Twilight sends Spike to school. What he finds there may just change his perception of his childhood forever.
Twilight realizes Spike might be neglecting his childhood when she sees how hard the dragon is working to help her around the library, so she decides to send him to school to mingle with ponies his own age. Despite his intellect and maturity, Spike finds himself with unfamiliar ponies, in an even more unfamiliar environment. Can Spike learn what it means to be a child before the fillies and colts drive him insane?
Please Read: I did not mean to take credit for using Mallajong1's title for the "Spike's" series. The similarity was purely coincidental. Sorry for any confusion caused.
“Aw c’mon, jus’ one more minute, sis?” a voice from upstairs wailed.
"No, Apple Bloom.” Applejack called, “Yer gonna be late fer school!" The earth pony chose to ignore the stream of irritated mumbling that followed. "Hey, cheer up, Sugarcube! Yer friends an’ y’all can go... eh, what’s it called?"
"Cutie Mark Crusading." the filly answered as she appeared at the top of the stairs and grumpily descended them. She scowled when she reached the bottom..
"Aw, come on, Apple Bloom. Yer friends will’ve missed you."
“Ah guess so...” Apple Bloom mumbled in response.
"Spike. Spike!” the unicorn yelled, “C’mon, Spike. Get out of bed. You’ll be late for school!"
"But Twilight,” Spike complained, “I didn’t even sign up for this!”
"I know,” Twilight smiled, “But I think you’ve been neglecting talking to ponies your age. Besides you already know a few of the ponies that go there, like Sweetie belle, Scootaloo and Apple Bloom.” Twilight continued, “When did you last talk to them, anyway?”
"I dunno know,” Spike grumbled, “They just disappeared a year ago. I haven't seen them since."
"Well Rarity and Applejack said their sisters are back now, so you can all catch up.” Twilight said, clapping her hooves in delight.
“Heh, yeah, I guess.” Spike sighed before jumping out of his bed.
“Alright, you better get ready quick. We’re late as it is, and we need to be there before the bell rings.” Twilight said, “The last thing I want is for you to be tardy on your first day!”
Spike simply rolled his eyes.
Later that morning at Ponyville’s local school Applejack ushered her younger sibling into the classroom. As the doors of the classroom opened, two fillys squealed at the new arrival.
"Apple Bloom!" they exclaimed in perfect unison.
"Sweetie belle! Scootaloo! Oh ah ain’t seen y'all in donkey’s years!" Apple Bloom replied with rivalling enthusiasm.
"Aww c’mon, AB. It’s only been a year." Scootaloo chuckled as she tried to look embarrassed when the three embraced in a hug.
"Yeah, but ah guess it jus’ feels like a long time, yah know.” the filly said, pouting. The three fillies chatted excitedly as they walked into the classroom and sat at their seats. Apple Bloom found herself in awe of how much she’d missed out on as they eagerly exchanged gossip.
“And then they were like ‘naaaaooww’, and everypony was all ‘whoaa’, but I was there like ‘meh, I’ve seen Rainbow Dash do better’. And oh yeah! Did I mention-”
“Hey,” Sweetie Belle interrupted, “Isn’t that Spike?”
Apple Bloom and Scootaloo followed Sweetie Belle’s gaze and saw the purple dragon standing awkwardly in the doorway.
“Aw yeah. I think ma sis said somethin’ aboou’ Twilight makin’ Spike go t’school.” Apple Bloom said, “Ah thought he was too clever fer school.”
“Don’t think I’ve ever seen him out of that library.” Scootaloo giggled.
“Well, he’s always over at Rarity’s boutique. I can’t be sure if he’s Twilight’s assistant or my sister’s!” Sweetie Belle replied.
“He doesn’t look like he wants t’be here.” Apple Bloom stated as she watched the dragon cautiously pick a seat at the edge of the class. He mumbled to himself and scowled when he sat down.
As if on cue, Miss Cheerilee strolled in merrily.
"Let’s quiet down, please! It’s time to start the lesson.” she announced, “Today I would like to welcome a new student to our class.” Cheerilee motioned to the back of the class. “Would you like to introduce yourself?”
Somepony, or somedragon, grumbled at the back of the class before a chair scraped along the floor and the short dragon walked to the front of the room.
“Well, my little ponies, this is Spike. I’m sure many of you know him from Ponyville’s very own library!” the mare squealed in delight, and turned to him, “I’m sure you’ll fit right in, Spike.”
The dragon didn’t look convinced.
"So where’d y'all go fer the year? Sweetie Belle?" Apple Bloom asked as she carefully designed a card for Applejack on one of the outside tables while the other fillies and colts chased each other around the playground.
"Well my parents wanted me to stay with them in Fillydelphia for the year. We went to some places and see stuff. It was neat, but I kinda missed you girls and my sister.What about you, Scootaloo?" Sweetie belle asked.
"My year was totally amazing! I went up to Cloudsdale, and I got to tour the weather factory and see the pegasus races and check out all the cloudscrapers. I even got to see the wonderbolts!” She squealed, “And they were totally awesome. Remember I was talking about them when I came in? I think Rainbow Dash is way better. I don’t get why she isn’t already a Wonderbolt. They should make her one.” she said before shivering, “And, by the way, don't try eating a rainbow. I don’t know what they put in them, but whatever it is, it’s not tasty at all!”
"Wow, you two sure had fun. See what ah did-”
"Hey, Blank Flank! That’s my spot you’re sitting in." A voice called.
“Oh no.” Sweetie Belle sighed. “Look, I’m going to go talk to Miss. Cheerilee about that homework she set us.”
“Better that than Diamond Tiara.” Scootaloo said, scowling.
Apple Bloom frowned as she realized the card she was designing anchored her to the bench.
“I said move it!” Diamond Tiara repeated as she approached the lone filly.
"Why do ah have to move out of mah spot, it don't even have your name on it. Go pick another one, Diamond Tiara." Apple bloom said coldly.
"What’re you making? A card?” she snickered, “Is it to say sorry for your last catastrophe you and your lame Cutie Mark Crusaders caused, Blank Flank?”
“It’s for ma sis!” Apple Bloom said.
“Oh really? Is it to say sorry for the last barn wreckage? How many barns is it you’ve destroyed now? Eurgh! I’m surprised your family’s still in business.”
“Ma family’s doin’ jus’ fine, Diamond Tiara. Don’t you forget how Ponyville was founded.” Apple Bloom reminded.
“I wonder if your family manages to strike any business with any other ponies. My daddy’s probably the only one that buys from you, considering that accent. What kind of an accent is that, anyway? It’s so stupid.”
Apple Bloom winced, “Hey, there’s nothin’ wrong with ma accent.”
Diamond Tiara grinned as she realized she’d hit a nerve, “Oh c’mon, that accent’s hideous! It’s no wonder no one wants to hang around you, apart from those other Blank Flanks.” Diamond Tiara said, “You should see if you can get it changed at a doctor."
"Ma accent’s jus’ fine the way it is!” Apple Bloom said quietly as her eyes grew hot."
“Pff, I bet you’ll be alone for the rest of your life. No colt would go for that accent.
Apple Bloom didn’t bother grabbing any of her stuff. She turned around and ran away, tears streaming down her face.
"What a loser. She can’t even take a joke." Diamond Tiara sighed just before she went out of earshot.
"Hey, Spike! Want to play tag?”
“Erm,” Spike replied, “No thanks, Pipsqueak. Maybe later. Right now I think I’ll just, er... stand here.”
The young colt raised an eyebrow questioningly, but probed no further, “Okay, no problem. I guess I’ll speak to you later. See ya!”
“Yeah, I guess.” the dragon sighed as Pipsqueak ran off. Spike didn’t bet on his chances on winning tag, anyway. All the colts and fillies were much faster than he was when it came to running. It was strange to think that these ponies were his age. He couldn’t remember when he’d learnt to count or read, but he was sure he shouldn’t be in school if he often helped Twilight with her Calculus.
Something caught his eye. He glanced over to see Apple Bloom running into the school building.
“Huh?" Spike said he saw tears streaming down the filly’s face. He glanced around but nobody seemed to have noticed the bizarre occurrence. Spike chased after Apple Bloom.
"Hey!” he called as he ran, “Hey, Apple Bloom!"
She pricked her ears and turned round in the doorway.
"Oh, Spike. It’s you.” she sniffled as she wiped her cheeks and turned away, trying to hide her red eyes.
“Apple Bloom, are you okay?” Spike asked.
“Who, me? Naw I’m fine. Nothin’ wrong here." Apple Bloom said quickly.
"You don’t look okay.” Spike frowned, “Apple Bloom, you can tell me."
"Spike, it’s jus’ Diamond Tiara bein’ her usual mean, old self.”
"Diamond Tiara?" Spike said slowly. “What’d she do?”
“She was tellin’ me ah couldn't get my cutie mark, and that I break everythin’, and that nopony likes ma accent!" Apple Bloom cried..
"What? You don’t believe her, do you?” Spike said. “C’mon, Apple Bloom, you could choose to do anything with no cutie mark, and you don’t break things all the time, and I like your accent.” Spike added, “I think it’s kinda cute."
"Really? Yah think ah have a cute accent?"
"Well, yeah, all the ponies in Canterlot talked like snobs. It’s cool you sound different."
"That's the most nicest thing anypony’s ever said to me!" Apple Bloom squealed, forgetting her sadness..
"You’re welcome, I guess-" Spike gasped as he was pulled into a tight hug, "Ouch.” he rasped, “Apple bloom, could you loosen me just a little?"
"Oh sorry, Spike. It's just nopony’s ever told me they like mah accent before.”
"Heh, that's alright, just don’t try killing me next time.” Spike chuckled.
Apple Bloom laughed, “Sorry, Spike.”
The pair stood there in silence.
“So, ah guess I’ll go see what Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo are up to.”
“Yeah, okay. I’ll see you later then, Apple Bloom.”
“Yeah, sure.”
"Hey, Spike how was school today? Did you meet anyone new?”
"How could you!?” Spike howled. “That was horrible!”
“Oh c’mon, Spike, it can’t have been that bad.”
Spike scowled, “Easy for you to say. They were trying to get me to play tag, and it’s only the first day and Apple Bloom’s already been reduced to tears by Diamond Tiara. Are you sure these ponies are my age?”
“Apple Bloom was upset by Diamond Tiara today?”
"Yeah,” Spike said, “She was running towards the school building during one of the breaks in tears.”
“Oh,” Twilight said, “That’s not good. What was she upset about?”
“Diamond Tiara said something about her breaking things and her accent.” Spike said, shrugging.
“Hmm, was she okay? What did you say to her?”
“I told her not to believe Diamond Tiara, of course.” Spike chuckled, “I think Apple Bloom’s pretty good at building things - dId you see the float the Cutie Mark Crusaders made for the Summer Harvest Parade? - and I think her accent’s cute. It’s way better than the Canterlot accent.
"You told her you think her accent’s cute?"
Spike frowned, "Yeah. Although she almost killed me with a hug afterwards. I’m not sure what that was all about."
"I see.” Twilight said, smiling, “Will you be seeing her tomorrow?”
Spike couldn’t shake a sinking feeling that he was missing something, “Yeah I suppose so, if she’s gonna be at school tomorrow."
“Okay.” Twilight giggled, and said nothing more and she danced off into the kitchen.
“What was that all about?” Spike muttered to himself.
Applejack smiled as she readied herself for a long day of apple bucking. Celestia's sun shone through the windows of the Apple Family’s legendary kitchen as Applejack prepared a hearty breakfast.
"Apple Bloom!” she called, her voice carrying up the stairs, “It’s time ta wake up, Apple Bloom."
"G'mornin’, sis!" The filly cheerily chirped, surprising Applejack as she skipped to the table and began eating her breakfast.
"By Celestia, Apple Bloom! Ah thought ah be needin’ ta drag yah outta bed again." Applejack chuckled.
"What? Yah never seen me up this early?"
"Well, ah never really seen ya up easily unless yer lookin forward to somethin'" Applejack said slowly, narrowing her eyes in suspicion.
"Well, ah guess ah’m just happy about today, yah know," Apple Bloom mumbled, trying to steer off the subject.
"Oh? Happy fer what?" Applejack frowned, continuing to move the subject to its breaking point, “This isn’t ta do with your crusading stuff is it? Because yah know we still need to repair the last plow.”
"Uh-" Apple bloom squeaked, her eyes darting around for an escape, “Thanksforthebreakfastahgottagobye!” she yelped, running from the room.
Applejack groaned and shook her head, “What’s got inta that filly?”
"Spike, come on! Don’t make me come up there!" Twilight shouted as she glanced up from her book for the third time. She frowned as she once again got no response. Sighing, she got up and trotted into the living room door and proceeded towards the stairs. In her peripheral vision she spotted inkpot out of space at the edge of the room and inhaled sharply.
Who could have committed such a monstrous crime? As she ran over to correct the terrible misdeed she spotted the cause for concern: a note lying upon the coffee table. She picked it up and scanned the neat clawwriting.
Hey Twilight,
I've already left for school, so don't bother yelling. I made you a daisy sandwich in the kitchen, and I re-catalogued the first two shelves of Section Two in the main library sector. Hope you’ll be okay without me. I'll see you later!
Love. Spike.
P.S. I might be back a little later if Apple Bloom wants to do something.
Twilight smiled at her assistant’s diligence and thoughtfulness, and trotted to the kitchen in hunt of the foretold daisy sandwich.
"Well, it seems like he finally agrees that going to school was a good idea.” Twilight said to herself, “I knew he’d come around in the end. And he still made me a sandwich. Such a gentledrake.” Twilight giggled and licked her lips in anticipation when she spotted the sandwich on a kitchen surface.
The unicorn retreated to the living room to eat her sandwich and found herself thinking over the note again.
“He’s meeting up with Apple Bloom?” she mused, recalling the previous day, “I wonder what he’s planning...” she found herself giggling like a young filly as she let her imagination wonder. “What if they go on a date? Ooh that’d be too cute!” Twilight squealed, wriggling in delight. “I wonder what Applejack would say to that!”
Twilight snickered at the notion as she finished her sandwich and returned to her reading spot. She brushed away the persistent thoughts of her young assistant and Apple Bloom and tried to focus on the book in front of her.
A few lines in she burst out laughing, “Spike’ll be making Apple Bloom daisy sandwiches soon!” the unicorn cackled to herself.
“Apple Bloom!” Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo exclaimed in harmony, “Where’d you disappear to yesterday?”
“Er, yesterday?” Apple Bloom asked nervously, “Well, ah went home, and then ah helped ma sis collectin’ the apples-”
“No, when we went to see Miss. Cheerilee about the homework.” Scootaloo said.
“Well, ah was talking ta Spike.”
“Spike?” Sweetie Belle gasped. “You were talking to Spike? What’s he like?”
“Er, he’s nice?” Apple Bloom offered, shifting uncomfortably.
“Apple Bloom and Spike sitting in a tree...” Scootaloo chortled quietly.
“Hey, it’s not like that!” Apple Bloom squealed, blushing furiously.
“Aww that would be cute though.” Sweetie Belle sighed, “You’ll have to talk to him today, too!”
Apple Bloom merely scowled at her friends as together they walked into the schoolhouse.
“What are we going to do!? Equestria’s doomed!” Snips yelled.
“Dooooooooooooomed!” Snips and Snails howled in unison.
"I’m sure Equestria will be fine without Miss. Cheerilee for one day, guys.” Spike grumbled, scowling at the two distressed colts.
"Well, I think I know what's gunna happen. Equestria’s going to blow up!" Snails finished dramatically.
"I don't think that will happen, Snails. For Equestria to explode it would need a sudden, large explosive force near the centre of the planet’s core, however there is only slowly-decaying radioactive isotopes down there that can’t provide the sudden explosive force necessary to even consider anything more catastrophic than a small earthquake. The gravitational pull of the mass itself is too strong, and it would hold the planet together in almost any circumstance anyway. There's no possibility that Equestria will explode." Spike explained.
“Did you say earthquake?” Snips gasped, “Quick, everyone, don’t stay under a building! Run for your lives!”
Spike groaned in exasperation, covering his face with his claw.
“Now, now, settle down, students!” a voice called from across the room. Everypony froze and turned towards the voice. A stallion had opened the large doors of the schoolhouse and professionally walked to the front of the classroom. Instantly all the fillies and colts leaped heroically into their seats and sat with ramrod straight backs, their attention focused entirely on the strange pony at the front of the room.
The stallion had a sterile white coat and two azure, watchful eyes. He didn’t look like the type of teacher who commonly taught young ponies; he held himself in a much more formal manner than Cheerilee and, judging by his ‘question and exclamation mark’ cutie mark, so too were his lessons.
The stallion cleared his throat, "Hello students, my name is Facts, I'm going to be your teacher today for this very special lesson. Today I will be teaching you the subject of science!" Facts explained excitedly to his students.
A white filly raised her hand at the end of his introduction.
"Yes, Miss..." Facts drew the sentence out into a question.
"Sweetie belle, erm, sir.” she said nervously, “And, err, what is science?”
"Well, Miss. Belle, That’s a very good question. Science is a tricky thing to define. The formal definition is the ‘knowledge of the physical or material world gained through observation and experimentation’, but this can be tricky to fully understand.” Facts explained, “In simpler terms, if I hold a ball like this,” Facts picked up a ball, “And I let go, what will happen?”
The class fell silent as if the question baffled them.
“It falls due to gravity.” Spike offered from the back of the room.
“Indeed!” Facts inhaled sharply, “I didn’t realize we had a dragon in our midsts. You are spot on, mister...”
“Spike,” the dragon replied.
“Yes, you are spot on, Spike.” Facts smiled widely, “It falls. And that’s very obvious, don’t you think? We all know things fall. But why? Why do things fall? This is what ponies years ago wondered, and they came up with the idea that there is a force pulling down, keeping all the ponies on the planet, and they called this force gravity.”
“Gravity?” Snips whispered, “That’s what Spike said was stopping Equestria from blowing up!”
Spike elicited another groan.
“So,” Facts continued, “Now we think there’s a force pushing this ball to the floor,” Facts dropped the ball, “But what if I drop this pencil?” Facts picked up a pencil and dropped it. “Did that drop at the same speed?”
“It didn’t!” Apple Bloom called.
“You are correct, Miss...”
“Apple Bloom!” the filly announced proudly.
“Indeed, Miss. Bloom. Why do you think this is?”
Apple Bloom’s exuberant smile faltered, “Erm, is it because the ball is heavier?”
“Spot on!” Facts beamed, “See you already know the subject better than I do! Now comes the real, big question. Gravity acts on objects that weigh different amounts with different strengths. So how do we measure gravity?
“In this lesson I want you all to try a little experiment. We’re going to drop objects from the same height, and measure how long it takes to hit the floor. And then we’ll compare our results. If could organize yourselves into pairs, please!”
Instantly the silence of the room was broken up by the excited squeals of young fillies and colts as they searched for partners. Spike hadn’t budged from his seat.
“This is too similar to the experiments Twilight had me doing back in Canterlot.” he groaned.
“Hey, Spike!” a filly’s voice called. Instantly Spike’s head whipped around to face Apple Bloom.
“Oh, hey, Apple Bloom.” he said, brightening up.
“Er, Spike ah was wondering if you’d be mah partner?” Apple Bloom asked, “Fer the science experiment, ah mean!” she said quickly, squirming uncomfortably as she glanced back at her friends.
“Sure, I’d love to!” Spike beamed. As much as he didn't want to admit it, he didn’t relish the idea of working on his own. He glanced at Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo, whom were giggling to each other, and raised his eyebrows in bemusement.
“Great!” Apple Bloom said, “Ah’ll go grab some objects. Wait here.”
“Okay, thanks.” Spike said. All of a sudden he felt much more excited about the lesson now.
Maybe this won’t be such a dull lesson after all. Maybe I can hang out with Apple Bloom?
“Ow,” Sweetie Belle complained.
“Heh heh, sorry Sweetie Belle,” Scootaloo grinned sheepishly, “I didn’t mean for that chair to land on you.”
“Why were you dropping a chair from so high up, anyway?” Sweetie Belle whimpered, rubbing her flank.
“He said we should measure objects from different heights, so I tried from the ceiling, of course!” Scootaloo chuckled.
The pair were just exiting the school building for recess when a voice called from behind them, "Howdy girls, what's up?" Apple bloom chirped as she bounced up to her friends.
"Oh, not much.” Sweetie replied, brushing off the question, “How about you, Apple Bloom?”
“Yeah, how was Spike?” Scootaloo giggled shamelessly.
“He was fine.” Apple Bloom said curtly with a scowl. “He helped me with mah science experiment.”
The pair looked and each other and continued giggling.
“Sorry, Apple Bloom,” Sweetie Belle apologized, wiping a tear from her eye. “We just think it’s really cute.”
“No, you think it’s really cute, Sweetie Belle.” Scootaloo said stiffly, “I’m not into that girly-girly fru-fru stuff. Bleh!”
“Watch out, Apple Bloom,” Sweetie Belle said suddenly, “Isn’t that Diamond Tiara’s seat?” The filly motioned to the table from the previous day where the incident between Apple Bloom and Diamond Tiara had occurred.
"It's alright girls, I'm not gonna let her get to me this time. This isn’t her spot.” Apple Bloom announced boldly as she sat down in same spot as the previous day.
As if on cue, Diamond Tiara strutted up to the table, a look of pure disgust in her eyes.
"What made you think that I’d given up my seat, Blank Flank." Diamond Tiara said, smirking.
"This is mah seat, Diamond Tiara. You can go get your own.” Apple Bloom replied, feeling more confident with her two friends by her side.
Diamond Tiara recoiled as if she’d been physically struck, "Oh, you're joking right? You’ve got to be, everypony knows that that seat is my seat!" the filly hissed.
Just as Diamond Tiara said that, Spike walked onto the scene. He walked up to Apple Bloom before looking at the opposing filly.
"You’re Diamond Tiara, right?" Spike asked, turning to face her.
"Yeah, so what? I'm not going to talk to losers like you. What’s a dragon even doing here, anyway? It’s not like you even belong with ponies." she snickered.
Spike chuckled to himself, “Are you being serious? You don’t talk to anyone else other than Silver Spoon. Maybe if you actually tried being nice to other ponies, they might want to be friends with you.”
"Why would that matter? I have friends, probably more than you ever will." Diamond Tiara said with a scowl, “Why would I want to be friends with a common farm pony and an orphaned dragon, anyway?” the filly said gruffly before leaving in a huff.
"A lost cause,” Spike tutted to himself before swivelling around to face Apple Bloom “Hey, Apple Bloom. I was just wondering if we could talk a little? You know, in private?” Spike glanced at Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo, making his meaning clear.
“Sure!” Apple Bloom answered without skipping a heartbeat, “Er, you guys don’t mind, do yah?” the filly asked, turning to face her friends.
“Anything you need to say to Apple Bloom, you can say to us all, Spike.” Scootaloo stated.
“But-” Apple Bloom started, and Sweetie Belle’s eyes widened.
“No, no.” Scootaloo continued, “We’re the Cutie Mark Crusaders! Whatever he’s gotta say, he can say it to all of us!”
“Er, Scootaloo?” Sweetie Belle whispered frantically.
“You can’t convince me otherwise, Sweetie-”
Sweetie Belle clamped a hoof over the orange filly’s mouth, “Heh heh, we’ll just be going now!” she sang before yanking Scootaloo away to another bench.
“Hey! What’s the big deal?” she yelped before she was out of earshot.
Apple Bloom watched them go, “So what did yah need ta tell me, Spike?”
“Well,” Spike started slowly, “I just wanted to thank you for working with me in class today.”
Apple Bloom had just noticed how Spike was fidgeting nervously, he wrung his claws as he spoke.
“And I just wanted to say,” the dragon continued, “That I thought it was really nice of you.”
“Um, thanks Spike.” Apple Bloom replied, lowering her head to hide her blush. “Why? Is something the matter?”
“Well I guess... I guess it’s nice to feel I fit in, you know?” Spike said quietly.
“Oh, right, yeah.” Apple Bloom replied.
The conversation fell into an awkward silence.
“Hey, I was just wondering,” Spike asked suddenly, “I wanted to ask you if... well... if you wanted to, you know, go hang out sometime later?"
"I’d love to!” Apple Bloom answered excitedly, “Wait! Do yah mean it like... like a date?"
The purple scales on Spike’s face shone a slightly brighter shade, "Oh, erm... maybe. I don’t know, sorta?" he mumbled, trying to answer without looking stupid.
“Sorta?” Apple Bloom asked.
Spike elicited a sigh, and straightened up. He summoned forth all the courage he had.
C’mon, Spike just tell her what’s on your mind. You’ve saved her sister from Timberwolves and the Crystal Empire from King Sombra. Nothing can go wrong!
“Well it’s just I can’t stop thinking about you!” Spike choked out.
Eurgh that sounded really stupid.
“I mean, what I’m trying to say is that I think I really, really like you.” Spike managed, “And I was wondering if maybe you wanted to go on a date?”
Spike was staring expectantly at Apple Bloom. The shocked pony stared back with huge pupils. She opened her mouth to say something - anything - but no breath escaped through her lips. She was frozen in place and didn't know what to say. She was too scared to do anything! So the little pony just sat there, inert, as the dragon continued to stare at her.
"Err, Apple Bloom, are you okay?" Spike asked in concern as he watched the filly tense up.
"Uh, yeah sure ah’m fine, now what did y’ask me 'gain?" Apple Bloom said.
Spike frowned, clearly uncomfortable with repeating the question, "I just asked if you wanted to... you know... go on a date? With me?" Spike asked once more.
"Oh, Uh, sorry, Spike,” Apple Bloom stammered. Dread welled up in Spike’s belly, “Can ah think ‘bout it at home?”
"Oh yeah, sure!” Spike said, disappointed with the indecisive answer, “I guess I'll see you tomorrow then?" Spike said, but Apple bloom had already started to gallop back to the her house.
Well that was weird.
Shrugging off Apple Bloom’s erratic behaviour, Spike headed home.
Afternoons are usually quite busy at Sweet Apple Acres, especially in the orchard where Applejack and Big Macintosh could usually be found bucking the apples from the trees.
“Applejack!” A voice called.
“Huh?” Applejack grumbled, looking around for whoever had called her name. Her eyes found a yellow and red blur rushing towards her at high speed.
"Applejackgoodthingahfoundyaineedtoaskyousomethingsocanyoupleasecomewithme?" Apple Bloom rambled as she ran towards her sister.
Applejack looked at the filly blankly, "Er, Hold yer horses, sugarcube, ah can't understand a word yer sayin’." Applejack chuckled as she tried to calm the excited filly.
“What ah was tryin' ta say was that Spike asked me out on a date, and ah don't know if ah should go or not," Apple Bloom said.
"Spike asked y’out on a date?" Applejack gasped.
"Yeah, that's what ah said," replied Apple Bloom.
“Hmm, that’s funny ah felt sure ah saw somethin’ between him an’ Rarity...” the orange mare mumbled.
“So, what should ah say?” Apple Bloom demanded.
“Ah think that’s a great-”
The sound of a stallion clearing his throat startled Applejack, and she swiveled around to face Big Macintosh.
“Oh, hey there, Big Mac," Applejack said.
"What's going on here?" Big Mac asked, unusually curious.
"Apple Bloom, here, was asked ta go on a date, an’ she can't decide if she wants ta go or not," Applejack answered.
"Apple Bloom?" Big Mac asked the filly in question for confirmation.
"Yeah, it was Spike who asked me," Apple Bloom confessed.
"Applejack,” Big Mac said softly, “Can we talk a second?”
"Er, ah guess?” Applejack asked. The pair walked just out of earshot of Apple Bloom and stopped.
"Ah want yah ta listen, now, Aj. This is something Apple Bloom needs ta decide herself. She'll figure it out. It's all just a matter of waitin’." Big Mac said tenderly.
Applejack was baffled that her brother had said so much without pausing. Usually he was so quiet, but now he seemed passionate about letting Apple Bloom decide for herself he spoke confidently.
"Ah may look like ah spend all mah time buckin’ trees, but ah do like to do other things when ah’m not on the farm," Big Mac said shyly. "And ah have experience with this kinda thing."
"Well, if yah think it be best,” Applejack said slowly, clearly unconvinced by Big Mac’s passionate speech. “Ah’ll go tell her that then, if that'll make yah happy," Applejack huffed.
The trip back to the library was fairly uneventful for Spike. Uneventful in Spike’s book, however, usually meant Pinkie Pie’s party cannon had remained unused, so the dragon’s scales managed to remain cake/confetti free for the entire journey back to the library as he tried to keep the mare occupied.
“Ooh, and did I tell you about that time I took Gummy to Ponyville lake?” Pinkie Pie chuckled and didn’t even wait for an answer before continuing, “He went in the water, and I didn’t even notice, so I was there for three hours looking for him in the lake, and when I got back to Sugarcube Corner Mrs. Cake asked where I had been, so I explained the whole story of how Gummy went in the water, and she just thought I was crazy when I said I saw a merpony! Can you believe it? The nerve of some ponies!”
Spike just allowed Pinkie Pie’s ramblings to wash straight over his head as he daydreamed of what Apple Bloom might say. His thoughts couldn’t help but dance ahead.
What if she says yes?
The dragon found himself thinking of what could happen at their date. Where would they go? Spike realized he hadn’t really planned this far ahead. To be honest, he hadn’t really been sure how Apple Bloom would react until he asked her.
“... and then I took her down to the lake at the other side of Ghastly Gorge, and we had our tents and everything! Except I also brought some cookie mixture I made earlier that day. Can you imagine the look on her face when I was baking cookies on a campfire? Mmm, they were good cookies, though.” Pinkie chirped happily as she patted her belly.
Spike didn’t bother to ask how she had managed to do that as she walked beside him on all fours.
“Oh, it looks like we’re at the library!” Pinkie Pie gasped, “Time flies when you’re having fun, huh? And I don’t need to get any books out so I can’t go talk to Twilight... I know! I’ll go bake some cupcakes and come over later! Everypony loves cupcakes!” Pinkie announced triumphantly.
“Uh-huh,” Spike mumbled dreamily.
“Okay, I’ll see you later, Spikey!” she giggled as she patted the dragon’s head.
“Bye, Pinkie.” Spike said softly as he walked through the library door. Twilight was sat at the reading table near the door and looked up as he entered.
"Oh, hey, Spike. How come you’re home so early?" Twilight asked.
"Nothing much, we had a substitute teacher called Mr. Facts come in and teach us Science, but the problems were like yours back in Canterlot," Spike replied as he went over to the unicorn to take away her empty plate from her lunch, “Ridiculously easy. You know, I think Celestia really needs to look at the whole education thing again. Pretty sure we’re still learning preschool stuff.”
“It’s probably just because you’re a clever, little dragon,” Twilight chortled, playfully nudging Spike. "You know, Mr. Facts was my 5th grade science teacher. Although I don’t know what he’s doing in Ponyville as a substitute teacher.”
“Well what did you learn with him.”
Twilight blushed, “Well he was our advanced physics lecturer, so we were learning about wavelengths, anti-phasing and frequencies. It was pretty fascinating that two magics in perfect equilibrium could cancel each other out.”
Spike blinked in response, “Hey, that’s not fair!” He complained, “He had us dropping pencils, balls, and chairs!”
“Chairs?” Twilight asked, bemused.
“Don’t ask.” Spike said with a scowl.
“Well, what else happened in your day, then?
Spike paused as he considered his answer, “Twilight can I tell you something?" Spike asked.
"What about her? Did she get bullied again?" Twilight asked in concern.
"No, no. It’s not like that.” Spike mumbled.
“So, what’s wrong?”
“I asked her out," Spike confessed.
"You asked her out?” Twilight gasped, bouncing excitedly from hoof to hoof. “What did she say?”
"She couldn't make up her mind, so she went home." Spike stated.
“Oh.” Twilight said, clearly disappointed. “Well, there’s always the chance she could say yes. Maybe we could invite her along with us to Canterlot tomorrow? I wouldn't mind her coming along with us." Twilight said.
"Really?” Spike gasped, “I can bring Apple bloom along?"
"Well, sure, as long as Applejack’s okay with it." Twilight added.
Spike was visibly relieved that he’d found somewhere unique for their date. As much as he loved going to Sugarcube Corner, he felt sure Pinkie Pie might somehow pick up on his interests in Apple Bloom and stir a huge scene out of him.
Wait, you two are dating? Ohmygosh! I remember this one time where I went on a date with a stallion, but after we ate fifty cupcakes, wrote a fake love letter to Celestia, flew to Candy Mountain and back, and went to a land of magical unicorns and rainbows we woke up in one of Applejack’s apple trees with paper wings and pacifiers. Unfortunately he broke up with because he said that that never happened. Some ponies can be so mean. But I don’t let it get in the way when I have great friends like you two. But now you two are dating! You’ll have to spend less time with me! If you spend less time with me then maybe we won’t be so close anymore, and if we’re not too close anymore maybe we might not be friends anymore! And if we’re not friends anymore-
“Spike?” Twilight asked in concern, interrupting the hyperactive Pinkie Pie who was hyperventilating in Spike’s head.
“Huh? Oh, yeah.” Spike replied.
Twilight raised an eyebrow, “Are you sure you’re alright, Spike? I can get you something to eat if you like?”
"No thanks, Twilight.” Spike said, a smile crossing his face at Twilight’s kindness. “I'm not really hungry at the moment. I think I'm just really tired," Spike replied. “I think I might go for a nap.”
"A nap?” Twilight gasped, “Don’t turn into Rainbow Dash, mister. I’ve yet to see her buck a cloud since our first day." Twilight chuckled.
Spike smiled as he realized he hadn't either. Usually the pegasus could be found either in a cloud or in a tree. On both counts, you’d find her napping. Chuckling, the dragon walked up the stairs and into the bedroom. He sighed as he lied down in his basket and pulled the blanket over him.
His mind was racing, and yet at the same time he was exhausted. Sleep came slowly.
"Spike! Spike! Apple Bloom’s here for you!" Twilight called up the stairs.
Her voice carried into the bedroom and grated against the sensitive ears of the young dragon. Still half asleep, he protested against the unwelcome interruption. He barely even noticed the stomping of hooves before Twilight was shaking him awake.
“Spike!” The mare yelled in his ear.
“Huh, wha?” Spike mumbled.
“Apple Bloom’s here to see you.” Twilight repeated. “You’ve slept all afternoon.”
“I did? I mean I have?” Spike gasped, glancing at the clock. It was indeed nearing evening now. The time was 5 o’clock.
“She’s waiting downstairs.” Twilight huffed impatiently, ushering the dazed dragon out of the room.
“Hey, Apple Bloom!” Spike called down the stairs. He beamed when he saw her.
"Uh, hi there, Spike," Apple Bloom said quietly.
“Would you like me to grab you a drink or anything?” He asked.
“Um, naw, ah think ah’ll be alright." The filly whispered, shuffling nervously.
“Well, I’ll leave you two alone, then.” Twilight said, awkwardly side shifting out the room and into the kitchen. Despite the fact she was clearly still in earshot (and probably had an ear enhancement spell anyway), Spike felt a little relieved once she’d left the room.
“Thanks anyway, Spike. Ah know you've been a waitin' for an answer, so ah just wanted ta say that ah'd love to go on a date with you." Apple Bloom chirped.
"Really?" Spike gasped, feeling a bubble of joy rise up from his tummy. “Look, I wanted to ask you something." Spike said, “Twilight and me are going to Canterlot tomorrow. She’s on some, er, important business... stuff with the princess, so I’m not really going to be doing anything.” Spike murmured nervously, “So I was wondering if you wanted to come with me? I mean, us. To Canterlot, I mean.”
"Canterlot?” Apple Bloom gasped, her pupils growing large at the prospect. “Tomorrow? Ah’m not sure if mah sis’ll let me go." Apple Bloom said uncertainly.
“Hey, she’s friends with Twilight. If you tell her that Twilight’s coming with us, she has to say yes.”
“Really?” The filly squealed, “Oh, thank you, thank you, thank you! Ah haven't been ta Canterlot since the school trip, but ah’d love ta go ‘gain.” She chirped, before muttering, “Without releasing any thousand year old villains...”
“I’ll go let Twilight know.” Spike said happily and bounced over to the kitchen.
"Alright." Apple Bloom replied. Turning around she noticed one of the bookshelves shuffling.
She frowned, "Uh, Spike?” She called, “Is that there bookshelf ‘sposed to move like that?”
She didn't even get a reply before a pink figure burst out from between the shelves.
"Oh, hey, Apple Bloom. You haven’t seen Twilight, have you? I baked some cupcakes just like I promised!” Pinkie Pie crowed triumphantly, producing a perfect cupcake seemingly from nowhere. “Huh. Where’s Spikey too? I thought they’d be here. You know, this being their library and all. Public Services, you can never trust ‘em.” The pink mare grumbled.
"Pinkie!?” Apple bloom gasped, raising an eyebrow, “How did you-? What? But... but how?" Apple Bloom was flabbergasted and unable to comprehend how she had managed to appear inside the bookshelf.
“Oh, it’s nothing special... it’s just my super secret ninja secret! I’m sworn to protect it with my life.” Pinkie announced, “And I never break a Pinkie Promise.” She turned to face some invisible audience, “I won’t let you down, Yoda!" Pinkie yelled as threw the cupcake into the air and vanished back into the shelf of literature.
“Pinkie?” Apple Bloom breathed.
“Hey, Apple Bloom. Did you call my name?” Spike asked as he walked in through the kitchen door with a plate of toast in one claw.
A cupcake sailed across the room and landed perfectly on the plate.
“Hey, how did you do that?” Spike gasped, warily eyeing the cupcake.
“Pinkie Pie.” The filly muttered.
“Oh, right.” Spike said as he rolled his eyes and walked back into the kitchen.
He reemerged a moment later and walked over to Apple Bloom, “Hey, do you want me to walk you back to Sweet Apple Acres so we can ask Applejack?” Spike asked.
“Sure!” Apple Bloom replied, bouncing over to the door, “What’re we waitin’ fer? Summer?” She giggled.
Spike laughed and opened the door for her, “Ladies first.”
“Why, thank you, kind sir.” Apple Bloom replied in her poshest accent. The pair laughed their way to Sweet Apple Acres.
"Hey there, Spike. What brings yah ta Sweet Apple Acres?" Applejack asked with a smile.
"Spike asked me if ah wanted ta go ta Canterlot tomorrow. Can I, can I, can I? Pleeeeeease?” Apple Bloom pleaded, her eyes shimmering irresistibly.
Applejack gritted her teeth resiliently, “Hmm, I don’t know. Canterlot’s an awful long way for such a small filly...”
“Twilight’s coming with us.” Spike added.
“Oh. Well, why didn’t y’all say so?” Applejack chuckled, “‘Course yah can go, ‘Bloom. But if it’s tomorrow, don’t yah need ta go get some things ready?”
“Oh yeah!” Apple Bloom gasped before turning to Spike, “Sorry, Spike, but ah gotta pack mah bag!”
“Alright, I’ll see you tomorrow then, Apple Bloom?”
“Sure.” The filly replied with a warm smile.
“Train station at half past nine, okay?”
“Okay, thanks Spike.”
The filly ran over and locked the dragon into a tight hug. Spike felt the purple scales on his face darken a few shades as he blushed.
And then they broke apart. It was all so brief. Spike sighed as he watched her go.
“Yah take good care of her, y’hear?” Applejack said sternly.
“O-of course, Applejack,” Spike said, a little intimidated.
The mare smiled warmly, “Well, don’t yah worry none, then. Ah’ll be sure ta get Apple Bloom up in time tomorrow,” she laughed.
“Thanks, Aj. See you tomorrow!” Spike said as he walked back to the library.
Applejack sighed as she watched the dragon walk towards the sunset. The beautiful orange remnants of the brilliant sun bled across the horizon. She inhaled a full lungful of air.
Change was coming.
Mah ‘lil sis, already found her one! Ah just hope she don't forget ‘bout us.
The morning sunlight refracted from the small drops of dew on the roof off the train station, making the whole building appear as if it were sparkling.
"Oh, ah can't wait ta see Canterlot 'gain! Thanks fer takin’ me with y'all, it really means a lot ta me," Apple Bloom said with a wide grin.
"It's fine, Apple Bloom. I'm used taking somepony with me, so it's not really a problem." Twilight said as they boarded the train.
"We're in cabin thirty-seven, I think. That’s down here," Spike said as he directed them to their cabin: a small, two-bed room. "Here we go." Spike declared as he closed the door behind them.
“The journey to Canterlot shouldn’t take too long. We should be there before afternoon.” Twilight informed the pair as she picked a seat and placed her bag on it. “Want me to grab you something to eat?"
“Hey, I can go get it for you.” Spike offered.
“Aww, thanks Spike.” Twilight beamed and rubbed his head affectionately, “Don’t know what I’d do without you.”
Spike blushed, “Heh. Thanks, Twilight. What do you two want?”
“I’ll have a daisy sandwich, please.” Twilight piped.
“Ah’ll have whatever she’s having.” Apple Bloom said.
“Two daisy sandwiches.” Spike murmured as he walked out through the door, “I just hope they have some gemstones...”
Silence fell upon the remaining females.
Twilight shuffled uncomfortably, "So, while we wait how about we talk?" Twilight asked.
"Sure. Why not? What ya want ta talk ‘bout?" Apple Bloom replied.
"I actually wanted to talk about life on the farm. What’s it like there?" Twilight inquired. Apple Bloom saw only genuine curiosity in Twilight’s expression, despite the fact she could never really see the older mare working on a farm.
"Well,” the filly began, “We usually wake up at about six in the mornin’, eat breakfast, and go start workin' in the fields. In the summertime ah get ta help Applejack with collectin’ the apples! Ah usually balance a bucket on mah head, so that way ah can keep up with all the apples."
"It must be a challenge to keep up with all the falling apples.”
“Not really. Applejack’s real good at directin’ me, makin’ sure ah’m in just the right spot.”
“I see. What do you use your apples for?” Twilight asked.
“Well, most of it we use fer bakin’ or sellin’ at the stall in the market, ‘cept for Apple Cider season, then we use some fer that.”
“And-”
"I’m back!” Spike announced as he walked through the door with two sandwiches in hand, interrupting whatever Twilight was going to say next.
“That was quick.” Twilight remarked, clearly displeased by the interruption.
“Yeah, they didn’t have any gemstones. Again.” Spike huffed and handed over their meals, and withdrew some gemstones from one of his pockets and stuffed them into his mouth.
“And where did they come from?” Twilight asked, raising an eyebrow suspiciously.
The dragon grinned guiltily, “I’ve been saving them.”
“You have a stash of gems that I don’t know about?” Twilight said with a frown.
“Oh well, would you look at the time! I’m sleepy.” Spike said quickly, feigning a yawn.
“Spike...” Twilight growled dangerously as she bit into her sandwich, but she ceased questioning the matter further.
"Thanks, Spike," Apple Bloom chirped, oblivious to the scene unfolding before her as she began to eat her food.
A silence hung over the trio as they ate their snacks, interrupted only by the smatterings of lips and the munching of teeth.
“You know, ah think ah might jus’ head ta bed.” Apple Bloom said, breaking the silence as she wiped her hooves on her coat.
"That’s a good idea.” Twilight said with a smile, “I don’t want you two falling asleep when we get to Canterlot! I’ll be reading if you need me.” The unicorn grabbed a book from her saddlebag and jumped onto her bed. Immediately she was lost deep within the book’s pages.
"You go grab some sleep, Apple Bloom, I've got to do something," Spike said in a hushed tone.
“You sure?” The filly asked in concern as she hopped onto the other bed. “Hey, wait, where’re you gonna be sleepin’?”
“Oh, I’m sure Twilight will let me sleep on her bed with her.” Spike said, waving off the question as he headed for the door.
“It’s okay, Spike, you can sleep on mah bed if you want?” Apple Bloom offered.
The dragon paused and turned round the face the filly, “Er, sure. That sounds cool.” He said, and turned back around to walk out the door.
“Hey, Spike!” Apple Bloom called.
“Mmm?” Spike answered, lingering in the doorway.
“Where’re you goin’?”
“Oh, um,” The dragon replied, “Just going to check whether they’ve got any more gems. I kinda ran out.”
“Oh. Well, ah’ll be waitin’ fer you.” Apple Bloom called as her almost-coltfriend left the room. She couldn’t help but feel a little disappointed he hadn’t stayed. She’d not really had a chance to even have a conversation with him since he had asked her out.
It’s kinda weird, thinkin’ he could my coltfriend an’ all.
Apple Bloom hadn’t really thought about her answer. She’d been surprised when Spike had asked her out, yes, but as soon as she got home she’d already made up her mind. She hadn’t really thought her answer, but she knew she was going to say yes. The thoughts made her stomach flutter.
Wait.
Apple Bloom paused as realization dawned on her.
Ah haven’t even told the rest of the Cutie Mark Crusaders! What would Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle say about this? Would they be mad at me fer not tellin’ them before?
The filly couldn’t help but feel a little guilty for neglecting her best friends.
Ah jus’ hope they won’t be too mad...
"Apple Bloom!” A voice called, slicing through her thoughts like a razor sharp knife. “C’mon, wake up.”
Apple Bloom opened and blinked her bleary eyes as they protested against the harsh daylight, “Wha- huh?” She mumbled.
“We’re almost at Canterlot. We need to go!” The voice insisted.
“Canterlot?” Apple Bloom asked, “Ah ain’t goin’ nowhere fancy like that.” And the filly closed her eyes again.
Spike groaned internally, “Apple Bloom!” He said loudly into her ear and shook her awake.
“Alright, alright, Ah’ma comin’!” Apple Bloom sighed rose from the bed. Glancing around she saw Twilight had already taken the liberty of packing the stuff and was waiting patiently by the door.
“Attention passengers. We will shortly be arriving in Canterlot in just a few minutes time, please take a moment to ensure you have all your personal belongings with you when you leave the train, and we thank you for boarding Pony Express!”
"Morning, you two. Princess Celestia’s guards should be waiting for us when we get off onto the platform." Twilight said as she used her magic to lift her saddlebag onto her back. Books and parchment poked out of the top. “They should take us to the palace. I don’t know what you two want to do, but I heard there’s a new book shop that’s just opened up near Donut Joe’s. Maybe you could check that out.” Twilight suggested excitedly.
Apple Bloom glanced at Spike who returned the gesture with a shrug and a smirk.
Typical Twilight.
“Yeah, thanks for the advice, Twilight.” Apple Bloom said with a forced smile.
“Do you want me to carry your bags for you?” Spike offered, gesturing to Apple Bloom’s saddlebag that was left untouched in the corner of the room.
Apple Bloom blushed, “Er, sure, if you want.”
"You may also want to brush your mane. We should look our best when we meet with a princess, after all." Twilight chuckled as she levitated a hair brush and began brushing her scruffy mane.
"Uh, no thanks, ah don’t need ta brush mah mane- Oh." Apple Bloom gasped as she noticed her scruffy mane from her nap in the reflection of the glass window. "Quick, give me that brush!"
The train pulled into the station, screeching to a halt. As the trio trio disembarked they saw a stern stallion in shining, golden armor.
"Miss Sparkle.” The guard stated as he approached them, “Princess Celestia is waiting. Please follow me.” The stallion wore only one expression: seriousness.
“Ooh, are you one of Celestia’s personal guards?” Apple Bloom asked, bouncing in excitement.
The guard took a moment to answer, as if considering whether to answer the question, “Yes.”
“Is it fun bein’ Celestia’s guard? Do you have ta do everything she says? What if she told you ta jump up an’ down on two legs? Would you do it?” The filly demanded.
The guard remained silent.
“Hey-” Apple Bloom persisted.
“I think you should save your questions for the princess.” Spike whispered.
“Being Celestia’s guard is hard work.” The guard said after hearing the dragon’s whisperings, “I do whatever my princess asks of me. It is my duty.”
“Ooooh.” Apple Bloom murmured, pondering the possibilities.
“Here.” The guard motioned to the chariot in front of them. Twilight thanked the guard and boarded it.
"Wow, this is neat! Ah’ve never been inside a castle. What’s it like, Spike?" Apple Bloom asked.
"It’s huge.” The dragon breathed in response as he followed Twilight onto the chariot, “I don’t even think I got to explore it all when we lived in Canterlot. We could explore if you like?”
“Ah think ah’d like that.” Apple Bloom whispered.
"We'll see it soon, don't worry." Twilight confirmed.
"We’ll be arriving at the palace in just a few minutes." Celestia’s guard stated gruffly.
Twilight stood straighter than usual as they walked into the castle.
"Whoa,” Apple Bloom gasped in awe as she looked around. “This is bigger than ah ever thought it would be!"
"Indeed, it is quite a marvelous castle, if I do say so myself," A voice boomed just ahead of them. Atop her throne sat Princess Celestia herself in all her regal glory. Her mane flowed like the sunrise had been stretched into an ever-moving river. Apple Bloom simply stood there, gawping.
“Princess Celestia.” Twilight greeted formally, lowering her front in respect. Spike and Apple Bloom hastily followed suit.
“Rise, my little ponies.” Celestia sighed with a warm smile that radiated kindness. “Twilight Sparkle, my most faithful student.”
“Princess!” Twilight grinned in delight as she ran up to embrace the princess in a warm hug.
"I hope your journey went well. But we must not tarry, Twilight. I have quite the task for you, indeed, and we mustn't waste any time." Princess Celestia said.
"Princess, ah have a question." Apple Bloom interrupted.
"And what might that be?" Princess Celestia asked with a genuine smile at the filly’s curiosity.
"Ah was wondering how hard is it ta raise the sun every morning?" Apple Bloom asked.
"Well, it's much harder than lowering it for the night, if that answers your question." Princess Celestia chuckled, "Twilight and I must speak in private. While you wait, how about you two go look around the gardens?"
"Sure.” Spike said, “I hear they’re quite pretty this time of year."
"Okay!" Apple Bloom cheered. Finally this was an opportunity to talk to Spike. Alone.
"Alright follow me, Apple Bloom.” The dragon said with a smile, and led the filly away from the princess and the unicorn, all the while retelling stories of his past experiences in the castle.
As soon as the pair left, Princess Celestia and Twilight walked away from Celestia’s throne.
"Isn't it cute? They have found each other’s company." Princess Celestia sighed.
"How did you know that they are together?" Twilight asked.
"Princess’ intuition.” Celestia continued with a sad smile, “Also it's fun once in a while to see love bloom.” she continued, brightening up and winking.
"I see." Twilight shrugged it off and glanced back down at the young couple as she ascended one of the palace’s many towers.
"Wow, look at those roses! They’re so pretty." Apple Bloom admired.
"Yeah, they sure are." Spike said as he plucked a rose behind Apple bloom, "How about this one?"
“Huh?” Apple Bloom asked, glancing at the rose in the dragon’s claw.
Spike grinned and put the rose into Apple Bloom’s mane, threading it through her bow.
"Spike...” Apple Bloom breathed, “That's so nice of you."
"It’s okay, don’t worry, Apple Bloom.” Spike said with a smile.
Apple Bloom returned the smile and grabbed the dragon into a strong hug. She loved the feel of his soft scales against her fur, and the sound of his heartbeat against her sensitive ears. She loved the the way Spike ran his claw through her mane like a comb, scratching her scalp ever so lightly, and the way his soft breath tickled her neck, raising the hairs.
"Hey, how about we look around in the statue garden?" Spike asked.
"Sure, ah haven't been there since our school trip with Miss. Cheerilee.” Apple Bloom said as she uncoiled herself from Spike and the pair made their way through the maze of a garden.
"Wow, Discord looks a lot different then ah remember him, he looks kinda scared.” Apple Bloom commented as she admired the sights around her.
"You'd think that wouldn’t you." A mysterious voice chuckled.
"Huh?” The filly glanced around at the empty clearing, “Who said that?"
"I'm right in front of you, silly pony.” The voice whispered.
"In front of me? I don’t see anypony except the statues." Apple Bloom murmured.
"That’s because I am the statue in front of you..." Discord purred.
"Ahhh!" Apple Bloom yelped in surprise as she turned around and ran away.
"Hey wait! All I want is a burrito. I'm starving here!" Discord yelled at the fleeing filly, “And being a statue leaves you with one hell of a stiff neck.” The petrified Draconequus sighed.
"Hey, Apple Bloom, wait up!” Spike called as he gave chase after the filly. The pair found themselves next to a small pond.
“Heh, sorry Spike. Guess ah jus’ wasn’t expectin’ Discord ta talk an’ all that.” Apple Bloom chuckled nervously.
“Don’t worry about it- Hey, wait! I know where we are.” Spike exclaimed, pointing at the small pond.
"What’s so special ‘bout this pond?" The filly asked.
"Come here. Let me show you." Spike gestured to the pond. “Yeah, I thought so. This is the Dream Pond.”
“Dream Pond? What does it do?”
“It’s supposed to show you your dreams. Although sometimes it can show nightmares. I think Luna blessed it before she was banished, and it was one of the few things that she left behind.”
"Huh. Lemme see." Apple Bloom knew some Earth Pony myths but this was something she’d never heard of.
"Sure. Just look into the pond." Spike said as he pulled the filly down to the face of the pond.
Apple Bloom wasn’t sure what to expect as she glanced down into the pond. Colors flashed before her. They formulated into images that flitted around her vision. Bucking Apple Trees with Big Macintosh. Winning the Sisterhooves Social with Applejack. Being teased by Silver Spoon and Diamond Tiara. Befriending Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo. Making a love poison. Saying goodbye to Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle. Returning to school and seeing her friends again. Spike.
The last image hung around for a fraction of a second longer than the rest. The hesitation was enough for Apple Bloom to notice that it was Spike’s first day at school, when he’d walked into the classroom. He looked out of place. So alone. Then Spike was defending Apple Bloom from Diamond Tiara. The familiar feeling of gratitude Apple Bloom had felt that day rose up again, forcing tears to her eyes.
The images blurred, but Apple Bloom wiped the tears from her eyes, unwilling to look away. They were at the library, laughing. They were on the train, smiling. They were sat staring into a pond.
Apple Bloom blinked and glanced up. Her eyes met Spike’s as he glanced up as well.
“What did you see?” She breathed.
“Us.” Spike admitted, blushing a little.
“What about us?” Apple Bloom pressed.
Spike began fidgeting, “Oh, you know...” He said, fading away, hoping she would interrupt him. “Wait, what did you see?”
“Everythin’.” Apple Bloom breathed.
“Everything?”
“Yeah, like all the important moments in mah life, an’...”
“And?” Spike repeated, hanging onto her last word?"
“Huh? Oh nothin’.”
Spike looked torn, “Fine. I saw you. And me, I mean. Like, together.” The dragon whispered, grinning awkwardly.
“What? Really?” Apple Bloom gasped. “Me too! We were in the classroom, an’ then on the train, an’ then here, an’ it was all so strange!”
Spike smiled in relief, “Why didn’t you just say so, silly?” The dragon giggled playfully.
“Ah could ask you the same thing.” The filly retorted with a wink.
“Well,” Spike returned to his fidgeting, “I guess it just took me a little while to realize how much you meant to me.”
Apple Bloom gasped in surprise, “Spike?”
“What I mean is-” Spike grappled with his words, “What I meant to say was I like you. Like really, really like you.”
“Well, duh, we’re on a date, right?” Apple Bloom chuckled.
"Yeah, I guess. But I just wanted you to know...” Spike trailed off as he continued to search for the words. “I’ve been thinking about you a lot. And I keep dreaming about you. The pond showed me and you together. Just... together. And it was... nice. I just feel so happy when I’m around you. Maybe you’ll just laugh at me or get scared or something and end up never wanting to be my friend again, but I think... I think I love you."
“Wha- huh?” Apple Bloomed gasped in surprise.
“I love you.” Spike repeated, more confident this time.
Apple Bloom’s eyes shimmered, “You mean it?”
“Yes, I’m sure of it.”
“Spike...” The filly breathed. You want ta be with me?"
"Yes." Spike whispered.
Apple Bloom didn’t hesitate any longer and threw her hooves around the dragon. "Spike. You mean a lot ta me. Ah don’t think ah understand why, but you do." Apple Bloom whispered back.
"I love you, Apple Bloom. I promise." Spike breathed and kissed Apple Bloom.
The obsidian sky was dark and cold, and everypony was asleep, all but one.
"Ah, what a beautiful night we have brought forth, if only somepony cared to see it," Luna sighed as she walked through the Canterlot gardens. "If only everypony had seen our night we would - oh? Who goes there?"
"Oh, hey, Princess Luna. What brings you out here to the gardens?" a voice replied. The lunar princess watched as a small shadow rose to greet her.
"Ah, it is thine, Spike the dragon. We hear thou is visiting Canterlot at our sister’s request,” Luna crooned, before glancing over his shoulder. “But thou hast brought company. May we ask her name?"
"Oh, this is Apple Bloom," Spike replied, motioning to the sleeping filly behind him.
"An Apple?” Luna hummed, “Dost thou imply she be a sibling of the Element of Honesty?”
"Mmhm,” Spike nodded, “I wanted to bring her along. But why are you here anyway?"
"We are the princess of the night, dost thou know not?" Luna humored the dragon, "We cross this garden each night, just as we did over a thousand year ago, but not once have we found the petunias in full bloom.”
“Petunias?” Spike questioned. ”Why petunias?”
“The reason for the flowers is because of our mother, she, passed away... many years ago,” Luna sighed. “It was a tragic and unfortunate time, and it was her favorite flower.”
“I’m sorry if I reminded you of her,” Spike said softly.
"No, you need not apologize, young drake,” Luna said suddenly, interrupting her own somber mood. “Let us take thou back to the castle. Thou shalt be safe there."
"Sure. I'll just wake Apple bloom up," Spike said quietly and gently nudged Apple Bloom.
The filly in question stirred slightly and murmured, “Aww C’mon, sis. It’s still dark, the roosters ain’t even up!”
“Apple Bloom, it’s me, Spike,” Spike smiled.
"Huh?” Apple Bloom asked with a yawn.
"Luna said we should go back to the castle," Spike explained.
"Oh,” Apple Bloom sighed, stealing a glance at the lunar princess. “Where's Twilight?"
"She's asleep in the castle,” Spike replied. “She probably just forgot to come get us. She does that a lot when she starts reading,"
"Well? Art thou ready to leave?" Luna asked, impatiently.
"Hehe, sorry, Princess,” Spike chuckled, “I think we are. Come on, Apple bloom."
The filly scowled but silently followed Spike and Luna back towards Canterlot Castle.
-
“Spike!” a voiced yelled down the grand steps leading up to the castle. “Oh, thank Celestia you two are okay.”
A purple unicorn ran down the steps to accompany the voice.
“We were fine, Twilight,” Spike scowled. “And Princess Luna was with us the whole time.
“We shall take our leave then,” Luna chuckled and nodded at her sister.
Spike and Apple Bloom bowed, "Thank you, princess," they said.
Spike watched as Luna smiled and flared her wings as she took off into the night.
Suddenly the moment of silence that Luna had left in her wake was interrupted by Twilight, “And what time do you call this?” she scolded.
"Is there a problem, Twilight?" Celestia called as she gracefully strode down the steps.
"No, princess,” Twilight gushed, earning a faint smile from Celestia. “It's just that Spike and Apple Bloom have just come back from the gardens.” Twilight turned to the two miscreants. “Now for you two, it’s time for bed.”
“But we just got back,” Spike complained.
“It’s past midnight, and everypony's asleep,” Twilight exclaimed.
Spike tried to scowl, but could only manage a long yawn. Taking that as an answer Twilight scooped him up in her magic and placed him on her back and the pair headed for their quarters.
“Fine,” Spike murmured, unable to muster the energy to protest.
-
"Good morning, my little ponies,” Princess Celestia announced. “I hope you all slept peacefully? I’ve heard that today is Bakers Day."
"Hmm? What's bakers day?" Twilight asked, "I haven't heard of such an occasion."
"It isn't an official holiday, like the bakers competition. They gather in the gardens to show off their new confectionary." Celestia answered before licking her lips. “I must admit I do enjoy the royal tasting of the cakes.”
"Hmm, that could explain Pinkie’s mysterious disappearance last year,” Twilight mused. “We almost organized a search party for her until we found her reading in the library. It was quite surprising to find her there. I didn’t know she liked to read.”
"And that brings me to wonder to what were both of up to last night?" Celestia asked as she turned to face Spike and Apple bloom.
"Oh, uhh," the duo said brainlessly, "Twilight forgot to pick us up."
"Oh? Hmm, we must've lost track of time, and she must've forgotten," Celestia smiled. "Well we mustn't waste any more time, the bakers will arrive any moment."
"Oh, we should go get dressed," Apple bloom exclaimed,.
"Well, ok," Spike said, following Apple bloom.
"Children. Aren't they are so precious?" Celestia giggled to herself as the two left.
-
"Wow, you look so, well, ah don't what to say, yah look so cute," Apple bloom giggled as spike finished puting on his tuxedo,
"Aww Apple bloom," Spike blushed at the word,
"You know she's right, you do look adorable," Twilight smiled,
"Huh, I feel something," Spike the belched a letter out of fire, "Huh, usually the princess sends letters this way, it's addressed to, Apple bloom?
"A letter fer me?" Apple bloom tilted her head in confusion, "Well what are ya waiting for? Read it!"
"Ok, Ahem,"
Dear Apple bloom, daughter of Applejack-
"Thats a lie!" Apple bloom interjected, "Ah am her sister, and she ain't my mom,"
"Apple bloom, he's just reading the letter," Twilight calmed her,
"Oh, ok" Apple bloom sighed, "Continue,"
"Finally," Spike started again,
You do not know who I am, but I know you, I have things to ask, but if spike is reading this,
"How does it know?" Apple bloom asked
"Shush," twilight snipped
Do not read, Apple bloom must read this alone, AND DO NOT DISTERB HER! Your friend, Satton.
"Here you go," Spoke gave Apple bloom the paper,
"Alright?" Apple bloom went over to her bed and read it,
The morning at the castle had become chaotic, largely due to the fact that today was Bakers day. The day when everypony rushes to build their stands, fill their trays, and prepare for the royal tasting of their signature dish.
-
"Oh, come on, Spike, can I get your help with this dress?" Twilight asked impatiently as she fiddled with the rope on the back.
"Sure. give me a moment," Spike said as he ran over, "Jeez, you could have waited for me."
"Sorry,” Twilight sighed, “It's just today is important.”
"But it's not an official holiday," Spike corrected her.
"Celestia is going to make today an official holiday, Mr.Smarty Pants," Twilight chuckled.
"Stop laughing,” Spike complained, “You’re making it hard to tie this.”
"Hey," Apple Bloom chirped as she walked into the room, "Yah look cute in that tux, Spike."
"Apple Bloom!” Spike protested, blushing madly.
"Alright, lets get going," Twilight giggled, rolling her eyes.
-
"When are you going to tell Twilight, Spike?" Apple bloom whispered. "Yah know, about us?"
"Oh," Spike froze. "I don't know."
"It better be soon or else ah will have ta tell Applejack about what happened, and yah know how that's going ta go," Apple Bloom warned.
"Yeah," Spike groaned, "I know."
"You guys, come on, we're going to be late!" Twilight called out.
"Coming!" the duo shouted simultaneously.
-
"Fillies and gentlecolts, I am humbled to pronounce today, Bakers day, a national holiday!" Celestia announced, which was followed by a roar of cheers.
"Wow there's a lot of ponies here. Stay close to me," Twilight commanded. "You know what to do if you get lost, right Spike?"
"Yes ma'am," Saluted spike as he unveiled a ring, "One ring to teleport anywhere!"
"Don't brag, it's just a simple enchantment spell. You can only use it three times, so don't waste them," Twilight warned.
"Alright," Spike sighed. "Let’s party!"
"Whatcha doing here, Twilight?" A certain pink mare bounced towards the unicorn.
"Pinkie? You're here?" Twilight gasped.
"Well, duh!” Pinkie laughed. “It's Bakers day!" Pinkie shot herself out of her party cannon into a rocket that blew up into fireworks that spelled out 'Bakers day', then Pinkie appeared again out of nowhere and roared behind twilight.
"How did- Eurgh, just... never mind,” Twilight sighed in resignation. “So are you happy it's an official holiday?"
"Of course I am, silly! It's the best holiday since winter." Pinkie jumped up and down in excitement.
"How much coffee have you had?" Twilight asked, obviously seeing the extremity of the enthusiasm emanating from the pink pony.
"About thirty mugs,” Pinkie chirped, “I need all the energy I can get." Pinkie kept jumping up and down, but now she was on a trampoline that had mysteriously materialized.
"Oh, Pinkie," Twilight sighed, completely awestruck by the energetic pony.
-
"So what was in the letter you received, Apple Bloom?" Spike asked.
"Oh, he was an old friend," Apple Bloom smiled.
"How did he know I would read it?"
"Oh. Um, ah may have told him a bit about you, maybe," Apple Bloom chuckled nervously.
"How long ago did you meet him?" Spike asked.
"It’s none of your business, Spike," Apple Bloom snapped, and the dragon recoiled in shock. “Sorry, it's, just bad memories."
"Sorry for reminding you. I guess it must be hard trying to forget, huh," Spike said comfortingly and hugged her.
"Yeah," Apple bloom laid her head onto his shoulder.
-
"Alright, where do you want to go? Donut Joe’s? Bores eats?" Spike asked, "Heck we might be able to see Bowls Tolls, I heard his candies are good."
"Hmm, ah don't know," Apple Bloom replied, "Ah hear Bon Bon's bonbons are over here, an' she had a special piece for me to try, an' ah could bring a friend as well."
"Well, it doesn't matter where we go, as long as I'm with you," Spike smiled.
"Thanks Spike, it makes me happy that ah have ya for a friend." Apple Bloom kissed him on the cheek.
"Aww, don't make me blush in public," Spike tried to protect his blush.
"Oh ah know, and ah know real well," Apple Bloom smiled slyly.
"Apple Bloom, you better not!" Spike instantly knew what she was talking about,.
"Get over here!" Apple bloom lunged herself in front of the dragon.
"Ah!" Spike plummeted to the ground with the filly on top, "Well, this looks awkward."
"Well on the bright side, ah gotcha," Apple Bloom smirked.
"Alright, you got me this time, but watch out next time," Spike laughed.
-
"Twilight, how are you enjoying the festivities?" Spoke a voice from behind Twilight.
"Ah, Princess Celestia! What a pleasant surprise. The party has been quite entertaining," Twilight smiled.
"Well, have you tasted any of the sweets?”
"No, I haven't the appetite, just a bit stirred."
"Oh, pray tell."
"It's just Spike acting different, ever since he met Apple Bloom," Twilight shrugged.
"Ah, then it’s simple: Spikes just growing up."
"But, it's just-" Twilight was paused by Celestia's hoof,
"Don't worry, Twilight. He's still your baby dragon," Celestia smiled.
-
"Oh yeah, Bon Bons bonbons taste delightful," Spike announced as he devoured his bonbon.
"Mhmm, and Mr. Joe's donuts were pretty good too," Apple Bloom finished her donut.
"Hey kids, want a piece of candy?" A voice came from behind them.
Though it is a bit early to do these. I really want to thank everyone who has helped Through this entire storyline. I have read all of your comments and all of your thoughts. And yes this story is a bit rushed. and it really doesn't make sense. Anyone who thinks that they can do better; Good for you. Go ahead. You have my permission to use this story as the basis for it. Blow me away. Buy For everyone who liked and favorited this story.
THANK YOU!
To my editor. Tom. Or really Vexy. Thanks for sticking with me. Even though I probably drove You crazy. Thanks. It means a lot.
To the person who gave me the idea. MallaJong1 that guy with a crazy fro.
And to everyone who favorited this story!
Thanks. The final chapter. I know. Sad. Will be coming out very soon. But anyways
The extensive party continued all the way into midnight, either the partygoers were drunk or high on sugar. Nopony seemed to care, so on with the party!
-- Continued --
"Sure thanks. What's your name?" Spike took a piece of candy. "Hmm, this tastes, uh. Interesting."
"The names Trap, Candy Trap." the stall pony smiled devilishly.
"Here take a piece Apple bloom." Spike handed apple bloom a piece.
"Is it caramel?" Apple bloom asked.
"Nope."
"What is it?" Spike asked, leaning forward in anticipation.
"You need to promise me you wouldn't tell my competition, it would ruin my reputation." Candy swooped down dramatically.
"We promise." Apple bloom said.
"Then, the secret ingredient is:" Candy trap moved closer between them, "Sleeping sugar."
"Uh oh." Both spike and apple bloom slipped into a deep sleep.
"Too easy for their own good." Candy trap chuckled and placed the two on his back and ran.
--
"Spike? Apple bloom? Where are you?" Twilight ran around the royal gardens. "Oh! Where are you two?"
"Twilight Sparkle? What are thou looking for?" A voice boomed behind her.
"Ah! Princess Luna! I've been looking for spike and Apple bloom for hours!" Twilight jumped.
"Thou looking for thine followers?" Luna landed as she spoke. "Then we shall send thy gaurds after them"
"Princess, with all due respect. I can't let you do that. This just doesn't seem right, I-I think it's been a foal-napping.."
"Foal-napping? Art thou sure?" Luna gasped.
"I hope not."
"I will have an expatiation with our sister." Luna said as she spread her wings and flew into the sky.
--
"Ugh, my head. What happened?" Spike stirred.
"Not sure, woah!" Apple bloom said as she fumbled around.
"Well, look who's up now. Hello." A voice came from the top of the room. "Betcha wish you never met me huh?"
"Ugh I knew it. Too suspicious, stupid love for sweets." Spike groaned. "Why us? There were hundreds of kids there."
"Well. I just knew you were special. To a few people I loathe." Again the spoke voice. "But I on the other hand must keep a trap tradition! Ah. I got to go. If your tirsty there a few water bottles over there. Bye now!"
"Aw shucks." Both Spike an apple bloom said.
--
"Pinkie! Something terrible happened!" Twilight said as the magic from her recent teleport disapated
"Wait! I know. Spike and Apple bloom have been taken captive and are somewhere in canterlot." Pinkie said.
"How did you?" Twilight stood still thunderstruck.
"I'll never tell." Pinkie winked.
"Twilight?" A tall figure appoached the two.
"Celestia!" Twilight spoke.
"Come." Was all Celestia said as she teleported both of Twilight and Pinkie with her.
--
"Where are we?" Twilight asked.
"The canterlot secret Arcives." Celestia answered. "It has been over five hundred years since a case of foal-napping has happened."
"What are the canterlot secret Arcives though?"
"The cantorlot secret Archives are the greatest secret known to equestria. You are the first exception. Since these are your friends I am allowing this only visit." Celestia sighed.
"But. the item we are looking for is a series of books containing the names of known foal-napers and their family's. even to this day their family is tracked for the rest of eternity." Celestia used her magic to pull out three books.
"It will take me days to read all of this." Twilight said when she took a look at the whith of the books.
Celestia stopped and looked at twilight. "Oh my dearest student. This is the least of your worries. You need to gather your friends."
"I will princess. Come on pinkie. We have to make a special trip back to ponyville." Twilight charged her horn.
-
"Applejack. Wake up!" Twilight teleported into her bedroom.
"Twilight? Ah thought you'd be back tomorrow. What brings you back early?" Applejack asked as she stood up. "And, uh, why are you in my room?"
"Apple bloom and spike have been taken."
"By celestia." Applejack gasped. "Big Mac. Granny get up. Its an emergency!"
"What's the emergency?" Big Macintosh stormed into the room.
"They are missin' Big Mac." Applejack replied.
"Applejack, come on, we got to get the others." Twilight said as she charged up her horn for another teleportation spell.
-
"Rarity. Wake up!" Twilight banged on the door.
"Dear. Is that you? Your back early. And. Oh my it's late, what's the problem?" Rarity came outside.
"They've been foal-napped."
"Oh dear. What are we waiting for? Go!"
-
"Rainbow dash. Get down here!" Applejack said as she tried to get the cloud down.
"Jeez what's up now? I'm trying to get some shut eye."
"Spike and apple bloom have been taken!"
"Count me in!" Rainbow dash jumped out from her cloud bed.
-
Twilight finally stopped at fluttershys home. She started rapping at the door.
"Um who's there?" Said a quiet suttle voice from behind the door.
"Fluttershy. It's me Twilight. It's an emergency." Twilight stopped knocking on the door.
"Oh my. I hope it's not serious."
"It is."
"What's wrong?" Fluttershy came out of her house.
"Spike and apple bloom have been taken."
"Oh no! That's horrible!"
"We need to go now."
-
"Alright we're here." Twilight finished teleporting her friends into the canterlot archives.
"By golly. This place is amazing!" Applejack gasped at the room.
"Simply mavolous!" Rarity observed.
"Ooh shiny knob!" Pinkie stared into the doorknob.
"Pinkie pie. You are too random." Rainbow dash hovered in the air.
"So, um. How are we going to save spike and apple bloom? Um, if that's what we are going to do." Fluttershy said meekly.
"That is exactly what we are going to do." Celestia walked into the room. "But of course. We will need your help. Twilight. I have found the pony. His family name is Trapp. They are the longest run of the source of the recent foal-nappings. There is no current address but his name. Candy Trapp."
"This is not good." Twilight sighed.
-
"This is the worst date ever." Complained spike. "I knew I should have left you home. This would have never happened."
"Spike. You knew didn't know this would happen" Apple bloom consoled the indented dragon.
"I know. But you shouldn't be trapped here. You should be hanging with your friends." Spike sighed. "I just hope twilight will hurry."
