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// Into the Mind and Back 
// Story: Spike's Greatest Endeavor 
// by Troyjan 
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After another long day of tailoring, Rarity was enjoying yet another relaxing bath within the comfort of her home. Once she felt that she had spent enough time soaking, Rarity left her tub, dried herself off, entered her bedroom, and put on one of her robes. Not wanting to expend any more effort at the moment, she lied down on top of her queen-sized bed. Rarity’s sister Sweetie Belle was out and about with her friends Scootaloo and Apple Bloom, so her home was even quieter than it usually was.
Various thoughts, ideas, and feelings came to her mind as she rested in her room, all alone. After combing over distant memories with her family and friends, her thoughts eventually wandered towards a personally sensitive topic: stallions. While Rarity was more than willing to speak about such things during confidential conversations with her closest friends, she usually had much better things to concern herself with than her romantic endeavors. After all, Rarity was a career mare first. She would never allow her passion for another pony to get in the way of her passion for tailoring and clothing design. With that said, it still did not mean that Rarity didn’t have any desire for romance. In fact, it was her very desire for romance which was one of her greatest struggles. She knew of many mares her age, and younger, who were already happily wedded. And yet, no matter how hard Rarity tried, she could never seem to make any lasting relationship. While her past experiences hardly bothered her, Rarity still feared that she may never find her ideal partner, and never have the chance to truly love. Thoughts like those would plague Rarity from time to time. Having nothing else better that she wanted to do at the moment, Rarity allowed her mind to drift into the deepest recesses of herself.

Rarity remembered Prince Blue Blood. She had introduced herself to him during her first ever evening at the grand galloping gala. Rarity wanted an invitation to the gala for an opportunity to mingle and to hopefully meet a fine stallion. It had been the first time Rarity had done anything like that in years. Only minutes after she had arrived past the castle entrance, Rarity spotted Blue Blood’s perfect smile among a busy crowd. To Rarity, it felt like love at first sight. But Prince Blue Blood had entirely different plans. Throughout the entire evening, he was as rude and insufferable as possible. By the end of the evening, he had managed to make Rarity scream at him in anger. Rarity would later find out from her friends in Canterlot, she had been a pawn in a mean game that Prince Blue Blood liked to play. Rarity was far from the first mare to have set her sights on him. Whether for his status as royalty, for his classy and charming looks, Prince Blue Blood often found himself with a mare fawning over him. Having no intention to humor any of the fantasies of the strangers who approached him, Blue Blood would instead humor himself, and test them. He would purposefully behave as inconsiderately as he could muster, and see how long it would take for each mare to reach their limit. Apparently, Rarity lasted longer than most other mares Blue Blood decided to torment, spending several hours with him during her time at the gala. No doubt did Rarity feel justified in shouting at him and calling him a “royal pain,” after everything he did that night. Still, Rarity could not help but feel a bit ashamed of how shallow she had been, and how she so easily let herself fall for such an arrogant jerk like Blue Blood.
Rarity remembered Sir Fancy Pants. Now, he was a true gentle-stallion. While only a few years older than Rarity, Fancy Pants was one of Princes Celestia’s top advisors and her head of royal event planning. Rarity first happened to meet him while wandering the inner streets of Canterlot. She could tell right away from his classy appearance and his perfect speech, that he was a distinguished and cultured stallion amongst even the upper high society of Equestria. After Fancy Pants took notice of Rarity’s merit as both a successful clothing designer, and her renown as one of the close friends of Twilight Sparkle, he had insisted on inviting Rarity to a party of among his inner social circle. Rarity had initially feared that Sir Fancy Pants would be like Prince Blue Blood. But that couldn’t have been further from the truth. As Rarity found the time to chat with him, she learned just how courteous, polite, and responsible he was. After the event, the two would meet on and off whenever time permitted. Even while trying her best to not take things too quickly, Rarity often found herself thinking of Fancy Pants while she worked. But then, during a celebratory ceremony that she was invited to, Rarity saw Fancy Pants walking alongside another mare. That was when Fancy Pants introduced Rarity to Fluer De Lis, and delivered the harsh truth that he was already married. Fluer De Lis had snatched Fancy Pants away, just a few short years prior. It took every bit of Rarity’s self-control to keep the casual tone of the conversation going, and to not reveal that she thought that Fancy Pants was still single. After a few minutes, while no pony was looking, Rarity darted home from the event as quickly as she could. Fancy Pants still remained a friend of Rarity’s that she met from time to time, but things never quite felt the same after that.
Rarity remembered Thunderlane. She admitted that she did not know much about the dark haired pegasus stallion, beyond that he was a member of the Wonder Bolts, and that he had a younger brother named Rumble. While watching her friend Rainbow Dash perform in a show hosted by the Wonder Bolts, a particular stunt had sent her and several other audience members, soaring into the air. While in free fall, Thunderlane was the one who had rescued Rarity. Thankful for saving her, Rarity gave the stallion a platonic hug. They would later meet again, and properly introduce themselves. Being a cadet for the Wonderbolts at the time, Thunderlane was very sporty, and dedicated most his time towards flight training and other related activities. After some time together, Rarity could not help but feel that they were not compatible. While Thunderlane was a fine stallion in his own way, Rarity knew that he was simply not her ideal match. After a while, Rarity would slowly lose interest in Thunderlane, and in turn, he would stop seeing her.
Rarity remembered Trender Hoof. He was a renowned author, famous for his social commentaries on the cultural fads and lifestyles that were practiced by the various different ponies that he interviewed throughout Equestria. Rarity had secretly formed a crush on the writer over the years. Not only did she buy each of his books as they were published, but she had purchased several life sized posters of him, and even a lock of his golden blond mane. When Rarity gotten news that Trender Hoof was visiting Ponyville, she was utterly ecstatic. She remembered how her friend Twilight did her best to talk some sense to her and advised her to take things calmly, but she was already too far gone by then. Rarity had indeed known better than to let a stallion get too close to her heart too quickly. But once she met Trender Hoof at the Ponyville train station, and heard him speak to her for the first time, Rarity immediately was head over hooves in love. The two walked together side by side, with Rarity leading Trender on a tour around town. Rarity ended her tour at Ponyville’s local apple orchard, Sweet Apple Acres. Her close friend Applejack was out finishing harvesting the first batch of Apples that spring. There, Trender Hoof first laid his eyes on Applejack. Upon first sight, Trender had gotten the largest crush for Rarity’s friend. Rarity would soon learn that he had a preference for young, humble, country mares. He stepped aside from Rarity, introduced himself to her Applejack, and made his move. And just like, Rarity meant nothing to him.
Oh, how Rarity bawled her eyes out once she made it back to her home. All over a stallion she had introduced herself to, just hours prior. But Rarity was not going to give up that easily. If Trender Hoof wanted a pretty rural lass, then she would convince him that she was even more of a country gal than Applejack could ever be. Rarity put on a hasty getup, and headed back to Sweet Apple Acres. She did her best to get Trender Hoof’s attention, pretending that she regularly worked at the apple orchard, while doing her best to subtly make her advance towards him. But Rarity’s efforts were in vain, as Trender Hoof continued to gawk over Applejack while she worked. Having enough, Rarity went to higher extremes. Going against every she stood for, Rarity changed into tattered dungarees along with a straw hat, purposely rubbed dirt on her hooves, and spoke with a laughably fake, Southern, East coast Equestrian accent. Applejack, already vexed from Trender Hoof’s obsessive behavior, became furious once Rarity was actively mocking her. In retaliation, Applejack, put on her fanciest dress that she had previously bought from Rarity’s boutique, braided her mane, polished her hooves, and applied eye shadow. When Applejack returned, she began speaking in her own fake Canterlot accent. Rarity and Applejack went back and forth, taking every opportunity to take jabs insulting each other, while playing their respective roles. Rarity finally gave in, and nearly had a full mental breakdown, when a speck of mud accidently landed on the dress that Applejack was wearing.
Utterly ashamed, Rarity folded, and apologized to Applejack for behavior. She fixed up her the dress that she “ruined,” and later made up for the trouble she caused her friend. It was not the closest Rarity had been to losing her friendship with the farm mare, but it was certainly the one she felt the worst about. And it was all over a Stallion that Rarity hardly knew. The bitter irony of it all was that Applejack had absolutely no interest in Trender Hoof. She just wanted him to leave her alone. In fact, as Rarity would later discover, Applejack didn’t have any preference for any stallion whatsoever, and was instead interested in other mares.
But that wasn’t the end of it. During the very end of the town festival, which Rarity had been previously voted by the Ponyville town committee to run and organize, was the couples dance in town square. From a far distance, Rarity watched Trender Hoof perform a slow waltz with another mare. It was not Applejack, or any pony Rarity personally knew, but a complete stranger. But she decided to just let it go. Rarity knew that she was not the mare for Trender Hoof, and it was not worth pretending to be something she clearly wasn’t, just to impress him.
The late night came, and the festivities came to an end. Rarity was finishing taking town the décor she set up, and was ready to head home. Rarity then saw another pony approach her in the corner of her eye, and immediately stopped what she was doing. It was Trender Hoof.
“Rarity, I must say that I had a lovely day today. You did a great job showing the, ‘small town chic,’ of Ponyville. It was an honor to get to see the very best of your town, and the ponies who live in it. I definitely have more than enough material for my next book.”
“I’m glad you feel that way. It’s been a pleasure having you, Trender,” said Rarity attentively, as she felt a subtle increase in her heart rate.
“I also came to apologize about what you and Applejack had to go through earlier today. Even though it wasn’t my intention, how I acted was completely insensitive of me.”
“Honestly, I feel that I am the one to truly blame for all that drama. I let my emotions get the better of me. Oh, but let’s not fret over what’s now all behind us.”
“Agreed,” said Trender Hoof, as he used his unicorn magic to open his saddle bag. From his bag, he levitated a perfectly shaped tulip that had been cut at the base of the stem. Trender Hoof had a hobby of growing tulips, and was known for giving some of them away every so often. “But before I go, I wanted to give you this Rarity. Please, take this as a small gift from me, to one of my loveliest fans.”
Rarity use her magic to take the flower from him. “Why thank you, it’s lovely,” she commented, not knowing what else to say. Amidst her increased heart rate, Rarity felt a soft warmness beginning to form on her cheeks.
“Say no more. Today’s festival was simply marvelous. I know it would not have been the same without your direction. You’re an exceptional mare Rarity, a pony with true talent, passion, and her own visions. Don’t let today make you think otherwise,’ said Trender Hoof, as he took another step closer. He then brought his mouth closer to Rarity’s ear. “I have no doubt you will one day find your ideal stallion, and make him one of the happiest ponies in all of Equestria. No matter what happens, don’t you ever forget that Rarity,” whispered Trender Hoof in a soft, sly, voice.
Then he turned around, and walked away towards the Ponyville train station. Rarity remained still, staring straight ahead at the stallion in front of her, ready to faint from light headedness. She was unable to stop thinking about him for the rest of the night. Without question, Rarity read Trender Hoof’s next book that covered his detailed views of Ponyville, and the surrounding areas. She also bought his following books, where he wrote about the different farmlands he visited, and the ponies who ran them. Every single time Rarity would finish reading one of Trender Hoof’s new books, she would think back on that day she spent with him. Even now, Rarity would still get that feeling of frantic tingling butterflies her stomach whenever she played back her memory of those last words that Trender Hoof had spoken to her. After all that time, Rarity did not give up her search for her ideal stallion.
Another thought came to Rarity. What exactly would her ideal stallion be like? Several different images popped in Rarity’s mind. For sure, her perfect match needed to fulfill some requirements. Whatever he looked like, he had to be handsome and well groomed. He had to have an excellent taste in clothing, art, furniture and music. He had to be a cultured gentle-stallion, one truly worthy of being of the upper class. He had to be polite, courteous, and generous. He had to always treat her to only the best of accommodations that Equestria had to offer. He had to be strong, brave, and dependable in dire situations. More importantly than all of that, he had to support her career as a clothing designer, and respect her lifelong dedication towards it. And most importantly of all, he had to only have eyes her, and her alone. To add to that, he also had to be romantic, captivating, and an exceptionally good lover. That was the kind of stallion that Rarity wanted.

Rarity opened her eyes, bringing herself back to her reality. She was still in her robe, laying on her bed. Her heart was quietly thumping in her chest, and she felt a faint heat across her face. She still had yet to find her ideal stallion. Rarity was not satisfied with that. Slightly angry at herself, she wanted to just blame her solitude on how busy she was. Running the most successful clothing franchise in all of Equestria, did hardly leave any time for anything else. But that was not all there was too it.
There were very few stallions out there who Rarity would even consider worthy of her time, let alone anything more than that. Sure, she admittedly had some high standards. Perhaps those standards were even just a bit unrealistic. But the standards by which Rarity deemed what was good enough for her, was her sole right to decide. And at the very least, Rarity was willing to make a few compromises to accept an otherwise decent candidate. Still, lenient or not, Rarity had not met another pony since Trender Hoof, who came even close to her ideal stallion. Amongst her employees, associates, and acquaintances, she wouldn’t even consider putting any of them any higher than a friend. And while Rarity did have more than her fair share of stallions who have approached her in their own romantic pursuits, none of them had nearly enough tact, grace, or etiquette to even humor the idea of a first date. Rarity remained a single career mare for years, and had not even been on a single date until what had happened not too long ago with… Spike.
Rarity’s gaze focused on a small glass case that she kept on the lowest level of one of her shelves in her room. In the case were two large gemstones. On the left, resting in a small, gold plated holder, was a sizeable, heart shaped ruby. It was the very same one that Spike had given her the day before his first birthday that he spent in Ponyville. While Rarity initially planned to sell it, she later decided against it. Instead, she bought the golden holder for it, and reserved one of her few glass cases to display it in on her shelf. The ruby remained there on her bedside as it was for years. Recently added to the case, and to the right of the ruby, was a particularly large, precisely cut, and well-polished, turquoise sapphire. It rested upright at an angle, propped by a small, smooth, slanted piece of white granite. Rarity’s attention slowly shifted back and forth between the two jewels, as she thought about the dragon who had given both of them to her.
Memories of the time she spent with Spike flooded her mind, both the good and the bad. None of them were too unpleasant. It had been blatantly obvious that Spike was hopelessly in love with her. No matter his reasons, Spike was always at her beck and call, ready to do nearly anything for her. Rarity still felt that they once had that very nice arrangement. He would try his best to please her in any way possible, and she would make sure he felt that his efforts were worth his while. But even back then, Rarity always knew that Spike wanted more than that. She should have known that it was really only a matter of time until Spike either took things further, or give up an her entirely.
Rarity could have easily fulfilled Spike’s greatest desire if she wanted to. All she had to do was convince him that she loved him just as much as he loved her, and then assure him with a kiss on the lips. Spike would get the mare of his dreams, Rarity would get the sweetest, and most obedient little dragon she knew of, and any drama between the two of them would be made right. Spike would gladly spend his days working besides her, supporting her career in the fashion business, and they would live happily ever after. But no matter how much Rarity tried to accept the idea, and no matter how happy it would have made Spike, it was not what Rarity wanted. Rarity simply did not have the love in her heart to be Spike’s special some-pony.
First, Spike was a dragon, and she was a pony. Sure, Spike was still a small, cute, kind, and civil dragon who lived alongside ponies his whole life, but he was a still a dragon. Now, there was nothing wrong with being a dragon. But the very idea of the union between a dragon, a reptile and a pony, a mammal, not only violated every taboo between interspecies relations, but the very laws of nature itself. Second, Spike was still hardly half her age. He lacked the maturity, wisdom, and temperament of a proper adult, something that could just not be overlooked. And third, even if Spike were a strong, mature, and cultured stallion, there would still have been a long list of other problems that would thwart any chance he had with her. It was simply never meant to be.
Rarity was still laying on her bed, in her robe, alone. It was already late in the evening when she first got out of her bath, and it had only gotten later since then. Noticing how nothing was going to get done while laying on her bed, Rarity slid off it, and got back onto her hooves. She spent the last hours of the day tidying up her living space, and tending to some chores she wanted to finish that day. Satisfied, Rarity returned to her bed, and slid underneath the covers.

In a deep sleep, Rarity was dreaming. She was resting in a rowboat that was steered by a dashing looking stallion, who was gently rowing them down a slow moving river. The water reflected a slightly distorted image of the moon, with nearby lamp posts along the riverbanks illuminating the way. The unnamed stallion’s face was completely hidden and remained unrevealed behind by a dark colored cloth, but he was otherwise dressed in a nice set of shirt, pants and hat, suitable for the occasion. The two went back and forth about art, politics, and casual banter. Rarity had many dreams similar to this one in the past, where she found herself in the company of a fine stallion.
Gazing at the surface of the water, she noticed a particularly large disturbance just ahead. Then the ripples in the river’s surface began to grow taller. Suddenly, a massive, unidentifiable creature emerged from under the water, creating a wave that nearly overturned the small wooden rowboat.
Rarity stared at the towering creature that was looming over her. It had sharp, fang-like teeth, small horns on its elongated head, sharp claws at the ends of its two fin-like appendages, spurs extruding from its spine, and a long, swaying tail. Dark colored scales lined along its entire body. Rarity stared at the monster in honor, as its two snake like eyes focused on her. The unnamed stallion across from Rarity remained silent and still, as not to provoke whatever was looking at them. Rarity observed the creature’s green irises, purple scale color, and the two wings sticking out from behind its body. She could not help but feel that the seemingly reptilian creature before her, looked vaguely familiar.
The creature opened its maw, as if to speak. “I love you Rarity,” it said, in an unexpectedly soft and gentle voice for its size and appearance. The owner of the voice that had left the creature’s maw, was undoubtedly Spike.

Rarity’s eyes bolted open, her heart pounding in her chest. She frantically looked around. Spike, or whatever that monster was, had vanished. The river and everything else that was in, on, and around it, was gone. Rarity was in her bedroom, laying in her bed, in the early hours of the morning. She let out an aggravated huff, and before rolling over under her sheets. She continued to lie awake in her bed staring up at her ceiling, unable to clear her mind. Rarity figured that perhaps it would be for the best to set things right with Spike. Maybe she should have already done that a long time ago.