I've seen too much (tales of love never forgotten)

by Shadowlight Wanderer

Pre-reading introduction and timeline explanation

Anyone who read my earlier works knows that I am quite infatuated with Sparity shipping. And when the series ended I simply had to write something concerning the future of Equestria, focusing on relationships of the characters and their interactions on that field.

Spike and Rarity were the ones presumably left single by the end of the series. However that does not mean that nothing happened between them during those long years between episode 25 and 26. This is a territory I will explore in this story, alongside with the amazing world of the future, the drama considering Rarity, Spike and Gabby plus the relationships of other characters.

This is also my first attempt in writing "Story-inception". There are moments when the narrative becomes "story-in-story" or sometimes even "story-in-story-in-story". It is difficult form to excel but I think it is crucial to fully comprehend the tale. However, if anything is written in an unclear fashion, don't hesitate to consult me.

Before we begin, I want to tell you one of the other goals I had in mind during the creation of this fic. I asked myself if it is possible for Spike vast number of shipping partners to play a role in some part of his life without creating big harems. This story is also a chance of exploring how many hearts, touched by Spike, later give that affection back in the form that benefits both of them. In other words, even if Sparity is the main ship, other females also make a meaningful interactions here:

• Sparity: Main focus of the story, I always loved it, considering it as a romantic over throughout hardships and changes
• Spabby: Addition of Gabby to Spike's love was a delightful thing to watch and their relationship certainly is interesting. While I am not for Spike stopping to love Rarity and being with Gabby instead, I wanted her to have a role in the story. Spabby seems to be "flawless ship", so I actually exploited the other side of it.
• Spikebelle: Romantic fanfics with Spike and Sweetie Belle are absolutely adorable and I always find it painful to not make it a main ship. Spike and Sweetie have an amazing dynamic, with Sweetie bearing a resemblance to Rarity yet having her own, vibrant personality
• Emberspike: Recently, I felt deeply in love with Ember's personality and design. So in my headcanon she is Spike's mate after his time with Rarity and Gabby is over.

And of course there is a "mysterious mare rescued from the storm". Even if you will quickly understand who she is (which I am certain you would figure that out, because you are so awesome and smart), think twice before declaring your judgments. The question who she is, is only half of the fun. Much better question is why she is the way she is. But you shall see.

So then, timeline in the story is a bit scrambled, so I will clarify some things for your comfort, just in case

• The encounter described in the prologue and all the fragments connected to it are happening 24 years after Twilight's coronation
• The Canterlot tales of Spike, Rarity, Gabby and the others take place 5 years after Twilight's coronation.
• The short story about Rarity's and Gabby's pact takes place a few months after Twilight's ascension.

I will post additional trivia on the characters ages and places later on cause writing about it now will spoil the story.

Also, I am sorry if the art I chose to make the story more vivid doesn't match with the actual events 100 %. I am operating in a very specific time frame and it is hard to find a good art for it, since Last Problem is still a fresh episode. And since I can't draw myself...pardon the inconvenience.

So without further delay, let's begin. And thank you for stopping by to read my story. Hope you will enjoy it.