//------------------------------// // A Birthday Letter // Story: Spike's Centennial // by CinnamonFritter //------------------------------// Sometimes, Spike wished he had chosen something comfy to lay on for his hoard. He was about twice the size of a regular pony now, and his wings had grown in decades ago. He looked around. He also sometimes wished he hadn’t chosen something so flammable as his hoard. But they were what he loved. Books. But not specifically books, knowledge. He was hoarding knowledge. Spike liked to think that he wasn’t as greedy as other dragons in this way. Giving somepony knowledge did nothing to subtract your own. He was not keeping it from any of the ponies around him. However they did say he was a bit draconian about late fees. Spike had assumed control of the Golden Oaks Public Library in Ponyville after Tw— After the passing, Spike had become head librarian. He loved to add to his hoard, and he loved when he got to show it to the citizens of Ponyville. They loved having such a knowledgeable dragon for their librarian. He thought it had all worked out. The door opened, and in strode a faded pink pony, mad hair still as inflated as it ever was. Though she could not bounce about like she used to when Spike was but a baby, she still had life in her yet. Spike stood up from the mat he’d laid behind the counter at the sound of hooves on wood, and smiled brightly. “Pinkie! What brings you here today?” Pinkie Pie chuckled, “You didn’t let me forget mine, but you sure as sugar forgot yours, Spikey-wikey.” Spike blinked. “Uhh…” He searched his thoughts, then glanced at the calendar. It was his birthday. “I… Oh.” Spike blushed a bit. His birthdays had felt somber for most of his life, at least to him. He knew what would happen if he let greed take him again. Pinkie was right alongside him before he realized what was happening, “Birthday hug time.” Spike smiled, and turned to her, opening his arms and wings to her. Ever since that birthday so long ago, she’d given him a big long hug instead of any gifts. The last few Spike had cried during. Not even few. Ever since the passing, really. Pinkie reared up on her hind legs, then wrapped her forelegs around Spike’s middle, as high up as she could reach with him similarly upright. Spike very gently eased his arms around her, then his wings. Pinkie whispered, “Happy one hundred, Spike. I know you’ll have one hundred more. And a hundred after that. And a hundred after that…” Spike couldn’t take it any longer. He angled his wings so that his burning hot tears would never touch her, and started to sob. Pinkie was the last of his first friends left. He didn’t know how much longer she would be around. And after that there were just his books, and the Princesses when they had time to visit. Pinkie nosed at his bellyscales, “Don’t be sad, Spike. Remember the good times, don’t dwell on the bad.” Spike sniffled, “I… I try, Pinkie. I really do. But today of all days…” “Hey, you haven’t destroyed any buildings lately bucko, so cheer up.” Pinkie scolded playfully. Spike laughed despite himself, and wiped his nose with his arm, “That’s an improvement.” Pinkie smiled, sunshine seeming to beam from her face. Spike felt something he hadn’t felt in years bubbling up inside him. A burp. With a blast of green flame, a pair of scrolls appeared before him. Spike carefully caught them each. One held the royal seal. Pinkie giggled, “Don’t just sit there, open it.” Spike carefully unfurled the royal scroll first, beginning to read aloud, Dearest Spike, Congratulations on your one hundredth birthday. Luna and I are glad that you have grown to be such a fine young dragon. We both hope that you will continue to be a part of the Ponyville community for decades to come. As for the other scroll, that is a surprise. You may open it now, but don’t expect me to spoil it for you. Sincerely, Princess Celestia of Equestria. “Oh, I love guessing games!” Pinkie smiled, peeking up and out of the wing shield Spike had failed to remove from around her. Spike looked at the other scroll, turning it around. There, in wax, holding it closed, was a six sided starburst. Spike stared. Pinkie giggled. “Trying to keep it a surprise?” Spike coughed. “N-no… I’ll open it.” He carefully unfurled the second scroll. The hornwriting was unmistakable. My Dearest Assistant and Beloved Little Brother, Spike: If the Princesses do as I have asked (And why wouldn’t they, honestly) then you are reading this on your one hundredth birthday. I know rationally it is very unlikely I will be beside you today, but I wanted to let you know once again how proud of you I am. You have grown so much, and not just in size. I am sorry I cannot be there to watch how you grow from now on, but I know the Princesses will be there to guide you when I cannot. Remember, Spike, that I love you, and that missing someone isn’t the worst thing in the world. It means you remember them, and that you shared good times with them, that are now passed. Behind the bookshelf in the restricted section I have hidden several more scrolls for you. Things I couldn’t bear to tell you in person, but I feel confident I won’t mind you reading now. Once again, I love you, Spike. Sincerely, Twilight Sparkle. Spike looked over the scroll again, reading every word over in his mind. Pinkie was suddenly on his shoulders, grinning, “What are you waiting for, Spike? To the restricted section!” Spike stood, and carefully set down Pinkie, before starting to rush. He had some reading to do.