"Aaaand, done! Perfect!" A green and purple dragon said happily as he finished wrapping his present. "I'm sure Moondancer will like this present!' He said happily as he started towards the door.
I wonder if she will like it so much that she might give me a hug! I sure do love her hugs! Maybe even-
The dragon was cut off from his thoughts as he was hit by the door suddenly opening and knocking him and his gift clean across the room.
"Spike! Spiiiiike! Spike?" Said the pony that opened the door.
Spike rubbed his head and looked up to see his best friend, a lavender unicorn with a dark blue mane and tail with a strip of faded rose and violet.
I wish Twilight would have opened the door more slowly... wait where is my gift? Spike looked around before noticing his gift pierced on his tail. Well that's just great...
"Whats that for?" Twilight asked curiously.
"Well, it was a gift for Moondancer, but..." Spike started before pieces fell from the gift.
.
"Oh Spike. you know we don't have time for things like that."
"But we're on break!' Spike complained.
Twilight ignored him and started to rummage through random books. Spike frowned at the mess she was making before climbing a ladder and pulling the correct book he heard her ask for out.
"It's right here!" Spike said as he held the book. He suddenly felt himself pulled with the book right toward her, ending up with him landing face first into the ground.
"Ow! Geez Twi! Just take the book, not my arm with it!"
Twilight took the book and walked away. Spike got up and saw the mess that she made. "Great, another mess to clean. And i just finished too..."
Spike grabbed a few books and climbed a ladder to replace them. He overheard Twilight say Mare in the Moon.
"Mare in the Moon? Isn't that an old pony's tale?" He said aloud. I remember hearing about that story a long time ago. Wait why is she looking for stuff like this anyways? He thought as he put the books away. He was so focused on putting them away that he didn't hear much of what Twilight said.
"Spike, do you know what this means?" Twilight asked.
"Uh, no?" Spike said looking at her but when he did, he lost his footing and fell off the ladder right onto Twilight's back. He sighed in relief.
"Take a note Spike." Twilight said giving him a quill and parchment.
"Sure thing!" Spike said as he hopped off her and got ready. He then started to write down what she said. After writing what she said, he spoke up. "Got it."
"Great! Send it."
Spike hesitated. "Now?"
Twilight nodded.
"I don't know Twilight. She is quite busy with the summer sun celebration and that's coming up the day after tomorrow."
"That's exactly it. The thousandth year is the day after tomorrow and its imperative that she knows this." Twilight said.
Spike merely obliged and made a small note in the corner saying 'important' before sending off the letter. Barely ten seconds pass and Spike burps up Celestia's response. He opens it and reads.
"Ahem. My dearest and most faithful student Twilight. You know that I value your diligence and that I trust you completely, but you simply must stop reading those dusty old books. There is more to a pony's life than studying, so I am sending you to advise the preparations for the Summer Sun Celebration in this years town, Ponyville. Also, I have an even more essential task for you to complete: make some friends."
Spike looked at Twilight and saw that she was in shock at what the letter said. Spike spoke up. "Guess we're going on a field trip then."
Spike and Twilight were sitting on a chariot towards Ponyville. Spike was excited himself on coming here mainly to meet new ponies and not have to worry about cleaning up books after Twilight today. He then noticed that Twilight seemed down.
"Aww, cheer up Twi. At least she arranged for you to stay in a library. Doesn't that make you happy?" Spike said trying to cheer her up.
She perked up. "Yes. It does. First, I will check up on the preparations as fast as I can, then I will head to the library and find proof of Nightmare Moon's return."
"Then, when will you make friends like Celestia said?" Honestly, I think that is more important.
"She said to check on preparations. I am her faithful student and will attend to that duty, but the fate of Equestria does not rest on me making friends."
Neither does checking on preparations, but you will be doing that anyways. I'm thinking you're just trying to avoid that aspect of her instructions...
Spike then noticed a pony walking his direction. He decided to speak up. "Maybe the ponies here have something interesting to talk about. Just give it a try."
Twilight looked at her. "Um, hi?"
The pony gasped loudly before dashing away. Spike merely stared in surprise. That could have turned out better...
Spike just decided to get out the checklist and start with the preparations. "Alright, first on the list is banquet preparations. It's located at Sweet Apple Acres."
The duo then proceeded towards the farm to check on the progress. As soon as they got there, they heard a voice.
"Yee-haw!"
The duo turned and saw an orange pony with a blond mane wearing a Stetson running before hitting a tree, sending apples to some baskets.
That was pretty neat. Maybe Twi can be friends with her. Spike thought as they walked over to the mare.
"Good afternoon. My name is Twilight Sparkle." Twilight said extending a hoof. The pony then took it and started shaking it rapidly.
"Well, howdy to ya Twilight! A pleasure making your acquaintance. Ah'm Applejack. We here at Sweet Apple Acres sure do like making new friends."
Spike smiled at this. Great! He turned to Twilight and noticed that she was still swinging her hoof rapidly after Applejack let go. He grabbed her hoof and stopped it, laughing at her.
Twilight cleared her throat. "Well, I am here in fact to supervise preparations for the Summer Sun Celebration. And you're in charge of the food?"
"Ah sure am! Care ta try some?"
"Sure, as long as it doesn't take too long...."
All of a sudden, Applejack dashed away and began using a spoon to hit a metal triangle loudly. "Soups on everypony!"
Spike heard noise behind him and turned, seeing multiple ponies rush them. They pushed them straight to a table.
"Now, why don't ah introduce ya to the whole Apple family." Apple said as multiple ponies popped up.
This sure is a big family... Why are they all named after food though? Spike thought as Applejack started naming off the ponies; each one bringing a treat to the table. After naming them all, and Applejack shoving an apple in Twilight's mouth, she spoke up again.
"Well, ah'll say you're already part of the family."
Twilight then proceeded to spit out the apple, sending it all over Spike.
Ah! What gives! You could have just swallowed the apple Twi!
Spike looked at Twilight and noticed she didn't want to stay. The ponies seemed sad at this.
"Come on Twi, it wouldn't hurt." Spike pressed.
Twilight sighed. "Fine."
At that, the ponies cheered and allowed them to feast on the food.Spike wasted no time and started devouring the treats, starting with an apple fritter. He then moved on to a pie, then dumplings, and many more. "Mmph! Wow! this stuff tastes amazing!" Spike said happily as he was eating on another treat.
"Why thank ya kindly. Ah never got yer name there little guy." Applejack said as she walked over to him.
Spike swallowed before speaking. "Im Spike! Twilight's number one assistant!"
Applejack nodded at him. "Well, nice ta meet ya Spike. Yer the first dragon Ah've seen that doesn't seem hungry fer ponies instead of apples."
"Well, I'm pony hatched and the thought of hurting a pony seems wrong to me." Spike said picking up another treat.
"Well, that's great ta hear! Hope we can be good friends too then!"
Spike smiled wide. "That sounds great!" I never thought of becoming friends with others too. This can be a great opportunity to make friends for me as well.
After eating their fill and Twilight complaining about eating too much pie, the duo proceeded back to town. Spike pulled the checklist out and looked at the next item. "Hmm, says here that there should be a pegasus pony named Rainbow Dash clearing the clouds right now." Spike said as he looked up. He noticed that the clouds were still spread out and not cleared. Seems like somepony isn't doing their job.
"Well she isn't doing a very good job, is she?" Twilight said and Spike shrugged.
All of a sudden a rainbow blur smacked right into Twilight, sending her and whatever hit her right into some mud. Spike panicked slightly and walked over to see if they were okay. He then noticed that this pegasus had a rainbow mane. She must be Rainbow Dash. Wonder why she hasn't cleared the clouds yet... Spike said as he watched Rainbow Dash fly a raincloud over and douse Twilight. Spike giggled slightly at her irritated face.
"Haha, maybe I overdid it a bit. How about this?" She then proceeded to twirl around Twilight at high speeds, making a rainbow tornado.
"That's my famous Rainblow Dry! No, no. Don't thank me. You're quite welcome."
Spike turned and saw Twilight. Her mane was messy and fluffed up in random directions. He couldn't hold his laughter in and burst out laughing right with Rainbow. Hah! Her hair! I cant breathe!
"Let me guess. You're Rainbow Dash."
Rainbow hopped up, sending Spike away and landing on his rear. He dusted himself off before looking at Twilight. He giggled again at her new hairstyle. I wish i had a camera right now. I'd so take a photo of this for more laughs later.
"Hey. I can clear this sky in ten seconds flat." Rainbow Dash said with a frown.
"I'd like to see that." Spike said as he looked at all the clouds.
"Prove it then." Twilight said.
All of a sudden, Rainbow Dash bolted off and started hitting every cloud, dissipating them at a fast speed. It wasn't long before she erased every cloud from the sky. Spike stared at the pegasus in shock. What the? Wow! Did she just do that?
"What I tell ya? Ten seconds flat. I'd never leave Ponyville hangin'."
Spike snapped out of it and noticed that Twilight was awestruck as well. Wow. To get her like this, you have to be pretty awesome, and I have to say, that was awesome.
"Hah! you should see the look on your face right now. You're a laugh Twilight Sparkle. I cant wait to hang out some more."
She then took off, doing a few tricks before leaving.
"Wow! She's amazing!" Spike said, but then noticed her hair again. Giggling, he played with it, eliciting an exasperated sigh from her while she walked away. "Wait! It's kinda pretty when you get used to it."
Key word being kinda. Spike giggled at that thought.
They then proceeded towards the main hall. Spike pulled out his list once they got inside. "Next up, decorations." Spike looked around. It looks pretty nice. I wond-
Spike's thoughts came to a screeching halt when he looked toward the center of the room. There was a unicorn there with a pure white coat and luscious Violet hair that was curled and flowed elegantly. She had the most alluring Sapphire blue eyes with light blue eyeshadow on.
"Beautiful...." Spike said dreamily as he stared at her.
"Yes. the decor is coming around nicely." Twilight said.
"Not the decor. Her." Spike said pointing to the mare he was staring at. He then started to check himself making sure he looked nice and presentable. "How are my spines? Are they straight?"
Twilight said nothing and even if she did, he wouldn't have noticed as he was back to admiring her.
I have never met a pony as stunning as her. I wonder what's her take on dragons? Probably like everypony else. I'll just have to show her that I'm different! That I'm a nice dragon. Show her I'm a gentledrake. Yes that's it. Wow her!
He then heard her say her name in third person. Rarity? That's a beautiful name. It suits her perfectly...
Spike was pulled out his thoughts as he heard the pony yell loudly. He looked and saw what's up.
"Oh my stars, darling! Whatever happened to your coiffure?"
Spike chuckled quietly at that.
"Oh, you mean my mane? Well, it's a long story. I'm just here to check up on the decorations and then I'll be out of you hair."
Out of her hair? More like your hair Twi. Spike chuckled at that thought.
"Out of my hair? What about your hair?"
Spike eyes grew wide. We said the same thing! We must be meant for each other! Spike thought dreamily as he watched as Twilight got pushed away, him using his tail as a propeller and floating behind them.
After leaving the Town Hall, Spike practically being dragged since he was still admiring Rarity, the duo were heading to the next location.
"Wasn't she wonderful?" Spike said still thinking of the mare.
"Focus Casanova. What's next on the list?"
That snapped him out of his thought, "Oh, heh right. Next is music. It's the last one."
All of a sudden they heard something. It sounded like a chorus of some kind. "That must be it. It's coming from over here." Spike said as he hopped off and proceeded towards a bush. After popping out the other side, he saw what was making the sound.
It was a chorus of birds singing and a yellow pegasus with a pink mane was orchestrating them. Wow, the ponies here are sure something.... except that random pink pony from earlier. Spike noticed Twilight go talk to her and speak loudly, scaring away the birds. Nice one Twi.
"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to scare away your birds. I just came to check up on the music and it sounded beautiful."
The mare said nothing but pawed at the floor. She seems shy...
Twilight tried again to talk to her. "I'm Twilight Sparkle.... What's your name?"
At this she finally spoke. "Um, I'm Fluttershy"
...What?
"I'm sorry, what was that?" Twilight asked.
"Uh, my name is Fluttershy."
Yup, she's shy.
"Didn't quite catch that." Twilight said trying to get her to speak louder.
The mare merely backed away, making a small squeak and hiding behind her mane. .... That's too cute. I wonder if she is doing that on purpose, or is really that shy around ponies.
The birds came back and Twilight decided to leave. At that, Spike decided to come out the bushes.
"Well, that was easy." Twilight said to Spike.
He shrugged and was about to speak before he heard a loud gasp.
"A baby dragon!" The previously assumed shy mare said loudly before rushing over and knocking Twilight out the way.
So much for shy...
"I've never seen a baby dragon before! He's so cute!" She said gushing over him.
Spike smiled. "Well, well, well!"
"Oh, my! You talk! I didn't know dragons could talk." You must not know much about dragons then. "That's just so incredibly wonderful... I, I just don't know what to say!"
All of a sudden a familiar aura engulfed Spike and pulled him onto Twilight's back. "Well, in that case, we'd better be going." Twilight said as she tried to walk away.
The pegasus merely followed. "Wait, wait! What's your name?"
"I'm Spike."
"Hi Spike. I'm Fluttershy." That name surprisingly fits her.... "And what do dragons talk about?"
That confused Spike. "Uh, what do you wanna know?"
"Absolutely everything!" Fluttershy said happily, making Twilight groan loudly.
Everything huh? Spike smiled. "Well, I started as a cute little spotted purple egg."
"And that's the story of my life, well, up until today. Do you want to hear about today?" Spike said as the neared the library that they will be staying at.
"Oh yes please!" Fluttershy said happily.
But before Spike could say a word, Twilight spun around to face her. "Oh I'm so sorry. How did we get here so fast? This is where I'm going to be staying while in Ponyville, and my poor baby dragon needs his sleep."
Spike frowned at that. "No I don- whoa!" Twilight bounced him off sending him to the ground.
"Aww look at that. He's so sleepy he cant keep his wittle bawance."
I know she isn't speaking like that to me... Oh I'll get you for this Twi- whoa! Spike's thoughts were interrupted as he was lifted by Fluttershy.
"Oh, poor dragon. You must get into bed." She said as she started to take him inside before Twilight intervened, pushing her back out.
"Yes, yes. We'll get right on that. Well goodnight!" Twilight said before slamming the door shut.
Spike didn't like how she was acting. "Rude much Twi? And the baby talk? I'm not a newborn."
"Sorry Spike. But I have to convince the princess that Nightmare moon is coming and we are running out of time! I just need to be alone so I can study without a bunch of crazy ponies trying to make friends all the time." That should be a good thing... "Now where is the light?"
All of a sudden, the lights clicked on and they were surrounded by ponies. "Surprise!"
Spike nearly jumped out his scales at the shout. "What the? What's going on?"
"Hi! I'm Pinkie Pie and I threw this party just for you two! We're you surprised? We're you? Huh? Huh? Huh?" The pink pony said from earlier.
"I sure was." Spike said with a smile on his face. Neat! Our very own party. I can't remember the last time we had one of these.
"Very surprised....libraries are supposed to be quiet." Twilight said with an annoyed look.
Spike frowned at her. Here we go...
Before Twilight could say more, Pinkie hopped next to her. "That's silly! What kind of welcome to Ponyville party would this be if it were quiet? I mean duh! Booooorrring! You see, I saw you when you first got here remember? You were like 'hello' and I was like *gasp* remember?"
She talks alot. Spike thought as she rambled on about nothing important.
Twilight went to the table and poured something to drink. She started drinking, obviously ignoring the rambling mare. The least you could do is listen to her. You really don't want to make friends that badly? Spike thought before noticing something wrong with Twilight. Her face started turning red and water was coming from her eyes.
"You alright Twi?" Spike asked. Suddenly, her coat paled and her mane and tail looked like it was on fire before she bolted off upstairs.
Curious, Spike eyed the drink she grabbed, noticing what it was. "Hot Sauce? Who puts hot sauce by cupcakes and drinks?"
All of a sudden, Pinkie tips his hand, pouring some on a nearby cupcake before devouring it. Spike stared at her in slight disgust. Well, that answers my question.
"Ya think she is gonna be okay up there?" Applejack said looking up the stairs.
Spike dismissed her concern with a wave of his claw. "Yeah, she'll be fine."
"By the way, I never happened to get your name dear." Rarity said, getting Spike's full attention, along with a slight blush.
"Oh, I'm Spike! Twilight's number one assistant at your service!" Spike said giving them a subtle bow.
"Quite the gentlecolt- er, dragon aren't you?" Rarity said with a smile.
Spike smiled widely at that and started to rub his spines on the back of his head. "Heh, I try."
"Well, Spike! Are you ready to party?" Pinkie said hopping over to him.
"I sure am!" Spike said excitedly.
"Then lets get this party started!" Dash yelled, as everypony cheered and started enjoying the festivities. Spike's first thought was to get a snack and a drink. He didn't eat or drink anything since meeting the Apple family and that was quite a while ago. As he grabbed a few cupcakes and poured himself a drink, he noticed Fluttershy coming over again.
"Oh, hey Fluttershy. What's up?"
She looked down shyly. "Oh, well, earlier it seemed you were tired and I was hoping that this party isn't ruining your chance to get some sleep."
Spike shook his head. "Oh, don't worry about that. I was never really tired. Twilight was over exaggerating it."
She looked up and smiled slightly. "Oh, okay then."
"Yo Spike!"
Spike turned to see Rainbow Dash flying towards him.
"What's up Rainbow Dash?"
"How did ya come to be with ponies in the first place? I thought dragons didn't like ponies that much."
"Well, Twi hatched me from my egg and I was raised around only ponies."
"Twilight raised you?" Applejack said as she walked over, interested in the story.
"Nah, she was too young for that. I was raised by Celestia actually."
"Princess Celestia raised you!?" Rarity asked excitedly, jumping in the conversation. Spike didn't mind and smiled sweetly at her.
"Yup! I hung out with Twi alot, seeing as she was being tutored by the princess. When I finally could do much on my own, the princess decided to let me be her assistant!"
"That sounds super fantastic!" Pinkie said hopping around the dragon. Spike smiled at them all. They are really nice mares. I don't see why Twi doesn't give them a chance. I'm sure if she stopped focusing on that silly fairy tale, she could actually make some friends.
Spike was pulled from his thoughts as he heard music coming on.
"Aww yeah! Time to dance!" Pinkie said happily as she dashes to the center and starts to dance.
Spike smiled. "Sounds like fun!" he said before joining the mare and others as they all started dancing. Spike was having the time of his life. As he was dancing, some other ponies smiled his way and he smiled back at them. I'm starting to like this town more than Canterlot already! It's gonna suck when we have to leave but I'm going to enjoy it while I still can.
Spike noticed a gray pegasus mare with faded blonde hair dancing goofy by a table. He chuckled lightly before proceeding to dance again. However, he didn't notice the mare ending up kicking the lamp and sending the lamp shade right towards him and landing on his head.
Some ponies stopped and stared. The pegasus rushed over. "Oops! My bad!"
Spike smiled and adjusted it on his head so he could see. He noticed her eyes were off. Huh. Never seen that before.
"Are you okay?" The grey mare asked.
Spike smiled. "I'm fine. I kinda like it. Fits like a hat. I think I'm gonna keep it on."
The mare giggled at that. "I'm Derpy Hooves by the way."
"Names Spike."
"Nice to meet you Spike!"
Before he could reply, Pinkie spoke up. "Hey everypony! It's time to play pin the tail on the pony!"
Spike grew excited and wanted to play too. He was about to walk over but turned towards the stairs. She hasn't come out yet. I should try to see if she wants to play too. Spike turned to the ponies.
"I'm going to see if Twi wants to join. Be right back." At that, he walked up the stairs to the room. He opened the door and saw Twilight on the bed with a pillow on her head.
"Twilight! Pinkie is about to start pin the tail on the pony. You should come play with us."
"No! All the ponies in this town are crazy! Do you know what time it is?"
Spike sighed. She seemed to have forgotten what today is. "Today is the eve of the Summer Sun Celebration Twi. Everypony has to stay up or they'll miss it when the princess raises the sun. You should know that Twi."
She rolled her eyes at him. Spike sighed again before speaking up. "You really should lighten up Twi. It's a party, something you haven't been to in a while." He then turned and left her, Twilight mumbling something as he left.
As he got to the bottom of the stairs, ponies were already playing the game. Applejack and Fluttershy walked over to him.
"So, is she comin'?" Applejack asked.
Spike frowned. "I don't think so. She isn't really a social pony."
"Oh, well maybe she might come out later." Fluttershy said.
Spike shrugged. "Maybe, but in the meantime, its my turn!"
Spike then took the blindfold that a mare with a pale goldenrod coat and a carrot orange mane gave after pinning the tail on the pony's nose.
Guess I'll show em how its done!
Time seemed to fly by after Spike won pin the tail on the pony. His reward for winning was a Sapphire, which he happily ate, surprising a few ponies and making Rarity faint dramatically. Seems most ponies don't know much about dragons... Spike thought after happily helping Rarity to a couch to relax.
Soon after more games and dancing, and meeting more ponies, It came time to head to the town hall for the celebration. Spike walked towards Twilight's room to get her. "Hey Twilight! Lets go. Its time to watch the sunrise!"
Twilight turned to him and nodded before they both headed out to town hall. All the ponies already started leaving and before Spike left, he noticed that the area was clean. Huh? Did everypony take the stuff with them? Oh well. At least I wont have to clean anything up.
Spike and Twilight made it to Town Hall shortly. Most of the ponies were gathered, some flying overhead because of the amount coming in. They proceeded to the front so to get the best view. When they got there, Pinkie sprinted over to them.
"Isn't this great? Are you excited, cause I'm excited, I've never been so excited, well except for the time when I saw you walking into town and went *gasp*. But, I mean really, who can top that?"
Yup, a whole bunch of nothing.... Spike thought as he hopped of Twilight and shook his head.
All of a sudden the chorus of birds from earlier started to sing. The spotlight then moved down to a single mare on stage.
"Fillies and gentlecolts! As mayor of Ponyville, it is my great pleasure to announce the beginning of the Summer Sun Celebration!"
Everypony cheered at that, seeming to be excited of the event. They calmed down before the mayor spoke again.
"In just a few moments, our town will witness the magic of the sunrise and celebrate this, the longest day of the year. And now, it is my great honor to introduce you the ruler of our land. The very pony who gives us the sun and the moon every day. The good, the wise, the bringer of harmony to all of Equestria.... Princess Celestia!"
The spotlight moved towards a curtain that was pulled back by Rarity revealing.... no one?
Huh? Where's Celestia? Spike thought looking confused.
"This cant be good..." Twilight said nervously.
All the ponies started chatting, wondering where the princess is. "Now, calm down everypony. There must be a reasonable explanation."
"Oh! Oh! I love guessing games! Is she hiding?" Pinkie said looking in random directions.
Spike then noticed Rarity coming from the back area. "She's gone!"
Everypony gasped.
"Whoo, she's good." Pinkie said obliviously making Spike faceclaw at her comment. All of a sudden, Pinkie screeched, surprising Spike. He turned to where she was looking and saw a blue smoke appearing from where Celestia was going to be. Rarity panicked and sprinted away from that location back to where everypony else was.
"Oh no... Nightmare Moon." Twilight whispered.
It's her? So she is real then! Oh no, this wont end well... Spike thought staring at the alicorn that came from the blue mist.
"Oh, my loyal subjects! It's been so long since I've seen your precious sun loving faces."
"What did you do with our princess?" Rainbow Dash said angrily, trying to fly at her before being stopped by Applejack.
Nightmare Moon laughed. "Why, am I not royal enough for you? Don't you know who I am?"
"Oh, Oh! More guessing games! Um... Hokey Smokes? How about Queen Meanie? No, Black Snooty, Black Snoot-" Pinkie was interrupted by an apple being shoved in her mouth by Applejack.
I'm kinda glad she did that. what even made her come up with those names in the first place?
"Does my crown no longer count, now that I have been imprisoned for a thousand years? Did you not recall the legend? Did you not see the signs?"
"I did! And I know who you are! You're the mare in the moon, Nightmare Moon!" Twilight said glaring at her.
Everypony gasped. Nightmare Moon was slightly surprised. "Well, well, well. Somepony who remembers me. Then you also know why I'm here."
"You're here to... to..." Twilight gulped loudly.
Nightmare moon laughed again sinisterly. "Remember this day little ponies, for it was your last. From this moment forth, the night will last forever!"
"Seize her! Only she knows where the princess is!" The mayor said. Three royal guards then dashed right at the princess, planning to detain her.
Not a good idea... Spike thought before watching as the pegasi get struck by bolts of magic sending them flying in random directions. One of the pegasus was sent right towards Twilight.
"Twi! look out!" Spike said before pushing her out the way, the pegasus instead hitting him.
"Spike!" Twilight said as she saw them roll right to a pillar before Spike hit his head hard, knocking him unconscious.