//------------------------------// // Rumors aren't always based on lies // Story: Sometimes, love is more than meets the eye // by AspiringArticulantArtist //------------------------------// It was a late afternoon. The day was quite eventful so far, but now it seems it has calmed down. There were still some things that needed to be done. They needed some party supplies. Spike's birthday was today, they would never forget! They had to give him the best party they possibly could. They had actually been preparing for a while now, so they had been quite... different. They spent most of there time preparing it, except for Fluttershy, she hadn't shown up. At first they ignored it, she would pop in at some time. Surely she knew about this, right? Unless something was wrong... what if something happened to her. What if it was something terrible. Oh, I need to just pay attention, it must be nothing. I'll give it one more hour. If she isn't here, I’ll ask Rainbow to go look for her. If she isn't at her house, she must be in Ponyville. Twilight's POV Now I am getting worried. It has been two hours. I will have to send Rainbow, I hope Fluttershy is fine. I don't care how much of a fool I might look like. “Um, Rainbow Dash, can you come here for a second?” The rainbow colored Pegasus turned her head abruptly, slightly startled from my sudden seriousness. After placing down some streamers she was hanging up, she headed over to me. “Yes, Twilight?” I put on the most serious face I could muster. “Why hasn't Fluttershy been helping us?” Suddenly Rainbow Dash looked away. Was she hiding something? “I-I d-dunno. M-maybe she doesn't know we're d-doing this?” She seemed... off. She definitely knew something that she didn't want to. The question is, what exactly? “Didn't you tell her?” Now she way looking straight down. Something definitely happened. “A-actually... n-no.” What? All this time, that was it? “Why not?” “W-well I tried to! I-it's just... the new Daring Do comic came out this week. And I really wanted to finish it, even if I should have saved it, so I could spend more time reading it, and, well, I kinda, stayed up all night long reading it.” That was it? I have done that probably thousands of times! “And I kinda, woke up late... like, really late. That day I didn't have any time to get Fluttershy, I tried to clear as many clouds as I could, to make up for the rest of the day.” Hmm, reasonable. “And then I was tired enough to fall asleep, at the right time, so I could wake up early. And I did, luckily. I first started my day by going straight to the clouds, bucking as much as I could, I wanted to leave early. I checked Ponyville first, since it was closer, and I saw this new shop set up. I got kinda curious, so I went for a closer look, and it was a stand selling Daring Do comics!” I looked up at Rainbow, she was feeling better, at least, it looked like it. “Don't you already have all of the comics?” She looked at me, confused for a second. “Oh, yeah, I forgot to mention, the salespony at the stand was talking to everypony around him. He seemed to be one of the actual ponies that work on the Daring Do comics. They even had somepony cosplaying as her! She looked just like her! B-but anyways, I was listening to what he was saying, and he said the comics were selling at an all time high. He also said that we, the loyal fans of the Daring Do series, deserve a reward.” She looked even more excited now. What happened to that sad and guilty expression a few minutes ago? “What kind of reward?” “He said the first pony to show him that they had a full collection of every single comic, regardless of the fact that it is or isn't first edition, he would give them the next comic of the series. It wasn't even out yet!” That seemed kinda fishy. “Are you sure it was real? Sounds like a scam to me.” She looked confused... again. “Oh, n-no, remember that comic I was reading when AJ and... and Spike got... um, k-kidnapped?” Now she was sad again. “Yes, but remember Celestia and Rarity found them.” “Twi, I know they're fine. AJ is right there for Pete’s sake.” She moved her hoof up, and pointed at Applejack, who turned upon hearing her name. She eventually moved back, and starting working again, but she is probably listening in on our conversation now. “Anyways, the comic I was reading then, was the same comic I got from the salespony, actually, same day too.” I guess she just kept getting interrupted, I know how that feels. “So, you just never had enough time?” “Well... yeah... but I had so many opportunities to tell her! I am so sorry Twilight! I wasn't loyal..” I heard hoofsteps behind her. And saw a yellow mane. “Now listen, you tried your best, you hear? Ah'm sure we can still go get 'er now.” “I was actually going to ask her that.” Rainbows face lit up. “Oh, I will, I will! I'll go right now!” She zoomed off, hopefully heading the right way. “So, uh ,Twi, when should we get Spike? I mean, we're almost done.” “When Fluttershy gets here. I think she doesn't even know about the party.” “Okay.” 10 minutes later Rainbow Dash's POV Oh! Is that Fluttershy? Whats she doing with Discord? They're talking to each other about something. I guess I'll get her after their conversation, I need to stop doing that. I wonder what they're talking about. Whatever it is, Fluttershy is blushing real hard. Maybe I should jump in? No... gotta at least give Discord a chance. But, with everything Discord says she just seems to get more nervous. I'll give him maybe.. 3 more minutes before I... Oh my... what the... Did he just kiss her?! Ohmygoshohmygoshohmygosh! Did I just see Discord kissing Fluttershy?! I saw her push him away. I can't believe Discord would do something so sick! I gotta tell Twilight! Oh, but what if it wasn't a kiss, uh, it c-could of been anything really, I didn't spend too much time looking, um... maybe I should go ask them? Surely this was a misunderstanding, I don't want to go spreading lies now. Uh, I think they are calling me back... I guess I'll ask them. Discord's POV “Fluttershy, she's coming back!” “Oh, w-what do we say?! She's gonna ask about that k-kiss.” I looked around nervously, as if that would help anything. What would I say? Should I lie to her? Or maybe just distract her? “Fluttershy think of something!” I had Fluttershy all nervous too. We were both freaking out, we couldn't decide on what to say. “D-discord, find a way to change the subject or distract her or something! Oh... maybe she was looking for us... ask her if she wanted anything.” Almost right after Fluttershy finished her sentence, Rainbow Dash landed next to us, she looked nervous too. “Uh... F-fluttershy I uh... thought I... might have... s-seen something... b-but it was probably nothing. So uh, what were you guys d-doin just earlier?” Now's my chance. “We were surprised to s-see you... d-did you want anything?” I hope she doesn't notice anything strange. “Oh yeah! I almost forgot... Fluttershy I was... supposed to tell you about something a week ago, but I never got around to doing it.” It looked as if Rainbow completely forgot about everything, we sure got lucky. “Oh, don't worry Rainbow, you can tell me now.” “W-well, you know what today is, right?” “Uh... Spikes birthday?” “Um.. yeah actually, and, we were planning a party about a week ago.” Fluttershy's eyes lit up. “I knew it! Uh, Rainbow, Spike was talking with us earlier, and by the looks of it, he was really upset, but he thought you girls all forgot about his birthday. He thought you forgot about him.” “Ohmygosh, really?! We were trying to make it a surprise party, but not if it is gonna hurt his feelings so bad. Anyways, we wanted you to help us finish it, I was supposed to tell you a while ago.” She must have had some excuse for forgetting for a whole week, but before I get into that... “I don't suppose I could help?” Rainbow looked at me with a confused look in her eyes. “I don't know... you might mess something up...” Time for Fluttershy to defend me. “Actually, Rainbow, I'm sure he would be more than happy to cooperate, and help the party without causing any damage in the slightest.” “It is for Spike after all, he deserves some kind of recognition.” Rainbow continued to be surprised, she looked so stupid... sorry Fluttershy, but I just had to think about it. “Well, do you want to go there now?” “Well, of course.” Twilight's POV Rainbow had been gone awhile, hopefully nothing happened. Hopefully Fluttershy gets here safely... Who else could interrupt them... oh... right... Discord... I completely forgot about him. Fluttershy is definitely bringing him with her. I imagine with her with him, he won't be too big of an issue. The thing I should be worrying about is the spell! Oh dear Celestia I hope it works! I'm sure Spike would really appreciate it. Not just about the effort, but mostly the... well, the... I don't know how to put it, but I know this will blow all the other presents out of the water! I want the spell to be a surprise though. I haven't told anypony about it. I've been training my magic the past week in secret specifically for it. I know I have wasted a lot of Spike's time, but this will definitely pay off! Well, as long as the party goes on without a hitch. Speaking of party, I think it is almost time to get Spike. Sadly it can't be me, I have to hide the spell. Don't wanna spoil the secret. THUD “Oh?” 3 figures quickly flew in, one with a rainbow mane, another Pegasus, but with a simple light pink mane, and just as expected, Discord. “Oh? Dear Fluttershy it is quite late, don't you think?” Rarity was awfully quiet earlier. She seemed to be making something, something of silk and gems. “Oh, sorry but-” “No, I'm the one that's sorry, I forgot to tell her and.. wait didn't you already hear my confession?” “Oh, well.. uh.. sorry.” Rarity quickly looked backed to her project. She was blushing too, she must have been paying a lot of attention into what she was making if she managed to miss earlier. “Ahem, uh, excuse me, b-but are you almost done here? I m-mean, not that I'm trying to rush you or anything b-but, it is getting dark.” I guess now or never. “Fluttershy, so sorry but we should be done, so you don't have anything to contribute to the party. I was just going to go- … er, get ready.” Almost spilled the beans. “Oh, don't worry Twilight, I appreciate your concern but I feel I have already helped Spike at least.” What? With what? Oh, never mind, it is getting far too late. “Ahem, Discord, could you go call Spike and lead him up here? Please don't say anything about a party, we need this to stay a surprise.” Rarity and Rainbow Dash both looked shocked. “What?! Why him!?” There words would've sounded hateful, if not for the obvious jealousy coming from their tones and facial expressions. “Discord is probably the best here at keeping a secret, or at least pretending like everything is normal.” “Ah, don't really believe the first one, no offense, but ah sure can see the second happinin'.” Everypony was looking around at each other, I was studying their reactions, they seemed satisfied with at least the latter of my statement too. “Well, I guess I'll be off then, do get ready!” Discord snapped his fingers and he was gone. Now I have to get that spell to work... where should I hide? Oh, how about I construct a hidden door. Only I would know about it's whereabouts, I could perform the spell in there, I hope it doesn't take too long. Spike's POV Great, what do I do now? The CMC finally left, Discord and Fluttershy aren't home, and neither is Applejack. Am I going to spend my birthday alone? Knock knock knock Oh? I forgot we were still open. “Hello, welcome to... Discord?” “Oh, yes, hello Spike, do you think you could come here for a second?” “Go where?” “Oh just... follow me. I want to show you something.” “Show me what?” “Uh, how about we talk more about Twilight on the way there? Might make you feel better?” Why is he bringing this up now? “Oh, uh, OK. Well, I haven't seen her for a while. She left this morning, before I even woke up! If I hadn't finally found her note I would have still been looking for her! Have you seen her around?” “Oh, um... not really.” I wonder where she is... “Oh, how about we talk somewhere more private?” “Uh... I guess...” I mean, I wouldn't want anypony to hear us, especially not Twilight. “See that building over there?” Discord used his eagle claw to point towards a building a good distance away, it looked secluded, no one was nearby. “That's kind far aw- poof“ I suddenly got closer to the building, I was already at the front door. “Oh... right... “ Discord opened the door, revealing a very dark room. Where was the light switch? “Go on in, the switch is probably by the door.” “OK.” I walked in, I couldn't see anything but I felt like somepony was watching me. “And another thing about Twilight, oh, I found the switch.” click “As I was...” I turned around, there were... party decorations? They were everywhere. Why did Disc- “SURPRISE!!!” Oh my... It's it's all of Twilight's friends, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejack, even Fluttershy. But Twilight wasn't there. “Happy birthday Spike!” They... they did remember. “Aww, Spike, why are you crying, we are throwing you the awesome party ever!” “Pinkie, those are tears of joy.” “His tears are happy? Good for them!” “What? No Pinkie, he's crying because he is happy.” “What? That doesn't make any sense.” “sigh, it's because he can't hold his happiness back.” “Oh.. yay, that's a good thing right?” “Yes, in this specific situation, it is good.” “Yay!” I looked around the rest of the room, I saw one table, full of different meals, even a whole bowl full of gems... and another table, but all the was on it was just casual birthday decorations, and then a third and final table. It had 6 presents on it. I could see the name tags on them, there was one from everypony... everypony but Twilight. “Soooo Spike, whaddya wanna do first?!” I can't let this bring me down, especially not now. “I am kinda hungry...” “You heard the dragon! Oh, and Spike, one more thing, come here a second.” The other ponies and draconequus walked over to the left table, the one with all the food on it. “I saw you eyein' those presents over there, you looked sad. What's the matter? You can tell me.” Wow, Pinkie Pie sounded... sane? I thought Discord and Fluttershy was weird, but this takes the cake... oh cake, maybe I should eat some cake. “Spike? Hellooo.” “Huh, oh right. Well, I noticed none of those gifts over there had Twilight's name on it.” “What? Don't be silly! Twilight wouldn't forget your present.” “Then where is it?” “She's saving for the end.” “Wait, so she is here? Where?” “I have no idea.” “What?” “Well, before you walked in, we all quickly hid, I saw her use some magic to hide, so I don't know where she could be now. But I know she would never forget your present. I Pinkie Promise.” “Really?” “Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.” After wiping the cupcake she squished into her face, she finally seemed like herself again. “Come on now Spike, lets go eat.” After we finished most of the food, all but the cake, Pinkie asked me if we should have cake before, or after presents. “Before, isn't that how most ponies do it?” “Yes, now Twi- oh... Rarity, can you use your magic to cut the cake into 8 slices?” “Why, of course darling.” Rarity then proceeded to cut the cake. I wonder what we will do with the 8th slice. After all slices were cut, each pony, myself, and Discord took one slice, leaving one remaining piece. The cake was delicious, even more so because I saved a few of the gems from earlier, and sprinkled them onto my piece. After a few minutes of idle chat, Pinkie Pie spoke up again. “Now, I am sure everypony knows what time it is now... PRESENTS! YAY! Everypony line up beside your gift. Spike, walk down and open each present.” Each pony had lined up, the pattern being Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Discord, and lastly Fluttershy. No Twilight. The first present was a book, I looked at the back and discovered it was the second in a series. I remember getting the first one back at the Traders Exchange some time ago. “I thought you would like it, personally this series isn't as good as daring do, but its alright.” The second was a gorgeous scarf, with various jewels in a certain pattern going around the edges. “I just thought you would look just fabulous in this darling. The third was a... jewel? It looked normal. “This is a special jewel I remember finding back when I was a filly! Every time I saw it, it was a different color, hopefully you like it Spike!” The fourth was a.. pickaxe? “I know you like gems Spike, and not to far away from my Farm I found a cave, I never seen any folks go in there, so I claimed it for the Apple family, even got a certification here from the mayor. You could mine there, I saw hundreds of gems down there, you could keep any you find.” She held up a paper, and sure enough, 'Mayor Mare' was signed at the bottom. The fifth was a staff of some sorts, along with it was a note Discord dropped quickly, which read 'Twilight is still here, I can sense her using magic somewhere really close by. →' I looked to the right, all I saw was Fluttershy and... no, it must be my imagination, I could have sworn I saw a spark come from the wall. “I know being a dragon you don't have any magical properties, and with all the fun I have, I figured you would like the ability. Whenever you are practicing magic with Twilight, try to use this.” And lastly the sixth and final gift. It was a sizable container, but it must be what is in it. “I brewed up a tea using one of my most rarest flowers, I only had enough to make enough tea to serve two ponies though.” I wonder who I should give the other half to? I noticed some of the ponies realized Twilight hadn't brought a present. Pinkie Pie started looking weird and somehow a bolt of lightning shot out from her to the wall. It didn't ignite it, but it left... a door? Or did it reveal a door? Suddenly somepony knocked on it. “Ahem, Spike? Could you come here a second? I have your gift.” It was Twilight's voice. She really was here. “Twilight? Is that you?” “Yes, now open the door Spike, I finally got it ready.” The newly discovered 7th present. I opened the door, but Twilight was nowhere to be seen, only a purple dragon with the same scale type as mine, but the body was a darker purple then mine, and the scales were more dark violet. “Spike... do you like it?” The voice of Twilight came from the dragon. “Tw-tw-twilight?! You're a dragon?!” The dragon nodded her head yes, and upon hearing me, the other ponies in the room walked to the door and saw the dragon. “Oh my.” “Hmm, interesting.” “What in tarnation?” “Woah! You're a dragon. I should throw you a party!” “Darling, your mane is gone, and you don't have any hooves. I need my fainting couch.” “That is so awesome!” After everypony calmed down, Twilight spoke up again. “Well, do you like it?” “I... I..” What do I say?! “I...” Suddenly something that felt like a hoof pushed me and I accidentally pulled Twilight into a hug, my head resting under hers. I didn't regret pulling her as close as possible. “I'll take that as a yes.” I heard a giggle come from her, and I slowly let go. I didn't say anything for the last 5 minutes of the party. “Well, it's really late now. We should all head home.” Discord teleported himself and Fluttershy home. Rainbow dashed away, creating a sonic rainboom. Rarity and Applejack walked off, eventually parting ways. Pinkie Pie pulled some.. device, and shot something orange all the way back in Ponyville, then she turned and shot a wall. Somehow a blue portal appeared and you could see into Sugar Cube Corner. “Bye!” Pinkie Pie walked through the portal, and eventually it closed. “What the heck was that?” I finally snapped back to reality. “Just Pinkie Pie being Pinkie Pie.” “OK...I guess?” “Anyways, we should head home now. Come on Twi.” Twilight and I walked home, she had to lean on me because she wasn't used to walking on two hooves, er, claws. “So, Spike, what do you wanna do now?” “What?” “I haven't hung out with you in ages! I spent most of my time planning the party, and getting this spell ready.” It finally made sense. “I'm kinda tired, can we do something tomorrow?” “Oh, OK, sure Spike.” We walked upstairs and sat on Twilight's bed. “Twi, can we talk for a minute?” “Sure” Twilight sat down next to me. “Did you give those chores and leave early because of the party?” “Well, yeah. I am really sorry, I promise I'll do all of the chores for a whole week. Sound good?” “Twi, you don't have to do that. I just wanted to know. But next time you throw a party, let me know. The past week hasn't been fun. Especially because I thought you forgot about my birthday.” “What? I would never forget that. It wasn't just the day I became Celestia's student, it was the day I had found you. I was so excited when she agreed to let me have my own assistant. Even more so when you could come with me to Ponyville. Eventually you started going to Rarity's a lot more than you did here. I thought you wanted to leave. I just had to make the best party I possibly could, I need you to know how much you mean to me. Not just as an assistant, you are my best friend, and we go way back. Before we know it, I'll have spent more time with you then Shining Armor.” “Twilight.. I... Thank you.” I pulled her into a hug. She was warm, and soft. I could practically, yawn, fall... as.. leep. “Don't worry Spike, I'll be sure to.. Spike?” snoring Twilight's POV “Oh, he fell asleep. Aw, he's so cute, I can't wake him up now. I guess I'll just try and sleep.” “Good night, best friend.” I pulled him close to me use my magic to pull the blanket over us... wait a second, my magic still works as a dragon? How does that even work? I'll ask Zecora later, after all, she's the one who gave me the spell.