> My Diamond
>  by Regis-Th3-Lesser
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Ch.1 The High Life
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Look there she is!” Rarity walked out off a Canterlot eatery with a milk chocolate stallion accompanying her. They stepped out into a crowd of fans and paparazzi all clamoring to get a picture of the fashionista.  

“This happen to you often?” the stallion asked while muscling his way through the crowd.

“Nearly everywhere I go. Fame comes at a price.” They laboriously made their way to Rarity’s private carriage, Rarity waving to her fans as they passed through.

“I must say those ponies get more rambunctious every time I go out.” Rarity sighed as she stepped into the carriage.

“I’ll say. One of them bit my tail,” He checked his flank a few times before climbing in.

“Oh, my dearest apologies. They can get out of hoof sometimes. I’ve had a few cut my hair.” she huffed with a hoof to her bun. “I hope it wouldn’t be too much to ask, but would you like to go out again next week?”

The stallion began darting his eyes around as if he were looking for a way out. “Um, well…...I-I dunno about next week. There’s this new construction project downtown, and I don’t think I’ll be free for a while.” he said with a nervous grin. Rarity looked down on him with a blank expression.

“If you are going to tell a lie so blunt at least have the courtesy to put some truth behind it.” she fumed sternly.

“Wh-what are you……”

“You told me that you are an artist, and there is no current construction project anywhere in Canterlot!” she scolded with crossed fore-legs.

“I-I’m so…..”

“Look, if you did not want to be with me all you had to do was say so,” 
He hung his head low and slumped in the seat. “I should let those ravenous beasts have you, but I am better than that so I’ll take you home. But you are NEVER to speak to me again, understood?”

He nodded like a colt who just went against his mother’s wishes.





The ride back to the stallion’s house was a very tense one. rarity sat upright with a frown while her date sat slouched besides her. She would occasionally steal a glance at him only to return her eyes forward.  “Of course he only wanted to date me due to social status. How could I be such a fool AGAIN!”  she thought furiously. The carriage came to a halt in front of some old worn apartment complexes. The stallion opened the door and stepped out. 

He turned around “I’ll see you later Rar…” She slammed the carriage door in his face. 

“Are you okay Miss Rarity?” her bearer asked.

“Sorry Fleethoof, I didn’t know you heard,”

“It’s all alright Miss. Where to now?”

“J-Just take me back to the hotel,” she shivered.





“Good evening Miss Rarity.” a young bellhop greeted. “I know that you had the best night ever.”

She cringed at the memory. “Yes it.. was a night to remember,” she walked past all the ponies going about their business in the lobby. 

“Thare she is,” a loud female voice called from behind.

“Oh no. Hello Photo Finish!” Rarity greeted as casually as she could.

“Hallo, hallo, miss Rarity.” the carolina blue mare greeted. “How was your evening? I heard that some luck stallion courted equestria’s greatest designer.”

 “Why does everypony have to bring this up?”  “Yes, well we didn’t...fit as well as I thought we would,” she answered with an annoyed grin/

“Really?” Photo Finish gasped “He was real handsome to. I thought that he would’ve been able to spend the night with you.”

Rarity turned her snout up in disbelief. “I'm not that easy,” she protested.

“Of course not. Any stallion would dream of becoming the partner of Rarity, no?”

“More or less,” Rarity mumbled to herself.

“No?!”

“Oh, uh yes, yes. I can have any stallion that I want,” Rarity halfheartedly agreed.

“Good, now I go!” With that the eccentric fashion mogul left the lobby with her assistants in tow.

 “If anypony says anything that is related to a relationship I don't know what I'll do but it may end with me in prison,” she thought angrily as she went up the stairs. She looked up the at the never ending spiral extending up into what seemed like forever. “Of course I had to get the penthouse suite!” she yelled to no one.





Rarity sluggishly sulked to her room. She opened her door and slammed it close. Not a moment later she walked up to her bed, looked down on it for a few seconds, then she collapsed face first into the mattress. She sobbed uncontrollably occasionally berating herself for being so foolish. She lifted her head from the mattress, face a matted mess with smeared makeup. “That was the fourth one this month!” she whined in between sobs. “What is the matter with me? Do I offend? Am I just a prize to them?!” She buried her face in the mattress again sobbing uncontrollably. “That's it, I am finished with stallions. I'm finished with the opposite gender, any gender for that matter.” Then she broke down again. “No, NO! I am stronger than this! I am the most famous designer in all of Equestria. I am an element of harmony. I am Rarity!” she proudly stated. Then she noticed something out of the corner of her eye. A bottle of red wine sitting in the complimentary ice bucket. She returned her eyes forward trying to take her mind off of any alcohol. “No, I will not drown my sorrows like some old lonely drunkard,” she thought sternly. She bit her lip while stealing glances at the wine. “I'll go to sleep. It is late anyway,” she said with shakiness present in her tone. She trotted over to the ice bucket and levitated the wine out. She walked out to the balcony and launched it over the edge to the street below. “There,” she smiled. She trotted back to her bed. Laying down she saw the princesses castle like a beacon over the rest of the city. She yawned and closed her eyes letting the warm comforting embrace of sleep take her.



> Ch.2 Finally Home
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------



Rarity was awoken by the sound of a hoof knocking on the door.

“Miss Rarity, Miss Rarity.” a feminine voice called repetitively.

Rarity shifted then covered her face with the pillow. “Oh dear, coming!” she shouted while launching the pillow off her. She fumed towards the door, and calmed herself. “Hello.”

The black mare that had been knocking stood, frozen before speaking. “Sorry for the intrusion, Miss Rarity, but you requested the wake up call.” 

“Oh yes, of course. Thank you.” she said calmly. The mare trotted away quietly leaving Rarity in the doorway. She looked around and closed the door. 
“I really need to stop requesting wake up calls.” she trashed. “It isn't like I do anything during the day, everything happens after dark.” 
She climbed back into bed. “Wait! What is today?” 
She rushed to a calendar near the bathroom. “I forgot! I was supposed to be in Ponyville to help with the Summer Sun celebration!” she yelled while clutching some of her mane. She looked to a nearby clock. “Oh thank goodness.” she sighed, relieved. “The train should be here in a few hours.” she walked to a large mirror sitting on a dresser. “Still the most beautiful mare in all of Equestria.” she said while touching up her mane. “But what's the point of beauty if you can't share it with anypony?... Oh well, best not to worry myself about it now.” 





Rarity stood at the train station impatiently waiting for it's arrival. 
 “When is this blasted train supposed to get here?” she pouted.

“I-I'm sure it'll be h-here soon!” a young white pegasus strained with a mountain of luggage teetering on his back.

“I know dear. I'm sure you're wondering why I'm in such a rush.” she stated with her head held high.

“No n-not really.” he groaned under his breath.

“Well, if you insist. I'm going home to Ponyville to assist in the Summer Sun Celebration. I hope that everything goes well this year. I was thinking of a theme set in The Crystal Empire and... ” she was cut off by the sound of a distant train whistle. “It's here, finally.”

“Thank the princesses!” he sighed in relief.

“What was that?” she turned quickly to him batting her eyes.

“Nothing, Miss. I'm just glad that your train is here.” he said with a large fake smile. The train hissed to a stop letting out passengers.

“Hey look, it's Rarity!” A light blue unicorn yelled.

“Oh no.” 
Soon a crowd of clamoring ponies surrounded her begging for a word or an autograph.

“Rarity! I am your biggest fan! Do you have any beauty tips to share?” a yellow mare asked.

“Well I...”

“Rarity, do you think that pink is the color for me?” a brown pegasus interjected.

“I think that...”

“Can you sign my cutie mark?!” a grassy green stallion asked.

“Ponies, please!” Rarity shouted over the crowd. “Now that I have your attention, I am returning to Ponyville and am in no position to answer questions! If I may please be on my way.” she walked forward with her head held high. 

“Excuse me.” the young unicorn groaned, nearly buckling under the luggages' weight.





Twilight, Applejack and Pinkie Pie stood at the train station awaiting Rarity's arrival. Twilight looked down at the tracks impatiently. “Wasn't she supposed to be here by now?” she asked Applejack.

“Calm down Twilight. She'll be here.” Applejack calmly answered.

“How can I be calm when I have important news for everyone, and the one I want to hear the news most is late!” Twilight sneered.

“She's not late.” Pinkie Pie countered with a hop.

“Yes, she is Pinkie.” Twilight stated sternly.

“No she isn't because she's here!”
A high pitched whistle sounded signaling the train's approach. 

“How do ya know that's her train?” Applejack asked.

“Because... I dunno.” 
With two long huffs and a low steamy hiss the train pulled up to the station. The doors flew open releasing a small crowd of ponies. Twilight scanned each one that went by.
“No,not you, oh where is that unicorn?”

“There she is.” Applejack said, pointing to a white figure backing out of a standard car.

“Rarity!” 
She turned around to greet her friends not a moment before Pinkie Pie tackled her.
“You're home!”

“Yes Pinkie Pie I'm home now if you would please let me up.” Rarity gasped, caught in Pinkie's constricting grasp.

“Sorry,” Pinkie said, releasing her ivory friend. 
 
“Thank you.” Rarity exhaled. 

“Finally you're here.” Twilight huffed as she entered the car. “How was Canterlot?” she asked while hugging her friend.

“It was absolutely marvelous, but I needed to come back home to my friends.”

“That's great. Now, I have great news that I know all of you are going to love, but I had to wait for you to get here.” Twilight explained as they exited the train.

“News, what news?” Rarity asked.

“The best news ever. Whatever the news is.” Pinkie Pie responded gaily.

“It's a surprise that I want all of our friends to hear.”
Rarity looked on her with confusion.

“Trust me, she ain't gonna say nothin' till we're all together.” Applejack added.





Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy sat on a quilted blanket in the middle of a small grassy meadow. Fluttershy was conversing with some squirrels while Rainbow Dash laid back under the sun.

“When do you think they'll be back?” Rainbow Dash asked with a yawn.

“I'm sure they'll be here at any moment now.” Fluttershy responded.

“It's been an hour.” Rainbow Dash groaned impatiently.

“It's been longer than that. You were sleep for a while.”

“Hm, well they're still taking their sweet time to get here.” she sat up and stretched her wings and back. “What I'm wondering is, what's gotten Twilight so excited?”

“I don't know. She kept going on about some important news that she had to tell us.”

“Hopefully it's worth skipping out on my daily practice.” Rainbow Dash sighed, falling back onto the blanket. A few minutes later Fluttershy spotted Pinkie Pie bounding towards her with her usual cheery smile.

“Rainbow get up they're here.” she said while gently shaking her sky blue companion. After Pinkie came Twilight then Applejack ending finally with Rarity. 

“Rarity, you're here!” Fluttershy squealed with delight.

“Hello Fluttershy.” Rarity answered with a bright smile. Rarity gave her a welcoming hug then turned her gaze to Rainbow Dash.

“Hello Rainbow Dash. Still looking as awesome as ever.”

“Like always.” Rainbow Dash replied smugly.

“I'm sure that you all have questions for Rarity, but I want to tell you all this exciting news.” Twilight stated.

“Yeah, tell us the news! Ooh, this is gonna be good.” Pinkie exclaimed while pulling a bag of popcorn seemingly out of thin air.

“Alright then, I'm sure that you all remember a certain friend of ours left a few years ago to get in touch with his heritage.” she explained. There were looks of confusion and deep thought spread around her audience. “I received a message from him two days ago. I read over it twice just to make sure that it was true.”

“Get to the point Twilight.” Rainbow Dash impatiently interrupted.

“I was just about to.” Twilight calmly shot back. “He was my assistant up until he left.” she stopped and listened to the collective murmurs weaving through her friends. 

“Who's comin' back?” Applejack asked.

“You don't know?” Twilight asked in false surprise. “Girls, Spike is coming home!”
Rarity and Applejack looked at each other with aude eyes, while Fluttershy trembled at the thought of how big he must've gotten. Rainbow Dash looked confused and Pinkie Pie bounced round repeatedly cheering “yay”.

“When is he coming?” Rainbow Dash asked excitedly.

“Tomorrow!” Twilight exclaimed joyfully.

“Yes! If he has wings now I can teach him all of my moves.”

“After all these years.” Rarity started.

“Ah know. Ah bet he's a giant now.” Applejack added.

“It's only been eight years. How could he have grown that much in that little time?” 

“Remember that time he grew because he got greedy, nd that only took a day.”

“I suppose you're right, but I doubt that he would grow into a ghastly beast, given he controls his mood.”

“Well, we'll see tomorra. Right now I'm starving. Did anypony bring some grub?”

“Sorry girls, I got caught up in the excitement.” Pinkie said, winding down a little. “I'll go get the stuff now. Come on Fluttershy.” Pinkie carried a fear frozen Fluttershy with her back to the bakery.





As the sun slowly fell to the horizon the six fiends began to say their goodbyes.

“Thank you all for being such marvelous friends.” Rarity said as she pulled everyone into a group hug. 

“And tomorrow we'll all be back together.”Fluttershy added.

“Just like old times.” Rainbow Dash sighed.

“It was great seeing you again girls. Goodbye now.” Rarity said, beginning her trek home. “My little Spikey-Wikey is coming home tomorrow. After eight long years.”  she thought with a smile. “I bet he hasn't changed a bit. He's probably still kind, and helpful, and selfless, running around on those stubby little legs. I wonder, does he still have feelings towards me?” she stopped with a hoof to her chin. “No, he's most likely grown out if that. It was just puppy love. A colt sees a pretty mare and he's hooked. They all grow out of it eventually.” 
Deep down Rarity hoped that Spike hadn't lost his feelings towards her. She tried to dismiss it, but nothing can suppress your true feelings.





Our six technicolor made stood in front of Twilight's castle waiting for Spike's arrival.

“When do you think he'll get here?” Twilight asked impatiently.

“I don't know you're the one who told us he was coming.” Fluttershy answered. “Why are you do worried?”

“Because I haven't seen him in so long. It's just like when Princess Cadence and Shining Armor for married. I felt out of touch and forgotten.”

“Didn't he always send you letters?” 

“Yeah, but they weren't consistent. Before he told me he was coming back the last letter he sent was Hearths Warming.”

“Wow,” Fluttershy simply answered. “I'm sure everything will be fine.” 
Soon a large shadow engulfed the group. Twilight looked up while Fluttershy ran and hid behind Rainbow Dash. With two tremendous downbeats of his wings Spike landed in front of the dumbfounded group.

“Hey girls.”








> Ch. 3 Welcome Back Spike
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Spike, the dragon who became lost with time, is home. Twilight was the first to approach him, treading slowly as if he were a lost soul. Her breath was shallow she her hoof trembling as she approached the dragon. She lightly touched the scales is his chest then looked up to him, tearfully.
“Spike?” she asked, trembling.

He smiled softly, “Hey Twilight, long time no s-”
She threw her arms around as much of him as she could. Spike felt humbled at her sudden outburst of emotion. A little hesitant he wrapped an arm around her while keeping one to the ground.

“I can't believe you're here,” she sobbed.

“How is that unbelievable?”

“Because–” she wiped away a tear “–you're here! It feels like I'm dreaming but... ”

“Don't worry, it's not a dream,” 

Twilight stepped back and looked up at him.
“Look at you, all...big now,”

Spike looked over himself, flexing his wings, and waving his tail. “Compared to some other dragons I've met, I'm tiny,” 
He looked past Twilight to the rest of the group who stood stock still. Rainbow  Dash was the first other than Twilight to consider moving. She took a few steps forward exposing a cowering Fluttershy. Her mouth hung open while she approached Spike, looking as if she'd been possessed. 

Nothing but silence filled the air. Rainbow Dash looked on at him, astonished at how the last she saw of him he was only a foot tall, now he's as big as Celestia with wings to match. “Wow,” she whispered.
Spike darted his eyes around, looking for a way out of the awkward situation. Soo. They all descend on him, wide eyed and slack jawed, drowning in disbelief. 

“Okay guys, this is getting weird,” he chuckled, taking a few steps back.

“S-sorry, we're tryna process this right now,” Applejack tilted her hat back. Then Pinkie Pie jumped from behind Twilight and nearly tackled Spike.

“Spikey! Oh my gosh, look at you. You've gotten so big–” she looked back to the others with a playful scowl “–come on girls, are ya just gonna stand there like Cockatrice statues?”
She giggled playfully while climbing onto his back. “Hmm, you used to be small enough to ride on my back, now I'm small enough to ride on yours– “she gasped “–did I shrink!”

Spike laughed warmly then stretched out his wing while Pinkie Pie poked at it. “No, you haven't shrunk; at least I hope that you haven't,” 

After Pinkie came Applejack who looked at his arms and legs. “Well I'll say, you look like you can buck an entire tree without even tryin',”

“I did live in the mountains for a while,”

Then Rainbow Dash stood under his outstretched wring, her eyes wide as saucers. “Whoa,”

“I figured that you'd be the first to take notice,”

“I-It's almost as big as me... Can I tou–”

“Go ahead,” he lowered his wing. Rainbow Dash began rubbing the thick membranes slowly, taking in the pure unfiltered awesome in this moment.

“Hello...S-spike,” Rarity stepped forward.

“Hi Rarity,” Spike responded nervously.
Their eyes locked, neither one willing to break contact. Rarity tried to summon the right words to say, but all that she could think of was “big dragon”.

“Are you okay?”

“I uh...wow—” she cleared her throat “—look at you. You were no taller than Sweetie Belle when she was that age, now look at you. I wouldn't doubt that you rival Celestia in size.”

“I bet you're right, but like I told Twilight there are other dragons five t–” *roar* he let out a deep mighty groan loud enough to be heard a mile away, and powerful enough to shake the ground. He looked at his wing. Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie looked at him with terror stricken across their faces.

“Sorry Spike,” Rainbow Dash cowered.

“Argh, it isn't your fault. I dislocated that one last month, guess it still needs some time to heal,”
There was a faint sob coming from in front of him. Fluttershy lay, curled up in a ball crying softly.

Rainbow Dash and Pinkie stepped off his back as he approached the weeping pegasus. He crouched down and nuzzled her back. “Hey Fluttershy, it's me...” no response “Come on, I'm still Spike,”

“I know, but you're a big scary dragon now,”

“Look at me,” she sniffed then turned her head so only one eye peeked out from behind her forelock. Spike gave her a big toothy smile. She winced at the sight of his ferocious razor sharp teeth. Then she looked into his eyes. Within them she saw the adorable baby dragon that used to run around Ponyville, helping wherever he went. She lifted her head, turned around, and began to smile.

“Spike, is it really you?”

“I would guess so,” she threw her arms around him, much like Twilight did. 

“Ooh, this is so amazing. I want to know everything about dragons,”

“That's Fluttershy for ya,” Applejack tipped her hat.

“So, how long are you staying, if you don't mind me asking?” Rarity asked. Fluttershy released Spike and joined the rest of the group. Spike got to his paws and turned to them. He rolled his eyes around, deep in thought. “I would say... Indefinitely for now. I haven't really decided how long I would stay,”

“Where are you going to be staying? The castle should have enough room for you,”

“Thank you, Twilight. It'll be just like old times,”

“Hey, had anypony seen Pinkie?” Rainbow Dash looked around for her. They all looked around for her, but there was no sight of her anywhere.

“Over here!” they looked to Spike.

“What? I didn't say anything,”

“That's because I did silly,” she jumped out from behind his head.

“I just put together the biggest welcome back party ever!”

“Sugarcube corner ah' reckon?”

“Of course, now come on. All of Ponyville is waiting to see Spike,” Pinkie bounded away followed by the others and Spike. Rarity walked besides Spike, hesitantly. “My goodness, look at him. There is no way that large monstrosity used to be my little Spikey,” she looked up to him, walking calmly and without a care. “There must be a mistake... Maybe this dragon intercepted the letter he sent to Twilight and he's here to take over Ponyville! Oh my, I sound like Pinkie...”

“Nice to see she hasn't changed a bit, classic Pinkie,”
“Pardon?”

“Pinkie, she hasn't changed at all. Still happy, cheery, and innocent as a hatchling,”

“Hatchling?”

“Oh, I'm used to talking with other dragons. I meant as innocent as a filly.

“...My apologies...” They continued on, awkwardly avoiding each other's gaze. Spike rolled his neck, popping a few vertebrae as he did, then spoke.

“... What did I miss?”

“What was that?”

“What did I miss while I was gone? How are the Crusaders, did Trixie ever come back, did another world threatening catastrophe happen?”

“Oh, well the girls all earned their cutie marks, I don't know who Trixie is, and no ancient enemy has threatened our way of life recently,”

“That's good to hear. What about you?”

“Me? Well, I am still in the fashion business. I was in Canterlot a few days ago attending one of my shows,”
“Following your dreams, huh?”

“Yes,” her expression went from uncomfortable to upset. “What's the point of a dream if you can't share it...”  she shook her head then looked back up to him. “May I ask, what have you done the last eight years?”

“Travel, I've been all around the world,”

“The world?”

“Yeah, you thought Equestria was the only place on the map?”

“No, no, I knows that there's more than Equestria out there. What's it like?”

“Absolutely beautiful... I've got tons of stories, but I'll save those for another day,”

“He seems so—worldly, and mature now. Perhaps my little dragon may not be in there at all...”

“You look really pretty today...”
Rarity fell out d her thoughts. She was confused at first, receiving a random compliment wasn't against the norm for her, but it just seemed odd and more heartfelt coming from him.

“Th– thank you...”

Spike's face froze as she smiled at him. He quickly looked back ahead at Pinkie who was still bounding gaily. “I...I wanted to say something earlier, but I didn't want the others to hassle me about it.”

“Aw, thank you Spike,” Rarity blushed slightly.
 
Meanwhile behind them, Twilight eyed Rarity, suspiciously contorting her face as she did so gaining notice from Applejack.

“Uh, Twilight, what're ya doin'?”

“Now that Spike's back I'm going to be keeping a close eye on Rarity,”

“Why?”

“I'm not going to let her play with his heart again... Too many nights he came home and cried himself to sleep because Rarity didn't want to be with him,”

“He'll be fine now, would ya stop makin' that face. It looks like you're, well I'm not sayin' it...”

“Right, sorry,” 

As they neared Sugarcube Corner, every v puny that wasn't preoccupied or blatantly ignorant stared at Spike. Some hid and took a few precautious steps back, while others were intrigued by the purple dragon among them. Soon they reached their destination.

“Is everypony ready?” Pinkie stood on her hind legs while her front hooves were on the door. Barely able to contain her excitement, she shoved the doors open revealing a bakery full of old friends from the past. From Mr, and Mrs. Cake, to Mayor Mare.
“We're here! Everypony please give a big Ponyville welcome to one of our old friends, Spike!”

Spike tucked in his wings as he ducked through the short doors. Silence once again dominated the atmosphere. They looked in him as the others did earlier. Shock and disbelief present on everyone's face. Spike stood embarrassed. He was just about to back out of the crowded shop when he heard a little colt yell out at him.

“Hey, are you that dragon that everypony talks about?” the voice came from behind Mr, and Mrs. Cake. The little colt revealed himself to be little Pound Cake. “Are ya?”

Spike lowered his head. “What was that?”

“Everypony used to talk about a dragon that lived here a long time ago, are you him?”

“Well, I do say that you have the right dragon,”

Pound's eyes went wide as he adorned a Cheshire cat smile. “Cool, Pumpkin come here!”

A little unicorn with orange hair came charging out of the crowd. 

“It's the dragon that mom, dad, and aunt Pinkie used to talk about,” Pound presented Spike as if he were a trophy. Pumpkin looked up at Spike with a queried look.

“I dunno, Pound. They said that he was small, that thing isn't small,”

Spike scrunched up his snout. “Thing?” he mouthed.

“Hey yeah, what happened to you? They all said that you were as big as me,”

“Over time everypony, and every dragon grows up. That's just life...”

“So you're saying that I'm going to grow up soon?”

“Yeah, but don't worry about it. I'm pretty sure you'll have lots of fun before you turn into a boring adult,”

“Thank you Mr. Dragon,”

“You can call me Spike,”

“Okay, Mr. Spike, can I tell you something?”

“Sure,” Spike lowered his head. Them Pound grasped his snout and began running up his neck. Then Pumpkin hooked onto his leg and climbed up as if it we're a tree trunk.

“H-hey kids don't bother the dragon now,” Mr. Cake cautioned.

“It's okay Mr. Cake. I've dealt with dragon hatchlings, with claws, these two won't be a pro– hello!”
Spike dropped his head to see Pumpkin had poked his crotch with a broomstick. He picked her up with his tail and set her on his back.
“Be careful where you wander little one,”

“Sorry Mr. Spike...”

Everyone laughed at the adorable sight. Mr. Cake stepped up to him. “Sorry about freezing like that, we didn't expect you to be so big,”

“You've grown quite a lot deary,” Mrs. Cake added.

“I'm still me-e–” Pound hung off of one of the dorsal spines on his cheek “–m-more or less...”

Finally relaxed they welcomed Spike home with bright smiles and open arms. Spike told stories of his travels and different ponies that he had met. He told of Saddle Arabia where the heat was unbearable, and how the native camels showed him how to find water when in the most dryest of places. He told of how he went to Griffons and learned skills of flight that no pony ever knew. Rainbow Dash wasn't impressed, and how he meet a tribe of Zebras who tried to worship him like a god. Zecora took full advantage of that situation. Then he stopped at the mention of a race that walked upright, had two long protruding arms covered in long thick fur, and howled like demons. It was a story that he didn't wish to remember...





Night fell upon our guests quicker than expected. No one wanted to end the gathering, but like all for things, they must end at some time. One by one the guests left for home. The last to leave where Spike, Twilight, Rainbow Dash, and Rarity.

“Thank you for throwing me a welcome back party,” Spike placed some plates on his wing.

“No problem at all sweetie, even though Pinkie sprung the idea on us,” 

“She does have a bad habit of doing that,” Twilight added, organizing the clean plates. “That should be about it then,”
Twilight came from behind the counter. “We'll be on our way now, come on Spike,”

“Alright,”
Spikec waited for her to walk out the door. He then turned to Rarity who has just finished sweeping.

She looked to him. “Is something the matter?”

“...N-nothing I just wanted to say that if you need any help I'm here,”

“Thank you,”

“Hey Spike, can I talk to you,” Rainbow Dash stole him away. Rarity watched as he slipped as easily as he could out of the doorway. She turned to the cakes who were on their way upstairs.

“Have a good night,” 

“You too,” they replied.

Rarity walked out into the crisp cool night. Luna's moon cascaded over the land creating a warm white glow. A little apprehensive, Rarity began her short trek home. On the way she thought about today and how the each event played out. Something about this all felt off. Why had Spike returned home on such short notice, why did he seem calm for a dragon who had been cut off from pony society for so long, and why did he compliment her? It wasn't right. Of course she wanted him to still be interested, but now he's a huge fire-breathing dragon.  

“No, no, he is still Spike, right? His little chubby cheeks are slim teeth filled death traps, his like l little stubby legs are long muscular vice grips and his eyes–” she stopped “–h...his eyes. They haven't changed. Maybe if I look him in the eye...” she held her hoof to her heart, concentrating on it's repetitive rhythm. “I need to sleep on it, standing here in the middle of the night talking to myself, ponies will think I'm mad,” 

So she walked on into the night with a thousand thoughts racing in her head...



> Ch.4 How to ask out a Dragon
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

        It was late in the morning. Twilight sat in her room enjoying a cup of hot tea adorned by a soft summer breeze. All was calm and quiet in the castle, only the occasional snore could be heard. Spike had slept in a nearby room for the night. Twilight remembered all that time ago he was sound asleep in his little basket ready to hop up and help out anypony in need of assistance, now he's reached adulthood. She wondered if he still had his old habits, he still slept like a rock, but he seems so different. 

        Finished with her tea she climbed off the bed and began making her way down the wide crystalline hallway. It had taken her some time to get used to her labyrinth of a castle, there are still some aspects that she still hasn't been able to adjust to. She was ripped from her thoughts by the sound of loud yet content snoring. Spike lay belly up lost in a world of dreams. Twilight watched with a loving smile taking notice of how every time he exhaled small puffs of smoke would float gently out of his nostrils. She looked over the unconscious dragon and found something startling. 
       
         He had dozens of scars and cuts riddling his stomach all miniscule compared to one large gash running from his chest down the length of his body. Twilight was about to examine th scars closer, but she was interrupted by the castle informing her that “Rainbow Dash, Element of Loyalty, requests an audience”. That was one of the aspects that scared the stuffing out of her. 

        Twilight looked down to Spike making sure that he was still sound asleep. With one twitch of his back right leg she was sure that ‘Cas’ hadn't disturbed him. “Thank you, Cas. I'll be there shortly,” she whispered. With that she trotted out of the room stealing one last glance at his scars. 





       Rainbow Dash fiddled with her hooves as she waited for Twilight to come to the door. Then her nose began to tickle and itch. Checking her surroundings she lifted her hoof to her nose and began digging vigorously for the blockage of mucous. No more than a second later Twilight's castle door flew open.

“Good morning... Rainbow... Dash...” she looked at her with a blank face. Rainbow Dash smiled sheepishly then removed her hoof from her nose pulling a long green strand of yuck with it. She whipped her hoof around violently trying to eject the sticky green blob.

“Hey Twilight,” she smiled nervously. Twilight blinked once then calmly asked “What brings you by?”

“Oh, uh, is Spike here?”

Twilight cocked her head slightly. “Yeah, he's here.”

“Can you go get him, he promised he'd fly with me today,” she added awkwardly.

“He was asleep, but it is about noon,” she paused for thought “I'll go wake him up, come on in.”

Rainbow Dash followed behind Twilight still trying to be rid of the nasty green goop on her hoof.





Spike, it's time to get up. It's nearly noon,” announced Twilight as she approached the spare room. Much to her surprise he had already woken up in the short time it took for her to get the door, or was is short? In a castle this size that's hard to tell. Anyway, he lay on his belly while holding his head high as if he were watching over some secret hoard.

“Oh, morning, Twilight,” he said in a deep relaxed voice. Twilight could feel the room vibrate as he spoke.

“Good morning, Spike. Did you sleep well?” she asked in a frazzled slur.

“Oh yeah, I slept like a bear through winter,” he noticed that Twilight seemed a little out of line. “Are you okay? Anything that you need me to do?”

N...no, not at the moment, but Rainbow Dash is here to see you.”

Spike's eyes brightened some. “Right, I almost forgot that she wanted me to show her some of my moves.”  He rose to his claws and yawned revealing a mouthful of razor sharp teeth ready to rip something apart. Twilight couldn't help but stare at him in amazement. She knew that ponies reached adulthood rather quickly, but Spike was no taller than her the last time he was next to her. Now he's giving Celestia a run for her money. Delving deep into a cognitive state Twilight began to become more curious about dragons than she had ever been.

“Twilight, Twilight... Twilight!”

“Hm?” she said as she was snapped out of her ‘thinker’ state.

“I said that I'm leaving to go with Rainbow.”

“Oh, right. Go on and have fun.” She watched on until he disappeared around the corner. “I have some research to do...”





Spike walked calmly through town with an annoyed Rainbow Dash fuming with every step.

“Why are we still waking?” Rainbow Dash asked, impatience clear in her tone.

Spike lauded at his speedy companion. “Because I want to get to the fields outside of town,” he answered simply.

“But why are we walking? We could've been there in no time.”

Spike thought it over some then gave her the best answer he had. “Yeah, we could get there faster, but sometimes you have to slow down and enjoy the finer things in life.”

“Really?” Rainbow Dash snidely remarked. 

“Well, not exactly. I don't want to draw anymore attention to myself...”

“Oh...”

“But let's not worry about that right now, besides I figure were far enough to take off now.” He spread his wings revealing the glistening emerald membranes hidden within. With one short sprint he took to the skies.

“Hey, wait for me!” Rainbow Dash shot after him. 

        Meanwhile Rarity was returning from a spa day with Fluttershy. Nothing felt better than having a relaxing stress free day with your friends. She then, began to wonder what everypony was up to. Applejack was most likely bucking apples, Pinkie could jump out on her at any moment, she had just seen Fluttershy, and Twilight would be buried in her books. The moment Twilight crossed her mind so did Spike. 
        She shivered just thinking about his name. Nothing was wrong with him it was just his outward appearance that she couldn't get over. Not that he was unattractive to be honest he is the most handsome dragon she's ever seen, given that she doesn't fraternize with any dragons. He just looked so... Ferocious and scary, now she started to sound like Fluttershy. Putting it aside she decided to go and visit her.





Rarity stood in front of the castle admiring the décor. It  was the most beautiful crystal tree, much like the tree of harmony. She felt a little regret for not coming back to visit it. Lost in her thoughts she didn't notice a blue light cascading over her. “What is this?”

“Hello Rarity, bearer of the element of generosity, what brings you to the castle of friendship?”

Rarity was processing what had just happened. A building just greeted her. She shook her head then spoke. “H-hello I would like to see, Twilight... Sparkle?”

“Twilight Sparkle departed approximately fifteen minutes ago. I can leave her a message if you'd please.”

“No that won't be necessary.”

“Thank you for visiting.” Rarity began to make her way down the stairs thinking to herself. “Did I just talk to a building? That was very strange.” She decided to go home and relax for the rest of the day. 
        On her way home she took note of something purple zipping in between the surrounding foliage. Moving in to investigate closer she was pulled into the thorny mass. Twilight revealed herself by shushing Rarity with her hoof.

“Twilight, what on Earth are you do-”

“Shhh,”

She moved Twilight's hoof away from her mouth. “What are you doing?” she whispered.

“I'm watching Spike.”

“What, why are you watching him?”

“Because, seeing him again reminded me about how much we don't know about dragons.”

“So how about you ask him instead of spying on him!”

“Shh, he'll hear you.”

“Where is he?!” Rarity fumed.

“He's flying with Rainbow Dash.”

Rarity buried her face in her hooves. “If he's flying how would he see you in some random thicket?!”

“I don't know, it was a spur of the moment thing, that plus I don't have anything to do today...”

Rarity have her a sympathetic smile. “I was planning on going home and relaxing in bed, but I'll be glad to keep you company.”

“... Thank you.” Twilight clamored out of the bush and stretched some. Rarity tried to follow but her flank was too large to make it out. 

“Oh, how embarrassing,” she thought as she struggled to break free of the bush's grasp. 

“Twilight, I need some help,” she strained with a hoof held out. Twilight encased her in her magic and freed her with ease. “Thank you,” she picked twigs out of her hair with her own magic. “Now, let's go.” With that her and Twilight made their way to Rarity's home.





        Twilight and Rarity sat in Rarity's room on her bed talking about now things and old. Like the time when Discord nearly ended their friendship and when Tirek nearly destroyed all of Equestria, one casualty being the Golden Oaks Library. Twilight had to take a moment for herself. And they even went as far back as when they first met. Twilight remarked on how from moment that Spike saw her he fell head over heels. They both laughed at the memory, Twilight more than Rarity. Twilight stopped, noticing that her friend had gone nearly silent. “What's the matter, I didn't say anything wrong did I?” 

Rarity shook her head and smiled. “Not at all,I was just... Lost in the memory is all.”

“I know how you feel,” Twilight sighed. “Everything goes by so fast: first I meet you guys, then I'm a princess, now you're one of the largest fashion moguls in Equestria. All of us have found what we want to do with our lives...” she looked down to the floor. “It seems like only yesterday me and Spike we're studying to be the best students ever, now that I'm here... I don't know it feels... It feels like I've accomplished all that I have ever wanted to do.”

“And what all have you wanted to do?” Rarity questioned, voice barely above a whisper. 

“Everything, don't you see? There is always something new to learn and to do. My whole life has been learning about our world, and with new things springing up every day I know that I'll be able to accomplish even more.”

        Rarity let Twilight's speech resound through her mind. What all has she wanted to do? When she was younger all she wanted was to be the most famous designer in the land. Now that she did that, what else is there for her to do? Marriage was always on the table. Maybe she could settle down and start a family, yet that was the problem. Somehow somepony in her life set the standards that she looks for in a stallion, but who? The answer, though an obvious one, bothered her. She looked at Twilight who still looked on at the ground with a smile glued to her muzzle. “Twilight?” Twilight lifted her gaze from the carpet. “Do you have anypony special in your life?” Her eyes widened at the question. Looking for the right words, Twilight cleared her throat then spoke.

“No... Why do you ask?”

“I've been thinking about this for quite some time. I want to share my life with somepony, the right pony.”

Twilight began to feel uncomfortable. She darted her eyes at the door then back to Rarity then nodded in agreement. “Okay...”

“I was wondering, what if I we–”

“Let me stop you there Rarity, I'm glad to be your close friend, but I don't want to be that close.”

“What in Equestria are you talking about?!” Rarity spat in disgust.

“I thought that you were confessing to me!”

“What? No! I was going to ask about S–” she cut herself short. Stallions... I know that you read a lot, so I was wondering if you know what stallion looks for in a mare...”

Twilight laughed at her naive friend. “If I knew, I wouldn't be single.”

“I suppose,” Rarity chuckled. 

“So, who are you crooning over?”

“Not so much as crooning, more as... Realization.”

“Hm, well wanna go see what Pinkie Pie is up to? I bet she's cooking up a batch of fresh cupcakes.”

“That sounds lovely.” Twilight made her way out of the room followed by Rarity. “Hold on, let me grab a few bits, just in case.” Using her magic to rummage through some drawers, she found something red glinting below fabrics and supplies. Once she lifted it tears began to well up in her eyes. The fire ruby that Spike had so selflessly given to her all those years ago was wasting away in a clustered drawer. She put it on and made her way out of her room.





        High in the skies over Ponyville a duel of ‘whose tricks are better’ took place. Spike was in the lead with a maneuver he called ‘The Aerial Drill’. A maneuver where the victim is subject to a ninety degree fall accompanied by a clockwise spin clocked at over fifty rpm. He pulls out and seems to have no negative effects whatsoever. Now he's taunting Ponyville's resident Wonderbolt! 

        Now Rainbow Dash is up to bat. Wait, what's this? She's stopped beating her wings, and now she's letting gravity control the situation. She's flipping and spinning as if she were in a high dive contest. That appears to be what she's doing, and now she is in a nose dive heading directly towards the Earth. Here it comes, the inviting embrace of death as she nears the gro– Oh my Celestia! She is hovering with her face inches above the ground! I cannot believe it! She looked death in the face and said “buzz off, today is not the day! 

“Okay, okay, stop showing of,” Spike said as he landed in front of her. She gave him a smug inverted smile before correcting herself with a fast outside loop. 

“Come on,” she poked.

“What?”

“You know what.” 

“Honestly, I have no idea what you're talking about.” Rainbow Dash looked him directly in the eye. 

“Heh, you know.” Spike looked away from her, but he could feel Rainbow's triumphant gaze burning a hole through the back of his neck. 

“Fine,” he turned to her. “You are the best flyer in the whole world.”

“And?”

“I fly like a little colt in flight school his first year...”

“And?”

“I'm as big a egghead as Twilight...”

“And?”

“What more do you want?”

“I dunno, surprise me,” Rainbow Dash chuckled cockily. Spike laughed along with her.

“That all in giving you. Your ego might need to go on a diet soon,” he shot playfully. Rainbow laughed loudly at that last one.

“Wow,” she wiped away a tear. “I have never heard that one before.” Then her stomach started to growl loudly. “I'm starving, wanna go get something from Sugarcube Corner?” Spike lost his smile at the thought of being back there with everypony staring at him, silently judging. “What's wrong?” she asked, noticing his expression go sour. Spike put on a fake smile.

“Nothing, I think I'll go back to the castle...” 

She landed in front of him. “What? Why?”

“I'm not all that hungry...”

“So? You can still come and hang out with me.”

“I... I just don't want to draw too much unwanted attention to myself. You saw how everypony acted when they saw me last night. I'm a big ferocious dragon amongst ponies. I don't fit in.” Spike hung his head low. Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes and brought him to eye level.

“Who gives a hay about what they think about you. All of your friends are glad that you are back, and of course they are going to stare. You're a big awesome dragon now, maybe they're jealous.” Spike's smile returned in full force. “Now let's go get some muffins, then we'll bug AJ for some cider,” she winked. 

“Race you there!” Spike took to the sky in a hurry

“What! Hey, wait up!” Rainbow Dash followed quickly after.





        In Sugarcube corner sat a cheery Twilight and a thoughtful Rarity. She stared blankly while fumbling with her necklace. She completely forgot about the trinket over the years, but she couldn't forget that day. It was absolutely terrifying seeing him rampaging through town stealing everything in sight. It wasn't his size or his anger that she feared, it was the thought of losing her little dragon to a mindless beast that truly terrified her. Now it felt like she had only he's all grown up.

“Rarity, are you okay?” 

She looked to a sympathetic Twilight. She always had a way to break one's resolve with that innocent smile. With a sigh she answered. “I've been thinking about...”

“Thinking about what?”

Rarity fumbled with her necklace some more. “Should I tell her?” she thought. She took in a deep breath and steadied her nerves. “I've been thinking about Sp–”

“Spike?”

“I guess it was pretty obvious...”

“No, not that. Spike just showed up with Rainbow Dash.”

        Indeed he did. She slowly spun around, and much to her surprise there he was. To Rarity Spike stood tall and strong in the doorway as if he'd vanquished hundreds of foes in a glorious battle. He looked absolutely divine, she thought. She longingly stared at the sun casting a bold shadow over his massive form.

“Over here guys!” Twilight yelled, thrashing her hoof about in the air. First Rainbow dash then Spike. As they made their way over to them Rarity tried her best to come up with a conversion topic that didn't focus on ‘big sexy dragon’. Oh goodness, she thought that she was losing her mind! Only yesterday she couldn't even look at the grotesque reptile now she's attracted to him. “I must be incredibly desperate...”

As they neared the table Rarity began to break out in a cold sweat. Something was making her feel nervous and it wasn't him. The necklace!  She had just realized that she was wearing it. She couldn't take it off he'd see. The only thing to do now was hope that he wouldn't notice. 

“Hey guys,” Rainbow Dash greeted as she took the seat next to Twilight. Spike took the seat next to Rarity, or more likely the ground next to Rarity. “Oh, of course he would sit next to me!” Rarity mentally fumed. 

“So, what did you two do today?” Twilight asked innocently.

“We flew around some, enjoyed the view, and I kicked his butt!” Rainbow gloated. Spike rolled his eyes preparing to interrupt, but he thought it best to let her continue. “He thought he could get me with those fancy moves the griffons taught him.”

“That sounds pretty exciting actually,” Twilight jeered.

Spike watched as they sparked up their own conversation. One thing was off though, why was Rarity so quiet? She wasn't the type to keep silent for too long. Spike decided to investigate, cautiously.

“Hey, Rarity, are you okay?” he asked in a low soothing voice. She didn't want to answer, she was ready to sit silent and unmoving, but he looked so worried and innocent. She turned away from his piercing gaze. No, that wasn't the right thing to do, she could imagine the look on his face: betrayal, heartbreak, and sorrow. 

She slowly turned back to him surprised to see that he still had that sympathetic look in his eyes. “You don't have to tell me if you don't want to,” he spoke softly. Bit she wanted to tell so bad, or did she? Her mind became more of a jungle of what ifs and maybe so's. Common sense and logic clashed with her old and new feelings for him. “I... Is that the fire ruby I gave you...?”

Rarity quickly dropped her head to the gemstone sitting on her neck. “Y-yes...” 
“No, he saw it!”

“And you still wear it...?”

“I... Wear it... Occasionally...”

“Oh...” 

Rarity picked up on the disappointment in his tone. “It's not like that! I don't wear it all the time because it's close... To me a... And I couldn't bear to lose it.”

Spike's lips played the biggest smile that Rarity had ever seen on any Equestrian creature. Something happened. All of the uncertainty, the anxiety, the second guessing was gone. She loves him, but one last scenario played through her head: for would she tell him? Maybe she ought to take a page out of his book and set up a date. No, that's too amateur. Or maybe tell him straight forward. That option could work, but not here in public.

“Spike, would you like to come over later? T-to help out with some things of course.”

“I would love to, when do you want me to come over?”

“Maybe,” she rolled her eyes thoughtfully. “Seven o'clock?”

Spike looked to Twilight only she wasn't there. Her and Rainbow Dash were no where to be found.

“Hmm, that's odd. Okay, I'll see you tonight, if Twilight let's me.”

“Oh, you shouldn't need to worry about that. You're an adult, right?”

Spike looked over himself. “This is as big as I'm going to get, given if I succumb to my greed.”

“Don't talk like that!” Rarity exclaimed, suppressing the bad points of the memory. “Promise me you'll never become that monster again,” she pouted playfully. 

“I promise,” Spike chuckled. “I guess I'll go and see what the others are up too. Maybe I'll go see if Fluttershy can look at me without having a heart attack.” He stood and made his way towards the door. With one last look back at her he left with a smile. Rarity sat still, an involuntary smile playing her lips. Tonight she was going to ask him, no backing out, besides. How hard can it be?

“Hey, where's Spike?” Rainbow Dash asked, holding a bag in her hoof.

“He went to go check on Fluttershy,” Rarity responded happily.

“Oh well, more muffins for me.” Rainbow reached in her bag, pulled out a fresh blueberry muffin, and gulped it down in less than a second.

“He did?” Twilight added in.

“Yeah...”

“Are you feeling better, Rarity?”

“Never, better. Now girls if you'll excuse me I need to go home and... Spruce up a little.” She rose up from the table and trotted gaily away leaving Twilight confused and Rainbow Dash oblivious.

> Ch.5 Dyin' of Thirst
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rarity sat in her room anxiously tapping her hoof on the desk in front of her. It was less than a quarter till seven. She glanced up to a nearby clock. Okay, fifteen minutes until seven. She had been waiting since she returned home from Sugarcube Corner, planning out how she would approach him. She has the perfect plan: invite him in, feed him a little, then engage in casual conversation. Nothing could go wrong, given one minor problem. Her nerves would not hold steady. 

“Ugh, why am I so frazzled!” she fumed. “He is nothing but an old friend coming to visit...” 

“Rarity?” she whipped her head around. “Are you okay?”

“Yes... Sweetie Belle, I'm alright. Just... thinking out loud is all...”

“What has you so “frazzled”?”

“Another order that I need to finish…” Sweetie Belle approached her with a skeptical look.

“Aren’t you on leave or something?”

“Well I just-”

“And when was the last time you came back to Ponyville for work?”

“Well, I… You see I was…” she sighed in defeat. “I’m nervous because Spike is coming over soon…”

Sweetie laughed loudly. “Really? That was this is about?”

“It isn’t funny Sweetie Belle…”

“It’s just Spike. He used to come over all the time. What makes this time so different?”

“Have you seen him? He’s humongus!”

“You mean like when he grew all big after trying to take Scootaloo’s scooter?”

“No, not that big… He- he’s fully grown… Naturally at least…”

“Thank goodness… There’s nothing to worry about. He’ll come and hang out like he used to.” She turned to leave the room.

“Where are you headed?”

“Nowhere, just going to go relax…”

“Alright then…” Rarity turned back to her window. She glanced back up at the clock. “Six fifty-three…” She turned her gaze back to the window and saw a large creature approaching the boutique. She couldn’t tell who it was but judging by the time she had a good idea. Then there was a knock at the door. “I’ll get it Sweetie Belle!” She rushed to her mirror touched up her mane and hurried downstairs. She took a deep breath and opened the door for her guest. “Hello Spike.”

“Hey Rarity.”

“Well, don’t be a stranger. Come in.”

Spike ducked in through the doorway. He looked on with nostalgia. Everything looked the same as when he left, he could have sworn that the mannequins didn’t move an inch. 

“May I get you something to drink?”

“Huh?”

“A beverage dear, would you like one?”

“Oh, water is fine with me…” Rarity pranced away to the kitchen. “Wow…” he admired at how little it changed over the years. The decor, the odd trinkets lying around. He stumbled over a small chest. “Ha, really?” he lifted her gem box to eye level. “And to think I was once small enough to fit in here…” He looked over himself and chuckled setting it down. He turned finding the eyes of a white mare with a curly light purple mane set upon him. “Uh, hello…?” she came closer not taking her gaze off him. He stood awkwardly still trying to find out who she was and why she is just staring.

“Spike?”

“H-How do you know my name…?”

“Spike! It’s me, Sweetie Belle!”

He pieced it together. A white mare with a curly mane, she’s a unicorn, and her eyes were as green as his. “Sweetie Bell! I didn’t recognize you!”

“Me neither! Wow, Rarity was right…” She circled him examining his massive frame. “You really grew!”



“Wait until Scootaloo and Applebloom see you… I’ll go get them! Wait here!” She charged out the front door. Things have changed so little yet so much. Last he saw of her she was a little filly running around trying to do whatever it took to get her cutie mark, and now it seems that she had achieved get goal. He remembered the times he had with all his friends. The laughing, the crazy life altering events, and just the regular days that would always be upset by somepony’s shenanigans. Then it hit him. He had missed a pivotal moment in his friend’s life and probably in the lives of others. The leave he took was good for him, but how much had he missed, what could he have experienced, and what would his life be?

“Here you are Spike.” Rarity held a vase full of water. 

“What is this?” Spike said, laughing at the absurdity of it.

“You are a big dragon, so I though that you would like a big drink. Was I wrong?”

He cleared his throat. “N-No you were not…” he took hold of the vase with his tail. “Thank you.” He passed it on to his claw and began gulping it down furiously. Rarity stood next to him staring as if she witnessed a rare wildlife spectacle. He didn’t notice until the water was nearly gone. “Sorry... I haven't had a drink all day.”

“It's not a bother at all. You were famished and needed to drink something fast. It was just a tad blunt is all.”

“Right...” silence fell between the two. Rarity tapped the rim of her glass while Spike made small fireballs in his claws. 

“How did you learn to do that?”

The fire in his claw wisped slowly away. “In a way I always knew how.” Rarity tilted her head slightly. “Sorry, that was a little vague, wasn't it?”

“Just a tad,” Rarity chuckled.

“Well, I found out about it after I...”

“After you what?”

He fumbled with his claws some, looked towards the door then neck to Rarity. “H-hit puberty...”

Rarity laughed louder than she meant to, causing Spike's face to turn as red as a tomato. “Oh, I-I'm sorry Spike! I've never seen anypony or dragon embarrassed about crowning into adulthood.” Spike sat, his nose scrunched and glowing a hot red. “My sincerest apologies, please continue.” still silence. “Spike?” nothing. “Spike, I'm sorry if I've offended you...”

“That was the most awkward time of my life... Especially since I didn't know enough about my own kind to be able to expect what was happening to me.” Rarity leaned forward, eyes wide and ears perked up. “First was my voice, instead of breaking like a pony's would, mine broke.”

“What do you mean “broke”?”

“After walking up one morning, I found that I sounded like Iron Will.”

“That isn't so bad-”

“It stayed like that for two weeks...” Rarity bit her lip in a failed attempt to suppress her laugh.

“Sorry, I couldn't imagine you that little sounding like a grown minotaur,” she giggled.

“If that tickles you, then you'll be pleased to find out that after my voice returned to normal, it broke again a few days later...”

“How severe was it?”

“I sounded like Pinkie for a month...”

“P-Please excuse me!” she ran upstairs to her room.

Why do I feel this overwhelming emptiness in my stomach. Talking to her again is supposed to make me feel better. I could always talk to Rarity! Ugh! I need to tell her the truth...

That's a great idea, tell her that you are a cold blooded murderer. She'll love to hear that.

I'm not a murderer!

You know what you did. You know what you did, and you have to live with it!

You think I don't know that! 

I know you do, but right now you're here in this rinky-dink little town trying to get some ass from a mare who never wanted you! 

...

Live with what you did, you heartless monster...

I didn't kill him. I wasn't in control! I wasn't myself! That zebra tricked me!

Tell that to Pyro's grave...

“I'm back Spike.” he looked to her. She had put on more makeup and styled her hair into a cute bun. “Again I apologise, I couldn't imagine you sounding like Pinkie, quite frankly her energetic voice can be enough for a day, but for a whole month? I couldn't imagine.” Spike sat up as straight as a pole, staring intently at her. All those years ago she's still the most beautiful creature he had ever seen, though a few female dragons could give her a run for her bits, she had a unique beauty about her. “You know it's rude to stare,” she giggled. Spike shook his head and quickly gulped down the rest of his water. “Why so hasty?”

“I'm really thirsty is all.”

“Anything else you'd like to tell me about your adventures? Wait! You didn't tell me how you are able to create fire in your claws.”

“I didn't... This one is really cool, and also soul crushingly embarrassing... So the dragon family I stayed with had a son, his name was Pyro, the best friend any dragon could have. He noticed that I had a green flame coming out of my *ahem* backside... And instead of telling me he let me walk around with it just there. Scorched Buns, they call me that until this day.” Rarity snickered. “Well, after they told me, I came storming home angry. Pyro comes up to me and tells me that I have a unique ability that very few dragons have,” he snapped his fingers. “I can project fire from anywhere on my body. He taught me how to control it, augment it, and adjust it.” The flame grew as bright as the sun, then dimmer than the light's in the boutique. “After a few years, I mastered my new abilities, and that's how I learned how to do it.”

“That is amazing... This friend of yours, Pyro, do you still keep in touch?” Spike felt as if his heart collapsed into a singularity of guilt and self loathing. “Spike? Are you okay?”

“I...I haven't been able to keep in touch with Pyro...”

“Well, why not?”

“He's dead...”

She hugged Spike tightly. “I'm so sorry for your loss. He must have been like a brother to you.”

More than you know...

“See girls, look!” Sweetie Belle came bursting through the door. Behind her were Scootaloo and Applebloom.

“All I see is your sister cuddling that purple dragon,” Scootaloo nonchalantly stated. “Wait, is she cuddling a dragon? That is so cool!” she ran up to the two. “Rarity, how did you find this dragon?”

“Well, he came to me actually.” Rarity looked up to Spike with a sly grin.

“Does it have a name?”

“Yes, and his name is Spike.”

She put a hoof to her chin. “Well that's odd. We used  know a dragon whose name was Spike. But he was little.” Sweetie Belle facehoofed hard enough to be heard, and Applebloom shook her head.

“Wait, Purple and green scales, Green eyes, and those spines...” finally putting two and two together, hey eyes lit up. “Oh my gosh, Spike!” she leapt onto him, nearly knocking him out of his chair. “When did you get back?”

“Yesterday.” he simply answered

“Wow you're huge! And you have wings? This is so awesome!”

“In a town like Ponyville, I'm surprised you didn't know he was here,” Sweetie Belle added.

“Yeah, Applejack and Big Mac told me last night.” Applebloom approached him. “Wow, when they said you were big, they weren't kiddin'. He's almost as big as Troubleshoes.”

“Who?”

“Nopony you've met yet. Well, how are ya?”

“How am I? Look at you three! All grown up and you've even got your cutie marks.” The three friends looked at the images on their flanks. “What manner of shenanigans did you have to go through to get them?”

“We didn't get them together,” Sweetie Belle started. “That was the problem, we kept trying to get our cutie marks by doing the same thing, but what we needed to do was, do our own thing.”

“That's nice to hear, so are the crusaders gone?”

“No, we turned it into a very profitable organization,” Scootaloo grinned.

“What're y'all talkin' about? We only have the club down at the farm.”

“He didn't know that Applebloom!”

“He was gonna find out anyway.”

“Not if we kept it a secret!”

“Girls, please,” Rarity interrupted. “Stay here, I'll get us all some refreshments.” Rarity, left Spike's side and made her way to the kitchen, before she disappeared through the doorway she have Spike a sincere smile.

Maybe some secrets are best keep, that is until they tear you apart from the inside out...






> Ch.6 The Truth
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Goodbye girls, have fun and stay out of trouble!” Rarity yelled to her little sister and company. “Finally, they're gone.”  It was a quarter till nine o'clock, and the sun had just set. Spike lay curled up on the floor while Rarity cleant up after the girls. “Spike, are you alright?” he shifted and groaned.

“I'm fine Rarity, just a little tired,” he yawned.

“Oh...” she stopped. Quickly a debate began. Should she ask him to stay? But where would he sleep? The obvious answer would be with her, but... He's not another casual date, he's an old trusted friend. It would be wrong, right? She sucked in all of her courage. “You could stay here for the night, i-if you'd like...” he didn't respond. She thought he was frozen in awkwardness, so she turned to him and found his large piercing green eyes on her. Her face turned a blazing red, and her heart beat faster than a pulsar. 

“I-I would love to.”

“What was that?” she asked, her voice shaking.

“You asked me if I wanted to stay the night, and I would love to.”

“Oh, yes that of course. You can have Sweetie's room I'll be in mine bye!” She hurried off to the kitchen, dumped the dishes in the sink, then ran upstairs. Spike was there wondering what got into her. Upstairs he heard hoofsteps followed by a door slam. He thought nothing of it and followed her up the stairs. He looked around for Sweetie Belle's room but it was too dark, even for his eyes. “You couldn't have left one light on Rarity?” he mumbled to the darkness. 

He closed his eyes and formed a bright flame in front of him. As it illuminated the hallway, he found himself in front of Rarity's door. He wanted to peek in to make sure she was okay, but knowing her, she'd want her privacy. So he continued on to Sweetie's room. He stepped through her door and found a bed similar to the one Rarity slept on, bug it was covered in books and magazines, and the walls were lined with posters of singers and bands. “Eugh... I think I'll sleep downstairs.” As he made his way back down the hallway, he heard Rarity talking to someone.

“That all could have gone better. If Sweetie Belle hadn't shown up with her friends then maybe we could have gone further than just talking, but I guess that I always have next time. Still he seems so distant...” He continued down the hallway.





Rarity last awake with an uneasy stomach. Her clock read three a.m. and she hadn't got a single second of sleep. Something put her on edge, either the dragon sleep in the next room or the feelings he brought with him. She should have offered her room, her bed has ample room for him. She looked to the clock. 3:01, and still ticking. Her bed was empty, and so was her stomach. A small snack couldn't hurt. She decided to check on Spike but was shocked to find that he wasn't in Sweetie's room. Did he leave? She trotted down the hallway then stopped when she heard two voices conversing downstairs.

“I dunno... What would they think?”

“I can not tell you that. But if you continue to hold onto the mistakes you made, they can tear you slowly apart. I should know...”

“I know Luna.”

“Luna?” Rarity whispered. She peeked down the stairs and found her standing in front of Spike.

“I don't want them-her to think of me that way...”

“I have been watching your dreams since your return. You are not to blame for what you did.”

“But it was still me...”

“Your problems will soon come to ease,” she looked up at Rarity with a grin.

“Thank you Luna... I...I think I'm going to get some fresh air.”

“Do what you feel will ease your mind. Goodbye Spike, it was a pleasure to see how much you have grown.”

“Thank you...” Spike walked out the door while Luna disappeared. Rarity sat on the top of the steps trying to find the context in their conversation. “What did he do? It couldn't be that horrific, right?”

“The only way to know is to talk to him.”

“Ah! Princess, I-I didn't see you-”

“Go talk to him. He needs somepony to listen.”

“But, it's late and I should be getting back to bed. Also, the moisture in the night air could cause my hair to frizz up and-” Luna looked down on her authoritatively. “You're right, I can't let him suffer alone. He's my friend! I'll leave at once!”

“Thank you Rar-”

“As soon as I grab a jacket.” Luna sighed. “What? It looks chilly out. That and the moisture, I could catch a cold or worse.”

“Goodnight Rarity.” Luna disappeared once again.

“Well, that was rude...”





The cool crisp night air clung to Spike's scales. Night had always been mysterious to him, but it felt so inviting. Looking at the stars so far away filled his head with different worlds like Equestria that would have ponies walking upright, or maybe a world full of people like the one through that mirror he and Twilight used to go through. Night was his release, his lament, his calm fury. He found his way to a small field just outside of town, but little did he know, somepony else found him.

“Rarity?” She was still running towards him. She wore a determined expression with a brown jacket. “Wait, brown?”

“S-Spi...Spike!” she panted. “We need to talk!” She slowed to a gasping halt in front of him. “S-Sorry if I... Startled you...”

“You didn't, I could smell you coming.”

He could smell me? “Out of curiosity, what do I smell like?” she asked, finally catching her breath.

“I can't pinpoint it, but it's warm and sweet.”

“Thank you.”

“Now, I have a question.”

“Oh, what would you like to know?”

“Why are you out here, and since when did you wear anything brown?”

“Oh, I heard you leaving and decided to follow, and this drab thing. I just needed something to keep me warm out here.”

“Didn't you take a whole futon on a camping trip once?”

“That, is besides the point. I followed you because you've been so distant. Is there anything the matter?”

“No, nothing. I just needed some fresh air.”He grinned wildly. Rarity raised an eyebrow. Even after Luna told him to come clean he still insisted on lying. Rarity and lying mix as well as toothpaste and orange juice do. I'm hey live of work honesty is the best and only policy. Lying was not only forbidden, it was a quick way to get on her bad side.

“Are you absolutely certain there is nothing you want to talk about,” she slowly started, trying to hide the malice in her voice. “Nopony else is out here, you can talk to me.”

“Yes there is...” Rarity sat by his side. 

“What is it?” tears began to form in his eyes. “Spike?”

“I'm okay, it... It's just hard...”

“Take your time... What happened?” his eyes were now drowning in tears and sorrow.

“Remember my friend?”

“The one who you said that passed?”

“Yes... I never told you how he passed...”

“How did he-”

“I killed him...” Rarity couldn't believe what she just heard. She didn't want to believe it. He couldn't be a murderer. Not Spike. All of her instincts told her to run home and lock her door, but she held out for her love of him.

“W-What are you saying?” she asked in a shaking tone.

“I killed my best friend!” Spike sobbed. The air began to heat up, and Spike's tears turned to steam the moment they left his eyes. “Spike please calm down.”

“I looked him in his eyes!”

“Spike please!”

“He was my brother, and I took his life!” Suddenly he felt two small arms trying to wrap around his belly. He looked down to Rarity. She wept for him and put herself in danger to try and comfort him. Her hugs were always so generous and heartfelt, he felt his anguish wash away. The tears stopped flowing, and he cooled down. Rarity let go, but some of her fur was burnt. “I... I'm sorry, I let my emotions get out of control...”

“Don't worry, I'll always be here for you.” Her smile was contagious. No matter how much he wanted to fight it he couldn't, memories of the time he spent with her came flooding back. The memories that reinforce why he loved her. “You need to let this go.”

“What?” 

“What you did, you need to let it go.”

“Tell me what happened,”she said sternly. 

“Get comfortable, it's a long story.”









> Ch.7 What I've Done
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

It was about five years ago. Pyro, his sister, Lucendia, and I came upon a small Zebra village. We had been travelling for days and needed somewhere to rest, given that the locals were hospitable enough.

“So we’re here. Now what?” Lucie asked.

“We ask whoever is in charge if we can stay for a few days. I’m sure they’d be more than happy to accommodate us,” Pyro replied snarkily.

******

“Tell me more about Pyro…” Rarity asked softly

“Where do I begin… He was a dark blue with a golden underbelly. Always so prideful, loyal, and ready for a challenge. I looked up to him as if he were my older brother. No matter what we did or where we went he knew what to do.” Even more tears began to well up in his eyes.

“I see… What about Lucendia?”

“She was my mate at the time. She looked much like her brother, but her scales were a warm lavender, and her eyes were a blazing blue that would glow like the moon.”

“That's.... Quite a description...” she felt a surge of insecurity. “What happened next?”

“After we arrived a few villagers spotted us and took us to the chief.”

******

We were led into the largest hut on near the bottom of the mountain they lived under. He welcomed us in with honor and praise.

“Welcome to our humble village. What services can we offer to you, our lords of fire?”

“Lords of Fire? I kind of like that,” Lucie whispered smugly.

“Grand Chief?”

“Abioye.”

“We have been traveling for quite some time, we need a place to rest.”

“Of course, anything for legendary creatures such as yourself.” With a stamp of his hoof we were led to three pre built huts directly next to his. While he was presenting them to us I noticed he kept observing me. Whenever I was looking away he watched me closely. It was as if he were evaluating and studying me. I told Pyro and Lucie but they dismissed it as ‘he’s just watching us do to our Legendary status’. But it was why he was surveying me so closely that led to what I did…

******

“Spike, I know it is painful for you to talk about this. If you don’t want to say anymore I understand.” Rarity comforted. Spike said nothing, he kept his eyes on the moist grass below them.

“I’ll be okay, If I don’t get this off my chest now it’ll tear me apart.”

******

So the next day I was going around the village just to see what it had to offer. Zebras are traditional folk who don’t like to meddle with technology. They want to lead simple lives with their families, or so that is what I was told. Yet the whole time I felt a creeping pair of eyes on me. I suspected the chief, but I was surprised and relieved to find who was trailing me. Little Zebra foals were trying to sneak up behind me and get a touch at my scales. I never know why but younglings love me, no matter what they are.

They chased me around, poked at my teeth, and I took them on a few flights, after all of the fun was over Chief Abioye approached me with two zebras dressed in gold rings.

“Salutations Dracon Spike.” he bowed.

“Oh uh. S-Salutations Chief Aboye.”

“Ah-bi-oh-ye,” he corrected.

“Of course sir, my apologies.”

“No need to apologise.” he stared at me with a creepy smile while tapping his staff. “How are you finding my quaint little village?”

“It’s nice,” that was all I could say. Between his constant surveillance and the foals , I began to have mixed feelings.

“I am glad that you are enjoying your rather short time here.” he looked around. “Where are your friends?”

“Oh, I don’t know. I haven’t seen them since last night.”

“That’s a shame. You are all very close?”

“Yeah, they're my family.”

“But you look nothing like them.”

“They took me in when I was younger.”

“I see, I see.” he walked me around the college until we reached a trail that went up the mountain. Hours later we reached the trail end. Never before have I seen a more beautiful sight. The sun driven by Celestia setting over a golden sea, while the clouds poured out of the glistening water. I became lost in the view, going over what I thought was most beautiful in the world.

******

He turned away hiding his obvious blush. “Oh, just imagining a view so pristine simply does not give it justice!” Rarity fawned.

“I really wished you could have seen it...” 

“That can wait for another time, I'm still needed here in Equestria,” she leaned against him snuggling into his scales. “Care to finish your story?”

“Oh, r-right! Well, we were at this viewpoint they used to track incoming travelers...”

******

I was lost in the view, then I felt a sharp pain come from my back. I turned and one of the zebras had his hoof on my back. “There was a mosquito,” he reassured. I wanted to tell him that my scales were too thick, but he looked a might dim so I let it slide.

“It was nice to get to know you Dracon Spike.” Them just like that they were gone. I didn't see anypony going back down the mountain. That's when I really became suspicious. I flew down to find Pyro and Lucie. I saw Lucie surrounded by most of the females in the village. When I leaves they were whispering giggling and glancing at me.

******

“Ooh, so they were preparing Lucie for you?” 

“Yeah...” he said sorrowfully.

“It's nice to know that someone out there loved you the same way you love them...”

“Well I- wait. What?” he picked up on the sadness present in her tone

“It's nothing dear, please continue...

“Well, they parted away from her.”

******

I can't lie. She was stunning. They decorated her in rubies and sapphire, accented with gold jewelry. I know what you're thinking, and no I didn't want to eat her. But, that was the most attractive that I had ever seen her. Is it wrong to say that you love someone who is like a sister to you? If it is, that moment felt so right. She batted those glowing blue eyes at me, begging me to come closer. I listened to their call, we came closer and closer until our snouts touched. She looked into my soul and I hers. We danced flirted and soon we went into her hut and well...

******

“You did the ‘thing’?” Rarity asked in shock.

“Well, yeah. I'm old enough to know how things work down there.”

“I just figured that you'd wait until marriage.”

“When there's a sexy dragoness begging you for it, there is no waiting,” he said while pridefully puffing or his chest.

“Oh my. It's getting rather warm out here.” Spike looked to the moon and let out a deep grumbling breath. “Are you okay?”

“The next day, is a day I don't like to remember...”

******

I spend most of my day with Lucie and Pyro planning out what where we needed to go next. After rounding up the supplies that we needed, Chief Abioye invited us to a feast celebrating our visit and our departure. After living with dragons and eating mostly gems and meat, the vegan food nearly made me sick to my stomach. As I logged around the hut I noticed that the Chief's assistants were missing. I didn't think on it until they invited me outside. As I walked out of the hut, they threw a muzzle on me, tied my wings down. I tried my best to struggle, to scream, but they sedated me with some foul smelling potion. 

I woke up in a dark room. I yelled for Pyro and Lucie. The only response was my echo. Not knowing where I was or if I was even conscious I walked forward. I found a barred wall in front of me. I stumbled back and found another barred wall. They put me in a cage, trapped in this dark dank room. Then hoofsteps came from behind me, as candles lit the enclosure. “Hello Dracon Spike.”

“Abioye! Let me out now!”

“I can't do that, just yet. I need you my little puppet.”

“What the hell are you talking about you sick little horse!”

“Watch your disrespectful tongue! I know how to kill your kind dragon. A spear made of obsidian.” He pressed it to my chest. “To. The. Heart.” Never before had I ever felt pain so intense. As the spearhead touched my flesh it burnt like the hottest fire. “You are strong dragon. Very strong. And you will be the perfect weapon to use against my enemies.”

“What makes you think I'll help you?” I held my chest. I could still feel the spear driving into my heart.

“Your compliance is not a factor, you will do as I say.”

“I'm no puppet Abioye!” Then the room went dark. He started to glow as he chanted and danced. A blinding light filled my vision, and I saw you.”

******

“Y-You saw me?”

“Yes. I saw you and everyone I left here, but you were all so angry. Yelling at me, telling me that you'll never accept me. All I am is a slave destined to be nothing more. And that's when it hit me. I left because that's the fate I didn't want, but I walked back into it. I was following whatever Pyro told me to do... I was as much as his puppet as I was everyone else's...”

“Spike, you aren't anyone's toy. You're your own dragon. You are you, and no pony can take that away.”

“I wish you were there to tell me this five years ago,” he fought to hold back tears. “W-What he made me do next.” he began to sob. “He used me to kill everyone.”

******

After Abioye took control over me he told me to prove my worth by killing Lucendia and Pyro. He held my on a chain as is I were a rabid dog until we emerged somewhere outside the village. Then he muttered “kill”. I flew into the center of town and began to burn everything. Some of the villagers tried to stop me and I... Their screams were bloodcurdlingly horrid. Pyro came out first. The look he gave me was one of pure horror and sorrow. I could see that I broke his heart. We swore to not be like our kind, to not harm innocent beings, to help the helpless.

“Spike, please stop this!” In my mind I was screaming for him to save me, but on the outside all it translated to was a deafening fire filled roar. “Spike, brother please! I don't want to hurt you!”

“That's too bad, because I want to kill you!”

“So be it...” I lunged at him, fire filling my claws. He stepped to the side grabbed my tail, and threw me into the ground. While I tried to recover he punched and clawed me repeatedly. I couldn't feel it, the pain. I was poisoned, all I wanted to do was kill. And he was my target. I kicked him off me and went for his throat. Just as my jaws snapped he moved and swiped me with his claw, sending me into a hut. Lucendia appeared behind Pyro. She came over to me in a vain attempt to calm me. I took hold of her throat, punched her countless times and threw her to the side.

That was when the chief cave running cheering. “Yes, yes Spike! Kill them all, leave no one alive!”

“Y-You... You're behind this?!” Pyro yelled in pained disbelief.

“Yes! He is the ultimate weapon! Not even you can stop him!” he cackled.

“Spike, can you hear me? You have to fight this. Look at Lucie, the village. Please, I know you're stronger than this.” His words, they hit me like a tidal wave. I knew I was stronger, I knew what I meant to him. But I couldn't break free... “Spike, please...”

“Spike, kill him! NOW!” I tried to fight, but his magic was too strong. I charged after Pyro like a mindless rabid animal. I but him, punched him, cut him. Hurt him in every way imaginable. He was weak, I took him by the horn and breathed my hottest fire directly onto his face. “Good job, Spike now finish him.” I was going to rip his throat out when Lucie tackled me.

“Why are you doing this?!” she cried

“Get off me!”

“Why, Spike why?!”

“LET! ME! GO!” I don't want to say what I did next... It still makes me sick to my stomach... After I got her off me, I turned my attention back to Pyro. He was barely breathing, sobbing silently. I didn't know what to do. I killed my mate, killed so many innocent zebras, and I broke my brother. I raised my claw, memories of all the times we had came flooding back, then it was over. 

******

He looked down at his claw, then back to the moon. “After I killed him, I turned to Abioye. The last thing I did before his magic left me, was rip him in half...”

“O-oh my goodness!”

“I know, you're terrified of the monster I've become... I don't blame you... I came back here expecting to run away from my past, but it's stuck to me. And there's no way to get it off...”

“S-Spike-

“Goodbye Rarity...” he opened his wings and flew away into the night.

“I don't think you're a monster...”
> Chapter 8: Rarity's Realization
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Rarity walked through the busy streets with heavy heart. The Summer Sun Festival passed two month ago today. Two months since he had been gone. He took her heart with him that day, and left a hole that only he can fill. She felt alone, abandoned. Like she wasn't really alive. As if it was all a dream, a dream that she wanted to wake up from with her dragon by her side. But he was gone, to where she knew not. So she walks the bustling streets of Canterlot, seeing only herself in a city of ghosts.

She returned to her hotel where a bellhop was waiting with a bouquet of roses. “Here you are Ms. Rarity,” he presented. She took them with a forced smile.

“Thank you hopper... They're lovely.”

“That secret admirer certainly knows how to present to a real mare.” There was no secret to her admirer. She had came in contact with a fashion director a few weeks ago, and he's been trying to win her hoof since. “Yes he does...” she replied flatly. Inside read a note: Tonight, Cuisine Fraîche in downtown Canterlot. As much as she wanted to burn the note with an incendiary spell, she couldn't bring herself to it. He has been gone for three months, and will possibly never return. She should move on and try to see someone. It's not like they were officially together.

“Have a wonderful evening madam.”

“Oh?” she was pulled back to reality.

“Have a wonderful evening Ms. Rarity.”

“Right, of course. Thank you hopper.” she gave him five bits then trotted off.





Lights came cascading from the countless windows deep in the heart of the Royal city. Rarity checked her pocket watch, eight forty-five. Fifteen minutes till the hour and her date was nowhere to be found. Honestly she should have expected this tardiness, the note in the roses was vague on terms of a meeting time. So she waited for a stallion who may be late while thinking of a dragon who may never come back.

A single bell toll, nine in the evening, still no date to be found. She looked around for anyone who may be approaching, but found only ponies ignorant to her presence. “I should have known,” she fumed. “Of course he'd stand me up. He's probably busy at dinner with his ego...”

“Really? Well then, my ego must have one heck of an appetite.”

She had recognised the voice, but it wasn't what she had anticipated. Standing behind her was Hopper in a top hat, complete with a cane and a full jet black blazer. “Hopper?”

“Wait, don't tell me. I look amazing,” he flaunted with a pose.”

“Mmm, well. Not what I would have you wear, but it does fit nice. You look like a real gentle colt.”

“Really? Well, thank you,” he blushed.

“So, I take it you're my date for this evening?”

“Y-yes I am madame,” he puffed his chest out with a manly grin. “Please allow me,” he opened the doors showing Rarity in.

As she stepped through the door the aroma of fresh food and overused perfume tickled her senses. They came up to a skinny unicorn holding a quill with his magic. 

“And you are?” he asked snidely.

“Hopper sir. I made a reservation earlier today.”

“Oh right, the busboy,” he stepped down from the pedestal. “Follow me.” They made like a maze through seemingly endless tables until they were led to a seat next to a window. “Here you are, a waiter and or waitress will be with you shortly.” 

As they waited Rarity gazed at the decor. Crystal chandeliers grace the ceiling, connected by elegant beads of diamonds, bathed in a golden brass light. It was absolutely stunning in her eyes, but to Hopper not so much.

“What do you do for a living?” he questioned jokingly.

“Aside from architectural design I– wait.”

“Hahaha! Gotcha!” Hopper chortled.

“Yes, yes, very funny little froggy.”

“Froggy?” questioned a confused Hopper.

“You know “Hopper” ?”

It took him a second to process before the punchline hit him. “Ohohohoo! I see what you did there!” he chortled even louder. All eyes turned to them, curiously trying to investigate why that stallion was bent backwards over his chair.

“Okay Hopper, it wasn't that hilarious...”

“Oh yes it was! You could be a comedian on top of being a talented artist, designer, singer–”

“Excuse me sir, but I prefer to stay with what I started with,” she joked.

“I think it's amazing that you can do so much. On top of being one of the Elements.”

“Thank you Hopper.” Then a thick blanket of silence fell in between the two, contrasting the ambience of murmuring ponies and clanking dishes. 

“Do you wanna hear a joke?” Hopper energetically inquired. 

“What?”

“Do you wanna hear a joke?” he asked with more enthusiasm than before.

“Oh, yes. Sorry, you startled me.”

“Alright, let me think of a good one.” He sat there, a deep thoughtful expression fixed on finding a good side splitter. While he tirelessly toiled through whatever jokes came to mind, Rarity needed a little privacy. She came into the restroom, and collapsed in front of the mirror. “This is exactly why I don’t succeed at dating! No stallion is ever my type…”

“Haven’t you ever considered just giving up then?” a pink mare with dark aqua blue hair came from a stall behind her.

“Well, there is one. But being with him would be… unorthodox to say the least.”

“What does it matter? Love doesn’t come in any shapes sizes or preferences. It is just what it is, love.”

Rarity picked her head up off the counter with newfound confidence and wisdom. “You’re absolutely right! It doesn’t matter if he’s a dragon or if he had an unsavory past. I love him and that is all that matters!” 

“Wait did you say a dragon?!” the mare questioned with a heightened tone.

“It’s a very long story…” Rarity chuckled

“How did you fall in love with a dragon of all things?” asked the mare with childlike curiosity.

“I always liked him, even when he was a baby, well. Baby speaking in dragon terms. It only augmented after he left for some time. He came back a couple of months ago and left again, I haven't seen him since.”

“Wow,” the mare said in astonishment. “I’ve heard of ponies and griffons, but never ponies and dragons… So miss?”

“Rarity.”

“Who’s your date?”

“The Stallion at table nine.”
The mare peeked out the door at her table, where Hopper was sitting talking to himself. “Stallion?” the mare asked with a tilt of her head.

“I know he’s a little young, but he was sending me flowers and notes for the last two weeks. I couldn’t just say no.”

“Eh at least he's a looker,” she said with a shrug.

“He tried so hard though. I’m pretty sure he dumped his entire paycheck into tonight…” Rarity said with guilt.

“Well, whatever you do, is up to you ma’am.” she walked to the door. “My ma used to tell me ‘when it comes to love, listen to how you feel instead of what you think’.”

“Your mother sounds like a wise mare,” Rarity complemented.

“She was, until she went senile,” the mare said blankly. 

“Oh my… Thank you for the advice, uh. I didn't catch your name.”

“Midnight Blossom, but everypony calls me Nighty.”

“Nighty,” Rarity whispered to herself. So she was left in the restroom with the advice from a random mare rattling around in her troubled mind. She fixed her makeup, touched up her mane, and walked out with the confidence to do what she had to.
	

	

> Chapter 9: Real
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Spike flew calmly over a vast empty desert. The heat was intense, and the desert air battered his eyes, but he pushed on towards an imaginary destination. Then he saw green shrubs and flowers growing out of the placid landscape below. He broke his steady pace and began to beat his wings wildly.

He landed and was overcome with joy. There was a fresh oasis, and the water was cool to the touch. He plunged his muzzle into the water eagerly quenching his thirst. “Hey!” He paused, but passed it off as his ears  playing tricks on him. “Hey you!” Okay that was someone. He lifted his head and saw a dragon on the opposite side of the pond. 

He said nothing but stared awkwardly at him. “Hey, are you okay buddy?” he asked.

“Oh, uh. Y-yeah I'm fine,” Spike answered. “Do you need anything?”
 
He came closer. Spike got a better look. He had light gray scales, with haphazard black Spike's running down his back. “I'm kinda lost, do you know how to get to the Equestria from here?”

“No… sorry, he lied, well partially.

“Don't sweat it, name’s Aneta by the way.”

“Aneta?” Spike asked.

“Yeah I know, it's a dragoness’ name…”

“It's not that, I've never met a dragon whose name isn't associated with mutilation or fire.” Spike chuckled.

“Oh…” 

 He continued to drink from the water. A hot desert breeze came through gently shifting the sand. It had became quiet. Spike looked around to see if the dragon had gone. He was nowhere to be seen. He thought he was alone until he heard a loud slurp from behind him. He stopped the moment Spike looked at him.

“Sorry,” he said with a goofy grin. “I've been flying through this dessert for days.”

“Why do you think I'm here?” Spike laughed.  “This desert always has at least one watering hole.”

“Really? This is my first time going through,” Aneta said.

“There's nothing to see, just sand for miles. So, what are you going to Equestria for?” Spike asked.

“I'm trying to beat the migration,” Aneta answered.

“Migration?” Spike asked.

“Yeah, I'm trying to get a good spot in the Badlands before we move to Griffonstone.”

“The dragons fly directly over Ponyville…” Spike thought. “Ponyville…”
Regret quickly filled his heart. He just up and left in the middle of the night, leaving her there probably with a broken heart. She wouldn't want to see him, maybe she found someone who would stay instead of running away like a little brat.

“I best get going,” Aneta said. “Where do I go from here?”

“Hm?” Spike was snapped out of his hypnotic state.

“You agreed to give me directions,” Aneta reiterated.

“Oh, you want to keep heading east until you reach the edge of the desert. From there you should be able to see Smoky mountain, once you do start heading southeast  –the mountain has a cave, in case you want to rest–  keep that heading until you are in Equestrian airspace.”

“How will I know?” Aneta asked.

“You will either see towns and villages below you, or you'll see Cloudsdale. And to answer your next question, Cloudsdale is a Pegasus city made of clouds.”

“Uh huh… Thank you, I hope to see you there.” He took to the air and was soon out of sight. Spike went about his business, hunted for a little snack. He found little sand serpents, not the most satisfying meal, but it would hold him over, then he relaxed in the cool water. He looked up at the forever blue sky, he was at peace. As much peace as he'd been in months.





“Spike…” 

He found himself in darkness, chilling darkness. It was freezing, and he was wet. He scrambled to his paws and found that he was in the same oasis, only he wasn't alone. Several other dragons were nesting, so he decided that it was time to make his leave.

“Spike, can you hear me?”

“What the hell?” Spike spun in circles looking for the origin of the voice. He soon came to the conclusion that the cold water made him delirious, he needed to warm up. He moved away from the other dragons with a clawful of dried shrubs from the edge of the water's influence, setting them ablaze before lying on them, even the sand was cold to the touch.

“Spike!” 

“Who’s there!” He snarled.

“Spike? Yes, we finally found you!”

“Who are you and who is we?” He readied himself for whatever creature dared to attack him.

“Oh sorry, It’s Twilight. Luna and I have been searching for days.

“Twilight?” Spike loosened some. “How exactly are you speaking with me right now?” 

“Through Luna,” Twilight answered.

“Right,” he skeptically chuckled. “Why isn’t she here now?”

“Because she can't travel that far through dreams. Look, this spell won’t last for much longer, it’s taking all of our combined strength just to hold it let alone have a conversation.”

“Mhm… So what do you need?”

“Why did you run away?” Twilight asked. Spike said nothing. “Spike why?”

“Because I wanted to, why do you care?” he spat venom.

“Why wouldn't I, it was the first time we've seen you in years, then you just fly away without so much as a goodbye!” Twilight shot back.

“Twilight, stay calm. If you exert too much we’ll lose him,” Luna interrupted.

“If you want to know why I left ask Luna! She’s seen my dreams…”

“What do you mean–” they were gone. Silence returned to the land. 

“Twilight?” he called. The only answer was a freezing midnight wind that lapped against his ankles. Then he woke up, it was the early morning. The sun just barely crested over the horizon, setting fire to the clouds. Spike would always look at the sunrise when he was younger, it made him feel safe and secure. Because he knew that when Luna finished her job in the night, Celestia would greet him in the morning. 

He looked around, the other dragons had left, early fliers like that one he met yesterday. The air was dry yet warm. He rose to find that the water he slept in was reduced to nothing but a large puddle. The desert was unkind to even the elements that once seeded it. Spike had to move on, even though it wasn't a necessity.  He didn't want to stay, so he took back one last swig of the now sandy water and went on his way. 





He has been flying nonstop opposite the migration. Even though he never flew in the migration, he knew that they would nest once in awhile. He just had to find one. Finally after hours of flying he saw in the distance scattered trees. He saw it as a potential nest area for dragons coming though, and even if it was her couldn't fly forever. He landed cringing at the sound of the dry hay-like grass crackling under his claws. “At least it isn’t sand,” he sighed. The air was still dry and itchy, nothing compared to the lava lakes he's visited, but still enough to cause discomfort. He stood there planning out his next move. Nothing much on the order of water. This place is just as dry as the desert. And the sun beat down just as hard. His stomach began to rumble slightly. “Is there anything to eat out here?” he questioned. 

He lowered his head to the grass sniffing around for any evidence of recent animal activity, truthfully he hoped to find a gem, but out here he may as well forget it. The grass was all he could smell, there was nothing here. He was about to fly away when he heard rustling coming from a nearby thicket. Just as he was about to investigate the disruption a small dragon lunged at him with teeth bared.

“Tell me who you are, or else you'll be spending a better part of the afternoon putting your face back together!” she snarled. He panicked thrashing and kicking trying to get out of its grasp but it dead no use, he was pinned to the ground under this dull pink dragon who threatened to tear him to shreds. “Oh my goodness,” she got off of him. “Sorry bout that bud, thought you were a lion,” she said with a nervous chuckle.

“How do I remotely look like a lion??” Spike shouted.

“ I didn't have a good look at ya. I thought my life was in danger…”

“I didn't know you were there!” 

“Are ya hurt?” she asked.

“I'm fine, except for nearly having a heart attack,” Spike said with his claw to his chest.

“I best get going then.” She turned around and disappeared into the brush.

“Hey, wait!”

“Whaddya need?” She poked her head up through the tall grass.

“Do you know where I can find some food or water?”

“Yup, got plenty of both of those back at my place,” she turned around and walked away. Spike watched in confusion as this odd dragoness disappeared into the ground.“Ya comin or not?” Spike followed her and stumbled into a trench. “Pretty cool eh? Whole area’s perforated with em’. The absolute best way for sneaking up on folks.” He followed her through what seemed like miles of tall grass until they reached a massive smooth rock. “Here we are.”

Spike looked around. “We are?” 

“Yup, just gotta move this here boulder.” the boulder lifted on it’s own revealing a hole with faint light glimmering inside. “Do mind your step, the rocks are kinda sharp,” she said before entering the hole. Spike followed behind was was hit by a strange scent. Against the mostly leafy and grassy landscape, this smelled like an animal. “You comin?” she impatiently asked.

“Oh, right.” He dismissed the scent and jumped down into the hole. “OW!”

“Told ya they was sharp.” 

They meandered through a tunnel before coming into a large cave like opening. It was tall enough for him to stand on his hind legs, and spacious enough to house an entire family. There were paintings on the wall of mountains and trees, and a pink dragon soaring over them. “You painted those?” he asked.

“Yeah, my mum always said idle minds go stale,” she chuckled

“And this cave! How did you find it?” 

“I built it.” 

“You… built this?” Spike asked in disbelief.

“Yes I did,” she sassily replied. “I dug until I found this Monolithic rock and hollowed it out.”

“How in Equestria did you do that?” he asked with little intrigue.

“I can control rocks, I’m what you call an Elemental Dragon. You didn’t see me move the boulder back there?”

Spike did, but he was caught up in whatever he was doing, so he paid it no mind. “Huh, well, that is absolutely awesome,” Spike said with a grin.

“Thank you, oh my I must be going bonkers. I invited ya into my home without even learning your name.”

“Oh, it’s Spike.”

“That an odd name for a dragon, especially for a male,” she stated.

“What do you mean?” Spike tried to hide the offense in his tone.

“Well, most males name more akin to fire like Ignaltus, Conflager, or Pyro -she paused- “Once dated an Inferno, but we’ll not get into that. Now if your mum ate samì berries while she was carrying your egg, you get names like Grunt, Ablerger, Garble, and the weirdest name I ever heard: D’Flamno…”

“Wait, D’Flamno?” Spike snoted.

“I know, it’s as ridiculous as it sounds,” she laughed.

“Well, what's your name?” Spike asked.

“Tourmaline.”

“Tourmaline… That’s a nice name.”

“Heh, thanks,” she giggled. “But you can call me Tori if you like. Now let's go and get you some sustenance. There’s a little freshwater grotto I found right over here.” he followed her, finally feeling at ease.

“What's a Samì Berry?” Spike asked.

“Acid…”





A few hours passed, Spike was content for once throughout his journey. He had a belly full of delicious fish, and a place to lay his head that wasn’t out in the open. In hindsight he should stop doing that, if Tori is having problems with lions who knows what could attack him.

Only one problem though, the fire made the air extremely stuffy and toxic. Smoke want harmful but it smelled something awful. He wanted to go get some fresh air, but as far as he knew the tunnel they came through was the only way in or out. And he most definitely did not want to wake Tourmaline. She was sleeping peacefully, he watched her. Only then did he notice all of the scars she had, and… 

“No…” he whispered. He pieced it together. The link dragon flying on the walls, he thought it was just a dream of hers. Because she didn't have wings, but the nubs on her back suggest otherwise. He couldn't imagine the physical let alone emotional pain of losing your wings. “She's trapped here…” He left her be and began to search around for a way out. He eventually came to the grotto where they got their fish from, when he noticed a breeze coming from the other side. He wadded through the shallow water and found an opening to endless grasslands. 

“Spike if you can hear me, or if you care to hear. It's Rarity, I don't know what you're running from or you're running, but I want to you know that I don't see you as the monster you believe you've become. You're a kind soul, more generous and loving than most ponies I know. Whatever that dreadful Zebra did to you wasn't your fault. Wherever you are, just know that I love you, and I should have told you when you were here…”

He knew he wasn't dreaming, that was her. He would recognize that sweet loving voice anywhere, on any world. He knows she loves him, but he can't accept it. Why can't he accept it?? He wants to fly back and be with her and the rest of his family, but he can't do it! He doesn't even feel like he's real anymore… He's running away from his pain… Every time he thinks of Luci, Rarity comes to mind. While he was home, every time he looked into those big beautiful blue eyes he saw Luci giving him the same look, the same smile. And it tears him apart inside, piece by piece.

“Rarity, I don't want to hurt you, I don't want to hurt anyone… I know that I am capable of horrendous things, and when I saw what capacity I had for murder I couldn't live with myself… I still can't…”

“Spike we know that you would never ever intent to harm us.”

“Twilight?”

“I've known you since the day you hatched, and I know that you aren't a bloodthirsty murderer.”

“It's not that I am a murderer, it's that I can be used so easily! That Zebra fucked with my head! Do you know what it's like to watch yourself kill your brother and the one you love, while you have no control over your actions?? I can't let go, I know I should and I've tried so hard to! Their blood and the blood of those innocent Zebra's are still on my claws…” tears began to fill his eyes. 

“Running away never solves anything young dragon. Luna has shown me your dreams… Your are a tormented soul. Your morality is on question for an act that you had no will over.”

“Celestia I… I don't know what to do, I don't know what I'm doing out here…” he sobbed softly. 

“Then come home, the only way you can heal is with the help of those who love you.”

“O-Okay…,” he turned back to the cave. “I'll be there soon Rarity…”

“I'll wait for you,” she said tenderly. He wiped away his tears and went back inside to get some much needed rest ignorant to the predators stalking him.

> Ch. 10 You Can't Run
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	 A month or so has passed since Spike landed here on the dry savanna he couldn't tell he lost count weeks ago. The dream conversations with Rarity and the others went on but over the last few days, they've been silent. Tourmaline has been kind enough to let him stay in her den for a while, but he knows he can’t stay forever. He didn’t plan to stay this long, but he didn’t have the heart to leave her by herself. Behind her giddy childlike mannerisms she was hurt and he could feel it. He felt that had to leave though. 

So another sun sets on the vast grasslands and with it comes the night. Every time he travelled to a new location he would look up at the moon wondering if Luna was watching over him. Well, the last few mental calls answered that question, but it was nice to think that she was there guiding him. “Spike! Where are ya big fella?” Tourmaline came romping through the grass. “There you are. We should get back inside before those lions come.”

“Are you sure they’re going to come? I remember catching a whiff of something a while back but now it’s gone.”

“Ooh yah, I got the scar to prove it!” She whipped around almost slapping Spike with her tail. “Right here.” She pointed to her left flank. “Tried to take a nice juicy chunk of my butt, but I wasn’t giving it up for free!” There were four deep puncture wounds that looked like it could have impacted the bone. It was discolored as well, contrasting against her dusty pink scales with a sickening green color. 

“Sweet Celestia… How were they able to hurt you?” Spike said, inching closer to her flank.

“Ah, ah, ah!” she swiped at him with her tail. “You could at least try to court a dragoness before you poke around back there,” she said with a flirty giggle.

“I was just looking at your scar. I didn’t know anything could penetrate dragon scales. Well, other than enchanted volcanic glass…” He rubbed the scar that ran along his belly. 

“I dunno where you heard that bull honkey. I always get cuts and bruises, ‘specially when I tumble down into the den.” She’s never heard of a dragon’s hide being impenetrable. She said that she was an elemental dragon, so what kind of Dragon is he? He really never thought about it much.. “Well, I know the centuries old dragons have tough scales, but us young dragons? Nope…” That would explain the cuts and bruises, but why were his scales hard and hers not?

“Well, I’ve always had tough scales... “ he said looking, back to the sky. As the sun fell Twilight began to set in. This was his favorite time of day. The only time all of the princesses got to share the sky, and it created the most beautiful scene. “What’s wrong with me...” he thought. He soon began to realize how pathetic he was. He left the only home he ever knew to live in a world that would chew him up and Spit him out without warning. What was he thinking! No wonder why he’s miserable. His heart hasn’t been in the right place since he left his friends back in Equestria… And now he’s thousands of miles away with a disabled dragon, and now he doesn’t have the heart to leave her behind. Why couldn’t be be like other dragons? Ruthless, bloodthirsty, heartless. Maybe then all of these feelings of heartbreak, dread, regret, all of them will finally go away. 

He felt a tear roll down his cheek. He couldn’t fight it. Like a dam, he burst. All of his emotions came rushing out as more tears tickled the dry grass where he sat. 
“Whoa… I’ve never seen a dragon cry. Especially not a male.” Tourmaline came to his side with a curious look. 

“I’m not-” what was the point? “I am crying…” His voice was low but steady.

“What’s got you down? If I scared you with the lion thing I-”

“No, it’s not even remotely that. I am an Equestria born dragon.”

“So that explains the name,” Tourmaline thought.

“I grew up there with my friends, then I left them to go live with other dragons. I met the love of my life… We traveled together and got into all kinds of trouble and every day we were on a new adventure. Soon she was my mate and I was as happy as I was back in Equestria with my friends. Until a witch doctor Zebra Chief tried to use my power to rule over something, I don’t know what it was. But in doing so he made me kill my best friends and my mate… I’ve been running since.”

“Why don’t you go home to your friends?”

“Because I don’t trust myself. If I hurt Twilight or Celestia forbid Rarity! I don’t think I’d be able to live with myself. I'd probably snap.”

“At least you have a choice…” Tourmaline sighed. “I’ve been stuck out here for fifty three years Spike. I can’t go anywhere because I’ll either die of starvation or thirst. You can go home to the ones that love you. I don’t think anyone who faintly acknowledged me would remember me.”

“You didn’t have a nest or a mate?”

“Nope,” she chuckled softly. “Before I left the male I was with found another dragoness. Do you know how heartbreaking it is to see the male you already courted with flying with another?” she chuckled even louder. “Right in front of me. Flying together, in my face like I didn’t exist!” she chortled with tears gushing from her eyes. “And when the migration landed here, I was the only one to have her wings clipped my those damned lions and left to die!” Nothing he could say would make anything better. All Spike could do was listen. “This is my hell. This is where I’m going to die…” her laughter died down as more tears came pouring down. “You are the first dragon I’ve seen in decades…” Spike reached for her but he hesitated. “I don’t want to be alone, but if you do leave I won’t stop you.” This was the problem of having a kind and noble heart. Not only could he feel her pain, but it pierced his own heart and infuriated him. He was out here whining because he was forgiven for his actions yet he still continues to lament, but this dragon lost everything while this dragoness was abandoned and cast aside. 

“I am leaving, but not without you.”

“Weren’t you listening?” she showed him her back as she moved the nubs where her wings used to be. 

“You can’t fly, but I can!” Spike proudly spread his massive wings.

“You can’t carry the both of us Spike…”

“Yeah, but there’s no harm in trying.” he stood up. “Climb on my back!”

“Spike, I don’t think-”

“Tori, listen to me. I have abandoned and hurt too many innocent dragons and ponies. I am not going to leave you here to die, I promise with my life that I will take you with me.” Tourmaline blushed with a small smile.

“O-Okay. I’ll give it a go.” She hopped up and climbed onto Spike’s back. “Wow…” she whispered to herself.

“What?” Spike asked.

“Nothing. I’ve never done anything like this before.” 

“Hold on as tight as you can!”

“Are ya sure? I just sharpened my claws last night.”

“I can take it.” Spike took a pouncing stance, and stretched his wings. Tourmaline dug her claws into the scales around his neck. “I said as tight as you can,” Spike reiterated.

“Oh, right.” She dug in even further with all of her might, worried that she was choking him.

“Ready?” he raised his wings.

“Yes, no wait. Uh, can we just wait until tomorrooooaa!” Spike took off underestimating her weight. As he climbed higher into the sky, he felt her dragging him down but he payed it no mind. In him was the determination to save this dragoness, and that is what he was going to do. So with a smokey huff, he pushed his wings even harder. Tourmaline grip was tight bordering constricting. At least she was holding on with all of her might. Spike was gradually getting used to having her on his back the higher he climbed Soon all of his thrashing came to a halt. Tourmaline opened her eyes to the glowing fuchsia of the sky above and the dark brown of the grass and shrubs below. 

“Oh my me, you're flying!”she chirped excitedly. 

“Yeah, you’re not as heavy as I thought you’d be,” Spike chuckled. He soared gracefully over the lands below, happy that he just may be able to get her out of this arid wasteland. Tourmaline sat up and looked around. The feeling of the air brushing past her scales had become alien to her. She felt like she had when she was a hatchling taking flight for the first time. After fifty long years of living in a rock underground, she was finally back in the air as free as a bird with her soul ablaze once again. And none of this would have been possible if not for Spike. He was amazing, his stories, his kindness and his determination. She wished that her mate from long ago could have been like him. She wrapped her arms around him and nuzzled his neck. 

“Thank you so much…”  

“Don’t worry. I don’t have it in me to leave you out here by yourself.” 

“Those ponies must be something. I've never seen a dragon care for anyone other than himself.” 

“I'm not like other dragons,” Spike said with confidence. 

“I can tell,” Tourmaline cooed. 

“So do you know how to get back to your den? Cause I’m kinda lost.” 

“Oh,” she looked at the ground slowly passing beneath them. “Turn around and fly until you see the trenches I dug. If you can, it's getting dark.”

“Night vision,” Spike said with a smirk. 

“You are just a walking surprise person aren't you?” she giggled. 

“I try my best.” Spike turned around and flew back towards her den. Tourmaline was absolutely ecstatic. She was finally leaving this bleak dull and dry place, but she still had a few minor concerns. 

“Spike, why are we going back to the den?” she asked. 

“I figured we could eat and get something to drink before we head out.”

“Right right, good idea. Are you sure you can carry me for a long time?”

“Yeah, just as long you don't move around too much I'll be fine.” She hoped with all of her heart that he was right. 



Back in the den Spike was sound asleep, but Tourmaline was wide awake. She couldn't sleep. She was as giddy as a hatchling with a ruby in her claws , but how could she not be? The most kind, most amazing dragon just came in and promised to take her away for this hell. 

As anxious as she was to leave, she had to admit that she was going to miss this place. But what can you do when you're finally going to be free from the desert, free from your loneliness and depressing thoughts. Well, depression may stick around but who cares?? She is going to be leaving for new faraway lands for the first time in decades. She was ready. 

She looked over to Spike who was in his usual spot next to the grotto. He liked the fresh air that came in from outside. She moved closer to him, careful not to agitate or stir him. The first few nights he was there she did watch him sleep -mainly for security reasons- but also out of curiosity. He is so different compared to others that she's seen. He wasn't as big as most middle aged dragons with no greed, but he was still a juggernaut compared to her. Then again, females are usually smaller, but eh. 

She inched even closer, looking over his wings. “Lucky bastard,” she mumbled to herself. Still they were huge for a dragon of his size. She took note of how his scales would highlight the muscle on his back as he breathed. Maybe if she asked, or did something to let him know- No. She wanted to wait until they were good and far away from this place before she tried to make him her mate. He probably wouldn't want to anyway… She was small, pale, and her scars were so ew and unappealing. It would be nice if he could be. It's been so long since she has been able to release. Her mind began to drift to how much he was packing when a familiar yet foul scent filled the cave. 

“Spike! Spike! Wake up! I smell them!” She pounced on his back and shook him. “Get up you big sexy lump!” Spike groggily opened his eyes with a yawn. 

“What Tori? Is it dawn yet?” he asked in a slur.

“Yes, no, I dunno. But I smell them!”

“Smell who?”Spike stretched. 

“The lions! Take a whiff!” A low growl followed by a shadowy figure filled the grotto.  “See?? I told you! They're coming for my booty! They've had a taste and now they want more!” Tourmaline cried. Spike shot up and took a defensive stance. 

“No one is going to hurt you while I'm here!” Spike growled. As the first lioness came into view more shadows could be seen dancing on the water in front of them. “Get behind me…” Spike said with a admonishing tone. 

“Look my warriors. It's the dragon that has eluded us for generations,” the head lioness spoke as her accomplices filled the den. 

“You can talk?”Tourmaline asked. 

“Yes we can talk dragon. We aren't simple savages.”

“Yippee, you know basic vernacular, now. Why are you here?”

“So rude. We want to take that dragon home to our tribe to keep and to cherish.” Spike snorted out green flames. “Really, we mean no harm. Dragons are like gods to my kind. To capture one is to ensnare divinity itself.” 

“If that's so, then why did you guys trap me, clipped my wings, then tried to eat me?” Tourmaline called from behind Spikes tail. 

“That happened generations ago dragon. I apologize if we harmed you in any way.”

“Harmed is a way of putting it,” Spike seethed. 

“Please dragon, we do not wish to harm your mate,” the lioness bowed. Spike looked back to Tourmaline who was violently shaking her head. 

“Sorry but no. She is not coming with you,” Spike spoke sternly. 

“Wise and noble dragons, please consider the lives that will be at stake if she doesn't come with us,” the lioness pleaded. 

“Fine. Take me instead.”

“Spike what are you doing??” Tourmaline whispered. 

“If they really worshiped dragons they would have offered the same to me that they are to you.”

“How do you know that?” Tourmaline skeptically questioned. 

“I don't, it's just a hunch. Look, I've been in similar situations. Let me handle this.” he looked down to the bowing lioness’s. “Well if it's a powerful dragon you seek, here is one right before your eyes. Young, virile, and in his prime!”

“As fine of a dragon you are, we prefer the female behind you,” another lioness spoke. 

“And why is that?” Spike asked with a growl. “Surely you don't want to upset me?”

“Of course not, your excellency. I told you that our intentions are strictly…  Natai, Jainir, now!” Two lioness’s lunged towards Spike teeth bared and claws out. Spike managed to swipe one out of the way but the other got a clean bite on his throat. “The rest of you, take that dragoness!” the boss lioness ordered. Four deadly felines lunged at Tourmaline like they did at Spike. Tourmaline froze. She couldn’t run and moving any of the rock could bring the ceiling down on top of them. She braced for the pain of razor sharp teeth ripping into her flesh. But with a powerful swipe of his tail, Spike sent all of them flying back to their leader. 

“How are you alive?? I saw Jaipur rip your throat out!” the boss Lioness snarled. Spike held the lioness in question in his claw. She struggled and clawed as hard as she could, but the dragon wasn't relinquishing his grip. 

“My scales are stronger than dull lion teeth.” He snapped the lioness’ neck. “You're going to have to do better than that!” he roared as a belt of flames came flying from his open maw, lighting up the den with a bright green glow. The remaining lioness’s ducked into the grotto to escape the flames. Tourmaline was shocked at how someone as gentle as him could snap so quickly and with such ferocity. 

“You disgusting beast! Kill him!” They leapt out of the water and tackled Spike. They bit him and clawed at his face trying to blind him. No matter what how hard he threw them off they kept coming back, mobbing him in full force. Tourmaline stood out of the way, unsure if she should help. She feared for his life. Every blow robbery traded sounded like deafening cracks and thuds. She could smell blood on the stuffy cave air, which only made her worry even more. After another sickening thud resounded through the cave, Spike called out to her.  

“Tourmaline! R-ahhh!” one of the lioness’ bit his right wing. He whipped around and she went flying off. “Get out of here!”

“But I-” Tourmaline stuttered. 

“I'll be fine!” The lead lioness pounced on Spikes back and started gnawing at his neck. “Go get out of here!” 

Tourmaline wanted to argue, but she knew that she would only put herself in harm's way. She darted towards the entrance with tears fogging up her eyes. 

“Get back here you filthy lizard!” one of the lioness’ dashed after her, but Spike got hold of her tail.  

“We’re not done yet,” Spike growled. Tourmaline made it out and shoved the rock that covered the entrance deep into the soil. She sat there hyperventilating and crying. Even dealing with other dragons, she had never seen anything like that. Yes they attacked, but he still killed that thing without even trying. And how sickening the sound was. Now she didn't know who she was more worried for. She ran around to the entrance of the grotto. There was screaming growling and hissing coming from inside. She scanned around, seeing if she could catch a glimpse of what was happening, but then again she didn't want to know what was going on. Every sound and glow of fire only dug a deeper pit into her stomach. After the last green glow, everything went silent. 

“Spike?” she asked. Her voice was shaky and unsteady. No one answered. “Spike!” she cried even louder. 

“I'm okay…”

“Oh Thank goodness!”she ran back inside. “I was worried that you-” It was a grim sight. The lioness’ corpses lay scatters and bloodied, some with slit throats. Spike sat amongst them with his head down. “Oh my goodness…”

“I told you… I'm nothing more than a bloodthirsty murderer.” Tourmaline nearly gagged at the scent of the blood. Spike walked towards the grotto and left.  

“Spike, wait.” Tourmaline called out to him. He stood in the grass, stoic and cold. As the sun rose she could see where they had bit and scratched him, as well as the blood that covered him. “Spike, they attacked us. You didn't have a choice…”

“Yes I did. We could have ran and flown off. I didn't have to fight, I chose to and I killed them.”

“It was self defense-”

“I still killed them!” His voice silenced the whole savannah. “They were most likely hunting for their pride, and I killed them…” He collapsed in the dry grass. “I don't know what to do or where to go anymore. I'm too dangerous…” Tourmaline sat him despite the blood. 

“Spike. I've only known you for a short time, and trust me. Time flies when you're trapped. But you are the kindness and most sweetest dragon I've ever met. No one has ever been as sweet to me as you, a complete stranger who came out of nowhere. 

“But, there's so much blood on my claws…” 

“The world's nasty and cruel. Only the best live and if you weren't there, I was going to be someone's dinner.” Spike let out a heavy sigh. “At least you've made my life better. This is the happiest I've been, ever!”

“Yeah,” Spike agreed. 

“Really, you're awesome… And I like you a lot.” she scooted closer.  she inched closer. “I know we met not too long ago, and you’re the first dragon who I’ve talked to in a very long time. But, I feel safe and comfortable around you.” Spike looked her in the eye. She immediately turned away. “Forget I said anything,” she dismissed with an awkward grin. 

“I know what you mean…” She looked back at him. Spike chose what he was going to say next carefully. On the one hand, he could say yes and be her mate but what about Rarity? She loves him but, does she want to be with him? When he was back in Equestria she did seem to be attracted to him. But here’s Tori. She’s very attractive, even for an older dragoness. She’s very perky, resourceful, and she reminds him so much of Pinkie odly. “I just… I like you too. And I’d be lying if I said that I wasn’t starting to fall in love with you too. But there’s someone back in Equestria who I love too, and I believe she loves me.”

“So, you’re going home? To Equestria?” Tourmaline asked. 

“Yeah, that’s where I plan to go.”

“And, you're taking me there too?”

“Well, if you want to go somewhere else I can-”

“I want to go with you, but what about the ponies? Will they let me stay?” 

“Trust me, they'll welcome you with open arms. Ponies are all about making me friends, well. The ones I was raised by are,” Spike said with a toothy grin. “You won't have to worry about a thing.” She poked her fingers around in the grass, curling the parched stalks around her fingertips. 

“So… What's her name?” Tourmaline asked.

“Who?”

“The dragon dragoness back home that you're in love with?”

“Oh she's not a dragon she's a uh,” Spike cleared his throat. “A uh, a pony.”

“How'd that happen?” Tourmaline chuckled as she rolled over to her side. 

“Well, it was just puppy love at first. I was a kid, she was a beautiful mare who was way out of my league. Being an oblivious love struck kid back then, I didn't realize that she knew about my crushes. A long story short, I left and came back a half mature dragon and she admitted that she did love me.”

“Aww, that's sweeter than a fresh ruby,” Tourmaline cooed. It caught Spike if guard how calm she was about him basically brushing off her feelings. Dragonesses are known for being hot blooded and temperamental. Maybe all that time alone did make her snap. “So when are we taking to the sky big fella?” Tourmaline rolled over and hopped to her feet. 

“I need a minute to rest. Those lionesses wore me out.”

“I am a little bit hungry… What can I grub on before we go?”

“Lion…”

“Good one Spike,” she laughed. “Dear god, you're serious…”

“I'll cook them for you but I won't eat…”

“Actually, I can hold off in eating for a few days. Fish can fill you up quite a bit.” she came back to him and rubbed his wings gently. The sun finally peeked over the horizon, showering them in its light. Tourmaline layed down next to him, draping his wing over her. She didn't know why she did it. Perhaps are just wanted to be close. But it didn't seem to bother Spike. He was actually scooting closer to her. “Spike?”

“Yeah,” he looked deep into her hazy green eyes. 

“You're still covered in blood…” Spike looked over himself and was embarrassed at the realization. 

“Let me just, uh.” He looked around for something, maybe some brush or water. He realized that they were sitting outside of the den. He dashed back inside and jumped into the  grotto. The lioness’s bodies sat motionless in front of him. He turned his back, shunning his abhorrent handiwork. They didn't need to die. And it pained him even more that they were going to sit there and rot without their pride ever knowing what became of them. Some could have been mothers. Just as soon as he got in the water he left and didn't look back. 

Tourmaline was on her back playing with her hind legs. “Oh, I didn't expect you to be back to soon,” she chirped. Looking down at this full grown dragoness playing like a hatchling after being horrified at the sight of a bloody battle, put a smile on his sour muzzle. 

“Did I get it all?” 

“Turn.” Spike slowly spun in a circle. “Yeah, you got it off. Good thing it wasn't dry.” she looked been to the  entrance. “They're still in the aren't they?” Spike nodded. “I'm actually going to miss this old pad.”

“Really?”

“Yes and no. I've lived here for so long I thought I'd never leave. Now that I am, it feels like I'm leaving a piece of me behind you know?”

“I know. Are you ready, or do you want to say one last goodbye?” Spike asked. 

“I'm ready…” she climbed into his back, and held on with all of her might. Spike unfurled his wings, stretched them as far as he could and with a powerful flap. He and Tourmaline were on their way to lead better lives. 

> Ch.11 Make Up Your Mind
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

On a hot Equestrian afternoon, Twilight sat in under a tree reading while Pinkie and Rainbow Dash ran around playing tag. This wasn't any regular playground tag, as Rainbow would put it, but a very high octane tackling kind of tag. Honestly those two are going to be the death of each other. Twilight didn’t particularly mind it though. They didn’t get together for picnics like they used to. It was nice to relax with her friends. Just as Rainbow tackled Pinkie and began prepping for her victory taunt, Rarity came with her favorite purple sunhat riddled with so many rhinestones it could find sailors lost at sea. 

“Rarity! Glad you could make it.” Applejack greeted her with a hug. 

“So am I,” she huffed. “Fulfilling your dreams drains you. Where’s Fluttershy?”

“She hasn't shown up yet. I haven't the slightest idea why,” Applejack shrugged.

“I’m sure she'll make it. Whatever the matter, we’re happy that you could make it.” Twilight levitated some tea over to her. “We don’t hang out like we used to.”

“I know,” Rarity took a light sip. “It’s becoming increasingly more difficult to do so. I’m glad you told me about this in advance or else I wouldn’t have been able to clear the two hours I have to spend.”

“Geez, you’re that booked?” Applejack asked.

“The dragons just passed a few weeks ago, and you know how ponies are. ‘I want mine to shine like a dragon's scales’,” she mocked. “‘Can you make a dress that encapsulates the curves of a real dragoness?’ Oh and the one I get all of the time! “‘I want mine to look like a Dragon’s flames’.” She took another sip of her tea.

“Wait, they ask for dragon fire dresses?” Applejack asked.

“All of the time! I love making dresses, but these requests are absolutely ridiculous at times. Enough about my nightmare, how have you two been?”

“I found out that Applebloom has a coltfriend,” Applejack said flatly.

“Ooh, what’s his name?” Rarity asked.

“Tinker Todd…”

“Tinker Todd?” Twilight and Rarity asked in unison. 

“Yeah, he’s supposed to be real handy or something. I wish she would have told me before their ‘three month anniversary’,” Applejack grumbled. “But, she’s nearly a full grown mare so I’m not as ‘ornery’ as I’d usually be.”

“Well, at least she found a stallion. Sweetie and Scootaloo have been spending a lot more time together. Not that I'm opposed to her ‘swinging that way’-”

“Sweetie don't swing no way. Her and Scootaloo have been runnin the Ponyville branch of the cmc,” Applejack corrected her. 

“Well either way, it would be nice if she showed interest in someone. Even Twilight shows that she can be attracted to stallions.”

“Hey! What's that supposed to mean?” Twilight whined.

“It's nothing bad. You're just more… romantically introverted than most mares.”

“I don't have time for a relationship,” Twilight scoffed. 

“Mhm…” Applejack sipped her tea. 

“What? I'm not being stuck up. I really don't.”

“Tell that lie while you're laying in bed alone reading all day,” Rarity giggled before sipping her tea. 

“Look, the thing is. I don't need a stallion to make me happy. I'm fine with my responsibilities. Even if they do become tedious...” Twilight sighed. 

“Oh relax dear, we're only teasing. You'll find yours, we all will in time…” Rarity sighed. 

“What about you then?” Twilight asked. 
“What do you mean?” 

“Are you still looking for that somepony to make foals with?” Twilight asked meticulously

“Twilight, the way you said that was just… no,” Applejack shuddered. 

“Well, I hadn't put much thought into it lately. I used to be the kind who wanted Prince Charming to come sweep me off my hooves, but now. I don't know…  Ever since he left again, I've kind of…  lost hope you know?” Applejack and Twilight looked at each other unsure of how to react. “Let's get off of relationships. What you've been up to Twilight?”

“Other than making sure the seventh annual Gryphon fest goes smoothly, nothing other than reading… Oh that's right!” Twilight sprang up with a smile. “I almost forgot to tell you guys. I'm not sure how you feel about him right now since he ran away without telling anyone…  But Spike is on his way home!”

“That Dragon needs to make up his darn mind,” Applejack said with a shake off her head. 

“How do you know this?” Rarity asked trying to conceal her excitement.

“I was in Canterlot over the weekend working on the layout of the festival and I decided to pay Luna a visit. She's been watching Spike for a few days and he’s heading straight for Equestria.”

“And if he decides to go somewhere else?” Applejack asked with a skeptical bite of her sandwich.

“I don't know…”

“You seem a tad bit nettled Applejack,” Rarity spoke up.

“In truth, I am! I like Spike just as much as the rest of ya, but I can't get over that he would disappear at night without tellin anyone. He could have at least left a note!”

“What are you guys yelling about?” Pinkie bounded over with grass in her mane. Rainbow followed behind her with a proud look on her face.

“Talking about how Spike up and left only to change his mind and come running home,” Applejack spat.

“Applejack please… You don't even know the half of it.” Just then Flutterhsy came walking in with angel cheerfully skipping beside her. 

“Did he tell you why he split in the dead of night?”

“Afternoon girls. What did I miss?” Fluttershy asked as she sat on the mat.“Well, I suppose now is as good a time as any... I know why he left the second time…” Rarity spoke up. 

“Why?” Applejack asked. 

“Yeah why?” Pinkie asked. Rarity looked to Twilight for approval. Twilight nodded and she began the sad tale. 

Half the world away two dragons flew over a vast jungle. The moist tropical air tickled Spike's cheeks as he soared through the thick haze. Tourmaline on the other hand was giggling at the feeling of the air kissing her scales.  She forgot how good it felt to fly through the air, the wind filling your nostrils, and the occasional bug that flew into your mouth. What a nice little treat. 

Spike could fly for a long time. The last time they stopped was for a drink of water and that was hours ago, well it felt like it was hour ago. Either way she was enjoying herself thoroughly. “Hey Spike!” she shouted over the wind. 

“Yeah?” Spike gasped. 

“How long have we been flying?”

“A few hours maybe?” Spike panted. “I lost track of time a while back, but I know where I'm going.”

“Where?”

“What?” Spike asked. 

“Where are we going?” Tourmaline reiterated. 

“It's a rocky- whew,” Spike gulped. “It's a rocky cliff where the dragons usually-” he took a couple of breaths. “ Usually rest before flying over the Celestine gulf!”

“Oh I see…  And how far away are we?”

“Maybe another hour, I don't know. I'm usually good about keeping time when traveling!” Tourmaline looked down at the jungle below. She wondered about how many creatures were down there in the thick canopy. Just up ahead a grand river began to peek over the treeline. I 

“Hey! Do you see that?” She pointed to the wide muddy river. 

“Yeah I do, we're almost there!” Spike flapped his wings harder nearly throwing Tourmaline off balance. 

“Whoa!” Spike cried out while Tourmaline flailed helplessly. She corrected herself and held on as tight as she could to Spike. “What the heck happened?”

“I'm s-sorry! I almost fell…” 

“Be careful okay? I don't want to know what's beneath that canopy,”

“You kidding me? Nothing can kill you!” Tourmaline said with assurance.

“If only it were true,” Spike said under his fading breath.

“Hey, you sound pretty winded. You wanna take a break?” 

“I can make it. Just please don't do anything else crazy.”

“Ditto!” Tourmaline saluted even though she was thinking “no promises”.
Six friends Sat under a shady tree listening to the tragic tale of Spike the Dragon. As Rarity told of what she heard, Fluttershy was horrified, covering her mouth with her hooves, silently crying. Rainbow Dash was beyond livid, literally shaking where she sat. Whoever that Zebra was, he got what he deserved. He'd better be lucky Spike dealt with him first. Pinkie and Applejack hung their heads solemnly. 

“Spike has been running since…” Rarity finished. Silence fell upon the group. Only the rustle of the leaves could be heard. 

“That's… That's awful,” Applejack spoke up. “I've heard of voodoo and Witchcraft from Zecora, but I didn't know that I could drive anyone to do something so evil.”

“Well it is and unfortunately, Spike was a victim,” Twilight sighed. 

“Why hasn't he come home then? We can help him. Can't we?” Fluttershy spoke softly. 

“Yes and no. Spike wasn't just hurt physically. He was in love with that dragoness, and he regarded the dragon as his brother. That Zebra made him kill them.”

“And Spike couldn't break the spell until it was too late… Damnit!” Applejack seethed.

I would pay a million bits to see any creature have a clear conscious after unwillingly committing such atrocities...” Rarity sighed.

“He could have stayed though. I mean.Why on Earth would he hurt us?” Applejack asked. 

“It's not that he would, it's that he could. He feels that he can't be around us because of how easily he can be controlled.” Twilight explained. “I even went to speak with Zecora on the matter.”

“What did she say?” Rainbow asked through clenched teeth.

“She told me that mind control was the only kind of magic that she would never tamper with but it is common throughout her kind.”

“Well, if anyone tries to use Spike against us. I'll knock their block off before they get the chance!” Rainbow Dash announced with a vengeance.

“Don't get too fired up Rainbow,” Applejack tried to calm her. “It happened a few years ago.”

“I don't care. If anyone wants to hurt Spike, they're going to have to get through Rainbow Dash!”

“They'll have to get through all of us,” Twilight proclaimed. “If and when Spike does come home. We’ll make sure that he has nothing to worry about.”

“Now that you mention it. Have you heard anything about Spike?” Rarity asked. 

“No, I haven't talked to Luna lately. I'll see if she's available tonight.”

“That's heartbreaking…” Fluttershy spoke up. “What did he do to deserve anything that awful?”

“Whatever happened then, we aren't gonna make him feel any worse than he already does,” Applejack said with tenacity. 

“We’ll figure it out. I'm going to go see if I can talk to Luna. I'll see you all some other time,” Twilight said as she got up and stretched her wings. 

“Same here…” Rainbow said. “I'll keep an eye out on the skies.” Rainbow disappeared into the pale blue sky.

“She always leaves right before we start cleaning up,” Rarity sighed. As they started to collect their respective plates and silverware Twilight couldn't help but think about how mentally stable he was. There was no way she could relate,living somewhere as jaded and ‘watered down’ as Equestria has turned everyone into soft pushovers who don't know what real struggle is. Then again neither did she… hopefully he came back With a sound mind and no baggage.



As the sun set over the Celestine gulf Tourmaline sat at the edge of a cliff overlooking the tumultuous sea. A pang of worry set in because Spike was down there fishing in those waters. He was tough and arguably more experienced than her even though he was extremely young. Tasty fish was more than enough of a reward though. Silhouetted against the fiery red sky, Spike came flying towards their small encampment. As he landed he dumped clawfulls of exotic squirming reef fish.

“Would have been easier if I had a bag or something…” Spike sighed. “Make sure they don't flop over the edge.”

“What are you about to do?” Tourmaline asked as she pinned down a squirming stray.

“Well I'm cold and we need to cook dinner so I'm going to start a fire.”

“You cook your food? What's wrong with eating it as is?” She lifted the petrified creature to her mouth.

“You get more energy and nutrients when the meat is done. And it tastes better,” Spike shuddered as she took the fish down whole. 

“I’ll take your-” she cleared her throat “-word for it…”

“Please wait until I get back with some wood.” Tourmaline saluted him and Spike disappeared into the dense thicket. To be honest that fish did taste metal and seawater. Strangely enough It was trying to swim in her stomach... Nope, it was thrashing around. She got up and dry heaved over the near vertical drop. “Come on!” she retched. She pushed and pushed and pushed but the little bugger wasn't going. 

“Are you okay?” Spike asked asked with a raised brow.

“Yeh! I'm fine!” Tori whipped around with a queasy look on her face.

“Are you sick?” Spike dropped the wood and rushed to her side.

“Kinda…” she groaned. “The little fishy is fighting back…”

“What is it doing?” Spike began to panic.

“Floppin and wigglin around…”

“Why didn't you chew it??”

“I don't-” she belched loudly “-know…”

“I'll tell you now, I can't get it out,” Spike said as he rubbed her back.

“O-okay just do the thing. T-the cooking thing,” she groaned. “I'll just lay here…” She lowered herself slowly onto the warm moss that grew on the rocks. “Why’d I have to go and be a show off…” she cursed herself as she rolled around trying to get some ease from the creature in her stomach. As she rolled she couldn't help but notice Spike watching her diligently. He had begun work on the fire but judging by the look he had, it was paining him to see her struggling. “I'll be fine…” she reassured him with a crooked smile.  “He's starting to calm down.” She loosed another guttural belch. “Ugh…” she groaned.

“Maybe next time you'll at least chew your food?” Spike said as he stoked the flames. 

“Definitely,” Tourmaline chuckled. Spike sat by her side again. He knew she was older than him, but he felt like he had to protect her. She could barely defend herself back in those grasslands, and when he had to save her from a herd of angry water bison. Everyone even the one's who took him in after he left equestria were more mature than him. It was strange to meet someone who wasn't as wise or even more wise than him. Oddly enough he felt something else too. He may not be the smartest but he was no fool. He noticed how she looked at him when they were tasting for the night, or how she would try to get as close as possible when they were sleeping. When a dragoness finds a male who she beloved to be a suitable mate she purs softly like a cat whenever they are near. Spike has picked up on it more than once. Thankfully they were still in the middle of migration, if it were mating season he’d be a gonner. One thing lingered in his thoughts. Of course he loved Rarity, but now he was beginning to question if he was in love with her. 

He looked back to the fire. It flickered and danced, growing strong enough for him to be able to feel it’s warmth. From effete they lay. He then looked to the fish wondering how he was going to dress and prepare them with no tools. He could bite their heads off and maybe his claws were sharp enough. “I did not think this through,” he sighed quietly.

“Hmm?” Tourmaline looked up at him.

“I was thinking out loud,” Spike said. The the orange disk of the sun finally disappeared beneath the distant horizon. Stars began to dot the sky one by one.

“Hey Spike?”

“Yeah?”

“Do you think they'll like me? Your friends?” Tourmaline asked, nuzzling up to him.

“I believe they'll love you.” Tourmaline looked at him with uncertainty. “Really they will. Ponies are… odd. They don't even punish people who break the law or break the world. You, yeah they'll accept you like family.” 

She played with the the soft carpet of green where they sat. “Can you tell me about them?”

“Heh, where do I start? Well, there's Twilight. She's like a sister to me. She was the one who hatched me if you believe that.”
“Wow…”

“We spent so much time together I knew what she was thinking or what she wanted before she even knew it,” he chuckled. “She's loves books, is one of the smartest beings I've ever met, and she loves her friends.”

“She sounds like you actually.”

“Really? How?”

“I'll tell you right now, the dragons I met in my life were jerks that made a bag of rocks look like a uh…” she tapped the tip of her snout.

“A scientist?” 

“Yeah, one of those! And you're very loving. I know that 9 out of ten dragons would have left me to die.”

“I didn't have the heart,” Spike looked out to sea.

“Thank you…” she rubbed against his wings and wrapped her tail around his. “Do you have any other friends?”

“Plenty but the fire is ready and that storm is closing fast.Spike returned to the fire.

“What storm?” Tourmaline asked as she looked up to the crystal clear sky.

“I can see the lightning to the west. How does your stomach feel?” Spike poked at the fire with his tail.

“It burns a little but I think the fish finally gave up.”

“Good, I need your help,” Spike threw more wood on the fire. “How well can you manipulate Earth?”

“You act like you didn't live in my cave,” Tourmaline shot back with confidence.

“Well,” Spike smiled. “I need you to make a tent or hut, a table, and a knife.” Tourmaline got up and stood on her hind legs. 

“You should get outta the way…” Spike ran and sat behind her. Tourmaline closed her eyes. As she focused the ground began to tremble and convulse. In front of them a mound of dirt bulged up like a bubble rising through water. Then a large cube of Earth and soil rose slowly creating cracks and quakes all around them. With a heave, Tourmaline lifted a large cube of solid rock out of the ground.

“Whoa! That is so cool!” Spike cheered. 

“I-Im not done y-yet!” Tourmaline struggled. She carefully moved the boulder away from the hole. She set it down directly on top of the fire much to Spike’s dismay. “How…” she gasped for air “About that…?”

“Again, that was awesome! But you crushed the fire…”

“Sorry,” she sighed.

“Don't worry. I can make another one when you clear out the inside. Take a little break though,” Spike chuckled.

“No no, I can do it. Lifting is always the hard part.” She approached the stone and with one swift movement ripped the insides out, launching the block hitting Spike and sending them both over the edge and into the sea. “See? Nothing to it,” Tourmaline wiped her claws proudly. She looked around realizing that she received any cheers of admiration. “Spike?” Then it dawned on her. She threw the stone directly where Spike was sitting. She rushed to the edge feeling the instinctive urge to spread her wings and catch him. “Spike!” she cried, the desperation saturated in her tone. 

“I am okay!” Spike shouted from the darkness below. Tourmaline went weak with relief. Imagine if she did kill him. Not only would she have been stuck but she'd be alone for who knows how long. Spike landed campy next to her. “Maybe next time give me a warning before you chuck a boulder at me?”

“I am so sorry,” she whined, fighting back tears. 

“Tori? Are you okay?” 

“Yeah, it just scared me… I’d literally be lost without you.”

“Hey,” Spike draped his wing over her. “Don't beat yourself up. You did have ample chance to warn me but look. I'm okay.” She wiped away a tear. “Anyway it takes a lot more than that to kill me,” he rubbed the scar on his chest. “Trust me…” Tourmaline found it in her to smile. No matter what he had that charm that couldn't be beat. “Come on, let's get some actual food in you,” he chuckled as he poked snout. She snorted with a small frown. In the distance the storm grew closer. And so did they to a new life among Spike’s ponies. She prayed that he was right

> Ch.12 Homestuck
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Some would call it early morning others call it the crack of dawn, either way most would shy away from waking up this early in the day. Those who considered 6 a.m. as being the devil of the morning would chide Applejack for even considering waking up at this time. Whether or not work had to be done, this was as late as she could sleep. Occupational hazards…

Anyway she had a whole day to attempt to relax. That obviously wasn't going to fly. Maybe she could hang with someone? They'd all most likely be fast asleep. Well she couldn't sleep with how wired she felt. May as well get up and try to make something of her day. Her morning routine was the same and will always be the same; brush up the mane and tail and top em off with her favorite red hair tie, brush her chompers so no one can make the classic “farmer = teeth more rotten than a forgotten apple” joke -no one has made it yet but there’s always a possibility- and put a little mascara on. Makeup wasn't her thing but she liked the way her lashes and brows looked after a little bit of touching up.

“Yep,” she said to herself in the mirror. Suddenly there a loud boom followed by a deep groan. “What in tarnation??” With little cognition she sprinted downstairs and out the door whipping her head around looking for the source of the impact. She patrolled the perimeter of the house until she heard a faint womanly voice. She stealthily approached the corners at the back of the house and peeked around the corner. There was a dragon at least twice her size talking to someone.

“Are you okay?” the dragoness asked.

“Yeah, not one of my best landings huh?” a manly voice chuckled. She could only see a portion of his spade shaped tail.

“Well at least you can hit the broadside of a barn.”

“Oh ha ha…” he sighed as he got to his feet. Applejack could see him in full now.

“Spike?” Applejack called out.

“Whoa pony!” Tourmaline jumped. Spike looked at Applejack like a child who got caught smuggling food at midnight.

“Hey AJ… I'm home!” he said with a wide forced smile.

“Well I see that! What’s with ya headbutting my house?” Applejack approached him.

“I came in too hot. I meant to land in the orchard but stopping with another dragon on your back is no cakewalk.” Applejack looked at Tourmaline who stared at her with fixed slitted eyes.

“Speaking of that, who is she?” Applejack asked. “Pardon if I'm coming off as rude.” Spike looked to Tourmaline. She was frozen, not in fear or anxiety but something else. Like she's never seen a pony before.

“Tori… Tori… Tourmaline!” 

“Huh?” she snapped out of her trance. “Sorry, hi I'm Tourmaline!” she waved.

“Applejack,” Applejack greeted with a tip of her hat. 

“Heh,” Spike chuckled. 

“What?” Tourmaline asked.

“I just thought of something; Earth Pony, and Earth Dragon.”

“Earth Dragon?” Applejack asked.

“Yah, I can control rocks and dirt and... Earth,” Tourmaline said with a nervous chuckle.

“That's pretty neat. I can't control no rocks or dirt or nothing. Heck, if you can move soil I just may need your help down the road.” 

“Yeah, That can work.” 

“It’s pretty early. I can whip y’all up something,” Applejack offered.

“Thank you Applejack…” Spike sighed, his mouth watering in anticipation of Applejacks cooking. “I was afraid to ask.”

“Why? You've always been welcome in my home. Now come on, I'm getting hungry too.” 

“She knows how to cook meat?” Tourmaline quizzed with joy.

“No, but she can make some of the best pancakes and pies you’ve ever had!” Spike was obviously excited to eat whatever pony food a pancake was. She wondered if it was some vegetable ridden dish of nastiness. Her stomach growled fiercely at her. Whatever it was it had better be tasty.

As they followed Applejack inside, Tourmaline wondered why ponies built such weird dens. They were out in the open, and made of something as weak as wood. And it smelled, not a foul stench that diffused throughout the room, but an odd woody scent that seemed to rise through the floor. It clogged her nose bringing an onset of the sniffles. “Y'all go on and have a seat,” Applejack said. Spike sat at the table and Tourmaline copied him. This place was pretty roomy for small ponies to live in. Applejack was at least to the underside of Spike’s muzzle at best. This was all so alien to her. And to think a dragon like Spike grew up here… 

“So,” Applejack started as the first drops of batter cooked on the skillet. “How were your travels?”

“Same as they usually are I guess? I don't stay in one place too long…”

“That's nice. Some of us weren't too happy with ya up and disappearing in the night.” She flipped the pancake,satisfied at the perfect caramel finish.

“I… I just…” He couldn't find the courage to apologize. 

“Don't fret sugar cube. After Rarity told us what happened we came to understand why you ran away. What we didn't know is that you were bringing a friend.” She looked at Tourmaline who was gazing around in a curious daze.

“Well, about that,” Spike chuckled nervously. He nudged her side bringing her back to reality again.

“Huh? Oh… Sorry.” she sniffed the air, amazed by a delicious buttery scent. “What's that smell?” she asked.

“That's a pancake,” Spike answered simply. “And Applejack wants to know a little about you.”

“I didn't say that,” she poured more batter on the hot skillet. “It would be nice to know though.”

“There isn't much to tell. I was in a cave for longer than I can remember when I found Spike.”

“You found Spike?” Applejack asked before flipping the second pancake.

“Yup, he landed right next to my den,” Tourmaline chirped. “He offered to take me along with him.” Applejack noticed she looked at him with slight smile. “No more than a week or two and here we are!” Applejack noticed that she didn't have wings much like Spike did when he was still a little fellow. She also noticed the nubs on her back that causes her to hold her tongue out of respect for the past. 

“That's good,” she placed the second pancake on the plate and poured more batter. 

“Want me to make a few?” Spike asked as he got up.

“Thank you sugarcube, but you better wash your claws first,” Applejack demanded in a motherly tone. Spike nodded and left for the nearest restroom. Tourmaline watched the doorway long after he left the room wondering where he disappeared to. Applejack took this chance to scrutinize the dragoness in detail.

She noted the small scars that covered her scars contrasting against her pale pink scales. Her eyes were wide and a pinkish red and she looked more like a curious filly than a full grown dragon. She was out of her element. Applejack related all too well. 

Tourmaline broke away from the door and peered deep into Applejack’s soul with those slim dragon eyes making Applejack jump. “Are you okay?”Tourmaline asked.


“Yeah. Ya just gave me a little fright is all,” Applejack said, keeping her tone free of as much offense as possible.

“Sorry if I keep staring…” Tourmaline said quietly. “I've never seen a pony up close before.”

“Staring? At me? You almost bore a hole in my wall with that gaze,” Applejack thought. “Don't worry, most dragons never associate with us pampered ponies,” Applejack chuckled, flipping another flapjack.

“Spike does…” she looked back to the doorway. That was when it clicked. Tourmaline wouldn't be here if not for him because she can't fly. Spike carried her all the way here. Pretty impressive, she looked like she weighed as much as Bulk Biceps. 

“Yeah, he's a special one,” Applejack sighed, with a glance to Tourmaline. She looked absolutely in love. So, Applejack took a shot- “He’s been there for all of us. Especially Rarity…” -and hit. Tourmaline looked back to her with fear and confusion. “So she knows…” 

“Well, he’s the nicest dragon I’ve met. And that's saying a whole lot since most dragon's are selfish jerks.”

“O’hoho we know,” Applejack laughed. Spike ducked into the kitchen walking on his hind legs. 

“Did I miss something?” He asked.

“Nah, just girl talk,” Applejack said.

“Yeah, girl talk,” Tourmaline repeated. Spike tuned to the Stove and so did Applejack while Tourmaline watched tickled by the strange and lovely aroma filling the room.

Twilight woke up in her big castle at around eight or nine a.m. She stopped keeping track of her sleep cycle after she deduced that she was getting the eight hours that she needed give or take a few minutes. That and it got tedious to say the least. The sun came through her window full and bright showing the patchy cloudy sky. She didn't keep track of what the forecast for today was supposed to be so it was good that she might be able to stretch her wings without hitting her head on a cloud. How can something so soft leave that large of a lump?

Anyway, she had to get up. This festival wasn't going to arrange itself, she had to get Applejack and pinkie unto speed on the catering and talk to Rarity about the design and layout… So much to do. She often wondered why she took on so many tasks at once. Maybe she loved being a workaholic. You have to admit, there is no better reward than a job well done and the pride that comes with it. She did have at least a month to prepare so it wasn't like she was behind. That nervous tick still gnawed at her subconscious. 

She walked through the crystalline walls surprised at how once she couldn't believe that she could call this home -it did feel like less of a home- but it was more like “okay, I live here… yay?”. Maybe it was the cold floors that jolted her awake compared to the warm wood floors of her library. Or the eardrum chiseling sound of her hooves on the hardened epoxy like floors compared to the soft creak of her old floors. Actually, she's a princess now. It's been years since she ascended. She could have had a new library made, but her old one was built into the oldest oak tree in this area. “Darn Tirek…” she cursed. 

As she was heading to her restroom one of her guards came dashing towards her. “Princess! Princess!” he gasped.

“What is it Flicker?” she asked, wondering what could he urgent enough for him to be this winded.

“Spike is here!” he continued to breathe heavy. 

“Thank you. And go take a seat, you sound like you need it.” Twilight started for the door.

“Thank you…” he walked away slowly. Not even knowing where he was going. He was a new transfer from the Crystal Empire. He doesn't say much and is very… committed to his position. Besides he was a cute gold Pegasus.

As she walked on she wondered what she was going to say to him. Would she be mad and scold him for leaving, be elated that he was home again after missing for what felt like forever, or would she be indifferent. To be honest she felt like she could do all three, but even though she knew why he left she felt as if she still had to ask “why?”. One thing was certain, she was not letting him go this time!

As he came up to the door she mentally cursed Spike for his timing. Her hair was frizzed, her eyes were still red, and she could taste her morning breath. Either way, she didn't want to keep him waiting, especially with what was in her mind. So she used her magic to comb her hair as best as she could, and she tried to appear to be less cadaverous.

The door opened revealing Spike in full glory with a pink dragoness peeking out from behind him. “Spike!” she said in mock surprise. “I didn't expect you to be back so soon.”

“Well I wanted to get back here as soon as possible,” Spike said as he hugged her. 

“And you're Tourmaline right?” She looked to a visibly shocked Tourmaline.

“How does he know my name? How do you know my name??” 

“Ponies have their ways,” Twilight said with a grin. Tourmaline went pale as she swallowed loud enough to be heard.

“Come in, we have a lot to talk about.” Twilight motioned for them to follow. Spike knew what she meant by talk. He was in for some interview level questions at the hand of his old mentor. Once they walked inside Tourmaline’s jaw dropped at the size of the castle and the tasty gems that made up the walls. She was about to take one but a pang of decent struck her before she pounced.

“Hey, Spike…” she whispered.

“Hm?”

“Will this pegacorn pony lady let us eat the gems in here…?” 

“That's Alicorn, and no… Those gems make up the walls and I don't want to see what would happen if you ate one,” Twilight corrected her.

“Ponies have good ears…” 

“Actually, you weren't being very quiet. There is a massive gem deposit just outside of town though. Anyway Spike, I have to talk to you about something.”

“Y-Yeah, sure. Anything Twilight.” Tourmaline was shocked at how nervous Spike sounded. He was easily twice that alley corn or whatever she was’ size, but he’s acting like she might eat him or something. She trusted that Spike knew these ponies and what they do. After all,she really like the orange one. She talked funny and made some very good food. This purple one might take some getting used to. That is, if she stays here.

Twilight led them to Spike’s old room. “Tourmaline, can you wait out here for a minute. I’d like to speak with Spike in private.” Tourmaline pouted at Spike.

“It'll only be a minute,” Spike said with a caring smile. Tourmaline’s heart pumped a little bit faster and she felt a blush coming on. “Okay...” she nodded, barely feeling the word pass her lips. Spike went through the doorway and a large slab came in between them.

Spike looked around at all of his old stuff. He didn't even think to come back here the last time he returned home. His bed was just slightly bigger than his claws now. Time really is the biggest agent for change. “Spike,” Twilight said in a reserved tone. 

“Yes…?” he asked cautiously. With no warning he felt a solid smack connect with his cheek. He looked down at Twilight angry and confused. He wanted to ask why she magic slapped him but it would have been a rhetorical question. “That was for leaving again without even attempting to say goodbye!” Twilight's tone wavered as tears filled her eyes. She slowly came up to him and cried into his chest. “You come back for a day, and then you turn your back and run away… Do you know how happy I was when I saw you? When you left you were at my snout now you’re this big strong dragon. I even missed when your wings grew in!”

Spike looked at his wings then back to Twilight. He hated seeing her cry like this. And it was all his fault. He sat on the floor and held Twilight in his arms. She was surprised by the gesture, but she ultimately accepted it. “Rarity told everyone what happened, and I understand why you needed more time to yourself. But I still ask why? Why did you leave me?”

“I didn't want to put anyone in danger,” Spike spoke softly. His deep voice filled the room.

“I know you’d never hurt us,” Twilight spoke more calmly. “I missed you so much… The first few years after you left, I was lost. No one to help me, keep track of what I was doing or anything. I tried to hire help but they all couldn't live up to my standards. So when you came home I thought, ‘things can finally go back to the way they were’. Us working on some big project or experiment.”

“I miss those days too Twilight. And I regretted my decision from the very moment I left up until now… I didn't feel ready…” Spike sighed.

“Ready for what?” Twilight asked with a hint of annoyance.

“Ready to trust myself; love myself. You said Rarity told you what I did right?”

“Yes but that wasn't you Spike. You would never kill anyone or anything!” The lion corpses he left back at Tourmaline's den crossed his mind.

“The point is, that I can be used to cause great pain and suffering. Imagine if the next crackpot who wants Equestria in the palm of his or her hands takes control of me? I wouldn't want to live if anyone used me to hurt you.”

“Then I won't let it happen. If anyone wants you they'll have to get through all of us. We love you Spike. And we’ll help you no matter what…”

“I know you can't forgive me but I hope you can try,” Spike sighed.

“Of course I can forgive you!” Twilight looked him directly in his eyes. “Just know, this time you're not getting away,” she said in that scary tone that would shake the most battle hardened warriors to their cores.

“I won't leave…”

“No, that's not going to work. Pinkie promise,” She huffed.

“Aw, come one. You have my word. Honest!”

“Pinkie… Promise!” she hissed.

“Okay… Cross my heart, hope to fly. Stick a cupcake in my eye.”

“Good. Now, about Tourmaline…”

“What about her?” Spike asked.

“Nothing bad, I didn't expect for you to bring her along with you,” Twilight wiped away the tears stuck in the matter fur beneath her eyes.

“She didn't have a choice.”

“What do you mean?”

“Life outside of Equestrian borders is not for the faint of heart,” he growled slightly.

“I can imagine,” Twilight said while rubbing his scar. “Okay, I think I’ll be fine.” Her horn lit up and the slab ground back into the floor. Tourmaline was sitting in the doorway picking at the wall trying to free an exposed peridot.

“Hi! Hey, I was just waiting here. Like you asked pegaco- I mean alleycorn,” Tourmaline said with a guilty grin.

“Actually, it’s Twilight Tourmaline,” Twilight giggled.

“Hi Twilight,” Tourmaline waved. “You can call me Tori if you don’t want to say my full name.”

“You know. I haven't met that many dragons before. Where do you come from?” Twilight asked. Spike playfully rolled his eyes. Twilight was up to her old curious ways again.

“It’s been a while, but it’s almost a wild away from here. I used to live in mountains with other dragons like me.”

“What kind of dragon are you? Maybe you can shed some light on what kind of dragon Spike here is.”

“I'm an elemental. I can control anything that has to do with Earth…” 

“You can? Can you show me?” Twilight giddily asked. Tourmaline put on a big toothy smile.

“Sure, I'll show ya all of my tricks!” 

“Ooh, and I know the perfect place. It's just a short flight away,” Twilight took to the air expecting Tourmaline to follow. “What's wrong?” she stopped.

“I don't have wings anymore…” Tourmaline turned and wiggled the nubs of what her wings used to be.

“Oh my Celestia… Who did this to you??” Twilight was visibly horrified.

“I told you. Life outside of Equestria is harsh,” Spike spoke up.

“ No matter we can go anyway. I can teleport us there!” 

“Teleport, what's that?” Tourmaline looked to Spike for an answer.

“You might love it. And you might hate it.” Twilight took hold of Tourmaline. “We’ll see you later Spike!” In a lavender electrical crackle they were gone.

“Yeah sure, leave me here with nothing to do... ‘Did you even consider bringing him along?’, nooo…” He was fortunate that they were gone for the moment. There was someone he needed to talk to, and he’d rather do that alone.

> Ch. 13 Too Little too Late
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Spike stood in the same exact place where Twilight and Tori left him. He knew what he wanted to do, what he needed to do, but anxiety stayed his feet. Nervous thoughts about how she would react to him suddenly popping back into her life well after he promised to come back choked his already tormented conscious. 

“Awe, what’s the matter?” 

“What do you want?” Spike growled. 

“I want nothing other than what you want.” 

“Then why are you here!” Spike spat, a spiral of flame escaping his teeth. 

“Do you want to know what your problem is?” 

“That you won’t piss off?” 

“It’s that you, after all of this time and all of these years, still cannot find it in you to forgive yourself for something that was beyond your control!” 

“I could have stopped it!” 

“That’s the key phrase! “Could Have”, but you didn’t! That was years ago Spike, you need to let it go. No one thinks less of you for it.” 

“That’s because they don’t know the pain of watch-” 

“By Celestia’s eternal light! You sound like a moody adolescent! “Oh, why me. Look at these scars. My pain justifies me. I’m gonna be an emo foal who runs away at the slightest provocation because I’m hurt.” You aren’t sleeping in Twilight’s basket or Luci’s nest anymore. Grow up!” 

Spike responded with nothing but a frown. 

“Look… you keep thinking that the world is against you. Yeah, Twilight slapped the flames out of your mouth, but it was because she missed you. She loves you, dummy. So does Applejack, Rainbow, Pinkie, Flutters, Tori, and Rarity. Stop playing the victim. You’ve got a lot going for you. Accept it.” 

Spike sighed and looked down at the crystal patterns that transversed haphazardly under his claws. With a heavy step, he started towards the door. 

Walking down the steps he heard somepony tell him to “Have a good rest of your day, Spike.” Confused he looked around for whoever spoke his name. He shook it off as another weird manifestation of his demons sent to torment him. With his eyes glued to the road, he wondered what he would say to her. How he would greet her. Would he play it cool? Grovel at her hooves and apologize? Or would she even want to give him the time of day? Ponies parted his path like a river would a rock. Not one of them dared approach a dragon with a sour muzzle and a padlocked gaze. Save for a trio of young mares. 

“Hey, Spike!” They all greeted as they went about their business. 

“Did they even realize that I was gone?” He thought to himself. “Hey! Sweetie Belle?” 

“Yeah?” She and her friends stopped. 

“Is Rarity at the boutique?” 

“Yeah, but she’s packing right now.” 

“She is?” Spike panicked and broke out into a mad gallop. Applebloom and Scootaloo shrugged and went on about their business, but Sweetie stood behind and wondered what had him so riled up. “Hey, I’ll catch up with you guys later.” She started after Spike, galloping just as he did. 

“Where are ya going?” Applebloom called. 

Scootaloo tapped her chin and smirked, “Guess she’s gonna tell him about her little crush.” 

“She’s still got that?” Applebloom tilted her head. 

“Maybe,” Scootaloo shrugged. 

“Everypony loses their wits whenever Spike shows up,” Applebloom shook her head. 

“Mhm,” Scootaloo nodded. 

Spike charged through Ponyville, hoping he would catch her before it was too late. Everything in him told him that this was the moment. This right here was exactly the pivotal moment in all of those romance stories he used to read behind Twilight’s back. He was going to tell her that he loved her and beg her to stay. Like that ever went wrong, right? 

Pinkie floated, quite literally, next to him. “Heya there big guy! What’s the rush?” 

“Gotta make it,” Spike huffed, “To Rarity,” he gulped down a pocket of air. “Before she leaves!” 

“Ooh, I’m testing out my new canon. It launches ponies!” She laughed gleefully before solidly colliding with a building. “Good luck Spike!” she waved. 

Spike chuckled and pressed on until he skidded to a stop at her door. He knocked as lightly as he could given his frantic state. “Just a moment!” Rarity called from inside, her angelic voice painting a smile on his muzzle. He collected his breathing, cleaned his claws, and made sure his dorsal spines were just right. He checked his breath and… well, he was fortunate that he grew much taller than her. The door opened revealing a Rarity with no makeup and curlers in her hair. “Spike? When did you get here?” 

“J-Just a few hours ago,” He said with a wide toothy grin. 

“Well, don’t be a stranger. Come in.” 

He ducked under the doorway finding that she was dressed in a bathrobe. “Sorry about the mess. I’m going to Fillydelphia for an on-stage production. They chose moi to be the lead costume designer.”

“At least they know they’ll get their bit’s worth,” Spike chuckled. 

“So, what brings you by?” She asked while walking up the stairs. Spike stood in wait. “You can come join me, dear. There’s nothing going on that you haven’t seen before.” 

He followed her up to her room finding three big suitcases on the bed fit to burst. Rarity removed her curlers and began to brush her hair while applying her makeup. “So, what brought you by?” 

Spike sat on his haunches at the door. “I wanna talk. I’m sorry about running away like that, I just… I just…” 

“Let me stop you there. I understood why you left the moment we first spoke after Luna found you, and I understand that it takes time to process traumatic events.” 

“Well, uh. That’s good I guess…” 

“But, what I don’t understand is, why you didn’t give us a chance to help you?” 

“I thought I was beyond help. It… changes you to see yourself used as an instrument of death. I thought that… since I am a dragon, I would devolve into a horrible bloodthirsty beast at some point. So, why delay the inevitable?”

“You’re better than that, Spike,” She applied some mascara and fluttered her eyes. 

“Am I really?” Spike sighed. “Out there, it’s kill or be killed. There’s no gray area. Just before I left I…” he gulped at the thought of the lions rotting in Tori’s old den. “I killed a group of lions that attacked Tori and me.” 

“Well, it was out of self-defense. I cannot say that I would not do the same.” 

“You would kill?” 

Rarity stopped for a moment and looked at Spike through her mirror. Gone was the innocent little Drake that she grew to love. Now, there’s nothing left but a broken, hopeless, cynic who hates himself more than he loves anypony. “I cannot say for sure, but I would defend myself.” 

“I suppose,” Spike sighed. “Look, I’m sorry. I just didn’t feel ready.” 

“Ready for what?” Rarity spoke with a hint of anger. 

“Ready to trust myself around anyone that I cared about.” 

“Are you ready now?” She got out of the chair and took her bathrobe off. 

Spike avoided her gaze. 

“Exactly, so I ask again. What brought you here?” 

“I wanted to tell you that… well…” 

“I do not have time for uncertainty, Spike,” Rarity fumed. 

“I wanted to tell you that I love you and that I want to be with you!” 

Rarity rolled her eyes and returned to her mirror. 

“What did that mean?” Spike tried to hide his offense. 

“It means that I don’t want to be with someone who so clearly hates himself and cannot let go of his past.” 

“I thought you said you understood!” Spike spat, a lump forming deep in his throat. 

“Well, I did. And I came to understand that if you aren’t ready to accept who you are and what you’ve done, then you cannot be with me! I will not foalsit you and coddle you whenever you feel bad or, Celestia forbid, run away again the moment somepony brings up your past!” Rarity shouted gaining all of the authority in the room. He may have reached maturity, but to her, he was still her little Spikey. Flashes back to when she used to scold him filled her mind as he sat with his head down just as he did back then. She furrowed her brows and took a deep breath. “I’m sorry for yelling, Spike. I know why you’re hurt. I cannot even begin to fathom the pain you feel nor truly understand it, but I know why.” She came up to him and raised his head. “I love you too Spike, but… you need to quell the turmoil within you. I can’t help you with that. It must come from you.”  

“I… understand…” 

“My train arrives in ninety minutes.”

Spike nodded and started towards the door, trying to keep his head held high. 

“Spike…” 

“Hm?” He turned around. 

“I… want to give you something. Close your eyes.” 

Spike wondered what she was giving him. Maybe the ruby that she held on to for all of those years. Or a teleportation spell to remove him from her sight as quickly as possible. He was surprised to find her soft warm lips pressed against his. He hoped for this moment to last forever, but she pulled away just as soon as she initiated the loving gesture. “I should be back in a few months… If you’ll still be here by then…”

Spike swallowed hard and gave her the best smile he could. “I’ll be here.” 

“We shall see,” Rarity jokingly scoffed. 

He left her room praying that he could find somewhere to break down in solace. Beration upon beration swaddled the waves of self-deprecation he unleashed upon himself. Forming tears clouded his vision making every step feel disorienting and out of place. Coupled with the nauseating lump setting up shop deep in his throat. He hadn’t felt this way in years. Well even before he killed Luci and Pyro. Well before he left Equestria’s borders. All the way back to when she first rejected him. And just like all of those years ago, a familiar face sitting on the same couch she always had. 

“Hey,” Sweetie waved. 

“Hey,” Spike whined, trying to hide his unsteady tone.

“Come on. Let’s go get some cupcakes.” 

“I’d like that a lot,” Spike sniffled. 







Rarity sat on the Train while all of her friends waved their farewells. With a hiss, the behemoth of steel and steam chugged out of the station. She thought back to her conversation with Spike, second-guessing herself on her decision. She wanted to help him, and guide him. But, would that help him truly come to grips with what happened? Was she too harsh to scold him as she did. He looked so defeated after she kissed him, but she didn’t expressly feel remorse. This was an empathic feeling. One that she wished to shake but it clung to her like a sticky funk that refused to be washed away. Then, she wondered if that’s her problem. That she holds others in too high of a standard and that, in turn, it makes her feel like no one can match her where a relationship is involved. Maybe Spike didn’t need to grow up, but she needed to humble herself. Living as the most sought-after designer in the whole world could possibly have warped the reality that she was born of Ponyville. A small village that just so happened to sit in the shadow of Canterlot. Whatever the case is, she had a lot of time to think it over.