Words to Live By

by RaylanKrios


Chapter the Sixth

For a moment Spike thought that Celestia was about to give him a dressing down the sort of which he only heard on the most seldom of occasion, after all some ponies might have considered his previous statement a rebuke. But Celestia reacted to his challenge with a smile. “They do. I look forward to hearing more about your journey then.”

It was another instance that forced Spike to wonder how the Dragon Lord might have reacted under similar circumstances.

For the rest of the meal the conversation meandered around familiar topics such as funny stories about young Twilight, how Spike liked living in ponyville and the grand galloping gala that was fast approaching. The food was unexpectedly delicious and Celestia had even arranged for an assortment of rare gems for dessert while she enjoyed a slice of chocolate cake. If Celestia disapproved of his new code she certainly didn’t show it by being anything less than a gracious host.

Later that night Spike lay awake in his room. One of the aspects of a strong dragon, according to Balroth, was a healthy dose of self awareness. So Spike thought about himself. On one claw, he generally liked both himself and his life in ponyville. On the other hoof, he wanted Rarity to like him and so far she had never viewed him as anything other than a friend, or at least certainly not a prospective partner. That meant he had to change. So before he drifted off to sleep is doubled his resolve to live by his new code.

Having his new code, and a copy of Hoard Spike opted to return to ponyville the next day. The train ride home was filled with a nervous energy. He thought a lot about his job as Twilight’s assistant. He also generally liked his job most of the time. Twilight may have leaned on him a little hard sometimes, but his job kept them together, it afforded him the opportunity to travel Equestria and he got free room and board out of the deal. He was stronger as Twilight’s assistant than he would be striking out on his own, though maybe he’d ask for a raise.

Twilight wasn’t home when he walked through the doors of the castle, having been summoned to Yakistan, which was just as well. Twilight’s approval was still important to him and he was glad that he had a few days before she passed judgement.

With Twilight gone, the running of the library and general castle upkeep fell squarely on his shoulders. The first thing he noticed was that the castles food stores were running low, so he set out to go to the market. In between picking up carrots and cherries he heard a familiar voice.

“Heya Spike I’m glad I ran into ya. We got a bumper crop of apples this year and Big Mac is away on a delivery. I sure could use some help with the harvest this afternoon.” Applejack said, smiling from beneath her ever present seston.

His old reflexes kicked in and he was forced to catch himself. “Sure-” Do what’s best for Spike “Wait, what do I get out of it?” he blurted out. The words sounded foreign despite speaking in plain equestrian, but he pushed that feeling down.

Applejack cocked her head to the side. She was prepared for the possibility Spike might be busy, but she hadn’t considered that he would demand payment, because well, Spike was always ready to help out a friend. “Huh, well I guess I could float a few bottles of cider your way, though I probably would have done that anyway,” she said with a shrug.

Spike considered the offer, he’d be working a cider press and hauling carts for an entire afternoon, and while cider was delicious, he’d rather be reading comics or figuring out how to impress Rarity with his newfound attitude. But maybe he could use this to earn some extra cash to take Rarity somewhere nice, certainly nicer then wherever that goof who she was going out with was taking her. “Throw in a few gems and you’ve got yourself a deal.”

“Well hay Spike, it aint like I got a chest full of gems lyin around the farm. I’m an apple farmer, not a miner,” Applejack said with a nervous sounding chuckle.

It was the first test of his new code and Spike was determined not to back down. The old Spike might have caved, but that’s not who he was anymore. “Sorry Applejack, if you want my help that’s what it’s gonna cost ya.”

Hurt flashed across Applejacks face and Spike again almost rescinded his demand. Be Strong. He steeled himself. Applejack should either be able to properly pay for his help or do it herself, in the long run it would make her stronger. He just stood, rooted in place while he waited for an answer.

Applejack didn’t snarl, she was a polite country girl and it wasn’t like Spike had any obligation to help her. But even without a snarl, there was no masking the disdain in her next words. “Forget it Spike, if you're going to be like that I don’t want your help.”

Before Spike could retort with a very dragon like maxim about weakness Applejack stormed off.

The encounter left a decidedly rotten taste in Spike’s mouth. And that taste was largely responsible for what happened next.

It was a few hours later at the library and he heard a familiar tepid knock. Spike opened the door to find Fluttershy standing there with the exact same expression she had the last time she had come by the library.

“Hi Spike, I’m glad you’re here, would you mind going back to the Everfree forest with me? I need more supplies and our last trip went so well.”

This time the answer came easily. “No.”

“Oh, okay.”

The old Spike might have just left it there, but he the distaste of what happened with Applejack had left Spike more than a little surly. “Fluttershy you need to stop being scared of everything. You’ve been to the Everfree forest dozens of times and nothing’s ever happened to you. And nothing is going to happen because all the animals love you. ” Spike couldn’t be sure if his rant was being fueled by some sort of misguided attempt to make Fluttershy stronger, or if he was still angry that Rarity had met someone while he helped Fluttershy the last time, but he kept going. “You’re scared all the time! You keep facing your fears over and over again, and they’re always the same stupid fears. Why can’t you just stop being so scared over EVERY! LITTLE! THING.” When he finished he noticed that he was breathing harder than usual.

“I’m sorry I bothered you, Spike.” Fluttershy squeaked turning and sprinting away before she would let Spike see her cry.