Chapter 7 - New assignment
***Golden Oak Library***
It was very late in the night and the small town was already in deep slumber… however, in one of the houses, a big tree to be specific, the lights were still shining brightly in many windows. If anypony were to come inside, he or she would be able to hear many hushed voices which overlapped themselves, creating a symphony of different tones, mainly filled with a note of concern. Those were the voices that she heard now.
„…absolutely sure she is going to be alright?” Came familiar tone of Spike from within darkness which obscured her vision, as she slowly stirred in her sleep, feeling the softness of bed underneath her but unable to move as if something was binding her tightly.
“Yes… she had a little rough landing, nothing too serious…I think.” Replied another voice, which she recognized to belong to her friend Fluttershy. Why was the yellow pegasus here anyway? – Besides where is ‘here’? – She thought as she tried to focus.
“Ah, don’t fret Spike, ya did enough… too much, because she looks like a mummy now…oh look, she wakes up!” Yelled Applejack as the eyes belonging to lavender alicorn opened slowly to look upon the bright room… too bright as it made her groan “Ugh…” Regaining her vision little by little Twilight finally began to recognize her surroundings. She was on her bed, in her bedroom which illuminated by a single candle on her nightstand and looking through the window she noticed that the moon was up high in the sky. Ascertaining the situation she turned her analytical brain to her own state. Her body hurt all over and she had a major headache… not to mention, she felt disoriented, but other than that, no major injuries. She tried to get up in spite of her restricted movements but a scaly claw held her gently in place.
“Relax Twi… how do you feel?” Asked the purple dragon, concern clear in his gentle voice and emerald green eyes filled with worry. “W-where is this? What happened?” Issued her questions the lavender alicorn, ignoring the one asked by Spike, but he didn’t took offense. It was her curious nature that demanded of her to get answers first, especially after she probably felt like somepony who failed teleportation attempt and Spike understood that better than anypony. After all he lived with her almost all his life.
Just as the dragon was about to respond, another presence made itself known “You are back home my faithful student.” Her voice resounded around the room, gentle as sea breeze on sunny day…the voice of goddess. The white alicorn walked slowly through doorframe, her majestic features and royal mannerism complimenting her position among others.
“Princes Celestia!” Exclaimed surprised Twilight, while trying to get out of bed to bow only to be stopped again by her number one assistant and calm voice from the ruler of sun. “Do rest Twilight, for you are a princess now and don’t have to bow, especially after what happened.” Calmly stated the white alicorn, her serene smile never leaving her muzzle, but Twilight could see a something in her eyes…a hidden worry for her student. “I believe you have some questions as we all have.”
“Well…yes princess.” Replied the purple mare, while still trying to calm herself down. She might have seen Princes Celestia on lots of occasions before, but her heart still skipped a beat upon every meeting with her teacher. Regaining her composure she looked around the room and was about to say something only to be interrupted by a high pitched, energetic shout and a blur of pink storming into room.
“TWILIGHT! Oh my gosh you alright, I was worried that you won’t awaken ever, which would mean I wouldn’t be able to throw you a ‘get well soon party’, but now that you are awake I can throw one which makes me very glad because I was worried of course others were worried too and especially Spike then Princess Celestia came and mpfhh…” The waterfall of words was silenced when blue hove landed on the pink muzzle which, through the sound was muffed, still was going on.
“Yeah, I think she gets the idea Pinkie” Said Rainbow Dash, as she grinned from ear to ear to her purple alicorn friend. Followed by the duo of her friends was last one of the elements of harmony. “Dear me, you got us all worried sick Twilight and look at you, your mane tattered, the fur ruffled…as soon as you get better we really have to visit the Day spa and get all of this taken care off. I even have gorgeous dress almost finished which should compliment your eyes color of course…mpfhth…” Stopped abruptly the white mare with three jewels as her cutie mark.
“Anypony else?” Asked Rainbow Dash, as now both of her front legs were respectively blocking two of her friends from ranting either about parties or fashion. “You two really are hoofful…literally” She complained which earned small laugh from everypony else present.
“Okay…can somepony tell me already what in all of Equestria happened? I remember removing the focus stone in the portal and then, the lights were turned out.” Asked Twilight, as the laughter slowly died around the room. She looked at Celestia expectantly because the sun goddess usually held all the answers but the one to explain the situation this time was the purple dragon.
“That would explain why we were thrown out of the portal.”Started Spike and seeing as everypony attention focused on him, he continued while turning to Twilight “After you did what you did, we were thrown out. Unfortunately you landed on you head which made you lose consciousness. I had to get you back home and as I was doing this I met up with Fluttershy and Applejack who helped me… then everypony else came not too long ago and I told them about our…adventure. After this you woke up… oh and big Mac went to get our equipment so you don’t have to worry about anything important.” Explained the dragon as he took a breath after his winded speech. It wasn’t the most scientific explanation but it had enough of raw facts that the lavender mare will get the situation. – But she will still ask her countless questions, no doubt about this – Added Spike in his thoughts, smiling openly to it.
Sorting everything up in her head, Twilight slowly accepted the new information. It seemed that Spike saved her from explaining a lot of things to others but still, she would need to speak to Celestia in more scientific manner because in her opinion, her number one assistant lacked knowledge when it came to magic. Still, she was grateful to the dragon for his help but those thoughts quickly began to change as memories from the rift flowed into her mind. – What was all of that…? Different worlds? Alternate realities? Fantasies? Dreams? – She wondered spacing out a little, but nothing seemed to point her in one direction. While looking at Spike only now did she notice that one of his arms was in cast.
“Spike…what happened to your arm?” She inquired quickly, worry evident in her tone even if she wanted for the question to sound natural. – Did he carry me here all the way with broken arm?! – Her mind practically screamed as the gratitude for the purple dragon grew in her heart which now started to pump blood a little faster…another uncommon thing because it never happened before.
“Oh this?” Asked the dragon, while pointing at his injured limb with his other one. “When we fell out of the portal I didn’t had the best landing either… my scales absorbed most of the hit but not everything. Don’t worry it is not broken, only a little impaired.” He added, seeing the concern which flowed on his friend muzzle. Twilight obviously wanted to say something more but It was Princess Celestia who took voice. Unusually for her, there was certain seriousness in all of what she was about to say.
“My faithful student. As much as I wish I could prolong my visit, there are royal duties that I have to take care off. While there is no doubt in my heart that you have many questions, I wish for you to know this: The rifts and Spike arrival are certainly connected, there is no mistake about it, we just don’t know the relation yet. Seeing as you brought the focus stone with you, we will begin the research.” Said the ruler of Equestria, her voice steady and reassuring at the same time due to countless years of practice.
“Does that mean I have to help you with the research?” Inquired the purple alicorn, eager as always to gain more knowledge, especially since the focus stones were researched by Star Swirl the Bearded and thought to be something impossible to create. Honestly, she was fascinated by the mere existence of the stone.
“No, my dear student, it will be me and my dearest sister, princess Luna, who will try to determine the nature of this stone, their relation to the rift and fortunately the way to close them without consequences such as today. Your task is to rest, for I have no doubt that the power of elements of harmony will be needed in closing the other rifts.” Concluded the princess of the sun, as she turned towards other elements of harmony. “Can I ask for you cooperation?” Even thought she could order them, it was her usual way to kindly request instead of demand and it was one of the reasons why everypony loved her and never declined.
“Ya bet princess, If Twilight is helpin’ then we helpin’ too!” Eagerly answered Applejack, her honest smile reassuring others that she won’t let them down.
“I will help…” Shyly added Fluttershy, her voice quiet as usual but loud enough so the princess could hear… a brave decision, behind shyness.
“Well…I guess they will need my awesome skills, so count me in!” Agreed Rainbow Dash, cool as always.
“Mpfhh” Came the reply from two other ponies present in the room, which made the blue Pegasus to remove both of her forelegs from their mouths. “Sorry about it, I kind of forgot” Sheepishly muttered Rainbow Dash while Rarity eyed her angrily and Pinkie was being Pinkie, which meant going on about the ‘get well soon party’, but there was a hint of unreadable smile on her muzzle.
“Thank you all. Now, I leave Twilight in your care, make sure she recovers. Especially you Spike.” Added princes Celestia, as she looked at the purple dragon which kind of made him nervous since he already knew that she perceived the world differently than him or any of his friends… there was some hidden meaning to her words but it eluded him for now… - Come to think of it, Celestia’s words always have hidden wisdom which comes to light when needed. – He thought and nodded vigorously. Upon seing the gesture , the ruler of Equestria left the Golden Oak Library, the focus stone levitating behind her. Upon the exit from the white alicorn, soon everypony began to leave one after another, seeing as it was late in the night and most of them had duties tomorrow like running a farm or making dresses. Soon only Fluttershy, Twilight and Spike remained however, the silence that befallen the room didn’t last long, as Twilight prepared to get out of the bed yet again.
“And what are you doing?” Asked Spike, while looking suspiciously at the lavender alicorn. He already had a theory but still needed confirmation. “I want to do some research on my own. The princess might say I need rest but I think I can help. I already have theory about focus stones and if I am correct…” She began explaining but stopped quickly as one strong, purple claw made her fall onto the sheets and pinned her down.
“Twilight Sparkle. You are going to rest. Now.” He ordered her, his tone dry and prepared for another argument with knowledge obsessed mare. Usually she had arguments that would start right about…now. “But I can’t do nothing and besides reading won’t interrupt my resting.” Argued the alicorn and Spike had to admit that her way with words never ceased to amaze him. This time however he wasn’t to let her win like she always did in the past, for he was no longer a baby dragon who could be distracted with good argument. Princess Celestia ordered her to rest then he will make sure she will follow with it.
“Um…” Began Fluttershy but was quickly interrupted. “Princess Celestia told you to rest and that SHE will research it. Do you doubt her?” Asked the purple dragon, which earned him a blush coming from the purple mare.
“Do you mind if I…” Again tried the yellow pegasus but failing yet again. “N-no, I just thought I will do some side research, not the same research as she does so we won’t try to research the same subject…” She began to ramble frantically, as the remark about her doubting princess Celestia made her a little nervous and left in need of explaining herself. The very thought of offending her teacher was unnerving her… and Spike was going to use it.
“I really have to…” Started the element of kindness, too kind for her own good to forcefully interrupt others. “But you won’t know if you aren’t doing the same research. What if you do? The princess won’t be pleased with this.” Explained Spike, hoping that his reasoning will go through Twilight stubbornness.
“She won’t know that I researched anything unless you tell her that I…” The element of magic started but was forcefully interrupted, this time however not by her number one assistant. “I REALLY HAVE TO GO HOME!” Shouted Fluttershy loudly, which made both Spike and Twilight jump from the sudden source of voice. Sufficient to say, the duo completely forgot that the quiet pegasus was here and listened to their quarrel.
“Uh…um, sorry about that Fluttershy. I will escort you to your house right away. Thanks again for your help.” Replied Spike, embarrassed that he forgot about his friend being no more than one meter away from him. It was true that he was still uncertain if he should get close to everypony but it was different thing to ignore the kind Fluttershy who helped him today. Making his way towards the door, after the yellow pegasus said her quiet goodbye to Twilight and exited, he turned around to look at his lavender colored friend one more time.
“I will be back shortly. If you will try to research ANYTHING I will personally write to princess Celestia, that’s the end of this argument.” With those words he exited, not giving the lavender alicorn a chance to reply. Looking at the closed door, Twilight huffed and laid down in bed wondering when did Spike began to be so dominating with her… - usually, he wasn’t like this, not one year ago at least – She thought to herself but then it dawned on her that she still made mistake of treating him like a baby dragon he used to be.
He personally told me that he isn’t like he used to be… but how do I feel about this NEW Spike? – Her thoughts began to drift around in her head but once again those strange memories haunted her… upon stumbling on some of them she blushed deep scarlet, as those were too detailed and… something she would never think of doing, not unless she was dating somepony for at least three years or more.
I need to sort it out… this possibility of me and him… like that…– And so, not minding the embarrassment which showed on her face, she began to go through everything. It was a strange experience to see what can be, as countless happy moments flowed through her but then, there were those scary and tragic ones. Exhaling deeply, heart beating fast she them stumbled upon one question, the one which she never asked herself before.
What is Spike to me? – As it surfaced on the edge of her mind she began to ponder about it, for their relation never actually had any name. She usually never thought about it because Spike simply was there for her, helping, supporting, taking care of her when needed. He was the usual part of her everyday life. It wasn’t sister and brother relationship seeing as it was different from what was between her and Shining Armor. It wasn’t mother and son because she never thought of herself as being more responsible for Spike than he was for her. In fact, it was usually Spike who helped her by being more mature, like for example the time when she was going crazy over the friendship report to princess Celestia or during Crystal Empire events.
Maybe I am over-thinking friendship – Were her next thoughts but it still didn’t provide the answers that she sought for. Her and Spike connection was deeper than what she and other elements of harmony shared but she was unable to name it. He was always there for her and when he vanished… it was like losing a limb. As soon as she thought of that, the memories of his possible leaving her surfaced within the lavender mare friend. She knew that it was not possible that he would grow up and leave before she died… but it broke her heart, which again made her think about their earlier argument.
Did I made the right choice by not helping him? – She asked herself, but no answer came as her tired mind slowly drifted to sleep. There were too many unanswered questions which no book could provide answer for and the dreamland was inviting her, offering the rest she definitely needed. It didn’t take much more time and soon the lavender alicorn was sleeping calmly, unaware that the next day would put her little and inexperienced heart to real test…
***Ponyville***
The two figures made their way, feet clanking on stone pavement, their silhouettes illuminated by Luna’s moon. The purple dragon, whose scales glistered in moon’s light, looked at his companion, who nervously was scanning the area around them, as if something scary was hiding itself in the darkness.
Spike sighed to himself, seeing the yellow pegasus like this. He knew well enough that Fluttershy was easily scarred and not one to wander around Ponyville in the middle of the night. Actually, the mare would be usually soundly asleep at this hour and he felt a little guilty about taking her time. Still, he was grateful for the help she provided and wished to express it. “Thank you again for helping me carry Twilight and bandaging her.” He said suddenly, which slightly frightened the mare. Upon noticing that it was he who was speaking she relaxed visibly.
“Oh no, I was glad to help my friends” Her soft and kind voice, mesmerizing and as pure as always resounded around them. “Um…we are friends right?” She asked suddenly, which surprised the dragon. “Y-yes…of course we are, why would you ask that?” Replied Spike. Flutershy, although not the most brave pony he knew, could be really perceptive about others and especially about their feelings. – After all, she can even understand animals and they don’t speak - He reminded himself, realizing that he shouldn’t be surprised as she probably already knew how he felt about his friends.
Nonetheless, the mare decided to answer his question “Oh…just um… it was one year and you had this look about you… of animal that was lost and uncertain…” She said, which made him confirm his theory that she knew everything, although being compared to animal gave him mixed feelings. He considered leaving it at that, but then a thought occurred to him, that maybe she will be able to understand his feelings and uncertainties. Sighing deeply, he decided to give it a try.
“You are right Fluttershy…” he began quietly, and seeing the yellow pegasus look at him in question he decided to continue. “During my time away…I realized many things which trouble me today...” Spike still wasn’t unsure how much he should tell her but even those doubts were quickly evaporated. “Such as…?” Fluttershy softly coed and it was enough of a push to make Spike open to her about everything, his other memories, the pains he experienced, the confusion he felt, the fear about his age… all of it was revealed during the trip to Fluttershy’s cottage. Of course he omitted the fact that he was currently researching his own way to change his age because she didn’t need to know that. After his long speech, the yellow pegasus took a deep breath. She knew that he carried a lot on his mind but this was… not what she expected. – But he needs me right now – She believed deep down and proceeded with easing his pain.
“Now I know why you feel like distancing yourself and I understand it…” She started but before Spike could deny it, she continued quickly “…but I think that this is not the right way to go. You have many friends Spike, for us only one year passed and we will help you out, no matter what you are going through.” As she finished, the determined stare pierced through him… not the stare that was used to tame animals, but the stare which she used to make others believe in her words.
However, no matter how much she said that he can believe in his friends, the events of this morning still haunted him “Twilight doesn’t want to help me out. She already said that it is against the law and without that research I don’t think I will be able to be happy. I don’t want to live the rest of my life in fear Fluttershy.” Sadly stated the purple dragon, his heart in pain, but to this, the yellow mare only smiled softly.
“Do you remember the time when Twilight didn’t want to believe in Pinkie sense?” Asked the butter colored pegasus, which earned a puzzled look from Spike “I do…but how is that memory important now?” He asked, not able to comprehend what Fluttershy wanted to tell him. She laughed a little and then, she elaborated. Her empathy was a rare gift, one he was grateful for.
“We both know from this, that Twilight usually consults the books first… but she also deeply cares for all her friends and she usually chooses the later when they need help.” She said and the realization hit Spike like a speeding wagon of apples from Sweet Apple Acres. “So…you know… she will help me in the end?” Asked the purple dragon with excitement, as renewed hope slowly filled his emerald colored eyes. He actually never thought of that, even though he lived with Twilight all of his life and should know better.
“I don’t ‘know’ Spike, I just believe in my friend…shouldn’t you do the same?” Added Fluttershy which made all remaining doubts that the dragon held inside him vanish at once. He mentally bashed himself for not thinking about this sooner, only concentrating on Twilight negative response. “I…I think you are right…” He finally accepted her judgment, amazed how Fluttershy could talk anypony out of their worries by simply being kind to them and sincerely helping them out. He wished to talk a little more to her, but unfortunately they stopped at the entrance door to the yellow pegasus home.
“Talk to her again Spike and you will see…um… Thank you for escorting me back home. If I can help you with anything or you need somepony to talk to I am here. And don’t worry I won’t tell anypony about our talk. I understand why you didn’t want to reveal them for now.” She smiled the sweetest smile possible and opened the door. Entering through them she turned around to face the dragon to bid him farewell, so his next response caught her slightly off guard.
“Actually I wanted to ask you about something more.” Began Spike, waiting patiently for her response, seeing as a puzzled expression adorned her face. “Yes?” She asked gently, head titled slightly to the left, confusion evident in her eyes.
“Would you…give me some flying lessons tomorrow?” Said the purple dragon while moving slightly his wings, which totally caught the yellow pegasus off guard, as she was prepared for any question… almost any question, but not this one.
“Wha…I…I don’t know… I’m not the best flyer, Rainbow Dash would be…” She began explaining, while stumbling for words as she began to speak more quiet and quiet, coming with various arguments while hiding her head in her pink mane. Thankfully, the dragon wasn’t about to let her be in this state for too long.
“I’m actually scarred to ask Rainbow Dash…you know how she is…Please?” He interrupted, as the embarrassed look showed on his face. He was thankful for the clouds which hid the moon right now, because in darkness, his blush wasn’t very visible. The mare, listening to this argument smiled lightly and thought it over, because she already knew how… forceful the blue pegasus could be.
“Um… yes… tomorrow?” Carefully, she said next words, coming to conclusion that it wouldn’t hurt a little to give Spike some basic lessons. Then she could convince him to ask Rainbow Dash who was far better flyer and actually taught her how to fly.
“Tomorrow is okay” Replied Spike as great relief washed over him. He was certain that the mare will refuse but guess, he yet again should believe in his friends. – Got to remember this one – He thought to himself. “Yes…well…then.. Goodnight” Said Fluttershy and closed the door, leaving the dragon out there.
“Goodnight” He replied, loud enough for her to her and made his way towards the library. On his way back he thought about everything that the element of kindness told him. – Maybe I really should simply trust Twilight more… - Ran his mind as he focused more on his past. It was true that she NEVER failed him.
My younger self was more believing… okay I will give it a try. – He made his decision as he quickened the pace. It didn’t take him long to get back as he practically jogged to the building. Upon coming inside, he went straight to Twilight’s room, determined to speak to her, besides still had his pinkie promise to keep. To his surprise, when he pushed the handle the sight that welcomed him wasn’t what he expected.
Well…I thought she will be up and reading books on focus stones… guess she was more tired than she looked – He thought upon inspecting he sleeping body. With each breath, the sheets rose up and then fall down, as the lavender alicorn was in deep sleep. Yawning, he stretched and exited the room, deciding not to disturb her further. – The promise will have to wait for tomorrow. – With those thoughts, he proceeded to his own room, tiredness overcoming him with every steep. Tomorrow, he had a lot of things to take care off so a good night sleep would be really welcome…