//------------------------------// // Episode 3: A Dragon's Ticket // Story: MLP: Spike's Story // by Aura Zero //------------------------------// "Nope. Nope. Definitely not." Spike was rummaging through a basket that Twilight was carrying while they helped Applejack with farming apples. I know that there is at least one good apple in here... Nope, that's not it. Spike thought as he tossed another apple. "Thank ya kindly fer the help Twilight. Ah bet Macintosh that ah would have all these golden delicious apples in the barn by lunchtime. If ah do, he's gonna walk down stirrup street in one of granny girdles." Applejack said. Spike chuckled lightly at that thought. That wouldn't be a pretty sight. Speaking of pretty, this apple looks nice- wait, never mind there's a worm in it. Spike tossed another apple as he heard Twilight speak up. "Thank Celestia the goal is lunchtime. All this work is making me hungry." "I know right?" Spike said as he tossed another apple, making it hit her in the head. She glared at him. "Sorry Twi." Spike said sheepishly. "Please Spike, you've been lounging on my back the whole time while we've been working." "Exactly. You two were taking so long that I missed snack time." Even though you could have used magic and levitated all the apples out the tree in the first place... All of a sudden Twilight's stomach started rumbling. Guess she must be hungrier than I thought. Lets see if we can fix that after I find a good one for me first. Spike started rummaging until he finally found two good ones. "Aha!" He proceeded to pick one of them up. Twilight looked at the apple and smacked her lips. "Wow Spike! That looks delicious!" Spike merely tossed it in his mouth and chomped happily on the tasty fruit. "Spike!" Spike looked and saw her staring at him irritably. "What? I've got one for you too Twi." Spike said as he pulled another delicious looking apple out. Twilight perked up at seeing it. "Wow, thanks Spi-" However, she didn't get the chance to take it as Spike felt the familiar sensation in his stomach before burping up a scroll, burning the apple in the process and sending it away eliciting a groan from the mare. -Meanwhile in Canterlot- "I hope Twilight and Spike will attend the Gala this year. It's quite boring there and maybe it might liven things up if they came." Celestia said as she sent the letter along with the invitations. "We are quite certain they shall dear sister." Luna said with a smile as she was laying beside her sister. All of a sudden a plume of green appeared before a apple appeared from out of it, landing in front of them. "Well, thou subject hast a very peculiar response." Luna said eying the treat. Celestia merely picked it up and took a bite. After swallowing, she smiled. "I'm not complaining. This is tasty." -Back to Ponyville- "Ahem. Hear ye, Hear ye. Her grand royal highness Princess Celestia is proud to announce this years Grand Galloping gala to be held in Canterlot... yada yada yada.. oh! Cordially extends an invitation to Twilight Sparkle and one guest." Spike frowned slightly at that last part. One guest? What am I, extra? How could they call me a guest instead of by name like Twi? Does it mean I can't go and she has to get someone else? Fine! If Celestia wants to be mean and call me a guest, then I'm not going! He looked and noticed the two mares looking quite happy and excited about the whole thing. All of a sudden he felt that familiar feeling in his chest and he burped up two gold laced tickets to the gala, along with a small note. What's this? Thanks for the apple? Oh, that's what happened to it. Spike looked up and saw the two mares giggling excitedly. They didn't seem to notice that he got the tickets so he spoke up. "Look! Two tickets!" "Wow, that's great! I've never been to the Gala before! Have you Spike?" Spike looked at the parchment and at the word 'guest' and frowned. He then looked at Twilight. "No, and I plan on keeping it that way. I don't want any of that girly frilly fru-fru nonsense." Not that there is any of that at this ball. I know it's just a formal dance with well dressed ponies and stuff...maybe I should go... "Aww, come on Spike. There's none of that there. It's a dance and that would be nice." Spike put a claw to his chin and closed his eyes in thought. She's right, maybe I'm just overreacting to the whole thing. Maybe the guest part was just an accident. Besides, it would be kinda fun to go to a dance....better than staying cooped up in the library anyways. Spike was so lost in thought that he didn't hear Applejack talking about going. "You know what, you're right Twi. It's just a da-" "Whoa!" All of a sudden, Rainbow Dash came down right on top of the two mares. "Whoa, nice landing." Spike said as the two mares coughed up some dust. "Did I just hear you talk about the Grand Galloping Gala?" Rainbow Dash said excitedly. "Rainbow Dash! You told me you were too busy to help me harvest apples. What were ya busy doin'? Spying?" "No, I was busy napping." Spike rolled his eyes and wondered how he didn't even notice her there. "And I just happened to hear that you have an extra ticket?" Spike looked at the upside down mare incredulously. Extra Ticket? There is only two. Geez Rainbow, maybe you're not as awake as you think. "Well, technically, but-" Twilight started before being interrupted. "Yes! This is so awesome! The Wonderbolts perform at the Gala every year..." Spike tuned her out as he was surprised at what Twilight said. Is she thinking of giving my ticket to somepony else? Well, it did say a guest, so it isn't necessarily mine... and I did say I didn't want to, but I've changed my mind! It should be a given that it's going to me. I'd better speak up before they get the wrong idea about the ticket. His mind made, he turned and looked at the two mares arguing who will get the ticket. "Girls! These are my tickets. I'll decide who gets the other one." Twilight said. Spike hesitated when she said that. "Whoever has the best reason to go should be able to have the ticket, don't you think?" Spike gaped at that statement and felt tears starting to well up in his eyes. She's really thinking of taking someone else... Spike quickly wiped his eyes so the others wouldn't see and tried to act normal. Spike then noticed Twilight's stomach rumbling. "Heh, gosh I'm hungry. I don't know about you two, but I can't make important decisions on an empty stomach. So, I'll think about it over lunch and get back to you two." At that, she leaned down by Spike so he could climb on and they both walked away. Now is my chance. I'll just say that I thought about it and considered I'd go for her sake. That way she won't have to worry about choosing. Spike nodded to himself before speaking. "Hey Tw-" Twilight started mumbling. "Ugh, this will be a hard pick. I'm glad its just them two and not anypony else to choose from. I don't think I could choose anyone else." Spike closed his mouth and frowned at that. Maybe my idea isn't such a good one. She might just want to go with a girl and I might just be a waste of a pass. I guess I can just give the pass to one of the others... Spike sighed before speaking up again. "So, any idea who might deserve the ticket more?" Spike said. She turned to look at him. "I don't know Spike, but I really can't think straight when I'm hungry." Spike nodded at that. That's true. You screw up things too whenever you're hungry. All of a sudden, Spike heard a noise and looked around. As soon as he turned to the left, he was greeted by pink before being tackled, along with Twilight, straight to the ground. Ow! What the hay just happened? Spike thought as he rubbed his head. He then jumped after hearing an ear splitting scream next to him. He looked and saw Pinkie running around frantically. "Bats! Bats on my face!" She yelled. Spike noticed the two tickets he had were floating to the ground. Bats? Really Pinkie? Spike resisted the urge to faceclaw at that thought and saw Pinkie stop in front of the tickets. "Wait! These are tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala! That's the most amazing, incredible, super terrific-" Spike tuned Pinkie's ramblings out, knowing that she would probably talk for a while. He merely dusted himself off and picked up the tickets. Even though he tuned the mare out, he couldn't help but hear her start to sing. Wow, now she is starting to sing? I swear this mare is so random. Spike sighed and looked at the tickets. Then he heard a gasp and turned around to see an alabaster mare getting really close to his face. R-Rarity? "Are these what I think they are?" Rarity said wide eyed. "Yes Yes Yes!" Pinkie said hopping up. "Twilight is taking me to the Grand Galloping Gala in Canterlot!" "The Gala? I design ensembles for the Gala every year. But I've never had the opportunity to attend. Oh the society, the culture, the glamor! It's where I truly belong and where I'm destined to meet him!" Spike stared at the beautiful mare in front of him confused. Who? "Him!" Pinkie said happily but then changed to a look of confusion. "Who?" "Him..." Rarity said dreamily, still confusing the group before she continued. "I would stroll through the gala, and everyone would wonder, 'who is that mysterious mare?'. They would never guess that I was a simple pony from Ponyville. Why, I would cause such a sensation, that I would be provided an audience with Princess Celestia herself. And, she would be so taken with my style and elegance, that she would introduce me to him! Her nephew! The most handsome, eligible unicorn stallion in all of Canterlot!" Spike froze at hearing that. What? She likes Blueblood? Who would like that pompous idiot! He is the most annoying and self-centered pony I have ever met! Spike frowned. What about me... "Twilight, I simply cannot believe you invited Pinkie Pie so she could....party, and prevent me from meeting my true love! How could you?" Rarity said dramatically. Spike merely just stared at them, still in his thoughts. True love? But you haven't even met the guy! I'm sure there is somepony better for you out there... or maybe dragon... Spike was pulled out of his thoughts as he felt something tug on the tickets in his hand before snatching them away. "Hey!" Spike yelled as he saw a bunny take off towards a familiar pegasus. "Angel, these are perfect." Fluttershy said happily as she saw the tickets in his mouth. Spike stared at all of them confused. Oh great, now all of them are wanting to go. This is definitely gonna be hard for Twi. Spike thought as he watched the shy mare ask about going as well. Next thing he knew, the other two mares joined the circle and started arguing about who should go. "Quiet!!" Twilight yelled, silencing everypony except Pinkie. "And I said oatmeal? Are you crazy?" Pinkie then noticed all the ponies looking at her. "oh..." she said sheepishly. What in the world was she talking about? I swear I'm never going to be able to understand that pony. Spike thought. "Girls, there's no use in arguing." Twilight said "But Twilight," Rarity complained but was brushed away by Twilight. "No buts! This is my decision and I'm going to make it on my own, and I certainly can't think straight with all this noise!" At that moment her stomach decided to make itself known. "Not to mention hunger. Now go on! Shoo! All of you." The girls merely left, Spike deciding to leave too. "Didn't have to send me away too..." Spike grumbled. "Not you Spike." Twilight said, making Spike turn around with a smile. "Oh, so you ready to go get something to eat?" Spike offered, knowing she must be starving. "Yes, Please!" Twilight said as they both walked to a nearby restaurant. They sat on the outside table. Spike picked up the menu and took a look at it. "Hm, I wonder what they have..." "Ugh, Spike, I don't know what to do! Five of my best friends have good reasons to go to the gala. Oh, who should go with me?" Twilight said as she picked the pedals of a flower on the table, then proceeded to eat them. "Twi don't eat the decor." Spike said watching her. "Have you made your decision?" Said a waiter coming over. "I can't decide!!" Twilight yelled absentmindedly surprising Spike and everyone else around them. "Uh, Twilight? He just wants to take your order." Spike said pointing at the order mats. "Oh.... I would love a daffodil and daisy sandwich." Twilight said. "Do you have any rubies?" Spike asked which earned him a small glare from the waiter. "No?" He sighed. "Okay, i'll have the hay fries. Extra crispy." The waiter merely nodded once before walking away. "What do you think Spike?" Twilight asked. Spike placed the mat down. "I think we should try out another restaurant. I mean I like grass just fine, but would it hurt anybody to offer some gemstones?" "I meant the tickets Spike and who I should take." Twilight said. "Oh..." Might as well act like I don't care. "You're still on that?" "Spike listen! How do I choose? And if I do choose, will the others be mad at me? I mean, I could give up my ticket and that would be two, but there would still be three disappointed ponies." "Have you ever thought of maybe asking Celestia for a ticket for all your friends Twi?" Twilight looked at him incredulously. "Seriously Spike? This isn't a joke!" Spike shrugged. "I wasn't joking." "I can't just ask for more tickets! She might think I'm being greedy." Spike rolled his eyes at that. "I highly doubt that Twi." "You don't know it though Spike. What if-" "Here's your food." The waiter said as he presented the plate to her, as well as the hay fries to Spike. Yes! Finally, some food! Mmm and their extra crispy! Spike thought as he started to devour the food. "Oh thank you. This looks so good! I'm sure things will be much clearer once I've had something to eat." Twilight said as she levitated the sandwich to her mouth. All of a sudden, multiple ponies ran past them towards shelter, confusing them. "Erm, madam? Are you going to eat your food in ze rain?" The waiter asked. "It's not raining...." Twilight said before noticing that it was indeed raining, except not on them. What the? Spike looked up and saw clouds everywhere except for on top of them and the sunlight was shining through. "Whats going on?" Twilight asked looking up. Out of the hole appeared a cyan pegasus with a rainbow mane. "Hi there my best friend I've ever ever had! Enjoying the sunny weather?" "Rainbow Dash what are you doing?" "What do you mean? I just saw the smartest, most generous pony about to get rained on, so I thought I'd just kick a hole in the clouds so she could dine in peace. That's all." Spike rolled his eyes at that. "Rainbow, you're not trying to get extra consideration for the extra ticket by doing me extra special favors, are you?" "Me? No no no of course not!" Rainbow smiled sweetly at her. "U-huh." Twilight said doubtfully. "Seriously, I'd do it for anypony." Spike and Twilight looked around and saw some stray ponies running to get out the rain. So much for anypony.... "Rainbow, I am not comfortable accepting random favors, so I'd appreciate it if you close up that raincloud right now." "Ugh, fine." Rainbow said as she started to close it. "That's better." "Uh, Twi. I don't think that's such a good idea..." Spike pointed out. "Why?" Twilight said as she was about to eat her sandwich, until the rain came down hard on her, soaking her and the sandwich. Spike tried his best to hold in a giggle at her bad choice of words. However, he then noticed the state of his food. "Aww man! My hay fries are all wet! Nice thinking Twi." Spike then noticed Rarity appear next to Twilight Surprising him. When did she get there? "Twilight! It's raining." Spike gave Rarity a deadpan look. No, ya think? I'm sorry but no matter how beautiful you are, that was not a smart statement. "No, really?" Twilight said with a mixture or annoyance and irritation. "Come with me before you catch a cold!" Rarity said before pulling Twilight away and running towards the boutique. Spike merely shrugged as he started over to that direction. He didn't really mind the rain. It just bounced off his scales. He actually enjoyed it. It gave a cool feel on his scales. However he didn't want to waste time today and enjoy it. Might as well catch up to them. I'm sure Rarity is going to try and get the ticket from her. In all honesty, I hope she doesn't get it. Spike made it to the boutique shortly after the mares and went inside. He saw Twilight shake the water off her like a dog, making him chuckle that almost went to laughter at seeing it hit Rarity. No, I cant laugh at her. She might hate me then. Spike took a deep breath to calm down. "And do you know what best friends do?" Rarity said. "No, what?" Twilight asked curiously. "Makeovers!" Rarity said before pushing a clothing screen over and knocking Spike away. "Oof!" Spike landed nearby her couch. When he hit, he accidentally bit his tongue. He got up and dusted himself off before sticking his tongue out and trying to look at it. He saw the blood and frowned. He then looked back over to the screen. Why do they need that? They walk around with no clothes on anyways..." Not too long after, Rarity moved the screen aside, revealing Twilight in very nice looking outfit. Hm, not bad. Spike thought before resuming to look at his tongue and brought a claw to tap the injured spot. However, as he was doing that, Rarity raced over and bumped his hand, sending it into his mouth. "As for you Spike, I have a dandy little outfit for the dashing gent." Spike backed up, not really wanting to be a part of this. "No thanks, I'm fine." "Oh don't be silly darling! You'll love it." Rarity said happily as she levitated the screen over. Spike tried to run but was pulled behind it and had the outfit snatched right on him in a quick second. After a short second, she moved aside the screen so Twilight could look at him. Spike saw himself in the mirror and gaped at himself What is this? I look like one of those goofy ponies I saw in that fairy tale book! This wig is making it worse! Spike noticed Twilight giggling at him. "Oh Spike." Twilight said between her fit. "Now all you need is a hat." Rarity said as she placed one on him. "Blech! I told you I didn't want any part of this girly gala gunk!" At least not this part! "I'll be back at the library if you need me." Spike said before quickly removing the weird outfit and dashing away. When he got outside, he saw Applejack walking over with a basket full of sweets. and his mouth watered slightly. "Hey Applejack! What ya doing with all that food? You mind sharing?" Spike was still a little hungry himself and seeing those treats enhanced it. "Hey Spike and sure! Here ya go!" Applejack said as she gave him a few apple fritters. "Gee thanks!" Spike said as he started to wolf down the treats. "Say Spike, have ya seen Twilight?" Applejack asked. "She iph at the bouptique wiph Rariphy." Spike said as he kept eating the treats. "Why thank ya kindly Spike." Applejack said as she walked away. After eating the tasty treats, Spike made his way back to the library. As soon as he got there, he heard noise inside. "Did somepony come in while we were gone?" Spike said as he walked in, only to see animals... cleaning? "What the hay?" Spike said as he looked at all the animals. He then stopped when he noticed a familiar pegasus dusting a book. "Fluttershy?" Fluttershy jumped slightly at the male voice but noticed it was Spike and smiled. "Oh, hello Spike. Where's Twilight?" "She's at the boutique with Rarity but should be heading back soon. Why are you here cleaning?" "Oh, we're just doing a little spring cleaning for our good friends." "But its..." Spike paused, but shook his head. "never mind. Have fun. Oh and you missed a spot." Spike said, pointing. "Oh, thank you Spike." Fluttershy said as she cleaned it. Spike merely shrugged and headed upstairs. He wasn't going to complain if she wanted to clean for Twilight. Now I can go take a nap. All this ticket nonsense is tiring me out.... even though I'm not really the center of the attention. Spike merely went upstairs and laid in his basket. He closed his eyes and tried to get a quick nap in. However, that didn't happen as he heard a loud yell. "Pinkie!" Spike jumped form his basket at the yell and ran over to the window. He saw lots of ponies surrounding Twilight. "The grand Galloping Gala!?" The all said shocked. Oh great... Spike dashed outside and ran through the crowd to her. He got to her and pulled her away from the crowding mares. They started to get chased around town by all the mares wanting to go to the gala. Geez, these mares are crazy! Twi was right. After running away from the mob of mares for most of the day, Spike and Twilight made a wrong turn and ended up in an alley. So this is how it ends? Being attacked by mares over a ticket? Spike thought over dramatically. He then noticed Twilight's horn start to glow and next thing he knew, he was being transported through time and space before appearing in the library, slightly charred. "Warn me next time you are going to do that!" Spike said as he tried to dust the strange dust off his body. It didn't hurt but if he let the stuff stay on to long, it takes forever to scrub off. "I didn't even know it was going to happen. Quick! Lock the doors and windows!" Spike then proceeded to do just that, making sure anything giving access to the outside world was locked securely. They then turned all the lights off so that nopony would think they are home. After they finished, they gave a sigh of relief. However, that didn't last long before one light came on, revealing 5 mares staring at her intently. Dude, that's creepy! When did they even get in here? "AAAH! I can't Decide! I just can't! I know its important to all of you and I just can stand to disappoint any of you and giving me gifts and doing me favors won't make any difference! Because you're all my friends and I want to make you all happy but I just cant!" Spike frowned at this before glaring slightly at the mares. "Can't you all see what you're doing to her? She's getting stressed out over these dumb tickets and trying to choose! Not to mention all the commotion you all are making around her." All the mares frowned at this before Applejack walked over to her. "Twilight. Ah didn't mean to put so much pressure on ya. And, if it helps, ah don't want the ticket anymore. You can give it to somepony else. Ah won't feel bad, ah promise." "Me too. I feel just awful that I made you feel awful." Fluttershy said. "And me too. Its no fun upsetting your friends." Pinkie said. "Twilight, it was unfair of me to try to force you like I did." Rarity said. Spike smiled at their words before the last pegasus spoke up. "Yes! That means the ticket is mine! hah, I got the ticket, I got the ticket." Rainbow Dash cheered. Spike merely stared at her in annoyance, as well as all the other mares in the library. Dash noticed. "Uh, ya know, I haven't perfected my moves for the Wonderbolts anyways. I don't need that ticket either." "We all got so gung-ho about going to the gala, that we couldn't see how ungung-ho we were making you." Applejack pointed out. "We're sorry Twilight." They all said and Spike noticed Twilight seemed to cheer up at that. "Spike, take down a note." Spike perked up at that and shot a plume of fire out, making a quill and parchment appear. "Ready." "Dear Princess Celestia: I've learned that one of the joys of friendship is sharing your blessings. But, if there is not enough blessings to go around, having to choose between your friends can make you feel really awful. So, while I appreciate the invitation, I will be returning both tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala." "What?!" The mares all said in unison. "If my friends can't all go, I don't want to go either." Twilight said. "Twilight, ya don't have ta do that." Applejack protested. "Nope. I've made up my mind. Spike, you can send the letter." Spike merely nodded before walking toward a window away from them. Well, I guess this is for the best. I still think she should have asked for more... Spike thought as he sent the letter away via flame. He turned towards the girls as they all cuddled up to each other happy about Twilight's decision. He made a gagging notion before he felt the familiar sensation in his stomach but bigger than just the usual parchment. The mares noticed this and frowned at the display. "Well wallop my withers Spike. Ain't that just like a boy? Cant handle the least bit of sentiment." Applejack said walking over to him. Just then, Spike made a large burp, sending him away and the flame towards Applejack. "Whoa nelly!" Applejack said as she dodged just in time. Spike landed on his back but got up quickly and saw what she sent. "A letter from the princess? That was fast." Twilight said. Spike grabbed it, opened it, and started reading. "My faithful student Twilight. Why didn't you just say so in the first place?" After he finished, he unrolled the rest of the parchment and saw six tickets. "Look! Six tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala!" They all gasped. "Now we can all go!" Twilight cheered, the others joining in as well. "I told you so Twi." Spike said with a smirk. "Yes you did Spike. You were compl-" Twilight was cut off when her stomach started rumbling madly." "Hehe, guess I still haven't gotten the chance to eat..." Twilight said sheepishly. "Allow us to treat you Twilight." Rarity offered. "Yeah! It'd be a great way to apologize." Rainbow Dash agreed as they all headed out the door, grabbing a ticket from Spike as they left. Spike then realized something. Wait, there was only six tickets... All of them are going to go except me.... Spike sighed. "How come I don't get a ticket to the gala?" Then Spike felt that familiar feeling in his gut again before burping out another scroll. Curious, He opened it and read a few words. "And one for you Spike." He also noticed a small note in the corner. I'm very sorry about forgetting you Spike. I honestly don't know how I could have forgotten. As compensation, on your next visit, I'll have a surprise for you. Love Mom. Spike saw another ticket and he lit up. "A ticket! Yippee! I knew Celestia wouldn't forget about me!" Spike cheered as he jumped up and down, but then thought curiously about the second part. I wonder what the surprise is.... Maybe its gems! Oooh, I can't wait to visit her now! Spike giggled happily as he rushed out the door with a goofy smile on his face only to meet Applejack staring at him with a smug smile. "Uh, I mean, gross! I have to go too?" Spike said in mock irritation as he walked past her. Applejack didn't buy it. "Hey Spike? Sorry about earlier." Spike turned to her confused. "About what?" "What ah said earlier? About ya not handling a bit of sentiment. Didn't know ya was about ta spit out a letter." Spike smiled. "Its fine AJ....but, If ya wanna make it up to me, you could let me get a few more of those apple fritters! Oh, and don't tell the others about what just happened." Applejack giggled lightly. "Ya got yerself a deal little buddy." The two smiled at each other before quickly rushing ahead to catch up with their friends.