As the sun shone through the crack in Rarity’s curtain and hit her in the face, she began to stir as she slowly woke. After a few moments she sat up in her bed and sighted as she said, “I don’t want to get up today.” Before taking a few deep breaths and saying, “No. Lying in bed all day isn’t good for a mare.” After thinking on the matter for a few more moments, she finally made her mind up and got out of bed.
Rarity makes her way down the stairs and into the kitchen, where she turns the kettle on. After that, she walks into the front of the boutique to see the mess of gems from her and Spike’s fight still on the floor and sighs as she begins to pick them up and place them back into their basket. As she picked them up, she begins to talk to herself, “I don’t know what’s gotten into me? Please. He’s the one that was acting strange. I did nothing wrong. It was his entire fault. He was the one that brought up the fact that Emerald Cloud had asked me to join him for dinner.”
As she threw another gem into the basket with her magic, a bit harder this time, she continued, “He was the one acting differently!” As she threw another gem in the basket, she walked past the mirror and had a look at herself. Her mane was a mess and her eyes were still red and puffy from all the crying she did last night. As she sat in front of the mirror she said, “Look at you. You are a mess. But, I guess that’s what happens when you spend most of the night crying.” As she lets out another sigh, she looks into the mirror with a sad face and tries to put on her best smile, to no avail. “It’s all his fault,” as she takes a breath to calm down, she says, “We’ve never had a fight before. Not in all the years I’ve known him. He’s never even raised his voice at me, let alone shouted at me. So, why now? What changed yesterday? Why was he acting differently?”
As she continued to look at herself in the mirror, she started to recall the events of yesterday. As she did, a look of realisation came over her. Spike wasn’t the one who was acting differently. It was her. She was the one who pushed him away when he hugged her. She was the one that went out of her way to not call him dear or little, or even her nickname for him. It was all her. She was the one keeping him at arms length. She was the one acting differently. As a tear started to form in the corner of her eye, she said to her reflection, “It’s all my fault. But, Why? Why would I do those things?”
Just then, Rarity heard a giggle, which caught her by surprise. Then she heard the giggling again, only this time she knew where it was coming from. She jumped back in fear as her mirror image began to laugh and Rarity shouted, “What in Celestia?!”
The mirror image changed from looking like the messy image of her current self into the beautiful mare she always looked like. It smiled at Rarity and said, “Come now, dear. Surely you’re not afraid of yourself?”
As Rarity looked on in shock and slightly wary of her surroundings, she edged closer to the mirror as she said, “Who are you and how did you get into my home?”
Mirror image Rarity laughed out loud as she sat down and said, “Why, dear, isn’t it obvious? I’m you, of course.”
Rarity sat down in front of the mirror with a raised eye, before closing her eyes and taking a breath. As she opened her eyes again and still saw mirror Rarity sitting there with a smile on her face, Rarity nodded her head and folded her arms as she said, “Yep. It’s finally happened. I’ve finally lost it.”
Mirror image Rarity laughed and said, “Come now, dear. This isn’t the first time you’ve talked to yourself. Though, I will admit, this is the first time you’ve actually talked back to yourself,” having a little giggle as she said that. As she watches Rarity sigh, mirror image Rarity smiled and said, “You want to know why, right?” Getting a funny look from Rarity, mirror Rarity continued, “You want to know why you were acting differently towards Spike?” As she saw Rarity nod, mirror image Rarity said, “You already know why.”
Rarity stood up and shouted, “No, I don’t! If I knew, do you think I’d be standing here talking to my reflection?”
Mirror Rarity sniggered as she said, “But, I know, and if I’m you that means you know too.” Seeing the look of anger come on to Rarity’s face, mirror Rarity sighed and said, “Fine, I’ll give you a clue. Spike isn’t a child.”
“What!!! What kind of a clue is that?! I already know that!” Rarity shouted at herself. “Spike is only 3 years younger than me! Spike is only-" Just then, Rarity clapped her hooves together as a smile came onto her face. “That’s it. I was acting differently towards Spike because he’s not a child.” Seeing a smile come onto mirror Rarity’s face, Rarity let out a little giggle as she used her magic to pick up all the remaining gems and put them into the basket. As she finished, she happily said, “It’s so obvious when you think about it. I was trying to show him respect by not calling him a baby or little and treating him like a kid and that’s why I panicked when he hugged me too. Because I didn’t want him to think I was treating him like a child.”
Mirror Rarity had a shocked look on her face at Rarity’s answer and said, “Rar- Rarity, dear. I think you may have missed the poin-“
“Oh, yes. Of course. You’re absolutely right, mirror me.” Rarity said, cutting mirror Rarity off with a smile before going on to say, “I need to apologize to Spikey. Hmmm, but how?” Rarity giggled and said, “I know. I’ll go over to the castle and I’ll just explain that yesterday was all my fault. That I was just having a bad day and didn’t mean to snap at him. Then I’ll beg for his forgiveness. That way I won’t let slip I know his little secret.”
“But first I need to get ready, I can’t apologize looking like this,” Rarity said as she started to happily trot towards the stairs, happy with her plan. Rarity takes one last look over her shoulder at mirror Rarity and says, “Thanks for the talk, me. Who knew talking to yourself really can help?” before disappearing up the stairs to get ready. Mirror Rarity sighed and shrugged her shoulders as she said, “That girl is hopeless,” before disappearing from the mirror.
After freshening up and having a cup of coffee, Rarity steps outside into the day and as she closes the door to the Carousel Boutique behind her. She takes a deep breath and says, “It is on. I’m going to fix things with you Spikey. You just wait and see,” as she begins to make her way to the Castle of Friendship with a determined look on her face.
As she’s making her way to the castle, she passes by Sugarcube Corner and a smile comes onto her face as she thinks to herself, “I wonder if I can get the Cakes to whip up a sapphire cupcake for Spike. I know how much he likes them.” With that thought in mind, Rarity makes a detour into Sugarcube Corner.
As she enters the shop and takes a quick glance around, she sees a few ponies enjoying their treats before making her way over to the counter and being greeted by a very loud, “Hi, Rarity. What can I get ya today?” from Pinkie Pie, with her usual smiling face. Before Rarity has a chance to say anything other than a quick hello, Pinkie Pie places a box on the counter and says, “One sapphire cupcake.” Before Rarity even got a word in, Pinkie Pie continued to say, “I’m sure Spike will love this, and don’t worry, Rarity. I’m sure you can work it out. I mean, how can you not? You have cupcakes and cupcakes fix everything!” Pinkie giggled at the shocked look on Rarity’s face as she said that.
Raising an eyebrow to her pink, smiling friend and finally being given the chance to get a word in, Rarity asks, “How did you-" but stopped herself, knowing full well that she wouldn’t be able to work out how Pinkie Pie knew that she and Spike had had a falling out. Opting instead to just place some bits on the counter with a small smile and picking up the box in her magic, Rarity simply said, “Thank you dear. I hope you’re right.”
As Pinkie continued to smile at her friend, she said, “It’s gonna hurt a little, Rarity, but it will all work out in the end. Trust me.”
Rarity, looking confused at what Pinkie Pie meant by that, was about to ask her when from behind her she heard Emerald Cloud say, “Rarity. What a pleasant surprise running into you here of all places.”
Rarity turned around to see Emerald Cloud standing there with a smile on his face with two other unicorns on either side of him and said, “Why yes. It is a surprise. Hello, Emerald Cloud, how are you doing today?”
Emerald Cloud chuckled slightly and said, “I’m doing just fine. Thank you for asking. And how about yourself?”
Rarity let out a little sigh as she said, “I’ve had better days. Let’s just say that.” Before giving him and his friends a smile and asking, “Who are your friends?”
“Oh right. How rude of me.” Emerald Cloud said before looking to either side of him and saying, “Gentlecolts, this here is Rarity, a good friend of mine. Rarity, this one to my left is Crimson Rock and the other one is Steel Arrow.”
As they all happily greeted each other, Steel Arrow smiled and said, “When Emerald Cloud told us he made a new friend, he said she was beautiful but he wasn’t kidding.”
Rarity giggled and said, “Oh my, that’s kind of you to say. I’m flattered, Steel Arrow.”
Just then, Crimson Rock chimed in and said, “Emerald Cloud told us about this place,” as he looks around Sugarcube Corner, before saying, “I have a well known sweet tooth and from what Emerald Cloud has told me about what he’s heard from you, this is the place to be when coming to Ponyville.”
As Rarity chuckled, she said, “Oh yes. You won’t find anything better in Equestria. If it’s sweets you’re after, then right here at Sugarcube Corner is the place to be. I guarantee it.”
Crimson Rock laughed a long and said, “Well, if you say so, then it must be true. I look forward to it.”
Emerald Cloud smiled happily as he watched them all get along before asking, “Say, Rarity, if you have a bit of free time now, why don’t you join us? I’m sure it’ll be more fun for us if you could. That and it would spare me having to listen to these two lugnuts all day long.”
“Hey!” Crimson Rock and Steel Arrow protested before they all laughed.
Rarity looked at Emerald Cloud sorrowfully as she said, “I would love to join you, but unfortunately I have some pressing matters that I must take care of.”
“Oh really? That’s too bad,” Emerald Cloud said with a sad smile before saying, “But, I guess there’s always next time. Are you still able to make it tonight?”
Rarity nodded her head and smiled as she said, “Of course. I’m looking forward to it.”
Emerald Cloud smiled back and said, “That’s good. So am I.”
As Emerald Cloud finished saying that, Rarity spotted Lyra and Bon Bon coming towards them and noticing Lyra looking upset. As she turned to face her friend, Rarity asked, “Is everything ok, de-“
Rarity was cut off, as Lyra smacked her across the face and shouted, “You have no idea what he’s done for you! In all the years I’ve known him, he’s never-” As Bon Bon tried to hold Lyra back; she whispered something in her ear as tears began to form in the corners of her eyes.
As the cake Rarity held in her magic fell to the floor, Rarity was in complete shock at what just happened. Emerald Cloud, spoke up in a displeased tone as he said, “Now see here ladies, I have no idea what’s going o-“
Just then, Lyra turned to look at Emerald Cloud with hate in her eyes and as her horn began to spark, shouted, “AND YOU!!!” As she pushed Bon Bon off her and glared at him.
Bon Bon shouted, “Lyra, you promised!”
As Lyra looked at Bon Bon’s teary face, she began to calm down and after taking some deep breaths said, “I know Bon Bon, I know, but...” as she began to cry.
Bon Bon pulled her into a hug and just held her as everypony in Sugarcube Corner just watched in absolute silence at what just took place. Rarity snapped out of her shock and asked, “What is the meaning of all this, Lyra?! Why did you attack me?!"
Lyra broke her hug with Bon Bon, and wiped her tears away and turned to look at Rarity with anger still in her eyes as she said, “You want to know why? FINE!”
“No Lyra, you promised,” Bon Bon said once again, in a weak, sorrowful voice, as she looked at Lyra.
Lyra took one last look over her shoulder with a sad expression and said, “I know Bon Bon, but I have to do something, even if it means breaking my promise. How could I call myself a friend if I did nothing?” Seeing Bon Bon giving her a sorrowful, yet understanding nod of her head, Lyra turned back to look at Rarity and said, “I’m not going to tell you. I’m going to do one better. I’m going to show you.”
As Rarity looked on in confusion Lyra continued to say, “I may not be as great at magic as Twilight, but we both went to the same school and I picked up a few things over the years.” Lyra’s horn began to glow and a blast of magic came out of her horn and shot into the air. As a bubble was now floating in the air, Lyra said, “Over the years, I’ve learned how to share ponies’ memories with others.” After taking a calming breath she glared at Rarity and said, “You want to know why I hit you? Just watch.”
As Rarity and everypony else all looked to the bubble, a fuzzy picture began to appear inside it. As Rarity looked on, she asked, “What is this?”
Lyra, not bothering to look at her, simply said in a sad voice, “His memories,” as the picture became clearer, it showed three ponies from a distance making their way inside Everfree Forest. The image started moving faster after the three ponies, a voice could be heard saying, “I need to warn them how dangerous that place is.”
Rarity was now more confused and started to worry. As she watched on, she knew that voice. Everypony there knew that voice. It was Spike. As the image moved into the woods and made its way past some trees it was about to come out when a voice was heard saying, “So, Emerald Cloud, what in Celestia are you doing in a rundown place like this?”
Another voice could be heard laughing as it said, “Yeah, Emerald Cloud. This place is so old it wouldn’t surprise me if it’s been around longer than Celestia herself. That’s why we had to come and see what you were up to.”
As the image peeked through some trees to see the three ponies, it could now see all three of them standing there as Emerald Cloud said, “I know, right? But even a backwards village like this has its charm,” as he grind at the other two ponies.
The other two ponies looked at each other with knowing grins as one asked, “So, you found another bit of tail to chase?”
Emerald Cloud laughed and said, “Not just any tail, Steel Arrow. This mare is one of the most beautiful mares in Equestria. Most definitely a diamond in the rough and she’s ready for plucking.”
As Crimson Rock laughed, he said, “Oh, boy. Sounds interesting. So, how are you going to get this one? I mean in a small rundown place like this, surely all you’d have to do is shower her with bits and then she’s yours.”
Emerald Cloud laughed out loud as he shook his head and said, “No, Crimson Rock. This one is going to take some work. She has bits and success,” as Emerald Cloud smirked at his friends, he continued to say, “She wants to be seen as a proper high-class lady and wants to find love. So, I’m going to give it to her, but I can’t use any of my normal tactics on this one. She’ll see right through me, but I know her weakness. She’s weak to the shy, kind, nervous type. So, that’s how I’ll get her.”
Steel Arrow laughed and said, “That’s going to be a hard one for you then, Emerald Cloud. Playing the shy, kind, nervous type has never really been your strong suit. So, tell me does this mare have a name?”
Emerald Cloud, smiled as he said, “Maybe, but it will be worth it in the end. Her name’s Rarity. She owns Rarity For You, in Manehattan along with a few other shops.”
Crimson Rock stands there for a few moments, thinking, as he repeats himself sayings, “Rarity For You” a few times, trying to work out who Emerald Cloud is talking about before realising who he means and looks at Emerald Could, shocked as he says out loud, “Rarity For You?! As in that Rarity?! Are you mad?! She’s not only a famous fashion designer, but a personal friend of all four Princesses. Not to mention one of the Elements of Harmony!”
Emerald Cloud sniggers as he says, “Yep, that’s the one. She will be my greatest conquer. After all, how many stallions can brag about getting to bed an Element of Harmony?”
Just then, the image takes a step back in shock, snapping some branches as it does, alerting the three ponies to its presents. The three look over to the noise, as Emerald Cloud’s horn begins to glow and says, “Who’s there? Show yourself!”
As the image steps out from behind the trees, Crimson Rock says, “It’s a dragon!” In surprise.
Emerald Cloud’s horn dies down as he smiles at the image and says, “It’s ok guys. This here is Spike, one of Rarity’s friends. What brings you all the way out here, Spike?”
Not getting an answer, Emerald Cloud sighs and says, “I’m guessing from the look on your face you heard our little conversation,” as Emerald Cloud’s smile disappears, he continues to say, “You know, that wasn’t very friendly of you, listening to a private conversation.”
Then Spike’s voice could be heard as he said, “Please don’t,” as Emerald Cloud tilts his head in curiosity, to what Spike said. Spike continues to say, “Please don’t hurt her, she’s been hurt so many times before. Please don’t use her.”
Emerald Cloud started laughing at that and said, “Oh, Spike, I’m not going to hurt her. This is just something adults do. It’s a game we play. You’ll understand one day, when you’re older.”
Spike shouts back, “This isn’t a game for her! Sh- she’s starting to like you, Emerald Cloud. You can’t just use her feelings like that!”
As Emerald Cloud grins at the image, he says, “I see. You make a fair point, Spike.” Getting a shocked look from both Crimson Rock and Steel Arrow, Emerald Cloud continues, “I’ll tell you what. Since I’m such a nice pony. I’ll leave her alone and I won’t pursue her.”
Surprised by this, Spike could be heard saying, “Re- Really!?”
Emerald Cloud nods his head in answer before he grins and says, “But, if you want me to leave her alone. That isn’t the way to ask now, is it?”
After a moment of silence, Emerald Cloud says, “I want you to beg, Spike. I want to hear you say, 'Please leave her alone.' I want you to drop down to your knees and beg as if your life depended on it!”
After a moment, the image got lower, and in a weak and quiet voice Spike could be heard saying, “Please don’t hurt her,” as Emerald Cloud smirked, Crimson Rock could be heard sniggering as Steel Arrow said, “I can’t believe he’s actually doing it,” as he laughed along.
Emerald Cloud laughed and said, “I can’t hear you, Spike. Say it loud enough for me to hear,” as Spike repeated himself louder this time, Emerald Cloud walked up to him with an evil look in his eyes and said, “That’s not the way you are meant to look. Who said you can look at me like that, you filthy creature!” as he hits Spike in the face and pushes his head into the dirt.
As the image looks back up at Emerald Cloud and the others, Spike can be heard saying, “I don’t care what you do to me. Just don’t hurt her. Rarity can be a bit snobbish at times and a bit of a drama queen, but she’s a good pony. She’s kind, has a great sense of humour, is so very generous, and just an overall amazing mare, but it’s a double edge sword. She always wears her heart on the outside for all to see, but because of that, ponies can take advantage of her good will. She deserves to find happiness with someone that can appreciate her.”
As Emerald Cloud begins to laugh hysterically, he says, “Oh my Celestia. Now I get it. You like her. Don’t you!?”
Spike didn’t say anything to that, as Steel Arrow said, “Ew that’s gross. A dragon having the hots for a mare? What’s wrong with you?”
As the image rose up, Emerald Cloud glared at the image and said, “I told you to stop looking at me like that, you filthy beast!” before he started to hit Spike and continued to say, “Do you even know what you are?! You’re nothing but a filthy creature! A pet! She will never be yours!” As Emerald Cloud continued his attack, knocking the image back against the tree, the image slid down to the floor as Emerald Cloud started breathing heavily and said, “Know your place, beast,” as he spat on the image, before turning around to look at his friends with a grin.
Just then, the image rose back up unsteadily and leaned against the tree for support. Taking deep breaths, Emerald Cloud turned back around with a maddening look in his eyes as he screamed, “I told you to know your place!” As he went to hit Spike again, he stopped and got an evil grin on his face and said, “Do it! I dare you!”
Crimson Rock and Steel Arrow’s horns both lit up as Emerald Cloud watched the image with a grin before he began to laugh and said, “It seems you’re smarter than you look, Spike.” As Emerald Cloud looked over at his friends and nodded, the glow around their horns disappeared and he turned back around to look at the image. “If you had even hit me once. That’s all it would have taken for me to go run to Rarity and use the fact you attacked me to my advantage to get closer to her. Yes, I’m sure she would have found it hard to believe you attacked me, but if I used your feelings for her and told her it was out of jealousy, she might. Even if she didn’t believe me, it would have put the seed of doubt in her mind and that’s all I would have needed.”
As Emerald Cloud smirked, he carried on saying, "Don’t feel too bad, Spike. After I’ve had my fun with her, you can have what’s left.”
Just then, Steel Arrow said, “Hey, no fair. I wouldn’t mind having a go, you know.”
Crimson Rock chimed in, as he sniggered and said, “Yeah, me too.”
Emerald Cloud fake gasped and giggled as he said, “Oh, my. I had no idea. Well, guess that puts you at the back of the line, Spike. I mean it's only right to share with friends first. After all, it wouldn’t be very generous of me if I didn’t share. Now, would it?” As Emerald Cloud finished saying that, he turned away from the image and began to laugh louder before looking over his shoulder and glaring at the image one last time and saying, “I told you not to look at me like that, Spike!” And bucked the image as hard as he could, making it fly back into the tree and crashing to the floor.
As the three ponies walked away laughing, one of them said, “You sure you didn’t overdo it, Emerald Cloud? I mean, what are you going to tell ponies when he turns back up looking like that?”
Emerald Cloud just laughed and said, “I’m not worried. That creature may be stupid, but he’s still a guy. He won’t tell a soul what happened here. After all, he has his pride as a male too. Even if he did, what would his precious Rarity think of him then?”
After some time passed, the image got up and began to make its way back to Ponyville, unsteadily, using the alleys and back streets to make sure he wasn’t seen before coming to a house and knocking on the door as he leans on the frame in the process to keep upright. As hoof steps got closer to the door a voice from inside could be heard saying, “Coming,” as the door opened.
Just then the voice screamed, “Oh my Celestia! What happened, Spike?!” before turning and shouting, “Lyra, come quick!”
Lyra made her way to the door and said, “What’s the matter, Bon Bo- Spike?! What’s happened?!” She ran over to the image with a worried look on her face.
Spike could be heard saying, “Hey, girls. Sorry to drop in uninvited like this, but do you mind if I crash the night?” with a weak giggle, before the image started to fall forwards.
Just then Lyra caught him before he hit the floor and said to Bon Bon, “Quick, go get Twilight, hurry!”
Spike shouted, “NO! Not her!” Surprising both the mares before saying, “Lyra, you know what Twilight gets like. Look, I’ll be fine. I just need to rest. This is nothing. I’ll be back to normal in the morning. Please, Lyra. I came to you because I know you won’t say anything. Please, just let me crash on the couch for the night.”
As Lyra looked on worried, Bon Bon said, “Look Spike, I don’t know what’s happened, but we need to tell Twilight. She needs to know.”
As the image looked at Lyra, she took a breath and said, “Ok, Spike. You can stay the night.” Surprising Bon Bon, Lyra looked at her with a weak smile and said, “This is Spike we’re talking about. I’ve known him for years. If he’s asking for me to stay quiet and put him up for the night, then as a friend that’s what I’m going to do.”
“Lyra, you can’t be serious! He needs medical attention,” Bon Bon said, almost in tears.
Lyra took a breath and as she looked at Bon Bon said, “I’ve seen Spike get blasted around by Twilight for years and he was always fine by the next day. If he says he’ll be fine in the morning, I believe him. Remember, Bon Bon, he’s not a pony. He knows his body better than any medical pony ever could.”
As the image shifts to look at a worried Bon Bon, Spike could be heard saying, “Trust me, Bon Bon. I know it may look bad now, but come tomorrow I’ll be back to my handsome self. I Pinkie promise.”
Bon Bon sighed as she closed the door and said, “Okay, Spike. Since you Pinkie promised, I’ll believe you,” as she started making her way into the house, she continued, “I better go put some sheets down on the couch then.”
As the image watched her walk into another room, Spike said, “Thanks, Bon Bon. You’re a diamond. It’s no wonder why Lyra always goes on about ya.”
“Spike!” Lyra said as she blushed before helping him further into the house. As they make their way towards a couch, now with bedding on it, the image turns and looks in a mirror, as Spike looks at himself, he sighs and says, “Jeez, I look a mess.” He was battered, bruised and covered in blood all over and his right side of his face looked really swollen.
As they carried on over to the couch, Lyra laid Spike down and said, “I won’t lie, Spike. You've definitely seen better days,” before smiling at him.
Just then, Bon Bon came out of the kitchen and placed a bowl of warm water and some towels next to Lyra and said, “I’m going to make you a nice hot drink. I’ll leave you two to it,” as she turned back around and made her way back into the kitchen.
Lyra picked up a towel and wet it in the water before saying, “This may hurt a bit, but I’ll try to be as gentle as I can,” before she started to wipe away some of the blood. After a few minutes of silence, as Lyra carried on cleaning Spike up, she asked, “So, you going to tell me what happened?”
“I’m guessing you won’t believe me if I said I fell down some stairs,” Spike said with a little giggle before seeing the worry and concern on Lyra’s face and sighed before saying, “I can’t. I’m sorry. I know it may sound silly to you, but it’s a guy thing.”
Before Lyra had a chance to say anything, Bon Bon came in and placed a cup of tea on the table next to Spike and smiled at him.
The image looked at both the mares and Spike could be heard saying, “I’m going to ask you both something. It’s not going to be easy, but I want you both to Pinkie promise not to tell anypony what happened tonight. Not even Twilight.” As both mares looked on in shock, Spike said, “Please girls. Let’s just keep this between us.”
Both Lyra and Bon Bon looked at each other, before looking at the image and saying, “Ok, Spike. We Pinkie promise not to say anything to anypony,” before Lyra weakly smiled at the image and said, “It’s not like we could say anything anyway, We don’t even know what happened after all.”
Spike could be heard weakly laughing and said, “That’s true,” before saying, “I know I’ve already asked a lot of you, but do you think I could borrow a little bit of parchment, ink and a quill so I can tell Twilight I’m spending the night here?”
Lyra nodded and passed him some parchment, ink and a quill. As the image looked down onto the blank piece of parchment, Spike’s claw began to write with the quill.
Hey Twi,
I know it’s super short notice, but I’m at Lyra and Bon Bon’s. I popped over for a visit and as it’s starting to get on. I’ve asked if I could spend the night and they said yes, so this is just to let you know where I am, I know how you worry about me.
Don’t worry. I’ll be home first thing in the morning to do my work.
Lots of love, your number one assistant (Baby brother,)
Spike.
As the image watched the parchment turn to dust, it turned to look at the mares and Spike could be heard saying, “If it’s all the same with you, I’m gonna try to get some sleep.”
“Sure, Spike,” Lyra said as she smiled warmly, before saying, “I know a spell that can help you relax if you want,” Seeing the image bob up and down, Lyra smiled and said, “Close your eyes, Spike.” The image went black and all went quiet. If you listened really closely you could hear Bon Bon saying, "Lyra what are you doing?!”
“I know he doesn’t want to tell us, but I have to know. I’m sorry for doing this without your permission, Spike. I only hope you can forgive me.” Lyra could be heard in response.
As the bubble popped and the spell ended, Lyra closed her eyes and breathed as she said, “I didn’t technically tell anypony, so I didn’t break my promise,” before opening her eyes and looking at Rarity, now with tears in her eyes, and said, “Now do you understand why I hit you? I’ve known that dragon since I was a filly and not once... NOT ONCE have I ever seen him beg for anything! Even when ponies would make fun of him or look down on him, he always held his head high with pride! That is until you came along.”
Everypony in the shop was quiet and now glaring hatred at Emerald Cloud, Steel Arrow, and Crimson Rock. Emerald Cloud walked up to Rarity and said, “Surely, you don’t believe this made up mares tale, do you, Rarity? I mean, she just assaulted you for Celestia’s sake.”
As Rarity turned to look at Emerald Cloud, with tears still in her eyes, she mumbled something too quiet for anypony to make out. Emerald Cloud leaned in closer to try and make out what she was saying and she suddenly screamed, “WHAT DID YOU DO TO MY SPIKEY?!” Before slapping him around the face and breathing heavily, in anger.
Emerald Cloud stumbled back a little before looking at Rarity with hatred and shouting, “Who the hay do you think you’re hitting you stupid little mare?!” Before smacking her around the face as hard as he could, knocking her to the ground. “All I’ve heard out of your mouth since I’ve met you was Spike this and Spike that. He’s nothing compared to me! He’s not even a pony; he’s a freak! A pony wanna be!”
Before anyone had a chance to say or react to the situation, the little bell on the entrance to the shop went off and Twilight walked in to find everypony staring at her. As she looked around to see what was going on, she saw Rarity on the floor and immediately ran over to her, running past everypony else to get to her friend. Twilight helped Rarity up and saw the mark on her cheek as she asked, “What happened, Rarity?”
As Rarity stood back up she stared at Emerald Cloud, Twilight followed her eye line and turned to face Emerald Cloud and in a cold almost robotic voice, Twilight asked, “What did you do to my friend?”
As Steel Arrow and Crimson Rock took a step back out of fear, Emerald Cloud gulped before getting up the courage to say, “I defended myself! She hit me, so I hit her back!” As he watched Twilight just staring at him with a cold chilling look.
Twilight’s horn began to spark as she asked, “You did what to my friend?!” She took a step closer to Emerald Cloud as she continued to stare coldly at him.
Emerald Cloud decided to make a stand and shouted, “That’s right, Princess! lay your alicorn power over us feeble mortals! Show us all how you wield your power against those that go against something you disagree with! You princesses claim to be free and loving to all ponies, but that is only until it doesn’t suit what you like! And when that happens, you use your power to shut them down! So, go on, Princess of Friendship! Show everypony what you’re really like!”
Twilight’s resolve begins to falter as he says that. She takes a step back before closing her eyes and taking a breath, before looking sorrowfully at Rarity and saying, “I’m sorry. There’s nothing I can do now.”
An evil smirk came onto Emerald Cloud’s face and he began to giggle in amusement. Just then, the door to Sugarcube Corner opened once again to reveal Spike looking like his normal self. As everypony watched on in bated breath, Spike locked the door, which some thought strange.
He turned around and calmly began to walk towards Rarity and the others, not bothering to look at anypony Spike threw a bag of gems towards Mr. Cake and simply said, “Heads up, Mr. Cake.” As Mr. Cake caught the bag, Spike said, “That should take care of any mess, and if not I’ll sort it out later with you.” Spike carried on walking until he was standing in front of Rarity and looked at her. As she looked back with tears in her eyes, she was about to say something when from out of nowhere Spike gently grabbed her muzzle, surprising her a bit, before he turned her head to the side and gently stroked the now red mark on her cheek, causing her to flinch. He released her and looked at Twilight with a serious look on his face and just said in a calming voice, “Twilight I-”
Twilight closed her eyes as she heard him say her name and breathed slowly before opening her eyes again and giving Spike a sad smile as she says, “I know, Spike. I know.”
With that said, Spike turned and glared at Emerald Cloud and his friends. As he took a step towards them, Emerald Cloud stared back at Spike with disgust and said, in a mocking tone, “Oh my. Did little baby not learn his lesson about looking at me like that?!” to which both Crimson Rock and Steel Arrow, both sniggered.
Spike on the other hand, just took a breath as he shook his head and said, “You know, Emerald Cloud, I hate ponies like you the most. You are constantly looking down on others and fail to see the bigger picture. For instance, I heard what Twilight just said thanks to my dragon hearing. When she said there was nothing she could do, she wasn’t talking to Rarity. She was talking to you. She knows that nothing she does now is going to stop what’s about to happen.”
Emerald Cloud laughed and said, “Oh, is the baby dragon going to teach me a friendship lesson? Your master must be so proud of her little pet!”
Rarity took a step to say something, but Twilight put a hoof on her shoulder and shook her head as she said, “Don’t interfere, Rarity.”
Just then, Spike started to laugh, silencing Emerald Cloud in confusion. That’s when magic pentagrams appeared around Spike’s head, waist, wrist and ankles. As Spike finished laughing, he said, “Oh no, my little pony. This isn’t going to be a friendship lesson. This is going to be a life lesson!” As Spike mumbled something, the magic pentagrams glowed before shattering. Suddenly, a massive gust of powerful wind filled the shop, scaring some ponies while others closed their eyes. After it died down, everyone looked at Spike just standing there, glaring at Emerald Cloud.
Emerald Cloud sniggered at Spike, as he said, “Was that meant to scare me?! Your little tricks don’t work on me, little dragon!”
Just then, from out of nowhere, Celestia, Luna, and Cadance suddenly teleported into the shop and Celestia said in a panicked voice, “What’s going on? Is everyone ok?”
Spike sighed as he looked over his shoulder at the Princess of the Day and said, “Figured you’d show up.” He turns around to face her and says, “Everything’s fine. I’m just going to teach a lesson to this pony behind me.”
Celestia looks at him worryingly and says, “Spike, I don’t know what is going on bu-”
“That’s right, you don’t. So stay out of this, Celestia,” Spike says cutting her off.
Celestia taken aback by Spike’s attitude and grows serious before saying, “I can’t do that, Spike. It’s my job as a princess of Equestria to protect my little ponies.”
Spike closes his eyes and huffs before opening them once more and looking at Celestia with an equally serious look on his face. “Very well. I’m only going to say this once, Princess of the Day. If you know what’s good for you. Do not interfere!” He said.
“Spik-” Twilight starts to say in shock before Celestia slams her hoof to the ground cutting her off and sayings, “Are you threatening me, Dragon?!”
Spike grins at her as he says, “You should know me better by now, Celestia. I don’t threaten! That was a warning and the only one I’m going to give you.”
Celestia looks at him angrily and as she is about to say something, is suddenly stopped by Luna opening her wings in front of Celestia’s face, stopping her. “Tia, I’m sorry, but I have to side with Spike on this one. If you interfere, I will also do the same, but for Spike,” Luna said.
Celestia looks at Luna, shocked and says, “Luna, how can you say that? We are charged with protecting Equestria. Protecting our little ponies from all dangers, even if those dangers are our friends! It is our duty as princesses!”
As Luna nods and says, “Yes, dear sister, you are correct. However, I trust Spike. I believe in him just as I know you do. Let us put our faith in him and believe in him like we always have.”
Celestia takes a breath to calm down and looks at Luna with a loving smile before looking at Spike and saying, “Very well, Spike. Do what you must. I trust you.”
Spike smiles at Celestia and says, “I planned to. Even if you got involved,” before looking at Luna and giving her a knowing grin. “It seems some pony must have been poking her nose into my dreams last night.”
Luna smiled and said, “I am the Princess of the Night, Spike. It is my job to watch over the dreams of all of Equestria. You are no exception to this rule.”
Just then, Cadance could be heard at the counter saying, “Three chocolate milkshakes, please, Pinkie.” As Pinkie completes the order with a smile, the other two princesses look at her with a bit of shock. Cadance smiled at them both and she said, “What? I thought you’d want to join me in a drink while we enjoy the show.”
As Luna and Celestia both looked at each other, they shrugged and went to join Cadance at the counter. Spike turned around and looked at Emerald Cloud with a big smile as he said, “Sorry about that.” His smile turned to a grin as he continued, “Now where were we?” Just as he finished saying that, Crimson Rock ran past Spike, in a panic only to fall onto the floor after feeling something pull his tail. As Crimson Rock looked over his shoulder, he saw Spike smiling at him and say, “How rude. I haven’t started my lesson yet, little pony.” Spike pulled on his tail and pulled him back towards Emerald Cloud he spun him across the floor like a bowling ball into Steel Arrow, which knocked them both back into some tables and chairs and sent them both crashing to the floor with a mighty bang. “Stick around till the end,” Spike said.
As both Steel Arrow and Crimson Rock lay under some tables and chairs, unconscious Spike took another step towards Emerald Cloud and said, “Now in fairness, before I teach you my little lesson I think it’s only fair to give you a little history lesson just so you can fully understand the lesson I’m about to teach you, Emerald Cloud.” Spike stood still for a moment and as he put a claw to his chin, to think, he said, “Although, to be honest, I’m not very good at teaching history, so instead I’m going to tell you a story. Once upon a time, there was a little filly. This little filly loved to read and learn all she could, but she took a particular interest in magic. She loved studying it so much she never really gave any thought to having friends, well apart from her BBBFF and her foal sitter. Even so, she always had her head in the books. Seeing the little filly's love for studying and learning, her mom and dad decided to try to enrol her into Celestia's school for Gifted Unicorns.”
As Spike stopped and closed his eyes, he took a slow calm breath as he said, “The only problem with that was she first had to take a test to get into the school. The test was simple enough; all she had to do was hatch an egg,” as Spike opened his eyes, he went on, “No matter how hard the filly tried, she couldn’t do it. That is, until a sonic rainboom scared her and her magic went out of control. She hatched the egg along with doing some other stuff, causing quite the scene. However, Princess Celestia saw the filly’s potential and made her her protégé. The filly couldn’t have been happier. Not only did she get into the school, but now she got to learn personally from her hero.”
As Spike stopped to scratch his head, he continued, “So, anyway, as time went on, the filly grew and learned and so did the baby that came from that egg. The more time passed, the more the baby began to understand. He watched the filly as much as he could. As he did, he started to realise the filly that had hatched him never really talked much to others. This made the baby very sad because he loved the filly very much and didn’t want her to be lonely. So, as time went on, the baby decided to always be there for her no matter what. He was going to be her bestest friend ever and they were going to do everything together.”
Just then, Emerald Cloud shouted in anger, “What the hay does this have to do with anything, you stupid little freak?!”
Spike lightly chucked at Emerald Cloud as he said, “Because like most stories, this one has a dark side. You see, as they grew closer, the baby also realized he wasn’t like everypony else. He wasn’t even a pony, but he didn’t care. He was just so happy to be able to be with his friend. Then one day, as he was going to meet the filly, he saw her being picked on. His first and bestest friend begin to cry, he got mad, really mad. He’d never felt anything like it before. All he knew was that she was crying and it was because of the other pony. So, he let the rage take over. He just wanted to keep his friend safe. Make her pain go away.”
Spike stopped for a moment, looked down at his claws and sighed, before saying, “Luckily, Princess Celestia was able to intervene before anything bad happened, but the baby couldn’t forget about the incident. No matter how much he’s friend told him it wasn’t his fault and he did nothing wrong, that he was just trying to help her, he couldn’t get the look of fear he saw on her face, when he let the rage take over in that moment from his head. It haunted his dreams for a very long time. So, the baby, not knowing what else to do, went to the kind princess and asked her to help to make sure he could never hurt his friend or any pony ever. The kind princess saw the baby’s pain and in an act of kindness sealed his strength and his power away. The baby was so grateful and so happy. It meant that he didn’t have to leave his friend. That they could continue to stay together. He was so happy and grateful for the princesses help, in fact, that on that day he swore an oath to the princess. He would never break the seal; he would be the most loyal friend he could be and remain at his friend’s side always in whatever way she needed. But most of all, he swore to never hurt any pony.”
As Spike raised his head and looked at Emerald Cloud with hatred, he continued, “The oath he swore that day became the foundation on which he lived his life. It became his creed. His pride.” As Spike took another step towards Emerald Cloud, he said, “Here ends the story. For you see, Emerald Cloud, today, that baby has broken his oath and is going to teach you just what it means to anger him. I hope you’re ready, because the truth is not even I know how strong I truly am.”
Emerald Cloud gulped and went to take a step back in fear as he saw Spike’s eyes shimmer green before laughing nervously and saying, “N-nice try, Spike, bu... but I told you your little tricks won’t fool me.”
Spike just stared at Emerald Cloud without saying a word as he took another step forward. Emerald Cloud took a step back and shouted, “Stay away from me, you freak!” His horn lit up and a magic beam shot out, hitting Spike directly in the chest. Some of the ponies in the shop looked on in worry, but Spike stood unfazed.
“Is that it? Is that all you got?” Spike asked in a low, calming voice.
Emerald Cloud started to shoot beam after beam at Spike, creating smoke around Spike. Emerald Cloud started breathing heavily as a smirk came on his face and said, “That’s what you get for acting tough, you filthy beats!”
The smoke cleared to reveal Spike still standing, shocking everypony. Spike looked at Emerald Cloud with a pitiful look and asked, “That’s it? Heck, Twilight’s been hitting me with stronger beams than that for years. You really need to work on your magic, Emerald Cloud.”
Seeing Spike looking at him like that, infuriated Emerald Cloud to no end. As he charged forward and went to punch Spike, he screamed, “DON’T YOU LOOK DOWN ON ME, YOU FILTHY LITTLE CREATURE!!!”
As Emerald Cloud’s hoof got closer to Spike, Spike caught it with ease and closed his claw around Emerald Cloud’s hoof. No matter how hard Emerald Cloud tried, he couldn’t get his hoof out of Spike’s claw. Even when he kept hitting Spike with his other hoof, Spike didn’t budge an inch. Spike applied a bit of pressure to the hoof in his claw, making Emerald Cloud drop to his knees in pain. Now at the same eye level as Spike, Spike said, “You like to look down on others, don’t you? It makes you feel strong and big. It’s really quite sad, if you ask me,” Spike said in a calming voice. Before slowly raising his other claw and making a fist with it, his knuckles cracking as he did, Spike grind and continued to say, “Don’t worry, my little pony. The lesson is almost over for you.” As a look of fear completely overcame Emerald Cloud, Spike’s eyes shimmered green, as he said, “I told you this wasn’t a friendship lesson, but a life lesson. So, here it is. Like any good dragon, I too have treasure I will defend. But, unlike other dragons, it’s not bits or gems. No, it’s nothing so simple. My treasure is my friends. Each one worth more than any mountain of gold could ever be and like I told you before, Emerald Cloud, DON’T HURT HER!” Spike drew his arm back, ready to hit the now terrified pony. As Spike’s arm began to move forward, he said, “The life lesson here is a simple one! No pony hurts my treasure and gets away with it!”
Just as Spike’s fist was getting closer to Emerald Cloud’s face, Emerald Cloud screamed like a little filly in absolute fear, before wetting himself and passing out. Spike quickly stopped his attack and let him go, jumping back as to make sure not to get any pee on him. Spike lowered his fist and sighed before saying, “Pathetic.”
As Spike stood there looking at the now unconscious Emerald Cloud, he mumbled something and in a glow of light. The pentagrams reappeared around Spike, once again before fading from view. As Spike turned around he looked at Celestia and Luna and said, “It’s over, lesson learned,” before he slowly began to make his way towards the shop's exit.
"Spike, where are you going?" Twilight called out.
As Spike continued to get closer and closer to the door, he said, “I have to go now Tiw. It’s been fun. Make sure to take care of yourself and don’t forget to eat at the proper times.”
“Wha-“ Twilight said in shock before her body instantly began to chase after him, only to be blocked by a very serious looking Luna. “Luna, what are you doing? Spike’s trying to leave, we have to stop him!” Twilight shouted.
Just then, Spike spun around and dropped to one knee as he lowered his head and said, “Princesses of Equestria, this lowly dragon has learnt much in his time here amongst the ponies. Lessons that he will remember and carry with him till his last breath. He thanks you and is grateful for everything you have taught him and for giving him such wonderful memories to treasure.”
As Spike raises his head up, he looks at Twilight with a loving yet sad smile as he continues to say, “Twilight, I’ve watched you grow from a little filly into this amazing mare. My greatest pride is taking knowledge in the fact that in some way or another I was able to play a part in that if only a little. You, my sister, are truly a remarkable pony and will continue to do great things for Equestria. But I have gone as far as I can with you. Now is the time for us to say our goodbyes, but know this: no matter where I go or what I do with my life, I will always love you, my egghead of a big sister.”
As Twilight begins to cry, she asks, “Spike, I don’t understand. Why are you saying all this? Why are you telling me you have to leave?”
As Spike stood back up, he took one last quick glance at Rarity and gently smiled at the teary eyed mare before turning around and reaching the door and unlocked it. As he placed his claw on the door to open it, Spike said, “Try to understand Twilight. I broke my oath. Not just that, I threatened a princess of Equestria. Celestia and Luna are being kind enough to allow me to leave with what little pride I have left. Please don’t make this anymore harder for me.”
Just as Twilight was about to say something, Celestia slammed her hoof to the floor, getting the attention of everypony there. As Spike kept his back to her, Celestia calmly said, “Spike the Dragon, number one assistant and little brother to Twilight Sparkle, for all the years of dedication of hard work, loyalty, love, and friendship you have given, not just to Twilight but to all of Equestria. We, the princesses of Equestria, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for everything you have done for us.” As Celestia finished saying that, she, Luna, and Cadance all bowed to him in respect as Twilight quietly sobbed.
Spike didn’t bother to turn around and just said with his voice cracking, “You don’t need to thank me. It has been my honour and privilege to have been able to help such wonderful ponies, but if I may be permitted to be just a little bit selfish, just this once, I have just one request. Keep them safe and watch over them for me, and know if you should ever need my aid I will always come running.” As Spike tried to laugh to hide his sadness, he finished by saying, “You know how to reach me.”
Spike went to push the door open, but it would budge. Confused, he tried the lock again, but no matter what he did the door wouldn’t open. He heard a slight giggling coming from behind him, Celestia now standing upright again said, “Sorry, Spike, but I’m afraid we can’t let you go. You are just too important to us and we are still in need of your services.”
Spike spun around, to see Celestia and Luna both standing there with huge smiles on their faces, as he said, “What?! Bu-but I threatened to attack you!”
Celestia tilted her head to the side and said, “Oh is that right?” in a playful tone.
Spike slapped his claw over his face before saying back in a loud voice, “YES! And I was serious too!”
Celestia giggled at Spike’s reaction and turned to Luna, asking, “Lulu, do you know what he’s talking about?”
Luna giggled as she played along and said, “No, dear sister. I haven’t a clue. Though, if I remember correctly, he did warn us to be careful so as not to get hurt. Truly, we are blessed to have such a kind, caring and wonderful friend to watch out for us, Tia.”
As Celestia nodded her head, she smiled as she said, “Yes, Luna. We are most fortunate indeed.” As Celestia said that, Twilight ran up to Spike and pulled him into a hug as she cried. Spike stood there in complete shell shock at what Celestia and Luna were saying. As Celestia smiled at Spike, she continued, “Spike, you are one of the noblest creatures I have ever known. Your honour is still intact.”
Spike gently pushed Twilight away from him and said, “But, I broke my oath.”
As Celestia smiled warmly at him, she nodded her head and said, “Yes, you did. But, you did it to protect the one you lo-“ stopping herself from revealing Spike’s secret crush on Rarity. “You did it to protect a friend. I can think of nothing more noble than that. Furthermore, Spike, if nothing else, this should have shown you that just like Twilight has grown over the years, so have you. You are not the same dragon you once were. The fact that you were able to control yourself after releasing the seals proves that you have truly grown into a wonderful dragon. One I am so very proud to call my friend. You are free to do as you wish of course, so if you truly wish to leave, we will not stop you. However, I would consider it a personal favour if you stayed here as Twilight’s number one assistant. After all, she still needs her bestest friend by her side.”
Spike stood there for a few moments in silence before sighing and smiling at Celestia before bowing and saying, “It would be my honour, Your Majesty.” As all the ponies cheered with joy at Spike’s answer, Spike let out a little giggle before grabbing his head in pain.
Twilight looked on in worry as she asked, “Spike, are you ok?”
As Spike let go of his head, he smiled at her and said, “Yeah, I’m fine, Twi. Just a bit of a headache. I’m going to go for a walk. Maybe the air will do me some good.” As he gave a quick bow to the princesses, he said, “I’ll be home later, Twi.” before walking out of Sugarcube Corner. As he did, Celestia and Luna both had a quick glance at each other, before hearing a groaning coming from behind them.
As they turned around, they saw Emerald Cloud coming to in a confused state. He looked up to find Luna and Celestia glaring at him and Celestia said, in a mocking tone, “Oh, my. Look, Luna. One of our precious little ponies seems to be hurting. Whatever shall we do?”
“Hmmm, good question, my dear sister. I guess we should make sure he gets the rest he and his friends need. I believe a week in the dungeons should do the trick.” As a look of fear came on to Emerald Cloud’s face, Luna lowered herself down and whispered into his ear, “Consider yourself lucky that Spike was able to restrain himself. I look forward to seeing you in your nightmares.” Before Emerald Cloud had chance to say anything, Celestia teleported him and his friends out of the shop.
As Cadance walked up to Rarity, she asked, “Are you ok? Does it still hurt? If so, I can heal it for you,” as she pointed at Rarity’s cheek.
Rarity just stood there, unresponsive and in complete shock at everything that had just transpired, until she heard Cadance calling her name again. “Wha-? This? No. It’s nothing. Thank you thought,” Rarity said as she touched her cheek. Rarity then started nervously giggling as she bent down and opened the box with the sapphire cupcake inside. As she looked at it now all mashed up, she tried to put it back together, making more of a mess of it and as she continued to laugh nervously, said, “I was just getting a sapphire cupcake for Spike. We had a bit of a disagreement yesterday and I was just on my way to apologies to him, you see.”
Cadance stood there for a few moments as she watched Rarity playing with the sapphire cupcake before she gently shook her head, saying, “Rarity, I don’t think a sapphire cupcake is going to fix things. For years I’ve watched Spike running around after you, doing anything you asked of him without question. For years, you bent him to your will with a kind word here, a smile there, a bat of the eyes, and a kiss on the cheek,” Cadance started to get angry as she said, “You used his feeling for you to get him to do anything you wanted and he did so willingly with a smile.”
As Rarity sat there, not saying a word and just looked down at the mushy mess of a sapphire cupcake. Everypony looked over to see what was going on. Luna walked over to Cadance and said, “Calm thyself, my niece.”
Cadance turned to look at Luna with anger and shot back, “I don’t tell you how to govern the night, Auntie. Do not tell me how to do my job!” Seeing a shocked look come onto Luna’s face, Cadance cleared her throat, as she gave her Aunt an apologetic look before saying, “Forgive me, Auntie. What I meant to say was this has gone on far longer than it should have. Rarity is no fool; she knows how Spike feels about her. Heck, everypony that knows him Knows how he feels about her. Until recently, she has had a reason not to answer his feeling, but now she has nothing.”
Just then, Twilight could be heard saying, “What do you mean by that, Cadance?”
Cadance sighs before looking over her shoulder at a concerned Twilight and saying, “I told her and the others how old Spike was, the other day.”
“You did What?!” Twilight responded with anger in her voice. “That wasn’t for you to decide. That was Spike’s choice. You had no right!”
As Cadance turned around to look at Twilight, she shouted back, “I know that, but I couldn’t sit back and do nothing anymore! I’m Princess of Love. It breaks my heart to see Spike running around after her and having his efforts, his feelings, treated as if it were nothing more than a filly crush and that he would grow out of it when we knew it was nothing of the sort.”
As Twilight went silent, Cadance turned back around and looked down at Rarity, who was still sitting there looking at the sapphire cupcake and said, “That sapphire cupcake and a sorry won’t fix anything, Rarity. Look, the way I see it is, Spike, is an amazing guy. He’s kind, funny, cares about his friends, works harder than any pony I know, and he’s the hero of the Crystal Empire. Heck, he was willing to throw the life he has built for himself here away and threaten Celestia all for you! Don’t you think he’s earned the right for you to be honest with him?”
As Cadance carried on, Rarity said nothing in response and just stared at the sapphire cupcake. Cadance could feel her anger growing again and shouted. “What’s the matter with you!? I know you care for Spike, but if you don’t have feelings for him you need to be honest with him and tell him. Yes, he may be upset and hurt for a while, but in time, he will overcome it. Or, is he just not worthy enough to get an honest answer out of you!”
Rarity reacted to that by mumbling something as tears started to form in her eyes. Cadance tiled her head and said, “Speak up, I can’t hear yo-“
“I’M THE ONE THAT’S NOT WORTHY!!!” Rarity screamed, cutting Cadance off. “How could any pony or creature be worthy of him? It’s like you said; he’s kind, funny, caring, hardworking, a real live hero and so much more! I’m not stupid! I know how you- how everypony sees the way I am with him, but your wrong! I was never using his feelings to take advantage of him. I just thought if I could keep him close to me; keep him around me, then maybe, just maybe, I could become like him. That I would be worthy of such a creature! But now I don’t know what to do! I’ve really messed it up,” Rarity said as she finished, before she put her arms over her face and began to ball her eyes out.
Everyone stood there silently watching as Rarity continued to cry her eyes out. Cadance chuckled as she lowered her head down to Rarity’s ear and whispered, “So, you finally started listening to what your heart's truly been saying. Took you long enough.” As Cadance said that, Rarity looked up in shock. As Cadance smiled warmly at her, she said, “Talking to yourself can help, but so does talking to your friends. I’ll be honest, Rarity; you have been the hardest case I’ve ever had.”
“Bu… But I… You?” Rarity said as she tried to put the pieces together in her head.
Cadance sniggered as she said, “So, how was my impression of you? I think I did rather well if I do say so myself.”
Rarity just sat there looking gobsmacked as Cadance smiled at her and said, “Like I said, I’m the princess of Love. I know when someone’s in love, Rarity, even if they themselves do not realize it. I can feel it. It’s hard to describe really. While it was easy for me to see how Spike feels, you buried your feelings so far down that not even you yourself could see it. Instead, you threw yourself into your work and romantic ideas of what love should be. But, it seems now you’re finally starting to listen to what your heart has known for a long time. You just needed that little extra push, say for instance, a princess telling you how old he was. Since that was the biggest wall you had built up, I had to knock it down for you to open your eyes.”
Rarity sat there, amazed at what Cadance was saying, before she wiped her tears away and asked, “But what do I do now? I’ve messed up so bad. How do I even begin to fix things when this is all. So new?”
Rarity lowered her head to the floor, lost in how to make things better and what this meant for herself and Spike. Cadance lifted her head up and looked her in the eyes as she said, “First, you need to talk to him. I don’t just mean like an everyday conversation. I mean a proper talk. You need to sit down and be honest with him, about everything. No secrets, no holding back, just honest truth. Then, you need to let him speak. Let him say what he needs to, then after that who knows? That will be up to the both of you.”
As Rarity stood back up, she asked, “But what if it doesn’t work out? What if it all goes wrong?”
Cadance smiled at that and said, “I can’t tell you what will be, Rarity. I can’t see the future. No pony can. All I can say is if it doesn’t work out, then at least you can look yourself in the mirror and know you gave it everything you had. In the end, that’s all any of us can really do: try. Happiness isn’t something that is given. It is something that you have to work for. I’m sure you’ve heard the old saying: if it’s not worth fighting for, then it’s not worth having. You’ve seen Spike fighting, now. I think it’s time you show him how you fight for what you want, and there’s no time like the present, my little pony.”
As a determined look comes onto Rarity’s face, she wipes her face one last time before nodding her head in confidence and charging out of the shop past everypony as Twilight shouts, “Rarity, where are you going?”
Cadance trots up to Twilight, Lyra, and Bon Bon with a smile as she says, “She’s going to fight for what she wants.”
Twilight looks a bit confused for a moment at what Cadance meant before Bon Bon giggles and wraps her arm around Lyra, giving her a little kiss on the cheek as she says, “Good for her and it’s about time,” while Lyra just blushes in embarrassment.
A small but gentle, loving smile comes onto Twilight’s face after realizing what Cadance meant and as she looks out of the door, she says, “Go get him, Rarity.”
************
Meanwhile, while all this was taking place, somewhere in the Dragonlands, a gentle breeze makes its way into a dark cave. As it does, a sniffing could be heard coming from the darkness. After a few moments, a deep voice just started to laugh and as it did, it said, “I see. It’s finally time.” As a pair of eyes suddenly opened in the cold dark cave, the voice just continued to laugh before saying in a low menacing voice, “I’m coming for you.”