//------------------------------// // Chapter 2: Winner is Two (DB) // Story: The Muses of Love // by B_25 //------------------------------// Not a single drop of ink had touched the paper before Spike had also faced similar problems. “C’mon Spike, think! Calliope needs to have an epic adventure! One of adventure, suspense, and,” Spike said, lowering his voice to fit the mood, “just a touch of romance.” “Spike!” Twilight yelled. “We all know ships in fanfiction are stupid! Don’t add that!” Spike lowered his voice again, this time so Twilight couldn’t hear him. “What do you know? sitting in here all day, coopped up with your books?” “I can hear you still, you know?” “Fine, I’ll go somewhere else to write!” Spike retorted. The rain had let up from earlier, and the sun was now shining on the quaint village of Ponyville. Some of the residents were now milling about, still trying to go about their everyday routines. Spike even saw Applejack delivering cider to the local eating establishments. Spike walked along, lost in his own thoughts, ignoring all the happenings around him. Who says you can't have a little romance. What does she know anyways? She never writes any fanfiction. She doesn’t know who Calliope is. She doesn't what he’s been through. Spike continued to pout to himself, walking aimlessly through the town. Eventually, he had found himself in front of Sugarcube Corner. “Well, no great author ever gets anything done on an empty stomach, do they?” Spike said to himself, knowing full well he wasn't hungry and that he just ate. The inside of Sugarcube Corner was as crowded as ever. Ponies occupied the various tables set out in the main dining hall, and even more were waiting patiently in front of the counter, where Pinkie Pie was taking orders for the customers. As soon as she spotted Spike, she rushed out from behind the counter, and gave him a big hug. “OOOOOOOH, I HAVEN'T SEEN YOU IN FOREVER SPIKE! WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?” “I’ve just been hanging out with Twilight and Rainbow Dash,” Spike uttered, his spine now starting to bend a little TOO much out of shape. “Pinkie, air,” he pleaded. “Oh, sorry Spike,” she said, the smile never faltering from her face. “Sometimes I forget that other ponies can’t say or do a lot without taking SOOOOO many breaths in between everything.” “Yeah. You’re a one of kind when it comes to talking.” Pinkie eagerly pulled a chair out for Spike. He nodded his head in thanks, and sat down. Pinkie shook her head, and out from her mane fell a notebook. Spike had failed to noticed as to when Pinkie got a pen. “So, whath’ca like, Spike?” She asked. “A coffee - black - would be nice.” Pinkie tilted her head, and looked to a nearby sign that read ‘bakery’. She looked back at Spike, who felt kinda stupid. “A strawberry milkshake and an elmered muffin would be better, actually.” That caused Pinke to once again smile, and run off to fill the order. Spike placed the bag he had been carrying on the chair next to him. He unzipped it and scavenge around until he found his trusty notebook and a line worth of pens. He placed his supplies upon the table, and flipped the book open to the first page. He clicked the pen, and out came the ink. Spike didn’t move his claw; he had found himself in a trance where he stared at his quill. Spike’s eyes began to wonder. He began to notice how small the roof was; how the smell from freshly made goods made him happy. The mare and the Colt who sat across from him, were pleasantly talking with one another. Spike couldn’t hear what they were talking about, but by the way their lips moved, and the never ending happiness which they sent through the store. It’s like they’re talking about their future, to which, one they share. And they seem excited about that, which is soon to come. And they’re throwing out dreams like there’s no tomorrow. They’re just….. Happy. Spike failed to notice it, but his claw inch closer to the paper. And with a will of it’s own, the pen drew to life, words spurring from the tip of the quill. And within a matter of moments, ideas of their very own were coming to life The lonely Earth Pony in the rocking chair, coughed and coughed until his throat was clear. Spike began to watch this pony instead. The Earth Pony had a gray mane; the vest that covered his body and the top hat he donned allowed him to be considered ‘nicely dressed.’ The Earth Pony sighed as he retrieved a watch from his pocket, and frowned as he saw the time. He seems like a fellow whose been doing the same thing for long. And it doesn’t look like time is waitng for him either. It’s like he waiting for change, but isn’t the type to change himself. The pen scribbled even harder. Spike finally looked at what awaited him on the notepad, but didn’t not expect a pair of eyes to be awaitng as well. “Your order’s done, Spike!” Pinkie cheered as she jumped , the plates she was carrying falling yet landing perfectly on the table. “GEZZ! Pinkie, what I’d say about surprises?” “That they’re not good for the heart, and that there is a teeny tiny chance that it could kill you.” she finished. “But I don’t see what the big deal is! You’re a dragon, don’t you have, like, a thousand lives or somthing? “Wrong species, Pinkie. If you kill a dragon, they don’t come back.” “Oh, cool!” said Pinkie. “That’ going to come into handy for later!” Spike wasn’t sure how to take that comment, so he decided just to take a bite out muffin instead. And as always, a sight of releif escaped his lips. “As good as always, Pinkie.” “So, “Pinkie said, now leaning on her forehooves planted firmly on the table. “What’cha writing about?” Spike looked away embarrassed, shoving his notebook back into his pack. “Oh, just taking notes for Twilight. You know how she is, always wanting notes, and stuff… I guess.” “Oh, come on silly, tell me what you’re really writing about!” Pinkie’s eyes have now grown to the size of a lacrosse ball, not being easily fooled by Spike’s futile attempts of deceiving. “Well, if you really must know…., “ he started slowly. “I’m actually writing a book. Inspired by another book.” “OOH, LIKE FANFICTION? I WRITE FANFICTION ALL THE TIME!” “You… write?” Spike sputtered, completely bewildered at the fact that Pinkie can think about the same thing for more than 3 seconds. “Of course Silly Willy McFrilly! I write all the time!” At this, Pinkie gasped a huge gasp, her eyes now the size of a two lacrosse balls. “You should read some of my works!” “Oh no, that’s quite OK Pinkie.” “Oh, c'mon Spike, it will be really quick. I swear!” She sped off to the stairs, her trademark smiled plastered to her face. Spike smiled, knowing that she only meant well. She was a sweet pony, really. She was just… Different. Just like Spike. Ever since Spike had come to Ponyville, he had always been different. In the beginning though, he was innocent, and unaware of just how strange his place in pony society was. He never noticed the stares, the looks, and muttered words under pony’s breaths. But as he grew older, he noticed things more. He heard things more. He realized how.... how unwanted he was. Thus started the reclusion, shutting himself out from everypony. He gave up on his crush on Rarity, and Twilight was one of the few ponies he came in close contact with anymore. Sure, he still saw Rainbow and Pinkie and AppleJack, but not like it was before. He was almost unrecognizable to them, in mind, and in body too. He had started to grow too, his scales becoming sharper, more shiny. His brain had become stronger too. With all the reading he had done, he had become more intellectual, and understanding too. He realized the ponies fear of dragons. They had terrorized the ponies for decades, centuries even, and even with the expansion of settlements like Appleloosa, pushing the dragons, back, they were still in the back of every pony’s mind. Rushing down the stairs came a pink ball of fur, paper, and too much energy for Spike to handle. “Ok,” she said, not skipping a beat. “Here’s one story I wrote about a strong, handsome stallion, who sweeps a beautiful, gorgeous pink mare off her hooves, using only his charming looks, and sweet and caring personality.” Spike stared at Pinkie, his mouth half open, one eyebrow cocked. “‘I’ll read the first chapter.” Spike opened the first page, reading the first line to himself. Once upon time… As night finally encroached on the few final moments of light that shined down on Ponyville, Spike the Dragon was still sitting in Sugarcube Corner, deep in thought. “Spike, we’re about to be closing soon, ya know,” Pinkie said, peeking her head out from the back room. “You can stay here if you want, the Cakes are out of town, and I don’t mind you staying here. I know you’re a good dragon.” “Thanks Pinkie,” Spike yelled from across the room. He took a bite into his sixth cupcake of the day, spreading crumbs over his paper. Pinkie had finally stopped showering him in her works, which were oddly all about a pink mare falling in love with some perfect stallion. “Hmmm”, Spike thought. “I wonder if I know her.” Spike looked down at what he had so far. What lay in front of him though, made him cringe. He had a crude outline written down, detailing the entire frame of the story. Spike knew something was off about it though. It had everything he initially wanted. Bad flank main characters, awesome, complex plot lines, and hot side mares, purely for the convenience of the protagonist. But something was missing, and he couldn't quite put his claw on it. He crumpled the paper up, throwing it to the side. “How the heck am I supposed to write a story.” Spike felt absolutely lost. Not only had he lost all his friends, but he couldn't even make one of the things he had started to love. He couldn’t even make his own book. Spike hung his head in defeat. He packed all his thing up, and started to head for the door. Just as he was about to leave though, he could hear somepony trotting behind him. “Spike… where you going?” Pinkie was now behind Spike, and for once in the longest time, he saw her not wearing her signature smile. Instead, she donned a frown, and she couldnt meet his eyes. “I just gotta go Pinkie… I know you have a lot to do, like cleaning up around here, especially with the Cakes gone. I jsut thought I’d get out of your mane.” Spike started for the door again, but was stopped when she responded. “Is it because you don’t like my stories?” Pinkie whispered. Spike now turned to face her. “Why don’t you think i don’t like your stories?” “I just…. Cause no one else ever has. And I kept them hidden for a long time. I thought that no one ever wanted to read them again. But I saw you writing today, and I just thought you might want to, jsut maybe, just maybe…” Spike bent down, and pulled Pinkie into a deep hug. “Pinkie, you know I loved your stories. I thought they were beautifully written. And I really mean that.” Pinkie, now crying a little, sniffled, “You do?” “Of course I do. I think you're the most amazing author ever.” And with that, Spike stood up, and headed for the door. As he left, he felt the wind in his scales, the cool night air running down his throat, and he looked around. for the first time in a long time, he looked around. He noticed that there were still a few ponies milling around, and that the moon was out. The houses looked a lot smaller than he remembered too. And then, out of the corner of his eye, he saw the couple from earlier. They were still together, sitting outside a small cottage, talking. They both were smiling, happy to just be in each other’s presence. And finally, Spike knew exactly what he was gonna write about. As he ran back to Golden Oaks Library, the long night that followed became a fury of groans, scribbles, crumbled paper, and a really, really loud snoring Twilight. The main hall of the Golden Oaks Library was quiet, except for a quaint purple unicorn, a bold cyan pegasus, and a peculiar baby dragon. “So…. what did you get done?” Rainbow asked. Her own story was laying on the table, face down from Spike. ‘Uh…. not a lot really. But I got the first chapter done. it’s just a rough outline.” Rainbow fidgeted a little in her seat. She didn't know why she was so nervous, she really shouldn't be. There’s no way he could figure out what her story was really about… Right? As both papers were exchanged, Pony and Dragon eyes alike started moving back and forth across the page. They sat there for an hour, reading the stories intently. As rainbow read further and further, she felt so compelled to just jump into the paper, and give this poor colt a hug. How dare this… this stupid tail lifter treat him like that! He had tried so hard, and she stomped all over him. Spike too, was having similar feelings. The poor filly, she was expected to do so much! she was looked up to by everyone, and the smallest mistake would just piss everyone off. Her life was like trying to balance a spinning plate on a chopstick. Sure, you can keep it balanced for a while, but eventually, it will fall. And just like the plate, this little filly would crack. “Well, I’m finally done with all this paperwork!” Twilight abruptly stated, shocking the two avid readers out of their stupor. “finally, I can do something fun.” Spike and Dash both looked at each other, both not really wanting to stop reading the other’s story. “I know something you might be able to do Twi,” Spike answered. “I know Pinkie has some stuff to do at SugarCube Corner. Maybe you could help her out, get a drink in the process.” Twilight didn't seem all to thrilled at the idea of more work, but she didn’t protest the idea. “Ok then, I guess I’ll go down there for a bit. If you need me Spike, you know where to find me!” As Twilight finally left the two alone, Rainbow spoke up. “Maybe we should go too. We’ve been sitting here a while also. Stretch our legs, give our heads a break.” “Sure thing,” Spike said, following suit of Rainbow. “Where you wanna go?” “The park sounds pretty good right now.” The day outside was beautiful. The Weather Team had really outdone themselves today. The sun was out, and there wasn’t a cloud to be seen. The warm air wafted on their skin, baking them in its welcoming embrace. Other ponies were out too, also enjoying the fine day. As they made their way to the park, Spike started to notice the way other ponies were reacting. But this time it was different. Some were in disbelief. Others were a little angry. One even muttered under her breath. The strange thing was, none of it was directed at Spike. They were all looking at Rainbow Dash. And Sike knew exaclty why they were giving her those disgusted looks. Dash, however, was absolutely clueless to the attention, and kept on walking, going her merry way. “It’s such a good day today Spike. Why don’t we come out on days like this more often,” she remarked. Spike didn't say anything at all, just kept looking ahead, trying not to notice the onlookers. “Yea, it sure is.” “You know, it’s days like this where you just wanna sit in a nice cloud, and just soak in the sun. Man, I don’t know any better feeling than that. When you gonna get your wings, Spike? You’ve been getting really tall lately. They have to come in soon.” “I dont know,” he muttered, not really paying attention to the conversation at hoof. “Hey, is everything ok? You seem a little preoccupied.” “Yea,” he lied. “Just thinking.” “Oh, I see,” she smirked. “You’re thinking about how much better my story is than yours!” Spike laughed hard. “Oh Rainbow, if only you could see the true beauty that my piece is.” “You know though Spike, it wasn’t even half bad.” “You really think so?” “Yeah,” she said. “I thought it was really good actually.” They had finally reached the park. Luckily for Spike, it was relatively empty. They found a nice spot, on top of a hill, with a single, lone tree that provided enough shade to be comfortable. They sat down, each laying against the trunk. “You know Rainbow, I really liked yours too. Which is kind of a strange thing to say, I guess. It made me kinda mad.” Rainbow looked at Spike with shock. Why would her story make him mad! She had worked so hard on it, and that’s what it made people feel? “Why, what’s wrong with it?” “What? No! Nothing’s wrong with it. It’s just I felt so bad for the little filly in the story. She had so many expectations to meet, and she couldn't always do it. She just wasn’t capable. And when she couldn't; everyone hated her. she was rejected, not by just her friends, but even her family. I mean, it’s awful. I just want to give her a hug, and tell her it’s gonna be alright….” Rainbow stared at Spike for a while, trying not to tear up at what he just said. And a little embarrassed too. “Your’s kinda made me feel the same way a little. The way that tail lifter treated him. She doesn’t even deserve his attention, let alone all the sweet things thats he did for him. Your protagonist was so kind, and he deserved a lot better than her.” They both sat under the tree, a calming and natural silence falling over them. They sat there for a while, just enjoying the other’s presence. “You know it’s been awhile since I’ve really hung out with anyone other than Twilight.” “I haven’t really seen much of you lately either. Where have you been?” Spike looked towards the direction of the library, standing tall among the tiny cottages. “In the library with Twilight. I don’t really go out much anymore.” Rainbow waited a while before responding. “Why?” she knew that she should have said something, anything more thought provoking than a simple “Why”, but it was all she could muster. “Ponies didn’t really like me. You could tell by the way they looked at me. Didn’t you see them on the way here?” “Uh huh, I saw the looks. But I didn’t really mind. So what, you’re a dragon. it’s not like you’ve ever done anything to these ponies. They don’t know you, they don’t know who you really are.” “But what about you. Don’t you have a reputation to keep, an image to stand up for? Don’t you want to join the Wonderbolts?” Rainbow lowered her head. She knew that mingling with a dragon like Spike might ruin her reputation. Hell, it might ruin her chance of ever being able to join the Wonderbolts. “yea, but… you’re a lot cooler than most of the Wonderbolts anyways. And you know, if they really wanted me, I’m sure they wouldn't mind me having a dragon as a friend.” Rainbow met Spike’s eyes, and they sat there for a while, just looking at each other. “i know your story was about you, Spike. I see how much you want to be accepted by these ponies. but guess what? They’re all a bunch of silly colts and fillies. You don’t need their approval. You’ve got mine, and Twilight’s, and Pinkie, Applejack, and Rarity’s too. Even Fluttershy, who’s scared to death of you now ever since you’ve grown. We all love you Spike. you’re out friend too. Spike, now not being able to meet Rainbow’s eyes anymore, for fear of her seeing him cry. “Spike, i’m sorry, I didn’t mean to make you upset.” She placed a hoof on his shoulder, trying to comfort him. “No, no,” he whimpered, talking through the tears. “That’s not it. What you said just made me so happy… And I don’t know, maybe I got a little emotional is all. I just…. I love you too Dashie.” They sat there, tears being shed, hugs being shared. Luckily, nopony was there to ruin the moment, and they sat there for a while. Finally, Spike replied with an observation of his own. “I know your story was about you too Dashie. I know that you were the girl in your story. Always trying to keep your image clean, making sure everyone looks up to you. You don’t need their approval either. you’ve got me and the girls. And you know that. We’re all you need.” Rainbow buried her neck into Spike’s shoulder. “You’re the only person’s approval I need Spike.” Rainbow raised her head, and as she looked into his emerald green eyes, she could feel his breath on her muzzle. And as Spike looked into her magenta eyes, he could feel her fur brushing up against his scales. And when their lips met, no longer were they looking into each other’s eyes, but instead, they melted into each other’s embrace, enjoying the precious moment, never wanting to let go. Spike grabbed Rainbow tight, pulling her into him even more. “Spike,” rainbow uttured. “I… I really like you.” “I really like you too Rainbow.” “You maybe…. wanna go somewhere more private?” Spike looked around, making sure nopony was around to watch the little escapade that was about to happen. “Oh, you know it Dashie,” he said with a wink. Twilight had a pretty rough day. After finishing up all of her royal paperwork that Celestia had shoved onto her, she had even more to read with Pinkie. But finally, it was over, and at least, she was free from the constraints of reading. Maybe she could go to the Spa with Rarity, go on a walk with Fluttershy. Maybe Applejack needed a few subjects to try out any new apple recipe she had come up with recently. But before Twilight could even decide which one she wanted to do, a blue, green, and purple object jumped into the corner of her vision. There, above the Ponyville park, was Rainbow Dash, carrying Spike to her house, just right next to the very outer edges of Ponyville. “Oh, would you look at that,” she said. “Looks like theyre gonna help each other write some more stories.”