Chapter 3: Steppin' Out
Twilight couldn't answer her assistant. She didn't feel she could answer Spike's question.
"Twilight? Hello? What does the letter say?" Spike called out to the pony.
She didn't respond right away, but she finally did her words were soft and distant, "Spike….I-I don't know how to s-say this, but….you can't stay here anymore…."
Spike was puzzled, "What are you talking about?"
"The letter….it says you can't stay in Ponyville…." Twilight couldn't stand to make eye contact with Spike.
Spike was quiet for a moment before chuckling, "Ha ha, nice joke. You had you believing you there for a second. Good one."
Twilight's face was stone straight. "Spike….I think you should read the letter yourself."
The unicorn used her magic to levitate the letter to the dragon. He grabbed in one of his big claws and read it. His face went from shock quickly to sadness. The large dragon tried his hardest to keep his face emotionless, but he was failing. He was crying.
"Wh-Wha….why? Why do I have to go? I don't understand…." Spike's voice was distorted. His eyes were quick to form tears and they rolled down his cheeks.
"It's the decree from the past. We can't change it," Twilight tried to explain. She knew that it wasn't what Spike wanted to hear.
"But I don't wanna go! I like living here in Ponyville!" Spike's crying became louder.
The purple mare trotted towards her assistant, "Spike…."
"I don't wanna leave! I don't wanna leave you, Twilight!" the purple and green dragon laid on the floor, continuing his crying.
Twilight went up to Spike and hugged him at his body. She also began to cry. For a few minutes, the two collectively sobbed, holding each other.
Finally, Spike spoke with a hushed but calm voice, "How soon do I have to go?" A few more tears fell down from his eyes.
Twilight didn't want to answer, I would believe it's affective immediately…."
Spike took a deep breath and nodded, "Okay…."
There was another pause as the two hugged. Twilight broken the hug and looked at the dragon as she spoke again, "Would you like to spend the rest of the day saying your goodbyes?"
"Yeah…." Spike's voice was distant despite forcing a smile.
Twilight smiled back to Spike. It was hard, but the pony knew that she had to be strong for both of them. Even if she could barely be strong for herself.
Spike carefully made his way up to the balcony door, the only entrance to the library that he could use. He opened the door and took a few steps out the door. Twilight was right behind him.
Spike heard the unicorn's steps and turned to her, "Um….Twilight? C-Could I go and to them by myself?"
Twilight nodded and smiled, "Of course, Spike. Take as my time as you need."
Spike returned the smile and as he opened his wings out to get down from the library. He was watched by Twilight who was back on up on the balcony. She couldn't help but fully cry as her assistant walked away.