//------------------------------// // The Last Party // Story: Role Reversal // by JaketheGinger //------------------------------// A pit of emotions, unsettled in Spike’s stomach, was what caused him to awaken. His eyelids shot open and it was as if he had never been asleep at all. He didn’t feel tired at all. In fact, he felt more alert than normal. The darkness of the room told him that it was still a few good hours until morning proper, so it’d be wise to go back to sleep. There was one small issue preventing him from doing so, however. The issue of Twilight Sparkle. Admittedly he should have tried harder to make her feel better, but that was a difficult task considering the state he was in at the time. He felt slightly better now though, so it couldn’t hurt to check. He rolled over, staring at the small bed besides his. His heart skipped a beat when he found that she wasn’t there but his mind kept him in check, telling him that she wouldn’t have left the library in the dark. Getting out of bed, he peered over the library’s main room. Despite the darkness, he could tell that Twilight wasn’t there either. Biting his lip, he briskly but quietly headed into the room where Twilight had gone off to last night. There she was, face down in a book, fast asleep with Smarty Pants leaning against her side. A light smile crept on Spike’s face as he slowly went over to her, picking her up gently and cradling her in his arms. She was snoring, but only gently. The doors to the balcony were open, a cold draft blowing into the room. Frowning a bit, Spike approached them to cut off the wind yet as he saw the night sky, he couldn’t help but wander onto the balcony itself for a little star gazing. He laughed as he looked up, thinking that a shooting star appearing right now would be really convenient. It wouldn’t be right though. No, something told him that he couldn’t leave in secrecy. That’s why he had Pinkie make arrangements for a party. A celebration that looked towards the future, he supposed. A celebration of everyone’s lives. Or in simple terms: a party with friends. Twilight shifted in Spike’s arm slightly, getting herself comfortable. He looked down at her, deciding that now would be the best time to be sincere without upsetting her. “Twilight...I...I’m sorry. I messed up again and it affected everyone. But mostly you and...” He swallowed a lump that formed in his throat. “I hope that you’ll forgive me. I’ve learnt. I really have this time! I--” Spike cut himself off, realizing that he was getting a bit animated. He walked back inside, closing the doors behind him with his tail. Once he reached the beds, he set Twilight down carefully in her bed and wrapped the covers around her. He then went back for Smarty Pants, putting the doll securely by Twilight’s side. She smiled, hugging the toy and letting out a satisfied sigh. Spike nodded to himself and slipped back into his own bed. He felt better now...but he knew that there was more to come. He closed his eyes and got himself comfortable, readying himself for sleep. When Spike woke up again, he had a quick breakfast and was out of the door before Twilight was up. As much as he would have liked to see how Twilight was feeling, he needed to check out on Pinkie’s party progress. The town was quiet with only a few ponies walking around, no doubt attending to their morning errands. Hopefully Sugarcube corner would be open by this time. Even if it wasn’t, he hoped Pinkie would be up. Then again, Spike didn’t think that Pinkie would be one to have a lie in. Unfortunately, when he got to the door he found the ‘closed’ sign hanging freely. He tried his luck anyway, lightly rapping on the door with his knuckles. To his surprise, the door opened almost immediately, but only by a tiny bit. Two blue eyes stared at him from the dark room within. “Go away!” The door then quickly slammed shut. Spike rolled his eyes, not in the mood for one of Pinkie’s shenanigans. He knocked on the door again and it opened swiftly once more. “Didn’t you hear me silly billy? I said--” Spike put his foot in the door, eyeing Pinkie. “Pinkie, I need to check if everything’s ready for tonight.” Pinkie didn’t open the door any further. Instead she raised an eyebrow and looked upward, thinking. “Hmmm...nope! Sorry Spike!” “Wait!” Spike cried, before Pinkie could squish his foot in the doorway. “Why not?” “Becaaaaause it’s going to be a surprise!” Pinkie giggled, rubbing Spike’s head affectionately before gently pushing him out of the door. “Fine! I guess...” Spike groaned, letting Pinkie move him. He trusted that Pinkie would have this covered, but he still wanted to check out progress himself. This needed to be the best party ever. Twilight--no--everyone deserved this. “I’ll see you later then.” “Yep! I’ll let you know when it’s everything ready!” The door shut then opened again in less than a second. Somehow. “Wait wait wait wait!” “Pinkie, I haven’t even moved,” Spike deadpanned, still standing on the steps to the establishment. “Can you go and check on Dashie for me? I wanna know if she’s in a well enough to party hard!” Spike nodded. “Oka--” “Thanks Spike! See you later!” The door slammed shut for the final time and everything was quiet. Spike shook his head and headed away from the building. He’d originally planned to help Pinkie set up but clearly she was having none of it. So he may as well have used every excuse he could to kill time. Except he didn’t really know where Rainbow Dash could be. Either she was in her cloud home, in hospital, or was well enough to be flying around Ponyville. What he did know was that out of anyone, it was probably Fluttershy who knew where she was. With that in mind, Spike had his next destination set and briskly walked towards it. In the morning light, Fluttershy’s cottage looked extremely tranquil. Butterflies flitted about from vibrant flowers, birds let out their beautiful morning songs...Fluttershy didn’t have the biggest, most regal house in Equestria, but by Celestia it was probably the prettiest. Spike found it hard to deny that. A tiny sparrow saw Spike coming and dived into a small hole in the house. Not aware of this, Spike was surprised to see Fluttershy open the door before he had even reached it. “Good morning Spike,” Fluttershy said in her usual soft tone. “Er, hey Fluttershy. How’d you know I was coming?” Spike asked as he approached. Fluttershy smiled sweetly, raising a hoof and allowing the sparrow from before to land on it. “This little guy told me.” Spike blinked in confusion, “Oh yeah. I forgot you speak bird.” “Oh no, I’m just a good listener,” Fluttershy explained, yet to Spike that made even less sense. “Yeah...anyways, do you know where Rainbow Dash is?” “Oh, you’re in luck. She’s right here!” Fluttershy stepped aside, allowing Spike to enter her home. On Fluttershy’s couch was a reclining Rainbow Dash, bandaged up in many places. Mostly her limbs and body, but also a few on her wings too. Despite this, she didn’t seem worse for wear. In fact, she looked really bored, lying down and her head resting on her forehooves. “Hey Spike,” she greeted blandly. “Hey Rainbow Dash,” Spike replied as Fluttershy gently closed the door behind him, “Whatcha doing at Fluttershy’s?” “Well after she got patched up at the hospital, I couldn’t risk her flying to her cloud home and get hurt, so I let her stay at my cottage.” Fluttershy went over to Rainbow Dash, standing next to her as if she were the daredevil’s guard dog. “Pretty much. Only replace ‘I let her’ with, ‘I begged her’.” Rainbow Dash sighed, then turned her head to look at Spike. “You know how she gets.” “Mhm,” Spike responded, with a relaxed nod. In all honesty, he’d love to get taken care of by Fluttershy. He could picture it now: himself wrapped up in a nice warm blanket, with a cup of delicious hot chocolate. There was a time when he’d consider faking a cold to get that treatment--he knew now that would be a very bad idea. “So, you’ll be up and about soon then?” “As long as Doctor Fluttershy lets me.” Rainbow blew part of her mane away from her eyes. “You’ll be fine later,” Fluttershy said, then hastily added, “As long as you don’t do any stunts or extreme flying for a while.” Rainbow prodded her ‘Doctor’ with a wingtip. “Fluttershy, I’ll be fine. Stop being such a worry wart.” The yellow pegasus backed off somewhat. “Um, yes, maybe I am worrying a bit too much...” Rainbow withdrew her wing. “I know that it’s because you care, and I appreciate it. But sometimes it’s a bit much, okay?” Fluttershy nodded in quiet understanding. “Looks like you’ve got this all under control, Fluttershy,” Spike said, heading back to the front door. “I’ll see you two later!” “Take care Spike,” Fluttershy replied, while Rainbow simply waved a lazy hoof. Spike then closed the door and walked away from the cottage. Now to kill time. The library was quiet, save the occasional turning of a page. Twilight and Spike sat with different books, eyes focused on the writing. The dragon was bored to death, but Twilight had only given him short responses since he returned. He desperately hoped that Pinkie would summon them soon. Spike lied down on his stomach and propped his head up with his hand. Soon, his eyes drifted from the words to the wall in front of him. Just how was tonight going to go down anyway? Would he just have to keep an eye out for the shooting star? Wait, no, Princess Celestia said she’d personally come down. To the party. Spike looked back to the book to rid himself of those thoughts. Luckily for him, it wasn’t long before a better distraction came. “Guys!” came a loud shriek from Pinkie. Spike and Twilight looked around the room, only to find Pinkie’s head jutting out from one of the bookshelves. Somehow. “Sugarcube Corner! Noooow!!” She left just as quick as she came. Twilight closed her book, rising up and wandered over to the door. Spike was quick to follow her, closing the door behind them as they exited. “I wonder what she wants us there for...” Spike mused. “Probably cupcakes,” Twilight answered bluntly, looking ahead. “Maybe, yeah.” Spike glanced at Twilight, then looked away. They couldn’t be at the party soon enough. They made their way to Sugarcube Corner, everything seeming normal. When they got to the door, Spike stood aside to let Twilight open it. Except she didn’t, and just looked up at him skeptically. “Aren’t you going to open it?” “Mares first,” Spike replied, with a curt nod. Twilight frowned. “If you’re such a gentlestallion then open the door for me.” “Er...” Spike rubbed the back of his neck. “No...?” Twilight let out a sigh. “Fine, I’ll do it if you can’t be bothered.” She stepped forward, pushing open the door with a grunt. The filly blinked, peering only into darkness. “What is thi--” “SURPRISE!!” The lights flicked on, revealing Twilight’s five best friends and tons of confetti. Tables were set up with loads of delicious treats, and balloons of all colors were dotted around the room. Twilight’s mouth went agape and she looked back and forth between Spike and the others. Spike entered the building, snickering lightly. “A farewell party, of sorts, I guess.” He knelt down, looking Twilight in the eyes. “For you, not me.” Twilight sat down, her eyes tearing up. “You...you did this for me?” “Well, Pinkie wouldn’t let me help with preparations...but it was my idea.” Twilight then leapt at Spike, tackling him to the ground and hugging him tightly. “I don’t know what to say...I-I’ve never had a party like this before...” She snuggled her head against Spike’s chest affectionately. “Thank you Spike.” “No problem,” Spike replied, gently rubbing Twilight’s mane. She giggled sweetly and got off Spike, looking at the festivities. “Time to get this party started!” Pinkie cried at the top of her lungs, getting a record step up. The speakers dotted around the room blasted into life, and the atmosphere of a great party was quickly established. Pinkie leapt into the middle of the room and proceeded to shake her stuff wildly. “Let’s get our groove on!” The party was now in full swing. Applejack and Rainbow Dash were playing a rather heated game of darts, while Pinkie and Twilight busted out their dance moves in the centre of the room. Upbeat, catchy electro music played throughout. Spike leant against a table, a glass of punch in his claw, watching Twilight dance, when Rarity came to his side. “Awfully adorable, isn’t she?” the dressmaker asked. “Hm, I’d use something like...adorkable.” Spike took a sip of punch. Rarity gave him a blank stare. “Pardon?” Spike looked back, equally as blank. “Nevermind.” He looked back to Twilight, who was doing some sort of...dance. It was probably more appropriate to call it ‘hoof flailing’. “She’s happy though, which means this worked.” “Mhm,” Rarity agreed. “Personally, I enjoy Pinkie’s parties more than any in Canterlot.” “Shame your sister and her friends aren’t here though.” Spike paused. “Actually, no, it’s probably better that they’re not.” “What do you mean, darling?” Rarity levitated her own glass of punch and took a gentle sip. “Did I tell you that Princess Celestia was coming?” Rarity nearly choked on her drink, then slapped Spike around the face. “Ow!” “How could you leave out such an important detail?!” “I just forgot! Okay?!” Spike retorted, rubbing his red cheek. As much as it would’ve been nice for Twilight to have the Crusaders here, they didn’t know about the whole wish situation, so it probably would’ve ended badly. Rarity huffed. “Fine.” She took a longer sip of her drink, then peered at it carefully. “Hm. Good. I don’t think this one had Gummy in it.” Spike blinked. “What?” “Nothing.” “Er, okay.” The two fell into a companionable silence, watching Twilight and Pinkie strut their stuff. The filly had her limbs wiggling rhythmically in all possible directions, but it didn’t match up to the beat of the music at all. That didn’t really matter though, considering how much she was enjoying herself. Spike tapped his glass, thinking back to yesterday. Rarity had kissed him...but, did she really mean it? He looked over to her, admiring her beautiful mane. Only one way to find out... “Rarity.” Spike coughed. “Do you...you know...” The mare’s ears twitched once. “Go on?” “Uh...” Damn. He was hoping she’d catch on. He lowered his gaze slightly, avoiding her eyes. “Do you...like ‘like’ me?” “Oh, um...” She stared into her drink for a short while. “I believe so, yes.” Well, that was it. The mare of Spike’s dreams was returning the feelings he had for her. And his circumstances had to ruin everything... There was a brief, somewhat awkward silence, before Spike spoke. “Oh. I’m sorry, then.” “Whatever for?” “You know it--we--can’t have happened. All because of my mistake.” Spike sighed and looked into his glass, finding only a tiny puddle of punch left. “Spike, even if everything didn’t have to go back to normal, there’s no guarantee that it would’ve worked. I accept that. We’re two different species Spike, can’t you think of any issues that might come up with that?” She had a point there. Spike blocked it out, but Rarity continued. “Besides, this isn’t about me. It’s about you and Twilight.” She pointed at the filly, giggling at Pinkie’s dance move, the ‘funky chicken’. “She deserves her old life Spike. Just as you do.” Spike let out another sigh, heavier than the first. Rarity went closer to him, putting her own glass down. “You never told us why you made the wish in the first place.” “It’s...” Spike trailed off, focusing his thoughts. If he could confess now, he’d have an easier time explaining it to Twilight back in the normal world. “I was Twilight’s assistant. Her ‘number one assistant’.” He laughed lightly, taking comfort in some of the nostalgia. “And I liked that. I felt...important, you know? I didn’t feel like the odd one out I...I felt like I belonged. For years, it was pretty much just her and me. Then she moved to Ponyville. I thought it was good for her--really, I did--but gradually she got more involved with you guys...I kinda got left behind, I guess.” Spike felt Rarity’s foreleg go around his shoulders, then he heard her voice, soft and reassuring. “You need to talk to her about this, Spike. Have a sit down, just you two, and talk. It sounds like she’s just gotten a little distracted and needs a simple reminder.” Spike shrugged. “Yeah, I guess.” “I wasn't guessing.” Her tone was firm, for just a moment, but then it lightened up again. “I know that it’ll work. Trust me, Spike.” Her words brought a small smile to his face. “Thanks Rarity.” He gave her a hug, which she gladly returned. “It’s quite alright, Spike. Now try and enjoy the rest of the party, hm?” “Yeah, I’ll tr--” Even with the speakers blasting out music, the pair could hear the sound of flapping wings and hooves landing outside. Everypony in the room stopped what they were doing and stared outside. It was dark, but they could just make out two, big silhouettes. Spike bit his lip, breaking away from Rarity. “I guess not.” The door swung open, and the two Princesses of Equestria strode in. Both of their faces were stern, but they didn’t direct their glances towards anyone in particular. Pinkie stopped the music as the two alicorns looked around the room. The two smiled, but they both had a essence of sadness to them. The Princesses walked towards the stairs, Applejack lowering her hat in respect as they went past. Celestia gestured for Spike to follow them with a single look, and he immediately obeyed. “How soon?” he asked, his voice weak and full of worry. “Very soon,” Luna answered. “I shall instruct you when to make the wish.” Spike nodded quickly and the trio went down the hallway and up more stairs, going into Pinkie’s room. They scaled one more set of stairs before finally arriving on the top balcony, gazing up at the stars. Twilight chased after them, nearly tripping up the stairs in her hurry. “It can’t happen! Not now! Please!” she pleaded as she went through the balcony doorway. The three turned around, seeing the filly tearing up below them. Spike wanted to look away, but he knew he couldn’t. She looked so sad, it was unbearable. Celestia wrapped a wing around Twilight, kneeling down beside her. “I’m so sorry you have to make this sacrifice, Twilight.” Spike was stunned by the sincerity of Celestia’s words. Throughout all his life, he had never seen her speak so emotionally, so...heartfelt. “But know that you never alone. Not here, and not in the original world.” Twilight held onto Celestia, tears streaming down her cheeks. “But it’s not fair!” By now, Luna had to look away. The others downstairs, had just come up and looked on with regret. Luna gave Spike a quick glance. “I suggest making your goodbyes now, Spike.” “Y-Yeah...” Spike walked over to the others, his legs shaking. They all gave him a small, but reassuring smile. “So this is i-it...” “Aw c’mon Spike. This ain’t the end. I’ll still be just as awesome when this is done with.” Rainbow snickered, then held out a hoof. Spike met it with his fist and the pair gave each other a nod of respect. “You did good.” “Thanks. S-So did you, yesterday.” Spike gave her a thumbs up, and she smiled at the recognition. “Oh, p-please be careful!” Fluttershy squeaked, rubbing her foreleg nervously. Luna opened her mouth to say something, but let Spike do it instead. “I’ll be fine, Fluttershy. And thanks for being a good friend to Twilight. I don’t think she could’ve come out of her shell without you.” Fluttershy went forward and enveloped Spike in a warm embrace. “Please, don’t worry about it.” “As long as you don’t worry about me, then we have a deal,” Spike retorted, with a sly grin. The others let out a light laugh, which helped relieve some of the tension immensely. Fluttershy let go of Spike and as soon as she backed off, the dragon was put in a crushing hug by Pinkie. “Bye for now Spike! Remember: the party never ends!!” Spike coughed out a response, “Ack--I’ll try Pinkie, thanks.” Pinkie relieved him of her hold, then bounced backwards. “Like Rainbow said, ya done good Spike. We’re all proud of ya,” Applejack said, placing a hoof on Spike’s shoulder. “Whatever happens, know that ya came back a better pony--er, dragon.” Spike chuckled at the farmer’s mistake, and gave her a hug. Her embrace wasn’t as strong as Pinkie’s, but Spike elt far more secure. “Thanks for everything, Applejack.” “Can’t say I did as much as ya, heh, but thanks.” Applejack let go, which left one more mare to go. Rarity stepped forward slowly. “Farewell Spike, at least for now. When you get back home, please, use my advice.” Spike nodded once. “I will Rarity. I promise.” “Good...” Rarity turned to go, but hesitated, and wrapped up Spike in a embrace. Out of all the hugs he had received, this one was by far the most bittersweet. They stayed their for only a short while, before parting ways. Rarity wiped her eyes and stepped back. “Goodbye, Spike.” “Bye, Rarity.” Spike stood there for a few moments, then took a deep breath and turned around. There was one final thing he needed to do. The dragon approached Twilight and sat down by her. She was sobbing into Celestia’s side, but looked at Spike as soon as he started to speak. “Twilight...” And then he lost the words. The filly moved over to him, hugging him tightly. “I don’t want to go...” Spike wrapped his arms around Twilight, and gently stroked her mane comfortingly. Celestia looked on, her expression neutral. Yet when Spike glanced up at her, he could see a glimmer of somberness. “I know...I-I...” Spike could feel tears running down his face. “I’m sorry!” The two wept together, trying to hold onto to each other for as long as they could. Spike lifted Twilight’s face so their eyes locked. “But you’ll always be my b-best friend and my s-sister, okay?” Twilight sniffled, nodding slowly. “And nothing...nothing will change that. I promise.” Twilight wiped her eyes, but the tears kept coming. “O-Okay Spike...I love you.” “I love you too, Twilight.” “Prepare yourself, Spike,” Luna announced, peering up at the night sky. The dragon looked at Celestia, who nodded firmly at him. He looked back at the others, all of their eyes watering. Finally, he looked down at Twilight. “Goodbye, Twilight.” He stood up, having to force Twilight away from him gently, even if it hurt him deeply. She watched him go, outstretching a hoof for him. Celestia embraced her with her wing once more, and nuzzled the filly comfortingly. Spike leant against the balcony and stared up, his breaths shuddered and deep. Then, there was only silence. Spike put his hands together and waited. The night sky was brighter than ever before and it was beautiful. The moon hung in the sky, dimly illuminating the land below. Suddenly, a flash of brilliant white streaked across the sky. Spike closed his eyes and furrowed his brows. “I wish everything was back to the way it should be!” He opened his eyes and peered at the stars, holding his breath. The shooting star had gone, and nothing was happening. A hopeful smile appeared on Twilight’s face, and she laughed slightly. “D-Didn’t it work?” Luna closed her eyes, and her horn emanated her magical aura. The glowing quickly stopped and the alicorn opened her eyes, looking at Twilight with sad eyes. “No...” Twilight looked down, beginning to sob once more. Spike stared at everyone on the balcony. This was it. His mouth hung agape slightly as he looked down at Twilight. She managed to catch his gaze and looked back. For just a brief moment, through all the tears, they managed to give each other a smile. Suddenly Spike rubbed his head, groaning in pain. He gritted his teeth, enduring the migraine that had just come over him. Everyone else looked at him in concern, but Spike still managed to crack another smile. “I’ll see you all soon.” Before he knew it, the world flashed white . He shielded his eyes from the intensity of it all, but caught a brief look of what lay before him: nothing but an empty, white void. His migraine then overpowered him, numbing his senses and sending him to his knees. It wasn’t long before he was unconscious.