Hearts and Hooves Day came once again, and I had plans on what to do.
After doing my morning routine, I went to the town square and purchased a simple bouquet of flowers and a box of chocolates. I then went down the road to Fluttershy’s cottage. I knocked on the door and patiently waited for my favorite pony.
Fluttershy answered quickly. “Oh, hello Spike.”
“Happy Hearts and Hooves Day.” I gave Fluttershy the flowers and chocolates.
“Oh, wow! Thank you, Spike.” Fluttershy hugged me. “Happy Hearts and Hooves Day to you, too.”
After she put my gifts away, I said, “Say, if you don’t have any plans for today, how about we go for a nature walk?”
“I was going to suggest the same thing.”
Later, Fluttershy and I went into the nearby forest. Fluttershy was hopping so much I swore that she was Pinkie Pie in disguise.
“Oh, how I enjoy spring!” Fluttershy exclaimed as we walked along the path. “It’s like nature itself waking up from its own hibernation.”
“I don’t mind it either,” I said.
That part was true. It was nice to enjoy the blooming flowers in the spring for once. The better part was that I never needed to consume an entire box of allergy pills like I did back in the human world. I just hoped that I wouldn’t get another cold like last year.
A bird landed on Fluttershy’s hoof. Both of them had a small conversation before the bird flew off.
“What were you two talking about?” I asked.
“Oh, well Mordy had found a lover last migration and now he and his partner were considering having children.”
“Ah, good for them.”
Fluttershy and I continued into the forest. We stopped at a clearing and sat beside an old tree stump.
“Sure are a lot of birds singing today,” I said.
Fluttershy replied, “Yeah, there is now that you mentioned it. Not that I mind, of course. I always love hearing the birds sing.”
“Do you understand what they’re singing about?”
“Of course. Mostly they talk about what they like about each other. It’s almost like a love song.”
“Yeah, that makes sense since they’re trying to attract a lover.”
Fluttershy and I looked up at the sky. A few puffy clouds floated on by like glaciers in an arctic ocean.
Fluttershy then turned to me. “Spike, can I ask you something?”
I nodded. “Go ahead.”
“Do you ever think of what you want your dream goal to be?”
“Sometimes. Why?”
“Well, I’ve been thinking about it myself. There was one goal I wish to achieve…but it’s kinda silly.”
“What? What is it? I promise I won’t laugh.”
Fluttershy took a deep breath. “I was thinking of having a place where all kinds of animals can roam free while still getting the care and treatment they deserve. Almost like an animal sanctuary.”
“But you already have a cottage. Not to mention you have animals visit you from time to time.”
“Yes, that’s true. But my animal friends are mostly forest creatures. All the journeys I’ve been on so far showed me that there are lots more animals to meet in different places. Tigers, mantacores, bugbears…oh my, to see all of them in one place…I’m sorry, it sounds ridiculous…”
I shook my head. “No, no it doesn’t. It sounds like a good plan. A great plan. Having exotic animals come visit your animal sanctuary sounds like something an animal lover would create right away.”
Fluttershy giggled. “Thank you, Spike. And…what about your ultimate goal?”
That was a good question. On the off chance that I could never return to the human world, I would have to consider a long-term goal while I’m in Equestria after Twilight’s coronation for the ruler of Equestria.
“Well…I don’t know, honestly. I’ve always helped you and the others, but lately I’ve wanted to do much more than that. I want to explore all of Equestria and learn about everyone’s cultures. Maybe I could also help others out there. Unite kingdoms, settle arguments, avoid conflicts…it would be like being an ambassador. I know it sounds rather generic, but…”
“Oh, don’t worry, Spike. It’s okay if you have a generic goal. I’ve heard some ponies wanting to start a family or have a simple job, and that’s okay. Sometimes goals don’t have to be so extravagant or unique. As for yours in particular, you always were helping out and settling conflicts here. I’d think you’d make a perfect ambassador. And you seemed to handle arguments well. I haven’t heard you use your whistle these days.”
I pulled out my whistle. What Fluttershy said was true, it had been a while since I blew it. While I still get annoyed by any nearby arguments, I was able to calm things down before things got too hectic.
“Yeah,” I said. “I still have a way to go. I’m not throwing this away anytime soon.”
After our respite, we returned back to Fluttershy’s cottage. Fluttershy gave me one last hug.
“Thank you, Spike,” she said. “Hope you enjoy the rest of Hearts and Hooves Day.”
“You’re welcome, Fluttershy.” I hugged back. “Same to you as well.”
I hurried back to the castle. There, I saw Twilight going through the mail. She was reading one of the letters with a smile on her face. It definitely wasn’t a bill.
“Hey, Twilight. What are you reading?” I asked.
“We just got invited to a wedding, Spike!” Twilight announced. “It’s going to take place here in Ponyville!”
Twilight gave me the letter. As it turned out, it was the wedding for Cranky and Matilda, the two donkeys that Pinkie hooked up a while back.
“Oh, wow. That’s great!” I exclaimed. “I can’t wait to attend.”
I gave back the invite and hurried to my room. “Slice of Life,” the show’s one hundredth episode, was coming, and I was going to have a lot on my plate. Getting the girls to the town hall was a priority, but so were a lot of other things, such as getting Doctor Whooves’s suit tailored. I had to devise a plan to make sure everything would go somewhat better than in the show.
The day before the wedding, I hurried over to Rarity’s boutique. I was able to find the unicorn at her sewing machine.
“Hey, Rarity,” I said. “Are you busy right now?”
Rarity adjusted her glasses. “Oh, hello, Spike. No, I’m not at the moment. Why do you ask?”
“Well, the wedding is coming up, and I wanted to know if you had time for a last-minute repair. There’s this pony who needs a patch done.”
“I’ve still got time to do a few stitches. But the pony would have to come by the boutique with their outfit if that were the case, darling.”
“I’ll be sure to let them know that. Thanks.”
I went out of the boutique and searched for the doctor’s house. It took a while, but I was able to locate his home. I knocked on the door, and the doctor answered immediately.
“Yes? What can I do for you?” Dr. Whooves asked.
“Hey, I was just passing by,” I said. “I wanted to wish everypony good luck for tomorrow’s wedding.”
The doctor slapped his forehead. ”Great whickering stallions! I completely forgot! And I still need to get my suit tailored!”
“Oh, don’t worry, doctor! Rarity still has time to fix a few more suits.”
“Oh, good!” The doctor closed the door and came out with his suit on a hanger. “I shall get there right away!”
He galloped a few feet before stopping and turning.
“Actually, there is something that I’ve been meaning to ask you,” Dr. Whooves said. “Have you ever experienced an event that has occurred before?”
I raised an eyebrow. “Why do you ask?”
“No reason. I just want to know if you experienced deja vu.”
“Oh. Yeah, I had deja vu before.”
“I see. Alright, see you at the wedding.”
The doctor hurried to the boutique. At least that was one problem solved for the upcoming episode.
The next morning, I woke up and did my normal routine. I entered the kitchen and made myself a bowl of cereal. The doors behind me opened quickly.
"Good morning, Twilight," I said without turning around.
"Good morning, Spike," Twilight replied enthusiastically. "Ready for the big day?"
"Of course. It’s Cranky and Matilda's wedding after all. Everypony who's anypony is gonna be there."
I sat at the table and ate my cereal. Suddenly, I felt the familiar squeezing in my stomach. I instantly burped out a scroll.
"Heh, didn't think scrolls were part of a complete breakfast," I said as I took the milk-stained scroll from the bowl. "It must be for you, Twilight."
Twilight shook the scroll a bit before unraveling it. As she read the letter, her face went from happy to worried.
"Oh, no!" She squeaked.
"What’s the matter?" I asked.
"A bugbear is heading for Ponyville! Of all days this could happen! I gotta get the girls!"
"But what about the wedding?"
"We'll try to make it afterwards!"
Twilight dashed out of the castle. I quickly finished my cereal before heading out as well.
I thought about what else would be done today. I needed to make sure that the girls would attend the wedding, but that part wasn't going to be for a while.
I already solved the doctor's issue, so that was off the table. At least I hoped so. I could join those dudes at the bowling alley, but…all I could say was even though I never saw the Big Lebowski, I'm aware of some of the characters there.
I decided to let the rest of the episode take its course until the wedding starts. I would only patch a few things if needed.
Vinyl Scratch came walking down the road, bopping to her music. I quickly ran up to her.
“Excuse me, Vinyl,” I said.
She looked at me. Not wanting to make the same mistake the doctor did, I pointed to her headphones. She removed them.
“Have you seen Twilight around?”
Vinyl pointed in the direction of the bowling alley.
“Alright, thanks,” I said.
“Don’t mention it,” she replied.
I hurried down the road, but suddenly I stopped dead in my tracks and looked back.
Did…did she just…?
At least I knew she wasn’t mute. I continued to the bowling alley.
Once I got there, a large crowd gathered in front of the building. The Mane 6 were huddled together. I quickly joined the crowd.
“Do we know what they're on about?” Octavia asked.
“The way they're huddled up like that,” replied Applebloom, “I'd say it's either a friendship problem or a monster attack.”
“It’s a monster attack,” I said.
Everyone turned to me like I just gave away the ending to a popular movie.
“How do you know that?” Sweetie asked.
“I received the letter from Celestia,” I replied. “Why else did you think Twilight gathered all the girls?”
“A monster attack?!” Octavia cried. “Blast! I'm performing at the ceremony this afternoon, and I still haven't sorted out what to play. How am I meant to practice with a monster invading Ponyville?”
“You could always get Vinyl to help you. Sure, she’s more into modern music than classical, but I’m sure she can lend a hoof.”
Before anypony could say anything else, Matilda came running in with a panicked look on her face.
“Where's Pinkie Pie?!” She shouted. “I need my wedding planner!”
A loud roar soon followed. A giant, black and white bear with wings, a stinger, and extra arms appeared. This was definitely a bugbear. The Mane 6 quickly took action.
“Alright, everypony clear the area!” Amethyst Star announced. “Let Twilight and her friends take it from here!”
We quickly evacuated from the scene. I hurried over to the local costume shop.
“Hey, kid, you came at a bad time!” The store-owner called out. “There’s a bugbear attacking, and I’m closing up shop!”
“Oh, relax, Twilight and the girls will handle it,” I said. “Besides, I’ll be quick.”
“If you say so.”
I browsed quickly to see if I could find a decent wig for Cranky. He had seemed to lose his toupee a lot throughout the series, so it wouldn’t hurt to have a few spares every now and then. I didn’t think he’d like a hat, and I doubt Zecora can whip up a hair-growing potion within a short timeframe.
That’s when I remembered about Rarity’s hair-loss episode. If wigs were a thing, why didn’t she consider getting one? Or better yet, why did neither Twilight nor Starlight know of a spell that could regrow hair, especially since the former was an alicorn who can give a dragon a mustache? I’d have to figure that out later.
I bought a curly brunette wig and had it gift-wrapped. I left the shop before realizing Celestia and Luna would be attending the wedding as well. I sat on a nearby bench and wrote a letter.
“Dear Celestia and Luna,
I heard that you two are gonna attend today’s wedding. I hope to see you there. Don’t forget to bring a gift if you can.
Sincerely,
Spike.”
I used my firebreath to send the letter away.
Hopefully, it will reach the two sisters before it’s too late.
Seeing as I still had time before the wedding, and Vinyl’s mobile turntable ride, I decided to look for some of my friends.
I found Rumble just outside of Ponyville. He was practicing air stunts over the trees. When I got his attention, he flew over and landed in front of me.
“Hey, Sp-ike! Woah!” Rumble quickly covered his mouth.
“Heh, puberty?” I asked.
“No, it’s just a frog in my throat.” Rumble coughed. “I was helping Thunderlane clean our house this morning and I ended up breathing in some of the dust.” He pulled out a water bottle and took a sip.
“Anyway, I hope to see you at the wedding, Rumble. You are invited, right?”
“Yeah, so is Thunderlane. It seems like all of Ponyville is invited for this ceremony. What’s weird is that I hardly know the bride and groom.”
“Still, it’s not everyday you attend a wedding.”
“I guess so.”
The nearby clock tower chimed. It was already lunchtime.
“Wow, time travels fast,” I said. “Let’s talk again later, Rumble.”
“See ya!” Rumble flew off.
I hurried back into town. After having a quick meal, I checked to see what the girls were up to. I noticed Bonbon leaning against a nearby building. She sported a pair of sunglasses and rope.
“Uh, hey, Bonbon,” I greeted. “What are you up to?”
Bonbon instantly grabbed me and yanked my body right beside the building.
“Keep quiet,” she whispered. “It’ll hear you.”
“You mean the bugbear?” I whispered back. “But the Mane 6 got it under control, right?”
“For now, but who knows what it will do once it heads for the rest of the town ponies?”
“Why do you doubt the girls’ ability? Do you know something about the bugbear that nopony else does?”
“For the sake of your safety, kid, I rather not say.”
No need to, Sweetie Drops.
“Okay, looks like the bugbear won’t come this way,” Bonbon whispered. “Hurry in that direction, and it won’t hear you.”
“Uh, sure thing,” I replied with the same volume. “Good luck playing ‘secret spy’.”
Bonbon said nothing as I got away from the fight. I headed to the spa next. By the time I got in, I saw Matilda at the reception. Judging by the look on her face, I hoped she was getting an extra-relaxing massage.
“Hello, Mrs. Matilda,” I greeted.
“Oh, I’m not a ‘Mrs.’ yet, little one,” Matilda replied. “If it’s not obvious by now, this wedding’s all out of whack!”
“Well, nobody could foresee the bugbear attack, or poorly-scheduled wedding day.”
“How did you know the wedding was scheduled for the wrong day?”
“I noticed the invitation was poorly printed, so I was confused as to what the number was for your date,” I lied. “No doubt the rest of Ponyville had the same thought.”
“You’ve got some eyesight. I was thinking you saw all this before and came back from the future or something to fix everything.”
I remained silent.
“We’re ready for you, Miss Matilda,” Aloe called out from the reception desk.
“Oh, finally!” Matilda hopped from the couch.
“Oh, and Matilda,” I said. “Don’t worry so much about the wedding. It doesn’t matter how well it goes, all that matters is that you and Cranky are together. Don’t let anypony or non-pony say otherwise.”
“Thanks, Spike.” Matilda quickly entered the spa.
I just hope Steven Magnet doesn’t ruin Matilda’s motivation.
I left the spa and rethought the events happening so far and what will happen next. After Steven’s conversation with Matilda, Vinyl and Octavia’s mobile turntable would cruise across Ponyville.
I hurried down the road until I saw where Button Mash was. He was playing an outdoor arcade game. I also noticed he was still in his original colors. I remembered in the show his colors were redesigned for some reason.
“Hey, Button Mash,” I said.
“Hey, Spike,” Button replied without turning around.
“Ready for the wedding?”
“Hey! No spoilers!” Button glared at me.
“I meant the one in real life! Not in the game.”
“Oh, sorry. Yeah, I’m almost ready for the wedding.”
I stayed around for a while longer. I’ve noticed other ponies showing up nearby. I knew Octavia and Vinyl were going to arrive any minute. I just had to know when.
“Huh?” Button leaned his ear closer to the arcade’s speakers.
“What’s wrong?” I asked.
“They must’ve added a newer soundtrack to this game. I can hear some weird dubstep music.”
I raised my eyebrows. I knew where the music was coming from, and it wasn’t from Button’s game. I quickly climbed the arcade machine as Button tilted his head.
“What are you doing?” Button asked.
“You’ll see,” I replied.
The music grew louder and louder. As if right on cue, a neon turntable with giant speakers turned from the corner with Vinyl and Octavia riding on top. With careful timing, I hopped on top of one of the speakers as the other nearby ponies were picked up unwillingly.
“Does this ride lead to the town hall?” I asked jokingly.
I held onto the speakers as the turntables picked up more and more ponies on its path, along with a sofa, a wedding cake, and the bride.
I don’t know if I should enjoy this or be scared since I know what’s going to happen next…oh wait!
I remembered Discord gave Twilight a cane with her face in the show, but since I prevented Twilight from leaving the Everfree Forest when those vines showed up, the Twicane never appeared.
So the question is…what’s gonna happen this time?
“Alright, Vinyl, we’re nearing the town hall!” Octavia called out. “Slow down! I said slow down! Vinyl, SLOW DOWN!!”
Vinyl could only shrug and sheepishly smiled. Looks like brakes weren’t considered a high priority when making a mobile turntable.
“BRACE YOURSELVES!!” I shouted.
The music machine slammed onto the bottom steps, sending everypony and non-pony flying. Thankfully, as luck would have it, the majority of us landed on soft chairs while the rest of us landed on the ground unscathed.
At least fate was kind this time.
After smoothing out all the creases on the gift box, I placed it with the rest of the wedding gifts. Then Celestia and Luna came up to the table.
“See? I told you we’d make it,” Celestia whispered to Luna.
“I still say it was unnecessary to go all the way back to Canterlot for the gift,” Luna hissed.
“Relax, dear sister. We barely got out of Canterlot before we got that letter.”
I quickly left the table and bumped right into Starlight.
“Oh, excuse me!” Starlight called out.
“Starlight,” I said. “Glad you could make it. Haven’t seen you all day.”
“I was up late last night studying and didn’t get up until noon. I wish Twilight woke me up before she ran out.”
Starlight left to find a seat.
Shining Armor and Princess Cadance sat at the end of one row of chairs. The former was crying his heart out.
Way to show that liquid pride, brother.
Suddenly, the double doors swung open. Bonbon came in, taking her sunglasses off.
“Attention, everypony!” Bonbon announced. “Our friends have done it! They defeated the bugbear!”
Everypony cheered after hearing that. I made my way to the doors as Bonbon made her way to Lyra. I knew what was going to happen next. The Mane 6 would try to enter the town hall, but Derpy would accidentally close and lock the doors. As funny as it was in the show, I couldn’t let that happen again.
I was about to go outside when I saw an unusual creature sitting on one of the chairs. It was a changeling. I raised an eyebrow. I assumed the changeling showed up in the show because of that magic love blast during the Canterlot Wedding. I supposed I was proven wrong.
What was also unusual was the changeling didn’t have any sparkling wings. Either Thorax didn’t go through with spreading friendship throughout the hive, or this changeling hasn’t consider friendship yet.
“Uh…excuse me?” I asked.
The changeling looked at me. I’ll admit I was a bit startled, considering the fact that there was no telling what this changeling’s nature was.
I asked, “What are you doing here?”
“I was told there’d be free food,” the changeling replied nonchalantly.
I furrowed my brows. “You mean actual food or the love from—?”
“Well, is everypony here?” The mayor announced.
I gasped.
“No! Not yet!” I shouted.
I hurried to the doors just as Derpy was about to close them.
“Wait! STOP!!” I grabbed the door. “Don’t forget about the girls!”
Derpy looked out the door. “Oh, oops.”
The Mane 6 ran inside, out of breath.
“Thanks, Spike,” Twilight panted.
I nodded as we quickly took our seats. Derpy closed the door once more and locked it.
“All set, Mayor!” Derpy announced.
Mayor Mare then gave her speech. “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to join these two in mare-trimony.”
As she continued on, I whispered to Twilight, “Was it hard taking down that bugbear?”
“You don’t know the half of it, Spike,” Twilight replied quietly. “I thought it would take us forever to finish it off.”
“I’m just glad you girls are here and not locked out of town hall.”
The Mayor concluded, “Then I'm proud to say, I now pronounce you jack and jenny!”
Matilda and Cranky shared a kiss as we all applauded. All at once, the flowers glowed and shot off right above us.
The flameless fireworks. I hope they’re actually harmless.
“Of course!” The doctor shouted. “They need love to ignite! How could I have missed it?!”
As we watched the colorful spectacle, I thought about how this episode turned out. Overall, while my changes may not have been that significant, they were an improvement. The doctor got his suit tailored in time, Matilda was motivated a bit, Celestia and Luna were able to bring a gift, and the girls made it to the wedding without getting locked out.
100 episodes down, 121 episodes to go.