Last week Twilight took me to Canterlot. I thought it would be boring, but I couldn't have been more wrong...
The plan was to stay for about three days. Twilight had several princess duties to attend to, which left Spike free to mingle around town. The first stop was Pony Joe's doughnut shop. Spike made it a point to visit Joe's every chance that he got. After that he wondered the streets and decided to check out the Canterlot Gallery of the Arts. Apparently all those years of Twilight's eggheadedness had rubbed off on him.
A herd of well dressed upper class ponies crowded around the numerous works of art. Dodging and nimbly sauntering through the crowd, he came upon the first piece. The exhibit was devoted to surrealism, meaning that most of the art in the gallery was just plain weird. The first painting, called The Persistence of Memory, looked like a few droopy clocks were left to melt in the desert. One of them looked vaguely like a pony's face and another looked like it was being attacked by ants. Spike thought, I'm sure there was some kind of symbolic meaning there, but I just don't get it.
He continued wading through the crowd; moving from one painting to the next. Some were intriguing and even funny. Others were simply... disturbing.
Eventually he broke through the throng of ponies into a room that was significantly less crowded. It was a circular room with only a single large sculpture dominating the center of the floor. It was shaped like a unicorn, cast almost entirely from bronze. The only strange part was the horn. Instead of bronze, a single tree grew in the place where the horn would be. Limbs drooped slightly and vines hung to obscure the pony's face.
He stared at the sculpture for a while, lost in his own thoughts. He snapped out of his reverie when a stallion trotted up next to him and remarked, "I didn't know that dragons took an interest in fine art. Well isn't this a novel experience?'
The unicorn had a white coat and a perfectly styled blue mane. His tuxedo was spotless and he sported a monocle over one of his blue eyes. Completing the whole package was a thin blue mustache.
This guy is just the textbook definition of classy!
Returning his attention back to the sculpture, Spike replied, "Most of my species aren't very interested in anything like this. For the most part they are all a bunch of muscle-headed bullies."
"Then I count my blessings to acquaint myself with the only one who has a sense of refinement. Tell me, what do you think of this sculpture?"
Spike paused for a moment. "I think it's... interesting. It looks like a unicorn with a tree for a horn. Maybe that means that magic is somehow connected to nature. Or it could mean that magic grows and blossoms like a tree," Spike shook his head slowly, "but I can't help but feel sad looking at it."
The stallion nodded a few times. "That is an astute observation. The willow is heavily symbolic. It represents magic and life. It is able to grow in harsh conditions, even in places where there is too much water for anything else to take root. As for the sorrow you feel, look at her face."
Spike tried to make out the details of the pony's face, but he just couldn't do it.
"I can't really see anything through the vines and limbs."
"Exactly!" the stallion smiled, "The magic has consumed her. Her identity is so thickly tied into her magic that without it, she has nothing else. That is why you cannot see her face. It is truly tragic to feel like you do not know yourself, but there is beauty in tragedy."
This all sounded a bit too deep for Spike, but he hummed slightly in response. The stallion turned his attention to his companion for the first time. With a polite smile he extended his hoof to the dragon. "My name is Fancy Pants, and if I am not mistaken, you must be young Master Spike."
Gripping his hoof in his strong claws, Spike shook it. "Pleasure's all mine. My friend Rarity has told me some great things about you."
Fancy Pants chuckled, "That is very flattering. I must go and visit her boutique some time soon. Anyway, now that introductions are out of the way, would you like to join me for an exhibition tomorrow afternoon at the Canterlot Academy of Fine Arts?"
Spike considered his offer. On the one claw, he didn't have any other plans that night and Twilight had been encouraging him to mingle with the Canterlot elite. Something about political influence blah, blah, blah. On the other claw, he just knew that it would be extremely boring. In the end, he remembered all of the great things that Rarity had said about Fancy Pants. He was a sincere and well meaning stallion who pretty much commanded Canterlot's social circles. What the heck, why not?
"That sounds nice. I would love to go."
Fancy Pants beamed at his new companion, "Splendid! I will meet you in the theater atrium before the show. Unfortunately I have several appointments to get to, so I must be going now. Thank you very much for the delightful conversation young Master Spike."
"Just Spike is fine. And I enjoyed meeting you too. See you tomorrow, Fancy Pants."
With that he left Spike alone to ponder his current situation. Deciding that it wouldn't be too bad, he turned to leave too. Something about the place seemed different. Once he walked through the doorway he realized that the huge crowd had left. The entire gallery was empty.
Shrugging off this unusual discovery, Spike made his way back to the castle for dinner. He was sure Twilight would be thrilled with the news.
~`~`~The Barbershop~`~`~
The whirring finally ceased as Snips pulled the grinder away from a particularly gnarly cluster of spines. The disc glowed cherry red from the constant friction, so he put it down to take a break. Taking off the mask and gloves, he walked over to the sink set in front of the wall. He filled up two glasses with water and drifted one over to his friend on a cloud of magic. Drinking deeply, Snips teased, "Looks like you're getting chummy with some powerful ponies. Don't forget all the little ponies whenever you get to be mister big shot."
"Cut it out, Snips." He took a small sip from his glass. "Besides, I really don't care for all that fancy stuff all the time. I got my fill after three days."
"Didn't satisfy your sweet tooth, I bet." Snips gently nudged the dragon with a wink.
Spike chuckled halfheartedly.
"Let's hear it lover-boy. Heavy on the details."
Spike continued...
~`~`~Canterlot Palace~`~`~
Spike thought he looked spiffy in his suit. The green bow tie really brought out the color in his eyes. He cocked his top hat to the side and exclaimed, "Like a sir!" He was answered with a soft cawing. He always took Peewee with him on his trips to Canterlot, mostly because Peewee liked to play with Philomena.
Spike walked over to his pet's perch and asked, "What do you think, Peewee? Do I look spiffy or what?"
Peewee responded with a shake of his head and two low chirps. It sounded dangerously close to the words "or what." Spike huffed, "Yeah, yeah. What do you know anyway, birdbrain?" Peewee pecked him lightly on the head. It was a playful tap and wasn't intended to hurt. Spike chuckled and stroked his pet's feathers affectionately. Under his care, Peewee had grown into an impressive adult phoenix. His feathers were so bright and radiant that they shined like the sun itself. His beak and claws were sharp and majestic, but he had the restraint not to cause any damage with them. All things considered, Spike took great pride in his pet.
"Time for me to go. Don't get into any trouble while I'm gone, alright."
Peewee raised a wing in salute and Spike made his way to the Canterlot Academy of Fine Arts. Using his wings, he made it there in almost no time at all.
~`~`~Canterlot Academy of Fine Arts~`~`~
Landing near the imposing building, Spike casually smoothed the wrinkles out of his jacket. Then he strolled confidently into the atrium. Once inside, he noticed the same phenomenon that he experienced at the gallery. There were ponies absolutely everywhere! The difference being that this time they formed a sort of ring around a small group gathered in the center. Taking flight once more, Spike moved in for a closer look. He spotted Fancy Pants and a slim mare that could only be his wife Fleur-de-Lis. They both chatted animatedly with another couple Spike had never met before. He touched down inside the throng of bystanders, which caused harsh whispers to spread through the crowd. Spike ignored them and walked up to Fancy Pants.
"Good afternoon, Fancy Pants."
"Spike, my boy! It is a delight to see you again. Let my introduce you to my wife, Fleur, as well as our friends Jet Set and Upper Crust."
"Nice to meet you."
They all smiled at the young dragon and returned his greeting. Jet Set looked like he was fighting to hold back a sneer. Spike ignored him as Fancy Pants inspected his watch.
"It seems like the performance will begin soon. We will see you two afterward, I hope?"
Upper Crust responded, "Of course! Why don't you join us for dinner at our manor later? I will dispatch a message to the chef right away."
"Zat sounds lovely," Fleur replied.
Fancy Pants smiled and said, "Wonderful. Come along, Spike. We must find our seats."
Fleur, Fancy Pants, and Spike walked away from the group and made their way up a large gilded staircase and into their private box. Looking around, Spike had difficulty comprehending the sheer amount of luxury contained in that box. Instead of chairs there were soft couches. A table was set with all manner of fresh fruits and desserts (And a large bowl of sapphires especially for him). Lastly, a small chandelier hung from the ceiling softly lighting the box.
Fancy Pants pulled aside the curtain on the far wall and motioned for Spike to follow. Past the curtain was the balcony that had a commanding view of the stage. Below, the orchestra was warming up and ushers were helping the remaining stragglers to their seats. The three took their seats and waited for the performance to begin.
"So what was the deal with all the ponies in the atrium?"
Fancy Pants chuckled softly, "Those are just the young social climbers. They follow me like eager puppies trying to curry my favor. It really is quite a bother sometime. I would prefer to not travel with an entourage all the time. For another time though. The show is about to begin."
The lights dimmed and the orchestra leaped into the overture. Strings and light woodwinds dominated for a time, but then the booming brass and percussion jumped violently into the number. Upon the stage, several mares and stallions from the School of Dance were performing a complex ballet that Spike couldn't name. It was rhythmic and exciting, but he still wasn't sure how much he really cared for dancing. Fancy Pants seemed to enjoy it though and Fleur was absolutely beaming.
The rest of first act went by in a blur. There were dance numbers, singers, and complex instrumental works, but Spike was quickly growing impatient. His thoughts were fully focused on the bowl of delicious sapphires waiting in the box behind him. If he listened closely, he could swear he heard them calling his name.
Fancy Pants (as if he had read his minds) laughed, "Don't worry, Spike. There is only one more act before the intermission. It is a choral number I believe." Relief washed over Spike and he returned his attention to the stage.
Fog rolled over the stage and a lone figure emerged. She was a beautiful young mare in a gossamer white cloak. Her hood was pulled up to conceal her face. The violinist plucked her strings and an unseen chorus hummed mysteriously. The melody was sad and haunting, but it was also sweet. The figure pushed back her hood to reveal a white unicorn with green eyes and a curly pink and purple mane.
Spike jerked in his seat and squeaked, "Sweetie Belle!" Fleur shushed him harshly as Sweetie began to sing {Author's note: Seriously, click the link. It will make this infinitely easier to follow.}
I wish I were on yonder hill
Tis there I'd sit and cry my fill
And every tear would turn a mill.
I wish I sat on my true loves knee
Many a fond story told to me
He told me things that ne’er shall be.
Siúil, siúil, siúl a ruin
Siúil go sochair agus siúil go ciúin
Siúil go doras agus éalaigh liom
His hair was black
His eye was blue
His arm was strong
His word was true
I wish in my heart I was with you
Siúil, siúil, siúl a ruin
Siúil go sochair agus siúil go ciúin
Siúil go doras agus éalaigh liom
The ponies of the chorus stepped forward through the fog, each concealing his or herself behind a cloak of ashy gray. Sweetie started into the next verse.
I'll dye my coat, I'll dye it red
And round the world I'll beg my bread
Til I find my love alive or dead
Siúil, siúil, siúl a ruin
Siúil go sochair agus siúil go ciúin
Siúil go doras agus éalaigh liom
Siúil, siúil, siúl a ruin
Siúil go sochair agus siúil go ciúin
Siúil go doras agus éalaigh liom
Siúil go doras agus éalaigh liom
The music ended and Sweetie swept the hood back on once again, fading into the fog.
The audience politely pounded their hooves against the floor as the announcer called for a brief intermission. Fancy Pants turned to Spike and said, "That was an excellent performance. Don't you agree, Spike?"
Spike didn't even hear the question. Her haunting voice still echoed in his mind. Sadness and love mingled together to weave a tapestry of desire. It was a siren's song pulling him into dangerous waters, but he felt no fear. His heart beat rapidly, and he worried that even the smallest movement would make it explode.
Fleur caught onto his thoughts and giggled to herself. With her strange accent she teased, "Zat mare was quite ze beauty, no?"
Spike just stared back at her blankly. Fancy Pants caught on to his musings and said, "If you wish, you could invite her to join us for dinner tonight with Jet Set and Upper Crust. I'm sure they wouldn't mind such a charming young mare at the table." Spike simply nodded, still fearing his heart would try to leap out of his throat if he dared open his mouth.
~`~`~The Barbershop~`~`~
The grinder had finally cooled off and Snips had caught his breath. He carefully put on the gloves and mask and returned to working on his friend.
"I'll bet she really rocked that song, but did you really have to sing it? I would have just taken your word for it."
Spike blushed in indignation. "Hey, I was caught up in the moment. And what's wrong with my singing?!"
Snips flipped the mask down and the grinder whirred to life once again. "Because you sound like a buzzard trying to gargle tree sap."
"That's low, man."
"Come on, get to the good stuff. What did you do next?"
~`~`~Canterlot Academy of Fine Arts~`~`~
The rest of the concert passed by as if in a dream. Spike didn't take in any of the extravagant displays. All of the music sounded flat. All the dancers looked like they were underwater. After Sweetie Belle's performance, he could think of nothing else.
After a mini-eternity, the concert had ended and the players came up for the grand finale. Spike stared intently at the sea of faces gathered on stage, but he couldn't spot Sweetie among them. He thanked Fancy Pants for his hospitality and rushed out of the box. He hurried to the back entrance where the performers would exit and waited for her. A few proud parents and special someponies waited with flowers or candy, but Spike didn't dare to fetch her anything for fear of missing her.
He waited for a long time. Ponies left and met with their friends and family, and he was left alone. Soon Celestia's day would give way to Luna's night, but still no Sweetie Belle. The lamp above the door went out, signalling that nopony was left backstage. He walked down the alley on his way back to the castle, moping over his lost opportunity. He felt no desire to meet with Jet Set and Upper Crust.
As he walked onto the castle grounds, he heard a familiar whistle pierce the air. Spike would recognize Peewee's voice anywhere. The phoenix circled overhead, then coasted to land in the middle of the castle's massive garden. Curiosity temporarily masked his heartache as the dragon took to the air and followed his pet into the garden. He landed in a small grove of trees and looked around for his friend. He finally spotted Peewee perched on a low branch, with a white cloaked mare standing beneath him. Spike watched in awe as she sang to the bird. Her song had no lyrics, but the notes were pure and clear. The phoenix responded with his own whistles.
When she had finished, the mare lowered her hood and, without turning around, remarked, "It's not nice to spy on ponies, ya know?"
It was unmistakably Sweetie Belle. She had matured into a fine and graceful unicorn with a slender body and noble bearing. Her mane still had the curls she sported as a filly, but they were longer and more voluptuous.
Finding his tongue again, Spike stuttered, "H-Hi, Sweetie Belle."
Her ears perked up at the familiar voice and she spun around to face the dragon. She had the biggest grin on her face and her eyes sparkled with excitement. She tackled the dragon bodily in a crushing hug. Both of them tumbled to the ground, but he didn't care. His only thought was, Some things never change. Then again, sometimes they shouldn't.
Finally letting Spike off the ground Sweetie asked, "What are you doing here, Spike? Is Twilight in town?"
"Yeah, she's dealing with some royal duties while in town. I just came in to see the sights and to let Peewee visit Philomena." He pointed a claw to indicate the phoenix. To further emphasize his point, Peewee flapped down and perched on Spike's shoulder.
Sweetie giggled, "Oh, so that was Peewee. No wonder he was so friendly. I thought he was just another phoenix living in the garden."
"He's friendly alright. Takes after his old pal Spike. Isn't that right, buddy." Peewee responded by pecking him on the head.
Sweetie's giggle turned into full bodied laughter. Spike decided to let it slide and laugh with her. When they had sufficiently calmed down, Spike walked over to a bench and sat down. He patted the space next to him, inviting Sweetie to join him. The young mare settled next to the dragon and they looked out at the last traces of the sun fading behind the mountains. As the light faded, fireflies lit up the grove.
Spike broke the silence. "I saw your performance today."
Sweetie's ears drooped and she stared dejectedly at the ground. "Oh yeah, that."
"What are you so sad about? You were great up there! Nopony else even came close."
Sweetie gave the dragon a weak smile. "That's nice of you to say, but everpony else was just eager to get away. It was kind of an old song too."
"But it was so beautiful!"
"I know. It was a little too sad though. Nopony like songs that make them sad."
"Then what made you choose it?"
Sweetie paused for a moment. She silently debate how much to tell her old friend. She let out a long sigh and said, "Because I have been miserable ever since I got here."
"You mean ever since you arrived in Canterlot?"
Sweetie nodded, tears forming in the corners of her eyes. "The ponies here are so artificial. Nothing lasts and that includes friendship. I tried to make friends, but all they wanted to do was go to lame social things that they didn't even like. Eventually, they would turn their backs on me or even try to humiliate me just for fun. JUST FOR FUN!"
She shouted the last words and the tears fell freely. Spike reached out and hugged the weeping mare to his chest, feeling her warmth against his scales.
Sweetie continued, "Sometimes I just want to go home, Spike. I miss Applebloom and Scootaloo. I miss Rarity and Pinkie Pie. I missed you a whole lot too! But I can't leave. I love singing and this is the only place that I can make a living as a singer. That's why I only sing sad songs."
Spike held her close, even going as far as to wrap his wings around the pair of them. Suddenly, Spike was struck with an idea.
"Sweetie Belle? How would you like to see Ponyville again?"
She tilted her head to look up at the dragon. "That would be amazing!"
"I promised Twilight I wouldn't go back, but I never said anything about flying over. Luna sure has given us a beautiful night. What do you say about a moonlit flight?"
Her eyes gleamed at the thought of seeing her home again. She nuzzled Spike's scaled chest and nodded. Releasing her, Spike stood up from the bench and left his tuxedo and hat there. Sweetie discarded her cloak as well. Together they walked out of the wooded grove. When they approached the edge of the forest, Spike lifted the mare in his arms, much like a groom carries his bride across the threshold of their new home. The thought made him blush. With a push of his back legs, he leaped into the air and soared into the night lit by the full moon.
He climbed high over Canterlot. The city shrunk away and they were rewarded with an aerial view of the city lit up for the revels of the night. The whole city sparkled like a gem atop the mountain. Spike paused for a moment to take in the beauty of the bright city, but he remembered his goal. He whispered, "Hold on tight." Sweetie threw her forelegs around his neck and held on. Spike wheeled around and flew off toward Ponyville.
As they flew, two specks of bright light waited for them in the distance. As he approached, Spike could make out the shape of two phoenixes. Peewee and Philomena circled around the pair and then broke off into a moonlit dance. Chasing each other across the dark night, they looked like two shooting stars streaking across the heavens. They twirled and looped as if the sky belonged only to them. Eventually they tired of their dance and returned to flank their flying friends, but they continued to twirl and sparkle in the air like two miniature suns.
After nearly an hour of flying, Spike spotted the faint lights of Ponyville. Never losing his grip on Sweetie, he glided gently towards their hometown. He circled above the dark library that he called his home. Next he hovered over Sugarcube Corner, which still smelled strongly of sugar and pastries even at this late hour. Next was a quick flight over Mane Street. It didn't have much except for a few empty stalls and carts. Then Spike whirled around and flew over Sweet Apple Acres. The trees glistened in the moonlight and the barn and farmhouse stood silently in the night. Finally, Spike brought her to the one place she longed to see most.
He circled lazily around Carousel Boutique several times, trying to catch every possible angle of the familiar shop. Sweetie hugged his neck so tightly that he swore he would choke, but he didn't care. This night was something special for her. When he caught the glint of moonlight on her cheeks he knew that it was time to leave. The only thing that mattered now was the wind beneath his wings and the calm breathing of the mare pressed against him.
He landed in the gardens on the bank of a small pond. He set Sweetie Belle down gently, then walked over to the edge of the pond and laid down to gaze at the sky. To his pleasure, Sweetie laid down right beside him. Together they gazed at the night sky, enjoying a companionable silence. The two phoenixes resumed their dance across the face of the moon.
Sweetie Belle finally broke the silence. "Thanks, Spike. Nopony has done anything that nice for me in a very long time."
"It was nothing," he replied nonchalantly.
"It was not nothing!" Sweetie yelled. She blushed furiously. Fiddling with her hooves she whispered, "It made me feel special. Nopony has made me feel like that in ages."
Spike flipped onto his side and gazed at the mare next to him. "You are special, Sweetie Belle.You are a sweet, beautiful, and talented young mare. Don't let anypony tell you otherwise."
Her blush deepened and she glanced away from him. Still speaking in a soft voice she asked, "Can I tell you something personal?"
"Anything."
"Spike, did you know I used to be jealous of my sister?"
Back then Spike didn't really pay all that much attention to Sweetie Belle, but he remembered how he used to feel about Rarity. He was having a hard time imagining what it would have been like to live in the shadow of such a colossal beauty, not to mention her talent and popularity. It hurt him to think about how badly his affection was received.
"I can only imagine what it was like living with such an elegant and stunning unicorn. I still didn't know that you were jealous of her."
"Well, I wasn't jealous of her beauty, or her grace, or even her talent."
Spike was pretty confused by this. "Then what were you jealous of?"
Sweetie hesitated, then returned to gaze soulfully into his green eyes. "I was jealous because she had somepony who loved her so much. You did all kinds of things for Rarity. It wouldn't have bothered me if you weren't such a gentlecolt. You were still so nice to me and my friends, even if you didn't feel the same way about me. I guess it was just silly to hope that you'd see me for me, and not just as Rarity's sister."
She shut her eyes as tears streamed down her cheeks. Spike took her face in one clawed hand and gently turned her face toward him. He waited until she blinked a couple of times. She stared at him, urging him to say something. Anything at all would be better than the unnerving silence that loomed between them.
Then he kissed her. His scaly lips pressed tightly against her muzzle. That one passionate embrace was all the answer she needed. Turns out she was wrong. This was way better than anything he could have said.
~`~`~The Barbershop~`~`~
Snips had finally managed to style Spike's spines to perfection. He stored the last of his tools into the storage closet as Spike finished his story. He was happy for his old friend, but there were still somethings that weighed on his mind.
"So what happened after?"
"I went and spent the next day with her before Twilight and I had to come back to Ponyville. I told her that I would swing by once a week for a date. Don't tell anypony this, but next week we are going on a double date with Fancy Pants and Fleur-de-lis. I want to surprise her and see if Fancy Pants can get her a recommendation for a patron."
"A patron?"
"Yeah. The art community in Canterlot depends on the money the artist is given by a rich pony who commissions it. For a singer that is the only way to make any money until you get famous enough to get into the record business like Sapphire Shore."
"Sounds tough."
"You have no idea."
Snips used his magic to collect all the filed spines into a small jar. They both agreed that the filings would be Spike's payment for the trim. Ground dragon scale fetched top bit on the market because of its scarcity and its many uses in potions and medicine.
Snips continued, "You think it's going to work out? I don't want to see you get your hopes crushed again."
Spike gasped indignantly. "I'm sure she like me, Snips. And I swear by Luna's fuzzy blue socks that I- oops."
The light in the room dimmed and the walls felt like they were closing in. A disembodied voice echoed as if from the bowels of the earth, "SPIKE THE DRAGON! YOU HAVE BROKEN A PINKIE PROMISE! NOPONY BREAKS A PINKIE PROMISE!"
Spike trembled and pleaded, "No! I didn't make a Pinkie Promise! That was just a normal promise! Pleeeeassse don't hurt me!
The voice hummed thoughtfully. "ARE YOU SURE?"
"Positive!!!"
"OKIE DOKIE LOKIE"
The voice faded and the room returned to its normal dimensions and brightness. The two made an unspoken agreement to not discuss what had just happened.
"So Princess Luna wears fuzzy blue socks?"
"Keep that to yourself though. She wore them to dinner one day after she woke up. She didn't notice that we were there and kinda freaked out when she saw us. She made me promise not to tell anypony about it."
"That's awesome!"
"I know, right! Socks are just kinda hot for some reason."
The pair laughed happily. Spike was about to walk out the door before Snips called out, "I hope your date goes well. We're cheering for you!"
"Thanks, bud!" And he left.
Snips was once again left in his shop alone with his thoughts. Spike's spines needed more time and effort than most customers so it was about closing time anyway. Snips swept the shop and cleaned off all of his tools. The whole time he thought to himself, Good for Spike. I'm glad he finally found his special somepony. He genuinely meant it, but it still left a faint stinging in his heart.
He watched his friend closely as he told the story. Spike never once stopped smiling and he radiated joy throughout the entire tale. This wasn't some passing fling or meaningless encounter. He was seriously struck by Sweetie Belle. Snips realized that he needed to be bolder. Sweet Roll wasn't going to wait just because he couldn't gather the courage to talk to her. Snips braced himself and steeled his resolve.
He locked the shop and walked home with a single thought in mind. Tomorrow I am going to ask her out.