//------------------------------// // Spike's Return // Story: The mighty and the Sweetie // by ElCapoFimFic //------------------------------// "Today is the day, today is the day!’’ A lavender alicorn called Twilight Sparkle was cleaning the Ponyville library, waiting for the return of her dragon assistant Spike. In the same room with her was 5 other ponies who were excited as well; Pinkie Pie was finishing the super large chocolate-mint cakes from one of her well-known welcome parties, Applejack was helping Rainbow Dash putting the decorations for the celebration in order to make it look spectacular, Fluttershy was checking the list of ponies that were invited to the party to welcome Spike which was full of names and Rarity was putting some jewels on the present that she and her friends have made for the little drake. ‘’It’s is going to be soooooooo exciting to see him again!’’ Pinkie said with her characteristic smile. ‘’I know and I must recall that he will be as happy as us for coming back, I’m sure of it’’ Rarity said in an elegant way. ‘’Y’all better hurry with that cuz he’ll be here soon!’’ Applejack said focused on her job as always. The two Pegasi nodded and went to put the decorations in the roof. ‘’I can’t believe that it has been 7 years for him and 1 week for us…’’ Twilight mentioned with a distant tone, remembering the last time she saw Spike. FLASHBACK ‘’W-what do you mean you’re going to train martial arts?!’’ Twilight scolded her assistant. ‘’I've already told you that I need to be capable to protect you. Since we came to Ponyville, you've been through too many dangerous situations and I had to stay in the library, worried to death, not knowing if you’re fine. So, I’m going whether you want it or not!’’ Spike countered the words of his friend. ‘’B-but…’’ Twilight didn't know what to say now. Not only was he going to expose himself to a very painful and strict training but he was going to expose himself to a very painful and strict training for her. Suddenly, a black mist surrounded them and a tall figure appeared in the center of the room; Twilight was terrified but Spike was completely calm as he went to the mysterious creature and he said, ‘’welcome Master’’ ‘’Are we ready to go Spike?’’ The creature asked. Judging by the voice, it was a ‘him’ and he seemed harmless so Twilight decided to talk. ‘’Who are you?’’ She asked trying not to shake. ‘’Ah, you must be Twilight Sparkle, I am terribly sorry to leak into your home like this. My name is Bargus and I'm one of the heads of the ORDER.’’ He politely presented himself to the unicorn. He explained the situation to Twilight very carefully. At first she didn't trust him, but seeing that he and Spike seemed to get along, she decided to give him a chance. ‘’So…Mister Bargus, you’re telling me that there is a magical place called the Time Chamber where a day outside becomes a year inside?’’ ‘’That is correct Madame, and I can assure you that Spike will be back just like he is at this very moment, the age changes will disappear when he leaves the chamber, however, the capabilities and knowledge earned inside of it will stay.’’ Bargus finished his explanation. ‘’And nothing will change, I’m only going to be a better Spike!’’ The little dragon quickly added, trying to persuade Twilight. ‘’Do you promise me that he will get back?’’ The lavender pony asked still rather unconvinced. ‘’100 percent insured Madame’’ ‘’Ok then, I think I can let you go…’’ ‘’Don’t worry Madame, you are putting Spike in good hands’’ Spike approached Twilight to hug her. ‘’Thanks Twi.’’ And with that, they left in the same black mist, leaving Twilight alone in the library. FLASHBACK END Twilight sighed nostalgically at the memory of Spike, but the memory was interrupted by 3 little fillies running inside the library, jumping with big smiles on their faces. ‘’Whoa girls, calm down and tell me what’s…’’ Twilight couldn’t finish because a little white unicorn named Sweetie Belle who happens to be Rarity’s sister screamed ‘’He’s back Twilight, he’s back!’’ ‘’Yeah, we saw him in the fields outside Ponyville an’ we went here to tell ya’ that.’’ Applejack’s little sister Applebloom explained. ‘’And he looked very focused and determined on reaching here!’’ Rainbow Dash’s adoptive sister Scootaloo ended. All the ponies present couldn’t believe what they were hearing; how, when, and why at that moment? The party wasn't even ready yet. ‘’Well, what are we waiting for? Let’s go!’’ Pinkie called to all the other ponies and galloped to where Spike must be…and there he was, correctly sat on his knees, drinking a bit of herbal tea. Spike didn't notice the presence of his friends. He was so focused on his own thoughts and his tea that the ponies had to appeal to a very loud scream to draw his attention to them. ‘’Spike!’’ They all shouted in unison as they charged at the baby dragon. Spike noticed that and a smile formed in his lips as some tears of joy formed on his eyes. It was the first time in seven years that he was that close to his friends and he rushed too at them. However, something was different about him, and that ''something'' was very obvious; for everypony’s surprise, his speed was incredible and in a blink of an eye he was already hugging Twilight, like if he had teleported. Spike sniffed a couple of times before he started talking. ‘’I missed all of you so much…’’ All ponies were speechless; did the training do that to him? What else he can do now? Spike noticed the silence of the ponies and spoke up. ‘’What’s the matter? Aren't you happy that I'm with you guys again?'' He asked in a sour tone. ‘’It’s not that Spike, it’s just that your speed is…’’ Twilight started but Pinkie took her place in the conversation. ‘’Amazing, spectacular, super-duper-hyper extraordinary!’’ The pink earth pony jumped and adulated Spike's new capabilities. Spike blushed with modesty ‘’Wow, I’m honored by your words. Thanks Pinkie.’’ After that, the gang took a seat near the lake and started catching up; Spike related to them how tough and demanding the training was but also that he discovered a lot of himself as a dragon, and the friends he made, his temple studies, etc., etc. and more etc. Of course, he only said the most basic things upon the topic, not wanting to make the conversation too long. ‘’Wow, so you can smash big rocks with your fist now?!’’ Scootaloo asked excitedly. ''Heh...'' was Spike's only answer, then he jumped to an enormous stone nearby and with a single punch he transformed it into dust. The jaws of all the ponies hit the floor when they saw the delusive strength of Spike in relation of his size. Fluttershy seemed scared; typical of her when she sees something too impressive and Spike noticed so he went to eliminate her fears. ‘’Sorry if it was too impressive Fluttershy…’’ He hugged her gently to calm her and it worked like a charm. ‘’D-don't worry about me Spike.’’ She said softly. ‘’Wow Spike, ya’ really work out didn’t ya’ lil' fella?’’ Applejack commented, making Spike blush for modesty again. ‘’Thanks for the praise AJ but you're starting to make me feel uncomfortable with all of your flattering comments.'' Spike admitted. ‘’You don't have to be so coy Spike, after all you really deserve it.’’ Sweetie Belle added but it didn’t help since Spike’s scales went even redder than before. Since Spike danced with Sweetie Belle in Princess Cadence’s wedding, he felt different around her. NO, it wasn't love or a crush; it was just a very special kind of appreciation. He felt like he had to praise Sweetie Belle as well, so he looked at her and he said what he thought it was a good idea at the moment. ‘’And you deserve to know that you look as lovely as always Sweetie.’’ He said with a toothy grin on his face. Unfortunately for him, the praise didn’t work like he wanted to… Sweetie Belle’s checks were covered by a tint of pink that stood out from her white coat. ‘’G-gee Spike, that sure was a nice thing for you to say. Thanks…’’ She turned to another direction, trying to avoid eye contact with Spike. Spike merely resisted the urge of punching himself. What in the name of Celestia crossed though his head when he decided to say that?! He thought he couldn't feel more stupid when he realized that all the other MARES where watching the whole scene, including of course Twilight, Rarity and the other two CMC and yes, he felt way more stupid when he heard some girlish giggles from the group behind him. ‘’Well then, looks like some dragon has a bit of a crush.’’ Rainbow started with an accusatory smile on her face. ‘’W-what?!’’ Spike gasped. ‘’Don't worry Spike, there is nothing wrong on being in love.'' Twilight said motherly. ‘’B-but I’m not…’’ He tried but failed. ‘’There is no point on denying it Spike.’’ Scootaloo said as she hugged Sweetie with one hoof. ‘’Yeah, we've seen it all.’’ AB joined. ‘’N-no, you've got it all wrong!’’ He shouted with a boiling blush spreading all throughout all his face. ‘’Spike…?’’ Sweetie Belle began, her voice was very low but it was understandable. ‘’Do you really think that of me?’’ Spike was between the sword and the wall; he just couldn't say no to Sweetie after saying what he said so he just said something even worse but he was too nervous to notice it. ‘’O-of course I meant it Sweetie…’’ When he realized what he said, it was too late. Sweetie’s face erupted like the Vesuvius and she stepped back in surprise. ‘’Ok that’s enough, I’m sure you two lovebirds want to share more time together but Sweetie Belle has chores in the Boutique so it will have to wait. Bye everypony!’’ Rarity took Sweetie’s hoof and dragged her out of sight. ‘’We also have things to do in the library Spike. If you want to see Sweetie Belle later then you can, but now we have work to do.’’ Twilight grabbed her assistant with her magic and went out as well, not forgetting to say the typical, ''We'll have a very long talk in the library mister.'' ‘’Congratulations Spike.’’ Fluttershy smiled softly. All the other mares give him their praise too and went to their homes. Spike couldn't believe this, 7 years of military training and he screwed his return to Ponyville just like that. He had to think of something and he had to do it fast or else this misunderstanding would get out of hooves.