Rarity. “Do you think he’s mad at us for something?”
“What could he have to be mad at US for?” laughed Twilight. She thought that was completely ridiculous.
“I don’t know, maybe he’s fuming because we refuse to let him join the armed forces and get his silly self killed.” said Rarity lowering her head at the thought that SHE might be the reason Spike was so upset.
“Or maybe he’s just upset over Appleloosa. You know how much he cared for that place.” said Twilight compassionately to console her friend.
“Of course. That MUST be it.” said Rarity smiling with relief at this epiphany. 
“He probably just went for a run to keep his mind off of it.” Twilight said happily that she had figured out what was troubling her adopted son.
“Exactly darling.” said Rarity. “Guys just don’t show their feelings as openly.”
“No they don’t.” laughed Twilight and the two continued their previous conversation.
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Spike had been talking to Granny Smith for about three minutes but it seemed like three hours. She went on and on about the farm. She talked about the different types of apples, what soil they liked, where they were located on the farm, and how only the love and care of a dedicated farmer could yield such and such a result. Who knew such an old pony could take so fast?
Spike gazed at her ancient face, not listening to a word the wise old pony was saying, just watching her. The cavernous wrinkles on her faded, orange face testified to her age. From the stories he had heard her tell she was at least 320 years old. She had been twelve at the time of the foundation of Canterlot some 308 years ago.
The old pony seemed to be tiring from her talking, much to Spike’s relief. Her old, withered legs began to shake as if they were branches blowing in the wind. Her dull, green eyes began to try to close.
“I’m sorry Dearie, but I need a nap.” she said in a shaky, tired voice.
“Do you need any help getting to bed?” Spike asked compassionately bending down to assist the elderly mare.
“No, no, Dearie I’m fine. I just need to get to the old rocking chair over there.” she pointed a shaking hoof at an old, rickety, dusty rocking chair located on the other side of the porch (about thirty five feet) and she began to walk, ever so slowly toward it. Granny Smith was very independent for her age. Slowly but surely she reached her chair. She climbed stiffly into it her limbs quaking the entire time. She picked up a plaid blanket and placed it gently across her lap. Within seconds she was snoring, her wrinkled, gnarled ears twitching in the slight breeze that had arisen. Spike was impressed; usually old ponies need help walking such a long distance. 
“All of this for a piece of cake.” sighed Spike as he walked over to the dessert table.
The dessert table was a large cherry table around ten feet long. Tray after silver tray of desserts of every flavor and color covered the table. Pinkie Pie had gone all out with cupcakes, cookies, puddings, cakes, fruit trays, ice cream, and many other delicious treats. If it was sweet and good to eat, it was on that table.
Spike carefully cut himself a slice of red velvet cake. It was probably the best he had ever tasted. The richness of the icing combined with the delicate, suddle flavor of the cake caused him to sigh with delight. Pinkie Pie was the absolute best baker in Ponyville, hands down. He had had her red velvet cake many times before but she somehow made it seem like every time you ate a piece you were trying it for the first time. It never got old.
Satisfied, Spike scanned the yard for something to do. Rainbow and Applejack were still going at it; neither of them was going to give in. Their manes were in disarray, they were sweaty, and Applejack had even taken her hat off; but this game would continue until one of them gave in. Rainbow spiked the ball and Applejack dove for it, hitting back to the other side of the net. Rainbow jumped for it and swatted at the flying projectile but missed and the ball hit the ground with a soft thud that Spike found strangely satisfying. 
“Give up yet?” called Applejack with a smirk. They were both trying to catch their breath.
“Never!” snarled Rainbow angrily. She was obviously losing but just to irritate her Spike was going to ask who was winning anyway.
“Hey!” he called as he strolled over to the two mares.
“Hi yah Spike!” called Applejack, wiping the sweat from her face with her right hoof.
“Hey Spike.” said Rainbow Dash in an angry tone. She was not used to losing anything except hoof wrestles with Applejack. Her tone delighted Spike; this was going to be fun.
“So” he began with a mischievous smirk on his face. “Who’s winning?”
“I am.” chimed Applejack proudly with a smug smile. 
“Not by much!” interjected Rainbow; she dashed from her side of the net to Applejack’s.
“So five points ain’t much?” asked Applejack roughly.
“You’re not leading by five!” growled Rainbow, getting in Applejack’s face.
“Am too!” retorted Applejack pushing Rainbow away from her.
“Are NOT!” growled Rainbow Dash, pushing Applejack to the ground.
“So that’s how it’s gonna be.” Applejack said coldly. She leaped from her place on the ground and tackled Rainbow Dash. A dust cloud formed around the two mares. Shouts of anger, fighting, as well as a car horn, chicken, and other such noises erupted from the light brown cloud as it tumbled about the yard.
Spike slapped his knee and walked away laughing hysterically. Even if his friends were ticked at each other, it was totally worth it.
The rest of the day continued without a hitch. The feud between Applejack and Rainbow Dash eventually simmered down and they forgave each other, just like every time they fought, which was quite often. There was a barbeque of vegetables and flowers. Everyone, even Rarity, joined in for a volley ball game. Spike, Rarity, Applejack, Applebloom, and Sweetie Belle on one team and Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Big Macintosh, Twilight, Pinkie Pie, and Scootaloo on the other, with Granny Smith as score keeper. Spike’s team won despite being outnumbered. The night finished with a dramatic fireworks display and everyone’s good nights.
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Spike was walking Rarity home. They were both exhausted. It was a moonless night, only the stars twinkled in the great expanse of the night sky. 
They strolled through the lighted Streets of Ponyville. Moths fluttered under the ghostly glow of street lights. The light posts stood alone on the deserted streets. The shadows of the two lovers passed over building after building as they strolled on toward Carousel Boutique. Rarity leaned her tired head against Spike and he put his hand on her shoulder so that his arm formed an ark over her. That was the trouble with being twice her height; he couldn’t rap his arm around her as they walked. But at least he could hold her close.
“Today was a great day.” she said with a yawn.
“It sure was.” said Spike dreamily as he gazed lovingly down upon the snow white coat of his fiancé. He wondered if their love was really meant to be, or if destiny would separate them forever. They walked the rest of the way in silence.
“Here we are.” sighed Spike as they climbed the steps of the Boutique. Spike bent his neck down and hugged her in the typical pony way.
“Rarity?” asked Spike.
“Yes?” she asked looking up at him.
“Will you go on a date with me tomorrow?”
“It will have to be after seven o’ clock because I have SO many orders to fill, and then there’s me getting dressed for the occasion. And…”
“WILL it be seven or not?” he asked, cutting her off.
“Seven works for me.” she said.
“PERFECT!” he proclaimed. “That gives me all day to prepare and set up.
“‘Set up?’ Spike. What are you planning?” she asked curiously.
“It’s a surprise.” he said winking at her with a smile.
“Okay then.” she said tiredly with a yawn.
“Good night My Lady.” said Spike gazing into Rarity’s sparkling blue eyes.
“Good night My Love.” she sighed as she starred into his fluorescent emerald eyes. Spike bent down and kissed her softly on the cheek. She did the same to him. They had vowed not to kiss on the lips until their wedding day.
Rarity turned and quietly opened the door. As she did so she was taken back by the sight of her dad standing in the middle of the door way with an unhappy look on his mustached face. He was wearing his usual blue, Hawaiian shirt. His thick, chocolate brown mane was immaculately combed, and his chestnut fur glowing in the light that shown from the room behind him.
“Oh, Father! You startled me! Where you spying on us the entire time?” gasped Rarity.
“Rarity go inside and go to bed.” he said unhappily, with a stern, protective voice. His eyes were fixed on Spike and Spike knew it.
“But Father!” protested Rarity.
“No buts. Get inside.” he said roughly.
“Yes Father.” she sighed sadly, lowering her head and marching inside. Mr. Gemstone closed the door behind her with his left rear hoof.
“Spike.” he growled at Spike with a scowl on his face.
“Yes Sir?” said Spike nervously. He was breathing heavily, his heart was pounding. What had he done wrong?
“Come closer.” he said with the same tone of voice. Spike gulped deeply.
“How’s this?” he asked, taking a step forward. He was trying his best to mask his fear. 
“Closer” Mr. Gemstone ordered. Now Spike was REALLY scared. He was sweating and shaking.
“CONGRATULATIONS!” shouted Mr. Gemstone joyfully as he slapped Spike on the back.
“Huh?” asked Spike dumb founded.
“I haven’t had a chance to congratulate you since the proposal and to thank you again for asking before you did it.” explained Mr. Gemstone with a huge smile on his face.
“Then what was?” asked Spike with a confused look on his face, making hand motions to express his confusion.
“I just like messing with yah.” laughed Mr. Gemstone.
“So, when’s the big day?” he asked putting his arm around Spike as they began to walk away from the boutique.
“Not entirely sure. Rarity and I have thought about the seventh of June but ultimately it’s up to Celestia since we’re having it at her castle.” Spike explained.
“I see.” said the other deep in thought. “That’s good!” he laughed, springing back to life. “Rarity always wanted a Canterlot wedding.”
“I know.” Spike sighed.
“You look plum tired.” Mr. Gemstone observed.
“I am.” Spike yawned, rubbing his eyes.
“Well go home and get some sleep.” Mr. Gemstone ordered, slapping Spike affectionately on the back one more time.
“Good night Mr. Gemstone.” said Spike.
“Please.” began Mr. Gemstone. “Call me ‘Dad’”.
“Are you sure?” asked Spike.
“Of course, we’re family now.” 
“Okay then. Good night Dad.” said Spike. He turned, waved and began the walk back home to the library. He looked over his shoulder to see Mr. Gemstone shutting the door to the boutique.
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“Good son-in-law.” said Mr. Gemstone to himself. He looked up to see Rarity glaring at him.
“If I weren’t a lady I’d slap you.” she growled.
“I was just having a little fun.” said Mr. Gemstone innocently.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Spike entered the bedroom quietly. Twilight was sound asleep. All Spike could see of her was her sheets rising and falling with each breath and some of her mane that rested on her pale white pillow.
Spike smiled and went to bed.