//------------------------------// // Chapter 5 // Story: Of Ponies and Dragons // by Jeckard Cain //------------------------------// Hearts and Hooves day had finally arrived, Spike could hardly hide his excitement when he saw Aliss in her gown. She truly was beautiful in it and Spike couldn't help but feel a sense of pride that she was his special somepony. As they were about to leave Spike raised his arm for her to take as they strolled out of the tree house and into the early morning sun. While they walked through town, enjoying the festivities there were couples everywhere, although, Spike didn't mind it so much any longer. As usual Sugarcube corner was selling special cupcakes and the like with hearts painted on them and such. Spike decided to stop in there for a sugary breakfast, it was after all, a festival. As they stepped through the door they were suddenly stopped by a wild Pinkie, “Hiya! Thought I'd forget huh? I've been working on it for four day, FOUR DAYS! Do you know how hard it is for me to focus on something like that for so long?” S pike was a little short on words and just got in a small “uh-” “Well of course you don't since you're not me and all but it's good you stopped in now so I could give it to you instead of later on during the main event of the day. Here ya go!” Pinkie rolled a cart towards them with a monstrous cake on it. Spike was completely lost for words so Aliss interjected for him “Thank you Pinkie, this is an amazing creation for sure, right Spike?” Spike just nodded with his mouth open. “Well, are you gonna try it?” Pinkie looked at them both expectantly, in return they both gave shrugs and Spike found his voice “Why not, would you like to join us Pinkie?” Pinkie shook her head, “Nahhh! I've got other fun things planned for today. Maybe I'll see you guys around. Seeyaa!” With a wink and a nod, Pinkie trotted out of the store and left Spike and Aliss alone to eat the cake. The cake proved to be too much for just Spike and Aliss, they had a few patrons come in and take a few slices for their families and their own special someponies. The cake was chocolate interior, with pink frosting on the outside, with marshmallows spread across the out edges and even more pink frosting and little roses across the top. Anypony who saw it was impressed, then asked for a slice, to which Spike was happy to oblige. By the time they finished it was near midday and as Spike and Aliss were leaving the store she asked him “What was that main event Pinkie mentioned? I forgot to ask you earlier.” Spike was rubbing his belly in contentment and perked up at her question “Oh, its later in the day, at sunset. The bells in the town start ringing and its a signal for every couple in town to kiss as Hearts and Hooves day ends and the nighttime celebration begins. That's when fireworks start going off and everyone goes out to watch, its really fun to watch.” Spike finished with a smile and Aliss was happy with that answer. The day went on and on, Aliss always by Spike's side, they went to every booth there was, won a few prizes together and went along though the town. As Spike and his partner passed through he would notice his friends and they would stop and say hello for a brief moment before continuing. Spike was having a wonderful day, he hoped Aliss was as well. Many of the other mares stopped and asked where she got her dress and Aliss would always point them towards Rarity's place. Spike grimaced a little at that, he knew it was Rarity just being nice, but with his experience with her using him, he couldn't help but feel like she was using Aliss as a walking advertisement. He was bothered by the thought, but it wasn't a big deal so he let it go. Sunset, where did it even come from Spike wondered as they walked across one of the small bridges in town. He guessed time just doesn't slow down, not for anyone or anything. All the couples in town were sitting down or standing next to each other as they watched the sunset. It felt so exhilarating to Spike, and yet, so ominous. It was as if something were about to go terribly wrong, he pushed the thought away, he didn't want to be distracted at a time like this. As the sun got lower and lower, Spike turned to Aliss “Hey Aliss?” he started, she turned to him and smiled “After the day is over, since you don't really have a place to go, would you like to maybe, stay here in Ponyville with me for a while?” Aliss Beamed, “Nothing would make me happier my gallant knight, now I think it's time for the end of day ceremony.” she giggled and Spike blushed, they edged closer together, and when their lips met, everything went black.