The train thumped along rhythmically as the sun set beyond the tracks. Spike leaned against the window, watching the land flutter by at a breakneck pace. Rarity had curled up on her side of the table, gently breathing as she stole moments of sleep. Spike wanted to join in the rest, but his mind raced alongside the train keeping himself bright-eyed. The cabin lights of the passenger car had dimmed as the sun sank, so that ponies could rest for the remainder of the long ride.
Spike guessed they were only a half-hour away from Ponyville at this point. They had been riding for what felt like forever. There was no way to track time around him, save for watching the sun’s methodical rotation in the sky. He suspected it was about 1900 hours in the day based on the sun, but Spike had also grown accustomed to Norfandian time tracking. The sun set earlier there due to the scores of mountains that lined the Western coast. It had made Spike become used to long nights and early mornings.
The trolley mare walked by as quietly as she could in notice of Rarity’s blissful slumber. She came close to Spike and leaned over to whisper.
“Anything I can get you hon?” Her warm smile brought Spike away from the window. He returned the welcome with his own.
“Thank you, I’m alright for now. How much longer to Ponyville?” He asked quietly. The train had stopped a few times since departure to drop off ponies and trolls alike in new cities. Spike’s car was almost empty at this point; only a pair of ponies and a singular troll sat in the car with them. The trolley mare glanced between Spike and Rarity with a grin.
“Just over thirty minutes. You two lovebirds settling there?”
Spike waved a claw at her playfully. “No, just visiting some old friends. Off to Canterlot tomorrow.” He sighed out at the end. Hearthfire lit up at the mention of the royal city.
“Well! You just saunter on up there quickly now! That place is a pony’s dream. I wish you best of luck and Celestia’s speed.” She rattled off. Spike gave a weak smile in return as Hearthfire pushed the cart away. It was good to hear they were close to Ponyville; Spike was starting to feel cramped in the train. Some of the passing area had started to become familiar as they entered the places he used to roam. The edge of the Everfree forest sat out a distance bidding Spike a welcome home. In the serene light of sunset, nobody would ever guess the foreboding forest contained some of the most dangerous creatures known to Equestria. Yet strangely, Spike felt the childish fear of the forest was absent this time. He wondered if his time in the real world had hardened him to the childish fright of the unknown.
Spike let his mind wander for the remainder of the ride. Eventually the slowing of motion brought his mind back inside the train car. He looked around outside to see the edges of Ponyville coming into view. Spike’s heart did a cartwheel as he saw the small colonial houses cropping up. Some were new to Spike’s knowledge; clearly Ponyville had grown a bit in his absence.
His view was obscured by the station pulling alongside the car. Spike turned back to look at Rarity. She stirred in her sleep at the halting of the train. A frown covered her face as she was rudely awoken. Her hooves stretched and popped before she began rubbing her eyes to clear the vision. Spike began standing to retrieve his suitcase from the overhead storage, chuckling as he heard Rarity let a soft whine out.
“Sleep well?”
“Mm, hardly. It’s nearly impossible for one to get any rest on this rickety old thing.” Rarity cried. Spike dropped a suitcase on the carpeted floor with a thud. Rarity’s bags that had fit inside were laden with hundreds of fabrics and souvenirs. He grunted as he hoisted another duffel bag of hers. Rarity stood herself up and started helping with her magic. Within a few moments, the five bags she brought inside were lined up behind her on a small cart. Spike dragged his own roller bag behind him as they made for the exit. Spike stepped onto the wooden platform with a breath held in his chest. He was finally home.
The pair waited for a few minutes in the dimly lit cover as the luggage ponies hauled the passengers’ suitcases out from the under carriage. It was no surprise that most of the embroidered carry-ons belonged to the snow-white mare by Spike’s side.
“I hope you don’t expect me to carry all of those.” Spike nudged her shoulder. Rarity glanced at him with a sly grin.
“I remember a certain young dragon who would die for the chance to carry my luggage.”
“Yea,” Spike snickered, “but that dragon also had no sense of self-respect.” He rolled his eyes at the pony. The wagon of suitcases rolled in front of them. Despite Spike’s earlier protest, he grabbed the handle of the carriage before Rarity could.
“Such a gentlemen.”
“Hm.” He grunted. They made their way down the ramp onto the dirt path. Spike hauled the massive cart of luggage behind Rarity. She walked with every bit of grace he remembered her having. There was something surreal about returning home in the state they were in. Despite both Spike and Rarity’s age, Ponyville seemed to have changed little. There were a few more houses along the road, but the main structures still stood; relics full of ancient history that told stories of mythical encounters. Had Spike not been witness to many of them, he would have trouble believing their validity.
They strolled past the town hall. The circular structure welcomed ponies into the covered porch that ran around the entire building. A large banner hung from the lofty rafters. It was a deep purple that covered a large portion. The center of the fabric held three stars encircled by bright yellow dust; the symbol of princess Twilight Sparkle who had lived in the humble village for so long. Down the road in the opposite direction still stood the crystalline castle that had emerged from the tree of harmony. Its magnificent points caught the traces of sunlight as the light receded beyond the horizon. Spike was almost caught up in the fantastical elements of his childhood home.
“We’ll drop off my luggage at the Carousel Boutique before heading to Sweet Apple Acres. Sweetie Belle should be there, and I’m sure she’d love to join us. She and Apple Bloom are sure to catch up!” Rarity’s mind was already running past where she was. Spike ripped himself from the stare at his old home. They turned down another street to make their way for Rarity’s old shop residence. Spike’s head was on a swivel as they paced down the road. Many of the colorful ponies all trotted around with heads held high and smiling. He recognized some of them, or at least he thought so. Their ages had changed many of their youthful appearances. Some of the ponies that had been fillies now ran their own day-to-day lives. He spotted Diamond Tiara leaving a nice restaurant alongside two other finely dressed mares he did not recognize. They met eyes for a moment as she began walking away. Spike offered a smile, which she pleasantly returned. Maybe we’ll have time to catch up with some old faces.
“What about Yona?” Spike responded to Rarity’s suggestion. Rarity kept prancing onward without looking back.
“What about her? She just runs the shop; I don’t think she’ll be there this late. Did you want her to come?” Rarity asked confused.
“No no, I just didn’t want her to feel excluded if we show up.” Spike replied. Rarity swung her head towards him with an inquisitive look.
“What?”
“Nothing.” Rarity continued on. They finally approached the doors to her old Boutique. It had undergone some small renovations since Rarity had handed the reins to Yona. The windows had changed to become large walls of glass rather than small displays. Dresses and mannequins lined the ledges, with a few even standing outside the shop as a welcoming display.
Spike recalled the ridiculous amount of time he would spend watching the doorway to Rarity’s boutique in hopes of catching the gorgeous mare. So often had the young dragon been here that it became another home to him in Ponyville. Rarity jostled the handle of the door with her magic. The entrance swung inward to allow the pair inside with all their luggage. The atrium still had all the magic of fashion Spike remembered; there was the stage place for iconic designs, and racks of dresses along the walls. The spiral staircase at the back of the shop bid them up to explore the old building further.
“Sweetie Belle? I’m home!” Rarity called loudly. She waited for a response, gleefully smiling as she heard a crashing noise coming from above. A beautiful cream mare rushed to the top of the stairs; her cotton-candy mane bounced in excitement as she sped down the curve. Sweetie Belle had grown into just as gorgeous a mare as Rarity was. Her mane came just below the neck, curling in a cute, buoyant way. The purple and pink colors appeared as candy to the eye, drawing anyone’s attention just past the middle-part horn to the effortful makeup that lightly graced Sweetie’s face. Her eyelashes extended just a bit past her natural length, giving her a sultry look in her bright green eyes. Her tail swept down to the floor, full of volume and color much like her mane. The gilded cutie mark of the crusader emblem complimented the array of colors in her coat. She truly was a beautiful mare.
Despite her now grown appearance, Sweetie Belle broke into a childish shriek at the sight of her sister. The two mares ran at each other to embrace violently. Both were laughing hysterically and seemed on the verge of tears.
“Rarity! Oh my gosh, I had no idea you were coming! I would’ve set up a place for you, or come and gotten you from the station!” She hurriedly spewed. Her smile stretched across her cheeks as she bounced back from her sister.
“Oh, please. It was meant to be a surprise dear! I can’t blame you for our success!” Rarity beamed back. That was when Sweetie Belle finally noticed Spike standing respectfully behind her sister. His hands were shoved in the pant pockets while he tried desperately not to look awkward. Spike gave a sheepish grin as Sweetie approached him more calmly than she had her sister. Still, she embraced Spike in a tight squeeze which he returned.
“Spike, wow it’s been years since I’ve seen you! You’ve grown up so much!” She pulled back and gave him a once-over. Spike bashfully turned away and waved his claw weakly.
“Yea, you too. You’ve grown a ton! I mean… grown up more—you’re taller than last time.” Spike fumbled with his words. He was doing a very poor job of hiding his shock at his old friend’s glow-up. Sweetie gave him a tender smile and backed up behind her older sister. Rarity shot Spike a sideways look of confusion. It caused Spike to blush harder as he compared the two.
They’re both so beautiful… His mind drooled over the sisters. It was no secret that the gem-like sisters had been blessed with some of the most attractive genes this side of Canterlot. Spike was astonished that he even had a chance with Rarity.
“Sweetie, we were planning on stopping over at Sweet Apple Acres for dinner tonight. We were wondering if we could drop our luggage here and you come with us!” Rarity picked up the conversation. Sweetie Belle began nodding with a smile.
“That sounds delightful! Apple Bloom and I haven’t caught up in a bit; we’ve both just been so busy. It’ll be good to see her! And Big Sugar!” She squeaked. Spike raised his head back to the pair and pulled his hands from the pockets.
“Big Sugar?” He asked. Sweetie turned to him and grinned wider.
“Yea! Big Mac and Sugar Bell’s son! He’s just about to turn seven.” She explained. Spike felt the blood rush back into his face. He could not believe that he had forgotten the name of Mac’s son.
To be fair, I’ve been gone almost the whole kid’s life. Spike excused himself mentally. It would be good to get to know him.
“It blows me away every time I think about our friends all grown up.” Rarity mused. “So many of us have families of our own now, it’s just not something I expected!” She laughed out.
“Well, that just means it’s your turn next!” Sweetie Belle responded. Now it was Rarity’s turn to flush. Sweetie had always been a bit on the brash side; speaking her mind was a quality she boasted daily.
“Hey, speaking of… Spike, why are you with Rarity? You weren’t on vacation, were you?” Sweetie turned back to him quizzically. Spike gulped and shook his head.
“Anything but.”
“Spike was just lucky enough to get on the same ride home as me from Norfandia.” Rarity interjected. She gave Spike a sympathetic look. He knew she was covering for him. He would be able to share his story on his own time. Spike nodded to Rarity in appreciation.
“Yea, then we just… reconnected on the cruise. I-- we’re—”
“We’re dating.” Rarity finished quickly. Spike felt his eyes go a little wide at her abruptness. He was unsure if they would come out as official so quickly after their return, but clearly Rarity was in no mood to hide. Rarity smiled over to him in confirmation, and Spike returned it with a nod.
“Yep.” He assured. Sweetie looked between the two, shocked for a moment. Spike caught the look in her eye of momentary disappointment, but it quickly vanished as Sweetie smiled.
“Guys! I’m so happy for you!” She squealed. Sweetie bounced over to Spike and pulled him into a hug with Rarity. “I can’t believe it finally happened! You’ve only been in love for years.” She mocked. Spike gave a fake laugh as he pulled out of the hug.
“Haha… yea.” He grimaced. Spike felt strangely awkward at Sweetie’s response to the news. He had no idea why.
“Well, we just figured why put it off any longer.” Rarity quipped. The sisters giggled as they began catching up. Spike began to herd them out of the door as they babbled between each other.
“C’mon ladies. I’m hungry, and Sweet Apple Acres isn’t getting any closer. You can talk on the way.” He nearly shoved them out of the door. They seemed oblivious to his rush as they absent-mindedly laughed over memories. Spike rolled his eyes and began trudging towards Applejack’s home. It was going to be a long walk.
The sun was now fully behind the horizon; only streaks of purple and burnt orange seared across the quiet sky. Spike took his time on the lengthy walk to breathe in the sights of Ponyville. He recalled the bridge he used to throw rocks from, the place Trixie used to do magic shows, the old spot for the library he used to live, and so the memories continued. The trio meandered over the dirt roads towards the farmhouse that sat outside the town limits. Fences lined the orchards that surrounded them. All the apple trees were dried out and sleeping; winter was approaching in Equestria. The air had yet to become unbearably cold, but it was nippy without a sun to warm Spike’s scales. He suddenly wished that he had brought his coat jacket with him.
The red apple barn gave a quaint welcome as they approached, its old wood groaning softly in the breeze. Spike approached the main door with the sisters behind him. He felt a sense of excitement fill his mind at the thought of seeing some more of his friends.
Maybe Discord will make an appearance and we can do some late-night O&O Spike found himself wishing. He raised a closed fist to rap on the door in a quick knock. He took a step back to wait for the resident inside to make their way to the entrance. The door opened to bask the porch in warm light and glow from an oven. Sugar Bell stood behind the doorway with a confused look on her face. It deepened when she saw Spike. The two of them had never been that close, but Spike knew he must look totally different after so long and being in the dark.
“Hiya Sugar Bell; can Big Mac come out to play?” Spike joked. Sugar Bell’s expression softened into a smile as she put it together.
“Spike!” Her kindly voice rose. “Oh my goodness! It’s been so long; please, come in all of you!” She stepped aside and motioned for them to enter. They obliged, and Spike found himself standing in the entryway of Sweet Apple Acres. To his right sat the kitchen, laden with tools and food scattered about. Sugar Bell had clearly been in the midst of making dinner. On Spike’s left was a small table next to a set of stairs. A frame opened into another family room that had chairs and carpets. Laying back on one of the rockers was a massive red stallion with a vest and collar. His blond mane poked up and turned as he looked to see the new guests. Spike grinned widely as their eyes met.
“Big Mac, you old farmhand. Get over here!” Spike yelled as he made his way towards the stallion. Big Mac jumped from his chair to embrace the dragon. They were almost the same height, with Spike being only a little taller.
“My, you’ve grown.” Big Mac grinned in his deep country talk.
“And you’ve shrunk.” Spike laughed back.
“Eeyup. Kids’ll do that.” He groaned. Rarity and Sweetie Belle had taken to talking with Sugar as they waited. Spike and Big Mac moved around the table and continued their conversation. Hoofsteps rattled above as more than one pony stirred from whatever they were doing upstairs. Spike glanced up them to see a grape-colored colt rushing quickly down them. His mane was strawberry-blonde that furled as any other Apple family member. He excitedly bounced down onto Big Mac’s back. The larger stallion let out an oof as the colt jumped on his back.
“Sugar, what did we say about jumping on daddy?” Big Mac scolded. Big Sugar grinned and leaned forward on his back.
“Are you a real dragon?” He ignored. Spike held in a laugh as Big Mac sighed and shook his head.
Following the young pony was the Apple sisters. Apple Bloom wore a pink frilled ascot and her hair neatly tucked for work. The bow she always wore still hung in her red mane. She immediately screeched as she caught sight of Sweetie Belle, and the two friends hugged beginning the round of giggling all over again. Applejack looked a little worse for wear; Granny Smith’s old ascot hung around her neck, but Applejack’s hat looked as worn as the pony it sat on. She hobbled down the stairs with bags under her eyes. Applejack was about the same age as Rarity, but she looked so much older right now. The last work season had not been kind to her.
“Well, bust my buckball; is that Spike and Rarity in my house? I’m as tickled as a plum seeing y’all!” She hustled over to Spike. Rarity had made her way next to the dragon in preparation to see her friend. The mares embraced first, with Rarity stroking AJ’s back soothingly.
“Applejack, you look so marvelous dear.”
“Ah, don’t lie to me.” Applejack scoffed. “I look as run down as our wagon over here. I busted a joint last bucking season. Doc says it’ll heal, but I got to take it easy.” She moved over towards Spike and looked up at him. Spike smiled and leaned down to pull his old friend in.
“You’ll be back out there in no time AJ.” Spike consoled.
“Holy cow, when did you get so bulky! We could use you next season.” Applejack poked Spike’s abdomen. She laughed as she regarded the boy she once knew. “Mhmm, I’ll say you grew up all nice-like. Finally got some meat on you!”
“Hasn’t he though? And much taller.” Rarity added with a giggle. Spike waved them off and sighed.
“I just hadn’t hit my growth spurt yet.”
“Well, what a spurt it was!” Applejack laughed and reared back. Something must have twinged in her hip because she quickly brought herself back down to all fours with a pained look on her face. “Whoops, I can’t be rearing like that for a while.”
“Dinner is almost ready. If you all want to sit down, Sugar will set the table.” Sugar Bell called.
“Awww mom, I wanna talk to the dragon!” Big Sugar whined out.
“You’ll have plenty of time after you do the chores you’re supposed to.” She quipped back. Big Sugar reluctantly hopped down from Big Mac’s back and made his way to the kitchen.
“The rest of you, please sit! I’ll have the food up in no time.” Sugar Bell offered. The party obliged and pulled extra chairs around the wooden table.
“You’re in for quite the treat. Sugar Bell’s cooking is second only to her baking.” Applejack licked her lips. Spike’s stomach growled at the thought of food. Everyone paused for a moment to stare at his loud response. Spike patted his stomach and grinned.
“Well, count me in for seconds then!”