> Spike's 'Real' Day > by Aura Zero > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Morning > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Don't forget to sort the books alphabetically and in the right section Spike!" Twilight called out to her assistant. Spike, everyone's favorite dragon, groaned as he heard the same thing told to him as he once again sorts the books that his friend/employer haphazardly threw around the library. "Tell me again why we are doing this at night?" Spike said with a frown as he put the How to Preen your wings book next to Personal Hygiene 101. Twilight was busy reading through a book and almost missed what he said. "Huh? Oh sorry Spike. I found this new book that talks about strange spells that were made." Spike rolled his eyes and just went to putting the last few books away. He finally got to the last of them and really wanted to go to bed. As soon as he put the last book in, he slid down the ladder, landed on his butt and leaned back, glad that he was finally done. He turned an annoyed look at Twilight. She was still focused on the book. He decided to take this chance and head to bed. "Well I'm done so I'm going to bed now. Night Twi." "Mm-hmm yeah sure." Twilight said and dismissed him with a wave. Spike glared at her for a second before turning and starting to walk towards where his new room is in the new castle. "I swear Twi, one of these days, I won't hold back what I'm thinking about you." Spike murmured as he walked. "Spike! Wait!" Spike froze with wide eyes at the exit. Crap did she hear me? Spike slowly turned and saw Twilight still looking at her book. "Yeah?" He said hesitantly. "Come look what I found! It's the strangest thing I've ever seen!" Spike sighed in relief realizing she didn't hear him. He tiredly walked over and took a look. "What did you find? A new spell?" Twilight nodded. "Yes, but the result of this spell makes no sense. It says that whoever gets hit with this spell, that pony shall wake up a new pony and will speak nothing but real things...what does it mean by 'real'?" Spike was half listening, most of his mind on the comfortable bed he will be encompassing soon. However, he did hear the last part. "No idea. Now that that's settled, I'm going to bed." Spike turned and started to walk away again. However, as soon as he got close to the door, everything started to have a purple hue and he seemed to have stopped moving forward. He grunted angrily as he was pulled right back to where he was. "You can't go yet. I need somepony to test it on." Twilight said still looking in the book. Spike glared at her. "I'm not a guinea pig." Spike mumbled angrily but shut his mouth when he realized he said it out loud. Twilight didn't seem to hear it as she closed the book and turned to him with a smile. "Are you ready Spike?" "No, but you're gonna do it anyways so hurry up and get it over with." Spike mumbled. Twilight didn't seem to hear him as her eyes were closed and she was focusing, her horn starting to shine brightly. All of a sudden, a white orb came out her horn and dashed towards Spike, engulfing him. He looked at his claws and saw the traces of the white orb around his own body. It then started to fade away before disappearing completely. Spike looked up to see Twilight's horn lose its glow and her eyes opened and looked at him with curiosity. "So? How do you feel?" Twilight asked excitedly. Spike frowned. "I feel the same. Nothing has changed. Can I go to bed now?" Twilight was surprised. "Nothing? That can't be true! Maybe I messed up?" Twilight reopened the book and started to read it again. Meanwhile Spike turned around. "Well, I'ma hit the hay now. Don't think I could keep my eyelids open for any longer than getting to my bed. Night slave driver." Spike turned around to walk out the room and to bed. Meanwhile, Twilight noticed something as she was reading the book. "Wait, did he just say.... nah. Spike would never say that." Twilight then dug into the book, trying to see what she did wrong. It was a fine morning in Ponyville. The sun rose on time like every other day, making it nice and warm. Ponies have came out to set up their wares for another productive day. As they were setting up their stands, birds chirped beautifully as they flew past. A few even flew over to the library and landed on the balcony. They started to sing a lovely tune into the open door before one was struck right in the face by a pillow, sending it plummeting to the ground. The other birds stared in horror as the bird fell to its doom before they turned to see an annoyed dragon staring at them. "Chirp one more time and I'm having roasted bird for breakfast." Spike said with a glare. The birds immediately took flight and darted away, afraid to be burned to a crisp. Spike watched them leave for a moment as he rubbed the sleepiness out of his eyes. "Ugh I hate when birds do that. It's so annoying." He then looked towards a clock and saw that it was 8:32. "Twi will be up soon. Guess I should make breakfast." Spike said as he started to walk out his room and down a few hallways to the kitchen. He got started on a simple breakfast: eggs, toast and pancakes. After he was done, he set the table and placed the food on it. He nodded with a smile at his work and walked out to go get her. I wonder if she slept last night after that failed spell.... Spike thought but it was answered for him when he rounded a corner and was greeted by a mess of books worse than what he sorted last night. And, in the center, was the culprit. She was laying on a desk, a book underneath her and drool messing up the pages. Spike frowned at this. "Really?" Hearing that seemed to stir the sleeping Alicorn. She lifted her head, drool still on her face and looked groggily up at Spike. She gave a large yawn as Spike glared at her. "Good morning Spike. Sorry about the mess. I really wanted to see why that spell didn't work." Spike just looked at her before sighing. "Well, breakfast is ready if you wanna eat." Twilight was slightly surprised at that response. "So, you're not gonna ask how my search went?" Spike turned around. "Nah. Don't really care honestly. Hurry up for breakfast before it gets cold." He said as he walked away. Twilight was completely surprised by what he just said. "Maybe he's just having a bad morning. I did keep him up late last night." Twilight nodded at that before she got up and walked to the kitchen. She saw the meal and smiled. "Looks great Spike. Thanks." Spike smiled. "No prob Twi. Lets dig in." And with that they ate. Spike finished faster and just laid back in his seat. "I needed that. So what do you have planned for today?" Twilight dabbed at her muzzle after finishing her meal. "Well, first we have to clean up those books-" "Correction: YOU have to clean up those books." Spike said simply. "And then we have the picni- wait what did you just say?" Twilight said as she snapped her head toward him in surprise. "I said you have to do that. I didn't make that mess and I'm not going to clean it up this time." Spike said as he got up. Twilight was flabbergasted. Not once in her life has she ever heard him say anything like that. Better yet, she couldn't even remember him saying no before. Spike ignored her shocked look and took note of the other thing she was about to speak on. "Picnic huh? I kinda forgot about that. That does sound nice, but we need to get more groceries for it. I'll go out and get them." Spike turned and headed for the door. "I'll be back shortly. Hopefully by that time you will have your mess cleaned up." He then left, leaving a frozen and shocked alicorn in the the library. "Let's see, what all do I need to get for the picnic..." Spike was pondering all he was going to get as he walked through town to the market. "There's cheese, daisies, lettuce...." "Hiya Spike!" Spike heard Apple Bloom's voice as she trotted over to him, the sound of two others following. Spike looked at the three." Hey Bloom, Sweets, Scoots. What are you three up to?" Spike asked as they kept walking towards the market. "We're on another Crusade to get our Cutie Marks! I'm sure we will get them this time!" Scootaloo said excitedly. Spike stopped and faceclawed immediately after she said that. "Seriously girls, when are you all gonna try for your cutie marks?" The three of them looked at him confused. "What do you mean Spike?" Sweetie Belle asked. Spike stared at them. "You should know your talents by now. They're pretty obvious.... well, for you and Scoots anyways. I have no idea what you are good at Bloom." Spike said shrugging. Apple Bloom frowned and looked down. Scootaloo spoke up. "Wait how would you know our talents?" Spike gave her a bemused look. "Your name is Scootaloo." "Yeah, so?" Scootaloo said not getting it. Spike faceclawed and slowly dragged it down his face to express the pure annoyance he acquired from her idiocy. He then turned to Sweetie. "Sweets, please just think about it. I know you're smart. What do you think your special talent might be?" Sweetie stopped and thought for a moment. All of a sudden someone spoke up. "Hey! Are ya callin us dumb?" Apple Bloom said bothered. "I wouldn't say dumb; more like ignorant." Spike said simply. "That's the same thing!" Scootaloo said angrily. Spike turned to Scootaloo. "Only an ignorant pony would say that." Scootaloo opened her mouth but then closed it and grumbled angrily to the side. Spike then turned to Sweetie, who seemed to have realized something. "Uh, I think it might be singing..." Sweetie Belle said meekly. Spike smiled. "I knew you would figure it out." Sweetie Belle lit up. "Wait really? Singing is my special talent?" Spike nodded. "Yeah. It was rather obvious after that talent show you guys performed a long time ago." "Well what about me?" Scootaloo asked. Spike frowned at her. "Your name is Scootaloo." "You already said that! I wanna know what my talent is!" Scootaloo said almost desperately. Spike shook his head. "Scoots, what are some of your favorite things to do?" Scootaloo took a moment. "Well, I like riding my scooter, Crusading, admiring Rainbow Dash, and hanging out in our treehouse mostly." Spike smiled. "Your special talent is one of those Scoots." Scootaloo thought hard. Then her eyes grew wide. "Wait, you don't mean..." Spike nodded. "Yes Scoots, your talent is-" "Admiring Dash? That's so awesome!" Scootaloo said excitedly. Spike stared at her, mouth hung open slightly. "You can't be that dumb... Please tell me you're joking." Scootaloo frowned at him. "Hey! I'm not dumb! I got a B+ on my last test!" Spike blinked and merely turned to Apple Bloom. "Well, I wish you luck on finding your talent Bloom. I'm sure it will be great." Apple Bloom smiled at that. "Gee, thanks Spike." Spike nodded before turning to Sweetie. "I'll see ya around Sweets. Keep staying adorable alright?" Sweetie Belle was surprised to hear that and her rosy cheeks showed it. "O-Okay..." Spike turned and walks past Scootaloo, heading to the market. "Hey! What about me?" Scootaloo said before running in front of him. "Aren't ya gonna say something to me?" Spike stopped and looked at her. "Don't do anything crazy." Scootaloo frowned at that. "That's it?" Spike chuckled. "And, good luck with your flying." Scootaloo smiled. "Thanks. Soon, I'll be flying like a pro and be just like Rainbow Dash." Spike turned away and started walking. "Hopefully her flying skill is the only thing you get from her." Spike then headed into town, leaving a pleased filly, an enamored one, and a slightly bewildered one. > Afternoon > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Once Spike was away from the Crusaders, he put his claws behind his head and strolled towards the market as he looked at the sky. "Nice day. Warm weather, no cloud in sight and a nice cool breeze; perfect for a picnic. Now to get some ingredients so I can make the perfect sandwiches. I might even make my triple-decker cookies." Spike smiled as he walked right into the market area. "Get your carrots here! Fresh carrots!" The market was bustling with ponies trying to get their own groceries as Spike walked through it to find his ingredients. Many ponies were shouting out their wares to garner other's attention, while some merely stood back and watched as ponies came to theirs since their stuff sold fast. "Alright first lets get some apples of course." Spike said as he headed over to the apple stand. He saw that Big Mcintosh was running the stand for today. "Hey there Big Mac." Spike said as he got close. Big Mac noticed him and gave him a nod. "Evenin' Spike. Here fer some apples Ah'm guessin'?" "You guessed right. Just half a dozen please." Spike said as he flicked six bits with his claw towards Mac who effortlessly caught them and put them in a box. Mac swiped six apples in a bag and tossed it at him. Spike caught it as he started to walk away. "Have a good one Spike." "Thanks Big Mac." Spike said as he strolled towards the next stand. He was about to speak to the mare behind the lettuce stand until someone pulled his attention away. "Hey! You there! Little dragon!" Spike immediately frowned knowing the voice before he turned and saw a rather annoying blue unicorn walking up to him. "Trixie requires your attention for a moment." "The name's 'Spike', not 'little dragon'. And what are you even doing here?" Spike said as he glared at her with his arms crossed. Trixie hesitated at his stare before she continued. "Well, Spike, Trixie requires an audience with Princess Twilight and Trixie-" "Don't care, busy." Spike said cutting her off and turning towards the stand. Trixie just stood there shocked at what just happened. Spike merely ignored her as he dropped a few bits on the table and took the amount he needed. He turned around and walked around Trixie before she snapped out of it and walked after him. "Hey! Don't ignore Trixie! Trixie has to have your help if Trixie-" Spike stopped and tuned to her with an annoyed frown. "Ugh, can you stop talking in third person? Its annoying. I already know your name; don't need to hear it three times in every sentence." Spike then turned and walked away leaving a stunned and shocked unicorn. She grew angry at the insult the dragon gave her and rushed up in front of him, making him stop and look up at her with a flat expression. "Why are you acting so rude!?" His flat expression turned to an angry one. "You used me as a basketball and tried to kick Twilight out of Ponyville." Trixie flinched visibly as he said those words and frowned and looked down. "Oh, Tri....I apologize." Spike's expression softened at that. "Apology accepted." he said as he started to walk around her. Trixie merely stood there for a moment before Spike spoke up. "Are you coming?" Trixie turned and saw him smiling slightly at her. She smiled back but quickly changed her expression and joined him as he continued to the next stall. "What exactly are you doing?" Trixie asked as Spike paid some bits and grabbed a few oranges. "Just getting ingredients for a picnic me and the girls are having. I'm sure you can talk to Twilight before then. Just let me finish and we can head back." Spike said as he tossed a bit towards Carrot Top, simultaneously catching a carrot and giving a smile and nod to the mare. Trixie nodded. "Very well. Tr... I will wait with you until you are finished." Spike nodded as he continued along, gathering more ingredients. As he was looking at the cucumbers, Trixie spoke up. "So how has the new princess been since becoming a princess and all?" Trixie said trying to create small talk. "Ask her yourself when you see her. I'm sure she will tell you now that you two are okay with each other." Spike said as he grabbed two good ones and gave the pony the bits. He then moved towards the next stand. Trixie followed behind. "T- I, haven't known you that much but you seem different." Trixie said as she caught up to him. "Nah, just don't care today." Spike said as he grabbed two bananas and tossed his bits behind him, landing in the bit box. "That was a pretty good shot." Trixie said aloud. "I know." Spike said simply as he continued along. All of a sudden someone called out. "Oh my gosh look! It's Trixie! She's back!" Trixie looked and saw two colts she really weren't fond of. Spike merely ignored the voice and kept walking towards the next stall, however, as he was looking at the pineapples, he couldn't help but hear their conversation. "Welcome back Trixie!" Snips said loudly. "Yeah! Welcome back!" Snails said just as loud. "Are ya here to do another performance?" Snips said with what sounded like excitement. Spike turned and started towards another stand and Trixie noticed him leaving. She turned to the two colts. "No, Trixie is merely here on business. Now if you would please leave, Trixie is busy." She said before turning and walking over towards Spike as he looked at grapes. "You did it again." Spike said as she got close. Trixie frowned. "Force of habit." Spike would have said more but the two colts from earlier decided that they weren't done. "Hiya Spike! You're friends with Trixie now?" Snips asked as he popped up next to Trixie, making her jump. Spike merely shrugged at him before he placed the grapes in his claw, in the bag and moved on. Trixie looked at them. "Lets just say we're acquaintances. Now if you will-" "Acquaintances? Whats that?" Snails asked as he scratched his head. Spike couldn't help but faceclaw at that response. "Sometimes I forget how 'smart' you two really are." "Uh, thanks?" Snips said, not sure if that was a compliment or not. Spike shook his head. "Listen Trixie, I'll meet you at the new castle in an hour. I can't handle dumb and dumber over here any longer and it's taking me longer than I should to get everything. See ya in a bit." Spike then turned and left in the direction of Sugarcube Corner after getting all his ingredients from the market, leaving Trixie with Snips and Snails. She looked at them and they beamed at her with awkward smiles. "Oh great..." Trixie mumbled as she started to walk away, the two colts happily tagging along. The bell at the door to Sugarcube Corner rang loudly as Spike entered the inedible building. "Alright, all I need now is vanilla cream from the Cakes and I will have everything." Spike said as he walked towards the counter. He noticed a certain friend was getting a bag from Mr. Cake. "Here ya go Fluttershy, two carrot cupcakes. I hope you enjoy them." "Oh, thank you very much Mr. Cake. I'm sure Angel will love these." Fluttershy said with a smile. "You spoil that bunny too much, you know that Shy?" Spike said as he walked up to her. Fluttershy jumped at the voice but relaxed when she saw it was Spike. "Oh, hello Spike. And this is just a reward for him being such a great helper." Spike shrugged. "Can't see him as the helping type." Fluttershy grew confused. "What do you mean?" Spike hesitated, and that surprised him, however he still spoke up. "Fluttershy, I don't think you noticed but that bunny is only nice towards you. To everypony else, he's nothing short of a demonic furball that takes pleasure in others' pain." Fluttershy merely stood there for a moment. She blinked once; then twice before her eyes grew wide as the meaning of his words sunk in. "W-What? That cant be true! How could you even say something like that about him Spike!" Fluttershy said, offended and hurt that he would say something like that. "Well, now I know how this can be a bad thing..." Spike mumbled before turning to Fluttershy again. "Sorry about that Shy. I guess I should have worded it better. But, its still the truth. Every time you asked me to watch that bunny, I've had nothing but trouble from him. I was starting to think he has it out for me, but I see him do it with basically everyone else too." Fluttershy was shocked. She knew he was a little grumpy, but she didn't think Angel would ever be too mean towards others. "Are you telling the truth?" Fluttershy asked meekly. "I wouldn't lie to you Shy. Couldn't if I tried; well not right now anyways." Spike said before turning to leave Fluttershy to her thoughts as he went to get the last item for the day. "Hello there Spike! Here for a gemcake?" Mr. Cake asked with a smile. Spike smiled but shook his head. "Nah, just here to buy an ingredient if I can; Vanilla cream. Have any?" "Sure do! One moment and I'll get some for you." Mr Cake then headed to the back as Spike took a seat and looked around. He saw Fluttershy walking out the door but not first without stealing a glance at him. He gave her a soft smile and a wave, one she returned shyly as she walked out the door, no doubt the revelation still on her mind. "Looks like I'll probably be having a little fight later. Meh, I'll probably just scare him off with my fire or something. Sometimes its good to be a dragon." Spike said as he laid back in a chair and closed his eyes. "I'll say!" Spike opened his eyes to see two large cerulean orbs scanning him... literally. "Hiya Spike!" "Aah!" Spike yelled, flailing his arms as the chair fell back, ending up hitting his head on the ground. "Gah! Pinkie! Do not sneak up on me! I hate when you do that." Pinkie frowned at that. "Sorry Spike. I thought you knew I was there. I was next to you for a little while." "Since when?" Spike said as he sat back in his chair. "Since you ordered for vanilla cream. By the way why are you getting vanilla cream? Are you making something? If you are, then you should let me help! I love baking things!" Spike shook his head. "No thanks Pinkie. I can handle it. Besides, don't you have some treats to make yourself?" "For the picnic? Oh I already made those. They are nice and hot and ready to be eaten at the picnic!" Spike smiled at the thought. "I cant wait. If there is anything I can say about you Pinkie, its that you make the best sweets." Pinkie smiled as she rubbed the top of Spike's head. "Aww, thanks Spike!" Spike merely swatted her hoof away. "Don't do that." He turned and saw Mr. Cake coming over with the ingredient. "Here ya go Spike. Hope this is enough for you." Mr Cake said as he placed it on the counter. "Thanks Mr. Cake. How much I owe ya?" Spike asked getting his bits ready. "Free of charge my good dragon. Consider it a thank you for your help when our oven stopped working." Mr Cake said as he slid it towards him. Spike smiled. "Thanks!" He grabbed the ingredient and put it in his bag. He turned to Pinkie and spoke up. "Well I have to head out now. I have a few more things I have to take care of before our picnic. Ill see you later Pinkie." Spike then turned and headed for the exit. "Bye Spikey! See you at the picnic!" Pinkie yelled out as he got outside the building and sighed. "Okay, now I have everything. Time to head home and get everything made." Spike said as he started towards his home, keeping a lookout for a specific azure unicorn. > Night > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Spike was in the library laying in a chair after an exhausting day outside. He sighed as he leaned back in the chair and rubbed his head. "Geez that rabbit sure has an arm on him. I'm lucky I have tough scales or that rock would have definitely left a mark...annoying furball." Spike looked at the ceiling thoughtfully. "Speaking of annoying furry creatures, I wonder where Trixie went. I told her to meet me at the castle." Spike merely shrugged. "Oh well, now I don't have to deal with it. I already had to deal with one self-centered shade of blue colored mare today..." Spike hopped out his seat and took a short walk towards the large kitchen in the castle. "Might as well start to make the food for the picnic. I'll admit, it was a good idea for them to plan it at sundown; that way we can see the stars at night." As Spike was walking, he stopped suddenly. "Wait, why am I talking to myself?" Spike pondered for a moment before he remembered. "Oh yeah, Pinkie." He put his claws behind his head and strolled along. Once Spike made it to the kitchen, he set out to work making all kinds of sandwiches and putting the ingredients together to make his specialty. Spike made the sandwiches rather quickly and after he was done, he heard a voice. "Spike! There you are!" Spike turned to see Twilight with the missing unicorn from earlier. "Hey Twi. I'm guessing you two talked?" Spike said as he turned back to making his cookies. Twilight frowned at him. "Spike, are you feeling okay?" "Yeah I feel fine. Why do you ask?" "Well, its just...you seem to be... different, I guess." Twilight pointed out awkwardly. "Oh! Well turns out your spell worked and I'm as 'real' as I can get." Spike said simply as he pointed a claw upwards. Twilight's expression immediately morphed to happiness as she heard that. "It did? That's great! I knew I had it right. So what exactly does it do?" "I'd rather not get into details Twi. Just observe like you always do." Spike said simply before placing the sheets of cookies on the oven racks. He took a deep breath and released a solid stream of flame on the cookies, burning them to a nice golden color mixed with swirls of brown and cream colors. "Those smell delicious! You haven't made those in a while." Twilight said salivating slightly at the cookies. "Those do smell rather appetizing..." Trixie said as she stared intently at the treats. Spike pulled out the treats and turned to place them out to cool. "I thought about what to make and decided 'why not?' and treat you all to something. You girls are my best friends after all." "That's really nice of you Spike." Twilight said happily. She reached for a cookie to taste, only for her hoof to get smacked away by a claw. "Ow!" "You're not getting any of these until the picnic." Spike said. "Please? Just one?" Twilight begged, eyes wide and sparkling. Spike just looked at her. "That doesn't work on me." He said before taking the cookies away right as Trixie tried to grab one. "Don't even think about it." Spike walked away from the two mares and started to place the cookies in a bag and the bag in the basket where the other treats were. After he secured it and the blanket that Applejack gave him, he turned towards the mares and saw their eyes quickly shift from the basket to his eyes. "Well are you two just gonna stare at the basket, or are you gonna head out? Its about time to go meet up with the others and the quicker we get there, the quicker we get to eat." Spike said with a smirk as he watched the two mares burst through the door towards the picnic site. He chuckled. "I'm glad I learned how to cook." Spike said as he strolled out the library and locked it. As he turned around, he noticed another friend of his coming over with something on her back. He smiled. "Hey Applejack." Applejack smiled at him. "Howdy Spike." She turned and looked at the two disappearing figures. "What's gotten into them two, and when did Trixie get back in town?" "She came to visit Twilight for some reason. As for why they're running, I've decided to make you girls a little treat." Spike replied as he walked beside her towards the picnic site. Applejack grew interested. "A treat huh? What kinda treat?" Spike shook his head. "You'll see when we get there AJ. I'm actually looking forward to your apple pie. I haven't had it in a while." "Well today's yer lucky day! Ah just so happen ta make two so eat yer fill." She said proudly. "I can't wait! So, how's farm life these days?" Spike said changing the subject. Applejack laughed lightly at what Spike said. "Farm life's been pretty good. Apple harvestin's done a day early so it gave me time ta just relax with mah friends." Spike nodded. "Glad you could make it." Applejack nodded before her expression become more stern. "So Spike, Ah heard from Apple Bloom that you told Sweetie Belle her cutie mark and also hinted about Scootaloo's." "Yeah I did." Spike said simply. His quick response threw Applejack off guard but she recovered quickly. "Why did ya do that? They're supposed ta learn their cutie marks all on their own." Spike frowned. "For what? All that's done is have them put themselves in dangerous situations and destroy things if their 'crusades' are anything to go by. I would have told Apple Bloom hers too if I knew it. I find it oddly strange that a group of smart fillies like them that can go on all these crazy ideas of theirs but can't even find their cutie marks. However, others like Snips or Snails have theirs. Those guys are dumb as rocks sometimes. Wait, sorry that would be an insult to the rocks. Heck, even Diamond Tiara... Applejack?" Spike stopped talking when he noticed his partner for the trip wasn't next to him. He looked behind him and saw the missing pony standing there. She had wide eyes and her mouth hung open slightly. "Bit for your thoughts?" Spike said making Applejack snap out of it. She shook her head and looked at Spike. "Uh, yer acting mighty differently right now Spike. Yew feelin' okay?" Applejack asked with slight concern. "I'm fine. But as a heads up, this picnic might turn out differently than you think." Spike said as he turned back around and started walking. Applejack stared at him for a moment. She shrugged before trotting ahead. "Ah have a feelin' this wont be a simple picnic..." Spike made it to the picnic spot with Applejack and saw three mares waiting; one sitting comfortably on a red couch. He smiled as he saw the only friend of his that he hadn't seen today. As he got close, she gave a small wave at the two. "Hello Applejack. And hello Spike! Glad you two could make it." "Well hello there Rarity. You are looking lovely this evening." Spike said as he walked up to her and grabbed the hoof she waved with. He then proceeded to kiss it gently, making Rarity's eyes grow wide and blush slightly in mild surprise. As Spike pulled away, he caught a whiff of her scent. "And you smell wonderful too. Is that lavender?" Rarity blushed even harder at the compliment Spike gave her, however, she responded. "W-Why yes, it is Spike." "Excellent choice. Goes with the scent from the breeze here very nicely. Now if you will excuse me, I will set up our picnic." Rarity merely sat there for a moment and watched as Spike turned and got to work setting up the picnic. Applejack took a seat next to her. "Surprised huh?" Rarity snapped out of her gaze at the dragon and turned to Applejack confused. "I beg your pardon?" Rarity asked. "Spike seems mighty confident today, don't ya think?" Applejack said watching him. "Indeed that was quite unexpected. However, I would be lying if I said it wasn't nice." Rarity said as she watched him pull out a bag. Once he did, she smelled them immediately. "Are those your special cookies?" Spike nodded as he placed the still hot cookies on a plate. "Sure are. You girls are in for a real treat. I made sure to make this batch extra delicious." Spike teased lightly. Rarity climbed off her seat and approached Spike. "I haven't had these in a while. Perhaps I may have one now to remember how delicious they were hm?" Rarity said as she laid a hoof on Spike's shoulder. "Nope. You have to wait like everypony else." Spike said simply as he finished setting things up, not even paying much attention to her. Rarity was slightly surprised at the answer, however, she still persisted. "Please Spikey-Wikey? Not even for a little kiss?" Spike spun around quickly. "On the lips?" He said with a hint of excitement. Rarity recoiled slightly. "Uh, well I was going to say on the cheek-" "Then no." Spike interrupted her before turning back around. He noticed Twilight looking at him in surprise, as well as a notepad floating nearby and quill writing furiously on it. He also noticed Trixie reaching for the cookies again. He slapped her hoof away. "Ow! That hurt!" Trixie whined as she retracted her hoof and waved it around to dull the pain. "Don't reach for the cookies until everypony is here Trixie. Do it again and you wont get any." Spike warned. Trixie immediately shifted away from the treats. Spike sighed before he turned and saw two ponies coming over a hill. "Hi everypony! I'm ready for our super fun picnic!" Pinkie said as she hopped over and sat three boxes down. "Hello everyone. I hope we aren't too late." Fluttershy said as she laid down a tea set that was balanced on her back. "Not at all darling. We're actually still missing somepony." Rarity pointed out. Fluttershy looked around and noticed who she meant. Also, she noticed Trixie. "Oh hello Trixie. When did you get back in town?" "Well, Trixie-" "Ahem!" Spike said loudly, cutting off Trixie. The others looked at him in confusion at that. Trixie looked his way before grunting. "I, came to speak to Twilight. We've already discussed my business and afterwards she offered me to accompany her to the picnic." "Sweet! The more, the merrier!" Pinkie said happily. "Now all we gotta do is wait fer Rainbow ta show up and then we can dig in." Applejack said, getting hungrier by the second. As if on cue, Rainbow appears above them and lands right next to Rarity's couch. "Sorry I'm late. Had a few things to take care of and..." Rainbow stopped once she saw Trixie. "Trixie? What are you doing here?" Dash said with a frown. "I was invited by Twilight." Trixie said simply. Rainbow raised a brow in slight surprise. "Did you just say 'I' instead of 'Trixie'?" "Yes, I did. It Seems someone prefers I speak this way, and being the nice and generous Tr- mare that I am, I will abide by his request." "And I thank you for it." Spike said with a smile. He noticed Rainbow shoot him a glare, but he ignored it. "Well, now that everypony is here, you can all dig in." Twilight and Trixie wasted no time and snatched away a few of Spikes cookies. Rarity was the next to grab one by merely levitating it over to her. Spike immediately went towards Pinkie's sweets first. "So what did you bring today Pinkie?" Pinkie started to open the boxes as she spoke. "Oh you know, some cupcakes, brownies, muffins-" As she said that, she tossed one in the air as a clumsy pegasus came by and grabbed it. "Thanks Pinkie!" The mare said happily as she kept on her way, narrowly avoiding a tree. Spike shook his head. "You are too random Pinkie." Pinkie merely smiled wider. "I know! That's why I got you this!" Pinkie then pulled a smaller triangular box from her mane. "Do you have like a portal in your mane or something?" Spike asked as he took the box. "Nope! I just have a lot of room in my mane." Spike decided not to press further and opened the box and his eyes grew wide. There were three cupcakes; One with emeralds, another with rubies, and a third with sapphire shards all over them. "Wow! These look delicious! Thanks Pinkie." Spike gave the mare a hug, who happily returned it. "Anytime Spikey! Now lets eat." Spike started with the ruby one and devoured it quickly. "So...good." Once done, he ate the emerald one more slowly. "Here you go Spike. Have some tea with it." Fluttershy offered. Spike happily took the cup and downed it. "That hit the spot. Thanks Fluttershy." She merely smiled and nodded at him. "Sho, anypony goph somephing-" "Dash, chew your food first." Spike interrupted with a claw to his face. Rainbow shot him another glare and this time Spike spoke up about it. "Is there something wrong Dash? You are staring pretty hard." Rainbow quickly swallowed her food and responded. "No. Nothing is wrong." Spike raised a brow. "Are you sure? Don't hesitate to speak your mind Dash; you know I wont." "What's with you?" Rainbow said loudly. Everypony else stopped their conversations and turned to them. "You're acting weird. And not as in Pinkie weird either." Spike shrugged. "Let's just say I'm keeping it real." Pinkie giggled lightly at that, while Rainbow, Applejack, and Rarity looked at him in confusion. Twilight was busy writing on her notepad with a giddy smile on her face while Fluttershy looked at her in confusion. Trixie was merely devouring Spike's cookies during the whole conversation. "Trixie if you eat like that you're gonna get fat." Spike said as she ate another cookie. "Please! I will not get fat over a few cookies." Trixie huffed. Spike merely shrugged and turned towards Rarity. "So how has your business been coming along Rarity? I heard about the large sale you made in Canterlot." Rarity lit up at the mention of her profession. "Oh yes! My dresses are receiving lots of praise because of that order. I really must thank Fancy Pants for that wonderful opportunity, which will be soon because he is coming to personally request more dresses!" Spike nodded. "Well that's great! I just hope he doesn't try to hit on you again like last time." Everyone grew quiet at that. Rarity's smile faltered and she looked at Spike with confusion. "I'm sorry; could you repeat that? I don't think I heard you right." Spike sighed. "Listen Rarity. There is something I want to tell you." At this, Rarity's eyes grew wide and a faint trace of sweat appeared on her forehead. "Seeing that I have no hesitation at the moment, I'll just say it flat out. I'm in lo-" Rarity interrupted him. "Spike, can't it wait another time? We are at a picnic, and-" "So you do know." Spike interrupted back. Rarity flinched. "K-Know what dear?" Spike frowned at that. "Please don't play dumb Rarity." Rarity grew more nervous and looked around. Applejack and Fluttershy were staring intently at her, while Pinkie and Rainbow Dash were sitting next to each other eating popcorn. Twilight was still scribbling madly on her notepad, however, she had both a concerned and surprised look on her face as she looked between them. Meanwhile, Trixie was still munching away on Spike's cookies. She looked back at Spike and saw him shake his head. "I had a feeling you knew, but I didn't want to really believe it cause if you did, that means you already had an answer for it." Rarity frowned and looked down. "I'm sorry Spike. I just didn't want to hurt your feelings. You seemed to really enjoy spending time with me and I with you. But-" "You don't love me like I love you. I know. It hurts, but I know." Spike said sadly. Rarity got up quickly and rushed over to pull him into a warm hug. Spike couldn't help but let a few tears loose, however he held back anything more. "I'm so sorry Spike." Rarity said hugging him tighter. Spike enjoyed the embrace for a while longer before he pulled away. He put on a small smile. "There's no reason to be sorry Rarity. You didn't do anything wrong; it was all me. I got my hopes up for something that'll never happen." Spike got up. "Besides, it would be weird to see a pony and dragon together. Should have gave up on that idea a long time ago..." "Now hold on just one second there sugarcube. Just because things didn't work out fer yew two doesn't mean ya should give up." Applejack protested. "Yeah! And I think a pony and dragon together sounds pretty sweet!" Pinkie said with a smile. "I agree. I'm sure there is somepony out there that wouldn't mind that you are a dragon and would love you just like a pony." Fluttershy said meekly. "Yeah! Don't give up just because Rarity here doesn't like you." Rainbow added. "Hey! I never said I didn't like him!" Rarity defended. "Oh? Then what exactly did you mean?" Rainbow pried. Rarity blushed. "W-Well, I..." "She likes that Fancy Shoes or whatever his name is. I saw her giggling madly over his name today when I stopped by her store." Trixie added as she ate another cookie. Rarity gasped. "You were eavesdropping?" "I guess you can say that." Trixie replied before grabbing another cookie. Rarity frowned at her before she realized that everyone heard what Trixie said. She hesitantly looked at Spike and was slightly surprised to see he wasn't mad. He actually seemed to be in thought. "I had a feeling that was the case. Guess this proves it." Spike smiled at her. "Well I wish you the best with him. He seems like a nice guy from when I met him." Rarity merely stared at him for a moment before a tear slid down her cheek. She immediately pulled him into another hug. "Thank you Spikey-Wikey! You don't know how much it means to me to hear you say that." "I can take a guess... but one more thing?" Rarity pulled away with a smile. "Yes?" "Don't call me 'Spikey-Wikey'. It sounds degrading; like I'm a pet or somethin'." Rarity blushed and heard a snicker behind her. "Oh! I'm terribly sorry Spike! I didn't know." Spike smiled at her. "Its fine. Spikey is cool with me; just leave the other half out." Rarity smiled and nodded. "Very well." "Well its about time you two talked about this!" Rainbow said as she flew above them. "I was beginning to think I'd grow old before the whole Rarity and Spikey-Wikey fiasco ended." Rainbow said dramatically. Spike glared at her. "Don't call me that, Dashie." Rainbow glared back at him. "Don't call me Dashie." "B-But I call you that all the time..." Fluttershy said quietly. "Yeah, but you're different." Rainbow protested. "We've know each other for like ever." "Aaaanyways," Pinkie interrupted. "So who ya gonna try to go out with now Spike?" Spike looked at her in surprise. "Well that was unexpected...but when is anything expected from you Pinkie. And to answer your question, I have no idea." "Maybe it would be best if Spike didn't try to look for another mare to woo over right now." Twilight spoke up. Spike looked at her. "And the princess speaks. Thought you were gonna sit there and listen to us all night for a moment." "I was merely observing and didn't think any input from myself was necessary." Twilight said as her notepad and quill disappeared. "Until now." She nodded. "Yup. I think its best if you not worry about mares just yet." "I think its about time I should be." Spike said simply. Twilight raised a brow. "Oh? And what makes you think that?" "I'm not young anymore Twi. It seems like you've forgotten that." Spike deadpanned. Twilight was surprised. She wanted to speak up on it, but someone else did. "He's right ya know. He's really only a bit younger than us." Applejack pointed out. "Yes, and he's much more mature than any stallion his age." Rarity said as she smiled at him. He smiled back. "Plus he seems like he would treat a mare right if he was with one..." Fluttershy added. Spike was slightly surprised. "Wow girls. Didn't know you thought so highly of me." "Well of course silly! You're our friend!" Pinkie said as she hopped by him. Spike smiled. "Thanks. Well now that Trixie is done devouring my cookies, lets snuggle up and enjoy this amazing night that Luna has given us." "Well aren't you the romantic dragon." Twilight teased. Spike smirked as he laid down. "It's nothing new." All the girls joined him as they laid down and looked at the stars; Rarity forgetting her comfy couch in order to snuggle up with her dragon friend. The stars sparkled brightly overhead as they enjoyed the sight and the cool breeze. "It's nights like these that makes a drake appreciate what he does have, and I'm one lucky dragon to have all of you girls in my life." Spike said with a small smile. "Aww! Spike you're too cute." Pinkie said as she snuggled up to him making him blush slightly. "We are glad you are here with us as well Spike." Rarity said. "Even though we have our arguments, you're still a pretty cool drake." Rainbow Dash added. "Thanks Rainbow. And you are an awesome Pegasus. But you already knew that." Spike smirked as he saw her nod. "I do." Spike shook his head. He then noticed Trixie was sitting away from them. "Trixie? Why are you over there by yourself? You don't have to be a loner ya know." Trixie shifted slightly. "Well, Tr- I, didn't want to interrupt your moment." Spike frowned. He got up and walked to her. "Trixie, you are my friend now just like Twilight and the others. Our moment is yours too. I'm sure the others agree." Trixie looked as all the others nodded at her. Spike spoke up again. "What do ya say, Trixie?" Trixie looked at him and smiled slightly before turning away. "Very well. I accept your friendship." "That stuck up attitude of yours is annoying..." Spike said simply, making Trixie glare at him. "...however, I think I will grow to not mind it." he added with a smile. Trixie merely huffed and looked away. Spike chuckled lightly before grabbing her hoof and pulling her. "Lets join the others already." "Well that was an eventful picnic, don't you think Spike?" Twilight said to Spike as they walked back towards their library/castle home. "Yeah, but in a good way. Even though things didn't work out with Rarity, at least I know she will be happy. I guess that's all that matters." Twilight was surprised. "Wow Spike. Who knew that you held so much back. You were growing up and I didn't even notice." she frowned and looked down. "Some best friend I am." Spike rubbed a claw on her shoulder. "Don't beat yourself up Twi. Its all my fault. I should have been more open to you from the beginning. Guess I didn't mind as much how I was treated because It took me a while to say it." They made it to the door of the library when Spike finished. "Yeah, and only because the spell let you." Spike looked at her. "No it didn't. The spell wore off at the start of the picnic. I just said those things because It's what I really wanted to say." "What?" Twilight said surprised. "That means that your confession..." "Said it all on my own. It was really tough, but I managed to hold it all in..." A tear dropped from Spike's cheek after he said that. Twilight pulled him close for a hug. "You know you don't have to hold it in any longer Spike." Spike quickly wiped his eyes. "No, I'm fine. Thanks Twi." "Anytime Spike. Now lets get to bed." Twilight said as she opened the door and went inside. Spike followed her and as he entered, an idea popped up in his mind. "Ya know Twi, that spell made me realize something." Twilight turned to look at him. "Oh? And whats that?" Spike smiled. "Real isn't what I say, but how I say it." Twilight nodded. "Wise words Spike." Spike shrugged as he walked past Twilight. "Hey, just keeping it real." > Bonus: Evening > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- As Spike was walking back towards the library to make the food, he decided now was as good time as any to address the thing he has been ignoring. "So, the spell Twilight cast on me makes me 'real' huh? I'm guessing that meant that I speak my mind." Spike chewed on that thought for a moment. He liked it. "I can deal with that. Might make for an interesting picnic though." Spike shrugged as he proceeded along. He saw the library coming into view and picked up the pace. Since he didn't see Trixie waiting he shrugged. "Her loss." "Hey Spike!" Spike turned to see Rainbow Dash flying over with a glare on her face. Spike blinked. "Uh, hey Dash. Why are you glaring at me?" "Don't 'hey' me! Why did you say all those things about Angel?" Dash said with irritation. Spike frowned. "Dash, don't play dumb. I know you know, that bunny is a demonic furball." "So? You didn't have to tell her that! Now there's gonna be a whole ordeal about it!" Spike raised a brow. "I'm sure they will take care of everything in private." "But she asked me to be there too! That bunny's gonna come after me!" Rainbow complained. "Oh blah, blah your needs. They need this talk. She might knock some sense into that bunny." Spike said as he turned from her. Rainbow wasn't having it. "Oh, no you don't! If I'm suffering through this, then so are you!" Rainbow spread her wings and grabbed Spike with her forehooves. Spike's eyes grew wide as he felt himself be tossed into the sky. "What the? Hey!" Spike landed on her back and before he could move, she took flight, gaining altitude. Spike, seeing that there was no way of getting off unless by a fifty foot or more drop, clung to her neck tightly and spoke up. "What the hay Dash! I have things to do right now." "You can do them later. Right now, we have a date with our friend and a crazy bunny." Spike faceclawed. "Maybe this isn't as great as I thought." Rainbow Dash spread her wings wide as she landed right in front of Fluttershy's house door. She looked back at Spike and spoke up with a smirk. "Like that little flying session didn't ya?" Spike loosened his grip as he hopped off her to the ground. "No. That was terrifying. Remind me to never do that again. Did you even remember I was back there?" Rainbow hesitated before looking away. "O-Of course!" Spike glared at her. "Well that's just great. I lived through the possibility of falling off to my doom, seeing that my friend forgot I was even there." "Well you didn't!" Rainbow retorted. Spike shrugged. "I said that." He then turned and knocked on Fluttershy's door, getting a raised brow from his companion. "Might as well get it over with," He said simply. The door creaked open and Fluttershy peeked out the door before noticing Rainbow. "Oh! You're here." She opened the door more and notices Spike as well. "Spike? W-What are you doing here?" She said nervously. "I was swept off my feet by this pegasus and taken here before I had a chance to do anything about it." Spike said simply, earning a glare from Rainbow. He thought of something and continued. "But, it would probably be best if I did come; seeing as I am the one that told you." Fluttershy calmed after he said that. "Oh, well please do come in. I'm actually glad you came." "And why is that?" Spike said as he entered. However, as soon as he did, he was greeted to a carrot straight to the forehead. "Ow!" Spike looked at the carrot and immediately knew who threw it. "Alright where is he? I swear if he wasn't your friend Fluttershy, I'd-" He didn't get to finish as he got hit in the forehead with a rock this time. "Aah! That's it! He's going down!" Spike said as he scanned and saw him standing by the kitchen doorway. He was tossing a rock in his paw and had an irritated look. As Spike was about to walk forward, Angel cocked back the rock, ready to throw. "Stop it right now!" Fluttershy dashed in between the two and took the rock from Angel. "Angel, you don't throw things at others. That's mean and could really hurt others. Now apologize to Spike." Angel crossed his arms and shook his head. Fluttershy glared at him and he hesitated. "Don't make me use it Angel." Fluttershy warned. Angel groaned before hopping past Fluttershy and over to Spike. He stood in front of him and reluctantly extended a paw. Spike looked at him for a moment. He smirked and extended his claw to shake. "That must be really something to make you listen to her like you do. I'm glad she never used it on me." Angel shook his head and had an expression saying 'no, you really don't'. He then turned around and hopped over towards Fluttershy. "Now Angel, is it true that you treat others badly when I'm not around?" Fluttershy asked when he got close. Angel hesitated and looked away and Fluttershy caught it. "You know you shouldn't be doing bad things Angel. They will only get others to dislike you and what if, maybe, they do bad things back?" "Yeah, like maybe messing with a fire breathing dragon for fun isn't the best idea." Spike added. Rainbow snickered slightly while Angel turned and glared at him. "He's right Angel. Spike may be nice but others could hurt you. I don't want anything to happen to you so please don't do anything that will." Angel frowned and looked down, and he nodded. Fluttershy leaned down and nuzzled him gently. "Thank you. Now I have for you a little something for being such a helpful bunny lately." Fluttershy turned and went to the kitchen, grabbing the bag of sweets Spike remembered she got from Sugarcube Corner earlier. She opened the bag and pulls out one of them. "Here you go; A carrot cupcake." Angel happily takes the treat and chows down on it. Meanwhile Spike spoke to Rainbow. "Well, that was solved quickly. Didn't seem like we really needed to be here. And you thought It would turn out bad." "Yeah, that was pretty painless." Rainbow sighed after she said that. Spike raised a brow. "You were really worried huh? That's a surprise." Rainbow glared at him but Spike spoke up before she could. "Not saying you aren't caring, but that you would be over something not really that big." Rainbow relaxed at that. She looked over at Fluttershy nuzzling Angel while he ate a cupcake and shrugs. "It's just Fluttershy, I guess." Spike looked over as well. He nods. "I agree. Well, now that everything is good, I'll be on my way. I still have things to do after all." Spike said as he turned and started for the door. "See you at the picnic Fluttershy! Later Rainbow." Fluttershy merely waved at him, while Rainbow walked after him. "Hey, let me fly you back. It's the least I could do." Rainbow offered as she followed him out. Spike looked at her. "Are you gonna forget I'm back there this time?" Rainbow frowned. "I'm sorry! Geez. I won't forget again." Spike smiled. "Good enough." He hopped on her back and held on tight. "Now, lets see what the best flyer in Ponyville is capable of." Rainbow smirked. "Oh yeah! Hold on tight! You're in for a ride." Rainbow said as she spread her wings and bolted off high into the sky, this time making sure Spike was still holding on. Rainbow dived down and did one final loop before landing stylishly on the ground nearby the castle. Spike saw the ground and hopped off. He turned to her and smiled. "Now that was awesome. Much better when I'm a known passenger. You have skills Dash." Rainbow rubbed a hoof to her chest. "You're just realizing that?" "Nah, just acknowledging it now." Spike said with a smirk. Rainbow glared at him. "Whatever!" She then took flight, about to head out. Spike spoke up before she left. "Thanks for the ride Dash. I'll see you at the picnic!" He waved at her. She looked at him and smirked slightly. "Yeah, see ya." She turned and flew off past a building and out of sight. Spike turned and started toward the castle, however, he didn't make it two steps before hearing his name. "Hey Spike!" Spike frowned as he turned and saw two colts rushing over. However, they weren't with their previous companion. "What is it guys? I'm kinda busy right now." "We lost Trixie and can't find her!" Snips said in slight panic. "Yeah! And we was wondering if you knew where she was since you two were together earlier." Snails added. Spike crossed his arms. "Have you ever considered that she might not be lost, but ditched you guys? She had something to take care of so it wouldn't surprise me." "But why would she ditch us? We could have came with!" Snips complained. Spike faceclawed again. "I'm doing this alot today..." Spike mumbled before he looked at them. "You guys messed up her career by bringing a Ursa Minor into Ponyville. That was completely stupid. No sugarcoating that at all. That was stupid." The two colts visibly flinched at the insult. "Geez, you don't have to say it like that..." Snips said dejectedly. Spike sighed. "Listen guys. I know you two can be smarter than you let on; Heck you both got your cutie marks before anypony else in your class from what Apple Bloom told me. So, why in Equestria would you bring one of those into town?" Snips hesitated. "W-We just wanted to see Trixie vanquish one." "Yeah, and to get on her good side. She's really cute." Snails said with a goofy smile. Spike chuckled. "You two are simple-minded, not dumb. But seriously, you have to think before you do crazy things like that." "Oh don't worry. We learned our lesson last time. We just want to prove that to Trixie too." Snips said. Spike shrugged. "Well, stop by the castle tomorrow. I'm sure she will be here and if you don't do anything crazy, I think she might give you two another chance." The two colts smiled wide at this. "Okay! See ya Spike!" They both said simultaneously as they both turned and walked away. "Ya think she might give us a chance?" Snails asked Snips. "I know she will. Even Spike thought so. He's smart." Snips replied as they got farther away, soon disappearing into town the same way Rainbow went earlier. Spike smiled and turned to the castle. "Those two aren't so bad. I should hang out with them more often." As Spike got to the door and opened it, he thought of something. I wonder when this spell will wear off...