//------------------------------// // Spike's goodbye // Story: Spike's Hearts and Hooves Day. // by Silver Topaz //------------------------------// Spike moved from side to side. He didn't feel comfortable so he couldn't stop moving. Spike opened his eyes when he finally realized that he couldn't feel the warm body of his new found mother, or the bed he was sleeping in. Spike got up and he couldn't believe what he saw, he was in a field full of different flowers, the Sun was high on the sky, and there were birds singing and he could also hear a river. Spike put a claw on his chin and started thinking, eventually talking to himself. "Okay there are three things that could have happened, one I'm hallucinating, two I'm dreaming or three Twilight used a spell to make everything look and sound like paradise" Spike scratched his head and to his surprise he could feel it "there's always the possibility that I'm having a lucid dream" Spike started walking a bit to see if he could find anything. Spike looked in the the distance and he saw a gazebo and under it, sitting in a chair he saw Princess Celestia. Celestia motioned for Spike to get closer. Spike after getting over the shock of seeing her and not Luna started walking towards her. Spike made it and he sat on the other chair that was available. Celestia stared at Spike her face a mix of worry and happiness. Celestia finally decided to speak "how do you like the dream Spike?... I asked my sister to make it as real as possible, and to give me some control over it" Spike stared at her confused as to why she would need to control this dream. Celestia again spoke, not letting Spike say anything "I'm not use to this... dreams are my sister's job after all and I can say it's really hard". Spike looked at her, he could tell she was struggling, but he was more amazed at the idea of being able to control a dream, it probably wasn't easy, but he wondered if he could actually do something like that. Spike kept thinking of the possibilities of being able to control his dreams until a voice regained his attention, "Spike Twilight told me you were going to the Dragon lands is this true" Spike nodded and Celestia continued "so have you discovered your destiny". "Yes my destiny it's to teach dragons about friendship and that way ponies and dragons could become friends" Spike finished a smile present in his face, his eyes filled with excitement, he looked back at Celestia hoping he was right, hoping that he finally found his purpose. Celestia sighed and stared at him. Spike notice and he got worried, was that his purpose or not. Celestia broke the silence "Spike if that is true wouldn't Twilight be a better choice, she is the Princess of Friendship". Spike thought about it and she was right, Twilight was the Princess of Friendship she would make the better choice. Spike kept thinking he knew this was his purpose and he knew Celestia agreed with which meant he was missing something. Celestia looked at Spike, who was now deep in thought, she decided to break the silence "Spike come with me" Celestia got up and she started walking into the fields. Spike got up and followed her. Spike followed Celestia to a cave at the end of the fields. Celestia went in and Spike followed her. They walked the long cave corridor until they came up to a door. Spike looked at it, it wasn't really special, it was a white door there was nothing on it, no letters, no drawings, and no colors except for white. Celestia's used her magic to open the door. The door opened and Celestia walked inside, Spike followed. They came into a long and big hallway filled with mirrors, the place looked like the door outside nothing really special, until Spike noticed something on the mirrors. Spike stared at it, he didn't see his reflection instead he saw a memory, he saw the day he was born with Twilight's magic going crazy zapping his egg and him popping out. Spike looked at Celestia who was staring at a mirror as well. Spike looked at it and saw the day Celestia had to banish her sister. Spike turned his gaze to Celestia and he saw a tear running down her face. Spike walked to her and tapped her turning her attention to him and not the mirror. "Where are we?" Spike asked confused. Celestia didn't answer however she just stared at Spike. Celestia spread her wings and she started charging up her magic. Spike didn't know what was happening he was terrified, was she going to hurt him. Spike just looked, he tried moving but he couldn't, Celestia's eyes turned white and she flew up and fired a beam of magic towards him. Spike wanted to move so bad, but his muscles didn't answer, the beam hit Spike and everything turned white. Spike opened his eyes to find that he was still there, he checked to make sure he was in one piece and he let out a sighed of relief when he found he was. Spike looked at Celestia angry that she would do something like that, the anger left his face however when he found her lying on the ground. Spike ran towards her and shook her a little bit. Celestia stood up, as Spike let out another sigh of relief. "Sorry about that Spike, it's taking all my magic just to keep control over this dream, so using another spell takes a lot of energy" Spike just stared at her he was glad she was okay "maybe next time I'll take Luna's advice and let her do this". "What did you do and where are we?" Spike was so confused. "Spike we are in the Hall of Memories and what I did you'll find out soon enough". Spike was so confused, the Hall of Memories, Spike looked back at the mirror and he saw the day of the Dragon Migration. Spike then looked at the other mirrors and he saw more of his memories. Celestia saw him and she decided to answer one of his questions "Spike I used a spell to show us your memories". Spike kept looking around every mirror showing a memory there had to have been at least a hundred. Spike to a closer look and he noticed something, to his right there were happy memories, the day he was born, the day he met his friends, and the most recent the dance with Lightning, but to his left there were the sad memories, the day his friends made fun of him for not being like other dragons, the day he screwed up in Canterlot, and most recent the day he found out the secret his friends have been keeping from him. Spike just kept looking at the mirrors, he still didn't understand why was he here. Celestia walked up to him and used her wing to pull Spike into a hug, Spike returned the hug, he enjoyed it not only because he couldn't remember the last time he hugged her, but also because he didn't feel the pain in his chest. "Spike why do you think this is your destiny, why is it better to send you and not Twilight". Spike looked at the mirrors, finally understanding "because I know what friendship truly is". Spike looked at Celestia, she didn't say anything and Spike kept going "I know that friendship can bring you happiness, but it can also bring pain and sadness" Spike again looked at her, this tim she nodded. "Spike you have experienced the good" Celestia used her wing to point in the direction of the mirrors that were showing all of the happy memories, "and the bad" Celestia did the same this time pointing to the mirrors that were showing the bad memories. Spike didn't say anything he just stared at her not even moving "Spike your friends have experienced those bad times but you have gone through it enough times to know what friendship is really like" Celestia paused "Spike friendship is a wonderful thing, it can bring joy and happiness to our lives.." Celestia paused again "but it can also bring sorrow and sadness to it as well" she finished her voice sounding really sad. "Spike you can teach the dragons that friendships aren't perfect, but they are worth forming". Spike finally understood, most ponies don't even know what a bad friend is, but Spike knew all to well. Still Spike didn't regret his friendship, Celestia was right his friends brought sadness to his life, but that was nothing compared to how much happiness each one of his friends brought. Spike turned his head "I won't let you down princess" Spike started saluting "I'll show dragons what friendship is really about and how even though it might sometimes end badly, it's still something worth having". Celestia looked at Spike and smiled. "I know you can do it Spike" Spike stopped saluting and he looked at her "I look forward to the day of your return". Celestia disappeared, Spike looked around for her but he didn't find her. Spike walked around for a bit until he found what he could only describe as the middle of the place he was in. There was a crystal ball in a pedestal, Spike didn't know what it was but he got closer. Spike reached it and he stared at it, like the mirrors it showed him a memory, a memory that he was going to hold on to forever, it was the memory of Spike and his friends after the dance, they all got together with their dates and they took a massive group photo. Spike stared at it seeing all of his friends as a group made him happy, and seeing his new friend Lightning leaning against his chest made him feel happy as well. "I'm glad I have friends" Spike got up, he looked at the memory one last time, after he finished he started walking again. Spike opened his eyes, and he smiled when he saw his mother Twilight next to him. Spike noticed it was still dark out so he decided to go back to sleep, but before he did he kissed Twilight's forehead and whispered "I love you mom, good night". With that Spike went back to sleep, knowing tomorrow was the day he said goodbye. Spike looked at himself in the mirror as he was making sure he had everything he needed. He already had breakfast and he even taught Twilight how to at least cook something. He looked at his chest the wound was still there, Spike smiled remembering what had happened yesterday and how he wouldn't change anything, well except the part were he got stabbed by a statue, but other than that yesterday was a great day. Spike walked out of his room, taking one last look inside before he left, he knew he was coming back but it still felt like the last time he would be in this room. Spike walked into the hallway and in the direction to the front door. Spike got the front door and immediately he smiled. Cadance was standing there alone with Shining Armor and Flurry Heart, Sunburst and even Starlight were there and waiting for him by the door was Twilight the mare that from now on Spike would recognize as his mother.They were all smiling at him as he made his way towards them. Cadance stepped forward "Spike I know you can do it and Flurry knows it too, good luck and be safe okay" Spike nodded and gave Cadance a hug, and she returned it. Once they finished hugging Spike looked down at Flurry Heart. Spike got on one knee so he could be eye to eye with Flurry Heart, "hey be good okay don't you go destroying any more ancient relics okay". Spike ruffled her mane which caused her to giggle happily, everyone laughed at Spike words towards the baby. Spike walked towards Shinning Armor, Shinning Armor saluted Spike and spoke in his captain voice "Equestria is counting on you Spike don't let her down". Spike saluted an answer in a way a private would do to a commander, "I won't let you or her down captain". Shinning and Spike stared at each other with serious looks, after a while those serious looks were replaced by laughing. Shinning grabbed and pulled him into a hug "Spike good luck and remember were here for you" Spike returned the hug, he was surprised since this was actually the first time he ever gave Shinning a hug. Spike ended the hug and his attention fell on Starlight who looked like she was about to cry. "Spike I haven't been your friend for to long and I'm still learning about friendship" she paused Spike surprised her with a hug. Starlight returned the hug and finished what she was about to say "Spike I'm glad you are my friend and I can't wait to hear what happens in the Dragon lands". Spike looked at her and smiled "Starlight I'm happy that you are my friend". The two of them shared another hug, with that Spike's attention fell on Sunburst. Sunburst was nervous he wouldn't consider himself as Spike's friend, they have never even talked to each other, but he was there when him and Starlight rekindled their friendship, so he was going to be here when he was going to leave to accomplish a task some would call impossible. Spike surprised the stallion with a hug, he also whispered something on his ear "hey take care of her and make her happy okay" Sunburst didn't even get a chance to talk, his cheeks were so red everyone in the room noticed. Spike laughed at the stallions reaction and at the look of confusion in Starlight's face. "Spike are you ready to go?" Twilight asked Spike, Spike nodded and walked towards her. Twilight looked behind her to see the others "I'll be back later guys" she walked outside and Spike followed. Spike stopped at the door and he looked back at everyone, they all had happy faces but Spike could tell they were sad to see him go, some more than others. Spike smiled and he waved goodbye, making sure to let all of them know that he was coming back. Spike and Twilight walked through Ponyville. They didn't look or talked to each other. They finally reached the park and they saw the others. Not only them but also Ember and another dragon. Spike looked at the other dragon he was quite large, and he had gray scales. Spike looked at Ember "why is he here". "You weren't planning on walking to the Dragon lands were you" Ember said while pointing at the dragon. Spike scratched the back of his head and he looked at his other friends. "Spike" Ember said, the voice caught Spike's attention and he turned around, "make it quick, the longer I'm gone the more problems I'll have when I get back". "Sure thing just give me a minute" Spike looked at his other friends. He saw all of his friends except for one, "where's Lightning". The others looked around for a while. Rainbow finally answered "I don't know, but I did see her brother dropping some papers at the weather station" Spike raised an eyebrow, and Rainbow continued "it was probably medical papers saying that she can't work, you know because of the broken wing". Spike looked worried. He wanted to say goodbye to all of his friends, and one of them was not here. Pinkie stepped in next "don't worry Spike I'm sure she'll make it". Even with Pinkie's words Spike still looked worried. He looked at his bag, and at the box containing the bracelet that Thunderstorm gave him. Spike sighed and looked back at his friends. They all looked at him with Applejack being the first one to speak, "Spike I'm gonna miss you, you are a good friend and some one that I cherish" Applejack paused looking at Spike, "I want you to have this as a sign of our friendship, and also as something to remember me". Spike found out what she meant by that, as she took of her hat and gave it to him. Spike shook his head, "Aj I can't take this". "Spike I want you to take it". Spike knew that Applejack was stubborn, so he wasn't going to win an argument with her. Spike took the hat and put it on. "It looks mighty fine on you Spike", Spike smiled and Applejack smiled back. She didn't look like she was about to cry, but everyone knew she cried on the inside. Spike pulled Aj into a hug and she returned it. He took off the hat and looked at it, it had her initials on it. This hat means a lot to her and she was giving it to him. "Thanks Applejack I'll treasure it forever" Applejack let go. She looked at Spike and Spike could see the happiness on her face. "Spike you take care of yourself you hear" Spike nodded and put the hat back on. With that Applejack walked back to her spot. Rainbow stepped up. She gave a small grin, and she also wanted to make this fast. She knew they didn't have the best friendship, but they were still friends and they will always be. Rainbow didn't stop flying, as she went in front of Spike "Spike I'm not good at this, I don't even know what to say". "Rainbow a goodbye is enough". Rainbow gave him a small grin, "yeah I guess it is" Rainbow hugged Spike, she was still flying "goodbye and good luck buddy". Spike hugged her back. "Thanks and good luck in the Wonderbolts". "Speaking of that" Rainbow reached into her own bag and pulled out the award she one in The Best Young Flyers Competition. Spike knew were this was going and he tried to refuse but, "here Spike I want you to have it and don't even try to say no" Spike took it and he looked at it "take it as a gift from your friend". Spike looked at the award again and he put it in his bag. "Thanks Rainbow". Rainbow usually liked to brag, but this is the first time that Spike got to see more of her true personality. Just by the sound of her words that she said, when she gave the award to him. Spike could truly see, that Rainbow cared about him. Rainbow stepped back to her spot. Pinkie came hoping next, her usual smile on her face. Pinkie didn't waste any time going straight for the bone crunching hug."Spike I'm going to miss you so much". The pain that Spike was feeling right now was unbearable. "Pinkie please stop it hurts". Pinkie let go remembering Spike's injury. "Sorry Spike". "It's alright Pinkie, just please be more careful next time". "Okay" she hugged him again, but not to tight this time. Spike hugged back as he did with the others. Pinkie let go eventually and smiled "Spike I have this for you". Pinkie reached into her own bag and pulled out a box. She gave it to Spike and hugged him one more time. Spike looked inside and saw that it was filled with cupcakes made with sapphire. His mouth started watering and he looked at Pinkie who was still smiling. "Thanks Pinkie". "You're welcome Spike". Pinkie hopped back to her spot and Fluttershy stepped forward. Fluttershy looked at Spike "Spike I um....I'll miss you too". Spike looked at the shy Pegasus and smiled. "Fluttershy I'm glad I got to meet such a wonderful pony like you". Fluttershy smiled and even blushed a little, not that Spike could see, since she hid behind her mane. "Goodbye Spike and please be careful" Fluttershy said. Spike smiled and hugged her. Fluttershy was by far the most kind pony Spike met and he was glad that he did. Spike broke the hug and Fluttershy walked back to her spot. This left two of them left, Rarity and Twilight. Speaking of which Rarity was actually making her way towards him. Rarity walked and hugged Spike. Everything that needed to be said between them was said, so they stayed quite for awhile. Rarity broke the silence eventually "Spike goodbye". Spike kept hugging her and he also broke the silence, "Rarity I'll see you at the wedding". "I'll see you then Spike". Spike and Rarity broke the hug, and she used her magic to get something from her bag. Spike was surprised when he saw what it was. "Spike you gave this to me as an act of your generosity" Rarity looked back at him "now I want you to have it as a sign of our friendship". Rarity used her magic to put it on his claw. Spike just stared at it, what she gave to him was the fire ruby that Spike shaped into a heart. It was now a necklace, Spike looked at it and he put it in his bag. Rarity caught his attention once more "Spike I'm glad I have such a wonderful friend like you". Spike smiled "thank you Rarity, I'm glad I have you as a friend". Spike and Rarity shared one last hug before she went back to her spot. Twilight made her way to Spike. His mother didn't say anything, she just used her magic to give Spike something. Spike looked at it and saw that it was a picture. Three of them the first one was the day he was born, with him in a table and Twilight looking really happy. He looked at the second, it was a group picture in the castle, they were all together even Starlight was there. The last one was the best by far, it was the picture they took after the dance. Spike smiled seeing all of his friends together really made him happy. Spike grabbed Twilight in a hug. They didn't say anything everything was quite, until Spike heard sobbing. "Twilight don't cry I'm coming back". Twilight knew he was coming back, but saying goodbye to her best friend, now son was still not easy. "Spike I love you and promise me you'll be careful" Twilight said tears going down her face. Spike laughed a little bit ,and he answered "I love you to mom and I will be careful". The others were sharing confused glances, but they didn't say anything. They knew Twilight would tell them later. However they were interrupted, "Spike I don't want to interrupt but we really need to leave". Ember was the one who said it, as she walked towards them. Spike sighed and he looked at his friends. "I'm glad I got to meet all of you, and I'm happy to call you my friends". "Wait". Everyone turned to see the CMC. They ran and gave Spike a hug. Sweetie was the one to speak "you thought you could leave without saying goodbye". Spike gave a chuckle and hugged back, "goodbye girls". Scootaloo spoke next "that's not all". "We have something for you Spike" Apple Bloom was the one who said that. "Here Spike from now on you are a member of the Cutiemark Crusaders" Sweetie Belle said, she used her magic to give Spike a cape. The cape was the same as the one's they used before getting their Cutiemarks. Spike looked at it and put it in his bag. "Thanks girls". Spike looked at the rest and he stretched his arms, inviting all of them for one last hug. A hug that they all accepted, a few sobs could be heard and some of them were crying. Applejack was crying on the inside like she usually did and even Rainbow Dash shed a few tears. Spike didn't cry however. He was sad that he had to say goodbye, but he knew that he was going to see all of them again, so he decided not to cry. Eventually they broke the hug and Spike waved goodbye. He walked towards the dragon, that would carry him to the Dragon lands. "Ponies are so emotional" Spike looked at Ember and he smiled. "I guess we are, but it's not to bad". Spike gave a sad sigh and he looked in his bag. He looked at the box containing the bracelet. He would just give it to her when he came back. "Well your probably right Spike". Spike and Ember laughed. Spike looked back to his friends and he waved one last time. They all waved back and smiled, some of them screaming good luck and we'll see you soon. Spike got on the gray dragon and as soon as he was about to take off. "Wait Spike". Spike looked In the direction of the voice and saw Lightning running towards him. Spike got of the dragon and he looked at Lightning. She stopped in front of him and she was breathing heavily. Which meant she probably ran, well she had to since she couldn't fly. "Ember can you give me a minute". Ember looked at Spike and then at Lightning. "You get two minutes just make it fast". Ember got on the dragon and she waited. Spike turned back to Lightning. "Your late". Lightning gave him a glare, letting Spike know that his joke wasn't funny. "I overslept" Spike laughed and Lightning just glared again. Spike finally stopped laughing and hugged her. Lightning hugged back "Spike be careful okay". "I will" Spike said. "Goodbye Spike and good luck okay". "Thanks" Spike smiled and she smiled back. They broke the hug and Lightning stepped back, so Spike could leave. Spike saw that she looked sad he knew why. Spike used one of his claws to bring her eyes to his. "Lightning I'm coming back don't worry okay" Lightning didn't say anything, she just kept looking at him. "Lightning I got something for you" Spike reached into his bag and he pulled out the box. "Your brother gave this to me, I think it was meant for you". Lightning took the box and opened it. She gasped when she saw the bracelet. It was one of the flowers from the cave, but it was encase in crystal. Spike took the bracelet and he grabbed one of her hooves. Spike put it on and it fit perfectly. Lightning looked at Spike, he was smiling and she smiled back. "Spike I want to give you something to". Lightning reached for the wing that wasn't broken. She pulled on of her feathers out and gave it to Spike. Spike took it and like everything else put it in the bag. Spike and Lightning hugged again, "goodbye Lightning". Spike broke the hug and got back up on the dragon. He looked to Lightning and the rest of his friends. He waved goodbye for the last time and they all waved back, including Lightning. The dragon took off and soon Spike was out of view. Lightning felt someone hugging her. When she looked she saw her brother "Lightning are you going to be alright". Lightning gave in to the hug and she had her head against his chest. "I'll be fine Thunderstorm" she sounded sad and Thunderstorm knew she was going to cry, "he's coming back after all and I have this". Lightning said while pointing at the bracelet Spike put on her hoof. Thunderstorm didn't say anything else and he just kept hugging his sister. Spike was looking in the direction of Ponyville. Ember saw this and she decided to break the silence," are you okay Spike". Spike looked at her and smiled. "I'm fine don't worry". Ember wasn't convinced yet "are you sure Spike we can turn around". Spike grabbed her claws with his, she blushed but Spike didn't notice "Ember trust me I'm fine" Spike looked her in the eyes and Ember just sighed. "Okay Spike if you say so". Ember still wasn't convinced, but she decided not to push him. Spike again spoke, while still staring in the direction of Ponyville. "Ember this is my destiny, I can't turn back". Spike wasn't going to turn back now. He needed to do this, he couldn't back down. Ember looked at him and she sat next to him. Spike saw this and put his arm around her. Ember didn't think it was a bad thing, so she didn't push him away. Spike kept looking in the direction of Ponyville. He couldn't see it since they were to far. He smiled "I'll see you guys later" Spike said happily. He was excited to see what was coming next but that was going to wait. He didn't have to worry about teaching dragons about friendship until tomorrow. So for now he was going to sleep. ///The end///.