//------------------------------// // Chapter 2 // Story: Mysteries of the Heart // by Red Keyblade Master //------------------------------// Chapter 2: Where you belong/Un-ordinary To be truthfully honest, this was the best surprise Spike has had in ages! It was even better than the gem necklace Rariry gave him for hearths warming day, even though the look on his face back then stated 'this is the best gift ever!' this somehow topped it off. Maybe it was because Applebloom was fun to be around? Who knows, all Spike knew was that he was in for a treat today. The moment he opened the door and saw her full-face smile he knew that the day was going to get very interesting. "Applebloom! What's up." "Just wanted ta see if you could hang out today!" Her smile never left her. Nor did her happy tone. "Sure! Here I am, to make your day 300% better! What do you wanna do?" Spike turned to give Twilight an apologetic look for being so loud but instead found her smiling. He didn't know why now, but later he would discover it was because 'how cute you both looked!' He turned back to Applebloom, it was apparent that she had already come up with an idea of what they should do. She was bouncing a bit on the welcome mat Spike laid out in front of the library. That look she had on her face... it meant she wanted to know something... And when Applebloom wants to know something she finds out... Spike gulped jokingly. Somehow Spike knew that whatever she had come up with, he was going to regret it. "Alright Applebloom, what did you think of?" Spike spoke with a smile. "Can I hang out with you in the library today?" "Huh?" Spike took a playfull step back and pretended to be appalled. "Who are you and what have yo done with Applebloom?" He joked. Applebloom giggled at this and decided to play along. "Rawr. I'm Bloomapple, her evil twin sister who likes books and hates Spike Rawr!" She lightly tackled him and they playfully rolled around on the floor. Spike jumped onto the couch and swung his imaginary sword. "Release Applebloom at once twisted fiend! Or face the wrath of Sir Spike!" He took a heroic stance with one of his feet resting on the hoof-rest of the couch. Applebloom fake- laughed evily. "Shes gone! I have stolen her and locked her away in a tower! Never to be seen again! The only way you'll rescue her is if you get past me and my mystical otherworldly powers! Woooosh!" She hopped on the couch. Ready to do battle with 'Sir Spike' Applebloom waved her fore-hoofs in front of Spike pretending to use her 'other worldly powers' Spike pretended to block with his 'sword'. "Very well then! Hiya!" He 'swung' at her from one side of the couch. Applebloom got 'hit' and fell to the floor defeated. "How did you defeat me?" She faked a cough. "I took away everything from you! You were lost!" "Because, no matter where your friends are. Or how far apart they are, their light will always shine to you. You just have to follow it!" Spike jumped off the couch and onto Applebloom. Laughing a lot as he did so. Twilight giggled at the uncontrollably cute sight. Not to mention how oblivious they both are to each others feelings. "Spike why don't you take, hehe, 'Bloomapple' upstairs to your new room and 'battle her' there. Oh and by the way, if Bloomapple says she hates you, and shes Appleblooms opposite, what does that mean?" She tried to drop a hint on Spike. A hint that, unfortunately, he was oblivious to. Spike laughed as he helped Applebloom up off the floor. "Oh that's right! Applebloom, we found an extra room upstairs near Twi's bedroom that's like a kids room! And since I'm awesome, Twi gave me the room as my bedroom." Spike spoke with thankfulness towards Twilight. "Riiiight Spike. 'Awesome' is the word for you." Twilight joked. "Yes it is! I've also got, 'number one assistant' and 'Spikey-Wikey' and 'Sir Spike'!" Spike added with a chuckle. "Alright Mr. Dragon-of-many-faces, you can go." "Neat! Let's go see your room Spike!" Applebloom began to walk towards the stairs with spike next to her. "Fluttershy even gave me some cool board games to play. We could- oof!" Spike tripped on the third step from the top and fell back down the stairs, bouncing off the shiny mahogany steps. He hit the floor with a light THUD. Applebloom gasped in worry. "Spike you ok?" She spoke with much more worry than she thought. She knew he was ok, he's come out of much worse falls than that unscathed. So why is she panicking like he just got badly hurt? He IS really important to her... What? Twilight on the other hoof, just laughed at him. Which for some reason got Applebloom a bit ticked off. "Spike, why do you fall off the stairs almost every day?" "It's that darn third step Twi! It's out to get me!" "No, it's because your clumsy." Spike grumbled then got up and climbed the steps back to where Applebloom waited worriedly for him. He gave the step an 'Im watching you' look. Which earned him a giggle from Twilight. "Im telling the truth Twi!" "Sure.. Sure" He turned his attention back to Applebloom. He flashed her a smile. "I'm ok." then walked by to his room door. "The floor just seems to wanna pull us in today huh." Applebloom giggled. "Sure, if you wanna put it that way." "Never mind, let's just go in." Spike chuckled a bit. "Alright Spike let's see that room of yours!" Spike proudly opened the door and revealed his room to Applebloom. He had his bed-basket in one corner of the room, a bookshelf of his favorite books. That he had to beg Twilight to let him have in his room. He had a window with a desk in front of it. Twilight said it was refreshing. And lastly he had some board games stacked up in another corner. "So what do you think?" Spike gestured towards his room. Nervously awaiting her approval, why it mattered as much as it did, he didn't know, all he knew was it mattered. "Hmm... I like it! It looks so relaxed! Ooh and I like your carpet. The circles of different relaxing colors make me feel so at home!" It was no mystery that Applebloom was good with building and decorating. The treehouse she had built with her friends, ok, she built most of it, but it was so well done that anyone would think a full grown mare had built it. Spike thought it was good that Applebloom was so good at that stuff. Wonder if it's a cutie mark...? "So what do you wanna do Applebloom?" "Spike, tell me about where you came from!" Applebloom said abruptly but smiled. That was a question Spike wasn't expecting. Although, he wasn't afraid to tell the story. Eh why not? They do wanna learn more about each other right? Also, this could be a great opportunity to show Twilight that he CAN teach something! "Alright Applebloom. Where do I start though...?" "Oooh start where you can remember." "Alright Ahem. To be honest, I was sort of a jerk to Twi the first few weeks I knew her. I knew I was a dragon, so as a baby dragon I thought I was high and mighty compared to her. It was only when she had saved me from my jump off the top of the castle that I accepted her as my caretaker." "You jumped off the castle?" "I thought I could fly ok." "We're you ok?" She asked worriedly. Even though she knew he was. He wouldn't be here if he wasn't. Still, she cared about him... What? Spike chuckled, and have her an 'are you serious' look. "Anyway, I jumped off the roof because me and Twi had a fight earlier and I said some mean things then said I was gunna fly away. So when I jumped, obviously I didn't fly. I fell. Fast." Spike looked away for a bit then continued. "I felt like it was what I deserved. For abandoning her and saying all those things... But then, right before I hit the ground. Twilight saved me. I didn't know why at the time, but I knew I was wrong about her. I apologized sadly. She let me back in with open arms. That's the end of my story. What do ya think?" Spike finished sadly but smiling. Applebloom smiled sadly at him. "I had no idea Spike... I'm sorry you had such a hard time fitting in... Your story gets better though right?" She finished with a smile. "Yeah, I can tell you the story when I finally learned where I belong. You wanna hear that one?" Spike finished as he laid down on the carpet. His head resting next to hers. "Yeah Spike! Wasn't it during last years dragon migradooon?" Applebloom tried to say, her filly-ness didn't let the word out correctly though. "Yeah, it was last years Migration." Applebloom remained quiet, a sign that she was ready for the next story. "Well, it began with us seeing all the dragons fly over the town. I was completely amazed, I drew in my scrapbook as I watched on." He passed her the scrapbook and showed her his drawings. They were perfect. Almost looked like a photo, they had precise detail and Spike had managed to pencil in details and notes on the side about how they flew and roared. "Wow Spike! You can draw really well!" 'That's really all you have to say about these drawings Applebloom?' her mind told her. "Very detailed!" She added. "Thanks. Anyway, Rainbow Dash saw it as an 'opportunity' to 'joke' and question my dragon-hood by calling me pipsqeek, flightless, can barely make a fireball..." Applebloom didn't know why, but she was getting angry at the Rainbow flyer. Spike continued. When we got back to the library, my good mood was gone. Replaced with tears and sadness... Twi was looking up everything she could about dragons, but as it turns out, ponys know little to nothing about dragons! So, questioning who I was, I left to join the migration. I didn't know it but when I left, it devastated more than half of Ponyville..." "Please, never do that again." Applebloom added, confirming her worry when he left. "I don't plan on." Did she just scoot closer? Nah, it's just my imagination.. "Alright, I don't wanna sound mean but can we skip to the important parts spike?" "Haha, yeah sure. Anyway I met some teenage dragons and they made me do things that would 'make me a real dragon' one of the trials was taking a Phoenix egg and smashing it. I refused, I knew I would never be a real dragon but I didn't care anymore, I just wanted to do the right thing and be who I wanted to be. That's when Twilight, Rainbow Dash, and Rarity showed up, rescued me and brought me home. I learned something from that trip though, it's not WHAT you are that matters. It's WHO you are that matters. In here." Spike pointed toward Appleblooms heart. "And who you are is only a part of what makes you special. Your friends play a big part in your life. Never neglect them. Where your friends are, with them, is where we belong." "Wow... Thanks Spike. I never knew you could tell such great stories! Not to mention you just ACTUALLY taught me something about friendship! High hoof!" She gave him a high hoof and smiled at him. "Aww shucks, it was nothing." Spike said while playing with the carpet. Applebloom smiled. Then proceeded to get up and look through the board games. "Nah, nope, nuhuh, I'm not old enough for moneyopoly..." "Monopoly, Applebloom." "Yeah, yeah. Oooh! Let's play this one!" Applebloom brought a game of Truth or Dare: Card game. Spike eyed it nervously. He shrugged. "Ehh, why not. I've got nothing to hide." Spike grabbed the game and opened it, he set it up. Apparently, it was just a card game with Die, and a small board. "Can I go first Spike?" Applebloom used her eyes to coax Spike into letting her to first. "Oh all right. Lemme see the rules, 'take a card color from the corresponding space and complete the truth/dare. If you refuse, go back a space. If its completed, go forewarn one. Your turn will then end' Hmm, sounds easy enough. Go Applebloom." "Alright! Umm, 3 alright." Applebloom moved her piece 3 times. "Alrighty, truth, 'what song do you tell ponys you hate but you actually really like it.'" She paused for a bit. "We don't have to play if you don't want to Appleboom." Spike reassured her. She shook her head, bouncing her bow as she did. "It's alright. My hidden favorite song is... Umm... Misery Business..." "You never said you hated Parapony." Spike added. "Yeah, but I bet you would've never figured out I liked them." "Touché. Alright my turn." Spike rolled a 4 and landed on another truth spot. He picked up the card and read it in his head first. 'Who was your first real crush.' That was an easy one. So why was he having trouble saying Rarity? She was a real crush wasn't she? Then again, it never was gunna be possible... So what should be say? "Umm... I'll just move back a spot." "Aww come on Spike. Was it really that bad?" "Yeah..." "Alright. You donts have to." -PoV Break- "Wait, Applebloom. You never told me a story about you." Spike interrupted his turn and faced Applebloom. Applebloom didn't have quite much stories to tell. She searched her memories for something that could pass as a good story. "Umm..." She had nothing. Great, now Spikes gunna feel like she used him! Having no story to tell him... "How 'bout you tell me about when you, Sweetiebell, and Scootaloo formed the CMC?" Spike suggested. "You really wanna hear that story?" She asked in disbelief. It's not like it was a bad story. It's just that it was boring. No big problem or villain... It would surely bore Spike. Would it? "Yeah, I always wanted to know how that formed. Must be an interesting story." Spike smiled at her. "Ehh not really..." Applebloom shuffled her hoofs against the carpet she was sitting on. "Well, I still wanna hear it. Any story about you has to be important." Spike didn't realize what he said. He essentially said 'your important to me' but neither of them caught it... Mostly. "Alright, thanks Spike." Applebloom felt the need to thank him for some reason. Avoiding his quizzical look, she began her story. "Well, it all started the beginning of last year. Diamond Tiara, an annoyingly snotty pony-brat in my class, had just gotten her cutie mark and decided to rub it in our faces by having a Cute-cinera." "A what?" Spike asked a bit confused. Applebloom giggled at him. "A Cute-ciniera is what rich ponys do when one of their fillys get their cutie mark." "Ohh." Spike nodded. "Remind me, and Pinkie to throw you a real Cute-ciniera party." "Hehe thanks Spike." She blushed a bit. How sweet... What? Ignoring that thought Applebloom continued. "I met Sweetie Bell and Scootaloo when I was down because of Diamond Tiara's teasing. They quickly became my friends, and seeing as wee all had a blank flank... We became the Cutie Mark Crusaders! Although, they could have gotten their cutie marks a while ago. I dunno why they don't." She added a bit confused at the end. "What do you mean? Spike inquired. "Sweetie Bell can sing, and Scootaloo can obviously use her scooter really well. And I bet they know it too." She finished, a bit sad. "Well..." Spike tapped his finger against his chin. "They probably want to wait for you to find out your special talent as well. You know, so you can all get your cutie marks together." Applebloom nodded happily. "Thanks Spike! Wow that's twice you've taught me something today! Your awesome!" "Yes! Someone else who thinks so!" Spike fist pumped. Causing Applebloom to giggle. "Alright Mr. Awesome, it's still your turn." "Darn, thought you would've forgot about that..." The game went quite funny from then on, singing, favorite ice creams and annoying Twilight were the highlights of the board game. Now though... Applebloom might be regretting her choice of the game. They were in the level 3 truth area and... Things might be getting awkward. Strike that, embarrassing. It was Spikes turn. "Alright, let's get this over with... 'If you would date anyone near your age, who would it be?' Oh you've gotta be kidding me!" "..." Applebloom had to keep quiet for 3 full turns, she SO wanted to compliment on that though. "Umm, I guess it would be..." Wait, why was she getting hopeful? It's not like he's gunna say her. Why should he? It's not like he even knows her that well... Great, now she feels terrible. Like crying. 'Just hurry up and say it!' "Umm... I guess it would be you Applebloom. It would probably be the least awkward. I mean, I don't even know what 'dating' is exactly. I think it involves going somewhere with that person. I think." Spike had won, and the game was over. "Finally, it was so hard keeping quiet!" Applebloom could feel her heart beating. Though she had no idea why. Shel sleep on it she calmly decided. "Oh! I forgot to ask you! Did you find anything interesting on your way here?" Spike tried to change the subject Applebloom smiled at the change of subject. She didn't want to face what she might be feeling for Spike. Wait what? This can't be happening! Wait... It was probably because of the stress of the board game. It did cause them to do some strange things. Yeah, that's it. Anyway, Spikes question. "Hmm... Well, I say flutter shy, Pinkie was Pinkie and... That's right!" Spike was hooked. "What?" "Rainbow Dash has a date! And she's gone to Rarity for 'mare lessons' Rainbow wants to 'be a proper mare' can you believe that!" Applebloom said loudly, and wih the biggest smirk a pony could muster. The only smirk that's been bigger was Rainbow Dash's smirk when she did the Sonic Rainboom saving Rarity. "Your kidding!" Spike stated wide-eyed. Applebloom nodded. "Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupckake in my eye!" At that point, Pinkie Pie popped out of a board game box, and gave Applebloom a 'hoof up' then went back into the box. "...What..." Applebloom spoke in awe. "It's Pinkie Pie, the laws of physics dont aply to her. Also, it's getting late. Shouldn't you head home Applebloom?" Twilight had walked in on the conversation earlier. "Also, is it true Applebloom?" Apple bloom nodded vigorously, causing her bow to bounce again, Spike chuckled at this. "Yessiree. I was in 'stealth mode' when I walked by so I knew every bit of detail!" Twilight nodded then followed Applebloom downstairs. "Well, I hope you both had fun. Your always welcomed back Applebloom, any time!" Applebloom nodded then walked out the door, into the chilly night air. "I'll take that offer Twi! Bye Spike!" And with a hop and a skip she bounced away. Luna's moon was beautiful tonight. Maybe it was because of the finest day Applebloom had in a while, but the night sky showed that this day was going to have a perfect ending too. She walked home quietly, listening to the rhythm of the animals going to bed, and the nocturnal ones getting up. Yeah, perfect ending. "Hey umm... Applebloom Right!" Ok, almost perfect ending. At least since Spike made her day so well, she could take on the little challenge of Diamond Tiara. "Hey Tiara." She calmly said, not ignoring her, for she wanted to get this conversation over as quickly and politely as possible. "What, no attempt at name calling today?" Diamond Tiara was a bit taken aback, but didn't show it. No, she had deeper problems but she tried to play it off anyway. "Who ruined your day this time?" Applebloom shook her head. "Nope, no one. Actually someone MADE my day. It was so fun hanging out with him!" Applebloom spoke smiling, remembering her day. "You were with a…!" She couldn't get the word out of her mouth. "Yep. Something like that." She didn't have to know it was Spike. Even though he was better… What? Not again... "Didn't know you had it in ya. Actually I was looking for you because I..." She paused for a bit, causing Applebloom to raise an eyebrow. "I had a nightmare about you. And... My mom says nightmares mean somethin so I looked for you. I can't have anypony dying because of me. Applebloom, I sincerely don't mean more than half the teasing I do to you and your friends. You see the truth is, I'm jealous... Jealous of the great friendship you have..." "You have friends too Diamond." Applebloom added. Was she really doing this? That nightmare must of been terrible... She shook her head. "I don't even know them that well. We never hang out, I forget their names. I'm just alone I guess..." She began to softly cry. Applebloom couldn't bear to see her cry. Even though they've tried to make that happen before. Now that she knew her though... "You can hang out with us! I mean, you can't be part of the CMC but we'll be your friends! Good ones too!" "Thanks, that means a lot... "She walked away slowly. Not saying another word to her. "I feel sorry for her... Who would've known..." Applebloom quietly walked home from there. When Applebloom got home, she only received a 'you were gone long sugarcube' from Applejack. Twilight probably called her. But when she walked upstairs near Big Macintosh's room he called her in. "Yeah Mac?" Applebloom walked in to see him reading. Something most ponys didn't even know he did. "How was y'alls day with Spike?" "It was good! But.. Why you wanna know?" Big Macintosh just smiled. "Just making sure he be treatin ma little did correctly." Applebloom giggled as she walked out the room. "Goodnight Mac." "G'night sis." Applebloom giggled as she walked down the hall to her room. Silly Mac. What would Spike ever do to me? He's a really good friend and I care about him too. I dunno why I'm saying all this stuff now. But I am. An I guess i'll just have ta find out soon enough. As she entered her room she caught a beautiful sight at her window. A shooting star was seen across the sky. Applebloom closed her eyes softly and made a wish. "I wish... I wish I knew what I feel for Spike." She then looked up and calmly stated. "Im gunna find out by the end of the week. Because I can't leave this mystery unsolved. And Applebloom doesn't give up!" She spoke quietly, but triumphantly to herself. She then hopped in her bed with a smile and proceeded to fall asleep, her dreams being sweeter now because of the presence of a special little purple and green dragon.