A Different Love for a Change...ling

by AngelShy24


Chapter 6: It's PARTY Time!

The next morning… Twilight was already up finishing any last-minute tasks she was doing last night. About an hour after she was up, Spike rose up out of his bed with a huge ‘YAWN’ while stretching his arms up high. He looked up on side of Twilight’s bed where Dragon Heart was and she was still sounding asleep. She didn’t even make any resemblance to a snore; it sounded more a soft whistling sound. All Spike could do was sit there for a few seconds and smile while he just sighed at her sweet slumbering sound. He soon got up quietly and exited the area not wanting to wake her from her peaceful slumber.
He walked into the front room where Twilight was finishing things up; he was rubbing his eyes to wake himself up more.
“Morning, Twilight.”
“Ah, good morning Spike, it seems you slept well.”
“’YAWN’ pretty much, but I think my back is scratching against my bed; I think I’m getting too big for it.” A mischief idea came to his mind. “Hmm… perhaps maybe next time I could sleep in your bed now with you… and Dragon Heart?”
Twilight smirked and arched an eyebrow, “Now, now Spike, no need to be so sly… but I’ll think about it. By the way, how’s Dragon Heart; is she awake yet?”
Spike just shook his head, “Nah, she’s still out of it. I guess she was really exhausted from yesterday. I wonder how long she has been traveling by herself.”
“Well I wouldn’t mainly know,” Twilight responded with a coy smile, “but you know, something tells me that we have nothing to worry about her.”
Spike was confused at what Twilight meant at that statement, “What makes you say that?”
“Oh nothing, just a feeling I had overnight.”
Spike thought that she was up to something but then decided to just forget it.
“Anyway, I don’t want to wake her up, she probably needs it.” Suddenly Spike had a little goofy smile on his face. “And besides, her snoring has the cutest sound. Ah... umm, I mean… it’s interesting… very interesting.”
“By the way Spike,” Twilight said with a gentle smile, “I just wanted to apologize.”
“Huh, about what?”
“About my attitude last evening; I guess I just strained brain doing a lot of studying yesterday that it caused me to feel irritated when you brought a young filly over to look after. Perhaps maybe I should take it a bit easier today, for her sake.”
Spiked looked a little surprised, “Wow twilight, where is this coming from.”
“Just showing my affection as a good friend; after all Dragon Heart needs some friends since that she’s all alone now.”
“She already made some friends,” said Spike, “you’re just the newest one she’s met. ‘GASP’ but you know you could help her out more… if you could be her private magic teacher, like Celestia is to you!”
Twilight perked up upon hearing Spike’s idea, “Spike, that’s a wonderful idea; wish I had thought of that first.”
Spike suddenly started to fiddle with his fingers a bit and his eyes were wondering all over the place. There was something on his mind and he decided to tell Twilight about it at lease.
“Hey, um… Twilight, can I… tell you something.”
Twilight turned towards him and gently nodded, “Sure Spike, shoot.”
“Well… you know how you were saying about me and… Dragon Heart being together?”
“Yeah,” Twilight responded?
“Y-you’re right, I… I like her, I mean like her like her! I know we just met and all, but… I was really drawn to how pretty she was; her fiery-red mane that gently waves in the wind, and those emerald eyes… whenever I look into them, it’s always too hard turn away. It’s almost like she’s become my most favorite gem in the world.”
Spike suddenly snapped out of his lovey fantasy when he realized that Twilight was standing there looking at him totally amused; she then chuckled, “Wow, you don’t say.”
Spike straightened himself up and glared at Twilight, “Yeah, that’s right. Just don’t tell any-pony else just yet, please?”
Twilight made a little zipper movement with her hoof across her mouth, “Don’t worry Spike, my lips are sealed.”
Just then, the front door became wide open flying into the doorway was Rainbow Dash.
“Hiya guys, great morning isn’t it?!”
Twilight sighed out of amusement, “Morning Rainbow; I see that you’re dashing through as usual.”
“Ha ha, dashing through, good one Twi,” Rainbow Dash responded.
“So what bring you here this early,” said Spike.
“Well I don’t about you,” she said to Spike, “but Pinkie wants your assistance Twi!”
“Really,” Twilight responded, “With what?”
“She wants you as well as the other girls, including me, to help her plan a welcoming party for your new houseguest!”
Spike’s eyes grew a little wide, “Wait, you know about Dragon Heart?”
“Well, yeah! Pinkie told us all about her already and how you two are probably going steady.” Rainbow had a sly grin on her face.
“No,” Spike protested, “it’s not like that!”
“Sure it isn’t squirt. Anyway Twi, Pinkie wants to see you as soon as… ‘GASP’” Rainbow suddenly spotted something on one of the bookshelves. She flew over to it and pulled out a book.
“OMG! Is this the newest Daring Doo book?! ‘Daring Doo and the Midnight Phantom’, I can’t believe you already have it!”
“Oh yeah,” said Twilight smiling awkwardly, “I meant to tell you that already. Heh, guess it kind of slipped my mind.”
Rainbow surprisingly placed the book back on the shelf, “Well as much as I want to delve into that now, Pinkie wants us, pronto! I’ll get to that book later.”
Twilight looked over at Spike, “Would you mind looking after Dragon Heart while she’s still asleep?”
“I’ll watch over her like a guardian angel…” he said with a sigh, “…b-because… you know… I’ll keep her safe.”
Both ponies just stared at him then looked at each other with sly eyes.
“Very well Spike,” said Twilight, “keep watch over her while we meet up with the others; keep her safe. ‘Wink’”
Spike wasn’t quite sure why Twilight winked at him but as she and Rainbow went out the door he didn’t ponder on it for long; he had a duty to fulfill. He walked back into the other room and went upstairs to where Dragon Heart was still fast asleep. He just sat there staring at her snoring away.
“’Sigh’ she sleeps like an angel,” he said to himself, “I wonder if what she’s dreaming about? Maybe she’s dreaming about being with her parents again or maybe being with me… for all...” He suddenly snapped himself out of it, “Wake up Spike, you just met her. Get to know her more. I have to do something to distract me.”
Spike went back downstairs to see if he could do something to past the time.

2 Hours Later…..

“AAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!”
A powerful scream from Dragon Heart was suddenly heard by Spike’s ears from downstairs.
“Oh my gosh,” yelled Spike, “Hold on Dragon Heart, your Spike is coming!
Spike bust into the other room to see the young pony screaming in her sleep.
“No, No! Stay away from him, don’t hurt him! Come back, #186!” Then… she woke up.
Spike ran up to her with a panicked look on his face and held one of her hooves to try and comfort her, “Are you okay, it seemed that you were having a bad dream; a nightmare! What was it about, and… what did you mean by #186?”
Dragon Heart freaked out a bit herself, “Oh my gosh! Um, it was… it was… a friend; a longtime friend. That was a number he liked to go as. But like you said it was a nightmare, it wasn’t real!”
Spike could see her face expressions and could tell that something was up.
“Dragon Heart, is everything alright; I’m worried about you.”
“I-it’s nothing,” she said, “Everything is fine… I promise.”
Something was buzzing inside Spike’s mind, something that told him something was going on with her and she wasn’t telling him. Maybe Twilight was right the night before; however, he decided not to bother on it just yet.
“Alright Dragon Heart, I believe you; just know that if anything ever bothers you just let any of us, your new friends, know; we got your back.”
She was touched by that comment made by Spike, but she still felt rotten knowing that she hasn’t revealed herself yet mainly out of fear; she didn’t want lose her new friends, especially not Spike.
Twilight soon came back to the library tree where she saw Spike and Dragon Heart sitting together on her bed.
“Aww… don’t you two look pwecious together.”
“Twilight,” they both shouted.
“Nothing is going on here,” said Spike.
“Absolutely nothing,” Dragon Heart added.
Twilight looked at both of them as Dragon Heart just looked away and Spike quickly hopped off the bed.
“Soo… what brings you back Twilight,” Spike said very nervously.
“Well, I live here for one thing; and second, I’ve come for Dragon Heart, and you too Spike.”
Dragon Heart stood at attention, “What, me?!”
“Well yeah. I’m pretty sure you already know my dear friend Pinkie Pie, right?”
“Oh yes, I do,” said Dragon Heart, “She said that she was going to throw me a welcoming party…but I don’t know; should I… r-really go?”
“What are you talking about,” shouted Spike, “It’s your party; of course you have to go! You don’t want to go and upset Pinkie, do you?”
Dragon Heart knew this moment was coming but she didn’t expect it this early in the day. Would she have to lie to and deceive more ponies to keep her real identity hidden; she really didn’t like the idea. But she got herself into this and she was going to continue to go with it.
“I guess not,” she responded to Spike, “She is going out of her own way to do this for me.” She smiled and walked over to Spike and nuzzled the side of his cheek, “I’ll go… for her sake, and mine.”
Spike’s heart pounded a little faster than before; he chuckled nervously and quickly ran to the door.
“Well… okay, heh, heh; then let’s go. We don’t want to keep your party planner and guests waiting!”
Twilight and Spike walked with Dragon Heart all the way to the doorstep of Sugar Cube Corner where Pinkie would be waiting.
“Seriously,” said Spike, “does she have to throw all of her parties here? No offense to her but a change of location would be nice.”
“Dragon Heart, you’re here,” shouted Pinkie as she raced to the door way, “and don’t you look spiffy! Did you do something to your mane?!”
Dragon Heart answered in a shyly way, “Um… I-I didn’t do anything to it a-at all.”
“Oh well, doesn’t matter cause you’re here!” Pinkie suddenly looked at Spike who was standing right next to Dragon Heart, “Hiya Spike, here to spend time with your… friend? ‘WINK’”
Spike gave her another annoyed look, “Knock it off, Pinkie.”
Pinkie suddenly grabbed her friends into the house and shouted out to everyone there.
“Hey every-pony, our special guest of honor has arrived! Let’s all welcome her with open hooves!”
Everyone there started shouting and cheering for Dragon Heart. Technically, Pinkie had already told everyone about Dragon Heart being homeless and parentless, so they made sure to welcome her as much as they could.
“Now the real party can finally start! Hit it DJ!”
“You got it, Pinkie!”
The record was slapped on and the music started blaring throughout the house. Everyone started to dance, socialize and mainly have fun in Dragon Heart’s honor. She was very pleased by all of this but she only wish that she didn’t let her fear keep her from revealing her true self. But her nerves got even more nervous when she saw the rest of Twilight’s friends coming up to her.
“Hey Dragon Heart,” said Twilight, “I’d like you to meet my other friends: Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Fluttershy, and… I think you’ve already met Applejack.”
“Howdy,” Applejack responded, “Nice to see ya again.”
“So, you’re Dragon Heart,” said Rainbow Dash, “huh; I gotta admit you’re pretty cool-looking for a pink unicorn filly.”
“Is that a compliment,” asked Dragon Heart.
“Of course it is; for her,” said Rarity, “On the other hoof, my sister has told me about you, and you’re just as beautiful as I thought; this exquisite mane style is so you. But to think that you were without parents just… broke my heart.” Rarity floated a tissue up to wipe away her tears.
“Well… it can’t be helped,” Dragon Heart replied.
“No it can’t;” Rainbow responded, “but it is still pretty depressing to think about it.”
Fluttershy calmly walked up to Dragon Heart and welcomed her herself, “Um… hello Dragon Heart, my name’s Fluttershy, It’s… really nice to meet you.”
“It’s nice to meet you too,” said Dragon Heart with a pleasant smile.
“You really are one of the cutest little fillies I have ever seen,” Fluttershy continued, “You’re very lucky that you came into our town; we’ll make sure you feel very welcome here.”
“Fluttershy’s right,” said Applejack, “any filly or colt like you is lucky to find friends like us here in Ponyville. Stick with us and you’ll soon feel right at home.”
Dragon Heart couldn’t help but continue to smile. The aura energy of their love continued to make her feel stronger and better than ever.
“Just remember,” Said Rainbow suddenly, “if you hang out with me you’ll be much cooler than you probably are already; 20% more in fact!”
Twilight smiled and just shook her head, “Oh brother.”
“Well enough of that,” said Applejack so excited, “these lovely delectables and party games aren’t gonna play and eat themselves!”
She they didn’t have to ask them twice, they went on enjoying the party and all it offered. Dragon Heart was just looking around and then she saw the food; that delicious food. Perhaps it was as good as the cupcake she had yesterday; maybe even better. Suddenly, she heard some voices behind her.
“Hey’ Dragon Heart!”
She quickly turned around and saw her new filly friends, the Cutiemark Crusaders.
“Hey guys,” she called out, “glad you could make it!”
“Are ya’ kiddin’ me,” said Apple Bloom, “We wouldn’t miss this for the world!”
Dragon Heart was glad that they were still her friends… for now. However, a question came to Sweetie Belle’s mind.
“Tell us Dragon Heart, why didn’t you tell us that you were homeless and had no parents?”
“Umm…”
Scootaloo came up to her with a concerned face, “Yeah, were you afraid that we would not be your friends if you told us?”
“N-n-no, that’s not it at all,” said Dragon Heart hesitantly, “I just thought that…” she stopped for a second and realized that it was actually a good reason she could use. She didn’t want to, but she did anyway. “Y-you know what, you’re right. I was afraid.”
“Well there’s no need to be afraid,” said Sweetie Belle with a sweet smile, “homeless or not we’re still your friends.”
“And we’re very grateful that you finally admitted the truth to us,” added Scootaloo.
Dragon Heart’s heart felt like it was sinking more and more with each lie she spouted out from her mouth.
“Y-y-yeah… sure.”
“Come on girls,” shouted Apple Bloom, “let’s go have some fun, Cutiemark Crusader style!”
“YEAH!!!”
Over the next couple of hours Dragon Heart decided to put her fears to the side and actually had some fun at her own party; hanging out with her new friends that she once tried to hurt felt wonderful. A small part of her mind told her that maybe it won’t be that bad if she went on and revealed herself to the others and finally let go of the stress.
Unfortunately… at some point, she heard a nearby voice discussing a familiar topic.

“Hey, did you ever hear about what happened in Canterlot about three weeks ago? Ugh, it was devastating.”

Her body tensed up upon hearing that, but she just chuckled to herself and walked off. Maybe that pony was talking about something else that happened that week. But she heard another nearby voice speak.

“Those Changelings are a nasty bunch. You’re just lucky you weren’t there; we were too over whelmed.”

No, it was the topic that she feared some of the ponies were talking about. She tried not to pay any attention to it, but additional stress was getting to her as she continued to hear more comments around her.

“Their queen had the gall to try and impersonate the bride and steal the groom away; ugh, the nerve.”
“The way those Changelings manipulate us with deceit and lies are just digusting.”

Dragon Heart wimpered and tried her best to ignore, but it was impossible. Her guilt was eating her alive inside. It soon seemed to her that everyone around her was talking about that same topic.

“Mother of Celestia, I hate Changelings.”
“Changelings are the worst.”
“They should be forever banished.”
“They deserve no love at all.”

Suddenly, she felt like screaming out; but instead she just broke down on the ground and started to cry. She never cried like this ever since her parents died; it was a painful feeling. Some of the others noticed her crying and wondered what was wrong with her. Spike soon dashed to her side and tried to get her to explain her sudden sadness.
“Dragon Heart, y-you’re… crying. Are you feeling alright?”
She suddenly got up still with tears in her eyes. She looked all around at the ponies staring at her; she just couldn’t take it.
“I’m… I-I’m fine… I’m fine. I-I just… need to… step out for a second. Excuse me.”
Without a second’s notice, she dashed through the crowd and ran out the door leaving a continuous trail of tears in her path. Spike reached out shouted, “Dragon Heart, wait!” But she didn’t hear him as she went further out.
Spike became dreadfully worried for Dragon Heart now, more than he ever was before. What could he do now? Just then, Twilight came up behind him and placed a hoof on his shoulder and told him, “Go comfort her Spike.”
Spike gave a determined look on his face and nodded his head. He then went out the same door following Dragon Heart’s trail. The rest of Twilight’s friends came up to her wondering what was going on.
“What going on,” said Rainbow Dash, “we should go and see what’s wrong!”
“Stop,” shouted Twilight, “Don’t worry girls, Spike has this covered; let them be.”
They all just look at each other wondering what she was talking about.
“Are ya sure,” asked Applejack.
“No offense Twilight,” said Rarity, “but this is Spike we’re talking about here.”
“Trust me,” Twilight said with a comfort smile, “it’ll work out just fine.”