> A Simple Story
>  by Sabellion
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Dancing the Night Away
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Come now, just one night. For me?”

“I don’t know. It doesn’t sound very...ladylike.”

“All the biggest names are going out.”

“But, we’re married and ‘hitting the club’ as you said, is not what any sophisticated individual does. Especially not at our age.”

“You make us out to be old croons.”

“I am not old.” She said, “I am merely less interested in such wild undertakings. Besides, have you seen the sanitary conditions of some of those places? Horrid.”

“Oh come on, Rarity. It isn’t that bad. You might actually have fun for once.”

Her eyes narrowed. “What are you trying to say?”

“I’m just...commenting on your dedicated work ethic. Not that it’s a bad thing, it’s just...”

“All work and no play? I’m almost offended.”

“Wounded, even?”

“Possibly.”

“Well, what do you say?”

She sighed, rolling her eyes at his extended hoof that jabbed out at her like the bow of a ship.
“Fine. For you, Silverblood.”

His face lit up. “That’s the spirit!”

“Can I at least put something on?”

“Won’t it get dirty?”

“Will it?”

“I’d assume yes.”

“Very well.”

“Alright, let’s go! The night is still young, and so are we, my dear!” He said as he pulled them out onto the street.

She followed behind him, tightness spread through her chest. She forced a timid smile and laughed as he regaled her with his previous exploits at such places. Night Clubs-it had been ages since last she went to one, and that was a special occasion with her friends. Yes, she had met Mr. Right at one of these dives, but that is beside the point.

The night was perfectly warm, a dizzy sort of orange glow as the last vestiges of the sun died away to let live the night and the bright moon that shined with a smile above. The cobblestone streets of the city began to reflect the neon lights that bounced off the ivory towers above.

If anything Canterlot had a splendid night-life. Cafes with candlelit tables were abound, and jazz clubs where her favorites played the best sort of swing songs to dance to, and bars where the most interesting elite of the city relaxed for a moment out of the limelight of the main streets.

They waltzed down through the streets to where the biggest, flamboyantly so, neon signs pointed. Selene’s was its name, cool blue and green a top sleek silver. Rarity’s eyes opened wide as a flicker of excitement tingled in her chest. Quickly though, she hushed it down and regained her aloof expression of distaste.

The line outside the door was massive, it bent around the block, but the two strolled right up to the front. The bouncer nodded at them, letting them pass without a word and the massive doors engulfed them.

The floors shook with each tremor and bounce of the music, the deep notes rhythmically struck as the music blasted alongside the lights. They stood atop the stairs that led down into the crowd that jumped and danced, overlooking it all. Silverblood nudged Rarity, leaning in close to her.

“You ready?”

Rarity, a little flustered said, “Yes. I think so. Where do we start?”

“Just, follow my lead.” Silverblood said.

He led them down into the twisting, coiling mess below. His head start to bounce in time, and they found a spot eventually that wasn’t too crowded, but still close to the front where the DJ blasted their music from towers of speakers and subwoofers, a smile spread across her face melding with the sheen of her goggles that lit her eyes up like fire.

They began to dance. At first Rarity just timidly bounced up and down, trying to find some sort of rhythm, while Silverblood positively pranced around, his gliding effortlessly across the dance floor, striding with confidence with each beat. Mares watched him-even a few stallions eyed him with envy.

Rarity huffed. He was not going to show her up, and she definitely wasn’t going to let any other mare eye her stallion. She moved up beside him, elegantly swirling around him. She groaned in her mind-it had been far too long since she was ever that flexible. A thought crossed her mind-maybe she should join that yoga class like Fluttershy had recommended to her. Never mind.

She returned to the dance floor full force, bouncing alongside him. He continued to dominate the floor, hogging all the light as a circle formed around him. Rarity found herself slowing down to just watch as he danced away, softly smiling. A sigh left her lips.

The song ended, and with a massive whoop of the crowd he stopped to walk over to Rarity as the next some came on. He bobbed up next to her, rubbing against her side, his hip bones stabbing her in the ribs.

“Having fun?” Silverblood asked.

“Yes. I’ll admit I’m having fun.” Rarity said with a sigh.

“See? Did that kill you?”

“I guess not.” Rarity said with a giggle, hold her hoof up to cover her muzzle. They swayed to the music, side by side, not noticing the three big stallions that approached them.

“Sir.” A burly pony said, grabbing hold of Silverblood’s arm. “Sir.”

“Yes, what do you want?” Silverblood said, turning to them, abruptly stopping his movements. The stallion in front leaned in, whispering into his ear. Silverblood’s face shifted quickly between annoyed to blank and finally to brow furrowing concern.

“What is it?” Rarity asked, scooting in close.

“Its-nothing. My aunt needs me.” Silverblood said to her. “Thanks.” He said to the stallions before they walked away.

“Is it really nothing?”

“Sadly no, I have to go-” Rarity opened her mouth but laid a hoof over her lips as he said, “-but I want you to stay here and have some fun. Have a few drinks, socialize. Just relax, for me alright?”

“If I wanted to relax, Darling, I’d have gone to the Spa.” Rarity said, but after he made a pouting face, she continued with, “But-fine. Just stay safe, okay?”

He nodded before she kissed him. He hugged her before walking away, but only took a few steps before shouting back to her, “If you do get a drink, tell the bartender Prince Silverblood is paying for you!”

Rarity nodded as she lost track of him in the crowd. She sighed, all of sudden she was lost in a sea of sweat and noise. She was pushed to the side and soon found herself sitting at the bar, the stylish under lit counter tops providing little comfort. She rested her head on her hoof.

“You be having anything, little miss?” The barkeep said as he walked up to her, cleaning a mug with his magic.

“Will.” she muttered.

“What?” The barkeep said, peering at her.

“It’s ‘Will you be having.’ not ‘You be having’” Rarity said.

“Okay, Miss” The bartender said, rolling his eyes, carefully over enunciating the words, “Will you be having anything?”

“A cosmopolitan, sounds just divine, sir.” Rarity said with a defeated smile.

“Will this be on your tab or-” The bartender said.

“Put it on mine.” Another voice piped up.

They looked at the source of the voice, a hooded figure who sat a little ways down from Rarity. His arm jutted out onto the counter top, cruel ebony claws wrapping around his glass. The Bartender nodded as he swallowed his spit. “Y-yes sir. Free of charge then, Miss.”

Rarity looked between the two stunned for a second, before making sure the figure wasn’t looking and beckoning the bartender up close. “Who is that? Why does he get free drinks?”

The bartender bit his lip as her drink levitated in front of her. “That one, little miss, is a dragon. If that ain’t made obvious by the claws and scales. A big shot it seems, came down with a letter from Her Majesty. Just, be careful around that one.”

“Why?” Rarity asked.

“No reason, really. I mean, he never hurt no one, but still. Gotta be careful around Dragons.”

“Does he come here often?” Rarity asked.

“He only started coming here a few days ago, but he never talks. Never has no interest in nobody.” The bartender said, before leaning in close, “I heard some whispers about him being some big hero-but I don’t know nothing solid, truth be told.”

“I believe I will go and speak to him.”

The bartender scoffed, but at Rarity’s strict eye, shrugged and said, “If that’s your prerogative ma’am”

“He has my curiosity.” Rarity said as she grabbed her drink and moved over next to him. She sat down beside him, sipping on her drink, waiting for him to turn to see her. Instead, he merely stared into the distance.

Rarity tried to get a good look at him-the awkward lighting did little to help. What little of his scales were visible shimmered in the light, incandescent; their color utterly indiscernible here.

“What’s your name?” he asked, his voice surprisingly soft.

“My name is Rarity,” She said, “And yours is?”

“Good. I just needed to make sure.” He said.

“What?”

“And you know my name.” He said. “Years may have changed me, but I reckon you’d know my face.”

“I’m sorry, I’m not following.”

“Tell me, Rarity. How have you been?”

“Do I know you?”

“Of course you do. Think.” He said.

Rarity shook her head. “I’m drawing a blank.”

“Maybe this will help.” he said as he dropped back his hood, his purple scales shining the light. Atop his head were large rounded spikes that rose up like a crown, towering over the rest of his head. His eyes were crystalline, like emeralds, his jaw drawn out, accented by the sharp lines and grooves that rose up to fin like objects on either side of his head in place of ears. He was massive though, she would have described him as thick-a little bit bigger than the average stallion.
She analyzed him a little bit longer before shaking her head in disbelief. “It can’t be...Spike?”

“Bingo.” Spike said as he turned back to his drink, sipping it quietly.

“By Celestia, Spike, how have you been?” Rarity said, hugging him. His eyes went wide in shock as he gently returned the favor. She stepped back to look him up and down again. “You’ve grown.”

“Not for the worse, I hope.” Spike said, “I’ve been good, to answer your earlier question.”

Rarity was fixated on his muscles. By Celestia, they seemed to ripple underneath that thin sheet of scales.

“You certainly look it.”

Spike smiled. “Thanks…you do too.”

He finally looked back at her. “Stare any longer and it’s going to cost you.” He said with a cocky grin.

She punched him in the arm, to which he mouthed a quiet ‘Ow.’

“So, besides abusing dragons, what have you been up to these past few years?” Spike asked.

“Why, I’ve been living here in Canterlot, working day to day…trying to get noticed.”

“That’s not what I hear. From what I’ve been told, you’re almost a household name nowadays.”

“Stop it you. I’m not that big.”

“I’m serious. I even saw your designs in Saddle Arabia.”

“What?!” Rarity said, taken aback. “When were you there?”

“About…” He scrunched up his face trying to remember. “..Six months ago? Twilight and I were doing some business for Celestia there and I had a little time off so I went shopping. Saw some suits and dresses, marked with a distinct ‘R’” Spike said, “I assumed that was you.”

“I...it probably was.” Rarity said, leaning back into her chair, “That’s amazing. Saddle Arabia.”

“It was beautiful.” Spike said looking at her.

“How’s Twilight doing?”

“Oh, she’s Twilight, you know. Studying up at the Castle at the moment for our next mission.” Spike said, “Said she was too busy to have fun. Bull-hokey I say.”

“Yeah. My goodness it's so good to see you, Spike. How long are you in town?”

The music shifted. No longer was it a deep grinding primal song that oozed through the senses, but a jazzy rock song, a little shake to it. Spike’s ear fins tilted up as he looked at the dance floor. Some of the ponies dispersed, obviously a little perturbed by the sudden change. He looked at Rarity, a smile spread across his face as he extended his hand out to her.

“Long enough.” Spike said, “Care for a dance?”

“What?” Rarity said.

“Dance. You and me.”

“Spike...”

“Please? Just this once?”

“Maybe I shouldn’t.”

“You’ll enjoy it. Stick a cupcake in my eye.” Spike said as he raised his other hand at his eye, grinning ear to ear.

She sighed, as she acquiesced to his demands. He took hold of her hoof, pulling them onto the dance floor. For a second she tried to fight the catchy beat, but found herself bouncing along to the music. She turned her head to watch Spike.
He was on fire. At first, she could see the timid stares of a few that watched him, a dragon, on the dance floor. He was thrilling to watch, and she smiled at the little snaps he would do in time with the music. His claws didn’t even scratch the floor as he danced. A little circle was forming around him and she let herself sit back. Suddenly, she was yanked onto the floor. There was a small gasp on the dance floor

“Spike!” she shouted at him under her breath, “I don’t dance!”

“Trust me.” He said.

“This is completely nontraditional! I’m married!” She said.

He visibly deflated, but shook it off as he resumed to dance.

Spike gulped as he said, “We’re just friends, right? And this-is just a dance.” he said.

He moved around her, and he took her hoof into his hand giving her a reassuring smile. Part of her wanted to fight, but as he wrapped his other hand around her waist, the thought was knocked from her mind. The tempo began to pick up. 

Tightness clenched in her chest. It had been a long time since she had actually dance like this-not since…well, her wedding a year ago. She looked up at him as he began to lead them into the song.

They stepped, twirled, span. It was impressive, to say the least. Rarity was surprised she could dance like this. Each step they took was in perfect synchronization. She laughed, as he spun her in the air. They rocked out, shaking to the music- if nightclubs always played this kind of music, that’d be perfect.

The broke apart for a second, and she followed his steps as the guitar picked up its beat. As each of her hooves kicked out in perfectly, she remembered that game Rainbow Dash always loved to play, Dance Dance or something, and thought how right now-she’d beat her at it.

Spike grabbed her, spinning her on his arm out away towards the edge of the circle before pulling her back in with a twist, bringing their faces inches apart. She felt his breath on her face, and she gasped as a tingle ran through all her muscles. She could feel how hot he was-he was an inferno of comfortable warmth underneath those hard scales, like hellfire.

The song was reaching it final throes, she could feel eyes on them. Just as it ended, he dipped her back, letting her back arch as he supported her, not even trembling as she almost touched the ground. Only one of her back legs held her up, the other was extended upward, around him, and she wasn’t even sure of how it got there. The crowd began to cheer as she looked up into his eyes.

The lights wrapped around his head, encapsulating his soft smile and raised eyebrow. Her heart jumped two feet in her chest.

But the song changed, and quickly he brought her back up before leading them off the floor and to a table. Flustered, Rarity fixed her hair as they sat down. Some thoughts ran back to her.

“How was that?”

She tried to find the right word, ignoring some of the alarms flashing in her head. “Amazing?”

“Consider that slight repayment for missing your wedding.” Spike said.

“It’s fine, dear, really.” Rarity said. A quiet lull ran between them.

“See? You had fun. I kept my promise.” Spike interjected.

“Yes.” Rarity said, “Yes you did.”

Spike smiled, his sharp fangs gleaming. They stared at each other for a few moments.

Rarity! What are you doing! Flirting with another man when you’re married! I’m ashamed of you.

It’s just Spike. It’s nothing of consequence.

You know what he’s like, Rarity.

It’s been awhile. Maybe he found someone else?

Her wits were starting to return to her. “My question is,” Rarity said, “Where did you learn to dance, Spikey-wikey?”

He grinned as he said, “I have a lot of time off in between missions.”

“For a lovely dragoness you found?”

Spike seemed to lose his footing for a second as he blurted out, “No-no, I haven’t found anyone.”

See? He still wants you.

I noticed.

“How come you never came back?” Rarity asked, trying to appear a little hurt.

Spike looked down.

“I’m sorry.” He whispered.

“For what?”

“For not coming back.” Spike said, “I should have, but….never mind.”

“What is it?” Rarity asked.

Spike waved his hand. “It’s nothing.” He said.

What does Applejack say? Horse-fetters? Never mind.

Stop being so harsh on him.

“So, I was wondering, did you two get my little invitation?”

“To your wedding?” Spike said, faking a smile “…of course.”

Nice one, Rarity.

“I’d normally be a little upset by you two not attending, but I understand the importance of your missions.” Rarity said, trying her best to be comforting. “What were you two doing at the time?”

“Ummm….Investigating claimed sightings of changelings to the south.” Spike said, after a moment.

“How did that go?”

“Fine, I guess.” Spike said

“Did you find any?”

“No, it looked like it was just some timber-wolves.” Spike said.

“Ah.” Rarity said.

She looked at the clock. He followed her gaze. His fingers tapped his knuckles before he said, “What do you say we get out of here?”

“I guess that sounds fine.” Rarity said, before stopping herself from standing up completely.

“What?” Spike asked, “What is it?”

“We should probably leave separately.” Rarity said.

“Why?” Spike said.

“Spike, Darling, some ponies might talk.” Rarity said. Her face fell. “They probably will already.”

“Let them talk.” Spike said, “It doesn’t mean anything to me.”

“That’s because you don’t live here. I’m a married mare, Spike, if word gets out that I left a club with another man, much less a dragon…”

“Oh.” Spike said, nodding as his eyes hit the floor. “I see.”

Reeeeal nice. Most people already treat him like some-sort of monster, I’d expect. Good job, enforcing the stereotype…and you say you have class.

“You know what? Never mind what I said.” Rarity said, “Let’s go.”

He looked back up as she took hold of his hand and led them towards the exit. She stuck her head up high, ignoring the stares. Spike kept an awkward grin across his face, waving to a few ponies as they reached the door. Everypony watched with intense curiosity, and as they stepped outside, it seemed only crickets dared to make themselves known.

They left the club, the wet sidewalks glimmering in the city lights. They got around a corner, away from the prying eyes before they stopped, laughter bursting forth out of them.

“If they weren’t talking before, they definitely will now.” Spike said.

“It’s not like we had drinks at the bar.”

“On my tab.”

“And then danced...”

“Yep.”

“And then talked by candlelight.”

“Fake one at that. Did you notice?”

“Of course I did, darling. I also noticed the stares.”

“You’re gonna have a blast explaining the rumors to your husband.”

“Maybe.” Rarity said with a smile. They looked up at the stars before silence spread between them.

“So….You look famished.” Spike said. “Want to grab something to eat?”

“I’m fine Spike.” Rarity said, as her stomach growled. She giggled nervously.

“Uh-huh. Come on. When was the last time you ate?” Spike said as he led them into the streets.

“I think we may have done enough tonight, Spike.”

“I’m not suggesting we sit down or anything. We can just swing by someplace and pick you something up.”

“Fast-food, Spike? I’m a lady. I do not eat fast-food.”

Spike rolled his eyes and shook his head as he looked around. “Is Donut Joe’s still open?”

“I think so? I don’t know.” Rarity said, “Isn’t it a bit...late for getting donuts?”

“Nonsense. Donut Joe serves almost 24/7.” Spike said.

“It’s almost Midnight, Spike.”

“So?”

“Who has donuts at midnight?”

“You’re telling me you’ve never had a late night doughnut binge?” Spike asked, with surprising sincerity. 

Rarity raised her eyebrow. “No...?”

“Then you have not lived.” Spike said, “I think it’s time to illuminate that little failure in your life. My treat.”

“I guess that sounds lovely.”

Spike glared back at her for a second. “You said you use that word to describe things when you’re trying to not be...harsh.”
“You remember that?”

“Of course. Trust me though. This stuff is good...Hmm...I wonder if he still serves his gem donuts. Those were the best.” Spike said.

“Where is this ‘Donut Joe’s’ anyways?”

“Should be right....here.” Spike said as he pulled them around a corner. “Donut Joe’s, oh, how I’ve missed you.”

“More than me?”

Spike tripped over his feet, but kept walking as he regained his composure enough to say, “No! Not even close.”

Rarity smirked. “Good.”

Yes, just tease him. That’s just perfect.

Shut up! I don’t need your permission. Besides, he knows it’s all in good fun.

The bell above the door rang loud and clear as they walked into the shop. A bulky stallion stood behind the counter, with another lankier pony at his side, whose eyes went wide in horror. He nudged the bigger pony, who turned, peering for a second before saying, “Spike? Is that you?”

“Yes it is, Joe.”

“SPIKE!” Joe said, throwing down his apron. He whispered to the assistant at his side. “Go get a few donuts ready.” He came around the counter as Spike walked towards him, and they hugged. “Goodness, man, you’ve grown. It’s good to see you again.”

“And you as well.”

“And who is this?” Donut Joe said with a bright smile. He nudged Spike with a waggle of his eyebrows as he said, “A lady-friend?”

“We’re just friends.” Rarity said as Spike smiled nervously.

“This is Rarity.” Spike said, “I believe you two met a few years back after the Grand Galloping Gala.”

“Oh, that’s right!” Joe said, “Then on the train a little while later. I’d almost forgotten about you!”

Joe extended a hoof out as he said, “Well, any friend of Spike is a friend of mine. What is your name, again, miss?”

 “Rarity.” She said as she met his hoof with hers.

“Rarity. What a beautiful name for a beautiful mare.” Joe said as he kissed her hoof.

Joe returned behind the counter as he said “Now, what can I get for you?”

“I think a dozen donuts will do.” Spike said, “Make three of them gem donuts, if you can.”

“For you? Anything pal.” He shouted back, “Hey, Marcelo! A dozen!”

He turned back to Spike. “So, what are you doing back in town? I heard you were made…a special agent in Her Majesty’s Royal Service.”

“I was. Twilight Sparkle and I have been doing jobs here and there across the kingdom.” Spike said.

“How’s that gal doing?”

“Fine, as always.”

“Still studying?”

“Of course. What else would she do?”

Behind Joe his assistant toiled away, perfectly icing each doughnut with precision and care. He sprinkled gems on top of three of them, before tossing them into a box. He tossed it onto the counter.

“Here you go!” Joe said, “And since you are a big hero, and a good friend, this one is for free.”

“Thanks.” Spike said.

He leaned over the counter and whispered something to Spike rolled his eyes and shook his head. “You come back now, alright, miss?”

Rarity smiled politely and nodded as she said, “Let’s depart, yes?”

Spike nodded and opened the door, waving goodbye before they hit the streets again.

“So, where do you live now?” Spike asked.

“This way.” Rarity said as she walked forward into the night.
> Illusions
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

 “Do come in, just make sure to wipe your feet of on the mat, dear. Don’t want to track anything nasty all over my carpets, now do we?”

Spike complied, wiping his feet off as he looked around the massive house. He whistled, his head leaning all the way back to see the roof.

“Nice. How did you afford a place like this?” He said as he stepped into the house. Rarity motioned her hoof at a counter top where he could lay the box of donuts he carried.

“Well. Having a husband be a member of the Royal Family does come with some benefits.” Rarity said.

“Right. Tell me more about this guy. You said he’s royalty?” Spike said as he set the box down, opening it to reveal the riches inside.

“Well, a great-grand cousin or something of Princess Celestia.” Rarity said, “You don’t want to get him started on that lineage of his, but he is related to the crown.”

“Interesting. This isn’t that Blueblood guy you met at the Grand Galloping Gala, right?”

“No, but that is his younger brother.” Rarity said, “You should have seen him at the wedding, he was livid, whining the entire time. A peasant, marrying into the family?” Rarity acted out his posh mannerisms, flinging her hoof over her forehead

Spike chuckled as he said, “What’s his name?”

“Silverblood.”

“Hmm.” Spike said, “You want a donut?”

“I guess.” Rarity said, levitating one out of the box, sniffing it.

“Rarity, it’s good. Just try it-you might like it.” Spike said.

She nibbled on the end, letting the taste stew in her mouth. Her eyes widened.

"This is…” Rarity said, “Amazing!”

Spike simply smiled as he took a bite of his donut as well.  “Say, you have anything to drink?”

Rarity’s face scrunched up as she said, “Water, tea, Silverblood might have some beer...and wine.”

“Wine and doughnuts?” Spike said, “Strange combination if you ask me.”

“Sometimes strange combinations work.” Rarity said.

“Mmm,” Spike hummed in agreement, “Yes, yes they do.”

“Should I fetch the glasses then?” Rarity sang.

“I can do it if you want me to-although I don’t know where they might be.” Spike said.

“Oh, don’t worry, dear. Allow me.” Rarity said as her horn began to glow.

Across the room glass cabinets swung open, accompanying the clink and clank of crystalline glassware and the signature slide of wood against bottle.

“A white wine might go perfectly with this, don’t you think?” Rarity said as the top popped off, the sparkling clean liquid glogging its way into their separate containers. She clinked them together before sending one spiralling off towards Spike. “Sweet, creamy, aged well.”

Spike caught it in his hand, raising it to admire it in the light, winking at Rarity as his sight descended back to the conversation. They nibbled on doughnuts and sipped their wine, laughing and exchanging stories.
Soon only crumbs remained in the box, and the first bottle of wine was already gone, quickly replaced by another of a darker variety-Spike could not remember for the life of him what it was, having never really been drunk before.

“Spiiiiike….” Rarity moaned out, as she hobbled over to him. “I’m cold.”

“Then allow me to warm you, my lady.” Spike said as he shot a quick breath of flame towards the fireplace. Rarity curled up beside it, spreading herself across the thick soft carpets, rubbing her back into it, nudging her way into a comfortable position. She closed her eyes as Spike looked on.

“Spike,” Rarity said, “My back is still cold.”

“I could light it on fire.” Spike said, but before Rarity could fully twist herself around to face him, he was already above her, hands supporting him as he lay over her. “Or...I could join you.”

She didn’t say anything. She just looked into his big green eyes, murky and twisting with effervescent care and...she couldn’t dare think it. A smile spread across his lips as he descended to her side, his warm scales rubbing against her.

Something inside told her to fight, but instead she merely relaxed, sighing as his arms wrapped around her, pulling her into beautiful, warm bliss. The world was so fuzzy and comfortable, so perfect.

They spoke, but she couldn’t remember what about. He played with her mane, twirling his claws through their soft locks as he whispered sweet things into her ear. Perfect things. How he had dreamed of her every night, how he always felt so lost and alone without her. He sang to her in that perfect tenor voice, so sweetly.

She was looking him in the eyes now. There was something deep inside of them, something that she felt only pity for. He drew her in closer, and closer. She could feel the immense heat of his breath on her neck as he nuzzled it, gently kissing her nape, before his eyes lidded and sparkling met hers as he came in for the final blow.

“Spike?” she whispered.

He pulled back briefly as he said, “Yes?”

“What are we doing?” Rarity asked.

“Being in love.” Spike said as he tried to close the gap between them again.

A spark lit in her mind, an engine firing itself up after spending too long in the dark. She pushed him away.

“What?” Spike asked.

“Is this what this is about?”

“What are you talking about?” Spike asked.

“This. What is this?” Rarity said, as she tried to stand. He helped her to wobbly knees and shaky hooves. She walked away from him, sitting down on the nearby couch. She looked back up at him as he sat down beside her. “Please, just...tell me what this is.”

“I don’t know what you want me to say.” Spike said.

Rarity sighed as her hoof rubbed circles into her forehead. Her mind raced to catch up with her, playing back the memories of the past few hours in her head. Disbelief shook her-how could she have let it-

She shook herself awake as she looked back down at Spike.

“What am I doing? Cuddling, by a fire!” Rarity said, “Eating doughnuts, which you bought, after dancing the night away? What am I doing?”

“You don’t want this?” Spike said, his face briefly twitching.

“I am married, Spike.” Rarity said. “I can’t do things like this. By Celestia, what have I gotten myself into?”

“Hey, you were the one that went along with all of this.”

“Only because you insisted, Spike!” Rarity said, noticing as his hands began to clench. “I shouldn’t have…”

“Shouldn’t have what?” Spike shouted, “Flirted with me? Danced? Known me?”

“No, Spike-I didn’t-”

“Then what, Rarity? Am I not what you want in a stallion?” Spike demanded.

Rarity’s mouth hung ajar as she looked him in those terrible irises.

“Everyday for the past five years I’ve been thinking of you. Working in every way to make myself exactly what you wanted. You may have not noticed, but I listened to everything you said to me. Strong, courageous. A dancer and romantic, willing to go the extra mile to make you happy. Muscular, but not a body-builder. Generous, funny and spontaneous.” Spike shouted. “Is that not what you wanted?”

“Yes! But-”Rarity stammered.

“Then what is it? Is it that I’m not like you? That I’m a dragon, not a pony? A nightmarish monster? Do I disgust you now, Rarity?” Spike asked, his voice dropping to be like metal scrapping through rock, “With fangs, claws and scales?”

“Spike, no! It’s nothing like that.” Rarity said. “I just-”

“You just what.” Spike screamed. He slammed his fist into a table, sending a vase crashing to the floor, the glass flying through the air as he shouted “YOU JUST WHAT!?” 

Rarity backed away from him, clinging to the wall. Her eyes were wide and white trembling like glass in an earthquake. His were black as night, tightened into terrible slits. 

His chest was heaving. Her mouth hung open, breathing heavily as she slid down towards the floor, away from the looming mass of muscles above her. Spike’s face dropped as he backed away, his pupils shrinking back to their more ovaloid shape. He began to hyperventilate, looking at his hands in shock.

“I’m sorry.” He faintly whispered, eyes glistening before he dashed towards the door.

Rarity shook her head, as she watched him run away. “Spike!” she yelled after him, “Wait!”

But he was already out of the door. Running through the sudden rain, as each drop slammed into him like punches and jabs of pitchforks, his mind suddenly aflame with the horror of what he had done. He swore to protect-he swore to obey-to love-to-

He went tumbling, crashing into the steel canisters that lined this shadowy alleyway, their putrescence staining the air. He decided to just lay there. He could hear his voice shatter through his mind, telling him he deserved to stay there.

Luna’s moon broke through a crack in the thunderstorm. The silver liquid tapping his face when another tapped his shoulder. He turned his head around, and she stood before him, a concerned smile spread across her face. He returned the favor for a brief second as he hobbled to his feet.

“I’m a monster.” Spike said. “I shouldn’t have gotten angry like that.”

Rarity didn’t say a word as she wiped away the grime that covered his scales. She then reached out from behind her and pulled a small object glistening in the rain towards him. He peered at it for a second before the light finally caught it.

A gold necklace, a fire ruby the size of his fist burning in the center, shaped like a heart.

“You gave this to me long ago.” Rarity said, “It brought the best out from you-take it.”

He reached out and wrapped it around his neck.

Rarity said, “Now, come on, lets get out of the rain.” She turned and walked onto the sidewalk, but he remained, the rain slapping against his scales as he looked down at the gem in his hands.

“Rarity.” Spike said, “Wait”

“Yes, Spike?”

“I love you.” Spike said as he looked back up at her.

“I don’t what to say to that, Spike.”

“Your feelings haven’t changed?”

“I-what?” Rarity said.

“Do you love me?”

“Spike. I’m married. Despite what I may have done tonight, I will always love my husband. We had something once-and we are still friends. Isn’t that good enough?” Rarity said.

Spike glanced to the side as he choked out, “I thought…”

“You thought what?”

“I thought tonight changed things.” Spike said.

“Did you honestly think that after all this time, after I found somepony else, after all of this a simple conversation would change things?”

He couldn’t look at her.

“Tell me Spike! What did you think would happen?”

“I don’t know, Rarity!” Spike shouted, “I...I don’t know...”

The way he said it hurt the most. His voice strained and struggled past the lump in his throat that he kept trying to restrain. She should have been angry, her chest should have filled with fire. Instead, she wanted to rush over to him, hold him close, tell him that she was sorry.

But she stayed. How could she move?

“Spike....” Rarity said, reaching her hoof out, voice near inaudible behind the steady pounding of the rain. His pained face, hiding in the shadows let loose streams as his broken heartstrings bled the blues.

He couldn’t see, could barely breath, and with each drop he shivered as the dragonflame in his heart died away. Cold seconds of silent sound filled not with her voice but only with downpour wracked his ears

He felt a hoof touch his face and raise his gaze from the ground. She was standing in front of him, inches away, mane soaked, her sapphire eyes adorned with sympathy.

“Rarity...” he whispered, “I’m sorry...for everything.”

“Spike…”Rarity said, putting her forehead against his. She felt him stir, and she opened her eyes to see him pulling her face towards his. She pushed him away.

“What in Tartarus?”

“I’m sorry. It seemed like the-”

She shook her head, wiping her mouth although their lips had not touched. She looked down upon him as though he were a criminal, a traitor.

“After all that talk of being sorry.”

“I’m sorry, Rarity, I just-”

“I gave you the benefit of the doubt more than enough, Spike. Just…get out of here.” Rarity said. “I can’t believe how selfish you are.”

“But-”

“But what, Spike?” Rarity said. “I trusted you! I gave you a second chance, and what do you do? What do you do?!”

Each word crushed him down lower and lower.

“Go…leave. I can’t deal with this right now. I’m not even sure I want to see your face again.” Rarity said, shaking her head. He looked at her, as a scolded dog would. “Go!” Rarity shouted.

Spike didn’t even feel his wings unfurl before he was already in the skies. The rain and tears blurring into nothingness, just void, just light. Just illusions.

> Homecoming: Part I
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Through the ebony bars that held the window together, he could see the twinkling lights of the stars dancing in the sky. He’d spent so many years watching them, but now they swirled in the most alien fashion imaginable. The wind whistled through the tiny room, through the scraggy canyon outside, grumbling and groaning. He tried to rub his wrists and see into the deep dark that surrounded him but the oppressive shadow crashed around him, making even his eyes ineffective.

His breath came in heavy gasps, his ears betraying drops of water for great crashes of footsteps or glinting beads of moisture which clung to the walls as eyes or great teeth like steak knives. He began to tremble, as the unique but unshakable feeling of being watched crawled up his neck. His scales itched, slick with the blanketing heat and humidity.

There was a clang from in front of him as the dull red glow of a torch made the once hidden door appear. The jangle of keys, and twisting lock echoed in his head and he furrowed his brow.

With the creak of rusty steel the door swung open, revealing three massive hooded figures. The one on the right lit the torch in the room, before remaining motionless as the center figure approached him.

“What clan are you from, Dragon?” he said, squatting down, his snout stick out from underneath the shadows that wrapped around his head.

Spike popped his neck, bracing against the chains that held his arms backwards, locking him on his knees. The figure grabbed his chin, and a low growl emanated from Spike’s throat.

“What. Clan.” He spit.

Spike clenched his teeth. “I don’t know.” He said

“You don’t know? How do you-“He stopped himself. “Ah. I see. You work for Celestia. Clan-less.”

He said the last word like it should have stung Spike, but he merely stared into his dark red eyes, like blood.

“I should just kill you, Clan-less.” He said, “But you might provide for me some useful information.”

He turned towards the guards at the door and said, “Get that damn unicorn in here.”

“Yes, Sir.” One said, as he turned and tucked out from the door.

The dragon in front of Spike laughed as he said, “You know, despite how much I hate them, those Unicorns do have some interesting magic. Useful too-enough to spare a particularly talented one. We caught this one a while back, and you should have seen him squirm.”

He leaned in close. “Now, he’ll make you squeal.”

“Torture then?” Spike spat.

“Only the best kind.” The dragon said, as he spun away from him, the signature clopping of hooves clacking down the hall.

The unicorn was thrown into the room, his silvery fur drawn taught around his bony frame, supporting the greasy tangle of a mane that swung around his head, and scratched the floor from his tail. His green eyes had a glaze over them, and his face was crestfallen, mouth slightly agape, providing only a simple nod as the dragon pointed at Spike.

“I’m sorry.” He wheezed, as his horn began to glow. Spike felt like his head began to expand, as suddenly he became lightweight and his eyes rolled back into his head, embracing him in sweet darkness.


-------------- X -------------


Her eyebrow shot upwards as she hummed a little tune to herself, tapping her chin with her hoof.

“Ah! Now I see. It’s too bright,” Rarity said as she stamped her hoof down. Immediately the fine work before her disassembled itself. “I daresay, some black is required for this gown.”

She bounced over to her barrels of bolts, briefly rummaging through the chaos before pulling out a beautiful silky sheet. She held it up to the light, humming again. She leaned to her side and said, “What do you think, Opalescence?”

The old cat rolled its head to look at the cloth before meowing with dull bravado and snuggling itself back into a curled ball of fur, purring in the sunlight.

“You’re too right, Opalescence.” Rarity said. “It’s perfect!”

Rarity ran back over to the garment, cutting the cloth quickly and replacing the old seams, buttons, laces, and hems. She stopped to admire her work. Not complete, but it was shaping up very well-give it another day, and it’d be perfect.

She looked at the time. 3 o’clock. Two whole hours earlier than she had expected. She looked back at her unfinished work-maybe she should go and finish what she had started, but yet, she felt compelled to just leave and call it a day.

It was a Tuesday, after all, not many customers would be coming in today and she had been toiling endlessly the past two weeks; so she decided to head towards the crystalline store front and flip the little card sign over, and lock the door.

A long exhale left her lungs as she closed her eyes, quickly planning out the rest of the night. Head home, eat out, probably at Astrance, and then attending the opening of the newest gallery at the Museum of Fine Arts, perhaps a little soiree with some friends, and then bed.

Yet, from behind her there was a knock.

“We’re closed, dear!” Rarity said.

“Rarity! Open the door!” she heard an all too familiar voice scream out as the knocking resumed, with great vigor.

It can’t be….

“Twilight?” Rarity stammered as she twirled around, only to see her old friend standing by the door, glowing in the bright light of the day. She rushed over, quickly unbolting the door. “Twilight, darling, I was just getting ready to head out-”

She was interrupted by Twilight throwing her hooves around her neck, almost knocking her off balance.

“I-I didn’t know where else to go…” Twilight struggled to say, as she began to sob into Rarity’s shoulder.

“What happened?” Rarity asked as she stroked her mane, “Darling, talk to me.”

“W-we were up n-north and…” Twilight said, but her voice fell away into incoherent sobbing. Already the hot tears dampened Rarity’s coat, spilling out of Twilight’s red and puffy eyes.

“Shh, shh, it’s okay.” Rarity cooed, but felt Twilight shake her head. “Tell me what happened, Twilight. Did something happen to you?”

Twilight shook her head again, as she broke into another fit of hysteria.

“Then….” Rarity’s voice trailed off as she looked up, the dots connecting together in her mind. “Where’s Spike?”

Twilight tried to bury herself further into Rarity’s chest. Yet, Rarity pulled her away so she could look her in the eye.

“Twilight? Where’s Spike?” Rarity demanded.

“He’s...he’s…” Twilight said.

“Lost?”

Twilight shook her head.

“Injured?”

Twilight shook her head harder.

“...dead?” Rarity whispered.

“Don’t say that!” Twilight shouted, as she dropped her face into her hooves, “He can’t be dead.”

“What happened?” Rarity asked, once more.

Twilight took some time to compose herself, before her silence ended. As she sniffled and snuffed, holding back the snot that plugged her nose, and wiped away the now nonexistent tears and fought against the pounding headache, she spoke;

We were up North. Celestia sent us to deal with a territorial dispute with the Dragons. Spike went along with me, and everything seemed to be going perfectly well until…

We were standing around the table in the conference room, inside a humid and hot cave. The table surrounded a small fire, and the dragons squabbled between one another. Spike was silent the entire time, just standing by my side and nodding in agreement with whatever I had to say.

I tried to calm everyone down, but you know how Dragons are. Violence was inevitable. One of the groups attacked first and before I had time to collect myself, there was blood in the air. Screams and roars echoed as fire escaped their mouths, but Spike...he fought to protect me.

Eventually one group began to win-the radicalist who brought their numbers to this meeting, anticipating this sort of reaction. They chased us down. We ran through the halls, tripping them up every chance we could.

But we were cornered. Spike turned back towards me, and told me to get out of there, as he threw me into a little alcove, and diverted our pursuers. I didn’t even have time to react, I just winked back to Canterlot. Celestia said she’d handle it and sent her troops over there.

Twilight began to cry again, but her tears were spent and her face merely crumpled up. “That was two months ago...and they just got back.”

"I didn't tell you because I thought there was hope, thought there was something but...but..." Twilight's voice croaked and faded.

Rarity’s gaze fell to the ground as the reality of the world slammed against her like water against rock. She tried to comfort Twilight the best she could, yet one though prevailed above all. Spike was dead.


-------------- X -------------


“How long do you reckon you’ll be gone for?”

“It’s a memorial service, Silverblood, so a few days. Maybe more.”

“A few days?”

“By Celestia, Silverblood, one of my best friends died. The girls will need me. Twilight will need me.”

“Alright, fine. Be safe…I love you.”

Rarity stood on the train platform, staring into the distance, her mind caught in the ethereal haze of memories of the last day and all the time before that. The empty wind howled around her, blowing the clouds far above away, dusting off the cement of the hollow station. It carried the metallic screech of brakes and persistent chugging of the heart of the engine down the tracks and soon the train hissed to a halt.

She stepped on as the conductor shouted out their next destination. Ponyville. Her bags were stored away by two helpful ponies who led her to the front of the train, to a car where Guards stood at the ready.

She passed by them and into the little room, fine furnishings and elegant designs gracing every surface. If this was any other occasion, she would have let herself bask in their beauty, surrounded herself in their flawless design, but instead she merely sat on one of the little couches and stared out the window.

The door opened as Twilight stepped through-no, the Princess did, and Rarity let out a small gasp. Her head was held high, a stoic expression smeared across it. Her steps were deliberate, and poised. Yet everything about the Alicorn seemed just too strange, too off-like clothes three sizes too big.

The mask of Twilight Sparkle had faded away into this regal being, and Rarity trembled to see her old friend sit across from her and to stare into those commanding, empty purple eyes.

“Rarity.” She said, with the pleasant coyness you’d expect from two nobles passing on the street.

“Your Highness.” Rarity responded, automatically, with what little of a bow she could muster from her current position.

Twilight opened her mouth as if to protest, but sighed as she leaned back into her chair. She gazed over her shoulder as a distant yell cut through the morning air and the train sluggishly came to life, pushing them slowly away from Canterlot.

“How are you?” Twilight said.

“I’m fine.” Rarity said.

“Good.” Twilight said, “Dreadful weather.”

“Terrible.” Rarity said.

“Spike liked flying in this type of weather.” Twilight said.

“Yes,” Rarity said, “Well, I wouldn’t really know, it’s been years since I last really saw him but…” Her words drowned away in the constricting tightness of her throat.

Water. I simply need some water. Rarity excused herself for a moment as she stood and poured herself a small glass of cool liquids and sat back down again.

“Who is going to be there?” Rarity asked.

“Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, of course.” Twilight said, “Cadence, my brother and the princesses will be there too. I believe Applebloom and Big Macintosh are going to be there as well.”

“My sister is coming, but she might be a bit late last I heard.” Rarity said.

“She’s coming in from Manehattan, correct?” Twilight said as she looked back at Rarity.

“Yes.” Rarity said.

“I saw her not too long ago when I was there for a visit. She’s become quite a star, hasn't she?” Twilight said.

“Yes, actually.” Rarity said, “Working from some big record label over there. She had a concert with Sapphire Shores.”

Twilight nodded as she turned her gaze away once again. A harrowing stillness filled the cabin, the constant clickety clack of the train tracks the only sound that reached their ears.

Rarity jumped as Twilight said, “I’ve been meaning to talk to you about something, Rarity.”

“Of course, darling. What about?”

“Who else?” Twilight said.

“What about him?” Rarity said.

“Two years ago, we were back in Camelot for a little while. Enough time for Spike to go off and try to chase you down.” Twilight said. She looked back at Rarity and said, “Did he find you?”

Rarity stopped herself before swallowing and shaking her head, biting her lip gently. “No, he didn’t.”

Twilight hummed as she turned back to the window. “I’m sure you already know, but he was crazy about you.”

Rarity didn’t respond, letting her gaze fall to the floor.

“I don’t mean to make you feel bad or anything, Rarity. But, besides me, he cared about you the most. I think he'd want you to know that,” Twilight smiled as a tiny chuckle left her chest as she said, “You know, often when we're on an assignment we’d have a little time off here and there, and he’d go off by himself. I tried to ask him where he went and he just said ‘on walks’”

Twilight laughed, her eyes twinkling, as she said, “One time though, I followed him. Do you know where he went? A dance studio! He was just dancing around, and for the next few days afterwards I’d find him in his room just copying the movements, eyes closed, humming to himself.”

Twilight wiped a tear from her eye as she shook her head, still smiling, “I asked him why he was taking dance lessons-he was redder than an apple and he said ‘for no reason’”

Twilight let out a sigh as she looked up towards the little chandelier that hung from the roof. “Good times.”

Rarity nodded and smiled, briefly catching Twilight’s eye. “Remember that time he turned into that big dragon and kidnapped you?” Twilight said, “That was an adventure.”

Rarity again nodded as she looked over her shoulder to see the station drawing up quickly towards them. Rarity said, “Our stop is coming up.”

Twilight nodded as she stood, regaining her royal composure. She then stopped for a second and said, “We might have a...warm welcome. Be ready”

Her head held high, she exited the train as it screeched to a halt. The doors opened, and fanfare and yells met them. It seemed the Princess could not go anywhere without making some sort of noise. Rarity smiled and waved, a few of the ponies recognizing her.

At the end of the pathway there were four faces that Rarity so dearly missed, smiling, ever so gently like the breeze. Fluttershy maintained her composure the best, while Rainbow’s jaw was clenched to the degree where it could cut through Iron. Applejack’s eyes were red, and Pinkie was an absolute mess, her hair ten times more frazzled than usual.

They gathered around each other and hugged. Small whispers passed between them, but Rarity didn’t hear a single word. She simply basked in the effervescent glow of friendship. Her throat was already sore as she let old memories flow back into her mind, to pictures of six happy ponies and a little green dragon at their side.

How beautiful it would be to go back to then.
> Homecoming: Part II
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“What shall we do today?”

He smiled, the curve of his fanged teeth glinting in the sun that poured through the panes of glass, illuminating the motes of dust that clung so happily to the air. He place his hand over the hoof that ran across his shoulder before she leaned in and kissed him on the cheek. She then sat across the table from him as he said, still grinning, “I don’t really know. We could go take a walk by the gorge, or get some books from the library-maybe see a movie. Eat at Horatio’s for dinner, pop by Applejack’s or something else entirely.”

Her blue eyes shimmered as she playfully said, “Anything else?”

“As long as it is with you.” He said.

“Such a gentlecolt.” Rarity said.

“I try.” Spike said, “So, what do you think?”

She hummed for a brief moment, letting the thoughts simmer like wine for a moment before saying, “I think it would be fun to spend the day around town. Seeing everyone.”

“As you wish.” Spike said, standing. 

They gathered what they needed before he offered to take her hoof, guiding her out the door. It was a beautiful day outside-just perfect. That sky was a deep blue like the taste of the sweetest cake, the hills like a breadbasket, warm and glowing. A day that you’d just want to just bottle up and store in the attic for a rainy day.

Across the town they went, waving to all the ponies they cross, who in turned smiled and waved back, passing small talk about the weather or how they were doing. The little café workers moved like wristwatches, carrying glee on their shoulders as the street vendors called out like birds, singing their wares.

Spike stopped for a moment, placing down some bits as he grabbed some flowers, handing them over to Rarity. She sniffed them in and placed them in her saddlebags. The library was first-they knocked on the door and as fast as river rapids Twilight was at the door.

“Twilight!” Spike said as he hugged her.

“Good to see you Spike.” Twilight said, wrapping her hooves around him. She lingered there for a moment longer, before turning to Rarity and hugging her as well. She asked, “What brings you around to see me?”

“Oh nothing, just dropping by to say hello really.” Spike said. “It’s been awhile since we’ve seen you.”

“It’s only been a few days.” Twilight said.

“Far too long, darling.” Rarity said. “How goes your work?”

Twilight smiled as she said, “I haven’t been doing much really recently. Princess Celestia’s been busy, but she says that she can handle the politics, and so, I’ve just been here these past few days.”

Spike and Rarity nodded with each other, briefly flicking their eyes at one another. “Well, why didn’t you say so?” Spike said.

“Yes, Twilight, you’re more than welcome to join us today while we go see Applejack, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash.” Rarity said.

Twilight’s eyes lit up. “Really?”

“Of course!” Rarity said. “Come on! Let’s go!”

Twilight closed shop quickly before trotting behind the two, following them across the green and gold fields to Sweet Apple Acres. To their surprise, everyone was already there.

“Just a little more now!” Applejack shouted, standing on the far side of the others as they tugged and pulled the last wall up to the side of the new barn. Fluttershy coordinated her army of beavers, foxes, a bear, and a myriad of other wild creatures.

They strained and struggled before finally, it rose to the top. Immediately, Rainbow Dash smashed the nails in with her hooves as everyone else moved to secure the rest of the wall to the ground. As they cheered and wiped their brows, Pinkie Pie noticed the three coming towards them, and tackled them. She was stopped, much to Spike’s relief, by Twilight’s magic, which held her in place.

“Oh my goodness! It is so good to see you! It’s been like a day!” Pinkie Pie said as she calmed enough to hug them all. Spike laughed, as behind her the others approached, except for Applejack, who was busy setting up refreshments.

They exchanged their greetings and how-do-you-do’s, before Applejack whistled for them to drink up some cider for all of their hard work. They lay upon the rolling fields of green that glowed and glowered with the ethereal sunlight that hung around them as a warm, dizzy blanket that kept the world in a haze.

As they talked, and laughed, Spike felt content. Just, as though nothing could ever go wrong. A world without imperfection lay around all his sides, sprawling out in infinite seas of mirth and cheer. He nuzzled Rarity, mindlessly paying attention to the story Rainbow told about her adventures with the Wonderbolts once more, her daring dives and doings that would put anyone to shame. Yet, there was still a job to do now, and he lent his hand in painting the sides of the barn alongside Rarity, and Pinkie Pie. Paint covered all his scales, as did a healthy layer of dirt, grime, and sweat but it was good. It all felt like it belonged.

Like, for the first time he belonged.

And, as all thing in which one has pleasure in doing, it passed all too quickly, and they were forced to say their goodbyes. They walked home, following the path the sunset laid down for them, walking like priests across the sacred stones of their hometown, bowed over not in devotion but out of sheer exhaustion.

“I love you, Spike.” Rarity said, as they collapsed onto the bed, forsaking showers, too much time and energy, and right now, those silken sheets were calling soft, warm and true. Rarity coiled a hoof around his chest, as she whispered, “Today, was a good day, wasn’t it?”

“Yeah.”

“If only everyday could-“ she yawned, “-be like this.”

Spike smiled, nodding as she smacked her lips and fell asleep upon his chest. He let his neck rest as he too fell into a deep slumber, the cool purples and pink of twilight, swathed in the tiring light of fading blue hour took him into shadow.

He didn’t open his eyes, feeling sore and covered in dirt and grime. He whispered to Rarity if she wanted to shower first, or if he could. He didn’t feel her strewn across his chest, and instead he heard distant hissing. She was probably already in. He decided that it would be best if he began his day too. He stretched-but he couldn’t. His arms were locked in place, above him.

He struggled to open his eyes. There was no silken sheets above- not even the pale ivory wood or soft calls of birds. Here, no there was no beautiful pony, here there was no warmth, save that which he brought himself. Instead, in this cell where the grey dust, thick with forlorn abandon clung to stains of dark brown blood across the walls, there was only himself; only chains that cut into his wrists, bruises and broken bones that ran across his body. He was alone.

His mouth was ajar, as he began heaving air in and out of shattered lungs, as he felt the tears burst out in great sobs and trickle down his face, washing away the blood and filth that clung to his scales, he could only think one thing.

Why did he have to dream?


-------------- X -------------


Rarity imagined it was raining. It wasn’t, but still, she felt there should be at least some sense of poetic justice in what they were doing. Instead, the wind just billowed through the open grass, shaking the summer leaves. No, the skies did not cry that day. Yet, there were weepy faces around her as she sat still in her seat.

She was honestly a little surprised by the turnout. Over there were the Princesses, all four of them, with Prince Shining Armor at Cadence’s side. Of course Rarity sat in the front of the crowd, with Applejack at her left and Fluttershy at her right. Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie were sitting beside Fluttershy, and behind them there was the rest of the Apple Family, and Mrs. Cheerilee, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo, and so many other faces, she recognized the Cakes and the foals at their side, Pound and Pumpkin.

My how times have changed.

The idea dawned on her in a sort of round about way, how the only way she could have noticed all the growth, all the difference of the past six years have made through the death of a dear friend, as though his passing renewed purpose in all of their lives.

Still, the service had yet to begun and ponies chattered amongst themselves quietly, respectfully, and slowly. A dull sense of peace loomed over her mind, she had forgotten just how beautiful the slow talk of the little towns were, and how chaotic her own life was back at home.

This is your home. 

Not any more.

Ponyville will always be here for you, even if you won’t always be in Ponyville.

Rarity grimaced. She didn’t like those kind of realizations, no matter how bittersweet. She felt a hoof pat her back and she turned towards Applejack, who held a comforting smile for her. Another hoof wrapped around her as she looked towards Fluttershy, and they laid their heads on one another for a brief moment.

“I wish we coulda seen each other in better times than this,” Applejack said.

Rarity nodded.
“Still, I guess we make the best with what we have, right?” Applejack said.

Fluttershy nodded as they broke apart. She looked over to Applejack and said, “I’m going to miss him. He was so cute and adorable…”

“When was the last time you saw him?” Applejack asked, wheeling herself towards her, “Cause the last time I saw him, he was near taller than a pony!”

“I know,” Fluttershy said, “But he was cute and adorable still. He was just a baby dragon.”

“Once, long time ago, Fluttershy,” Applejack said. “He was turning into a might fine stallion, or dragon, I guess. Helped me put up and repair the old barn, maybe three years back, remember?”

“Yes.” Fluttershy said, “He helped me with some of the Animals then too, while Twilight and I talked.”

“He had wings then right?” Rainbow Dash said as she leaned over.

“That’s right.” Applejack said, with a nostalgic smile. She then looked down, wiping an errant tear and said, “I’m gonna miss him.”

“Me too, AJ.” Rainbow said, “Promised to go flying with him one day...”

Pinkie was silent, her frizzled hair lay flat today, deflated. Rainbow Dash turned towards her to comfort her, trying to make her smile, and lewd jokes aside, it didn’t seem to really work.

“You haven’t been saying much, Rarity.” Applejack said.

“What’s wrong?” Fluttershy said.

“Nothing, girls, besides...well, I’m going to miss him too.” Rarity said. 

“When was the last time you saw him?” Applejack asked.

Rarity looked up at Applejack, and watched as her dulcet green eyes twisted into slitted orbs, full of anger and jealousy and wrath, before they turned back to normal. She shook her head quickly as she said, “Uhh, when I was still in Ponyville.”

“That must have been what, five, six years ago?” Applejack said.

Rarity nodded, “He came by my shop before he left with Twilight.”

Applejack nodded and said, “I understand, Rarity. Still, it's mighty surprising you didn’t see him, since you’re living up in Canterlot and all.”

Rarity said, “I guess. I have been busy dear, with all the-”

She was cut off as a horn began to sound, its note long and mournful as Celestia stood to take the pulpit. The ponies snapped straight in their chairs, and into dutiful silence as she gazed across them.

“Equestria has lost one of its bravest defenders, and today we are here to commemorate and celebrate that life. For that, I wish to thank each and everyone of you for coming here today,” Celestia said, “Ponyville was Spike’s home for much of his life, where I’m sure many of you grew to know and love him as a trusted friend and assistant….”

Rarity nodded as the world faded away into nothingness around her. How she wished that the last time she saw him was so long ago. At least then, no pain would have to come out of this.


-------------- X -------------

“Twilight!” Spike yelled up the stairs, turning around in a circle, “Twilight? Where are you?”

“Down here, Spike!” she yelled. Spike whisked around as he began to walk towards the basement. The entire library and house was clean, sparkling and smelling quite like a mixture of oranges and pool water. Spike was careful not to knock anything over as he stuck his head through the door.

“What are you doing down here?” Spike asked, looking around the room.

“Just cleaning.” Twilight said.

“Twilight, the new librarian said she’d take care of it.” Spike said.

Twilight puffed out some contemptuous air as she lay down the boxes she was shuffling around. “I know...but you shouldn’t even be talking, Spike. You’re not even finished packing.” Twilight said.

“Yeah, I am.” Spike said, “Thats why I came down here. To ask if I could go out for a second.”

Twilight smiled as she shook her head, “Sure, I guess. I do have to ask though, where are you planning on going?”

Spike fully entered the room, twisting his claws in in his hands as he sheepishly looked away from Twilight. “Just to say goodbye.”

Twilight’s eyebrow arched up. “You can say goodbye to everyone when we leave tonight.”

Spike rubbed the back of his head as he said, “This one is special though.”

“Is it Rarity?” Twilight asked.

Spike jumped back and shook his head vehemently, “N-no! Of course not.”

Twilight rolled her eyes. “Fine, but don’t do anything stupid, okay?”

“I’ll try.” Spike said with a smile as he ran out the door.

“Whatever am I going to do with you…” Twilight muttered as she went back to rearranging and cleaning.

Spike meanwhile, was basking in the cool warmth of the day. It was that perfect time of year when the leaves were just beginning to cook in the dying summer sun, and the air was a perfect brisk, stirred by a lazy afternoon breeze. The fillies and colts played their last in the streets and parks and gardens, soon they’d have to run outside wearing heavy coats thrust upon them by cautious mothers, and instead of throwing frisbees they’d pelt each other with snow balls.

They called out to him, asking him to come play, which he did for a minute or two, playing catch or tag for a brief moment. He would then say his goodbyes and continue walking into the center of town, where a large and beautiful building stood, towering over its neighbors. 

Spike felt his steps line themselves with lead, his stomach drop into his intestines and his heart leap into his throat. He could hear each heartbeat as he stopped outside the store, placing his hand over the doorknob.

He nodded to himself as he exhaled sharply, before twisting the handle and walking in. The little bell over his head rang and Rarity appeared from behind a corner, her head held high as she sang out, “Welcome to the Carousel Boutique, where every garment is chic, unique, and magnifique! I-”

She stopped to open her eyes and smiled as she said, “Spike! How wonderful to see you!”

Spike smiled and said, “I’m not interrupting anything, am I?”

“Of course note, dear.” Rarity said, “I’ve just been designing my newest ensemble! Care to look?”

Spike nodded as she led him back into her grotto of fashion and creativity. He always loved to she her work, and he had to admit that she looked amazing in those red spectacles of hers. She pushed him over to a closed curtain before standing aside and saying, “Prepare to be amazed!”
She pulled on the rope to reveal an absolutely stunning work of art, a white dress of gleaming magnificence, shivering, shifting like the stars in the night sky. Spike smiled as he said, “Its amazing, Rarity!”

“Oh, Spike, thank you.” She said as she stood beside him to admire it. She leaned her head into his arm for a second before readjusting herself and saying, “So, what brings you here?”

“Old times sakes, I guess.” Spike said, “Just wanted to see this place one last time.”

Rarity sighed as they looked around the room, nodding. A dull silence swept in between them. Rarity then looked up at Spike and said, “I’m going to miss you, my spikey-wikey.”

“I’ll miss you too, Rarity.” Spike said as he turned towards her, grabbing her hoof.

“Ponyville won’t really be the same anymore, will it?” Rarity said, “Losing its librarian and signature dragon…”

She hugged him. Spike then said, “Ponyville will always be here, even if we’re not.”

She nodded as she pulled away. She then smiled and said, “So when are you two leaving again?”

“In about four hours. We’ll be taking the train to Canterlot and then from there probably we’ll get a pegasus escort to Manehattan and then, well, I don’t know what happens then.” Spike said. 

“How long will you be gone for?” Rarity asked.

“For as long as the Princess needs us.” Spike said, “That might be one or two years, or maybe five or six. I don’t know.”

“Will the missions you’ll be on dangerous?” Rarity said.

“Most likely.” Spike said, “Thats why I couldn’t let Twilight go alone.”

Rarity grimly nodded. Spike then said, “Its also why I came here today, Rarity.”

Her eyebrow perked up as he brought his other hand to her hoof and looked her straight in the eye. He didn’t say anything at first, just merely gazing. He then bit his lip, as the words he wanted to say gnawed through his stomach.

“I just, well, you see, I...” Spike said, “You know what I”m saying?”

Rarity looked up at him as a little grin spread across her lips. “I think so. Maybe you should clarify it just a little bit though, Spikey-wikey.”

Spike throat constricted “Its difficult to say,” he whispered out. 

“Then how about this, Spike. Hold on to it-next time we meet, I’m sure you’ll be able to say it then.” Rarity said.

Spike grinned and said, “Yeah, that’ll work.”

“Until then though…” Rarity said, “I’m so glad to call you my friend, Spike”

They hugged each other, and Rarity felt a small bit of liquid trail onto her head. He was shaking now, silently. So often was he the statue, and she the weight that it was beyond her to not join in on his weeping. After a moment, they split apart, and she ran her hoof across his cheek, and he nuzzled into it.

She led him to the door, for one last hug before he stood outside, staring up into the crystalline azure. He then turned around and smiled, as he said, “I realized something, just right now.”

“What's that?” Rarity said, leaning against the door frame.

“It’s cliche, but true.” Spike said.

“What is?” Rarity asked.

“Home is where the heart is.” Spike said as he leaned in and kissed her on the cheek. Rarity was taken aback, but felt her face flush red as he smiled and waved, walking away. “I’ll be home someday!”

Rarity rolled her eyes as she closed the door behind her-it was just like that dragon to be all sentimental and then cocky just a second later. Her hoof then absentmindedly raised to touch her cheek and she smiled.

She couldn’t wait for him to get back-and she had ideas already for her next ensemble.


-------------- X -------------

Sweetie Belle was singing now. Rarity smiled, her little sister always had the most beautiful voice. It was a quiet acapella piece, sung in that throaty sort of way- not full of artistic beauty of operatic qualities. No, this was the mournful cry of the heart, the sing-song of the lost, and the anthem of the parted.

There was a question, she asked in every verse of the chorus. Rarity couldn’t help but wonder what it meant. She shivered, her lip trembling-somehow each time those words whispered into her ears, she felt something in her heart stir.

Instead of letting it out though, she pushed it down. Forcing her aching eyes to obey, her constricted throat to relax. She had to bite down on her hoof-and quickly it faded into numbness. She felt somepony pull her arm away from her, and looked to see Fluttershy holding her hoof, rubbing where the blood began to spill out, ever so lightly. 

The question was asked again. Will the circle be unbroken?

She didn’t know. The audience hummed the chorus notes. Yet, while she felt that she should feel some sort of closure, all she felt instead was the void in her chest.

-------------- X -------------


Rarity watched as Applejack’s mouth moved. Each strand of saliva connecting her teeth sparkled as he mouth contorted and shifted, enunciating each syllable that escaped from her lips. She was almost yelling something now, her throat vibrating as her eyes widened, her eyebrows arching up as a beggar raises their hooves to the passerby.

To her side, she saw Twilight stir. How curious, Twilight’s hoof was now waving in front of her face, trying to signal something, or someone. She noticed how there were tiny bags under her eyes, strained wrinkles at the corners and tiny red capillaries that ran across the gleaming surface of her eyeball. 

“Rarity!” Twilight yelled.

“Oh, sorry dear,” Rarity said as she shook her head. Twilight relaxed in her chair as she wrapped a hoof around her glass. Rainbow Dash laughed, as she began to imitate Rarity’s deadpan, and the darkness that surrounded Pinkie turned a shade lighter before crashing back down.

“What were we talking about?” Rarity asked, to no one in particular.

“I was just saying how fancy this place is,” Applejack said, “Normally don’t come here that often.”

“I think its nice.” Fluttershy said.

“Fluttershy, everything is nice to you.” Applejack said.

“Oh, I’m sorry.” Fluttershy said hiding behind her hair.

Applejack rolled her eyes. “Pinkie, you haven’t said a word, what’s wrong, sugar?”

Pinkie Pie shrugged as she said, “I’m just waiting for my food.”

Rainbow Dash grimaced as she put a hoof over her shoulder, hugging her close. “Don’t worry, Pinkie, everything’s gonna be just fine.”

She tried to nod. “Did we already order?” Rarity asked.

“Umm...yes?” Rainbow Dash said, “Where were you?”

“Leave her alone, RD” Applejack said, “She’s probably stirred up about everything thats been happening.”

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes and went back to trying to cheer Pinkie Pie back up, making ridiculous faces. Fluttershy turned towards Rarity and said, “I hear you’re doing well in Canterlot.”

“Yes, I’ve been working on a new ensemble,” Rarity said, “It’s based around-”

“How’s your husband?” Rainbow Dash asked, “You never write about him.”

“He’s fine, I guess. Just busy with work and all.” Rarity said.

“Isn’t he royalty?” Applejack said.

“Yes.” Rarity nodded, “A great-grand nephew of Celestia, on her mother’s-”

“Does that make you technically related to Twilight?” Applejack asked.

Rarity and Twilight looked at each other for a second. Twilight thought about it before nodding, sipping her drink again. This time though, the cup was empty. She tried to pour herself another glass, only to also find the bottle empty. She waved her hoof lazily in the air.

A waiter strolled up to the table and with a quick bow said, “I shall fetch you another bottle right away, your Highness. The chef also wishes to extend his apologies to you, but he insists that only his best work be given unto the Princess and her friends.” With that, he briskly turned and walked away.

“You already finished the bottle, Twilight?” Applejack said.

Twilight mumbled something, and then proceeded to play with the glass in front of her. 

“So how long are you gonna be in town, Rarity?” Applejack said

“I don’t know, honestly,” Rarity said, “While I want to stay a little longer, a part of me also wishes to just get back to work in Canterlot.”

“I understand,” Applejack said, “I have a feeling that I’ll be getting a lot of work done this week.”

As she said that, the waiters appeared carrying plates of delicious food to them. They lay each entree down, poured each of them a glass of wine from their private reserves, hand picked to match their dish, before leaving.

Twilight didn’t even look at her food, instead taking a drink from her glass. The others slowly chowed down, before Rarity finally looked down at her food. She noticed a little circle of sauce wrapping around it, broken by a little sprig of lettuce, purple and green.


-------------- X -------------

Rarity turned the key as the lock clicked into place. The door swung open vacantly into a mausoleum of plastic and memories. She walked in, flicking on the lights and the room flickered to life a moment later.

The white tile floors were dusty, as were the mannequins that plastered the far wall. The furniture was wrapped in white plastic, like ghosts. Rarity walked straight past them and up the stairs. 

Her hooves moved by memory, and she found herself back in the room she once called home. Her bed lay under a polymer veil, and with the simple use of her horn, it disappeared, unveiling the grand blankets and sheets. She threw herself down across the sheets and stared up into the designs above her.

She could feel her muscles ache, her eyes strain and quiver in the evening light, but instead of sleeping she measured and counted each breath, and thought of nothing at all really. 

The curtains draped over her, and she followed the shadows they made until…

Is that?

Rarity stood up, her head arched upwards at an awkward angle as her horn began to glow. A fly swatter flew towards her and she held it up, poised to strike. As it came whistling down, it missed its mark.

The fly buzzed away and landed on a wall. She took her time to walk over there, making sure her hooves made no noise. Step by step she made her way over and then-

The doorbell rang. Startled, she yelled down that the door was open. The door creaked and was slammed shut. Rarity held her breath, listening to the quiet clop of hooves crossed the floor, stopping for a moment before making their way up the stairs. She looked back at the wall-the fly had moved. She began searching around for it, fly swatter in hoof.

Whoever it was then knocked at the door to her room. “Rarity?” its voice said-although it was tired, blown out, like a candle’s last breaths before dissipating. It nudged open the door, and Rarity glanced to see Twilight Sparkle standing in the frame, emotionless.

“Twilight!” Rarity said as she stood upright, “A pleasure to see you.”

“What are you doing?” Twilight asked.

Movement, 2'o clock, She swung down with the force of a hammer, but missed. The fly just moved lazily to the side.

“Just dealing with a minor situation.” Rarity said.

“Was that a fly?” Twilight said.

Rarity, bewildered said, “Yes, of course, Twilight. I thought you of all ponies would recognize a fly when you saw one.”

Twilight shook her head and scoffed, “No-I meant-nevermind. I need to talk to you.”

“Well you are dear, or is this about something specific?” Rarity said as she looked around again, low to floor. “It’d be ever so helpful if it were, as the topic of discussions is a rather dull discussion in the first place.”

Twilight’s face was a mix of bemused and surprised as she said, “What? Are you okay?”

“I’m fine dearie!” Rarity said as she slapped the wall, cursing under her breath when no squashed entrails remained, “Just peachy. how about you? I’m sure all of this terrible business has been quite difficult.”

“Yes.” Twilight said, as she looked down, “It has. I came here to talk to you, about, well, you know.”

Rarity laid down the fly swatter, the magical hum of her horn dying out as she turned towards Twilight. A bittersweet smile spread across her lips. She nodded as she said, “What about it?”

“I don’t know. I guess I do, but it's just-you’re the only one who’ll understand, I think.” Twilight said, 

“What’s on your mind?”

“I just feel lost, if that makes sense.” Twilight said as she looked past the floor, “How does the world keep spinning, when it all just feels hollow?”

Twilight looked back up at Rarity in silence. Rarity mouthed the words ‘I don’t know’ as she shook her head. Twilight went back to beyond, her eyes glazed over as she walked over to the window.

“Ponyville hasn’t changed a bit hasn’t it,” Twilight said, “I see the same old ponies walking around, talking, eating...living.”

She turned away from the glass. “Even this room is exactly as I remember it, exactly like how he’d remember it.”

Rarity nodded.

“Do you think his last thoughts were of this place? Of all of us?” Twilight said, “Of you?”

“I don’t know,” Rarity said.

“I guess we never will,” Twilight said, “But, what I’m trying to get at is how nonchalant everyone is. All smiles and laughs-even Pinkie snapped back to her usual self after we ate. Everyone, but you and I.”

“What do you mean, dear?” Rarity said.

“You’re my best friend, Rarity.” Twilight said, “I know when you’re upset. You can hide it from everyone else, but not from me or the girls.”

“I guess you’re right.” Rarity said as she too walked over the window, her hooves sore from standing on the floor in one place. “I just feel guilty, he always fancied me but here I am, married to another stallion, and now I feel a little empty without him.”

“I know you saw him.” Twilight said.

“What?” Rarity said, turning towards Twilight.

“Two years ago.” Twilight said, “I know he saw you then.”

“How?” Rarity asked.

Twilight shuffled for a second before pulling out twinkling gem, the evening sun catching, its reflected rays dancing across the room like fire. Twilight bounced it in her hoof, weighing it before she offered it to Rarity. After a moment she let her hoof catch the gilded gold ruby, staring at its magnificence.

“He came back with that. I tried to ask him where he got it, but he was silent. I knew though-it looked just like the one he gave you so long ago. I never asked again where it came from, I knew enough from how he carried it.” Twilight said.

“And how did he carry it?” Rarity asked.

Twilight looked up and said, “As though it were made of lead.”

“How did you get it?” Rarity said, as she laid it down on the tabletop to her side.

“He gave it to me, about a year ago. He said he didn’t like looking at it anymore,” Twilight said, as she nodded, choking and hiding her face, “I think he would have wanted you to have it.”

“I...I don’t know what to say, Twilight.” Rarity said as she looked back at it.

“You don’t have to say anything. Its closure for me.” Twilight said,  through clenched teeth. “I should probably go. I’m tired.” 

“I understand.” Rarity said. They hugged each other before Twilight sluggishly stumbled out of the door. Rarity saw her walk outside, staring up into the sky as the first stars began to glitter in the twilight. She sighed as her wings unfurled and she jumped into the skies.

Rarity turned back inside. Only the cool blue of the dying sun illuminated the room, casting dark shadows. It was beyond quiet, disturbed only by the occasional buzz of a fly. Her eyes darted down as it landed on the gem, and with a quick smack, it was no more.

She lifted the flyswatter off the gem to find its still twitching body lying on top of the red crystal face. Rarity looked out the window one last time as she levitated some paper towels to her side. 

> Expect the Worst
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

He snapped open eyes.

It was dark now, and the rain slammed against the cold metal on all sides of him, carried by wrathful winds which sought to send its sludge under his scales. He coughed, grunting as his hand instinctively wrapped around his sides.

He traced his finger along his ribs, again just counting where he could feel them separate and one where it fell back into him. He remembered what Twilight told him; if it was a punctured lung, he would have already been dead by now, but still...he curled around it as he stood up.

He stumbled over to the door, each bounce matching the endless vibrations and clicking that rumbled beneath his feet. A particularly rough jolt almost sent him crashing to the ground but his arms clung tight to the solitary bar on the side.

He cracked open the door, only for the torrential rain to spit in his face and the howling wind to hurtle through the car, screaming. Distant lights flashed through the spaces in the trees, their eldritch nature beckoning to him.

He coughed, as he closed his eyes.

When you’re lost, or alone, just think of me. Your heart will show you the way. The bonds of friendship will never fail you.

“Twilight…” Spike whispered, “I hope that spell of yours is still working.”

Something inside him stirred. He knew he’d have to get off soon. She wasn’t that far away. Where was she? This didn’t look like any part of Equestria he’d ever seen. Maybe it was just because it was the pitch black of night, and the storm failed to yield precious glimpses of light and noise.

Spike leaned out from the train car, trying to look ahead, through the streaming shadows. The trees stretched away, twisting through the bend of the tracks. Branches scratched against the side, some scratching his face and making him turn away.

He felt a massive stirring in his chest and was compelled to jump, and so he let go, tumbling away from the train. He was flung through the forest, smashing through the underbrush before collapsing into the wet grass. He struggled to stand, his muscles spasming and screaming as he stood. His shook his head, trying to remove the pained daze that clouded his mind.
Far in front him the lights twinkled. He began to run towards them. He sank into the wet, spongy grass and mud as he ran, clutching his sides. He grunted and forced his way through, when the sudden realization grasped him.

This was Ponyville. The same cluster of houses he knew so well as a child fallen under the veil of stormy darkness. For a moment he questioned why she would be here, but it fell away as the first crack of lightning illuminated the little town.

He stumbled past the thatched rooftops, briefly glimpsing into the golden glow of the homes where ponies lay about, smiling and laughing. He shook his head, trying to conjure the magic that would take him home one more time.

She had to be in the library, he thought, as he began sprinting, his feet taking him where he needed to be. He came to the old tree, placid and mystical as always, and pounded on the door. Minutes passed, and he kept slamming his fist into the wood, trying to get some sort of response.

“Twilight!” He shouted out.

He felt his scales stand on end as the air became heavy. He looked up, just to see lightning strike down beside him, slamming him into the ground. He felt the sickening crack run up from his chest and warmth began spread through his abdomen. He coughed, feeling dark liquids fly from his mouth. It was hard to breathe, to even think.

Yet he was once again on his feet. He repeated Twilight’s name in his head over and over, trying to figure something out. He could feel his right lung become heavy and his breath refused to enter the clogged pathways. Thirty minutes at most, he figured, before he’d be dead.

He couldn’t see straight anymore. Couldn’t even think. Yet he felt his heart tug him towards a familiar building. Yet as he slammed into the door, he felt himself grow faint. This was the end. He wished he could see Twilight one last time, tell her he’s sorry for dying on her.

There was one other thing too-he wanted to see Rarity again. See her beautiful face, lose himself in those eyes one last time. Just hug and hold her, one last time, and of course, to apologize for everything. If there was an afterlife, maybe he’d see her there.

He slumped into the door, his legs failing him. He wanted to tell her he was sorry. The sound of the rain died away, and the darkness disappeared as light surrounded him.

As the ground rushed towards him, he opened his eyes one last time, her white coat, purple mane and soft smile took hold of his vision, and he realized he wasn’t dying. He was just going home. Everything else just floated away.


-------------- X -------------


She moved with rigid haste, each step measured and heavy. She tried to look in a rush, but stay out in the weather as long as she could. Something about the slicing water that bruised her skin felt oddly wonderful.

No one joined her on the streets for longer than a few seconds. Even the guards had a hard time maintaining their collected expressions. Unease bloomed in her chest as she kept walking. There was something wrong in the world, beyond the rain.

Rarity thought about it, a wicked sense of paranoia creeping up on her. She saw shadows move behind her, and her eye was glued backwards when a pony followed her for just one too many block before turning away.

She zigzagged through the city, running, from what, she couldn’t imagine. She just felt something watching her, the unshakable feeling of being followed. She decided to run home. Silverblood would know what to do.

Dodging the rain and the cold, she ran up to her door, rustling for her keys before bracing the handle to find the door unlocked. The wind swept through, slamming the door into the wall. Rarity stood there, bewildered as she stepped into the darkness of her home.

Her heart thumped against her ears, and each breath was warm and loud, heady in the silence. Realization struck her as she observed everything around her, splayed out like a crime scene.

She was calm, stoic as the rock face in the storm, as she kept walking. She strolled past the bottles, past the stains on the floor, the half eaten plates of food, across the carpets that had splattered crimson strewn across it like velvet blood, to the door that creaked open, the subtle change in air pressure blasting through her hair, carrying an unmistakable stench. She took a deep breath, letting it fill her nostrils.



She turned on her hoof and walked back the way she came, past the picture frames and memories, ignoring the hooves that struggled to catch up to her before she was already out of the door again, her umbrella unfurled to shield off the battering that slammed into her once more.

“Back so soon?” the conductor shouted to her from behind his cheerful moustache, before checking the tickets of a small mousey couple getting on the train, nuzzling each other. She felt herself get whipped around, a messy Silverblood standing before her.

“Rarity, listen, you have to understand-”

“I do.” Rarity said.

“Then-”

“I’m just going back to Ponyville for a little while, to get myself back in order.” Rarity said.

“So you’re not mad?” Silverblood asked, his head held awkwardly back on his neck.

“Well. I’m not sure I would say that.” Rarity said as she stepped onto the train. She turned around and said, “Expect to hear from me.”

He reached out to grab her, but the train began to move and the doors slid shut, putting his face into the circle of glass and bronze as she slid over to a seat. The train car was almost empty, except for the couple that boarded earlier, several rows behind her.

She like hearing them talk, although often she could only hear the dull mumble of their voices, but she caught glimpses of their lives, and when a lull in the conversation came she let her mind go blank.

There was a hiss as the steel cage wheels came to a halt. Rarity stood and walked off onto the platform, the mist wrapping around her head like a cowl. She walked through, not really seeing the stained wood or the bright paint, until she heard her name.

“Rarity?” 

She looked to her side, eyebrows furrowing in as she realized it was Sweetie Belle beside her, running up to hug her. She realized it was very quiet now, and though she heard no words she knew what Sweetie Belle had asked her.

“What are you doing here?” She said, and Rarity looked down at her knees-they were shaking and she felt something fall down her face-and she wondered if it was raining. No, it was too hot for rain, and then suddenly everything was damp and soft, dark except for the tinges of white where the light came in.

What has happened to you, Rarity?

I don’t know anymore.

Sweetie Belle stroked her mane before pulling her head away from her chest. Again she asked the question, and Rarity only said, “There was a change of plans.”


-------------- X -------------

The days passed, and after a week staying with their parents, Rarity again pushed open the door to her old studio, but now it blossomed with life again. Sweetie Belle was, true to her word, taking care of things for her. She set her things down and settled in before Sweetie turned to her.

“Just relax and lay low for now, Rarity.” Sweetie Belle said, as she brushed Rarity’s mane. “I’ll work my magic.”

Rarity smiled a thanks, as she felt the brush tickle her scalp repeatedly. She watched it moved through her hair like water, shining and falling around her head.

“I’ve always loved your hair.” Sweetie said, as she leaned down to stare at her through the mirror. “I got dad’s hair, you know, awful sometimes.”

“You have his voice though too.” Rarity said as she lay a hoof over her sister’s. “I was always envious of it.”

Sweetie Belle shook her head as she said, “Maybe, but you got the good looking genes.”

Rarity blew a raspberry as she said, “We both got the beautiful genes. I may have gotten a little bit more….”

Sweetie Belle laughed, as she put the brush down. She looked up at the clock on the wall, and sighed. Rarity turned around in her chair to look at her.

“Its getting late, and sadly, I have to go.” She said, “Are you sure you’ll be okay here by yourself? I can make Mom or Dad stay over here, or something.”

“No, I think I’ll be fine. I’ll keep myself entertained until we get this mess sorted out.” Rarity said.

Sweetie Belle nodded, and a dull silence of understanding met between them. She hugged her older sister one more time before biting her lip and walking out the door, yelling back their customary ‘goodbyes’ and ‘love yous’ that they shared.

Rarity closed the door behind her, bolting the lock and turning back into the empty corridors of her own home. She found her way to her couch, flicking on the little television and mindlessly flipping through the channels.

She found a program about gryphons, and let it sit there. The narrator droned on and on, needlessly flourishing the strange passages between the interesting footage, and Rarity could only let her mind wander aimlessly. She thought about nothing in particular, yet as the credits popped up on the screen, she could recollect nothing of the past hour.

She turned it off, sitting in the darkness of her living room, the sunlight that filtered through the curtains turned a deep blue as sapphire and strange soft shadows. She looked over the old memories that still clung to hearth, the happy eyes that condemned her from their brass and golden frames.

She became uneasy-she could feel them watching her. She tried to shake it off by grabbing the suitcase that still sat beside the door, hauling it upstairs and tossing it on the bed. She threw it open, immediately letting her magic take control and sort the clothes, essentials, and other little things she brought with her. Drawers and closets swung open and shut quickly as dresses hung themselves, and robes were folded. 

Rarity smiled, a little ‘humph’ of satisfaction escaping from her as she then walked back over the bed to put the suitcase away, but as she levitated it, she heard something jolt around inside. She placed it back down, and gingerly opened the case again.

The last thing, laying a tumbled mess at the bottom, was the Fire Ruby, wrapped in its own gold chain. She pulled it out, the suitcase absentmindedly floating away as she examined the jewel. She levitated towards the vanity, placing down. It would have to do-her real jewellery box was back up in Canterlot still.

But then she walked over to it, picking it up with her hooves, bouncing it up and down, all the while with a smug scrunched up smile before she took it and hooked it around her neck. She looked outside, the sun was still high in the sky and the clouds have drifted away-and it was beautiful out there.

Rushing out the door, she took a deep breath of the sunshine. The day was soft and warm, not unlike a lovers touch, and the grass tickled her hooves. She started walking without any real destination in mind. It was just warm and pleasant outside and she was going to soak up its effervescent cheer. It was like walking through her own memories, and she just pushed all of the negativity away into the corners of her mind.

But always, in the back of her mind, she felt something watching. Shadows darted in the corners of her eyes, but nothing was there. Nothing was ever there. This was Ponyville, what could possibly be following her?

“Rarity!”

She whirled around to see a familiar pink pony waving enthusiastically at her, and beside that, the gentle smile of her butterscotch friend. 

“Pinkie Pie! Fluttershy!” Rarity said, “How nice to see you!”

She was soon tackled, leaving Fluttershy to meander over as Pinkie Pie hugged her tight, crushing the air from her lungs.

“Its super-duper awesome to see you so soon, Rarity!” Pinkie said, putting Rarity down and giving her a chance to breathe.

“I thought you were back in Canterlot?” Fluttershy said.

“I was, dear, but...plans changed.” Rarity said, “I’ll be staying here in Ponyville for sometime.”

“WHAT!” Pinkie Pie shouted, “And you didn’t tell me?”

“I just did-”

“Now I have to arrange a house warming party!” Pinke Pie said, as she pulled out a notebook. “Just have to fit it in between taking the Pound and Pumpkin to school and work, and helping Applejack and-”

Rarity put a hoof over Pinkie’s mouth and said, “Thats not necessary, Pinkie, nice as it does sound.”

Pinkie puffed as she put away her pen and paper, “Theres going to be a party whether you like it or not, Rarity.”

Rarity grinned as she said, “Then I shall look forward to it Pinkie, but it can wait for the time being. We want as many ponies attending as possible.”

“I didn’t think of that.” Pinkie said as she tapped her hoof against her chin. “You’re right! I should make invitations, Fluttershy, would you help me with that?”

“Sure, Pinkie, I’d love to. Its just-”

“Good! We’ll get started right away!”

“Pinkie” Fluttershy whispered. “Wait-”

“I’ll grab the paper and the pens and that lacy stuff-do you think they’ll have it at sofas and quills? Then again-”

“Pinkie.” Fluttershy said, a little louder.

“Maybe the joke shop would have-”

“Pinkie!” Fluttershy shouted, or more so, said normally.

Pinkie turned towards Fluttershy, head tilted as she innocently said, “What?”

“Oh, nothing.” Fluttershy said, hiding behind her hair, “I just wanted to say that maybe we should finish what we were going to do in the first place before we get sidetracked, if thats okay with you, or not..I guess it doesn’t matter.”

“Oh! Ohhhhh. Right” Pinkie said with a not terribly subtle wink.

“What on Earth are you two talking about?” Rarity asked.

“Nothing!” Fluttershy said, “Eep. I mean, its not really that important…”

“Just something between us two, really.” Pinkie Pie said.

“I’m not allowed in?” Rarity said.

“Well...I made a Pinkie Promise to never tell anyone what exactly it is.” Pinkie said, “And you know, when you make a Pinkie Promise...”

“Oh. Okay” Rarity said, “I understand completely.”

“I’m sorry, Rarity.” Pinkie said, “But maybe I can tell you later, or I guess Fluttershy has to tell you, or perhaps she could tells someone and they could tell you, or I could write it down or-”

Rarity pressed her hoof over Pinkie’s mouth. “I understand.” She said, “Just take care of our darling Fluttershy, whatever activities she is a part of.”

Fluttershy eeped at the implications of the word, but Pinkie Pie just nodded before humming a tune and pulling Fluttershy away. Rarity looked around the square, on all sides, beneath that crisp blue sky ponies laughed and talked and played, and here she was, amidst it all, lost and alone as a filly in a big city. 

She lowered her head as she sulked away. Letting her hooves drag her forward, to wherever, really. Not like it really mattered. They took her home, whatever that meant.


-------------- X -------------


She spent the next few days alone and inside, isolating herself despite the best attempts of her friends to coerce her out. She was pacing back and forth across the clean white tiles, wearing in her heavy hooves. She kept patting back her hair, wringing out her front hooves, shaking her head, her thoughts random and cluttered where once there was organized chaos.

It began to rain, starting with the gentle taps before turning into the blue-black downpour, the cobblestone streets shining like waves from the light of the street lamps. It was beautiful, and for the first time in weeks, Rarity felt something spark inside.

Grimacing with distraught and dark purpose she entered her work room for the first time in forever it seemed. Working by candlelight, she pulled taught the dark silken fabrics, glimmering under her eyes. The mannequins shivered as Rarity, crazed, worked. Her magic was not enough-now her hooves handled the needle and thread, this was something that had to be done with just hard work.

What a fashionista must do for her work. 

Her eyes darted across the stitch that wrapped the layers of cloth together. Her magic pulled it towards the mannequin as she began her next part. With only the sound of the torrents of dim water and the frightened stances of her inanimate models to act as company she worked. A lighter, transparent fabric for the next part was needed, and then dark pearls, red satin and gold thread. Silver and shadow intertwined as she worked.

She flung them to the side, the form wrapping around the barrel of her make-believe doll. Rarity approached it finally, eyes narrow and tongue firmly between her teeth as she finished the last touches. She backed away from the complete garment, the heavy cloth breathing for the first time.

She wiped the sweat from her brow before admiring her work-but she stopped. There was something off about it. It needed….purple-a dark and royal color like midnight. She pulled out more cloth and began anew. After only a moment her reparations were complete. She placed it on the dress, and then stepped back again.

Green. It needed the emerald and jealous fire to bring it together. This was no piece of beauty, no work of love, this was disaster and anger made form into cloth. It was terrifying, it broken and shattered glass, and it was beautiful. The last stitches of the jewels inlaid were placed and she stepped back.

And she began to cry. Honest tears that just broke out from her eyes, snot spilled out from her nose. For the first time in weeks she really just finally let it all out. It hurt, her chest was heaving as she curled up on the floor, sobbing.

She coughed and began to laugh then, rolling onto her back, wiping her face, and in the silence she stared up at the ceiling, enamored by the carved woodwork of her roof. The rain was tapping. She was alive.

Here, in her most excellent moment in months then she was alarmed to hear a knock at the door. It was frantic and heavy. Her head cocked sideways as she turned over and stood up on shaky legs, quickly glancing in the mirror to make sure her make-up wasn’t to smeared. It was, but she quickly thought she’d tell them that she was just napping. That’d make sense, right?

She rushed down the stairs as lightning crackled across the sky. She opened to door, the icy rain immediately meeting her and…

“Rarity…” 

She gasped as the bruised, but unmistakable form of a dragon collapsed onto her floor. 


> Hope for the Best
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

His head was throbbing. His vision was muddled and grey, flashing in abnormal tempo. He was nauseous and his tongue tasted like rusty iron wool. He was sore and he was pretty sure he’d swallowed a pint of his own blood by now as the contents of his stomach sloshed slowly around, the taste lingering in the back of his throat. 

But for some reason he knew this was all a good thing. If anything, pain meant he was still alive. He heard voices and saw eyes in the white-washed clouds that hung around the numerous suns that passed by like stars.

Then he felt nothing at all.

The overpowering bright white of the sun lay down upon his eyelids, the capillary veins illuminated against a sea of red-pink flesh. He exhaled, groaning. The soft fabric, thick and heavy against his scales, wrapped around him in a warm cocoon. 
       
“Grab the Doctor” he heard someone whisper as he started to open his eyes. It took a moment to adjust to the light, the colors of the room faded out and bleached. A blue blanket with white sheets clung to the bed, silver bars around the sides of it. He heard the steady blips of a heart monitor and lazily looked at his arm to see a web of tubes connected to his arms, and snorted in surprise at the tubes that entered his nostrils.

A nice looking mare walked up to him, her white gown and headdress gleaming. She smiled as he looked up at her and she said, “Hey there, Spike. Welcome back to the world of the living.”

Spike grabbed his head, feeling the bandages that wrapped around it as he smiled weakly and said, “Hey...where am I?”

“You’re in Ponyville General Hospital.” the nurse said.

“Wh-what happened?” Spike asked.

“I’m not the one to ask. The doctor will be here in a moment though to explain everything to you.”

“Where’s Twilight? Is she safe?” Spike said.

The nurse cocked her head. “Princess Twilight Sparkle?”

Spike nodded.

“She’s fine, I assure you.” The nurse said, “But you need to keep resting, the doctor will be in to see you soon.”

The nurse then turned and left the room, closing the door gently behind her. Spike stretched, but immediately regretted it as pain stabbed him from basically everywhere. He lifted the sheets to stare down at his chest, wrapped in layers of cloth gauze, dark crimson filtering through the layers. He coughed, rubbing his eyes and forehead as the doctor entered the room.

“Good to see you’re finally awake.” he said, with a smile. “I’m Dr. Stronghoof, and I’ll be your head caretaker while you’re here.”

“Spike, nice to meet you.” the dragon said, trying to extend his hand out.

“And a pleasure it is to finally meet you.”

“How long was I out for?”

“Well, you came in about eight days ago, with extensive injuries; broken arm, multiple rib fractures, torn meniscus of the wing, severe internal bleeding, head trauma, collapsed lung, compound wing fracture, and that’s just the big things.” Dr. Stronghoof said, “Frankly, it’s a miracle you’re alive. We had to call in a specialist from Canterlot to help with the surgery.”

“Wow.”

“Indeed. The surgery lasted more than nine hours. We induced a coma afterwards to help with the healing process and spare you the pain of the more invasive procedures.”

“Thats a blessing, I guess.” Spike said.

“Now, before we do anything else,I’d like to ask you a few questions to access your mental health. You came in with some head trauma and, you don’t just wander in with wounds like that and just be okay, if you know what I mean.”
       
Spike blinked and then nodded.
        
The doctor pulled out a little clipboard and pen and scribble for a second, flipping through the pages as he said, “This might seem a bit, well, childish and unnecessary, but its procedure. So,tell me, what’s your name?”
      
“Spike.” the dragon said.

“And how old are you Spike?” The doctor asked.

“Twenty-four.”

“And what day is it?”

“I don’t know.” Spike said, shaking his head. “I really don’t know.”

“Hmm.” The doctor said, scrunching up his mouth to the side of his face. “Very well.”

“What day is it?” Spike asked, “I’d really like to know.”

“May 15th” The doctor said.

“May!?” Spike sputtered. 

“Yes. It seems from the reports I’ve read you’ve been missing for quite some time. Do you want to tell me what happened in that time?”

“I…” Spike shook his head. “Not really, no.”

“Very well. I understand. I’ll have one of our psychologists come see you eventually but in the mean time, do you have any questions?”

“Have any of my friends come to visit me?”

“We’ve had multiple requests, but we’ve had to tell them to wait until your condition was stable.” The Doctor said. “As you can very well under-what is going on out there?”

Spike’s eyebrow raised as Dr. Stronghood stood and walked towards the door. He then heard a commotion in the hallway outside. There were at least eight voices, the loudest saying that “No, not even you’re allowed in there right now-he’s in a very delicate condition-will you just please wait for-ma’am!”

The door slammed open, shaking the walls as Twilight stepped through the jamb. Doctor Stronghoof bowed and said, “Princess Twilight Sparkle! I-its an honor!”. She paid him no attention as her eyes locked with the dragon’s. He smiled.

The alicorn jumped across the room and wrapped her hooves around him. Spike mouthed an ‘ow’ but let his arms hold her too. She just held onto him for a minute as a nurse outside argued with one of the royal guards.

“Twi…” Spike whispered.

“Spike, oh, Spike.” Twilight said, nuzzling into him. He felt that her face was already damp.

“Twi...you’re crushing me.” Spike said with a cough.

“Oh.” Twilight said as she let him go and looked him over. He looked...terrible, really, but she couldn’t care less. “What happened to you?” She asked as she began to inspect and prod at his wounds, her horn already starting to glow.

“It’s a long story.” Spike said, 

Twilight nodded. “How are you feeling?”

“Sore. The hug didn’t help.”

Twilight laughed. “I see your sense of humor is intact.”

“At least something is.” Spike said, with a grimace. He looked back up at her to see her eyes mist up again and she turned away. He reached out and rubbed her cheek, pulling her chin up and he said, “I’m glad you’re safe.”

“You know you didn’t have to-I could have-”

“Twilight, its okay. Maybe you could have, maybe you couldn’t. What happened, happened.” Spike said, “And I had to do something. Not just as your official bodyguard, but as your friend.”

“Just promise me something Spike.” Twilight said.

“Anything.”

“Don’t ever do that to me again.” Twilight said.

“I’ll try.” Spike said with a grin. “Luckily for you, I don’t think I’ll be able to do much of anything for awhile, so make me a promise, for now at least.”

“What?” Twilight asked.

“Don’t go fighting dragons until I’m better.”

Twilight shook her head. Their foreheads met as Spike rubbed her arm, and the dragon felt a wave of calm wash over him. Twilight wiped her eyes as she looked at the doctor.

“So, how long before he’s back on his feet?” Twilight asked.

“I’m not sure.” the doctor said, “I’m used to practicing on Ponies and this was my first foray into...well draconian medicine. From what I understand, and what the specialist told me, dragon physiology is tangentially similar to a pony’s, so if he rests and doesn't exert himself he should be out of here in about a week, and fully healed in about three to four months.”

“Four months?” Spike said, groaning.

“You don’t just break ten bones, collapse a lung and be fine the very next day, Mr. the Dragon. You should be lucky that you got here when you did.”

Spike then asked, “Speaking of, how did I get here? I don’t remember much-it’s all been a blur to me.”

Twilight raised her hoof to cut the doctor off before he spoke. She turned to him, “Actually, that’s something that I wanted to ask you.”

“Ask me what?”

“You...well you stumbled to Rarity’s.” Twilight said.

“Rarity?” Spike asked.

“She brought you here and contacted all of us as fast as she could. I just was wondering though what took you to her.”

“I was trying to find you.” Spike said, “I just followed that spell you put on the necklace I gave you.”

Twilight sat back, tapping her hoof against her chin. “Right. I gave that to her.”

“You gave her the necklace?!” Spike said, leaning a little bit forward. He winced as he shifted weight off his left arm.

“Spike, I...everyone thought you were dead.” Twilight said, “I thought you’d want me to give it to her.”

“We thought you were gone, Spike. I thought she deserved to know.”

“I’m never going to hear the end of this.” Spike said as he rubbed his temples. “Where is everypony else?”

“Outside. They wanted to see if I could get in first before they rushed you.” Twilight said. 

“Well. I guess I’m going to be sore no matter what. Send them in.” Spike said as he sat back up, positioning himself so hopefully the bedframe would take the brunt of the damage if they decided to pile on top of him.

“I’ll just uhhh… go grab them for you, Princess” Dr. Stronghoof said as he scooted out the door. “Even though its against our policy…” he mumbled.

Twilight smiled as they heard the subdued voice of the doctor muffled in the hallway say that the visitors were allowed in. Spike looked down at himself, wishing he had something to tidy his scales up with. Maybe pull out the tubes in his face, but as he reached up to grab it, Twilight swatted his hand away. He rolled his eyes.

The door creaked open, an orange hoof with dirt still caught on it wrapped around the edge to reveal the pony with a stetson hat and a wide smile. Immediately behind her was the bubbly, about to explode grin of Pinkie Pie, with Fluttershy and Rainbow right behind them. They muscled their way in before Pinkie jumped atop Spike.

“SPIKE!” Pinkie practically yelled. The doctor gave her a stern look before she lowered her volume and repeated herself. “Spike!! Our little dragon’s okay!” She whispered as she hugged him around the neck.

“It is mighty good to see ya again, Spike.” Applejack said.

“I hope you’re alright.” Fluttershy said.

“Him? He’ll be fine! He’s a dragon for Pete’s sake-he’ll be outta here in no time, am I right?” Rainbow Dash said as she slugged him in the arm. “Oop, sorry.” She said as he winced.

“Its fine.” Spike said with a groan. They kept talking for a moment, with AJ chasting RD, but his gaze fell behind them to the white mare with a serene smile. 

“Rarity!” Spike spat out, excitedly. 

“You’re looking much better, Spike.” Rarity said, “I’m glad that you’re okay.”

“Thanks.” Spike said, “I’m so happy to see you; all of you.”

They hugged him and for a moment, all seemed right with the world. They talked, caught up on what they could before the doctor pushed them all out. “We’ll see you soon!” Twilight said before turning to one of the nearby nurses and all Spike could hear was “By Celestia, I’m a princess, you don’t need to….”

The door closed.

“You've got some great friends there, Mr. The Dragon”

“The best.” Spike said. 

“Now, just rest. If you need anything, press the button on the bedside table, and barring that, I’ll be back in a few hours to check on you, changes bandages and the like.” Dr. Stronghoof said. 

Spike nodded as he looked out the window to see his friends talking as they strolled down the road. Twilight turned back around, with a wistful smile and waved, whispering something under her breath. The others waited a moment before grabbing her, and all of them gave a friendly wave, except for Rarity who simply kept walking.


-------------- X -------------



The next week passed with all the speed that is possible when one observes every tick and tock of the second hand of a clock;that is to say just slightly slower than that of the average tree sloth, or perhaps just as fast as a broken bone mends. Spike’s salvation came in the form of books, often ones that Twilight dropped off every other day, and in the infrequent and all too short visits he received from his friends. Fluttershy and Twilight came by almost every day, Fluttershy to read to him and treat him just like a kid again-which while admittedly a bit pedantic was relaxing-and Twilight to talk to him and constantly inquire as to if the correct medical procedures were being followed perfectly. By the end of the first few days the doctor had his fair share of the princess. “Bloody busy-ponies” Spike swore he said under his breath as she left.

Pinkie came by a few times too, carrying a big bag of sweets with her, which led to a humorous confrontation with the doctor when he said that “Mr. The Dragon cannot subsist off a diet of cakes and pies, ma’am, despite your objections to the contrary. No Ma’am, ice cream is not included in a healthy diet. Not even low fat ice cream.”

AJ came by as well, bringing her little sister with her but now, she wasn't so little anymore. Spike was amazed that she was roughly the same size as AJ was now, with her own brand of that homegrown stubbornness. Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo came along as well, each of them now fully grown, beautiful mares in their own fashion. In fact, Spike nearly mistook Sweetie for her sister, but the light pink In her hair and her eyes gave her away. She also brought Big Mac, who commented briefly that it looked painful and gave him a stern nod. His own way of expressing affection, Spike supposed. The doctor was a little less than enthusiastic about having “a gosh-darn family reunion” in the small hospital room.

Rainbow dropped by on the third day and actually probably was the one that stole the newest Daring Do book that he was halfway through now that he thought about it. She said hospitals weren’t really her thing, and that she’d be waiting for him once he got his wings back into working order. He was glad though, she wasn’t one to give out sentiments and he got a hug from her right as she was about to leave. How she left? Through the window. Also how she came in. “Wonderbolts...thinking they don’t have to follow regulation” The doctor said.

Rarity however, never appeared once. Spike would wake each day and read, the corner of his eye fixed perfectly on the road that wandered to the main entrance. Every time something or someone came down the path, he’d quickly look out. Yet she never came.

By Tartarus, two other princesses came to see him. Cadence and Shining Armor came to see him on the third day, saying that as Hero of the Crystal Empire, their citizens had already sent thousands of flowers and cards that would be waiting for him once he was released; Dr. Stronghoof had to explain rather forcefully that due to allergy concerns and considerable lack of space that the “the new royal gardens addressed to Mr. The Dragon will have to be held elsewhere; anywhere, but by Celestia, not here. He’s already got a window garden as it is.”

The real surprising visit to Spike though came on the first night he was staying at the hospital. At least, the first one where he was awake.

The pale arc of the moon gazed down from behind the puffy blue clouds, dancing in the stars that surrounded it. Spike was slow to find a way to fall asleep. He couldn’t lay on his back, his wings would be stabbed with pain, he couldn’t lay on his side, his ribs would cry out with each breath and he couldn’t lift himself high enough to turn onto his stomach and even if he could he bet that the rib problem would still be present. He resigned himself to fall asleep sitting-he’d been sleeping in much worse conditions lately.

Yet as he struggled he heard the soft sound of hooves land upon the tile floors, the flourish of wings collapsing at this unknown ponies’ side. He opened his eyes.

“Princess Luna!” Spike spat out as he quickly tried to reseat himself.

“Shh, Spike.” Luna said as she placed a hoof over his mouth tenderly. “Do not move so quickly, or you will injure thyself. We meant not to surprise you.”

“It’s good to see you, Princess” Spike said.

“We’ve told you before, Spike. You may refer to me by my name.” Luna said, with a soft smile. “But, it is good to see you as well. We had thought you deceased. It left me bereft for quite some time.”

“I’m sorry.” Spike said.

“There is no need, Spike.” Luna said, “But I am still worried about you. Your wounds look dire.”

Spike cocked his head to the side, slightly.

“You must wonder what brought me here.” Luna said.

“A little bit, yeah.” Spike said.

“I came to...confess” Luna said. “I was amongst the leaders in the search to find you and we failed.”

“Oh...well, there is no need to blame yourself or anything. I was in Dragon Lands, I knew why you couldn't search there.”

“Some part of me knew you still lived, even after we had abandoned all hope.” Luna said, “Even from Canterlot, even when you were far from my reach, I felt your dreams. I felt anguish, I felt fear, I felt remorse. I told them you lived each and every night. I tried to catch glimpses in the dreamscape, tried to reach out but you were too far away.”

“My dreams…” Spike said, looking down at his blankets, “I dreamt of Ponyville. I dreamt of my friends….that was you, wasn’t it?”

“It worked?.” Luna asked “I tried to find yours, and what little I did catch was not enough to allow me to shape them as I would with one within my grasp, but I tried to guide them to better places.”
       
“Thank you.” Spike said.

"You should not.” Luna said as she shook her head and for the first time, turned away. He swore that she was tearing up.

“Why?”

“Because it was I who told them to end their search for you.” Luna said, “I could no longer feel your presence in the dreamscape and I...I assumed the worst. My sister took my word, and they were called off”

She turned back towards him finally. “I know I cannot ask you for your forgiveness-”

“I forgive you, Luna” Spike said, “I would have done the same...and it was never your fault to begin with.”

“How, Spike?” Luna said as she drew closer, “I made your suffering endure, made it linger far longer than it should have.”

“Well, that’s what happens when you get captured by Dragons.” Spike said, “I was going to be in pain no matter what, but all that time I thought I was alone out there. I guess its enough to know somepony had my back.”

“I only wish I could have been there to save you, Spike.” Luna said, “I feel, indebted to you, however. If you ever need anything, feel free to ask for me.”

“Hmm.” Spike pondered for a moment. “For now, I’d like to just fall asleep.”

“That is something I’m quite able to do.” Luna said with a true smile returning to her face as her horn began to glow. “Should you ever need me, you know where I will be.”

Spike felt his eyes grow heavy, and his limbs become weightless. He heard Luna whisper, “Sleep, and dream once more.”

The last thought that crossed his mind was that he wasn’t sure he’d ever be able to dream again, or if he’d even want to. A black void of blinded senses overtook him.

        
> Moving Forward
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

There was blood. 

It was all over the floor, all over the door, and all over her face. It was warm and sticky, sliding like rain down and across her muzzle. It ran across his body from the places where the dull white like old paint stuck through purple scales, where pink and red flesh spilled along lines of pale green and out from in between his teeth like angry words made into flesh.

She was stepping back, the world was spinning and pulling away. This was a dream. He couldn’t be here. He couldn’t be-

It was the crash of thunder that awoke her, the white flash etching itself across the floor.  She pulled him inside, rolling him over. “SPIKE!” Rarity yelled, shaking his shoulders. She looked down at his chest. Even through the lavender scales she could see the bruises. 

She leaned in close, placing her ear to his chest. She heard the rattle like bones in a steel can pound into her ear and a weak little thump. Rarity looked back up at his face, rubbing her hoof across his cheek as she whispered, “You’re going to be okay, Spike. Just…just hang on.”

Rarity sprung to her hooves, galloping outside. Rain pushed against her as the wind cut through her. She felt the coils of her mane grow heavy, her hooves adorn themselves with shoes of mud, grass and dirt as she ran around the side of her home to grab the cart.

She pulled the tarp up and over, levitating the front bars onto her back. She began to pull, and pull but it did not budge. It could not budge. She looked through the strands of her mane that clung to the front of her face. The wheels-they hadn’t been tended to in so long, and the mud…it would never move by her own physical force. Her horn sputtered to life, the round slabs of wood finally moving forward, but it was accompanied by the screech of splintered wood and fell to the side, broken.

Rarity exhaled sharply enough that one could be forgiven for mistaking it for a laugh. Her jaw hung open as the wheel floated towards her, the cart crashing to the ground. Air was pushed in and out of her lungs, raspy with dire uncertainty. Her eyes wide as she looked around, for something, anything. 

“No, no, no.” Rarity whispered, the uncertain smile spread across her teeth.

Oh God, what now? Carry him? I couldn’t-

You must.

Inside her head the storm was dulled, the words spoken like a dirge.

You know what to do. Rarity clenched her teeth and shook the water that was collecting in her eyes.

She ran back inside, her coat now completely wet and cold. Spike lay where she put him, his breath coming in like dry leaves. She rushed over to him, grabbing his head into her fore hooves as she said, “Everything’s going to be okay, just please, hold on.”

Rarity’s mind ran and ran and ran, the lightning striking every failed plan. There had to be something to make this easier. There had to be. Spike coughed, blood gurgling in the back of his throat. Rarity turned him on his side as it pooled out around his cheeks. Thunder shook the house once more.

She looked outside, through the door that was swinging wildly left and right, where water was mixing with the edges of the blood turning into spirals and drops. She had no choice.

“You’re going to be fine, Spike.” Rarity said as she hoisted him onto her back. His legs dragged along the ground as she galloped out the door and into the darkness. Her hooves clipped and clopped across the cobblestone streets, and she could feel the sickly warm liquid spill across down her neck, across her mane. It ran down her sides, onto her hooves. Her vision was clouded by hair and rain and shadow, he was heavy and she wasn’t sure she could carry him all the way. She bounced him up onto her shoulders again as he began to slide, and he was mumbling something. 

She felt his claws dig into her shoulders. She yelped as they penetrated the skin, his muscles flexing around her form.

We’re nearly there. That’s right, just hold on.

It stung, and her essence began to spill out from underneath his hands, the dull ache bubbling in the back of her mind. She had to keep going. He wasn’t going to die. Not while she had something to say, something to do about it. 

His grip began to slip. Rarity cried out as his talons pulled themselves from her flesh and she looked over his shoulder. She couldn’t feel him breathing anymore.

“We’re almost there, don’t you give up on me now.” Rarity yelled. 

The Hospital appeared over the edge of the horizon, nestled amongst darkened flowers pelted by the unforgiving elements. Rarity’s eyes welled up and added to the drops of rain as she laughed. All of her muscles burned as she pulled the dragon up to the door. She slammed against it. It was locked.

“OPEN THE DOOR!” She shouted over the storm. “Please, please, please.”

She could see an attendant look up from behind the desk and slam a button, but she had already turned to place the dragon down on the floor. She grabbed his face between her hooves as she shook her head violently, her vision blurring to dark colors and bright edges illuminated by the fluorescent lighting.

“Spike!” Rarity said. “SPIKE!” The doors clattered open behind her. She held him close, he was cold-so cold.

“By Celestia, what is that thing?” 

Rarity turned over her shoulder, aghast. 

“It doesn’t matter, get it in here. Grab a Gurney.” Rarity was pushed aside as they grabbed his mangled, lifeless body off the ground and took him away. They didn’t mind her as she followed along. A pony in a large white coat ran up, a notebook and pen scribbling mad at his side.

“Species?” 

“Dragon, sir.”

He barely took a cursory glance as they marched, before saying “Looks like multiple fractures, at least one compound. Swelling of the face, and labored breathing accompanied by blood from the mouth. Most likely symptomatic of severe internal hemorrhaging, maybe a collapsed lung. Get Theatre B ready.”

“Sir, his life signs are almost nonexistent, and I can’t find a vein underneath the scales.” The nurse at his side said as she fumbled with a needle. The doctor grabbed it from her and peered at the dragon’s arm and jabbed it in.

“Send a priority message to Canterlot General. They have a dragon specialist. He’ll at least walk us through the procedures. Is Theatre B ready?”

They turned around a corner, but Rarity was stopped by an arm that crossed her chest.

“Ma’am, I’m going to have to ask you to leave.”

Rarity looked to her side as a Nurse held her back. 

“That’s my friend. I need to see that he’s safe.” Rarity said.

“The Doctor’s got a hold of him.” The nurse said. “He’ll be fine.”

She looked over the nurse’s shoulder, through the thick pane of glass where his gurney drew to a stop. Frantically ponies moved around him, pulling an overhead light down across his chest. For a moment his eyes opened, squinting through the light as he turned towards her.

A curtain was drawn over the windows. She continued to stare after the after image burned into the back of her eyes, drawn into her mind. She stared at it in her mind for hours, as the world kept moving and revolving around her. Her gaze like iron into the distance she barely realized she was sitting in another room some time later.

“There is a restroom around the corner ma’am, if you feel the need to clean yourself up a little bit”

Rarity blinked rapidly.

What? Where? Oh.


She regained her surroundings as she looked towards the counter where the voice came from.  “Huh?”

“Uhh…have you seen yourself, ma’am?” the attendant said.

Rarity looked down at her hooves for a moment, seeing the now almost black rivulets that streamed across her coat like cracks on the sidewalk. She took the moment to look around finally, seeing the two other ponies in the room turn their terrified gazes away from her as she turned towards them. 

She stood herself up and walked in the direction the attendant said.

“Other side, miss.” 

“Thank you.” Rarity said as she hobbled inside. This place was strange. It was clean, and fresh, as though no pony had ever step hoof onto the crème tiles and white caulk. Too clean, too fresh. Like a corpse in the casket it presented itself in such a pleasant way as to be upsetting. Why else would you go through such trouble to hide something unless something was wrong? The door closed behind her, the loud click of the handle resonating off the tiles.

She noted that on side of the bathroom there were toilets and on the other, showers. She climbed into one and drew close the little curtain. She turned the knob as the water began to cascade down. 

Rarity groaned, feeling the warmth penetrate and slide across her coat. She held her face directly into the stream, breathing in the clean, steamy air. It was probably washing off all her make up, but from the quick glance she got from the mirror on the way here, it probably was an improvement.

She turned her head down, letting the water flow through her mane, watching as all the dirt and grime spiraled down the drain. Finally she turned to let it wash what was on her back away.

She yipped in surprise as she felt her shoulder catch fire. She looked down, wincing as she tenderly pulled at the claw marks that were still bleeding, two hours later. She finished washing herself off before stepping out and back into the lobby. Her hair hung around her haphazardly as she tapped on the desk.

“How is he?” Rarity asked. 

The attendant said, “He’s still in emergency surgery.”

Rarity’s face fell. “But, they think he’ll be alright. Still, I wouldn’t expect him to come out until morning. Why don’t you go home and rest?”
“I’m not very sure that I can.” Rarity said, shifting her weight. She hissed as she felt the wounds on her shoulder reopen.

“By Celestia!” The attendant said, “Ma’am, you might need to have that looked at. It appears to be a pretty serious gash.”

“It’s fine.” Rarity said.

“I’ll call one of the nurses to come out here for a moment. She’ll decide if it’s just fine.” The attendant stepped away from the counter. 

Rarity soon found herself on a little hard plastic table, lying on her back as a little cotton swab rubbed into her coat. The nurse was caught in her task as she began to thread a little needle.

“So, how’d you get these?” the nurse asked as she brought it down and into he skin like a judge’s gavel. Rarity looked away towards the inspirational poster on the wall, reading the words over and over again.

“A dragon.” Rarity said. “My friend.”

“Oh, I heard about that. You’re the crazy mare that dragged him all the way here?” The mare said as she tied the first little string. Rarity could barely feel it. “No offense.”

“None taken.” Rarity said. They drew silence around themselves like curtains as the Nurse finished her work. 

The Nurse pat Rarity gently before helping her back into the lobby, saying, “Hopefully that’s enough commotion for one night. Just keep them clean and come back in at the end of the week to get them removed. It’ll look like nothing ever happened.”

As she walked gingerly as she could across the tile floors there was a cacophonous crack that broke through the room. Two lights spiraled into together into a little ball for but a moment before exploding outward to reveal a mare, wings drawn tightly around her. She extended herself outwards, her wings spreading out, and her crown gleaming even in this bleached light. Her bloodshot, puffy eyes caught Rarity’s. There was a gasp as the two ponies other than her immediately bowed over.

“Twilight?!”

“IS IT HIM?” she breathed out her voice straining like a bridge. Rarity gave a curt nod.

“Is it really him!?” Twilight shouted, as she nearly tackled the white mare. Her hooves curled around her shoulders, digging, kneading as her eyes searched for truth. Rarity swallowed hard as she nodded, a smile spreading across her face. They both started to laugh as saline formed around the edges of their vision. Twilight hugged Rarity around the neck. She twirled them around, laughing pure and true.

Feels like forever since I’ve seen that smile.

They landed back on their hooves as Twilight turned towards the attendant. “What happened to him? Is he okay? Can I see him? How did he get here?” she said.

“Princess-” the attendant said.

“Who’s the doctor in charge here?” Twilight continued as the attendant sighed, “Does he have the proper credentials to take care of a dragon? What’s your name? Wha-“

“Princess!” the attendant snapped.

“Yes?”

“I can answer your questions, but please, one at a time.” The attendant said. “I’ll start by saying Miss Rarity brought him here about three and a half hours ago, and he is currently in surgery. They’ve contacted an expert from Canterlot who is helping them currently.”

This did little to help the Alicorn.

“Just sit down, Twilight. I’ll explain everything.” Rarity said, pulling her to a chair.


-----X-----


“You carried him all the way here?” Twilight said, flabbergasted.

“What else was I to do, Twilight?” Rarity said. Their discussion had gone on for quite some time now. The first cracks of morning across the blue grasses of the hills shot out, orange, pink and yellow. Twilight scoffed as she shook her head.

“Why did he come to you? I just-I don’t get it I thought-“

The doors from the emergency room swung open, and the doctor with bags under his eyes and a smile across his face lumbered out, dragging his hooves across the floor. “Princess Twilight Sparkle?” he said. Twilight jumped from her seat.

“He’s out of surgery now-but we induced a coma to help his body rest and heal through the first part of the process. You two can go back and see him for a little bit if you want. Follow me.”

They followed his long hoofsteps, as he led them deep into the stomach of the building until they found themselves in a long room. There were ten beds, all but two were empty. Light blue blankets soft and scratchy hung over every bed, accompanied by a slew of medical equipment. On the left, curtains were pulled around a bed, hiding whatever lay within.

The doctor pulled them towards it and swept open the curtain. Rarity felt a hole open in her chest as her heart dropped.

“By Celestia…” Twilight muttered as they closed in around him. His bruised face was covered with a ventilator, his wings were drawn around him, covered in white fiberglass. His arms were thick with tubes and his chest was covered in bandages still warm with blood. His pectorals were a web of black and blue like a spider’s impression of midnight. Rarity placed her hoof over her mouth.

Twilight smiled weakly and spoke even softer. “Spike…”

She winced as her eyes traced his scars. Rarity didn’t know what to say. She couldn’t look at it anymore. She shook her head as she stepped back and away. She turned her back to him. 

“Rarity?” Twilight said, looking over her shoulder.  “Are you okay?”

“Yes, Twilight. I just-I never wanted to see him like that.” Rarity said. “It hurts me to see him in such a shape.”

Twilight nodded, wrapping her wing around Rarity as she nodded to the doctor. They began their trek outwards. “You should get home and sleep.” Twilight said as they exited out into the pale blue dawn, the princess gazing deeply into it. Rarity grunted in reply as she rubbed her eyes and began to walk home, across the damp ground and back into her home. She didn’t even look at the floors as she collapsed on the sofa, immediately falling asleep.


-----X-----


“You’re not walking out of here”

“Are you going to stop me?” Spike said.

“I can bloody well try.” Dr. Stronghoof said, “You’ve ripped the muscles in your left calf and right thigh to shreds. You might be able to hobble a little bit, but the bad thing about being bipedal is that you really don’t get to move around with your only two legs injured.”
Spike conceded as he lay back down in his bed.

“Now, if you want to go outside for a little while that’s fine, but you will be getting in that wheelchair and you will be carted out of here. Understand?” the good doctor said.

“I-yes.” Spike said with a low growl. It had been five days. He’d been getting more and more irritable and he could feel it. It felt wrong, it buzzed in his mind like a fly, landing on him every few seconds and he didn’t know why. The walls in all of their blank eggshell white taunted him it seemed.

“Good!” Dr. Stronghoof said, “Now that’s taken care of I have a few other patients to attend to. The nurses will help you.”

Dr. Stronghoof stepped out the door, motioning to the two little mares outside to go and assist the massive dragon into the pitifully small wheelchair. One was a pale blue, the other a stark white. Her eyes were like sapphires. They were twinkling. With joy? No, it was hate and fear and-

His memories swallowed his senses.


“Then what is it? Is it that I’m not like you? That I’m a dragon, not a pony? A nightmarish monster?” his throat burned with every word. His muscles tingled with indignant rage it coursed through his veins like magma. Rain slammed against the side of the house, blurring the glass. 

“Doctor!” The mare shouted, the incessant beeping of the heart monitor gaining speed like a tiger closing in its prey. He blinked, his pupils beginning to shrink, twitch as the sides pulled closer together. His talons dug into the sides of the bed, splintering the wood. Tubes and bandages began to pop off, and his wings expanded, a sickening crack resounding through the room as the cast split.

“YOU JUST WHAT!?” His hands, they longed to hold something. Crush it. Destroy it. They-


Doctor Stronghoof jabbed the needle into the dragon’s arm as nurses and aides struggled to hold him down. His muscles were surging, growing at an alarming rate. His teeth gripped the glass tube as his magic pushed the sedative in. The dragon relaxed. His pupils expanded into ovals once more as his eyes unfocused and fluttered, struggling to remain conscious.

“Keep him under surveillance. Get Dr. Tenderheart over her immediately.” Dr. Stronghoof said, “I’m ordering that he put onto a benzo drip for the time being. Get him patched back up and check for any more damage. We can’t let that happen again.”

His voice vibrated through his mind, the syllables blurred together. Everything was fading out, falling into shadow. Yet in that darkness he held onto something. He could see her eyes still-and he reached out. But she was gone.


-----X-----


He pulled himself out of sleep, gasping as he surfaced from the abysmal dark waters of thought. The room stopped spinning shortly after as he gripped the edge of the bed. His teeth cracked and ground against each other. His muscles were taught like steel as his heart pounded nails into his skull.

The door was creaking open. He heard the growl rumble and roll across the room before he realized it was himself. The hinges squeaked, the blinds shifted, the crinkle echoing into his head. One hoof now, two voices. They were speaking too slowly, he readied himself. Just in case.
“Spike.” The purple one said. He was in a dark room. There were screams like the smell of blood lingering in the air. 

“Spike!”

He was being shaken. The little grey pony was below him, cowering. He-

“SPIKE!”

He blinked. Twilight was looking him in the eye. “Twi?” He whispered.

She nodded. He searched for words for a moment. “I...I was lost in my own head. Sorry.”

He had to compose himself. For her. She didn’t need to see him this way. A smile cracked his lips. 

“Are you okay?” Twilight said.

“Fine.”

The doctor was behind her. “Well, I want you to see our resident psychologist, just in case.” He said.

“I’m fine. I don’t need to see-“

"Spike."

"What?" Spike said.

“For me?”

Spike looked at her. Why did his heart hurt so much? He dropped his eyes away from hers.

“For you.” Spike whispered and nodded. "Not sure what good it'll do."

The doctor spun around and walked out the door, motioning for the princess to come with him. Twilight ruffled his crest. Spike closed his eyes, but was surprised to feel something touch his forehead. He opened his eyes to be face to face with Twilight's chest, as she put her soft lips to his forehead. He closed his eyes again, letting it soak in before she walked out the door. He looked down, feeling his chest again be pierced by pitchforks and his thoughts become a cluttered attic, grey and distant.

Why were things so much more simple when she was around?

The door opened again. A little blue pony, with a salt and pepper mane entered into the room. Her horn glowed as a chair appeared beside her and she plopped herself into it. She began to speak. He heard the words but did not listen. 

Hello. My name is Dr. Tenderhoof. I’m a psychologist and licensed therapist. I understand you’ve survived a terrible ordeal and I was hoping we could talk about that. Is that okay with you?

Spike’s eyes never wandered from whatever little space in the distance that he was staring at, far past the doctor that sat at his side. His nostrils flared, sucking in the oxygen from the tubes that led to the tank at his side, purging the stale breath he retained. 

Mr. The Dragon? Do you not want to talk?


His eyes spoke for him as the momentarily darted towards the mare. She scribbled something onto her pad. He barred his teeth.

Do you remember what caused all of this in the first place? You were traveling with Princess Twilight Sparkle as her bodyguard and…

Her voice drained away. Twilight watched through the cracks in the blinds beside the door as he continued to simply stare. The doctor stood, shaking her head as she pushed outside to her. Her eyebrows wrestled each other in worry.

“Is he okay?” Twilight asked. She knew the answer.

“I don't know." Dr. Tenderhoof said, "Whatever happened to him is still eating him up on the inside though. What's more concerning is this." Dr. Tenderhoof said, as she flipped through her clipboard, revealing a few graphs. “Ever since he’s come out of the coma his epinephrine levels have been steadily increasing.”

“What should we do?” Twilight said, looking back at her best friend in all the world. He had not still not moved.

“Well, therapy is the first step with this type of thing. He needs to face what happened and accept it. I suggest he continue to see me for at least until his body is fully healed.” The doctor said.

“Okay.” Twilight said, placing her hoof on the window. “What did they do to you, Spike?”

Twilight saw Spike finally moved. They locked eyes, and his burnt through her. She had to look away. She wasn't sure, but she swore she saw fire deep in those inky pupils.

> In Midnight Shadows
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Princess Luna stepped across the moonlit waters of the void, reeling with stars and pillars of neon gas. Whispers echoed, reverberating, glowing as her hooves danced across the images of the dreamers, rippling out. She paused, swinging her head around as she watched them, felt them stir.

This was her home, her garden of sanguine shadows-and it was being disturbed by something terrible that crackled and popped with hectic red energy. She lifted her wings and jumped across, following the anguish and terror that gripped her.

This nightmare was of pain, anger, fear, and regret. Her horn began to glow as she descended through the waters, the familiar tingle running through her body. She landed on the hard ground. The rocks were dark and sheet like, spreading out around her. There were figures running towards the center of the dream, but out here they were fuzzy, blurred creatures of grey light. She moved ever closer to the source, the sounds of battle screeching around her. The smell of sulphur, smoke and blood infiltrated her nostrils, and the once euphoric taste of fear lingered in the air.

She closed her eyes as she summoned her weapons to her side. This was not just any nightmare- no there were far too many details, far too many little things that put her on edge. This was a memory.

Her blade swept side to side, cutting through the figures that now gained form and substance but were merely clouds. Each sheen of its fel blade echoing. Finally she could get the glimpse of this dreamer. Her heart skipped a beat.

The undeniable figure of Spike stood alone, over the body of a small grey pony. Blood pooled about his body, matting his mane and splattered over Spike. The dragon had his teeth bared, his claws at the ready as he hunkered over him, protecting him. He snarled as another dragon jumped at him-and Spike bit his throat, ripping it out, a blanket of blood wrapping around the stunned dragon as it grasped its wound. Its eyes were pleading, holding the flesh that now only clung from loose skin to its face once more, a gurgle and fire issued forth from the wound and it was no more.

Another jumped, this one he knocked away, but it scurried to its feet once more and circled. They all circled, watching, waiting, licking their cruel smiles. Spike snarled, rivulets of smoke now circling around his head from between his crimson teeth. 

“Spike.” Luna said as she finally came upon him. She was being moved too now, circling with the dragons. Her form was shifting like theirs, but again she called. “Spike!”

His pupils widened ever so slightly, eyes darting before he shook his head and hunkered down once more. Another jumped at him. Luna’s horn glowed with its soft blue magic as it grabbed the dragon and threw him away. Spike still in mid snarl watched as its body was flung to the side and dissipated. 

“Spike, breathe.” Luna whispered as the shadows stilled and parted, letting her walk through them.

“Princess Luna?” Spike said, eyes wide. His voice was low and rumbling.

“It is I.” Luna said, smiling as the world began to fade. Spike looked beneath him as the grey pony dissolved away too. They stood alone in Luna’s garden.

“Then this is a dream.” Spike said, watching as the stars flew over head. His muscles were still rigid, his right claws tensed, ready to strike.

“Yes, and I mean you no harm.” 

Spike blinked before breathing deeply and relaxing his muscles. “I’m sorry.”

“You need not apologize to me, Spike.” Luna said. Her senses tingled now with dark energy-while the anger and fear were gone, the pain in his heart still lashed out at her. She approached him, and he stood, bringing her eyes to hers. “But whom do you really need to apologize to?”

“What?” Spike said, eyes focusing once again.

“Spike, this is my realm. The emotions of my subjects are fed to me through it-and I feel your anguish. What troubles you?”

Spike looked down at the non-existent ground. Luna’s horn glowed as the world itself was pulled away, the stars turning into bars of white light, changing the world into a dark city street, full of rain. 

“Where are we, Spike?” Luna said.

Spike looked around as he fell to the ground, trying to push himself away. He began to hyperventilate. “No...please…” Spike whispered.

“Spike?” Luna said as she drew closer to him.

“Not again-I can’t, not again. Please, please.” He begged, curling into a ball, letting the rain rush down his scales. Luna watched as a door down the street opened, a beautiful unicorn mare rushing out. The rain barely seemed to touch her, her mane coiled and sparkled, her eyes were diamonds, and even Luna felt beneath her, undeserving of her attention. She was far too beautiful and perfect. 

“Rarity.” Luna whispered as her horn glowed. Another Spike appeared, cowering in the rain. His form was all shadows, all darkness. His eyes were glowing with deep fire, all red and sharp edges. She approached him, and he swung about. 

        “I’m sorry.” the monster whispered, but the edges of his voice whispered. No...never sorry. “For everything.”

        “Spike...” Luna shivered. Rarity's voice was melodies unheard of, every syllable a song. He moved to kiss her.

“Please! No more. No more, not again.” Spike said, breaking from his pitiful ball on the floor. He tugged on Luna’s forelegs, eyes wide and white. The world slowed, as she looked down at him. Rarity was turning him away, pushing him. Words of hate spewed forth. She’d seen enough. 

That world faded away, falling into nothingness and they were back in the stars. She turned to the sobbing dragon on the ground. She lay beside him, draping a wing over him as she nudged him. He turned towards her, grasping her fur, crying.

“My dear Spike, whatever did they do to you?” Luna said as she nuzzled him. She let him lay there until he recomposed himself, eyes red. 

“I don’t deserve her.” Spike said, “Not after what I’ve done.”

“What did you do, Spike?”

“Didn’t you see?” Spike said, :”I lied to her, I manipulated her, I tried-”

“Is that how you remember that night?” Luna said.

“I...I don’t know anymore. All the pain I caused..I…”

Luna brought her head underneath his and rubbed his neck, reveling in his warmth. “I know how it feels, Spike. The regret, the pain, the anguish.”

“You do?”

“You remember my fall, my redemption.” Luna said, “For many years after, I tormented myself. I created a terrible thing, named the Tantibus. It...was my punishment. I deserved no rest for what I had done, no forgiveness.”

“Neither do I.” Spike said.

“Melodrama does not fit well to your form, young one.” Luna said, as she nudged him. “Pray tell, why do you think this?”

“I...I…” Spike stuttered. Eyes closed, he pushed away from her. “I was supposed to be a perfect gentlecolt. I was supposed to be the perfect stallion. But...look what I did. I near forced myself upon her. I became enraged, bitter, and when that failed…”

The dragon hadn’t the strength to continue his thought as he brought his claws to his face, talons digging into his scales. Luna parted them, but his gaze was cast downward towards the nonexistent floor upon which they sat.

“You’re right.” Luna said. Spike’s eyes darted back up to her, surprised.

“What? I-”

“We will not say that what you did was right, Spike.” Luna said, “For it was not.”

“I know.” Spike said.

“But you must remember that we all make mistakes. And we all deserve forgiveness, even if we cannot give it unto ourselves.” Luna said. “I said that I deserved no forgiveness for my actions.”

“Yeah…” Spike said.

“And I would venture that my actions as Nightmare Moon, realized or not, were far worse in intention than yours.”

“I guess?” Spike said.

“Yet here I am. Freed from the nightmare that I cast upon myself.” Luna said, “Others have chosen to remember me and forgive me for the good that I have brought, not the evil.”

“But you’re a princess.” Spike said, “It’s different.”

“And you are a dragon.” Luna said, “We are more alike than either of us are to regular ponies. By your fire, my magic, your wings and mine and the combined lifespans that will last for eons past all others, we are the same.”

“But how can I forgive myself for what I’ve done?” Spike said, “You said it yourself, it was wrong. I was wrong.”

“All have been wrong, and all have made mistake.” Luna said, “Seek forgiveness, ask for pardon from those wronged. When you see her again, make this known. Strive to be that which you thought you were before, but this time, remember your weaknesses. Your faults.”

“But I can’t be that which I want to be.” Spike said. “I’m...just a dragon.”

“True, and as one, rage, cruelty, and the will to dominate is strong within you.” Luna said, “As I am the night, and darkness, jealousy, and hate within me. Neither of us will ever be without these. But we can be more than that.”

“Then what do I do?”

Luna smiled, as she nuzzled him as though he was a foal. “Rely upon your friends, and your heart to guide to you. I could not have been saved without that, and you can too. Even when all others fade, dear Spike, I will be there for you.”

“I think I understand.” Spike said, as he wrapped his arms around her. “Thank you. For everything.”

“It will never be a problem, little one.” Luna said. She gazed off into the horizon as gold and white light began to appear. Her mane fluttered and floated around them as she wrapped her neck around his torso. “But dawn approaches. Take ease, and know that I am watching.”

When the dragon first saw the light of day, he felt….better.
> Tales of a Monster
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

He bit the corner of his lips as a wave of nausea and nervousness rolled across his body. He was before the door, her door, and it was just like he remembered it. The soft white paint was draped across the channels and lines in the grain of wood, and the gilded golden handle was scuffed and scratched, but reflected his trembling, outstretched limb and clenched brow. He could remember her humming in a soft voice that made even his stoic mouth smile, made his eyes strain as they held back tears unbecoming of a gentlecolt; but no music came out now. She was inside. She was in there, going about her day as if nothing was wrong. But he knew.
 	
The little cream-colored sign in her window was switched over to display the light black cursive font that read: Open. It would be a surprise. Just walking here, from all that way aways. He could open it and they would talk, and everything would be okay with the world. He could find out why, cut the silence and find answers. He opened the door, the dainty ring of the silver bell sounding across the atrium.

She came around the corner, each sharp strike of her hoof against the tile nailing his heart to his spine. Rarity spoke in that sick, sweet voice that he had come to know. “Welcome to the Carousel Boutique, where every-“

Her sapphire eyes had opened, and she stopped, as though a tape or movie that had been put on pause, perfectly in place. And she was beautiful, just as he remembered her. Her lavender mane was curled around her face, casting a soft shadow across her muzzle, and her white teeth shone out from her mouth that was currently caught open.

“Silverblood.” She said. The sweet honey of her voice soured. Her hoof lowered to the
ground, as she cemented herself as a statue. He stared at her.

“Rarity.” The stallion said, with a gulp.

“What do you want?” Rarity said, “Why are you here?”

“I…” Blueblood’s eyes fell away from hers, and then to her shoulder, where a line of recently stitched together gashes caught his eye. “My goodness, what happened? Are you alright?”

Rarity glanced at her old wound and turned so that it was no longer visible to her husband. “I am fine, now tell me, why are you here?”

“C-can we sit down?”

Her jaw clenched and her eyes narrowed.

“No? I…”

“Just spit it out.”

Silverblood sighed, “I’m sorry.”

“You’re sorry?” Rarity said, one incredulous eyebrow arched high on her forehead.

“Yes. I’m sorry. And I wanted to talk.”

“You want to talk.”  Her voice was flat.

“Yes, explain things, talk to you, and beg for forgiveness,” Silverblood said, “Whatever it takes.”

“You think that begging and groveling will fix what you did?”

“No, but if I could just explain-“

“Because you can somehow justify cheating?”

“No, I-“

“Then what are you going to try to do?” Rarity said, “I don’t know what you thought you were going to do by coming here. I already-“

“Filed. I know. I know and that’s why I’m here. I thought…” He shook his head, his mane rolling to the other side of his head, “I thought, I don’t know. I thought maybe you would go away for some time, that you needed space and that we could talk this out and-“

“You thought I just needed time? Truly?” Rarity said, “What in Celestia’s Mane would ever give you the idea that I would do such a thing? You…you broke my heart, Silverblood. You betrayed my trust, and there is no going back from that.”

He took a step forward, and she took a step back, as if they were dancing. There was only thirty feet between them, and if he thought of it like that, then it might be easier.

“Why did you come here, Silverblood?” Rarity said, “What could you have hoped to achieve?”

“I wanted to save us, whatever,” Silverblood waved his hoof through the air, “this is. I wanted to explain. I wanted…” His voice trailed to a close.

Rarity could almost take pity on the stallion. Here he was, the once noble and glorious princeling, brought into her looking no more than a scamp; his mane was tossed around his head in frayed, bleached knots and unkempt ends; his clothes were stained and crumpled, smelling vaguely of cheap cider; and his once brilliant blue eyes had become dulled and bloodshot. The bags beneath his eyes, puffy and red, stood like banners hanging over a castle wall against his gray coat. 

Silverblood ground his teeth together, pulling the threads of himself tight to keep the cloth of his facade intact. He inhaled the smell of recently cleaned floors, heavy curtains, and her; the perfume of her skin that traced his nostrils and even now made his heart stammer.

“Can we please just talk?” He said. “Don’t I deserve that at least?”

Rarity’s head lowered as she let out a long sigh. Her horn glowed and the sign on the window flipped over. “Fine.”

The stallion smiled and took another step forward.

“But I am busy, Silver. So, let’s get through this quickly.”

“Okay.” Silverblood said, “That’s fair.”

“Spit it out then.”

He rubbed the back of his head, “I’m sorry. Truly, deeply sorry, Rarity. I knew it was wrong, and nothing I can say or do will ever fix what I did.”

“Why did you do it then?”

“I don’t know.” Silverblood said, “It just…happened. I was lonely, I was hurt. We were falling apart, even if we never talked about it.”

“What are you talking about?” Rarity said.

“For the last two years, you’ve been distant from me. You-“

“Why didn’t you say anything?”

“Because I…I don’t know!” Silverblood stomped his hoof and turned away, “I thought talking about it would push you away. I thought that maybe it was all in my head. I thought that you were just busy with your work.”

“And cheating was your answer?”

“I didn’t mean for it…I just…she was there for me, while you spent ten, twelve-hour days at your shop, and things just…happened,” Silverblood said.

“So you’re blaming me?”

“No, no.” Silverblood said, “I’m trying to explain myself here.”
The stallion sighed, as he walked past Rarity and stared out the window, leaning against the door jamb. “She kissed me one day. I didn’t say anything to you, because I thought that it would be the end of it. “

“When did this happen?”

“About a year ago.”

Rarity’s stomach turned over. “A year? You’ve been….for a year?”

He couldn’t turn to face her, preferring instead to stare at the grit in the tiles of the floor.

“Who is she?” Rarity said.

“Does it matter?” Silverblood said. With a sigh, he relented. “She’s a servant up at the palace, and has done some work for us in the past.”

“She worked for us. And she knew you were married?” Rarity asked, taking a step forward. “All of that matters. I’m revolted at the idea that she came into our house under my nose. How could you do that? What kind of pony are you who can hold a secret like that for years under your own nose, behind the back of your wife?”

“Come now, Rarity, it’s not like you’re spotless.”

“I beg your pardon?”

“You think I don’t know? I didn’t hear?”

Rarity swallowed, gulping down the saliva that had collected at the back of her throat. “I don’t know what you’re referring to, Silverblood. But I didn’t-”

“Do I need to just come out and say it?”

“Enlighten me, Silverblood!”

“You defiled yourself with that dragon friend of yours.”

“W-what?”

“That night, when we went clubbing, I had to leave. I left one of my entourage behind to keep an eye on you.”

“You were spying on me?” Rarity said, aghast, “I’m sorry, but how-”

“To keep you safe!” Silverblood shouted. “To make sure no creep took advantage of you! Sorry for being concerned that my beautiful wife, who never goes to clubs is unaware of the freaks and creeps out there who might hurt her!”

“Are you calling me naive?”

“I’m not saying-” Silverblood brought a hoof to his head and closed his eyes, letting himself take a moment and a breath of air before continuing. “I’m saying that it was never your world. Your world was art, and beauty, and a little town with friendly and caring people. I just wanted to keep you safe, keep you...unharmed by the darker intentions of cruel ponies.”

“I am not a damsel in distress for you to save, Silverblood. I’ve been to far corners of the world, and I’ve fought actual darkness incarnate. I don’t need your protection, no matter how thoughtful or charmingly you state it.”

“Then I apologize for trying to keep you safe. But that still doesn’t- you left with a dragon!”

“He was a friend.”

“That's not how my source put it. He was crooning over you the entire time. You danced together, intimately.”

“I know that is how it looks, but-”

“He took you back to our home.”

“And your, how did you put it, ‘source’ followed us?”

“You had wine, drinks, a fire.”

Rarity’s jaw clenched, replaying the night in her head.

“And…and he saw the two of you. Bodies...entwined. On the couch, off, his hands running along your side and haunches.”

Rarity remembered his touch upon her, claws brushing through her mane, her fur. Little moans. Shivers and gasps. She trembled, unable to speak as Silverblood took another step toward her.

“Tell me, Rarity, what does that sound like to you? What does it look like? What happened that night? Why didn’t you ever tell me?” Silverblood scoffed, “When my stallion told me of that, I couldn’t even breathe. I came home, expecting you to say something, anything, but that was the first time you shut me out. You kept me away.”

“So, it’s my fault. Like you said before,” Rarity said, eyes getting wet. Part of her believed it. You’ve been a naughty filly, Rarity. You pushed down that night and locked it away and never wanted to think about it again. Not because of Spike, but because you knew it was wrong. You’ve always known.

Silverblood sighed. “No. Look, it was...both of our faults. A marriage is a difficult thing, it has bumps and trials and tribulations, but we can move past this. We just...need to be honest with each other.”

“The truth then?”

“The truth. I’ve said mine. You tell me yours.”

Rarity gulped again and then motioned for Silverblood to follow her. Someplace they could sit. So she explained. From the doughnuts to Spike’s insistence. Her disappointment that he chose to leave her all alone in a club. To the fireplace, and wine, and tender intimate moments by the fire.

“But we never did anything, Silverblood, I swear,” Rarity said, as she wiped away a tear, “I swear to you about that. He tried to kiss me, but I threw him out, I refused to be unfaithful.”

Silverblood nodded. He was deep in thought. He looked to her shoulder, again, claw marks visible. He narrowed his eyes. "And what is that?"

Rarity opened her mouth, "Nothing really."

"Don't play coy, I can tell those are the marks of claws. Did someone hurt you? Are you..."

"I'm fine, SIlverblood. It wasn't intentional. They would never do that to me."

"Un-unintentional?" Silverblood leaned in, "You...those are dragon claws, aren't they? Did you...? Once you found out you thought-"

"Be silent, Silverblood. No. That isn't what happened. He was hurt, and I had to carry him."

"How was he hurt?"

Rarity blinked. "I...I don't know. He was the one for whom the funeral was for, but he survived. And he found his way here, to me."

"Why did he come to you?"

"I don't know, Silverblood. But with the state he was in, I couldn't just leave him. He would have died," Rarity said, "And besides, he is my friend."

"Fine. I trust your word.  But then the question...what happens now?”

“After all this? All this...damage?” Rarity asked, "Your accusations, and explanations?"

“Will you come back to Canterlot with me?”

Rarity blinked. “N-no.” She reaffirmed herself, held her head high, even though her make-up was ruined, and her nerves were frazzled. “No.”

“I thought-”

“That just because you had a suspicion I was unfaithful that this somehow...entitled you a year of bedding some filly, like this is a childhood game of tit-for-tat? That you deserved to be forgiven for lying? For desecrating our home, our bed?”

“You lied as well,” Silverblood, “Lies by omission are still lies.”

“You never asked, and nothing happened, Silverblood. I didn’t need to explain anything. It wasn’t right, I’ll grant you. Improper, but not elicit. Maybe in your next relationship, you’ll start by communicating your concerns, instead of charging into having extramarital relationships.”

“So what does that mean, for us?”
“It means...that this is over, Silverblood. I loved you. But you broke my heart, and I can’t trust you like that ever again.”

“Rarity, please.”

“No, Silverblood,” Rarity put her hoof down, “Please, leave. You can expect to hear from my lawyers soon.”

Silverblood closed his eyes, his face scrunching up as he attempted to fight back all the emotions that turned in his stomach and chest like a tempest at sea. “I love you, Rarity.”

“You should know he said that to me as well as if it excused his disrespect of my relationships and life. I’ll tell you what I told him. We had something once, and we may still remain friends. But...did you honestly think that a simple conversation would change things?”
“I don’t know Rarity,” Silverblood sighed, “I don’t know.”

Rarity hummed in affirmation. 

“That’s exactly what he said. Goodbye, Silverblood”


-------------- X -------------


“As per the signed agreements made in your prenup, you’ll be receiving…”

Rarity’s eyes glazed over. The stallion across the table had spoken in the same droll for the past hour and a half. Her own lawyer would respond in his own monotone, and papers would be thrust before her. Silverblood didn’t even appear. 

“My client would rather this not go to trial…”

How had it all come down to this? Rarity’s gaze finally fell, alongside her bored expression. She could not remember. It was all a blur of passion, romance, and tangled limbs. It was her first day in Canterlot, when her friends had decided to take her out on the town, get her connected to new ponies, new places.

He was in the middle of the dance floor, all white spats and arrow collars. He looked like a million bits-hell, he was at least worth thrice that. She remembered his lips, warm and rough against hers. She could still feel his breath on her neck, the way she trembled under his grasp.

Were there others like that? Was there to be another? Another who she will have had unknowingly, unwillingly, shared a bed with? Would he tell them that he loved them? Would he nibble on their ears, and play them like an instrument and he was the maestro? Would they ever feel as empty as she did now, realizing it was all a lie?

She looked back up at the lawyer, who was nodding to something her’s was saying. She’d met him maybe three times before, and she understood that he was close with Silverblood. He was a machine that ran on legal code, and he knew his client well. Silverblood knew exactly how to handle anything, and how to walk away without a scratch.

“Does this sound good to you, Ms. Rarity?” 

Rarity looked over at her lawyer, who gave a curt nod. She smiled and said, “Yes, of course.”

“Then we’ll have the paperwork submitted to the court tomorrow morning. After the initial waiting period, we’ll place this into records, and soon after you’ll be legally divorced.” The lawyer said, “By law, you are to be made aware that this will not be legally binding until the waiting period is over, thirty days from now. At any point during this period, this paperwork can be annulled through a written agreement made by both parties.”

“Ms. Rarity, do you wish to file a restraining order to place between you two?” Her lawyer asked.

“There’s no need to be making enemies, darling.” Rarity said.

“Of course. Sign here, please.”

“Need I do anything else?” Rarity asked. Her lawyer shook his head, and reached across the table and shook the hoof of the other lawyer. He then shook Rarity’s hoof. Just another busy day it seemed.

Another busy day, another nagging voice in her head telling her to do something. She wasn’t sure what that something was. The meeting ran over, making the rest of her day run late. Then again, when wasn’t Rarity running late? 

Between filing papers for the divorce, moving Sassy Saddles back to hold down the Canterlot Boutique, and packaging and shipping her favorite designs to the Carousel in Ponyville, she was positively swamped.

So, when Twilight Sparkle up and walked through the door while she was currently working on appointment number sixteen of the day, she was little more than stressed out. 

“Hey, Rarity.” The princess said, face full of smiles, “How are you today?”

“Princess Twilight!” the stallion said, with a start. “It’s an honor.” He bowed.

Rarity sighed, levitating a tape measure across the small of this stallion’s back, again, all while chalking down numbers on a little clipboard. “A little busy, Twilight. You understand.”

“I’ll just wait until you’re finished then,” Twilight said, as she crossed behind her to a little lavender couch. “I brought books, just in case!”

The measure whirred, as she made more frantic notes. “Very good, darling.” She turned back to her client. “You’re sure you want the Baltimare Design?”

“Of course, Mrs. Rarity.” The stallion said, “I wouldn’t dare go to anyone else.”

He stepped down from the little podium, following Rarity as she began to move through the final steps and procedures of their transaction. As she worked, she noted Twilight page through her book, a soft, relaxed smile spread across her muzzle. Yet, in the room beyond her sat the next big project, twelve new dresses for an upcoming gala in Manehattan, special ordered. The bits from the job would pay for her expenses for the next year, at least. Her mouth moved without thought as she completed the stallion’s wishes, as her thoughts wandered back.

Seven, eight years ago, she would have laughed at the idea. She barely made her bills with her designs, and if it wasn't for a certain investor, damned as he may now be, all her shops would have closed. But after that night, after that kiss, and those dates, he decided to take stock in her company. 

He still had stock in it- and that means some of these bits would go to him. Rarity would never get away. She bid the stallion farewell, before heading into the back room to work on the next order. 

“Rarity?” Twilight said as she placed a cautious hoof into the room, “Are you..okay?”

“Of course, dear,” Rarity said, “Just, immensely busy. What brings you to me today?”

Her back faced Twilight and her horn glowed as papers flew by. Patterns, notes, and forms danced with the quill and ink, thread, and needle. 

“Well...a bit of a rumor, really,” Twilight said. 

Rarity arched an eyebrow and glanced back at her. “Oh?”

“I heard that you were...getting a divorce.”

The Unicorn sucked in her lips, forming a neat line across her face. She closed her eyes. “Yes, that is correct.”

“Are you okay?”

“Yes, yes,” Rarity said, as she picked back up her supplies and began her work anew. “But I’d rather not talk about it at all.”

Twilight nodded. “Well, if you ever do…”

There was a moment of silence.

“Have you been to see Spike?”

Rarity stopped her work, her life, once more. She realized what she had been forgetting. 

“Only when he awoke with everyone else,” She said, “Too busy...you know how it is, Twilight.”

She lied.
The words echoed through her thoughts, back to the present where she found herself on the patio of a cafe, the white light of the sun bouncing off the tiny specks of imperfection in the rocks of the cobblestone street. 

“Of course, I’m just happy to just have him back, but I’m worried about him,” Twilight said between bites of her daisy sandwich. 

“And why is that, Twilight?” Rarity asked.

“He’s...not okay,” Twilight said, “Whatever happened to him...I don’t know. I was planning on seeing him today if you’d like to come with me.”

“That does sound pleasant,” Rarity said, “But, alas, I have more appointments today, however. Give him my love, won’t you?” 

She lied again. 

“Are you sure? I know he wanted to see you,” Twilight said.

“I would, but I am just simply too busy. Soon though, for certain.”

Twilight nodded and gave her a hug goodbye after walking her back to the store. When the princess had vanished from view down the lane, she flipped over the open sign. There were no more appointments today. All she had were her thoughts. She didn’t want them. She quickly got back to work, finishing designs and until there was nothing left to do but stare. She had forgotten to turn on the lights, leaving only the soft blue of the fading evening light to illuminate the shop by the time she had finished.

She exhaled and watched the clouds drift by. Sometimes, one needs to just watch the clouds, embrace the exact moment they find themselves in, forget the worries of the futures, and the regrets of the past. Right now, the white marble tile was cool beneath her hooves, and she could faintly hear the birds sing and chirp through the thick glass which otherwise muffled the world outside. It had been a beautiful day like many had been before, and once again, she had missed it.

Rarity had missed a lot, actually. Her marriage had passed her by in a whirlwind of actions and disconnected moments, ideas, and thoughts that had floated freely through it all as if she had been drifting on an endless sea without a rudder. Her life had been a slow-moving river, unnoticeably changing until she had found herself, seven years later, pining for all the time she had let slip by.

She turned around as if to observe her shop as a newcomer here. Mannequins, all dressed up like little toys stood guard in the window, and rows of pre-fabricated dresses hung on tiny silver hangers. The stairs were purloined, a word which she felt rolled off her tongue like slime. Meaningless, all of it, much the same as the other haute couture shops that sprinkled Canterlot. They all had the same designs, the same inspirations.

Then why, Rarity, why did you continue? Fame? Fortune? A need to sate your inner muses which demanded some sort of attention? And where had it landed her? Alone, in a quiet and dark shop. The dread that had been held back by years of repression began to take hold. She had not found happiness with Silverblood, nor with her rich lifestyle, all she had found was this emptiness.

Rarity shook her head. Nihilism is not befitting of a lady.

She closed shop, locking everything away for tomorrow; forgetting the lists of backorders that needed finishing, the paperwork that needed filing, the bills that needed to be paid, the friends that she needed to see, the heart that yearned for fulfillment. Some days, Rarity figured, one has to live in the moment, and that meant, right now, she needed a drink.

Actually Rarity, what you need is sleep. You’ve barely gotten any.

How can I sleep? It is always nightmares. Always.


-------------- X -------------



The long off-white color of the hallways had always made her sick. It twisted her stomach into knots. The rooms were no better. But what truly made her heart freeze was the image before her. The statue was formed like a piece of modern art, constructed out of a mess of tubes and gauze, casts, and monitors. She stood over him, with a vacant expression. Her gaze traced every bit of him, followed the drops of medicine that slipped down the little plastic pipes, traced the edges of bruises that had turned yellow and green. She watched his chest rise and fall with ragged breaths. The stillness of the room was only upset by the ticking of the clock, far behind her, near the door, and the steady beep of the heart monitor, next to her. 

He was asleep. He had been for days now. She wasn’t sure she was going to see him open his eyes again. They said that he’d be fine, they said that it’ll be okay, that there was nothing to worry about. It did little to assuage the little voice that shouted and stamped its hooves in her head. 

You told him you never wanted to see him again.

She took a step closer to him.

You told him you never wanted to see him again.

She couldn’t have said that, could she? Why did she say that?

You know why, you know it was wrong.

We’ve both made mistakes.

The sharp burst of oxygen that blasted from the tank at the bedside made her let out the breath that she had unconsciously held. She told him that she never wanted to see him again, and yet, here she was. She shifted her weight, as her hoof came up from the ground and reached towards his head. 

Rarity hovered her hoof over the side of his face, careful not to tug on the medical equipment. He was so warm, like hellfire, blistering, and forbidden. 

You don’t love him. Not like that.

I know.

Then why?

“Did I do this to you, Spike?” Rarity whispered. “Did you sacrifice yourself, because of what I said?”

‘How did he carry it?’

‘Like it was made of lead.’

“I’m sorry if I did. I didn’t want to hurt you. I was just so...confused and hurt. We both made critical errors in judgment, didn’t we?”

He growled. His claws gripped the bed. The incessant beeping increased. Louder, and louder. Something was wrong. She pressed the call button. Help was on the way. But still, the dragon began to writhe, began to toss, and threaten to rip out those vital cords. Those claws, those dangerous claws, that had already ripped through her flesh like a sharp knife through paper, or scissors across fabric, ripped into the sheets. 

“Spike, Spike!” Rarity said, as she laid her hoof upon his chest, bidding him to rest. Where was the nurse? The doctor? She couldn’t leave him. “Spike, please, relax,” she begged. She put her body down upon him, trying to hold him still and felt his hand grasp her side, threatening to rip her. She turned her head to look at his troubled face. 

“R-rrrrr...eh...tee” Spike mumbled between gritted teeth, brow knitted together.

“Spike? Yes, it’s me, I’m here, I’m here. Your Rarity. I’m here. Please, just please…” She cried out, as she felt her side sting, claws threatening to let loose a trickle of hot wet blood down her side. Her hoof cradled his head. 

It wasn’t a decision, really. At least, that is what she kept telling herself when she fled the room moments later. It didn’t mean anything. It just came into her head, and somehow it worked. He relaxed. The nurses came in, just to wonder why they were called. His vitals came down in seconds back to normal. Save for the little holes in the beddings, no one would have known anything had happened. Rarity definitely wouldn’t say a thing. It was just the only thing she could think to do. 

Those claws stopped digging into her skin like a condor ripping into prey. Instead, they had turned to cradling, holding, then relaxing and letting go. She held his lips to hers, for but a moment. 

And then she ran. And in the nights that followed, she was always running in her dreams. From a monster in the rain. Bleeding and covered in scars and wounds.