//------------------------------//
// One Day More 
// Story: The Lavender Arrow 
// by DisneyFanatic23 
//------------------------------//

When evening fell, the Society of the Lavender Arrow gathered around the campfire for supper. A few of the members, including Twilight and Pinkie, were out on patrol and had not yet returned. Regardless, the outlaws were so ravenous they could not wait, especially Spike after a long day's training. He massaged his aching limbs as he waited for the food to be passed around.

"You'll feel less sore the more you practice," Rainbow Dash said, placing her hooves behind her head as she leaned back against the log. "Your body's not used to so much exercise."

"Did you have to punch so hard though?" Spike asked, rubbing his aching shoulder.

"Hey, if you're gonna be prepared for the real thing, I ain't going easy on ya."

Bon-Bon, who was in charge of the cooking tonight, handed Spike and Rainbow their bowls of mush.

"What's on the menu tonight?" Rainbow asked.

"Mushroom and berry paste," Bon-Bon replied.

"Again?" some pony said with a whine.

"Better than what Pinkie usually makes," Rainbow said with a shrug.

Spike began wolfing down his food, making unflattering slurping sounds.

Rainbow chuckled. "Guess it's true what they say about dragons eating anything, huh?"

"Yup," Spike said, licking the paste off his face with his long tongue.

"He already eats like an outlaw," Bon-Bon said with a giggle.

"Yup," Rainbow said, taking a noisy chomp out of her food. "You'll fit right in here, kid."

As they ate, Spike noticed the griffon, Gilda, sending him a deadly glare through the campfire flames.

"Is she still mad at me for what happened at Ghastly Gorge?" Spike asked, noticing the claw marks on her face.

"Yeah," Rainbow said with a swallow. "But don't take it personally. Gilda gets mad at everybody." She sighed sadly. "Can't really blame her though, what with her entire village being burned to the ground by Lunarian soldiers."

"What was her village?"

"Griffonstone."

She glanced sideways at him and noticed the fearful look on his face.

"What's wrong?"

"Griffonstone," Spike said. "I…I remember my uncle mentioning a battle there a few years back." He turned to Rainbow. "Did…did everyone perish? Even the children?"

The pegasus nodded solemnly. "Only Gilda and a small handful of other griffons made it out."

Spike looked down at his feet in guilt. "I knew Uncle Tirek had to make sacrifices for this war, but I had no idea that…"

"Hey," Rainbow said, putting her hoof around him. "Don't beat yourself up over it, kid. You couldn't have known."

"But I should've. Why do so many people have to die when they're given no choice to fight?"

"You've never really seen battle, have ya, kid?"

Spike blushed. "Is it that obvious?"

She smirked. "I'm teaching ya to fight, and I can tell you've never been in a real one. Well, this is how war is. People get hurt, soldiers and non-soldiers alike. Until the ponies in charge come to a peaceful agreement, all you can do is protect yourself and the ones you love."

At the mention of loved ones, Spike clutched the apple-shaped locket around his neck.

"That from your girl?" Rainbow asked, pointing to the locket.

"It belonged to her parents," Spike said, opening it up to reveal their faces. "Applejack said to give this to her brother, so he'll know she sent me."

"Oh, yeah. Her brother's a knight, right? All the way in Applewood." Rainbow shook her head. "That's a long trip, kid."

He huffed. "Don't I know it."

"Hey, Spike!"

Rainbow and Spike jumped as Pinkie Pie suddenly appeared behind them. She threw off the hooded beggar's robe she'd been donning and thrust a piece of parchment into Spike's face.

"Lookie what I found! You're famous!"

On the parchment was a sketch of Spike's face. He stiffened when he read the text: WANTED: Spike de Dragon, for High Treason and Attempted Murder. Reward.

"Wow," Rainbow said, looking at the bounty. "That's a lot higher than the price on my head." She playfully punched his arm. "You're officially one of us now!"

"But high treason?" Spike said in disbelief. "Attempted murder? It's all lies!"

"Well what'd you think Tirek was gonna write?" Pinkie asked. "WANTED: Spike de Dragon, really nice guy I'm trying to kill because he knows I killed his father and he's trying to steal the mare I've rightfully kidnapped?"

"She's got a point there," Rainbow said.

"Now you see why it would be unwise to make an immediate attack," Twilight said as she approached the campfire. "Even Sir Big Macintosh would be wary if you suddenly popped up at Sweet Apple Acres."

"So what do we do?" Spike asked.

"Just focus on your training, for now." She addressed the crowd. "Spike is not the only one with a bounty on his head. It would be best if we all lay low for a little while, at least until Lord Tirek is vulnerable enough for another attack."

Twilight noticed Spike holding the locket close to his heart.

"We'll be keeping tabs on her, Spike," she said. "If Tirek attempts to marry her off, or tries anything else, we'll know."

As the outlaws cheered, the dragon looked around at all of them and smiled. For the first time in his life, he felt a sense of comradery.





In Applejack's chamber, a small table was set up with a plate of salad, surrounded by an assortment of silverware.

"Alright, darling," Rarity said, sitting across from Applejack. "Fortunately for you, I was able to convince Lord Tirek to bring up some supper when I informed him of my intentions to teach you proper etiquette, and would have to start with dining etiquette. At least this way you won't starve before you're ready to dine with that brute. Now," she pointed to the plate, "show me how you eat salad."

Licking her lips, Applejack crouched down and began crunching on the lettuce. She stopped when she noticed Rarity cringing.

"What?" Applejack asked with her mouth full.

"That's, err, fine," the unicorn said, shaking her head. "However, it is more appropriate for one to eat salad with a fork."

Applejack swallowed. "Right."

She went for the biggest fork on the table.

"No, no, no!" Rarity cried, waving her hooves. "That is the dinner fork! You must use the salad fork!"

Confused, Applejack reached for the small fork above the plate.

"That's the dessert fork!"

"What the hay do I need so many forks for?!" Applejack demanded. "I'm just eatin' one stinkin' meal!"

Rarity put her hoof to her head. "I thought you were raised in a wealthy household! How is it you can't tell a dessert fork from a salad fork?"

"I dunno." The earth mare shrugged. "My parents were simple folk. We would just have a fork, a spoon and a knife and that was it."

Rarity shook her head with a sigh. "This is going to be harder than I thought."





Spike ducked as Rainbow attacked him with a right hook. When he stood back up, she jabbed him in the chin with an upper-cut.

"Don't keep your fists so close to your chest!" Rainbow exclaimed, shifting back on her back hooves. "Keep 'em up, but not too far away! They gotta be ready to block my blows!"

He yelped as he was suddenly kicked in the gut, forcing him to crouch down. He kneed him in the jaw and he fell backward in pain.

"Isn't it kind of unfair that you've got the advantage of size over me?" Spike asked warily.

"Size doesn't matter in a fight," Rainbow said, sitting down on his hips. "All ya gotta do is gain leverage over your opponent. Now," she said, raising her hooves, "suppose ya got somebody on top of you. You wanna prevent them from getting on your chest, otherwise you're gonna have a harder time getting them off. Keep your fists up."

He obeyed her, though his fists were shaking.

"Alright, now buck your hips."

"What my what?" Spike asked, his cheeks turning red.

She rolled her eyes. "Thrust your hips upwards! It'll knock me off-balance!"

He looked down at his hips and the huge haunches putting pressure on them. "How's that gonna work? You're so heavy!"

Rainbow groaned as she climbed off of him. "Alright. I'll show you." She laid herself on the ground and curled up her back legs. "Sit on my hips. And don't get any ideas."

Biting his lip nervously, he did so. Rainbow kept her hooves up so he wouldn't move up to her chest.

"Okay," she said, "now pretend you're punching me in the face."

Still nervous, Spike weakly thrust out his arm. Suddenly, Rainbow bucked her hips upward, causing Spike to yelp as he fell forward. His arms landed on either side of her head. Her back right hoof hooked his left foot while her front hooves clasped around his left elbow and pulled it down to her chest. In a single motion, she rolled them both over to her right until she was right on top of him.

"And use your opponent's knees," Rainbow said, pushing her front hooves against his knees, "to get yourself up." She folded her front hooves proudly. "See? Simple. Now you give it a try."

Spike let his head fall back with a groan.





"What's the point of this again?" Applejack asked as Rarity used her magic to place books on the earth mare's head.

"For posture, of course," Rarity said. "If you can walk while balancing these books, you'll know you've achieved proper poise."

Applejack wobbled as she steadied the books with her hoof. "But surely ladies don't walk like this all the time."

"Of course not!"

"Then how will I know I'm walkin' straight if I don't have these books on my head to tell me?"

"Just imagine they're there!"

"So…should I keep 'em on my head or not?"

Rarity smacked herself in the face. "Just walk towards me and try not to drop any of those books."

Applejack nodded, which, unfortunately caused all the books to fall. Chuckling nervously, she shrugged, not amusing Rarity in the slightest.





In the forest, Pinkie sat on a tree trunk, humming to herself with her eyes closed. Her ears perked up.

"Three," she murmured, rubbing her hoof against her chest, "two," and blowing on her hoof, "one."

With a might war cry, Spike leaped out of the bushes towards her. Without opening her eyes, Pinkie Pie ducked just in time. The dragon soared over her head and tumbled to the ground. As he groaned in pain, Pinkie peered over him.

"Was I really that loud?" Spike asked.

"Yup," Pinkie piped.

"Aw, come on! What'd I do wrong this time?!"

"For one thing," she said, straightening up and circling him, "you were breathing so hard you were practically gasping, you stepped on every pebble that was in your path, and you were moving too quickly that I could hear the brambles whipping against your scales and when you attack your opponent from behind, never cry out no matter how fun it is to make a war cry!"

She held out her hoof to help him up. "Even the slightest sound can alert your enemy to your presence. The trick is to take your time, analyze your surroundings and move slowly. Try breathing through your nose instead of your mouth. Or, if necessary, hold your breath for as long as you can. If you get tired, or you suspect your enemy may have heard you, stay where you are and remain perfectly still! Don't even blink or shiver or scratch your nose no matter how itchy it is!"

"But it's impossible!" Spike shouted. "Look at all these twigs and branches in the way! How can anyone sneak around here without being heard?"

Suddenly, a blindfold was wrapped around his eyes.

"What are you doing?" he asked.

"You need to practice using your senses other than sight," he heard Pinkie say. "Who knows? Your enemy might be sneaking up on you in the dark!" She whispered in his ear. "Friendly tip: when listening for enemies, it helps to keep your own sound and movement to a minimum too."

"But I thought they were the ones sneaking up on me." He waited for Pinkie's response. "Pinkie?" He turned his head in all directions. "Pinkie? Where'd you—oomph!"

He was suddenly tackled to the ground, and by the bubbly giggle he could guess the culprit.

"See what I mean?" she said, taking off his blindfold. "You were so busy talking you forgot to listen for me!" She tied the blindfold over her own eyes. "Okay! Now you sneak up on me!"

"But Pinkie—"

He cried out as she grabbed his claw and flung him over her head and to the ground.

"Get your head in the game, Spike!" Pinkie said, pulling him up. "You're getting creamed by a blind mare!"

It's a good thing the Diamond Dogs aren't here to see this, he thought. Otherwise I'd never hear the end of it.





"Repeat after me," Rarity said as she braided Applejack's mane. "Eight gray geese…"

"Eight gray geese…" Applejack repeated.

"…in a green field…"

"…in a green field…"

"…grazing."

"…grazin'."

"Now say it together, slowly at first."

Knowing what a pain it would be on the tongue, Applejack took a deep breath. "Eight gray geese in a green field grazin'."

"No, no, no!" Rarity cried, dropping the blonde braid, letting it unravel. "All wrong!"

"What now?" Applejack asked in exasperation. "I pronounced it right!"

The unicorn huffed. "Elocution isn't only about your pronunciation, but you tone, the elegance of your voice!"

The earth mare scowled. "And what's wrong with my voice?"

"Oh, don't get me wrong. I personally find your country drawl charming. However, your rough speech may give others the wrong impression, always so gruff. You sound like you were raised in a barn."

"And what's wrong with bein' raised in a barn?!"

"Being!" Rarity stressed the second vowel. "You must enunciate the whole word, not slump it all into one vowel! Oh, and you didn't pronounce it right, you pronounced it correctly!"

Applejack grunted in annoyance. "Dagnabbit! Why ya hoity-toities gotta be so gosh darn picky about every last stinkin' detail?!"

Narrowing her eyes, the unicorn said, "While we're on the subject of proper speech, let's discuss your…colorful vernacular."





Spike grunted as he parried Rainbow's rod.

"Good, good," Rainbow said. "Remember to keep your stance wide and your knees slightly bent. But don't take your eyes off me!"

She swung her stick. Spike blocked the blow and retaliated with a thrust. Rainbow jumped out of the way.

"Almost had me there, kid," Rainbow said as she blocked his next attack. "You've gotten much better over these past couple of weeks."

Spike smiled proudly. "Told you I'm a fast learner."

As he was defending himself from her attack, Gilda suddenly swooped down from above with a stick of her own and hit him over the head. Crying out, Spike cradled this head and glared up at her.

"Oh yeah," Rainbow said with a smirk. "Never expect your opponent to be without backup." She called up to the griffon, "Thanks for the demonstration, Gilda!"

"Now we're even, squirt!" Gilda shouted down to the dragon with a laugh.

Spike turned his glare to the pegasus, who merely shrugged.

"Hey, you can't expect the battle to be fair. You gotta stay alert."

She swiped at his feet. Catching the movement out of the corner of his eyes, he jumped as the stick went by. Rainbow nodded proudly.

"Now you're getting it."





Beads of sweat trickled down Applejack's face as she balanced the single book on her head and walked towards Rarity.

"That's it," the unicorn said encouragingly. "Move slowly, keep your gaze forward, but don't make eye contact!"

Applejack stumbled and the book started sliding off. She caught it and carefully pushed it back onto her head.

"Don't think about the book," Rarity said. "Just remember: you're doing this for Spike."

"I'm doin' this for Spike," Applejack muttered to herself. "I'm doin' this for Spike. I'm doin' this for Spike."

"You did it!"

"Huh?" Applejack said, directing her eyes to the unicorn, who was clapping her hooves together.

"You made it all the way across the room without dropping the book!"

Putting her hoof to her head, Applejack discovered the book was still there. "Huh. Whaddya know?" She caught Rarity's glare. "I mean…what do you know?"

Smiling, the unicorn levitated a second book onto her friend's head. "Now try again."

Groaning, Applejack slowly turned around and started her way back across the room, all the while muttering, "I'm doing this for Spike. I'm doing this for Spike."





As the next arrow hit the outer rim of the target, Spike shouted angrily and threw down his bow.

"Don't give up now, Spike," Twilight said.

"But we've been at this for weeks and I still can't get past the outer rim!" he yelled, throwing his arms up in exasperation. "I've followed all your advice! What is it I'm still doing wrong?!"

He picked up a rock and threw it at the center target, only to miss it by a few feet. Twilight rubbed her chin thoughtfully.

"Stick out your thumb."

Spike raised an eyebrow. "Huh?"

"Just do it."

Still confused, Spike clutched his right claw into a fist and stuck out his thumb.

"Bring it to your snout," Twilight said.

"What is this, some kind of game?"

Her impatient scowl made him obey.

"Now extend your arm straight out and keep your eyes on your thumb." Twilight waited for him to do so. "Alright. Without moving your thumb, and without looking away from it, close your left eye."

Spike shut his left eye and, to his surprise, his thumb seemed to jump to the right.

"Did your thumb move?" Twilight asked.

"Yes," he replied.

"Okay. Now open your left eye and then close your right one."

He did so. "Huh."

"Did you notice anything?"

"My thumb didn't move at all that time."

Twilight smiled knowingly. "That's your problem. You've been shooting with the wrong claw this whole time!"

"What are you talking about?" Spike asked, facing her in disbelief. "I'm right-clawed!"

"Yes, but you're left-eye dominant. Your vision did not change when you kept your left eye open, which means you see better with your left eye. Hence, the best way for you to aim your arrow from far away is if you shoot from your left side." She shook her head. "Honestly, I would've thought at least Scorpan would've taught you this."

"Because it's ridiculous!" Spike picked up his bow. "I've been shooting with my right claw for years!"

"And have you ever hit a bullseye before?"

He blinked. "Well…no, but—"

She handed him an arrow with her magic. "At least give it a try."

Glancing between Twilight and the arrow, Spike sighed and nocked his arrow, this time on the left side of the bow. Using his left claw, he pulled the string back to his cheek and focused on the center target. Oddly enough, the distance seemed to be a lot clearer. Taking a deep breath, he released the arrow.

It struck the closest inward circle next to the bullseye. Spike's jaw dropped in amazement while Twilight applauded.

"It…it's so much closer now!" Spike exclaimed, looking at his left claw. "I…can't believe that actually worked!"

"We're not done yet," Twilight said, levitating another arrow. "You still want that first bullseye, don't you?"





Weeks turned into months. As Spike progressed in his training, he grew not only in strength, but in height, until he was as tall as his pony companions. Meanwhile, Applejack became thinner from lack of food. Tirek did feed her, but only in small portions. Rarity explained that he probably wanted her to appear presentable for her future husband, which of course meant a tiny waist was necessary.

Once Applejack had mastered carrying books on her head, Rarity took it a step further and taught her to dance while doing so. Applejack had to keep the books afloat through every turn and ever curtsy, which proved to be even more taxing than simply walking.

When it seemed Spike had grasped basic sword fighting techniques, Rainbow decided it was time to replace the rods with actual swords. She'd forged a special lightweight sword with a scaly hilt for the dragon. It cut through the air so smoothly, Spike complimented Rainbow on her work.

One supper, Rarity was thrilled to see Applejack reach for the correct spoon for her soup, and then sip the soup without slurping.

After Spike had hit a few bullseyes, Twilight got the pegasi to carry moving targets in the air. Thanks to the realization that he'd been shooting with the wrong claw, it didn't take long to master that skill too.

Then one day, as Rarity was dancing with Applejack, who had five books on her head all the while, the latter said in an elegant voice, "Eight gray geese in a green field grazing."

Rarity smiled to herself. "I think she's got it."

That same day, Pinkie sat in the middle of the forest blindfolded. She listened for her student, but heard nothing.

"Spike?" she asked, taking the blindfold off after several minutes. "You out there? If you were kidnapped on my watch, Twilight would never hear the end of—GAH!"

The dragon tackled her from behind and pinned her to the ground. Pinkie craned her head around and laughed.

"I think he's got it."

This notion was confirmed later that afternoon in Spike's sparring lesson with Rainbow. Their swords clashed and their shields clanged together. They'd been going at each other for so long that they had attracted a crowd.

"Two bits says Spike takes her," Pinkie whispered to Gilda.

"Get real," the griffon said. "No one can beat Rainbow."

Pinkie grinned slyly. "Think you'll lose then?"

Gilda huffed. "You're on!"

As she said this, Spike blocked Rainbow's blow and pushed hard against her sword. Rainbow took a step back and darted forward. Spike moved to the side and knocked her forward with his shield. Caught off-guard, Rainbow fell to her knees and was about to get up when Spike kicked her down.

Flipping over, she found Spike's sword at her throat, making everyone gasp. Rainbow looked up at the dragon, who was smiling victoriously. She shook her head with a laugh and held out her hoof.

"The day the student surpasses the teacher."

He glanced at her hoof and lowered his sword. "No way am I falling for that."

With a shrug, she stood up on her own. "Taught ya too well, it would seem."

The onlookers cheered while Gilda begrudgingly tossed Pinkie Pie two bits. Twilight watched Spike with her forelegs across her chest, smiling with pride.

"He's ready."





Upon hearing hoofsteps, Lord Tirek looked up from his dinner to see Rarity walk into the dining hall. She cleared her throat.

"My lord," she said in the most respectful tone she could muster, "allow me to present your charming ward, Miss Apple Jewel."

She stepped to the side, revealing the mare behind her. Tirek's eyes widened at the sight, as did the eyes of the Diamond Dogs standing in attendance.

Her once messy blonde mane was brushed and tied neatly into two long braids that fell over her no longer slouching shoulders. She wore a simple, yet stunning pink gown that hugged her now slender curves, its square collar cut modestly below her neck. The sleeves were trimmed with gold and tight enough to show the leanness of her forelegs.

This was definitely not the raggedy wench they'd brought to the castle two months ago.

As she approached the table, her hooves lightly touched the floor. She held her head high on her straight neck, but kept her eyes slightly downward so as to avoid eye contact with anyone. Rover hastily went to the empty chair at the end of the table and pulled it out for her.

"Thank you, good sir," Apple Jewel said softly as she gently lowered herself into the chair.

Her voice had changed as well. While a hint of her country accent remained, it lacked its usual edginess, now sounding smooth like honey, lilting in a way that was almost musical.

"Please accept my apology, my lord," Apple Jewel said, turning her attention to the centaur sitting across from her, keeping her gaze only slightly below his, "for my previous behavior. Seeing as you are now my guardian, I realize how rude it was for me to disobey you. I only hope I can win your forgiveness."

Tirek stared at her for a long while and then grinned approvingly. "I'm impressed, Miss Rarity," he said, addressing the unicorn. "Seems you have done the impossible and molded this arrogant child into a lady."

Rarity curtsied politely. "It is my pleasure to serve my lord in whatever way I can."

Tirek turned to Apple Jewel. "All is forgiven, my dear. Are you hungry?"

"Very much so," Apple Jewel said, glancing at Rarity. "If that does not trouble your lordship."

"Not at all." He waved his hand towards the unicorn. "See that Miss Apple Jewel gets some food from the kitchen."

Rarity curtsied and left the dining hall, but not before sending Applejack a helpful wink, which made her smile slightly.

"Now that I am assured that you will behave yourself," Tirek said, taking a sip of his wine, "we can discuss the matter of your marriage."

The suggestion made Applejack's blood go cold. "My marriage?"

"Yes," Tirek said, setting his goblet down. "Of course, your former lover's threat made it difficult to find a suitor willing to take the risk. However, I received a response from a young lord in Drakeville."

Applejack gulped. "Drakeville? Isn't that…out in the desert?"

"Naturally. We'll have little fear of the Society of the Lavender Arrow out there." He chuckled. "There are no woods for them to hide in." He noticed Applejack's horrified look. "This isn't going to be a problem, is it?"

Blinking, Applejack tried to mask her fear with a humble grin. "If this is what your lordship desires, so be it."

"Good," he said, returning to his meal. "We depart for Drakeville at midnight, to avoid being seen."

As her food was placed in front of her, Applejack glanced out one of the tall windows which overlooked the forest, anxious of the fate that lay in store for her.

Please hurry, Spike, she silently prayed.





There was cause for celebration at the camp of the Society of the Lavender Arrow. A few of the outlaws got out their lutes and harps for the others to dance to around the fire.

"Who's ready to roll out the barrel?" Pinkie called, rolling in on top of a barrel.

"Is that ale?" Rainbow asked hopefully.

Nodding, Pinkie pulled a bunch of tankards out of her mane. "Drink up!"

The outlaws cheered as they reached out to catch the tankards.

"Pinkie," Twilight said, crossing her hooves, "where did you get this ale?"

Hopping off the barrel, she replied innocently, "Does it really matter?"

The unicorn snorted angrily. "I told you to cut back on the thievery!"

"Even if it was from Discord's secret underground stash that only he and of course I know about?"

Smiling, Pinkie handed their leader a tankard. After keeping up her stern look for a few seconds, Twilight smirked and accepted the drink. Then she saw Spike headed towards the barrel with a tankard in his claw.

"Spike!" Twilight shouted. "You're too young to drink!"

"Aw, let him have some fun!" Pinkie said, nudging her in the side. "He completed his training today, he should be celebrating!" Glancing around, she hooked her foreleg in Twilight's and took her aside. "Besides, I found out a few things while I was sneaking around Midnight Castle that you're gonna wanna know about."

As Pinkie whispered, Twilight listened intently, casting the occasional glance at Spike.

"So what are we gonna do?" Pinkie asked.

Twilight tapped her chin. "It won't be an easy task. If something goes wrong, we'll need help."

After much thought, Twilight stood on a log near the campfire and signaled for the musicians to stop.

"My friends!" she called, holding up her hoof to get their attention. "I have news from Midnight Castle! Tonight, Lord Tirek is to depart for Drakeville with Miss Apple Jewel." She caught Spike's eye. "He intends to marry her off to a lord there."

The dragon stood. "We must stop them on the road! Catch them by surprise!"

Twilight shook her head. "Discord will be traveling with them. We won't stand a chance against his magic. Besides, if we attack now, we'll risk injuring Miss Apple Jewel. Tirek will be keeping her close."

Spike's shoulders slumped. "Then what do we do?"

"We follow them to Drakeville."

"But Drakeville's a desert town!" Gilda exclaimed. "Once we leave the forest, there will be nowhere for us to hide!"

"Which is why we won't follow them closely. You'll all leave at dawn and find them in Drakeville."

"You won't be joining us?" Rainbow asked.

"If my plan doesn't work, I have an alternative, but I'll have to go see an old friend first." She turned to the dragon. "Spike, you will be in charge while I'm gone."

Everyone turned to Spike, who appeared more surprised than they were.

"Um, Twilight?" he said, coming up to her. "Can I talk with you alone?"

Nodding, Twilight followed him into his tent.

"Are you crazy?" Spike demanded. "I can't lead these people!"

"You've completed your training," Twilight said matter-of-factly.

"That doesn't mean I can lead! You've all said so yourself, I've never even seen battle! I'm sure I can fight, yes, but I thought when I was gonna fight you were gonna be right there with me and—"

"Spike," Twilight said, gripping his shoulders. "You've come so far these past two months, so much so that there's nothing left for either of us to teach you. You're ready. We all believe it. And even though Applejack hasn't seen what you're able to do, I'm sure she believes it too."

At the mention of his love, Spike sighed in surrender. "Okay. I'll do it. For Applejack."

Her horn illuminated. "Take a few of these, just in case."

Spike's eyes widened at what fell into his claws. "Lavender arrows?"

"Three of them," Twilight said, using her hooves to close his fingers over the arrows. "Use them wisely. I have a few more of my own just in case, but they're not easy to make."

He looked at her in disbelief. "You…you want me to use these? On Tirek, on Discord, on…on Scorpan?"

"Who else?"

He stared down at the arrows for a while and then shook his head. "No. No, no. I can't accept these."

Spike tried to hand them back to Twilight, but she pushed his claws away.

"Why not?" she asked firmly. "They wronged you as much as they wronged me. Not only did they murder your father, but they took your mare."

"Tirek's acts are unforgivable," Spike said, clenching his claws. "But I have no quarrel with Discord, or Scorpan."

Twilight narrowed her eyes. "If it hadn't been for Scorpan, Tirek wouldn't have known where to find the lavender arrow, and while Discord may not have hurt you directly, his silence on Tirek's crimes make him just as guilty."

"But Uncle Scorpan's been good to me, truly! And I wouldn't have escaped had Discord not turned a blind eye! They may not always do the right thing, but they're not evil like Tirek!"

"They ruined me, Spike!" she said, gritting her teeth together. "They took away my home, my title, my life! Everything I'd worked so hard for, gone! They need to pay!"

"With their lives?!"

"Why not?!" she shouted, making him jump back. "They took your father's, and countless others'!"

Spike watched as tears fell from her eyes. He wanted to help her, but the sight of the deadly arrows made him sick to his stomach.

"I love my father," he said, tightening his grip on the arrows. "What Tirek did to him was awful." He held them out to her. "It's too late for Wind Rider, but I wouldn't wish that fate on anyone else."

Twilight appeared disappointed, but she took the arrows back with her magic.

"I won't stop you from taking revenge on Tirek," Spike said carefully, "but…at least reconsider your vendetta against Scorpan and Discord," he took her hoof, "for my sake?"

She sighed. "I can't make any promises."

Nodding, he dropped her hoof. "I understand."

She laid her hoof on his shoulder. "Listen. When you get to whatever house Lord Tirek will be staying at in Drakeville, here's some advice on how you can get past the guards."

Spike listened carefully as she relayed her plan. When she was through, she levitated the flap of the tent to return to the party.

"I think I'll rest," Spike said. "I'll need it for tomorrow morning."

Twilight nodded. "Goodnight then."

As she left, Spike settled down onto his makeshift bed and looked down at the apple-shaped locket around his neck.

"I'm coming for you, AJ," he whispered, and kept the locket close to his heart as he drifted off to sleep.