War in Equestria: The Tale of Bright Blade

by Michael_Ravencroft

Chapter 18

Spike was diligently working in the records room, filing, among other things, reports given by the different Corp. groups. All those years he spent as Twilight’s assistant were starting to pay off, especially her organizational skills, a trait he was both grateful for and slightly annoyed at having. For a while now Spike has noticed an improvement in Rarity’s mood, an observation shared by Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and Ballista. Seeing the mare of his dreams happier than she was when he first arrived was enough to make even a dismal job as a file clerk enjoyable, but there were other reasons.

While he was busy organizing some budget reports, he didn’t fully understand their contents, but all he needed to do was arrange them from big sums to low sums, something happened. Spike’s left claw began to flash; a magic circle began to appear at the top of his claw. The little dragon looked around the room, the coast was clear. Spike balled up his left claw into a fist and tapped the circle with the tip of his right finger. The circle flashed a second time; above it was a folded piece of parchment paper. Spike grabbed it, unfolded the paper and began to read it.

That last bit of the message made Spike’s heart flutter, “With love…” he whispered. Spike had been masquerading as Rarity’s supposed unicorn pen pal, and for the past month had been steadily getting to know the white unicorn mare on a more personal level. Thanks to “Fire Heart,” and Spike’s pre-existing knowledge of Rarity, he was able to get her to open up to him, and with each new letter he found himself falling more in love with her. And from the looks of it Rarity was starting to warm up to “Fire Heart” more and more. Whew, I was getting worried there for sec. I knew she probably wouldn’t be able to respond to me that fast, but with the battle…Ugh, doesn’t matter, she’s alright and she’s coming back now! For a moment Spike pondered something, a thought he had kept in the back of his mind for days now, but was waiting for the right time to bring it up. Spike then returned to the desk where he was filing documents and brought out a clean piece of parchment paper. Spike took the quill pen into his claw and was about to write his letter, but then he stopped, hesitating for moment. Spike knew what he was about to write was risky, but with one quick horrifying scenario of Rarity dying in battle, flashing through his head, his resolve was renewed and he began to put quill to paper.

As soon as Spike wrote that he instantly regretted it. He was taking a big risk here, Spike was about to crumble up the letter, but stopped. This was what he wanted, but it just wasn’t the right time for something like this, at least that’s what he convinced himself of. Besides…

“Oh forget it, better get back to it before Blueblood chews me out again,” mumbled Spike.

It was several hours before the soldiers returned from the battlefield. Spike was there to greet his friends back and, just like the letter said, Rarity was not happy about camping for three weeks and not even doing anything remotely interesting. Ballista was starting to seem equally annoyed by Blueblood’s order to keep an eye on them, restless from not having been in battle for a long time. Pinkie Pie didn’t seem to mind, she was however irritated that she wasn’t able to throw parties within the keep, apparently they caused a certain pony “headaches.” Fluttershy wasn’t much for fighting, so she just enjoyed the company of her friends. The five of them chatted for a while before they returned to their respective quarters for some rest in a real bed.

The next day Spike was walking down the halls, minding his own business. He figured he’d pay Rarity a visit, just to see if she was okay, or if she needed anything. When Spike drew near the door he saw that it was cracked slightly, he was about to open it when Spike started hearing voices from the other side. “So Rarity who’s this Fire Heart guy,” asked Ballista. Spike tensed up, how did Ballista find out about his alias name?

“Well if you must know he’s a wonderful unicorn stallion pen pal of mine. We’ve been exchanging letters for the latter part of a month now,” said Rarity.

“Rari’s got a secret admirer!” exclaimed Pinkie Pie.

“I don’t know if I could stand the pressure of having a secret admirer, what if I didn’t turn out to be what they expected! I wouldn’t want to make some pony angry or disappointed,” said Fluttershy.

“The cutest thing is he professed his love for me in his first letter, I let him down gently of course, and after all he’s a complete stranger. But he wasn’t disappointed at all, maybe a little, but he asked if we could be friends,” said Rarity.

Spike knew he should’ve left, but this was too good of an opportunity to find out how she really felt about him – Fire Heart –whatever. “So what does he do!? Since he’s from Canterlot, he’s probably some big shot right?” asked Pinkie Pie.

“From what he’s written, Fire Heart is a researcher. Particularly biology pertaining to animals, I’m sure you and he would get along smashingly Fluttershy.”

“Oh really! What kind of animals is he researching,” asked Fluttershy, excited by the fact that there was another pony that shared her interest in animals.

“Apparently, and I can’t imagine why, even though he told me long ago, Fire Heart is studying dragons,” said Rarity, plainly.

Fluttershy cringed at hearing the research subject of Spike’s imaginary alter ego. It wasn’t a total lie; Spike was fully intent on being the first to write a book on dragons, as much as he could. Since his journey of self-discovery Spike realized just how little the ponies, and Spike himself, knew about dragons in general. “Wow, researching dragons, the guy’s got a pair I’ll give him that,” commented Ballista.

“Y-y-yes, I guess you could put it that way,” said Rarity, shifting uncomfortably at the rather vulgar complement.

“So what’s up, do you like the guy or what,” Ballista asked, straight out.
At this Spike listened intently. “I-I’m not sure, I won’t lie though. Fire Heart’s writings have been very helpful in dealing with a certain somepony’s attitude, and I have to admit he’s very sincere in his intentions and actually pays some interest in my likes and dislikes. Before I could give you a definite answer to that –”

No way…!

“I suppose there’s only one way for me to be sure…”

Please say it!

“Are you going to date him!?” asked Pinkie Pie.

SHUT UP PINKIE AND LET HER ANSWER!!!

“If he asks then maybe, yes, the least I could do is go on one date with Fire Heart, so that I could finally put a face to these letters,” said Rarity.

YYYYEEEEEESSSSSSS!!!!! Spike began to do a little premature victory dance. Remembering that he still had the letter he wrote, Spike tapped the top of his left claw, and the magic circle appeared. Spike placed the folded letter on the circle and with a puff of dragon fire sent the letter off. A few seconds later there was a commotion in the room; Spike leaned in, waiting to hear a response. Hearing a series of surprised gasps Spike knew it had arrived. “I-is that from, Fire Heart,” asked Fluttershy.

“Yes dear, did I mention he was skilled in magic as well,” said Rarity. Spike heard her hoofsteps, they stopped. Silence hung in the air for a minute or two. To Spike it was more like hours, his heart pounding in his chest, unsure what her reaction would be. Then he heard a gasp, “You won’t believe this! Fire Heart is coming to Hoofshire, and he’s requested my presence at the Mayleen Rose for a dinner date!” squeals of joy could be heard from where Spike was, confirming that she, albeit loudly, accepted her invitation. “Oh my goodness, I-I have nothing to wear! All my good dresses are back at my house in Ponyville,” said Rarity with a bit of distress in her voice.

“Couldn’t you make a dress, it shouldn’t be a problem for you Rari,” asked Pinkie Pie.

“Yes – yes I could, but I’ll need some time, materials, help, and…a model,” said Rarity with a sly tone.

“Why are you looking at me like that?” asked Ballista

Spike decided to leave, much had to be done, preparations, the reservations, and most importantly the little detail that Rarity was supposed to be meeting a unicorn stallion and not a baby dragon.

It had taken him a while to procure the bits he needed; thankfully his pay came in just in time for Spike set up for his big night. Spike had taken a trip to Hoofshire, the town was much nicer than he had expected. Cobblestone roads and sleek slate sidewalks, many trendy shops lined the way leading to the Mayleen Rose restaurant, Spike whistled impressed by the setup of the building. He entered the restaurant where a brown earth pony stallion was standing behind a podium; the stallion adjusted his monocle and looked around not seeing anypony.

“Uh down here,” said Spike.

The stallion adjusted his monocle and looked down, raising an eyebrow, apparently intrigued at seeing a dragon in the restaurant. “Oui, monsieur, may a help you?” asked the stallion.

“Yeah I’d like to put down two dinner reservations for a miss Rarity and mister Fire Heart,” said Spike.

“I see…well then, for reference, reservations cost 300 bits, if it is a dinner than the price is 400 bits,” he explained.

“400 bits!!?” Spike started to panic, at best his salary was 1000 bits, of course it would be more if he were a soldier, but there was still the tuxedo he needed to buy later, not to mention buying the actual food. “Listen, buddy, you gotta help me out! My friend really wants to impress a marefriend of his,” the stallion didn’t blink, obviously unfazed by the baby dragon’s pleading. “Look buddy I just got paid, and my military salary isn’t that good yet and –!” The stallion’s monocle fell and dangled, his eyes wide with surprise.

“Monsieur, are you telling me that you are UEA, you work at the fort, oui?”

“Yes – uh oui – I work at Fort Valor,” said Spike.

“Eh bien maintenant, that’s different then, you qualify for our military discount,” he said. Spike’s panic started to lift. “Dinner reservations, under the military discount, reduce the cost from 400 bits to 90 bits.”

Spike left the restaurant a very happy dragon, apparently, and as long as it was under his name, the restaurant would discount the entire meal. Spike had asked the stallion to keep it a secret that the reservations were made by him. Later Spike went around town, going from shop to shop trying to find the perfect tuxedo, the shop owners found it odd that a dragon was buying clothes that were meant for a pony. After searching several shops Spike was able to buy a tuxedo that was fancy, but not overly flashy. This is perfect, with the discount I won’t have to worry about running out of money, nothing can go wrong! This is going to be the best night ever! As he walked out of the shop he accidentally bumped into a pony, he fell to the ground clutching his box with the outfit inside.

“Oh geez I’m so sorry, I wasn’t paying atten…tion…”

Spike’s eyes grew wide at seeing the identity of the pony he knocked over. A pink fluffy, curly, mane and tail, with a three balloon cutie mark. “It’s okay I had something on my mind and – Spike is that you!? Whoa I didn’t think I’d see you here,” said Pinkie Pie.

Spike shook his head, trying to regain his composure. “Pinkie Pie, yeah what a coincidence – um by the way why are you here,” he asked.

“Oh Rarity needed one last thing for her outfit tonight,” Pinkie Pie leaned in close to Spike, “she has a big date tonight,” she whispered. Spike gulped.

“Really, that’s cool sorry I can’t stay and chat I gotta head back to the fort lot of stuff to do see ya!” Spike then rushed off, without another word and leaving Pinkie Pie confused, but then she dismissed it and went to complete her errand.
It was late afternoon; Spike spent most of it in his quarters studying the menu of the restaurant, the stallion who helped him make the reservations allowed Spike to take one. Once he was sure that he had thoroughly memorized it Spike walked to a standup mirror. Spike sighed heavily, and with a serious look, stared himself down. Alright, let’s do this! Spike inhaled deeply and released a plume of green dragon fire. The flame swirled around him enveloping his entire body, the flames growing bigger and wider. Spikes body was starting to undergo a metamorphosis, his scales turned into purple fur, his spines melding together becoming long slender strands of hair. Spikes body elongated his claws turning into hooves, his face becoming long turning into a muzzle. The green flames evaporated all at once and revealed not a dragon, but a pony.

Spike opened his eyes and was impressed by the result. He looked just like the pony he had described in his letters to Rarity. An athletic build, strong, but not bulky, with a purple coat and green mane, and a flaming heart shaped cutie mark, there was just one thing missing though. “Oops forgot the horn,” Spike let out another puff of dragon fire, the flame wafted to his forehead and started to swirl. Spike felt a tingling sensation as the horn started to grow. Finally his form was complete, Spike was a true unicorn stallion, he was Fire Heart. “It’s stable, looks like all that practicing and studying finally paid off, now all I need is to try on that tux and –!”

“Heeeeeyyy Spiiiike~” the door flew open with Pinkie Pie waltzing right in. “Rarity needs your fire for the last part of her dress aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaannnnnnnnnddddddddd – who are you!?”

With a speed that would’ve impressed even Rainbow Dash, Spike quickly pulled the pink party pony inside and shut the door quickly before anypony else found out. Spike kept his hoof over Pinkie’s mouth, she wiggled and squirmed trying to escape from him. “Pinkie Pie it’s okay! It’s me, Spike!” he quietly yelled. Pinkie Pie stopped and looked up, staring at him with her blue eyes. “I’m going to let you go so don’t scream, alright,” Pinkie nodded, Spike let her go, allowing Pinkie Pie to stand on all fours.

“Spike what are you – why are you – what’s going on,” she asked.

There was no point in lying now, he had been caught red handed – or hoofed in this case. So he told her everything, how he was the secret pen pal Fire Heart and that he was the one who was going to date Rarity tonight. “And that’s it…” said Spike.

“Spike…I know you love Rarity, but this – she’s going to find out eventually,” said Pinkie Pie.

“I know, I know, just – just let me have this one night Pinkie! That’s all I’m asking, I promise to tell her, but not now, later alright,” pleaded Spike.

“Do you Pinkie Promise you will,” she asked.

“Only if you Pinkie Promise not to tell Rarity.”

“Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye,” they said together.

That night Spike or Fire Heart as it were, was waiting at the table he had reserved. The Mayleen Rose was a very fancy place, there were pony musicians playing soothing violin music, all the tables had ornate lit candelabras creating a romantic ambiance. Spike’s heart was beating fast in his chest; he had never been on a date before, much less been in a fancy restaurant. But he couldn’t let that get in his way, no, and for two reasons. One: he was about to have a date with the mare he’s been pining over ever since he first laid eyes on her, and two: if he didn’t concentrate the metamorphosis would flicker and disappear.

For a moment, a twinge of fear ran through Spike’s heart. Oh man, what if she decided not to come!? No, no, Pinkie Pie would’ve said something to me if she did. I mean she was making a new dress – could that be it – she wasn’t able to finish the dress in time so she won’t come!? What time is it!? Spike looked to the clock that hung near the entrance of the restaurant, 6:59. Only one minute, not even seven yet, and I did arrive early so –! Spikes fears were lifted at the site of a beautiful violet mane unicorn mare trotting through the door. Rarity’s new dress was similar to that of her gala gown, but dressed down from the original. The Host stallion from before guided Rarity to his table and with a big gulp steeled his nerves.

“Your table madam,” said the host stallion.

“Merci,” she responded. Rarity then sat on a plush, velvet cushion and stared from across the table eyeing him up and down. From what Spike could tell, she seemed pleased by his form. “Fire Heart…?”

“Yes, Rarity…?”

“You are…more dashing that I had previously thought,” said Rarity.

“Thank you,” said Spike. Luckily in addition to changing his physical appearance Spike was also able to change his voice, giving it an older, more mature tone. “I’m glad you could make it, it’s nice to see you again, up close anyway.”

“Same to you, I’m finally glad I now have a face to put to those letters. I simply love your tuxedo Fire Heart.”

“As I do your dress, you look very beautiful tonight,” said Fire Heart (Spike), with all honesty.

Hours passed since they met and things were going quite well. Spike had ordered them some hard cider, stuff that Twilight wouldn’t let him touch in a million years, but thanks to some digging on his end Spike found out something interesting about his body. Apparently dragons have a rather powerful filtration system, which for him meant that downing a few glasses of hard cider wouldn’t get him drunk, it would be the taste he would have to overcome.

The hard cider was a bit of a challenge, but nothing he could overcome. Next came the actual dinner portion of the date. Rarity had ordered an extravagant meal, the Roi Se Leva platter. To his relief Rarity had picked the one thing that he had decided he was going to order from the start. He wasn’t much into eating pony food, but he had to admit the way they had prepared it made the meal taste delicious. From then on they just enjoyed each other’s company. The night was going well, everything was perfect.

“You know Fire Heart, I have to admit. When you first sent me that letter a month ago I almost had you pegged for a stalker, no offense mind you!”

“None taken,” replied Fire Heart (Spike).

“But now that I’ve actually had the chance to talk with you– meet you – I-I, oh goodness what am I trying to say,” said Rarity.

“I think I know what you mean, and to tell you the truth Rarity my feelings haven’t changed.” Fire Heart (Spike) moved his right hoof, placing it over Rarity’s left hoof. The disguised dragon blushed red, not hiding his feelings. “If anything their stronger now, than before…”

Now it was Rarity’s turn to blush. Here before her was the stallion she’s always wanted, kind, gentle, handsome, smart, and well built. The exact portrayal of what a prince should be, the qualities she was searching for were staring into her eyes, and she back at their eyes. “Fire Heart…this doesn’t mean that you’ll stop writing will it?” asked Rarity.

“Never…”

“You realize with this war going on that I may not be…coming back depending on what happens.”

“I’ll wait for you…”

“You really do love me don’t you?”

Fire Heart’s (Spike’s) horn glowed, from the inner pocket of his tux a red rose levitated out. The rose then found its home, tucked to the side in Rarity’s mane. “Always have, always will.” They stared into each other’s eyes, vaguely aware that their heads were drawing closer. Rarity dared close her eyes, and so did Fire Heart (Spike). Their foreheads touched, their horns crossed. Only a few inches more and this truly would be the best night ever…

“Monsieur your best table!”

Oh no, please oh please, for the love of Celestia and Luna, please don’t let that be who I think it is! Spike drew his head away from Rarity’s and opened his eyes. It is…

Standing there in the middle of the doorway, flanked by two beautiful unicorn mares, was Prince Blueblood in all his glory. And apparently the host seemed to be a bit put off. “Um, does monsieur have a reservation?” asked the host.

“Ha, a reservation, do you know who I am!? I am Prince Blueblood, commander of Fort Valor, and assigned protector of this region! Surely I don’t need a reservation,” said Blueblood in a matter-of-fact tone. The two mares giggled at the host’s obvious distress, and the Prince’s flaunting his title and position.

“I am deeply sorry, but we are full at the moment. If you wish to wait I’m sure I can –”

“Oh I’m sure if you were to explain to some of your guests, they’d be more than willing to give up their table for me and my companions,” said Blueblood, his tone signifying that it wasn’t a suggestion but an order.

Spike couldn’t believe this, of all the nights, that pompous horse’s ass had to appear tonight! It seemed however that Spike wasn’t the only one who noticed the Prince’s arrival; Rarity had and seemed to be fuming as much as he was. Spike looked around the restaurant for a second and saw that many of the patrons weren’t taking too well to Blueblood’s loud and obnoxious treatment of the staff, but they didn’t say anything probably due to the fact that of his status and title. Finally having had enough, Rarity rose up and addressed the Prince. “Could you please take your business elsewhere, some of us more well-mannered ponies wish to dine in peace,” said Rarity.

The mares next to Blueblood gasped, who was this mare to think she could speak to the Prince like that. And from the looks of the patrons and the host, they were just as surprised. “Rarity, how…nice to see you here,” said Blueblood, straining to find the right word. “And what brings you here to this lovely establishment?”

“My date and I were having a rather romantic dinner, till you showed up,” she stated.

“Oh really,” the Prince strode past the host and straight to Rarity’s and Fire Heart’s (Spike’s) table. “and who might this be?”

“Fire Heart, Dragon Biologist,” said Spike in a polite albeit angry tone of voice.

“Dragons! Ugh, horrid things those dragons, I assume you’re not actually near those things.”

“Well half of studying them is doing field research, so yes, I have to get near them in order to study them,” said Spike, speaking slow and emphasizing certain words, like Twilight used to do when he was younger and trying to make a point.

“I see the only stallion’s you can rein in are other country ponies like yourself. Poor Rarity, you try so hard to become like a Canterlot pony when in the end you’ll always be that unicorn mare from a Podunk village in the shadow of a real city,” laughed Blueblood, with his mares also joining in.

Spike had had enough; he rose up from the table and looked Blueblood straight in the eye. “You take that back! Apologize to Rarity, you have no right to say those things to her!” ordered Spike.

“Fire Heart what are you doing!?”

“Please, as if you’re in a position to make me do anything. I’m the commander of an army, I’ve studied all manner of combat spells and –”

Before Prince “Blowhard” could finish he was interrupted by Fire Heart (Spike) shoving him with his forelegs, sending Blueblood falling into the table of another couple behind him. Prince Blueblood was covered in food, his coat stained with the soup appetizer the couple was enjoying. Fire Heart (Spike) looked down on Blueblood and smirked. “You talk too much, now apologize!”

Prince Blueblood quickly rose up, his arctic blue eyes like daggers, staring straight at Fire Heart. “You have made a grievous mistake my friend,” he said through clinched teeth.

Fire Heart (Spike) and Prince Blueblood circled each other. Bluebloods horn began to glow with a blue aura of magical power. Spike knew he was no match for Blueblood, in his unicorn glamour he could only do basic things like levitation, but that was about it. At current he was defenseless. But he wasn’t about to let him get away with insulting Rarity, that was the last straw, besides somepony needed to teach the “Prince” a lesson in respect, and Spike was willing to be his teacher. Spike then saw an opening, he charged, fully expecting to slam the arrogant Prince into the wall. He was wrong.

Spike was greeted by a powerful beam of magical light that hit him in the center of his chest. The beam threw him towards the other side of the restaurant, plowing through one table after another, till he smashed up against a wall with a mountain of debris covering him. Prince Blueblood puffed out his chest and rubbed his hoof against it before blowing on it. “Hmph, next time know your place, commoner!”

“Fire Heart…?”

No response.

“Fire Heart…!?”

Again, no response.

The patrons started to murmur and whisper, afraid for the state of the unicorn stallion. Even Blueblood was starting to sweat bullets, he was sure that the blast wasn’t that strong, he was sure about that, there was no way he could’ve, could he? Rarity’s eyes were beginning to fill with tears; she then rushed to the debris covering her coltfriend and started to use her telekinesis to move the debris piece by piece. The debris then exploded, burning to ashes in a raging inferno of green flames. Fire Heart (Spike) stood up, his eyes had become slit, snorting green flames with every breath. Rarity was taken aback by what she was witnessing, and so was everypony else, including Blueblood. All the ponies stepped away as Fire Heart (Spike) walked forward, slowly, like a predator who had just been provoked. With every step Fire Heart (Spike) took he left a burn mark in the shape of dragon’s claw on the floor. The flames followed him, lapping off his body.

“You call that an attack…” Blueblood started to back up, truly afraid. “Cause to tell you the truth, I barely felt that. Here, let me show you a real attack!” Fire Heart (Spike) drew back his head and released a jet of dragon fire, aimed right at Blueblood.

The Prince quickly put up a defensive barrier, blocking the flames. Unfortunately he was still rattled by the display, and the deluge of flames only made it worse, affecting the integrity of his barrier. The shield shattered as Fire Heart (Spike) ran at full speed, plowing through it. He had pinned down Blueblood; his green slit eyes boring holes into the Prince’s skull, making him shrink back and shake like a coward. Fire Heart (Spike) drew back once more, the flames almost spilling from his maw. The prince winced, this was the end.

“SPIKE!!!!!”

Instinctually Spike turned to the direction of the voice that called his name, and was shocked when he realized what he had done. Rarity’s face was a mixture of emotions, confusion, anger, shock, and disbelief all radiating from the same face. Spike dispelled the flames in his mouth and unpinned Blueblood. He turned around to face the white unicorn mare, his mouth attempting to form words, desperately trying come up with an explanation.

“We’re leaving,” she said coldly, “now.”

Spike made no objections, he didn’t say a word. He only followed Rarity out the door, without anything else being said.