Chapter 7: Out of Place
Spike sighed with great relief as he FINALLY finished his chores with Twilight. The little dragon exited the library; closing the door behind him.
“Boy, being Twilight’s number one assistant sure isn’t easy. I don’t think my claws can handle another reorganizing like that.”
He looked down at his throbbing purple claws. But despite his claws being sore, Spike was finished with his chores and that meant he was finally free to do what he always loved doing: visiting Rarity. Spike smiled brightly and began happily heading towards Rarity’s boutique.
“This is great. I still got plenty of time to go ask Rarity about that pastry I made for her. I really hope she liked it, awe what am I saying; of course she’ll like it! In fact, I bet she-”
Spike suddenly stopped; his words and thoughts were interrupted by the familiar words of a certain Alicorn princess.
“And we can’t waste time while you try to indulge your little crush.”
It was amazing how that one sentence could bring Spike’s mood down into the depths of despair. He felt all his cheerfulness and enthusiasm melting away like an ice cream cone in the summer heat, Spike shook his head.
“Why does Twilight always have to do that? Why can’t she just support my feelings? Hasn’t she ever felt love like this?” Spike suddenly realized what he just said. “No….actually no she hasn’t. I’ve been with her my whole life and I don’t think she’s ever had a crush, much less fallen in love.”
The young dragon started walking into town; still heavily focused on Twilight’s non-existent love life. Sure, there was that Flash Sentry guard back in Canterlot, but neither of them ever made a move or said anything to one another. Twilight has always been too focused on her studies, which is why she never had any friends in the first place other than yours truly, and her brother. If it took Twilight this long to make friends, who knows how long it’ll be until she finds her special some pony…IF she ever does. Spike continued to walk aimlessly while he puzzled over Twilight.
“Maybe if Twilight actually knew what love was, maybe she’d understand my feelings better. I know she said she has no time for dating, but she also said she had no time for friends and look how well that turned out. If only I could find some pony as weird and neurotic as Twilight,” he closed his eyes and laughed at that thought. “Yeah, like that’ll ever happen.”
Spike bumped into the purple colored chest of a stallion, he shook his head and looked up to see a unicorn with green hair and chrome colored eyes.
“Oh, I’m sorry about that. I guess I was just kind of day dreaming and I didn’t see you there.”
Moonstruck smiled casually, “No need to apologize; I was in a hurry and I wasn’t looking where I was going either.”
“You must be new here, my name is Spike and it’s nice to meet you.”
“Same here Spike,” Moonstruck nervously looked around while shaking Spike’s claw. “N-n-n-not to sound rude or anything buuuuuuut, I’m kind of looking for some pony and I need to see her right away. It’s Princess Twilight Sparkle.”
“Well today is your lucky day my friend, I’m Princess Twilight’s number one assistant and I’d be happy to take you-”
“NO, no, no! That’s okay, you don’t need to take me,” Spike looked at Moonstruck curiously. “I uh…kind of need to see her about a…personal matter; it’s something only she can help me with.”
“Oooookay, I’ll just point you in the right direction then I guess.”
Moonstruck sighed with relief, the last thing he needed was a dragon assistant hanging around. He wasn’t sure if there would be any “problems” in securing Twilight’s help, but if things did get dicey, the fewer ponies…or in this case dragons he had to deal with; the better. Spike pointed towards the library and explained how to get there as quickly as possible. Even though this pony was a stranger, Ponyville was a peaceful place and Spike knew Twilight was powerful enough to handle any pony who tried anything shady.
“Thanks oh and by the way, you don’t know if Twilight has any other visitors scheduled to meet with today do you? You know like, royal ponies or guests or something?”
Spike almost laughed at Moonstruck’s question. “Are you kidding me? Twilight’s a princess but she doesn’t care about all that fancy, protocol, royal stuff one little bit. You want to talk to her then just go up and talk to her, she’s nice like that.”
The dragon’s words brought a warm smile to Moonstruck’s face. Sure, he mainly asked to make sure no pony else would bother his time with Twilight in case any pony recognized him as an escaped convict; but hearing more about Twilight’s friendly demeanor made him happy for some reason. Ever since he had been locked away, Moonstruck always feared the Princesses and figured they were too high and mighty and intimidating to approach. Observing Twilight from outside a window and meeting her in person are two very different experiences, hearing Spike’s words actually calmed the colt down about talking to the princess.
“Thanks Spike, I really appreciate the help.”
The dragon smiled and nodded to the unicorn, he started heading towards Twilight’s library home.
I REALLY hope that dragon and that unicorn don’t hook up.
“Ugh brain, why would you say such a thing?”
Are you kidding me? They would have like the ugliest babies in the world!
“Shut your trap, brain! I think it’s great a dragon can love a pony, I wish him nothing but the best of luck.”
You’re the only one who needs luck buddy. Just because her dragon butler isn’t around; doesn’t mean it’s going to make things that much easier. She doesn’t know you at all.
“Hopefully this curse will interest her enough to look into it anyway. Besides, every pony is friendly around here; if I act the same way then maybe she’ll see it as helping out a potential new friend.”
Yeah cause EVERY pony wants to be friends with a pervert who stares at girls asses outside of windows.
“Watch it brain, I’m warning you.”
Just try to reframe from sniffing her hair or staring at her hooves for a really long time, all right? Chicks don’t dig creepy stuff like that.
“I do NOT want to do any of that stuff!”
That’s not what the naughty section of your mind says. Seriously, I’m practically covered in filth from all these dirty thoughts of yours rolling around.
“I SAID SHUT UP YOU SICK LITTLE-”
Moonstruck stopped speaking as he realized he was talking out loud AND being noticed by several ponies; as well as Spike. The unicorn apparently didn’t walk as far as he thought he had if Spike could still hear and see him.
The dragon scratched his head in confusion. “Um…who exactly are you talking to?”
Moonstruck nervously laughed, “Ummmm….my…brain.”
The unicorn quickly ran off before Spike or any pony else could ask him any further questions. An awkward silence settled. Eventually, the other ponies just shrugged off the weird event and went about their business; Spike did the same.
“That…was weird, that was even weirder than something Pinkie Pie would do.”
A pair of hooves covered Spike’s emerald green eyes from behind, he froze in place. The young dragon didn’t get a chance to see the color of the hooves before they wrapped around his eyes. A voice whispered in his ears.
“Take a wild guess partner…”
The voice was low, sweet and had traces of what sounded like a country twang. This voice didn’t belong to Applejack though and it didn’t sound like any of her relatives either. Spike sniffed the air and suddenly his cheeks became warm with cherry red blushes, he knew exactly who it was.
“Heh nice try Rarity but I know it’s you.”
The hooves lifted from Spike’s head; Rarity pouted cutely at being found out so easily. The white unicorn stood in front of Spike with a coy smile on her lips.
“I thought I had you for sure with that phony accent.”
Spike chuckled, “Nah no way; that’s the same accent you used when you were trying to be more country to impress Trender.” The dragon immediately stopped himself from mentioning Rarity’s former crush. A sour frown appeared on Rarity’s lips. “F-f-f-forget I said anything, actually, it wasn’t just the voice you know, I uh knew it was you without even hearing you speak.”
The Fashionista wasn’t exactly impressed with Spike’s attempt to hide his mentioning of Trender hoof. Though she parted on good terms with him, Rarity still had a shred of sadness lingering in her heart over Trender hoof fawning over Applejack instead of her; especially since SHE was the one who had a crush on him. It was a painful reminder that she was still without a stallion to call her own and the incident with Slick Charmer only added more salt to her wounds. Rarity raised an irritated eyebrow to Spike’s nervous smile.
“Oh really, you don’t say” Rarity said dryly. “Well then Spike; since you know me so well perhaps you could illuminate on just how you deduced it was me.” She knew she was being snippy to Spike, but her track record with colts had been weighing heavily on her mind lately and it had left her a tad bitter.
“Well, for starters I noticed a hint of lavender and creamy vanilla on your hooves. You always have that kind of hoof wash in your bathrooms and I know that’s expensive because you mentioned last Hearth Warming’s Eve that it ‘smelled sweeter than all the roses in Canterlot’s garden and is totally worth the price’. And since it’s expensive; I figured there aren’t a lot of ponies who would have it on their hooves so I know it’s not a common smell. Then, I detected the faint scent of Victoria Saddle’s: Love is Celestial; that’s your favorite perfume. You always spray it in two specific spots, once on your neck and the other at the tip at the front of your mane. You’re the only pony I know that wears it in those 2 specific areas; add that with the fake country accent and it left me with no other conclusion that it must be you.”
Rarity was speechless; all of her crankiness had drained away and was replaced with shock and awe. Spike bit his scaly lip nervously, did he just break Rarity? She didn’t say a word or move a muscle except for blinking.
“Um, did I say something wrong?”
“Spike…you really noticed all of that? I just c-c-can’t believe it; you remembered all of those things about me?”
Spike slowly nodded.
“I mean the hoof soap is one thing, but the perfume, the exact name and scent AND exactly where I spray it? Not even Sweetie Bell notices little things like that.”
“Of course I notice them! They’re things you love and if it’s important to you,” Spike looked down sheepishly and kicked his feet softly. “Then…they’re important to me.”
Rarity didn’t know what to say; she felt so touched by Spike’s dedication to her. She’s been on a number of dates lately and not ONE of those stallions ever once picked up on things like that. It was like Rarity’s spirit was an open book and Spike was the only one who took the time to read and memorize it. The unicorn embraced her dragon friend in a heartfelt hug; she cooed softly and nuzzled those adorable green spikes of his.
“Oh Spikey Wikey, you are just so terribly sweet.”
Spike turned beat red inside the white unicorn’s embrace, his green eyes turning into thumping pink hearts. He could feel his body turning to jelly in Rarity’s hooves.
“If this is a dream, please, don’t wake me up” Spike whispered.
Rarity looked down at Spike, “What was that dear?”
Spike gasped and quickly laughed it off. He returned the hug and smiled as he looked into Rarity’s luminous, diamond blue eyes. Those eyes had always sparkled inside Spike’s dreams but they never shined quite as beautifully as they did when he saw them in real life. The two separated and Spike was quite pleased to see Rarity smiling once again.
“So what I can do you for Rarity?”
“Actually darling, I wanted to thank you in person for that simply divine pastry treat you made for me.”
Hearing those words brought the warmest of feelings to Spike’s young heart, he felt joy filling him up inside. Rarity magically lifted the box with the pastry in front of the two of them. The box opened to reveal a pastry carved and shaped exactly like Rarity; a small bite mark had removed the purple mane frosting and unicorn horn. The dragon’s green eyes flashed with vivid memories upon seeing his creamy creation once more.
“It took me HOURS to get the shape right. Pinkie Pie was kind enough to help me no matter how many times I asked; I wouldn’t have gotten the size and curves right if it wasn’t for her.” Spike laughed and rubbed the back of his head. “I was so worried about it looking like a foal made it; I wanted it to look perfect.”
“Well you did a marvelous job Spikey Wikey and might I add”, she paused to magically lift a scoop of the tail frosting to her lips. “It tastes just divine; like grape swirl and butter frosting mixed with vanilla oats.”
Spike nodded, “Just like your favorite ice cream. I remember you couldn’t get enough of it when you felt blue about the puppet show thing.”
The unicorn smiled softly and felt a slight tinge of pink upon her cheeks.
He really does pay attention to the little things.
The dragon frowned slightly; Rarity blinked and nuzzled the dragon’s cheeks with a small nudge. What could be troubling him all of the sudden?
“Is something wrong darling?”
“Well it’s just…if you liked it so much then, why didn’t you eat the rest of it? It looks like you barely touched it.”
The seamstress smiled and giggled cutely at Spike’s adorable confused face.
“Well there’s a very simple reason for that sweetie”, she turned and began walking away with the pastry. “A treat of such delicious divinity needs to be shared with a dear friend, wouldn’t you agree?”
Spike’s smile widened at Rarity’s charming words, he shot off like a rocket after the pony of his dreams.
“Holy guacamole, you bet I do!”
Rarity decided to take Spike to a café she suggested; it was a bit more upscale and “fancy looking” than Spike expected; especially for just eating a simple pastry. Spike felt like he needed a suit just to sit down at a table. But the dragon always knew Rarity had expensive tastes, so eating such a simple treat at such an upscale place wasn’t too surprising. He quickly pulled out Rarity’s seat for her before sitting down himself; always her little gentle colt. Rarity was always impressed with Spike’s charming manners, such devotion and attention to detail; it warmed her cheeks to the rosiest shade of baby pink.
“Gee Rarity; this sure is a nice place.”
“Oh I absolutely LOVE coming here; they serve the best drinks and treats here.” Rarity looked around the café, leaning against her chair. “Not quite as upscale as Canterlot but it’s the closest thing in Ponyville.”
“But if you liked my pastry so much then why are you eating it here?”
The unicorn sighed softly and bit her lip; looking like she was guilty of something naughty. Spike’s curiosity intensified as he watched her look away.
“I…I have to confess something Spike.” Rarity returned her gaze towards Spike, “When I first saw your gift, I was deeply flattered you chose me for its inspiration. But I was…well… a bit concerned about its taste after-”
“After that disgusting pie I made?”
Rarity blinked in surprise at Spike’s brutal honesty about his disastrous first outing at pastry making, it was when he was serving a life debt to Applejack. She remembered how ghastly it looked AND tasted when Spike brought it to her, but she choked it down to avoid hurting his feelings. The dragon smiled and shook his claw at Rarity.
“It’s all right, I know it was terrible.”
“Really? But you were so eager for me to try it.”
“Well at the time I didn’t know it was terrible. I was too wrapped up with pleasing Applejack and wanting you to try it; that I didn’t stop to think if it tasted good or not. But I was thinking back on that day and now I can’t believe I forced you to eat that…that…toxic waste!”
Rarity giggled at that remark.
“Oh come now; you didn’t force me at all Spike.”
“I guilt tripped that pie right down your throat, I’m sorry for that and I totally get why you were worried about trying this. I worked extra hard to make sure I made something you’d actually enjoy and not have to choke down.”
Rarity extended a hoof to Spike’s claws and smiled warmly to him. Though his pie was abysmal to say the least, his heart and generosity were in the right place; just as they are now. Spike felt all his troubles instantly vanish upon feeling that soft, delicate hoof touch his claw.
“I truly am touched by your sweet gesture Spikey Wikey; I can tell you put a lot of care into this delicious cake. And to answer your question, I wanted to eat your pastry here so that I could give you something sweet as well.”
A grey Earth pony waiter approached the table; he had light blue hair and a white vest with a red tie. He placed down two drinks and a small plate full of blue gemstones. Rarity magically removed the pastry from the box onto a plate and then sprinkled the blue gemstones over the pastry’s “cutie mark.” Spike’s eyes widened eyes as he watched those delicious gems land over the creamy surface of the cake. Rarity lifted a knife up and sliced the cake in half, giving herself the front half and the back half with the gems to Spike.
“What better way to enjoy a diamond cutie mark than with actual gemstones on it.”
Rarity grinned seeing Spike’s excited face, now they could both enjoy this treat together. She couldn’t imagine enjoying such a lovely gift without offering her own in return.
Spike picked up a knife and fork; practically drooling. “Oh boy; thanks Rarity! I was hoping to try the pastry out myself but your idea just made it even better.”
“Thank you Spikey-poo.”
“Man, those gemstones look incredible. I can’t wait to eat that rump!”
Both Spike and Rarity instantly became silent, their cheeks burning bright red with blushes. The young dragon couldn’t believe he actually just said that! Even if this was just a cake of Rarity, it’s still Rarity’s rump he’s talking about munching on. Rarity slowly sipped her tea and closed her eyes, “Let us never speak of this again.”
“Y-y-y-yeah…good idea,” Spike nodded nervously.
After getting past that initial bit of awkwardness, the two enjoyed their cake and company without fail. Spike can’t remember the last time he got to be alone with Rarity like this. And while this wasn’t exactly the kind of “date” Spike had envisioned; he wouldn’t trade this time with Rarity for all the gemstones in the world. In any other town, the sight of a pony sitting down for a meal with a dragon might cause panic or at least some confusion. Ponyville had always been welcoming of Spike ever since Twilight first brought him here. This was the one place where Spike truly felt like he was welcomed and loved, even more so than when he lived in Canterlot. The young dragon felt no different than any other pony, like he had fur and hooves just like every pony else; despite the fact he breathed fire, had scales and ate gemstones.
“Oh sweet Celestia”, Rarity fanned herself lightly. She licked her lips and beamed at the wondrous taste of the pastry still lingering in her taste buds. “That was simply divine! If you could get a cutie mark Spike, I have absolutely no doubt you would earn one in cooking.”
Spike laughed bashfully at Rarity, “Ah go on; I’m not THAT good. Princess Celestia always told Twilight that when your creating something for some pony, always make sure you know what that pony likes; kind of like art. Knowing who your audience is really helps.”
“My, my Spikey Wikey; what a wise little mind you have there.” Rarity was genuinely impressed; she never knew Spike was so perceptive. She knew Twilight was Celestia’s student but never realized just how much Spike had soaked up from their lessons. “You’ve certainly grown since you first came to Ponyville.”
That was the greatest compliment Rarity could have given Spike. He looked down before locking eyes with Rarity once more, a small smile spreading across his lips. “Gee…thanks Rarity, I’d like to think I’ve grown a lot but it really means a lot to hear some pony actually say it.” He placed his claws against his cheeks and blushed, “Especially you.”
Rarity blushed at Spike’s kind words and returned his sweet, sincere smile. The waiter came with the bill, Spike reached for it but Rarity quickly pulled it out of his reach with her magic. The unicorn strongly insisted she pay for the gemstones since she had Spike to thank for this lovely little outing. After a few protests, Spike eventually caved and saved his bits. Rarity paid the waiter handsomely and trotted out of the café with Spike.
Spike poked Rarity’s side and looked to her with pleading eyes. “Come on Rarity, you’ve got to let me do something for you. I can’t just let you pay for the meal without me paying you back.”
“Nonsense, the pastry was more than enough. You don’t owe me a thing darling.” Rarity stopped and looked around town. “Now then I need to find Fluttershy. I’m designing a new line of fashion with animal themes and she said she could get me some beautiful bird feathers to use for one of the outfits.”
The dragon rushed in front of Rarity, grabbing her attention. “Let ME find Fluttershy, you can go relax and go shopping or whatever you like. It’s the least I can do.”
Rarity was surprised at Spike’s sudden clinginess; even the young dragon knew he was sounding and acting desperate. The fact is that Spike didn’t want his time to end with Rarity and was willing to do anything just to spend a little more time with her. It’s so rare he can enjoy alone time with Rarity.
Rarity sighed in defeat. “Very well Spike, I guess a little shopping could prove fruitful while you look for Fluttershy. She said she’d be going grocery shopping around this time so I know she’s around here somewhere.”
“My pleasure my lady” Spike said with a bow. Rarity couldn’t help but chuckle at Spike’s commendable dedication to treating her like a lady; it was simultaneously charming and adorable.
The dragon quickly went on his way to locate the yellow Pegasus while Rarity busied herself. He called out her name, looking from stand to stand; trying to spot her familiar pink mane or yellow wings. Spike got further and further away from Rarity the longer he looked.
“Excuse me.”
A hoof tapped the dragon’s shoulder from behind; Spike turned around to see who was trying to get his attention.
WHAM!
Spike fell to the ground from the crushing force of a hoof smashing into his face; he grunted and clutched his throbbing purple cheek.
“HEY…what’s the big-”
The dragon’s voice dropped suddenly as he saw who had struck him: Slick Charmer. The Earth pony snarled and glared at Spike with the fire of a thousand of Celestia’s suns. His hair was still charred to bits and singed split ends, enraged puffs of air blew out of his snout like a bull. Spike chuckled nervously as he slowly stood back up.
“Uh h-h-h-hey Slick, b-b-beautiful weather were having…isn’t it?”
“You rotten little REPTILE, do you have any idea what you’ve done to me?!?”
Spike was about to answer but Slick angrily cut him off.
“YOU RUINED ME! I’m the laughing stock of Ponyville, ponies are already telling their friends and family about my ridiculous mane in Los Pegasus.” Slick jammed his hoof firmly into Spike’s nose, “And it’s all your fault you bratty beast.”
“Now wait just a minute”, Spike quickly shoved Slick’s hoof off. “You had it coming, you were a total creep to my friend Rarity and even bad mouthed her in front of me.” He crossed his arms over his chest and nodded firmly, “No pony insults my friends.”
Slick rolled his eyes, “Oh spare me that load of cheese and bull; you really think that justifies assaulting me like you did, all because of some stuck up bitch?”
Rage instantly boiled in Spike’s heart; like a ticking time bomb just went off. He roared and leapt towards Slick like a wild animal. Slick quickly dodged to the side and slammed one of his back legs into Spike’s back. The dragon cried out and dropped to the ground once more.
“What is your deal, why are you taking this SO seriously?” Slick asked. Spike growled and stood back up again, emerald eyes still burning hot with rage and fire. “Someone needs to put you on a leash or something.”
Spike looked ready to kill, his fangs and claws twitching erratically. “Take…it…back” Spike snarled, he never felt angrier in all his life than he did right now and it wouldn’t go away until this creep apologized for calling Rarity such a filthy name. “Take back what you said about Rarity RIGHT NOW!”
The Earth pony flinched at Spike’s sudden burst in volume, his anger was actually freaking him out. Slick couldn’t believe such a dangerous creature was allowed to walk around Ponyville like this without any supervision. Why was he acting so violent just because of one lousy mare?
“This is nuts, you’re going to just savagely attack me because of that chick? You act like she’s your wife or something.” Slick’s mint green eyes widened, suddenly realizing something. “Oh…sweet…Celestia; I finally figured it out. It all makes sense now,” The colt burst with laughter, his deafening cackling left Spike annoyed and confused.
“Mind telling me what’s so funny, baldy?”
“YOU are, dragon. I can’t believe I didn’t see this before, but now it’s as clear as day to me: you’re in love with that pony!”
Spike loudly gulped, his fierce cheeks turned red. He could feel warm red blushes overpowering his anger and replacing it with embarrassment.
“W-w-w-what are you t-t-talking about? R-r-r-rarity and I are just good f-f-f-friends nothing more.”
“I can see it in your eyes reptile, your reaction is a dead giveaway. HA, who’d thought I’d see the day when a fire breathing monster actually fell in love with a pony.”
“I am NOT a monster; I’m a dragon and I don’t see what’s wrong with thinking a mare is cute. No pony else thinks it’s weird.”
That last part was a partial lie. Spike knew his friends knew he was interested in Rarity, Mr. and Mrs. Cake too but he didn’t know how every pony else thought about his feelings towards Rarity. Slick approached Spike and looked right into his eyes, Spike nervously stepped back.
“Wrong? More like sick and twisted if you ask me. Earth ponies marry Earth ponies, unicorns marry unicorns and Pegasai marry Pegasai. That’s how it goes; any other kind arrangement is a crime against pony nature. And if you can’t get that through your head then I suggest you high tail it out of here before you get RUN out of here.”
“What are you talking about? This is my home, I live here; all my friends live here. No pony wants me to leave. I belong in Ponyville.”
Slick smugly smirked at Spike’s words, he began circling the dragon like a vulture. The pony could see Spike’s resolve was cracking and he couldn’t resist picking apart Spike’s fragile feelings as viciously as possible.
“You don’t belong anywhere freak, you’re an anomaly no matter what species you live with. You’re too much of a dragon to be a pony but you act too much like a pony to be with other dragons. You walk in both worlds but belong to neither, nothing but a foreign object.”
Spike could feel his heart aching and his mind racing. Slick’s words were tearing him apart inside; causing all sorts of questions to pop into his head. What if he’s right? He’s a creep but this all sounds painfully familiar. It’s like what that teenage dragon said to him when he went on his dragon quest, he doesn’t know where he fits in.
“I’m n-n-n-not a freak…I’m uh…this is my uh.”
The pony stopped circling and stood in front of Spike; directly confronting the nervous dragon.
“The only reason the ponies in this town tolerate you is because of your pathetic existence: a freak without a home or a species to call his own. Sure, you’re small and weak now, which means they’re not afraid of you…yet. But one day you’ll grow up, and when you do; all those so-called ‘friends’ and neighbors of yours will see you for the REAL monster you are and cast you out.”
The dragon’s eyes began welling up with tears. He clutched his chest tightly, as if trying to feel some weak sense of self-protection from Slick’s verbal assault. All of Spike’s insecurities that he tried so hard to push down were flowing like a tidal wave inside of him.
“You’re a damaged, demented little monster who has sick feelings for a mare he wouldn’t have a shot with; even if you were a pony. Why don’t you do us all a favor freak and go find some deep, dark, far away cave and stay there for the rest of your long, lonely life?”
Spike couldn’t take it any longer, his lip quivered as tears began gushing down his cheeks. He felt like everything he’s ever known and every pony he’s ever cared for vanished from existence. The dragon felt like his world had been shattered and that maybe…just maybe…Slick was right and he had no place being with Rarity.
SPLAT!
The young dragon was suddenly shaken out of his disillusionment. Some pony had hurled a tomato at Slick; it splattered thick red sauce all over his face and burnt scalp.
“OW! Now who the hell threw that?”
Slick turned around and spotted Fluttershy holding a bag of groceries, she had a menacing scowl and a tomato in one of her hooves.
“Leave him alone!”
A small smile formed on Spike’s lips.
“Stay out of this lady, this is between me and the freak! This doesn’t concern you at all.”
“That’s my friend your harassing there, this absolutely concerns me. Now I suggest you beat it buster or else we’ll make you sorry you ever stepped hoof into Ponyville.”
Slick wiped his face clean from the tomato sauce and focused his attention on Fluttershy. He was about to scream something nasty to the nature lover, but he stopped before even starting. Something Fluttershy said visibly confused Slick. She said “we”, who else was she talking about?
BAM!
A white hoof crashed into Slick’s mouth from behind, he cried out in pain and skidded to the ground. Slick coughed up a few busted teeth from his mouth. He stood back up and wiped his mouth clean, horror stricken to see fragments of his pearly white smile littering the ground. The colt looked to see the loathsome face of his attacker and gasped at her identity: Rarity.
“THAT was for all the horrible, despicable things you said to my dear friend; Spikey Wikey. And if you continue to disgrace us with your vile presence, I promise to give you another slug or two to pay you back for how you treated me on that dreadful date.”
Rarity’s rage vanished when she turned to Spike, she pulled him close and gently wiped away his tears. The fashionista looked at him with concern and care; her heart aching to see her friend being treated so cruelly.
“Are you okay darling, did he hurt you or break anything?”
Spike sniffled and shook his head.
“Are you KIDDING ME? You’re actually coddling that monster?!? Look what he did to me.”
Rarity’s steely blue gaze instantly turned back to Slick.
“Call him a monster one more time and you’ll be spitting out the rest of your teeth!”
Slick froze in fear and backed away from Rarity. Fluttershy and Spike both gasped, even they were surprised to see how intimidating Rarity was.
“He’s an angel in scales, you on the other hoof are the lowest pond scum in all of Froggy bottom swamp. Of course I’m showing him care and affection, he’s my closest and dearest friend…not that you’d ever know what one was.”
“Look, I get that your pissed about what happened on our date but you can’t seriously be choosing that thing over one of your own kind. He doesn’t belong here, he’s a dangerous dragon, I’m a pony; how can any pony be okay with him living here?”
Several ponies from the street started to converge and appear behind Rarity; as if forming a small army. Fluttershy, Vinyl Scratch, Derpy Hooves, Doctor Hooves, Cheerilee, Bon-Bon and Lyra and many other familiar faces all stood in defense of Spike. Slick’s jaw practically hit the ground. Rarity stood proudly at the head of the gathering, Spike had tears of joy rolling down his cheeks this time.
“Spike is more of a pony and a colt than you ever will be Slick. We accept and love him for who and what he is, we always have and we always will. I don’t know why you call him such vulgar, uncouth names. But I do know this much; the only one who doesn’t belong here is you.”
Slick was speechless, he didn’t know how to respond or even if he could with that fierce mob of angry glares beading down on him. No pony in this town made sense to Slick; they were all crazy or just plain sick like Spike. Realizing he was outnumbered, Slick shook his head in disgust and turned to leave the mob and Ponyville behind. Spike wasn’t worth dealing with this kind of madness. The group collectively sighed and cheered once Slick was finally gone for good.
Rarity wiped her brow clean and smiled, “Ah that felt SO refreshing and rewarding; I should have done that on our date.” The crowd of ponies began to go their separate ways with the exception of Fluttershy. The unicorn looked to Spike with concerned eyes, “Are you sure your all right Spike? I feel just awful about you getting hurt over this mess of mine.”
“Huh? What do you mean your mess Rarity? Slick was angry at me not you.”
“Yes, but the only reason he was angry with you was because what you did defending my honor. I completely forgot I told Twilight about what happened with Slick and I should have figured you would have done something foolish to defend me.”
Spike frowned after hearing the word “foolish,” which is exactly what his actions were: foolish. The young drake was hoping for a slightly different reaction from Rarity.
“Yeah…right…that was pretty foolish of me.”
The purple haired unicorn smiled and leaned down to kiss Spike right on his cheek. Spike’s sunken eyes snapped open; he felt all his anguish and sorrow disappear in a heartbeat. Rarity giggled at the lipstick mark on Spike’s cheek; just like the one she gave him when he gave her the fire ruby.
“Foolish and also one of the sweetest and most chivalrous things any pony has ever done for me. You are a true gentle colt Spike, I’m truly blessed to have a friend like you in my life.”
It took Spike a moment to come out of his love filled day dream after that wonderful kiss. The dragon shook his head and looked to Rarity’s eyes, he always felt his heart soar and cheeks redden when he gazed at that beautiful face of hers.
“Rr-r-r-rarity…there’s something I’ve got to tell you.”
“Yes, what is it darling?”
“Slick said a lot of awful things, I know he’s a jerk and I shouldn’t listen to anything he said. But certain things he said made me feel um uncertain about some very important matters. And I feel now more than ever that I need to talk to you about these…things.”
Rarity nodded, listening with the utmost intensity and focus. After everything Spike just went through; listening to his feelings would be the least she can do. Both Spike and Rarity leaned in closer and closer, their eyes twinkling with their own reflections as they grew closer.
“Rarity…I…uh…l-l-l-lo”
“RARITY, SPIKE, FLUTTERSHY; AH NEED YOUR HELP!”
Applejack’s violent scream broke Spike and Rarity’s focus, they nervously looked away from each other; both of them blushing furiously.
“Perfect timing” Spike mumbled sarcastically under his breath.
The orange mare ran up to the trio and paused to take a breather, Applejack was huffing and breathing heavily; like she’d been running non-stop for miles. Fluttershy approached Applejack and padded her back kindly.
“Oh my goodness Applejack, what’s wrong? You look like you’ve been running all day.”
“Ah have; we all got a big problem here in Ponyville. Some crazy unicorn is runnin round casting fear spells on ponies, he just attacked me, Big Mac and Hopeful on our farm. I saw him headin towards town so I high tailed it down here to warn ya’ll. We’ve got to find him and stop him before he hurts any pony else.”
Rarity and Fluttershy exchanged worried glances. Spike was about to ask what the unicorn looked like; but the answer was already arriving.
BLAH!
Spike belched out a new message from Princess Celestia. The dragon curiously picked up the scroll and began reading it.
“That’s funny; it looks more like a wanted poster than a letter.”
The dragon’s eyes bulged out upon recognizing the face on the wanted poster: it was Moonstruck!
“That pony your looking for; his name is Moonstruck and he’s wanted for theft, resisting arrest, escaping Tartarus and.” Spike swallowed loudly; he was too terrified to read the last charge. Applejack, Rarity and Fluttershy nervously encouraged Spike to continue, “And…m-m-m-m-murder.”
The three mares gasped in horror.
“B-b-b-but that’s the same guy who was asking me directions to,” Spike’s voice trailed off. He just realized he sent an escaped murderer right towards his home…and to Twilight. “AHHHHHHH TWILIGHT!” he screamed out; running as fast as his legs could carry him back to the library.
Rarity and Applejack looked at each other before quickly following the young drake.
“What in Equestria is going on here?”
“Ah don’t know but ah reckon Spike knows somethin, let’s head to Twilight’s and see if she has any clues as to what the heck is goin on here.”
Fluttershy blinked watching her friends flee before her very eyes. She looked at her hooves; still full with groceries. The Pegasus looked in the direction of her home then back to her friends dust trails, she sighed and started flying after her friends.
“Oh I do hope Angel doesn’t mind getting his dinner later. This is an emergency after all, I hope he understands.”
To be continued…