//------------------------------// // V- Time // Story: Little Scars // by take flight //------------------------------// Endings and beginnings were the same to Spike, just one part of the seamless flow of time.  One accumulates many memories in a life that spans centuries. One becomes strong. But Spike knew his weary feet have seen their last mile. A dragon does not break down in pieces. It's a quick, swift end, one characterized by a powerful fatigue that tugs at the consciousness, gently guiding the dragon to eternal slumber. A dragon dies gracefully. Celestia was by his side until the very end. Her face was an inscrutable mask of patience and composure, but a sad, gentle smile tugged at her lips. Her eyes, deep and calm, were fixed on the mountain of purple scales in front of her. She, too, had seen many endings. The lives of beloved friends were like hot flashes in a pan, burning out all too quickly. Spike’s passing would mark the end of an era. "Do you see her?" said Celestia. Her voice echoed off the narrow walls of the cave. Spike nodded. His eyes were distant and clouded, his mind fixed on a point deep inside his battered skull. They were calling to him. Asking him to leave his world behind. "Thank you for everything, Celestia," Spike said. When he spoke, the ground rumbled like a distant earthquake. "You gave me everything a dragon could ask for." "Shh, my little dragon. I am the one should be thanking you. Lay your head down and rest." She planted a gentle kiss on his forehead. "You're a dear friend. You've left your mark on Equestria." There were a thousand things Spike wanted to say, but that would be wasting time, and he couldn't keep Rarity waiting. - "Will you remember me, Spike?" Rarity's voice was very quiet. Her body, a frail jumble of skeleton limbs and loose wrinkles, shivered violently against Spike. "As long as I bear my scars, Rarity." He had this answer prepared for many months, but now it sounded fake. Hollow. Insincere. Spike was strong now. A strapping, fine male dragon in the early prime of his life. Barely an adult, really. He shouldn't feel so weak. So powerless. Spike wanted her friends and family to be here. Her life had touched so many, yet her passing would be recognized by so few. It was unfair. But it was simply dragon and unicorn, locked in an embrace as a blizzard entertained itself outside. The weather had become volatile since the sudden departure of Equestria's Pegasus-in-Chief. Some say that Rainbow Dash had died. Spike simply believed she had flown away. East, maybe, to the rising sun. Spike’s answer seemed to infuse Rarity with life, a spark of energy that had been snuffed out long ago. Her eyes burned with sudden lucidity, a beautiful, brilliant fire. "I could never understand your obsession with scars, Spike.” "I think it began when- hey!" He jerked suddenly as he felt Rarity's hoof caress the sensitive underside of his arm, where a long, jagged patch of shiny scar tissue snaked down the limb. Rarity giggled. "This was from that time you tried to fly with me on your back. At the mountains." "Yeah, last time that's going to happen." Spike felt his voice tighten because of how true his statement was. The memory burned in his mind- the Eternal Mountains, 10th anniversary, nearly a half-century ago. "Sh, Spike. You think too much." She leaned in to plant a gentle kiss on the nape of his neck. "I don't think anyone has ever told me that before,” said Spike. "There's a first for everything," said Rarity quietly. And a last, thought Spike, but he just hugged her tighter, hoping to protect her fire from the greedy wind. - "Oh, oh no. Spike, come here." Rarity's face turned into an ashen pallor. Her eyes were transfixed on the letter levitating in front of her. Her hoofs were firmly planted on the ground, but the world was spinning around her. Spike recognized Luna's messy horn-writing immediately. It had been two years since they had last received a letter. Spike & Rarity, By the time you receive this letter, I believe that several years would have passed. My magic is tapering off. Celestia said she is sending help, and I have faith in my sister. But it is too late for Twilight Sparkle. I am so sorry. I knew the trip was dangerous. I knew the risks of taking her. It was a noble death,  done to protect her friends, but I know that is little consolation to you in Equestria. In her final moments, she wished for me to extract certain memories. I am not only the princess of the night, but also the mistress of dreams, hope, and fear. This is her last message, addressed to both of you. Rest assured that I have sent similar letters to the other Elements. Words cannot express my sorrow and regret. Luna. Spike unfurled the creased scroll, releasing a tiny crystal that fell to the ground. Before either unicorn or dragon could react, it exploded into thousands of colors. The air blossomed with magical energy. The walls of Canterlot Couture fell, replaced by the wood panels of the Ponyville library. The air was thick with the musk of new books. - "Come on, Spike! Let's go visit our neighbors," said Twilight, her tail swishing side to side with anticipation. "The Good Neighbor Guide says to make introductions early, and follow up often with social interaction." "Do I have to?" whined the dragon. "It's so boring here. There's nothing to do." "Well, you moping all day won't make anything better.” "Fine." Dragging his heels, the tiny apprentice followed Twilight into the sunny streets of Ponyville. Their first stop was the Carousel Boutique. It was hard to miss- a grand, ornate structure with pristine columns and a well manicured garden. Twilight rapped on the door twice, a cheery smile on her face. Spike trailed behind her, attempting to make himself as small as possible. A snow white unicorn opened the door, a sewing needle and thread hovering in the air beside her. "Oh, hello! You must be Twilight Sparkle! My name is Rarity. Do come in!..." Rarity's voice seemed very distant. Spike's eyes widened. Her flawless skin, her graceful smile, her lithe body- she was a goddess! Maybe it was wishful thinking. Maybe it was a childhood crush. But at that moment, Spike knew they were meant to be.   - The end.