//------------------------------// // Chapter 6: Mending the hearts // Story: I've seen too much (tales of love never forgotten) // by Shadowlight Wanderer //------------------------------// The soft glow of candlelight was reflecting in Rarity's irises as she inhaled the sweet scented air of the calm night. She and Spike were seated in the VIP table with the view upon the Equestria down below the mountain city. Sun Regalia was one of the most expensive and prestigious restaurants in Equestria and Rarity wanted nothing more than the city's finest for this special night, their very first real date. She was wearing a light blue dress with a purple satin ribbon, small silver hoof-boots (that she shamelessly copied from Twilight's coronation accessory) and small sapphire earrings. To complement it, she of course added her precious fire ruby necklace, that she wore during some of the more important events but with Spike it was a must. After all, that ruby was a gift from him and was a symbol of profundity of their relationship. Spike was sporting his sleeveless tuxedo, with his scales polished and glistening. He was always in opposition to her, as he never fancied having too many accessories or being overdressed. Rarity didn't complain though because thanks to that, she could focus more on him. Needless to say, her own mane and coat very specifically perfected as well. They arrived twenty minutes earlier but they were so entranced by the evening atmosphere that they were just contemplating the scenery. Rarity coughed slightly and Spike focused his attention on her. She smiled at him "Darling, is this what you wanted through this time ?" she whispered, stretching her hoof to him. Spike grinned, taking her foreleg delicately. He gave her hoof a soft kiss, which Rarity commented with quiet, almost purring-like sound of approval. "This is...so like a dream...although when I envisioned our date, I thought we will be more...I don't know..."becoming each other's world, or something", looking only at each other..." Rarity cocked her head to the side "Oh, once a poet, always a poet. But as it was said before, the title of "the date" is simple formality. We know each other for so long, had so much adventures together that we are far beyond the first date...the fact that we don't need words to feel good with each other is only an advantage and proof of our closeness". They stared into each other's eyes, before Spike's eye shot a glance towards the light's of the castle in the corner of their vision. "When I was smaller, I wanted to explore Canterlot with you, show you everything that I knew from the time when Twilight and I lived here. I am glad that I get to chance do it with you and Gabby now, even though we have to go through so much to get where we are" Rarity made one of her trademark beat boxing sounds under her breath "Darling, in pursuing in lo-... in a relationship, there are no shortcuts. If I started to date you right when you and Twilight came to Ponyville, you and I would probably be ridiculed...not to mention my own feelings on the matter. I could not give you affection you were always giving me. Even though you stuck with me through everything, I still couldn't allow myself to..to love...but Gabby opened my eyes ! I saw how horribly I was treating you, how I took you for granted...Spike, you changed me. Thanks to you I was able to create even more fabulously than before. If it wasn't for you, I would still treat others haughtily and would never learn how to stop acting all the time and just live in the moment." She looked at the dragon with slightly moistened eyes. "Spike, I am really sorry that I couldn't see you as you saw me earlier. Different ages, different species, different interests...I was so blinded that through all our time together, I never responded to your affection. And you were more than worth the chance. Was it worth the wait, Spikey ?" Spike chuckled "What's with the emotional look ? See, remember when we first met at the Summer Sun Celebration ? You are still just as beautiful to me as you were there. As for you rejecting me in the younger days...I am not mad at you or anything. That was your choice and I respected it. Besides, seeing those times now, I would make a fool of myself. My crush needed time to grow and then I even found time to share it with two girls." When Rarity thought about it, it was really quite ironic. They both changed over the years. Spike was initially enamoured with her beautiful body, as many before him. Rarity, not all that much fascinated in the dragon himself, found his personality and code of chivalry positively charming. Her respect and liking towards Spike's persistence began to slowly grow. And over the years, Spike's attention shifted from Rarity's physicality to her personality traits and habits. It was due to him maturing over time and probably because of the influence of other females he encountered along the way. And as for Rarity...she remembered the first time she and the girls noticed a visible change in his built. It was shortly prior Twilight's 3rd year of Twilight's rule. It was just like year ago, when she didn't have a chance to spend time with Spike or for any of her friends for that matter. When saw how broad shouldered he got in such a short amount of time... Rarity always thought that the "nosebleed" was just a legend spread by some pervy individuals. But when Spike entered Twilight's throne room, his muscular arms moving in the rhythm of some cheerful march, Rarity felt as if throughout her head pulsed the waves of warmth, overheating her cheeks to the point of burning and she noticed a tiny droplets of blood pouring from one of her nostrils, staining her pristine coat. She had to excuse herself to the toilet to cope with completely unexpected hormonal overload. Since then, she was constantly trying to not get flustered so easily. But she had a feeling that Spike's never ending romanticism and certain anatomy won't make it easy... They both spaced out once again, wearing smiles on their faces. After a minute, Spike's emerald eyes, lazily drifting over the interior of the restaurant, widened. "Hey, are those..." Rarity followed his gaze and gasped "Goodness, Discord and Fluttershy. Yoohoo, darlings !" Fluttershy's ear twitched and she looked in their direction. She smiled and poked Discord with her hoof, pointing in Spike's and Rarity's direction. With a snap of Discord's claws, they appeared near the table. Rarity got up from the table and hugged Fluttershy "Fluttershy darling, what a marvellous surprise ! I simply love your new manestyle" Fluttershy blushed lightly and turned away in embarrassment "Th-thanks Rarity...it is still new and I didn't know if it is that good..." she pointed at her mane, tied small loop at the back of her head. Rarity pouted, examining yellow pegasus "Not at all, there is nothing wrong in a little extravagance dear" She turned towards Discord. "Speaking of extravagance...I didn't know you fancied locals like that, Discord" Lord of Chaos frowned and sighed " Although it is a peak of your normal boredom..." After he said that, the gravity suddenly stopped working and all the utensils started dancing together on the tables to the rhythm of terribly off-tune violin, with the walls flashing in random colours. With another sigh from Discord, the room returned to normal, leaving a few traumatized guests sitting by their unfinished meals. "...but I wouldn't like anything like the finest of things for Fluttershy" he added with a smile " So I guess the harmony of this place is...ugh...bearable" "Discord invited me here " Fluttershy muttered, twirling a loose strand of her mane "He said that he was something important to tell me..." Rarity looked at Discord in bewilderment "Oh, does he now ?" Discord huffed and stroke his goatee "I don't recall saying anything of this sort" Fluttershy flashed all-knowing smile at him before addressing Spike "How wonderful to see you Spike. I think you grew a bit since I saw you seven months ago." Spike proudly flexed his newly developed muscles but then cast a worried look on her. "You are not scared of that...emm, bigger form, right ?" Fluttershy shook her head "For me, you will always be a cute baby dragon I met before Summer Sun Celebration. No matter how much you will grow, you will always be our Spike" Discord coughed and put a claw on Spike's arm. "That's all lovely but I have to borrow Spike for a moment" Spike protested "No Discord, I am on a date, I can't-" He couldn't do anything as Discord dragged him away from the table with the strength far exceeding the looks of his snake-thin limbs. Both mares watched as dragon and draconequus stopped far away . Rarity shook her head "Boys, they never change" Fluttershy laughed quietly at that remark "Yes, but isn't that why they are fun to be around ?" Rarity put one of her hooves to her forehead and giggled gently, letting out a sigh. "Yes...I suppose so " She then leaned closer to Fluttershy "So...you and Discord huh ? Please darling, tell me all the details !" "Umm, Rarity there isn't really much..." Rarity's eyes were lit as if the light of gossip passion illuminated them with flames "ALL THE JUICY DETAILS !" "Eeep..." ******************************* "Was that really necessary ?" Spike asked, dusting himself off before facing Discord " What do you need ?" Discord bit his lip and mumbled something incoherently Spike frowned "What was that ?" Discord cringed and repeated "I need hllllllllllll...." "What do you mean, I still can't-" "I NEED HELP" boomed draconequus " It is not easy for an omnipotent being to comprehend the concept of this "helplessness" you mortals display so often" Spike sighed "I figured that you needed help. But help in what ?" Discord growled in defeat "You see" he said quietly" love is one of the most potent forms of chaos. It makes everything irrational rational and vice versa. I am the Lord of Chaos. I want to...experience every part of my domain. And of course...there is only one pony who trusts me enough...or who I like that much...to try something like this with" They both looked at Fluttershy and Rarity , who were now chatting vigorously, with Rarity occasionally letting out a small burst of laughter and Fluttershy giggling with a beet-red face. "After that whole mess with me pretending to be Grogar "resumed the spirit of chaos" ...it took me some time to present myself in good light...especially with Twilight and Fluttershy. Back then, I really had only the best intentions but being who I am, I can't really predict what I will do. So, this time I would like to make it right." Spike eyed him with somewhat proud gaze "Wow. This is...oddly realistic for you" Discord snorted "Don't get use to it. Fluttershy's existence is the exception in the scale of universe. I know what I am talking about, I lived throughout most of its time ! So...how do you do it ?" Spike scratched his head in confusion " I do...what ?" Discord started to massage his head with his lion paw "Sweet Sunbutt, help me with this ! You, my dear dragon, are meeting with two girls who are just waiting to pounce on you. One brightened many of your days, the other is your longtime love. Not to mention that the other girls would probably do the same as your two, if they didn't know that your heart is already taken. So what's the thing that made you so interesting ?" Spike exhaled slowly and clicked his tongue "I don't really know. I guess my physical growth had something to do with it but I think that the crucial thing is to always be honest, not pretend and give the other your care and attention." Discord's eyebrow went up "Being honest ? Care...and attention ?" Spike shrugged with a smile "Yeah, I think that this is mainly it. Rarity loves to feel physical sense of safety and care when someone makes even a smallest gestures to make her happy. Gabby is a very good listener but she is most happy when she knows that she herself is understood and listened. But remember that Fluttershy is different. That's why I think you don't need any advice from me at all. From what you've told me, Fluttershy already said that she likes you because of your differences. So just be yourself and don't be afraid. If anyone is forgiving and kind in a conversation, it's her." Discord rolled his eyes "Oh, fine. It is not the worst advice, I am sure Fluttershy would agree with you on that. You know, I would never assume that I will be taking any advice in this area from you. When we met for the first time, you were chubby, small, childish, wimpy, teary, weak..." "Get to the point before I develop a case of depression" "But you grew and now you are a hero! So I guess there is a chance that advice has some value after all" Spike rolled his eyes "Gee, thanks for the credit of hope. But I guess I know where you are coming from. I know why Gabby wanted to keep writing back but I still don't know how I managed to interest the most beautiful pony in Equestria." Discord snarled "Hold your horses. Fluttershy deserves that title way more. Rarity is just hanging out on cosmetics" Spike narrowed his eyes "What was that ?" **************************** "I wonder what are they talking about..."Rarity pondered, as she watched Spike and Discord, who started to gesture with rising intensity "Discord said that he may start getting into the politics to try connect his dimension directly to ours and provide some additional protection" Fluttershy mused quietly " Maybe he is presenting the idea to Spike. As an Ambassador, he should know all about it". "Well, he could choose better moment to do so then now" Rarity tossed her mane aside, holding her nose high in the air. She was starting to get irritated by prolonging absence of her date from her side. B-But Rarity...you know how hard it is for us to stay in touch for a longer period of time this days." Fluttershy mediated "Spike is clearly a busy dragon. And who knows, maybe Discord has some responsibilities I don't know about...This might be the only time when they can exchange thoughts face to face without causing problems to each other" Rarity wanted to point out that, considering Discord's powers, it was a very weak excuse but looking back at the boys, she felt her anger dissolving "I can't stay mad at Spikey-Whikey when I see him invested into something" she smiled gently at the dragon "Whatever they are talking about has to be crucial for the safety of our world...maybe even matter of life and death !" *************************** "No living creature I saw in the thousands of years has such a long, beautiful mane" "Rarity's eyes are in a such beautiful shade of blue, that Equestrain Royal Painter called one of the hues of indigo after them" "Look at Fluttershy's legs ! That period of time when she was a model didn't come from nothing" "You are basing something like this on sight ? Rarity's fur is as soft as clouds and far more brilliant" "Fluttershy has the best, warmest hugs" "Rarity's lips are as beautiful and delicate as a feather ! Spike and Discord took a deep breath, staring daggers at each other. But then Spike blinked and blushed "I think we went a little off track" Discord opened his mouth and then soundlessly closed it again. This time, it was Spike who started to drag Discord back towards the table "Come on, we kept girls waiting for far too long. Remember, be natural and..." He stopped and looked at Discord "What was that important thing you wanted to talk with Fluttershy about ?" Discord straightened himself "I want to suggested moving in with me...or me moving out to live with her...as house...mates..." Spike gasped "Wow, this is really bold !" Discord cringed "Thanks, I guess ?" He then smiled and walked over to Fluttershy Spike wanted to follow him but then the voice called whisper his name right next to his ear "Spike..." Spike almost fell to the floor when he noticed a tiny clone of Discord sitting on his arm "Dude, what was that for ?" he hissed in confusion Discord smirked, but then his little face became stern "As all this "friendship thing" , I am here to warn you. About your two girls. Whatever choice you will make, or will have to make, choose sooner rather than latter..." Spike's eyes widened "Why ? What will happen ?" Discord shook his head "You stupid dragon, I can't tell you cause even I don't know all the outcomes. Only the vast majority. But I warn you, not as your friend, but as a Lord of Chaos...keeping this "sharing thing" as it is will ultimately result in a type of really messed up chaos. I would want that for myself, but clearly you are not so accustomed. So choose something, or the bad things may happen. I see far more than you can tell Iris and even more than stupid author. I will show all of them the other side of the story". Spike blinked, slightly confused by the last sentences. But later he shook it off. It was Discord after all He then gulped and looked at Rarity "Sure, no pressure. Any tips how to avoid those bad things ?" Discord disappeared Spike returned to his and Rarity's table and soon they were laughing and enjoying themselves as if nothing happened But Discord's words still echoed in Spike's head and made him fall into deep melancholy even in deep hours of the night *************************** Somewhere in Canterlot "Are you sure you want this... miss ?" ask the pony wearing the black robe. In the dark chamber illuminated only by candles lied the old book with the symbol of willow on the cover. By the two sides of the table were sitting two figures, one wearing black and the other brown robe. "Yes, that is what I requested. I already delivered the bits so I will be going" That voice...the figure in black robe stiffened. He faintly recalled that voice. Definitely feminine, sounded distorted but he could swear he heard it somewhere before... He didn't really know why he tried to reason with her to avoid the book. The good was purchased and the satisfaction of the client was first law here, at the black market of Equestria. "Miss...the formulas you are looking for have a good reason to be banned. From what I know about the book from our dealer, they were deemed dangerous by the very author, Mage Meadowbrook." The costumer quickly covered the book by the part of her attire and when the cloth was retracted the book disappeared. Black hood blinked. He didn't manage to see even a fragment of the body. His client went back to the door and said "Of course I know. This is black market after all. It wouldn't be fun without a risk". She opened the door but when she was crossing it, the hood's edge waved slightly, revealing a fragment of a neck and head for just one second. The door closed shut Black figure slowly uncovered its head, revealing a young, black feathered griffon. He recognized his client, he knew her. But it couldn't be true...there was no way... of all the dark and suspicious creatures visiting this place, why would she be here ? ********************* The hooded creature stood on the hill overlooking Canterlot Castle. She let out a small grunt of dismay. "I should've realized that this deal with "two girls, one guy" will fail. There was no way for happily ever after for all of us. But now that I have the solution, I will save Spike so we will be happily in love. I can't stand any creature being lied to. So I will have my love in a way where no one will get hurt."