//------------------------------// // Chapter 10 - Together we go // Story: Friendship: Reanimation // by ImaginaryCatnip //------------------------------// Chapter 10 - Together we go ***Golden Oak Library*** One week has passed since the afternoon during which both Spike and Twilight once again opened their hearts to each other. Since that day their usual routine, the one from year ago, began to slowly return to their daily lives. Just like always, Spike would wake up early, make breakfast and then he would spend his days helping Twilight. Today, was not different for the purple dragon, as he woke up early in the morning, his emerald colored eyes scanning his own room, which was recently cleaned up and some more personal belongings adorned it now. The north side had one big window, so it was bright inside most of the time, which was a big plus in his book. The west housed his bed, quite big, since he was slightly bigger than most ponies around town. The east side of the room had small wardrobe and bookshelf. The south wall housed to the left and small desk to the right… nothing fancy, but enough for one dragon. Shaking his head, to get rid of any remains of sleep, Spike made his way outside. It was still too early for Twilight to wake up, so he decided it would be good idea to first clean a little and then make breakfast. Since the pair stayed up late, working on spell to change his lifespan, he didn’t expect the lavender alicorn to show up anytime soon. Can’t blame her… after all she is trying really hard to help me now. – He thought to himself and smiled. He owed Fluttershy big time for telling him to believe in his oldest friend. After he was done with cleaning, he turned his attention to one last task, which was to prepare food. So content was the purple dragon, that he began to hum to himself one of the songs he remembered from his other memories… It was a strange tune, unlike any that was known to inhabitants of Equestria, but he didn’t care, happiness needed to be expressed, especially right now when everything was finally going well. “It looks like somepony is in good mood… or should I say somedragon?” came the voice of Twilight Sprakle from behind, which made the dragon look at its owner. There, making her way down the steps was lavender mare, her mane glistening in the rays of morning sun, eyes sparkling and her flank… “Spike?” She called again, which snapped the purple dragon to reality, as he looked puzzled at her, before turning towards the breakfast he was finishing to hide his embarrassment. “S-sorry, can you repeat? The breakfast will be finished shortly.” He added, while hoping she won’t think too much about it… but then he remembered that it was Twilight, the mare who might in the future read all of Equestria books but still won’t notice herself being the cause of somedragon’s blush. “I wasn’t asking anything. Wow, this looks good, what is this?” Exclaimed the lavender mare, upon noticing vegetarian tortilla wraps that he was preparing. The idea came to Spike yesterday, that maybe he should use some of those many memories to do something good…and what better way to do it than prepare some kind of delicious food which would be unknown in all of Equestria? “Oh this? I felt creative today… wanted to thank you for everything you are doing for me.” He said smugly, fully concentrated on his task. If he wasn’t so preoccupied, he might have take notice of Twilight’s pink cheeks as the sweet gesture moved her heart. She missed moments like those… not to mention his cooking. As soon, as he finished, Spike set everything at the table and gestured for the mare to sit down which she did quickly. Seating himself, he looked across the table at her, as she started to uncertainly take the wrap in between her hooves and bit down on it, not sure what to expect. “W-wow! This is delicious!” She said, eyes wide from amazement, as she took another bite, then another… and soon the first tortilla was devoured by her in matter of seconds. Spike had to hide his laugh, so she wouldn’t take offense, but still a few muffed sounds escaped him, which make her came out of her trance, mouth still full of food. Upon registering the situation, the mare swallowed hard and looked down, embarrassment clear on her face for it was not her intention to act like starving pony before him. “S-sorry…” She apologized but the dragon stopped her there. “What are you sorry about Twilight? There is no better praise for a cook than seeing others eat his food like that. ” He said, as she slowly regained her composure. “Still, I wonder… what did you eat when I was away?” continued the dragon, which made the alicorn widen her eyes. “Uh…a lot of s-stuff… s-so how do you call it?” replied the lavender colored alicorn, but at this point Spike knew that she desperately tried to change the subject… she always did, when she tried to hide something. Living with her for as long as he did, there was actually nothing the lavender mare could hide from him…of course it worked both ways. “Oh? I don’t have a name yet. I wonder if I should ask Fluttershy about your eating habits while I was away…” He mused out loud, which made Twilight gasp in shock. Looking at her with smile they didn’t need more words. The mare already knew that if she didn’t answer him honestly then he would do so… and the secret will be out anyway. Taking a deep breath, she prepared herself for what was to come, blood returning to her cheeks. If she was slightly red before, now she was as red as an apple from Sweet Apple Acres. “I tried to cook…but it didn’t work too well even thought I did everything by the book. I don’t know how you do it, when I follow the recipe it just burns… explodes or evaporates. Then, well… the girls brought me the food…” “What was that?” Asked the purple dragon, as her quiet, Fluttershy like voice didn’t reach him. “G-girls brought me the food.” Said Twilight, unable to look Spike in the eyes out of embarrassment and shame. In Equestria, it wasn’t uncommon that one couldn’t cook but still, the alicorn felt bad about being unable to prepare more complex meals than sandwiches and even those were a challenge. In the past, Spike often proposed to teach her the art of cooking, but she always declined because of tight schedule… or another excuse. The additional knowledge that princess Celestia could cook really good and often won cooking tournament was one more reason for her to feel bad about the whole subject, because being her student she really wanted to attain this special skill on her own. Sighing, he stood up and came to her side, pulling the mare into a hug. It was one thing to joke but making Twilight sad because of her lack of cooking skills was not something he enjoyed. “Don’t feel bad… I’m actually happy that you didn’t starve or lost weight when I was away.” He began and noticed that the alicorn relaxed visibly, but it still wasn’t enough for him to break physical contact “I’m sure that one day It will be you who will amaze me with great food.” To this, the mare looked up at him as their eyes caught each other. “It can take some time…” She began, the feeling of scales around her frame sending shivers down her spine, as her head felt lighter and heart pumped blood faster. “I don’t plan on going anywhe…” Just as Spike was responding, a sudden burst of fire flew from his mouth and scroll of parchment hit Twilight square in the head. She would fall back if not for Spike holding her by her forelegs, but the special moment and comfortable hug was ruined nonetheless. “Ow…” Said the young alicorn princess, as she noticed what hit her. – Well…princess Celestia definitely has a great timing – She thought, while rubbing her nose. Thankfully, the green flames from Spike didn’t burn anything or she would turn to ash. Grabbing the letter with more force than was needed, Spike began to unfold it and quickly noticed that it carried more than one scroll. Clearing his throat, he began to read, upon noticing how expectant his friend looked. My most Faithfull Student Twilight Sparkle. It is with most urgency that I write to you… “Well, that was certainly urgent. Is your nose alright?” Asked the dragon, upon noticing Twilight rubbing it some more. He was displeased and it clearly showed. “I’ll live, continue Spike.” She reassured him and stopped the gesture…even though her nose still sting a little. …write to you about your new assignment. With the help from my sister, princess Luna and the spirit of chaos Discord… The duo looked at each other, confusion clear in both purple and green eyes, as neither of them thought that HE would be included in the research. Quickly, the purple dragon began to read again, this time faster, his own interest sparked. …we concluded our research on focus stones. Included are two spells, first one to stabilize the rifts upon coming closer so it won’t suddenly swallow everypony and the second one to safely remove the focus stone. “Well, this will certainly come in handy” Said the dragon, remembering how it all went last time. He was about to add one or two more witty remarks but upon noticing Twilight impatience, he continued to read the message. As you might have already guessed, this new assignment will concern closing many rifts that have opened all around Equestria by removing their focus stones. It is with heavy heart that I request your assistance in this matter, while knowing what you have found on the other side of the first rift. I have reasons believe that you and Spike are the only ones who can close them, therefore I wish for Spike to accompany you on this journey at all times. “Don’t I always accompany you on dangerous journeys?” Asked Spike, which made Twilight smile a little upon remembering how often the young dragon landed in trouble because of her… he actually became crystal savior because of that, an accomplishment to be proud about. Other than new spells, I have also sent you two other things. One is the map of known rifts that my dear sister found scattered around Equestria. The other is a special royal letter, which will let you travel freely and request assistance from anypony in Equestria if the need arises. Disobeying this letter means disobeying my direct will, thus I wish that you do not abuse its power if not necessary. Last but not last, I also wish for you to venture forth with other elements of harmony, as I have reason to believe that this task is not to be taken lightly. Stay safe my student. Princess Celestia. P.S. Send every focus stone through Spike back to Canterlot, as they might provide more insight. As Spike finished reading, he folded the scroll and turned his back to the mare, her words reaching him shortly after that. “Well… this is interesting, Spike…” Began Twilight but noticed that the purple dragon already was running around the library, gathering most crucial equipment for long travel. “Already on it, Twi.” He said and she felt warm and fuzzy feeling inside. It was some time since he used that nickname which she liked so much, since nopony else called her like that. – Calm down, calm down, it is only a nickname, he called you that in the past – She told herself over and over, as the handsome and hard working dragon moved through the library. –Maybe I do like him more than a friend…? it is certainly nice to have him around and that hug… - She began to daydream of scaly claws around her. Twilight often had physical contact with others in form of hugs, but while it was nice, the feeling of being in Spike arms was intoxicating and unlike any other. It was like… “Twilight?!” Asked yet again the purple dragon for what seemed to be more than first time. Looking at her with curious eyes, he came closer “Are you feeling okay?” Spike issued his question and proceeded to touch her forehead for maybe she was feeling ill. To his dismay, she dodged to the side “Yes! I was just thinking about…princess Celestia letter. Come on, let’s pack everything we need!” And with that she started rummaging through the shelves and drawers. Thankfully the dragon didn’t inquire any more about her odd behavior… but she began to wonder if it was a good thing. It didn’t take both of them to pack everything that was needed and get out of the library. Upon exiting, Spike turned around and flipped the ‘open’ sign to ‘closed’ and made sure the doors are tightly locked. There weren’t thieves in Ponyville, but there was no point in anypony going inside and wondering where Twilight and Spike are. “Okay, we will split up and gather everypony. You go and get Applejack, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy, I will go for Rarity and Pinkie.” Commanded the lavender mare, but the dragon crossed his arms. “Not that I’m complaining, but why am I getting three of our friends while carrying our luggage?” Asked Spike, but Twilight already had clear answer to that. “Because with Rarity being drama queen and Pinkie being… Pinkie, we can count them as getting four. See you at the train station.” She explained as she spread her wings and flew in the direction of Carousel Boutique, leaving the purple dragon to laugh out loud about that last remark. Preparing himself, Spike began to run in opposite direction and upon gaining enough speed, he ascended on his own, as seeking his friends from above would be easier…not to mention, that flying with luggage would provide good exercise for his wings. Soaring through the sky, he quickly found Rainbow Dash who, like she usually did in the early morning, was napping on one of the white clouds. Looking at the content smile she wore, he decided to scare her a little. Coming closer, and closer quietly, not to wake her up he neared her position and then… “Are those wonderbolts flying above!” He shouted, which got the blue pegasus out of her dream, as she frantically searched the sky, her mind filled with nothing but desire of seeing her idols. “WONDERBOLTS?! Where, when, wha…” She said, but then stopped quickly upon noticing one purple dragon laughting behind her. Putting two and two together, she huffed visibly. “I didn’t remember teaching you how to fly to pull pranks on other ponies, especially me.” Said Rainbow Dash sternly to the dragon who clearly was having the time of his life. As he composed himself slowly, he looked at the displeased mare before him. “Don’t remember you telling me not to pull them either.” He argued with smile and mischief in his eyes and as expected, soon the similar expression emerged on the blue mare face. “Touché” Replied Rainbow Dash and then she noticed the luggage the dragon was carrying “What’s with this? Twilight kicked you out or something?” She asked while half joking, since she was aware of those two fighting recently, as she saw them leave the library one week before to close that rift thing… their expressions weren’t the happiest ones, so she didn’t come closer but there certainly was something going on. “No… We actually might have a problem” Said the dragon, serious expression returning to his features, and upon noticing it, the blue pegasus instantly knew It was no time for jokes, since Spike wasn’t one to exaggerate small stuff. “Explain.” She commanded, and so he did as she wished, with every word more and more troubled. Upon the end, Rainbow Dash mind was clouded as well and even her awesomeness couldn’t make the whole situation shine. “Understood, I will pack. You get Applejack, I will fly to Fluttershy since it will be faster this way, now go and move those wings!” Concluded the blue mare and with those words Spike flew away leaving Rainbow Dash to her own thoughts. It seemed that another adventure showed up, one that might be harder than any before. - Oh, who cares… We will save the day again anyway, right? – She thought to herself, but she couldn’t shake this little feeling of uncertainty from deep inside. Still, she wasn’t one to left her friends hanging as loyalty was her element. ***Carousel Boutique*** As expected, inside of the shop was just like Twilight remembered it, especially the one which Rarity used for inspiration… the ‘artistic chaos’ as the white mare often called it, annoyed Twilight greatly, for she liked everything to be in right order. Spike often called her pedantic about everything and she began to wonder… did Spike actually prefer this place over library? – No, stop thinking like that, he is over Rarity he told you, focus on your task! – She bashed herself and focused on the white mare who was talking for some time now. “…so, what was this urgent matter that you came to see me about dear?” Asked yet again Rarity with smile, as she put another hat on Twilight’s head, much to the alicorn annoyance. “Princess Celestia sent me a letter and…” She began, but was once again interrupted by her fashion obsessed friend, which slightly unnerved her. She wondered if maybe she was a little jealous of the white unicorn… she was certainly more beautiful than her. “No, no, no, this hat looks simply awful with this dress and it contradicts with your cutie mark. And those feathers I tell you, I tried to make it look more like current Canterlot fashion trend but whatever pony came up with this idea, clearly lacked refined style” Complained Rarity, as she cringed visibly upon noticing one of many feathers which clearly stood out from the rest. What she needed was perfection, as she would never forgive herself if she let one of her friends go out of her shop in such… disorganized dress. Taking a deep breath Twilight decided to try yet again, but her patience slowly came to an end. “Rarity, we have to pack and go. Now.” Once again started the alicorn while trying to remain calm, but it was no use, as the white mare was clearly in her own world. “We can’t go now, not until this dress fits you perfectly” Stated Rarity serious as ever but it was just about enough for Twilight to snap. “No!” She shouted, disarraying many feathers on the strange hat which clearly wasn’t something a sane pony would wear out in public. Grabbing the letter from princes Celestia the mare showed it up Rarity’s eyes for her to read, as she no longer felt like explaining anything with her own words. “What is it…” Began the white unicorn as she began to read and upon finishing reacted as expected… more or less “The princess requests our help?! Why, oh why didn’t you said anything sooner!” Started the white mare but then another realization hit her… “I NEED to pack. We are going all around Equestria, I can show my work everywhere…*Gasp* maybe even Baltimare!” Without further delay, Rarity began to put most of her work inside coffers… if Twilight once in the past saw the white unicorn luggage as big, this time it was over the top…literally as was twice the size of the usual… “I…I’ll meet you at the train station” With that, the lavender alicorn and proceeded to exit Carousel Boutique, partially because time was of essence and partially because of fear that Rarity might ‘request’ her help with all of the luggage. - One done… now for the second one- Thought Twilight, as she moved towards the door… a little too slow unfortunately… ***Sweet Apple Acres*** Making his way through orchard, Spike looked around for any sign of Applejack but to no avail. Countless apple trees that were here amazed him for he often wondered how the Apple family managed to harvest all of them. He had to admit that while Twilight was amazing with her magic and knowledge, the physical strength of earth ponies left him in awe… still, those trees obscured his vision as it was hard to spot anypony between them. I could hit every tree for as much as them but I doubt that I would be able to move the next day. – He thought to himself but stopped upon noticing familiar silhouette bucking nearby trees. Making his way forward he greeted, when the pony in question noticed him. “Hey Big Mac, I see you are busy as usual” Said Spike. The stallion before him, while extremely strong was of very kind heart so there was no need to be afraid and also, he knew him enough to know that Big Mac wouldn’t hurt a fly… well, maybe not knew him seeing as Applejack’s older brother never talked much but Spike could recall others speaking fondly of him. There actually wasn’t anypony in Ponyville who would say bad word about Big Mac and that alone spoke volumes about his good character. “Eeyup” Replied Big Macintosh with his trademark routine and Spike smiled openly upon hearing it. Once again he was glad that even if one year passed, not much changed. “Do you know where I can find Applejack? Princess Celestia send urgent letter and…” Before he had any chance of finishing, the red stallion lifted his foreleg to stop him and pointed in the general direction of west. Spike had to admit, he liked how Big Mac didn’t need everything explained to him. All that mattered to Applejack’s older brother were simple facts like: Princes Celestia sent letter, Applejack needs to know, and it was enough for him. “Thanks” Said Spike and made his way through orchard, hearing behind him another one of Big Mac’s ‘Eeyups’ and soon the bucking of trees resumed. It didn’t take him long to find the older daughter of Apple family, as she was bucking a tree by herself… like usual in the morning where there was work to be done. Upon noticing him she greeted happily. “Hiya there Spike! Here to help buckin’?” She asked, but upon noticing seriousness on his face, she already knew that something came up and it won’t be as easy as bucking hundred apple trees in the morning for exercise. “Actually, I think the bucking will have to wait” began Spike and started relating happenings of this day… ***Ponyville Train Station – Two hours later*** The train station in Ponyville wasn’t big, fancy and it certainly was inferior to that in Canterlot or any other big city. Still, it was clean and decorated with various elements which made it a pleasant place to wait. A train, which waited on tracks was a mighty machine, even thought it was a common model used all around Equestria. Big puffs of steam and hissing sounds from it accompanied the shouting of many ponies who boarded it or loaded baggage. Of course, as it is with all train stations due to many clocks around this place, time seemed to flow very slow, especially for two pegasi. “Where are they? The train is about to leave!” Angrily said Rainbow Dash, as she impatiently tapped her hoof on the stone pavement, then lifted into the air and started to fly around. “We still have time…” Kindly replied Fluttershy, trying to calm the overactive pegasus. She knew well how much the blue mare hated waiting for anything but there was nothing she could do to ease her, only kindly answering her rhetoric questions. Fortunately, before Rainbow Dash could issue another one, a well known voice called out to them. “Sorry, it took lots of time and explain’” Said Applejack as she and Spike hastily made their way up to the duo of pegasi. Upon getting closer, Rainbow Dash flew up to blond bare and wiped remnants of apple pie from her mouth using her hoof. “Explaining or eating?” She inquired, clearly displeased with her friend omitting half of the truth. – Some element of honesty she is – She thought seeing as Applejack laughed nervously. “Ah, can’t work on empty stomach” Honestly replied Applejack with smile, which made the blue pegasus drop the subject as there was no arguing with the earth pony’s common logic...besides she was a little hungry herself. Just then, the purple dragon looked around and noticed that half of them are still missing. “Twilight still isn’t here?” He asked rather obvious question, which made Rainbow Dash roll her eyes and sigh in frustration. “Unless she can turn invisible then no…”Began the blue mare but quickly stopped upon noticing a most unusual sight which was coming closer and closer “W-what is this?” As she pointed with her foreleg, everypony and Spike looked behind themselves at what seemed to be a moving mountain of trunks and suitcases with pink pony tied to the top, as if it was some kind of cherry on top of cake. “Uh… pardon me but am I the only one who thinks of Discord when lookin’ at this?” Asked Applejack but the rest neither nodded nor they shook their head, as they simply stared at the sight before them… for it was rare, for whole mountain of baggage to move on its own, even in Equestria. “I would like to see Discord.” Kindly said Fluttershy, as the contraption stopped some meters before everypony. “F-finally…” Came the voice of very tired Twilight Sparkle, as she moved from behind the mountain, exhaustion clear on her forehead, her mane a mess like in the morning and wide smile on her muzzle. For some reason she was wearing a party hat and was wobbling from side to side which reminded Spike of her when she was overreacting about being a little ‘tardy’. Not missing a beat, Spike quickly rushed up to her side and helped her keep on her legs, for she looked like she would fall any second. “What happened? What is all of this?” He asked, concern mixed with amazement clear in his voice, for the alicorn magic was definitely getting stronger with each passing day and one year had indeed showed its results. The tired mare however, only looked at him and uttered one single word which served as explanation for everything. “Rarity” She weakly whispered, leaning on her dragon assistant for support. If the lavender mare wasn’t standing, she would fall asleep right here and now, for the dragon was a very comfortable substitution for pillow. Just then, Spike noticed that the white unicorn also came from behind the mountain and began to load the train with them. Soon, others of their friends started helping out, seeing as it could take some time. Averting his eyes from that sight, Spike again eyed Twilight who was calmly resting “And what’s with the hat?” He asked, while taking it off with two clawed fingers and tossing it aside to nearby trash can. Looking at Pinkie Pie who, out of ropes that bound her, was bouncing happily shouting something about trip all over Equestria he pretty much got an idea of what transpired. “Pinkie” Whispered yet again Twilight, closing her eyes from exhaustion, while trying to catch her breath. He was about to inquire more but a loud sound from locomotive interrupted him and a shout from conductor which followed shortly after it made him stop in mid sentence. “All aboard! Passengers to Cloudsdale, all aboard!” Yelled the stallion which made the six ponies and one dragon gasp in shock, as their time ran out. Thankfully, they finished to toss some of Rarity’s luggage… but not all, as it was next to impossible. “Quick!” Yelled Rainbow Dash, as everypony began to rush inside the train, not wishing to be left off. “But my beautiful dresses…” Started the displeased white unicorn, not moving at all, until Applejack moved behind her and started to push the white mare forward. Just then, with the corner of her eye, the earth pony noticed Spike carrying Twilight in his arms, the alicorn wearing content smile, as they made their way to one of the wagons. Stopping abruptly, both she and Rarity exchanged curious glances. “Is that just me or do these two seem closer now?” Asked the earth mare but the questions was left unanswered as the train began to slowly move, which made both her and Rarity to rush forward and jump in at the last second… and they were off, a new adventure before them, the Ponyville and many of Rarity’s suitcases and coffers behind…