//------------------------------// // Chapter 8: A Little Visit To Ponyville // Story: My Little Wasteland // by ThatBronyWithTheClipOns //------------------------------// Spike made his way to Ponyville, practically worn out by everything that happened today. He wasn’t proud of what he did to Sly, but he knew it was necessary to keep Twilight safe. He figured that if Sly actually managed to escape and reveal their location, anypony would some from his injury that Spike wasn’t messing around. Spike hoped Twilight didn’t see Sly, he didn’t want her to think poorly of him. Times like this, there was only one place Spike could go for some relaxation. The Musical Mare was a recent bar that opened in Ponyville; Sweetie Belle was the star act. When she got on stage, all went silent from the rowdy customers. Spike was the most entranced of course. She had grown into a fine looking mare, and the slinky red dress was an especially nice touch. Spike would go see her soon as her act was done. He stayed in the back of the bar, so Sweetie Belle wouldn’t get nervous by his presence. While she could sing in public, if her special somepony was around she’d freeze up. Unforgettable, that's what you are Unforgettable though near or far Like a song of love that clings to me How the thought of you does things to me Never before has someone been more She had the most incredible voice; it was almost otherworldly how enchanting it was. It could also be the way she batted her eyes, no doubt learned from Rarity. Unforgettable in every way And forever more, that's how you'll stay That's why, darling, it's incredible That someone so unforgettable Thinks that I am unforgettable too Once she was done, the crowd went wild, clapping and hollering like mad. Spike got up from his seat to go back stage to see Sweetie Belle. He knocked on her door and walked in. She immediately planted a kiss on him. “I’m so glad to see you,” said Sweetie Belle. “I wish you wouldn’t stay gone so long.” “I know what you mean,” said Spike. “But that should change now. I found Fluttershy, and she’s going to keep an eye on Twilight for me.” “Really? That’s incredible,” said Sweetie Belle. “How is our Beast Mistress?” Spike gave a little chuckle from that comment. “Tougher for sure,” he said. “But still as kind as ever.” “I wish I could see her,” she said. “Can’t you take me to see them?” “I wish I could, Sweetie,” he said. “But I can’t risk more finding out Twilight’s location. Fluttershy was special circumstances. I don’t want anything bad happening to you.” “I understand,” she said. “Maybe, sometime in the near future I’ll take you there,” he said. They embraced each other again, having a more passionate kiss. Some time later, Spike went to visit Rarity. No matter how many times he went there, he still couldn’t believe the state of the Carousel Boutique. The colors were faded, paint was chipping off the walls, and all the windows had been boarded up. He went inside to find Rarity feeding her various cats. “Spike Wikey! So good to see you,” exclaimed Rarity. “Where have you been?” “Doing what I need to do,” said Spike. “Making sure Twilight is safe and providing food for her.” “Oh, of course,” she said. “I also ran into Fluttershy,” he said. “Wonderful,” she exclaimed. “I hear she’s quite the warrior mare!” “And how,” he said. “I have her looking out for Twilight.” “Splendid,” she said. “If you ever want to go see them, I’ll take you,” he said. “I don’t think I can ever leave now, Spikey Wikey,” she said somberly. “The world has changed far too drastically. I’ve changed drastically. I’m not the mare I once was.” “That’s bullshit, Rarity,” he said. “You’re still just as beautiful as you were years ago.” “Watch your tongue,” she said. “And if that were true, you’d still pine for me…I know about you and Sweetie Belle.” “Rarity, I…” he said. “Don’t worry about it,” she interrupted. “I understand. She’s closer to your age, and willing to go out.” “Rarity, you could go out,” he said. “The world may be different, but not all ponies out there are bad.” “But the fashion,” she said. “Nopony cares anymore about looking good. It’s more about practicality. Not that I don’t understand, what with the state of things.” “Some ponies like to add flair to their outfits,” he said with a smile. A lot of ponies ask me where I got it.” “It is a fabulous coat, isn’t it,” she said, with a proud smile on her face. “I’m certain you’ve taken advantage of the different modifications to it.” “Most of them,” he said. “Please think about going to see Twilight at some point. With Fluttershy there I can go a bit farther west with less worry.” “I’ll consider it, Spikey,” she said. “I guess you need to leave soon?” “Probably a good idea,” he said. “Bounty hunting doesn’t exactly leave you with a lot of down time. Gonna have to go a little past Appleoosa. Probably head to the Badlands this time around. Ironic name really, considering just about every place is a badland. I’ll see you soon Rarity.” They gave each other a final hug and Spike headed out.