The brilliant orb of night irradiated the largely unexplored mountains. Surrounded by its countless children of twinkling stars, the lustrous moon rested upon a canvas of infinite expanse. An entire universe lay beyond a cover of black and white, and the mysterious nature of it all entranced a baby dragon and pegasus. On a secluded cliff deep in the foothills of Equestria, Spike and Rainbow Dash sprawled out onto their backs and lied upon a cold surface of rock. Jutting out from a significant height, the precipice enjoyed total isolation from artificial lighting. The lack of such illumination allowed for an unobstructed view of the dazzling firmaments above. And as the two exhausted companions pointed to random constellations, attempting to guess their original titles and etymology, a period of serenity maintained a comfortable stillness. In the air there was only tranquility, and the nurturing effects sat well in Spike and Rainbow Dash’s consciousness.
“Okay, look at that one.” Spike pointed a claw to the sky, smirking. “Doesn’t that kind of look like Tank?”
Spike had spotted a pattern of stars resembling that of Rainbow Dash’s pet tortoise. Its curvaceous ring served as the shell and four protruding dots connected to craft legs. The glittery assemblage could have been labeled as any particular creature, but Spike found humor in pretending it to be a familiar acquaintance. The cyan pegasus beside him chuckled lightly at its similar shapeliness, and offered a hoof as a noted agreement.
“He, he. Yeah, it does look like Tank.” Rainbow Dash giggled, bumping her hoof to Spike’s fist. “Okay, what about that one? Look, it’s an angry Twilight!”
Rainbow Dash had referred to a gathering of sparkling blotches retaining a veneer similar to a frown. Three marbles formed an upturned bell, and two eyes glimmered overhead. Spike guffawed as he pictured his mother figure’s expression of rage. Yes, it was Twilight Sparkle, alright. A soft glower alone could have symbolized the countenance of the uptight unicorn.
“Ha! That’s so Twilight!” Spike slapped his knee, snorting loudly. “I can just see her now!”
“She’s probably all like, 'Where’s my number one assistant?' ” Rainbow Dash imitated Twilight Sparkle, scrunching up her face. “He’s got to do the chores for me!”
“Oh, it’s good to take a break for once.” Spike exhaled, holding his stomach. “But I’d rather do chores than be on the run from a horde of crazy gamblers.”
It had been an hour since the entrancing sunset of the day had taken place. After the two audience members atop the cliff had finished their prized apple cider, the mutual decision to relax and stare out into the heavens had followed suit. Now, Spike and Rainbow Dash laughed among themselves in harmony. The union of jokesters resulted in gut-busting hoots and toots. It was a nice time to just gaze up into an endless sea of the unknown and chat.
Though with elevation came stronger winds. And although Rainbow Dash’s thick coat provided warmth for the pegasus, Spike’s naked scales were no substitute for proper covering from the cold. The baby dragon began shivering as the temperatures dropped steadily, and he worried whether he could stay at such high altitudes until morning. Rainbow Dash took notice of Spike’s quivering state, and she offered to fly him back to Ponyville. Spike refused, however, for he had an eerie feeling that what awaited the two at their home was not particularly desirable. Rainbow Dash did not push the issue any further, though she grew more concerned as the baby dragon continued to show symptoms of discomfort.
“Spike, if we’re going to stay here for the night, then we should probably get a fire going or something.” Rainbow Dash stood to her hooves and stretched. “Your shivering is freaking me out.”
“Gee, thanks.” Spike said sardonically, sitting up and shivering. “I can’t help being cold. I think my body isn’t mature enough for high altitudes yet.”
“I’ll fly down and collect some fire wood.” Rainbow Dash flapped her wings, hovering. “I’ll be right back. So stay put.”
Spike looked to his surroundings blankly. “I don’t think I’ll be going anywhere. But a fire would work, though. I’ll set up a fire pit.” Spike nodded, watching as Rainbow Dash neared the edge of the cliff.
“Right. See ya soon!” Rainbow Dash dove over the edge, disappearing from sight.
Spike cautiously peeked over the precipice and witnessed the cyan pegasus bulleting to the forests below. He tittered at the thought of Rainbow Dash unleashing another polychromatic shockwave. It was absolutely ridiculous if she were to generate a Sonic Rainboom just for some wood fuel. No way, Spike deliberated. Nah, she couldn’t be that insane.
The dragon shook his head as he scurried about the bluff, collecting a variety of splayed-out stones. He accumulated enough nuggets of rock to create a circular ring at the wall of the platform. About a meter in diameter, the fire pit sported simplicity. But as artless as it may have seemed, it was definitely efficient for enclosing kindled fires. Spike stared at his piece of work with a satisfied grin. He placed his back to the mountain and waited patiently for his pegasus cohort to return with the appropriate necessities.
Humming a catchy tune, Spike lifted his head to face the starry opus once again. It truly was an ethereal evening for outdoors camping. Princess Luna had done a fine job at painting her nocturnal masterpiece. Such picturesque scenery could be better appreciated, Spike wondered. It was a shame there were still those in fear of the day’s darkness. Tonight delivered the perfect atmosphere for romance.
Spike’s heart palpitated fiercely as he drew his mind back to his beloved. The snowy white unicorn of his dreams entered his mind, sending him flirtatious glances. His imagined version of the purple-maned mare trotted leisurely towards his open arms. Pursing her lips demurely, the exotic pony named Rarity blew kisses to her partner. She inched ever closer towards Spike, batting her luscious eyelashes teasingly. Oh, if only he could hold her right now!, Spike wished. If only she was in his company for this magnificent moment of passion.
“Let me hold you, my sweet.” Spike said aloud, his eyes closed.
“Nope. That’s not happening, pal.”
Spike shot open his eyes in shock. Rainbow Dash was hovering in front of him, leering mischievously. In her forehooves rested bulky sticks and logs of wood, probably broken off from dense tree branches. The dragon’s mind raced as he tried to understand the current situation. How long has Rainbow Dash been watching him? Had he been making any funny faces? How did he not notice the pegasus’s arrival? Spike flushed in humiliation, turning away from the amused mare.
“So you want to hold me, huh?” Rainbow Dash pestered, snickering. “I kind of figured. You were bound to fall for me sooner or later.”
“Not likely!” Spike spat back, embarrassed.
“Ah, so now it’s ‘not likely’?” Rainbow Dash dropped the wood at the center of the fire pit. “You used to say it was ‘impossible’, but now it’s ‘not likely’. I knew you were coming around. Nopony can play defense for too long against me.”
“Whatever. You’re just twisting my words,” Spike assured Rainbow Dash, scanning the fuel for the fire. “You brought the firewood, I see. You were gone for like a minute.”
“What can I say? I’m that fast.” Rainbow Dash shrugged. “So is that pit going to keep the flames inside the circle? It looks kind of weak.”
Spike crossed his arms confidently. “It’s going to work. Just watch.”
Spike dropped to his knees and positioned his snout over the fire pit. Inhaling deeply, the baby dragon experienced a burning sensation within his core. His chest was branded a furnace as a smoky surge passed through his throat. Suddenly, a burp of emerald flames shrouded the firewood, latching onto it for energy consumption. Rainbow Dash drifted backwards in response, observing the ignition of blazes transform into a minute conflagration. Spike did it. There was now a bonfire for the two to share.
“Whoa. Cool.” Rainbow Dash flittered forwards, landing at the foot of the fire pit. “Nice job, Spike. Now you won’t be so cold tonight.”
“Thanks. It should last us a few hours.” Spike stood back up, scratching his head. “I don’t know if that will be enough fuel for the whole night, though.”
“Huh.” Rainbow Dash realized Spike was correct in his assumption. “Then if it starts to run out, I’ll just bring some more.”
“But that means you’ll have to wake up.” Spike made aware. “You don’t have to do that, Dash. I’ll be okay.”
“No sweat. I want to do it.” Rainbow Dash waved her hoof dismissively. “Besides, if it means more time for flying, then I’m all for it.”
“If you say so…” Spike replied doubtfully. “Well, thanks for bringing the firewood.”
“No biggie. You’re the one who started the fire.” Rainbow Dash extended her forehooves over the fire pit. “Feels great. You’re really useful, you know that?”
“You’re just realizing that now?” Spike laughed, taking a seat beside the fire. “You have much to learn, Dash. I’ll tell you that.”
“Wow, you’re the modest one, aren’t you?” Rainbow Dash seated herself opposite Spike.
Spike reeled back incredulously, chortling. “Are you serious? Did those words really come from your mouth?”
“Oh, shut up.” Rainbow Dash smiled wryly, swimming a hoof through her mane. “Honestly, though. You’re a great help, Spike.”
Spike opened his frozen palms to the cackling fire, savoring the heat it emitted. An apt-sized flicker soothed the dragon’s exterior, inevitably creating a flow of enveloping warmth. Spike gazed at Rainbow Dash as she eyed the dancing combustions fixatedly. She appeared mesmerized by the yellow and orange pyres, and her eyes drooped slowly as if in a daze. Simpering tenderly, Spike recognized a childlike spiritedness coming from the pegasus. There was a cute innocence about her, Spike discerned. She produced a glow that could only render an individual awe-inspired. It was as if one just couldn’t refrain from hugging her.
The fact that she had complimented Spike on his expediency poked at his heart. Rainbow Dash was his close friend, he accepted proudly. And that was a blessing in itself.
“It’s nice being with a good friend,” Spike said, stretching his toes in front of the fire. “If I have to be stuck on a cliff with anypony, I’m glad it’s with you, Dash.”
Rainbow Dash pricked her ears up, startled by Spike’s sudden statement. She mused over the genuineness of his confession as she remembered events passed. An hour ago, the competitive pegasus had nearly admitted defeat to their game. At the time, she had done so in order to assuage the stresses and pressures weighing on her friend. But in a split second, right before she could finish her surrender, Spike had been pulled over the cliff by magical interference. She contemplated on whether the dragon had noticed her submission. As of now, he had not mentioned it. Did he not hear her? It was a possibility. Did he perhaps forget? That wasn’t likely, but it could be the truth. Or was he… ignoring it?
“Are you sure you’d rather have me here?” Rainbow Dash responded carefully. “Wouldn’t you want to be with Rarity instead?”
Spike’s eyes widened. “Well, s-sure, I’d like it if she was with me. But she wouldn’t be too pleased with such a barren setting, so I doubt she’d willingly stay the night here.”
“I don’t think she’d like even an hour of being here.” Rainbow Dash nodded.
“She’s not like you,” Spike specified.
“Yeah, she’s not a mare everypony thinks is a lesbian.” Rainbow Dash muttered solemnly.
Spike detected Rainbow Dash’s morose tone. Her mane hung over her forehead, concealing her facial expression. Spike couldn’t denote a hint of comicality in her last avowal, and he became apprehensive by the thought of his friend’s lethargy. Rainbow Dash was a pony filled with vigour and passion. She was that amazingly agile pegasus that didn’t take contempt from anypony. Her buoyancy was so great that it was difficult to match it. But for some reason she seemed down. And Spike didn’t like that one bit.
“That’s not to say that I wouldn’t choose you over her, Rainbow Dash,” Spike blurted instantly. “Because you’re the best choice for a campout of anypony else in Equestria.”
“What about Applejack?” Rainbow Dash tested.
“Who flew us up here in the first place?” Spike motioned to their environs. “Only the always-awesome Rainbow Dash!”
Rainbow Dash lifted her head. “Heh. You bet it was me!”
“I already told you to forget what everypony thinks. If our little bet doesn’t make them realize how straight you are I don’t know what will,” Spike said, crawling towards Rainbow Dash.
“I’ll show them,” Rainbow Dash guaranteed, holding up her hoof determinedly. “They have no idea how wrong they were.”
“They don’t know what’s coming to them, do they?” Spike chuckled, stopping at Rainbow Dash’s side.
“Hay yeah, man!”
Spike’s motivating words re-boosted Rainbow Dash’s self-security. The two indulged in yet another fit of laughter, relishing in the peacetime of friendship. But after a while, the pair grew more drowsy as the moon rose higher into the sky’s summit. Fatigue eventually set in and sleep was soon priority on their agendas. Deciding to get some shut-eye, Spike and Rainbow Dash lied upon their backs simultaneously and listened to the subtle pops of their fresh campfire.
The nomadic clouds surrounding the mountaintops gradually reached the edge of the cliff. And as the Rainbow Dash looked upon the fluff of their veils, she gasped at a familiar-looking splotch of mist. Was that… McCloud? Yes, it was in fact McCloud, the special cloud she always preferred to snooze upon. It had reached the massifs she was taking refuge in, as if it were paying her a visit. Rainbow Dash grimaced as she realized she could have been napping soundly atop her precious McCloud as opposed to lying flat on rigid stone. Spike had seen the look on the pegasus’ face, and he immediately comprehended her dilemma. She was facing the clouds with a pained expression, and he understood her longing.
“You should sleep on the clouds. I can sleep here.” Spike spoke up. “My scales are tough enough for sleeping on rocky surfaces, anyway.”
Rainbow Dash lit up at Spike’s suggestion. That was exactly what she wanted to hear. Permission was all she needed to fly out and plop onto that puffy hearth. A bed of pillows awaited her, and she truly wanted nothing more but to coddle in physical luxury. Yet uneasiness held her back. Although the pegasus yearned for McCloud’s touch, she also found it disheartening to leave Spike alone. He was almost wiped off the face of Equestria by somepony’s magic. If she left him unaccompanied now, who knows what else could occur in her state of sleep? Her presence might be the very key to his survival.
“No, Spike. I’m staying. We don’t know if that unicorn or whatever is going to try something else on you,” Rainbow Dash refused wearily. “I have to be here for you.”
“For me?” Spike repeated, alarmed.
“So I can protect you.” Rainbow Dash said sternly, holding Spike’s gaze.
“Oh, I see.” Spike grasped the gravity of her words.
Rainbow Dash’s loyalty was uninhibited. Her unmoving resolve to leave Spike’s side touched the dragon. She traded rest and coziness for his sake, and she didn't even bat her eyes twice for a refund. She risked a lack of sleep to gather extra firewood, and she chose discomfort to watch over her friend. Her gracious actions symbolized the fidelity of her Element. It was an attractive aspect of hers, and Spike was inspired to return the aid.
It was the least he could do for his friend, Rainbow Dash.
“Put your head on my lap,” Spike offered abruptly, patting his stubby legs. “It’s much softer and warmer than this mountain.”
Rainbow Dash blinked, registering Spike’s proposal. “No way. I can just lie on my hooves. I’m fine.”
“Come on. It isn’t a big deal,” Spike argued. “I won’t do anything funny, if that’s what you’re thinking.”
“That’s not it.” Rainbow Dash shook her head.
“Then it’s okay then.” Spike dragged himself towards Rainbow Dash.
“Spike, I’m good. You don’t have to—“
Spike grabbed Rainbow Dash’s hooves, squeezing softly. “It’s alright. You can trust me.”
Rainbow Dash was rendered speechless by Spike’s impulsive behavior. She wasn’t too fond of others touching her hooves, and she knew Spike was aware of this. But despite this piece of knowledge, Spike took a leap of faith and hoped the pegasus wouldn’t freak. Reciprocated dependence needed to be established between the two, and Spike found it of utmost importance to reassure Rainbow Dash that he treasured her trustworthiness. But now it was time to rely on him. He was going to be there for her, if she allowed him to.
After a minute of silence, Spike was sure he was in. He hadn’t been swatted away the instant he laid his claws upon the pegasus. And at this he was relieved. Little did he know, though, Rainbow Dash’s heart was beating wildly. She was utterly stunned by the gentle look Spike gave, and the kindness he was so vehement on dispensing made her tremble. Why was her heart acting so weird? Why was she so bothered by that cute look he gave her? Why was there something caught in her throat? What was happening to her?
“I-it’s not that I don’t trust you. I-I’m just looking out for you, dude,” Rainbow Dash stuttered, her face growing hot. “Y-you might not be able to sleep if my head’s weighing on you.”
“Don’t worry about that. I’m about to knock out soon, anyway.” Spike yawned, craning his neck. “I think I’m going to hit the sack right now actually.”
“I don’t know…” Rainbow Dash paused, apprehension overwhelming her.
“Please, Dash. I’d feel better if I knew you were comfortable,” Spike assured.
“O-okay. If it will get you to release my hooves already,” Rainbow Dash conceded, feigning irritation.
“Sorry!” Spike pulled back his hands, blushing.
“But don’t expect me to be on your lap for long,” Rainbow Dash added. “Once you’re asleep, I’m moving.”
Spike stretched his arms. “Fine. You can do whatever you want once I fall asleep. But for now, while I’m still conscious, I’m going to be sure your head’s okay.”
Now in a seated posture, Spike pat at his lap once again. He beckoned his friend to come forward. Rainbow Dash awkwardly crawled towards Spike, her respiration patterns becoming erratic. As she placed a hoof on Spike’s leg, she was surprised to make contact with calming temperateness. His scales radiated a kindred heat, permitting the pegasus to edge closer. A swift gratification soothed her senses. The pleasurable warmth of his body reminded her of a midsummer’s sun shining upon a freshly showered coat. And after a few minutes of shifting and turning, Rainbow Dash finally rested her head onto Spike’s lap and exhaled.
It was quite challenging to relax, however. Rainbow Dash was painfully conscious of her short breaths, and she tried to maintain herself in order to not cause Spike any discomfort. Spike was too somnolent to notice her efforts, for he was already nodding off into the sands of sleep. Rainbow Dash’s body suddenly became hot. She couldn’t determine whether the reaction came from the body heat of skin and scales, or whether it was her own nervousness. She remembered Spike riding on her back before, clutching to her frame in a tight hold. But this time was different. It was undeniably a new sensitivity. It was just something she couldn’t identify, and she was scared.
“You really are the Element of Loyalty, Rainbow Dash.”
Rainbow Dash was brought out of her reverie by Spike’s mumbled comment. He was falling asleep, and she noticed his eyes had already closed.
“What? Where did that come from?” Rainbow Dash asked, glancing up at Spike.
“It’s just… you staying up here to watch me…” Spike said hazily. “It’s nice…”
Rainbow Dash placed her head back down. “Well, duh, I know that.”
“Heh.” Spike rocked slowly, falling further into unconsciousness. “You always know… what to say, huh?”
“I can’t tell if that’s sarcasm.” Rainbow Dash giggled softly.
Rainbow Dash closed her eyes and let her eyelids paint yellow and orange kaleidoscopes as the heat from the fire washed over her. Flared nostrils focused on the smoky scent of charred pine. Limp ears were lulled by the whispering hisses and sizzling snaps of the swaying embers. Cyan cheeks took on a rosy shade. And her stresses were whisked away by the cool breeze. At that moment, there was no other place better to slumber than on Spike's lap.
“Spike?” Rainbow Dash murmured quietly.
“Mmm…” Spike answered, now losing cognizance.
“…Thanks.”
Another minute passed, and only silent snores resounded from the dragon. His head bowed and his back slumped, Spike fell asleep seated on his rear. All the muscles in his face and body were totally at peace, like an infant in its first throes of napping. Not a twitch, nor a spasm; The dragon barely moved at all besides the movement of his chest rising and falling with each intake of oxygen, such was the depth of his oblivion. Spike was at rest. He was at one with himself, rejuvenating the mind and tissues before the onset of yet another day of turmoil. And to Rainbow Dash, he was hypnotic.
“Spike?” Rainbow Dash whispered.
A gentle smile tugged at the ends of her mouth. She cherished the palpitation in her breast, and she didn’t understand the reason why. But she didn’t care any longer. Because she was happy.
Slowly wrapping her forehooves around Spike’s body, she tenderly nuzzled his scaly lap.
“I’m not giving up…”