//------------------------------// // Ch.7 // Story: A Long Journey Ahead // by Black Hailstorm //------------------------------// "Hello...Spike" A lone baby dragon lay curled up in a ball, his bag on the seat across from him. If Spike had to say anything at the moment, he surely wasn’t willing to say it. About four hours had passed since he had gotten on this train, and honestly he didn’t have a clue where he was going. More importantly it was best to say the young drake didn’t really care at the moment. What he did care about though was what happened back at the train station port back in Baltimare. Right now more than anything Spike wished he hadn’t spoken to Dash like that. He knew she was just trying to help but....nrgh! She just made him so mad at her for not having the decency to trust him like Twilight and the others did! I mean seriously is it so hard to believe I can handle myself for a couple of months without being dragonsit? For crying out loud I was (for a short time) the emperor of all dragons! “Yeah for only five seconds” his subconscious lectured, and to this the dragon merely snorted his disapproval. “Be quiet” he muttered to himself. “Sir?” a caretaker said with confusion within its voice. And judging from the sound, pitch and tune, Spike knew that this caretaker, was a mare. Spike frowned deeply, if anything he didn’t want to be interrupted right now as he was sulking, but regardless the young dragon sat up, threw away his look of dejection and gave a fake smile as best he could. “Yes?” Spike said, the corner of his upper lip slightly twitched as he tried to fight back the frown he’d had since the train had pulled out of Baltimare and left Dash and all the others in its wake. The caretaker standing before Spike was none other than a mare, just as the young drake himself had assumed, wearing the mandatory uniform for the workers of the Equestrian Express; navy blue buttoned up shirt, with a complementary navy blue cap. The mare that had addressed Spike, seemed to relax a bit having seen his fraud smile, obviously not seeing through it for what it truly was. “Oh thank goodness” she said with the faint sound of an accent. “Ticketmaster informed me that a young passenger had refused all the food and other services we offered him in the last four hours and told me to check up on them. I didn’t think it would be a baby dragon.” “Oh...yeah...sorry bout that. I’m not causing any trouble for you or the staff am I?” Spike asked unable to keep up the charade any longer his smile faltered and the frown revealed. The caretaker ever quick to respond though, immediately beginning her attempts to quell Spike’s concerns. “Oh of course not” she said with a dismissive wave of her hoof. “If anything, you’ve made our jobs easier. The staff has to attend to at least 200 other passengers throughout these train carts and it’s not easy if you know what I mean” she said with a warm smile. Spike only managed to return a small one before his frown returned once again. Was Dash really just making sure I was alright then? Like this one’s checking up on me, would she have been happy with just knowing I was alright? “Sir?” a voice called to Spike, but the young drake was already being consumed by his own thoughts. Did I just over-react and completely ignore Dash’s feelings?...Come to think of it...I was a bit selfish back there wasn’t I? Spike thought, unknowingly tightening his grip on the cushions he sat on the young drake’s face began to get filled with doubt as he began questioning his previous actions. What if I just left one of the coolest jobs I had only to find out I didn’t really need to leave to begin with? A-And...what if I talked to Dash like that because a few months of being on my own got to my head? What if- “Sir!” a hoof quickly shook Spike out of his doubts and concerns and immediately Spike turned his head with a start in the direction of the caretaker before him. “Sir, are you alright?” the mare asked with concern. Spike didn’t fully register what he was being asked. It took a minute, and then a extra few seconds as his brain that had been so overloaded with his own doubts on what he had done hours ago began to empty all the past concerns and take in the question he had just been asked. Then it clicked. “You looked like you were about to cry” the mare said with a sympathetic smile. Igniting her horn, the caretaker pulled out a handkerchief and wiped away a tear that threatened to fall off of Spike’s eye. When the deed was done, Spike sniffed. A small frown made its way to his face yet again. “Great now my nose is stuffy” he said in a barely audible voice, wiping away the other tear that blurred his vision. A small nudge made him turn his attention back to the unicorn before him who was still standing there, waiting for him to calm down. She smiled gently and then lifted the cloth that had been used to dry one tear towards him. “Here” she said gently. “You need this more than I do.” Hesitantly Spike looked at the handkerchief, before looking back up to the mare. This was the first time any of the train workers of Equestrian Express had ever given him any mind, let alone anypony else really. Most of the time they just walked around, then every once in frankly a blue moon they would check on their guests, had he taken a different train with a different type of crew? Shaking those thoughts aside Spike took the yellow-green aura covered cloth gratefully, before sniffing once more and smiling at the mare before him. “T-....Thank you. I really appreciate it.” “It’s not a problem dear. Do you mind if I sit with you for a bit? I’m on break for a while and well you kind of look like you could use some company” she offered. Spike once again hesitated. He knew in the eyes of this mare he was just a child but he was- is a big boy. Sure he didn’t have his big boy pants on but Spike knew for a fact he didn’t need to be treated like a child now. But before he could even get a response out, the maroon unicorn with a forest green mane and yellow highlights took the seat just next to his bag before smiling at him once more. “Sorry, you were taking too long to reply” she said with a small childish smile. Spike snorted, though it sounded a lot more congested than it should have. A faint blush appeared on his cheeks as he tried to excuse his nasally action by hopping off his seat and excusing himself to the little dragon’s room before returning to meet his guest. The caretaker merely smiled at him as the young drake made his way to the bathroom for a tissue and some loud nose honking. “So what’s a small baby dragon such as yourself doing out here?” Spike pouted for, frowning at the adult mare. "I'm not so small. I mean I'm short but I'm mature and would appreciate it if I wasn't talked to like a foal." The unicorn stalled before replying. Spike's response had thrown her off but she had to give him credit where it was due, she knew a smart kid when she saw one. "Alright then what's a grown dragon such as yourself doing out here?" she asked with another childish smile. Spike nodded his approval before replying, “I’m actually just on a small journey, trying to do a bit of self-discovery. I thought it would help me but...recently I got into a fight with a friend who was worried for me and now I’m starting to wonder if I’m just being selfish in all of this.” Spike said morosely. The caretaker sitting across from Spike also shared his frown. A few seconds of silence were split between the two before the mare dainty cleared her throat and said “Where are my manners? Names Tender Touch, but my co-workers around here call me T-T, nice to meet you” she said offering a hoof. Spike smiled a bit at the moment of kindness and reached out to T-T’s hoof, shaking it. “I’m Spike, Spike the Dragon.” After this statement Spike was quite surprised to see window sized eyes staring at him before a look of doubt began forming on T-T’s face. “Wait, hold on a second. You’re, Spike?” she asked with a hoof jabbed in his direction. “Spike the dragon?” Confused Spike nodded slowly, only for a thought to pop in his head. Oh no! Did the others put a bounty on my head?! I know Pinkie would but Twilight- “Hold on there kiddo” the mare said noticing his look of alarm. “Don’t worry you’re not in trouble or anything. I’m just surprised is all. I didn’t think someone closely affiliated with the Princess of Friendship and Elemental bearers would leave them to go on a journey on his own. What made you want to leave all that behind anyway?” T-T said with a bit of a chuckle. At first Spike didn’t say anything. It wasn’t as though he didn’t know what to say or that he doubted his decision in leaving, it was just...he just realized how much he missed the others now. Sure back in Baltimare he hadn’t had much time to write them a letter even though there were a few moments where he could have done so but didn’t due to being tired from work or something else from stopping him but now that T-T brought it up the young drake realized just how much he missed having the others around. Come to think of it...no wonder Dash had been so desperate to see me. I’m sure her and the others were just as worried if not more about my well being. Spike sighed, “I guess I just wanted some space to see what I could do on my own but...I do miss them.” He said glancing over at his bag. T-T, taking notice of Spike’s mood, went silent for a brief second, her ears drooping at the possibility of her worsening Spike’s already gloomy mood. Trying to think of something to say to change the subject both dragon and unicorn’s ears perked up at the sound of the Instructor’s magically amplified voice. “Attention passengers! We will be arriving at Vanhoover very soon, please get your luggage and any other material you brought with you ready and we hope you enjoyed your trip here at Equestrian Express.” The voice left a faint echo as Ticketmaster, an older unicorn with a mane and moustache as white as snow soon passed and began checking each cart to make sure every passenger was gathering their luggage. Vanhoover huh? Well it’s not exactly where I planned on going but it’ll have to do for now Spike thought with a bit of a shrug. A soft touch on Spike’s shoulder and the young drake looked up to see T-T smiling at him warmly. “You’ll be getting off there right?” Spike merely nodded in response. T-T nodded in return trying to think of a topic that would lift Spike’s spirits up in the few minutes they had left, then she remembered something one of her friends had told her about there being a new chef in Baltimare that had done quite a good job in serving various foods. Looking up at Spike T-T smiled. “Hey Spike, I heard down at Baltimare there was this really talented chef that made all kinds of foods and really turned around business while he was there. And well, rumors go around this train now and then and I was just wondering, you mind telling me a little something about this renowned cook I've heard so much about?” flashing him an extra grin with a bonus of toothy smile. Slowly the drake looked at the unicorn, donning a look of confusion. It wasn’t until T-T’s mischievous smile emerged did Spike realize what the unicorn was trying to do. With the faint appearance of a smile on his own face Spike shuffled in his seat before replying in a meek tone “Sure...and thanks.” T-T’s smile only widened in response before she waved the appreciation aside, “Now now go on and tell me about this cook” she said gently prodding him with her fetlock. And so Spike did just that. The rest of the ride to Vanhoover Spike spent his time talking about all the experiences he’d been through and gained while at Baltimare. And as Spike talked, he began to realize just how much he’d missed having someone to talk to. Yes, he had friends at work, but most of the time Spike only ever saw them at work. Just like everypony else all Spike’s co-workers back at Serve & Dine had their own lives to attend to outside of work. Some were part-timers, others were working there as a kickstarter for higher, better places in their culinary and cooking careers. So half the time the only ponies Spike really got to see more than a few times outside of work, would be Propeté herself and Double Serving. Regardless to say, as Spike talked and T-T listened with the occasional bits of laughter whenever Spike mentioned something silly or hilarious that had happened due to one of his co-workers or himself, the young drake had to admit. Just sitting down and talking had been something he didn't realize he had missed so much. Maybe that was one of the reasons why he never really got to writing a letter? A part of him thought as both he and T-T continued their conversation. Perhaps a part of him believed that if he actually sat down and wrote one of those letters to anyone of his friends, he would become too attached to wanting to have a conversation with them again and completely lose track of his new job and along with it, his new responsibilities. The thought was something that made Spike wonder and question if that was really the case or if he really had been just too busy to get the time to actually write to them, but as time passed on the train and the passengers grew closer and closer to their destination Spike’s conversation with T-T eventually took away many of his thoughts and concerns and made him once again feel very grateful to the unicorn for spending her time to talk with him. The two were so engaged in conversation that neither even noticed the train’s sudden lack of emotion or the rumbles that came as the wheels rushed through its tracks and gradually came to a steady stop. “Ahem” a voice said gaining unicorn and dragon’s attention, putting a halt to all conversation and moments of laughter. T-T froze when she saw her superior standing in front of the coach that both her and Spike now occupied. Glancing outside the mare cringed when she noticed they had come to a stop, and then cringed even more when she realized that her break had ended ten minutes ago and she never reported back to the superior now standing in front of them. The earth pony that stood tapping his forehoof gently on the carpet floor of the train cart gave his underling a look that conveyed the message “What are you doing?” with just his eyes, the frown spoke words that Spike wasn’t even sure he wanted to understand at this moment just judging on how this pony was looking at T-T. Always On Time was about to open his mouth to speak until Spike hopped off the cushioned seats and gave the somewhat large stallion an apologetic look. “Sorry about the inconvenience but please don’t be mad at Tender Touch. She was just making sure I was alright since I hadn’t eaten much since boarding the train. She stayed to make sure I was comfortable and we got talking so I guess we just lost track of time. I am sorry though if I ruined your staff’s work ethic though sir” Spike stated with a slight drop of his ears. O.T. as he was referred to on the train looked at Spike, taking a second to recognize him the stallion's eyes widened briefly before his frown slowly faded into a thin lined prim expression. He gave one look up at T-T with that slowly raised eyebrow that could only remind the young dragon of Applejack. It was only after O.T. saw T-T's sheepish smile and wave before he sighed. “Fine. I understand, I appreciate your apology sir, but T-T knows her break ended 10 minutes ago. She’ll be working extra for this” The stallion stated moving aside as he spoke to give passengers leaving the opportunity to move by him. Both T-T and Spike sighed a breath of relief, only making O.T. roll his eyes. “T-T, back to work once the train’s moving again and Sir Spike, if you plan on leaving I suggest you leave before Ticketmaster makes his last call.” O.T. stated before trotting down the train cart and going back to his own duties. Nodding Spike turned to get his bag only for it to be levitated towards him by the caretaker. T-T smiled at him after handing him his bag before hoping off her own seat. “Well Spike this is your stop right?” “LAST CALL FOR VAAAANHOOVER!” Ticketmaster’s voice shouted from outside the train. With a small smile Spike nodded. “Yeah, I guess this is” he said as he worked the large backpack onto his back. “Hey” T-T said nudging him gently. “Don’t make that look. It’s better if you smile alright. I know you’ve had it tough but things are bound to change here, and besides even with the story you told me it sounds like a lot of people care about you. Don’t forget that okay?” Spike nodded. T-T was right, things had been a bit tough. Leaving Baltimare wasn’t easy but here in Vanhoover he could make a difference again. Yeah it’d take time but... he’d just need to work through it, show the others he was worthy of the space they were giving him. “Yeah...you’re right” Spike said. Ticketmaster’s voice called out one more time that the train would be departing soon and Spike glanced outside the cart to see the older unicorn was starting to head back. “Thanks for staying with me and talking” the drake said as he began backing towards his exit. And once again T-T merely gave him that smile she’d been giving him since their conversation had begun. “Your welcome, take care of yourself Spike.” Feeling a lot better now Spike turned to face Ticketmaster who stood in Spike’s path towards the exit. The unicorn stared at Spike for a good few seconds before smiling at him and moving out of his way. “Have a safe journey out there sir.” Spike nodded a thank you before exiting the train. Now within the station Spike made his way through the gates towards the exit that would lead him to Vanhoover itself. Opening the doors and walking through, ponies and more ponies passed Spike by. There were so many that Spike began finding it difficult to see where he was even going. Eventually it got to the point where he ended up bumping into somepony a feat that would obviously be inevitable. Curse my short stature, “Oh sorry” Spike said sheepishly. “It’s a bit crowded here and-” Freezing on cue, something had caught Spike's eye about this particular pony. Perfectly trimmed white coat, black bow tie, golden locks, blue eyes shining white tee- Oh no. Oh yes. As if on cue the unicorn Spike bumped into turned around and looked at the young drake for a few seconds with one of slight disinterest but not the same one he had held at the Gala. No less than a second later the voice replied, “Hello...Spike, when Auntie told me there was a chance you’d be coming here I must admit I had my doubts but then again I wouldn’t pass up the chance to help my beloved aunts if I had the chance. Looks like she was right and I was lucky to just be on my way.” Said a familiarly refined voice that made Spike quite visibly look up with pain at the stallion’s face. “Prince Blueblood” Spike spoke with a mixture of slight fear and a jumble of other emotions he couldn’t sort out right now. “What are you doing here?” The prince flashed that brilliant smile of his Spike had only seen once during the Gala, and for some reason it kind of annoyed him to see it now. “I’m glad you asked Spike, you see I came here for business. Being a part of royalty myself I don’t just sit around in my home and visit the spa all day, I have duties I must attend to that my aunts and well, cousin Cadence cannot attend. Due to their busy schedules I step in for them. “So you’ll be pleased to know that I did not follow you here to bring you back to Ponyville. I was here on business.” He stated placing a polished hoof to his chest. Wow, Spike thought, feeling a bit more at ease. “Wow” he said voicing his own thoughts. “Business? What kind of business?” he asked, just now taking notice of the few gold armor covered pegasus that now joined the drake and unicorn’s side. “There have been a few issues between here and the Neigherlands. Some issues between trading goods and manufacturing timely business deals have occurred here and there also, and Auntie Celestia asked me to check up on here and see if I could do anything to fix it.” Blueblood stated. “Wow” Spike said again. Maybe you aren’t such high and mighty colt after all. “Yes well, wow as much as you like but since Auntie Celestia asked me to do something if I found/saw you I intend to do just that.” Blueblood said with a flick of his head so that he may part a bit of his mane that had been slightly blocking his vision. Spike’s calm nature dropped almost instantly. “Whoa! Wait wait wait” he said quickly backing up. “You’re not taking me back home are you?” he asked, glancing back at the station he began wondering how much distance he could put between himself, these guards and Blueblood before the chase began all over. Maybe if he threw some dirt in Blueblood's coat the stallion would freak out and the guards were scatter to get him something to clean off the mess so Spike could escape. “Of course not” Blueblood’s voice cut in disrupting Spike’s thoughts. “C’mon you can’t...wait...” the perplexed drake paused thoughtfully pressing a claw against his lips as he returned his gaze to the prince, having registered what had been said. “You’re...not taking me back to Ponyville?” Spike asked a slight waver in his voice as though he were dreaming, asleep on the train perhaps and still miles away from his destination. “Absolutely not.” Blueblood replied, in the process pushing a strand of his hair out of the way and neatly smoothing his mane back into place. “Now guards” Blueblood stated glancing over at the five pegasi royal guard members that had stood silently throughout the conversation, all now stood erect upon call. “Sir?” One of them asked. “Gather my guest here and let’s hurry and catch the next train. I’m heading to Stalliongrad next and Spike is coming with me.” Blueblood stated leaving a confused Spike to get scooped up by one of the pegasus guards. “...What?” Spike asked the guard as she lifted him up on her back, only to be left even more confused as the other guard carried his backpack and the two took off after the prince. For a good few seconds Spike said nothing merely in a daze by everything that just happened. He wasn’t going back home, but Princess Celestia had told him to do something when he was found, and Prince Blueblood wasn’t acting like Prince Blueblood so...what....what was going on? It wasn’t until a train had already pulled in that Spike managed to only half snap out of his daze and stare at the train with a reserved seat for the prince and his guards that Spike finally had to ask. “Wa...so I’m? You- You’re not? I.....what?”