> Clouds and Tears, Hugs and Cheers > by uioui > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Spike The Healer And Rainbow Dash The Recipient > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The day was enlaced in spring’s fingertips, Celestia’s charge shone across Equestria. Flowers were starting to bloom as they started glistening as they spread their brilliance to all who could see, animals were starting to wake up and all the ponies were running around getting ready to celebrate such a glorious time. All but a certain Pegasus. Said Pegasus was in conflict. Her mane was a wreck, her eyes were bloodshot and full of tears but the most heart-breaking thing was she looked destroyed. The mare known as Rainbow Dash was walking small circles in her own home, far from prying eyes as she muttered small whispers of the cancer that was causing her depression. If you had the hearing of Pinkie Pie your ears could probably pick up on her vocalizations. She was talking about the Wonder Bolts, the one thing that could crush her impenetrably strong heart, a heart her friends thought could withstand any fight or lack of loyalty. Such a heart did not exit. As always her friends were wrong. Every mare has their own weakness, whether big or small. Weaknesses like Fluttershy’s fear of large dragons, only large ones because the timid Pegasus has quite a strong friendship with a certain assistant. It could be in the form of disappointing a mentor, oddly reminiscent of Twilight’s fear. It could even be the fear of a small hairy creature known as “spiders” that even the beloved princess of the sun suffers from. But for the elemental of loyalty, it is the fear of getting rejected by the Wonder Bolts, a group she had been dying to join since she was a small filly. A fear that seems to encompass her very heart with ice cold fingers, fingers the complete opposite of spring’s fingers. A fear that she believed was about to become the bleakest reality of her life. She still remembered the day a dream of a Pegasus was born, a dream of hope, excitement and a need to prove her. A dream in which she aspires to be remembered, to be praised and to be loved. A dream cultivated by one single event, the day she saw the Wonder Bolts performing for the first time. A day she could never hope to forget, not with magic, not with friends and certainly not with the elements of harmony. Flashback “MOM! I don’t want to join flight camp!” Little filly Rainbow Dash was whining to her mother, a greenish Pegasus with a rainbow mane herself. She was getting quite exhausted about her daughter’s lack of enthusiasm to join flight camp. Even though she was quite the caring mare she could never quite understand her daughter’s wanton hate of flying. Was she scared? Was she unable to? Or was she just lazy? The mare was seated next to her husband, a light blue Pegasus with a blue mane, who just flashed his daughter a rather understanding smile before he spoke up, his tone carrying love and a convincing chord with it. “Tell you what dear, let’s make a deal. I’ll take you out to see a special group of fliers and if you like them you will join the camp. If you don’t your mother and I will completely forget about sending you to the camp.” Rainbow’s mother looked surprised at her husband; she knew he must have been planning something. Mental clockworks were churning as she tried to decipher her husband’s mysterious ploy to twist her daughter’s mind into joining flight camp, all of a sudden a light bulb switched on with in. “You’re not thinking about THEM, are you?” Her husband grinned the cheekiest of smiles before turning to his little filly that had a look of boredom plastered across her cute little face, but she still wanted to negotiate, after all what tis use is of a deal if you can’t make a guaranteed win-win? “I don’t know……” Her father knew she was going to be like this, but being the excellent father figure he is, (at least he thinks he is); he decided to play along with his cute filly. “Tell you what, joining or not I will get you ice cream and donuts after. Sound good?” After that the small filly screeched a terrific yay and bowled over her two parents in a giant hug. With that her parents embraced her in a group hug and started chuckling, mission accomplished. With that the little filly’s fate was sealed and there was no way of going back on her decision as her parents had her with that deal. That day her father had took her to the Wonder Bolt’s performance in Canterlot, a performance that was often heralded as the best one the current team of Wonder bolts have ever had the pride of undertaking. “End of Flashback” Tears started streaming down Rainbow Dash’s face once again. The memory was jolted from its hiding place as she once again remembered what had happened after finally attending it. Another dagger jab sliced through her heart, she fell in love with the tricks and decided to join, but she knew that she couldn’t just saunter to a counter and beg Spitfire; no she needed to prove herself first before she gets a much wished invite to join. Every stunt played through her mind as more and more knives entered. In her haze she grabbed a nearby pot and chucked it at a nearby painting of her idolized team, it smashed into tiny little pieces at the same time shredding the masterpiece. How could this happen? She had proven herself multiple times! She helped saved Equestria twice or three times, heck she couldn’t have even counted anymore the number of times she saved the flanks of every pony. She finally decided she couldn’t take it and she desperately required a friend. She slowly sauntered off to her telephone as she started mentally analysing who to call. Most of her friends were gone, Twilight was in Canterlot, Fluttershy was busy tending to her animals, Rarity was currently making a dress for Fancypants, Pinkie was visiting her family for the first time in years and Applejack was currently apple bucking. Rainbow Dash screamed in utter frustration, how in this huge land could all of her friends be busy at the same time, before she realized who to call. Her face lit up in a grin for a fraction of a second. Just as she was about to dial someone she saw a white letter with a Wonder Bolt seal on it, she instantly fell in a fit of rage as she slapped the letter away. If looks could do damage then the look Dash was sending the letter would have incinerated it on the spot. “Stupid piece of paper.” Rainbow Dash hissed. As she started dialling, the letter started unravelling and any pony could clearly read the content, it was actually quite heart-breaking and shocking. Why if anyone else had read it they would have said that the cyan maned mare didn’t deserve to get this letter after everything she has accomplished. Dear Student of the Wonder Bolt Academy You have been promptly expelled from the academy on account of recklessness and deviation from protocol. As of today you will no longer be allowed on campus and you shall be stripped of rank and uniform. You have also been promptly banned from a chance at joining the team until another evaluation has been done. Yours Truly Head Mistress Spitfire ________ If you weren’t blind you could probably see a purple dragon walking the streets. For a dragon he seemed to be bipedal, although even on four legs he was quite tall and muscular. He had sharp green spikes positioned from the top of his head to the bottom of his tail. He also had the well-developed snout of a crocodile which only added to his appearance. But one of the most defining characteristics of his draconian body was his two large wings, strongly built for flight, flight which he undertook daily. If you also haven’t been in Pony Ville long, you would probably be running and screaming for your mommy. But the dragon, also known as Spike, has been around ponies in this small quaint town for so long they have gotten used to a dragon among their midst. If you also looked closer you could see the facial features on his face that easily crushed the idea of a blood thirsty killing machine. His eyes were locked in concern and his lips contorted into a frown. If somebody would have asked him on why the long face, he would have answered that he was concerned for a certain Wonder Bolt fan, but every pony was busy and none even spared him a glance. The dragon with even more prodding would have bestowed quite a lot more more information. He had gotten a call from the rainbow Pegasus , who had asked him quite politely to come and visit her, apparently she tried her best to make it seem casual but to Spike it was all a ruse, the way she cut off between lines, her jittery tone, nothing added up to happiness. The dragon had known Rainbow Dash for quite some time; one would have even said they were the closest of friends with a single glance. Spike could easily tell when she was upset, she would try to speak normally or even as quite as Fluttershy instead of her boastful tone, she would walk in small circles, she would beat around the bush and she would stay holed up in her cloud house for a bit before finally trying to get to her friends. She seemed to be the pony that was the polar opposite of the loveable loyalty fanatic, who even the princesses had come to like. He also knew that there were very few things that could upset the Pegasus, death of friends, death of family, the Wonder Bolts….. Wait a second. That seemed to spark something in the drake’s brain. Something flashed in connection with the spark to the purple dragon’s mind. The Wonder Bolts? Hasn’t Rainbow been to their academy? Maybe there was a link, a linkage he would try to find out and either cut or strengthen depending on the situation in the hopes of cheering the mare up. Spike for the first time since the call grinned, he momentarily forgot about the problem as he thought about cheering his beloved mare up ,he was going to cheer his Dash and no one in Tartarus is going to stop him, not any giant three headed dog, not any bloody troll princess and certainly not any draconesque or mad librarian. Spike even still remembers how they had first gotten close. It was a rather “painful” experience if the dragon may say so. Screw that, it wasn’t painful, it was excruciating, but in the end Rainbow still made it up to him. “Flashback” Rainbow Dash was cruising through the troposphere; she had not the slightest inkling of care in the world. Flying was her life, her passion and it burned like the sun. Nothing could ever hope to extinguish that fire, not her friends, not her family, probably not even the Wonder Bolts. She loved nothing more than flying. She loved how the wind seemed to caress every inch of her muscular wings, she adored the sight of Equestria from high up, she was infatuated with the clouds rubbing on her as she soared through them, she was enamoured with all the tricks she could perform and she treasured the idea that any wrong move could kill her. Okay so the last part seemed bleak but that is what she feels. She knew she could rely on her body to carry her through any challenge, any battle and any flight. She was in such a state of euphoria that she shut her eyes and smiled, this wasn’t the first time she got caught up with the moment and it certainly is not going to be the last. She flapped her wings faster and started flying more quickly, she was flying so fast now it appeared just like a blur in the sky every time she passed over an unsuspecting pony down below. Every minute she accelerated, she soon started to twist around like she was queen of the sky. It was like she was some kind of terrific tornado, a tornado that was grinning badly. “This is awesome!” Rainbow Dash was almost at the speed needed for a sonic rain boom. All she needed to do was flier faster and faster. Acceleration increasing she started to home in on a group of clouds with one thought, to demolish them. Closer and closer to the clouds she got till finally sh- *THWACK* The Pegasus was stunned; her body was aching from a collision. What had hit her? It seemed to be as hard as a rock. Luckily she didn’t manage to black out before the mare regained control over her body and managed to balance herself. The same couldn’t have been said for her object of collision. “What in the name of Spitfire?” Rainbow Dash quickly swerved and saw the purple object; she squinted to get a better view and gasped, if it was who she thought it was then she was screwed. She quickly flew after it and just managed to grab onto the creature before it hit the ground. It was Spike! The little dragon had sprouted his wings a few months ago and had quickly learnt to fly, he must have just been having a leisure flight and she hurt him with her recklessness. With that she started to feel slightly guilty. Rainbow Dash noticed the poor drake was unconscious from the impact and swiftly flew towards the library, the home of one mad purple mare that would probably kill her for hurting Spike. Her mind praying for Celestia’s luck to help her with the mad mare. She knew if Twilight was around then she would be a very, very dead element of harmony. Twilight was really defensive when it came to Spike, probably because Spike was both her brother and best friend. “Shit shit shit shit” Rainbow Dash finally noticed the window of the library and promptly smashed through it, glass was scattered everywhere as the blue bodied mare started calling for the tenant of the tree. Although she was scratched up, she just groaned more from the fact she will probably have to pay for that. “Twilight!” Images of being turned into a doll, spider, cupcakes or even a spider eating cupcakes and playing dolls were currently rushing through Dash’s head as she tried to imagine the look on Twilight’s face. All that was dispelled when she saw a note. She softly placed Spike on the couch as she read the small sticky yellow paper. Dear Spike Currently in Canterlot, please watch over the library for me. It is urgent, Celestia wants me to get rid of spiders and she threatens to block out the sun if I don’t. Love Twilight Sparkle “Oh that’s just great!’ Rainbow dash roared, but on the inside she let out a sigh of relief. “What is?” Rainbow Dash screamed in terror, turned round and bucked what she thought was a robber. All she could hear was the sound of wood breaking and a muffled “Okay, I think I broke a spike.” Rainbow’s eyes opened up in shock as she realized who she just bucked. She speedily turned around and there was Spike; he was lying on top of a broken and splinted table. “What have I done to deserve this Celestia?!” Rainbow Dash quickly grabbed the first aid kit from the top of the cabinet; she had not the faintest idea on what the hay to do. As she turned in the direction of Spike, purple claws grabbed the first aid kit. Spike was staring at her with a battered and bruised face, frowning to say the least. “Oh no you don’t! What’s next kicking me in the nuts?” Spike quietly sat down and started applying bandages and antiseptic spray on the cuts, while Rainbow Dash started deciphering a method on apologizing. She was just about the say something when a clawed hand reached up and shushed her. “No need to apologize Rainbow, I have been in worse shit.” Spike shrugged. Dash smiled awkwardly as she tried to think of something to make conversation. She was also quite surprised that Spike had that kind of language, although it was probably due more to the fact he was injured than anything else. “Well you know what they say; Wonder Bolts are too fast to look where they’re going.” And failed utterly, Spike just sent Dash a mock glare before resuming his ministration. Rainbow Dash was feeling guiltier and guiltier. How could Spike just shrug off an accident like that, he could have been in ICU or worse! She tried to rack her mind for more ideas when a switch went off in her head. She shakily turned to Spike and asked him quizzically. “Hey Spike do you want to get cupcakes and ice cream at sugar cube corner?” For the first time since the accident, Spike smiled. He was easily the quickest to please in the bunch. *Flashback end* Spike was grinning from ear to ear, the experience may have aggrieved like no other, but the treats Rainbow Dash had bought for him more than made up for it. Why if anyone could see the dragon, they would practically say he would have been glowing, although if he said that to Twilight she would refute the argument with something reminiscent of science. He had also discovered he shared a lot of his interests with Rainbow Dash, they both loved sports, they loved Daring Do, they both loved to eat and nap, even Spike is a fan of the Wonder Bolts. They also loved to swear, but Spike put on a hiatus for a while on his language, just to please his “sister”. Spike still remembers when he told Dash that he was a fan, she screamed and easily woke up the neighbourhood. Only when the pitchforks, torches and a lynch mob got lost later, did they stop running, although it was a bunch of fun to say the least for the two. Spike finally relented; he started chuckling and chuckling and chuckling. Passer-bys thought he was crazy and steered clear of the Looney dragon. He was chuckling so hard that within a minute he had walked straight into a sigh post. He looked pissed at the sign post for a minute, almost looking like Clint Ponywood asking the sign if it is feeling lucky, then by a stroke of luck he finally managed to remember. And he also face hoofed at the fact he threatened a signpost, I mean really a fucking signpost? This was the signpost directly below Rainbow Dash’s house. Spike slowly grimaced as he visualized what sort of trauma was going through his close friend’s head, and how he may support her. The dragon slowly unfurled his wings, started flapping and flew straight to the condo of clouds. ********** “Where is that drake? I need him.” Rainbow Dash whispered, her mind in a jumble as she tried conjuring an explanation for the lack of dragon in her house. She started trotting back and forth, where was the damned drake? She needed a companion, someone to cheer her up. She had even had a bath and cleaned herself up just so her angst wouldn’t be that noticeable. Yet she still felt dirty, like something was eating away at her spirit and pride. But she was lying to herself, she did know what was eating at her, it was the Wonder Bolt’s rejection. How could something she trained so hard and so long for evict her like she was nothing? She needed a release, someone to spill all her feelings to, her devotion, her dreams and her pride. And who better more than a certain handsome drake? Yet what was taking him so damn long? Rainbow Dash sighed in annoyance, always the impatient one even in times of sadness and hurt. Lucky for the mare her prayer had been answered, at least she thinks, she heard the bell on her cloud door ringing. True to the second part of her name she was at the door in a second, she ripped the door open and yelled with the voice of a dragon born from that Equrim video game. “Finally Spike you’re here… And there was Derpy bringing the mail. Rainbow Dash just twitched as the cross eyed mail passed her a letter. “Sorry for being late Dash, busy bringing the other ponies their mail.” And with that she left. Rainbow just sighed and before entering the living room heard another tap, she quickly scampered over thinking it was Spike and there was the grey mare again. This time she shoved a package into her hooves. Dash was pissed. “Sorry about that Dash, I forgot about this one.” With that she left and Dash once again tried to enter the living room before she heard another tap, thinking it was the dragon she once again raced to the door and threw it open. “Ok you little scaly buck, I have waited lo…. And there was Derpy once again who looked confused, but she just passed more letters. “Sorry once again Dash I forgot about these letters.” She finally left. To say Dash was frustrated was an understatement, she was boiling, no she was the epitome of fury and she was ready to kick some flank. The next time Derpy came by she was going to kick her off the cloud, no matter the lack of crime that was attributed to the grey mare’s name, which just happens to be conveniently the next 5 seconds as she heard a knock. Dash opened the door, screamed a ferocious battle cry and kicked straight up. What she didn’t expect was a rather masculine scream, and the sound of rolling on her clouds. She swerved her eyes toward the organism she had just kicked and there was the dragon she was waiting for. He was clutching his eggs and screaming, the scales around his reproductive area were the only soft scales in his whole body. “My babies! My babies!” Rainbow Dash blushed and groaned at the same time. Today was NOT a good day to be Rainbow Dash. ********* Spike was in pain, this was not what he expected the turnout would be when he wanted to comfort Rainbow Dash. He was currently placed on Dash’s couch with a bag of ice on the impact area, it ached but Spike pushed that out of his head for a moment and decided to focus on the problem he came for. Although he was still worried that he might never be able to reproduce, oh well he can adopt. Rainbow Dash was almost in tears again. This was not what she wanted, she wanted someone to comfort her, not writhe around in agony. But she quickly put on her “fake” smile and glanced at Spike, although the drake could see through it like some kind of x-ray. “I’m sorry Spike, are you ok?” Spike thought for a moment and decided this was the most appropriate way to approach the topic. “It’s ok I am fine, what I’m worried about is you.” Spike uttered before slowly getting up and hugging Rainbow Dash. The mare jumped back a bit but slowly melted into his embrace. Damn it he was doing his thing to her again. “Now Dashey, Tell me what is wrong.” Dash groaned slightly, the drake always knew what to do and say. It was no wonder every pony loved having him around. He was the perfect gentle drake and most mares would probably kill to have him, he was also funny and also quite intelligent. And it was due to that charm that she started leaking the truth and her tears. “I was kicked out of the academy and my chance at joining the Wonder Bolts was crushed okay?” Spike was more surprised at the fact Dash was crying than the part about the academy, seriously the Rainbow Dash, the fastest flier in Equestria was crying? But he didn’t speak, he didn’t interrupt, he let her cry on his shoulder. “After everything I have done, everything I have accomplished WHY?!” Rainbow Dash was finally letting the floodgate open, her torrent of emotions gushing out like a storm surge. It was heart breaking for the dragon to see a mare so close to his heart in such pain. “Why?” They stayed like that for an hour before the sound of snoring assaulted Spike’s ears. He looked down and saw the beloved element of loyalty with a tired glint on her eye lids and hooves draped over Spike’s chest oddly like she was clutching a rather soft pillow. “She must have been exhausted” Spike had thought. Spike just kept on holding her; she looked so cute in her sleep. Spike smiled and then something clicked in his mind. He slowly placed his Dash’s head on a pillow and placed a blanket on her as he sauntered over into the Pegasus’s study, it was the dustiest place Spike had ever been to, not a surprise because he figured Rainbow Dash was the type to do much writing or anything involved in an office. He grabbed a quill and paper and started writing. He explained every detail, he clarified the situation and he begged for an answer. Every muscle in his hand was aching for writing so much. He had to do it in small font just to make it fit on the page as he didn’t want to use up all the paper. When everything seemed perfect the dragon stood up and placed the letter in an envelope. He then started to visualize the mare he was sending it to, orange hair, blue uniform and cheeky but strict smile. It was the headmistress of the academy, Spitfire. He then let out a breath of flame as the letter burned and started flying towards its destination. He then thought up another idea as he grabbed a piece of paper and wrote even more, after he slowly strolled into the kitchen, grinning like the Cheshire cat as he now knew the perfect idea to cheer the rainbow maned Pegasus once again and turn her into the proud flier she once was. ******* As Rainbow Dash awoke she started feeling for a certain purple pillow, she quickly jumped out of the coach. Where was her drake? Had he left? Was he hiding? Was he kidnapped by Pinkie Pie and turned into horrifyingly sweet cupcakes? Okay that last part was stupid, but it didn’t banish the idea from her mind. “Maybe he left because you were such a failure…” A voice in her head muttered. “Shut up!” She replied back. Rainbow Dash started having a mental fight with herself. They traded blows with one another until a remarkable aroma wafted throughout the room which K.O. both fighters. Her stomach grumbled like an earthquake and her mind switched to autopilot as she seemingly hovered towards the kitchen. The first thing she saw was a table covered in a buffet. There were daisy sandwiches, stacks of cupcakes with honey, cupcakes and a beaker of her favourite drink, ice tea, the fragrance seemed to penetrate her nostrils like it was begging her to eat and she wasn’t going to decline the offer. At the speed of light she sat down and started gobbling the food at an alarming rate. It was at least 10 minutes before she had stopped; when she did she let out a rather loud animalistic burp. “Boy that was good, but where did it come from?” “I cooked it of course you silly mare.” Rainbow Dash swerved round, just barely managing to stay on the chair. Her eyes bulged as she realized who had cooked for her, before she noticed the guitar he was carrying. “You cooked for me?” “Of course I did, I came over to kick you out of the dumps and I knew food was a good way.” Spike’s eyes glistened with humour, before Rainbow Dash stood up and gave him a hug. The drake seemed to know just about everything when it came to her. “Thanks Spike.” Spike’s maw lifted into a rather sneaky smile for a fraction of a second, something Dash just managed to catch on to. “That isn’t all.” That seemed to lift Rainbow Dash’s curiosity. What could Spike have been planning? The food was more than enough. Many scenarios rushed through her mind before she heard singing. There in all his glory was Spike strumming the guitar as he started singing. Rainbow Dash smiled, so that was the surprise huh? She loved it. Yeah, just waking up in the morning in the B well Quite honest with ya I ain't really sleep well You ever feel like your train of thoughts been derailed That's when you press on, Lee Nails Spike sat down on a chair as he smiled setting the blue Pegasus’s heart on fire. He started strumming even faster to catch up with the tune. It wasn’t hard at all considering he had claws and hands. His voice seemed to carry just the right amount of pitch and tune. Half the population just waiting to see me fail Yeah, right, you better off trying to freeze hell Ha, some of us do afford the females And others do afford the retails Something about the lyrics seemed to reflect Dash’s situation, it only made her appreciate Spike’s gesture even more. Seriously how often does a mare get a dragon to sing for her?! It made her seem like she was the luckiest in the world. But I do it for the kids life through the Tower Inn Or every time we fall it's only making your chin strong And I'll be in yer corner like Mick, baby 'Til the end or when you hear the song from that big lady “Oh Spike” Rainbow Dash muttered. Spike smiled once again with his draconic charm before he alighted the air with another set of vocalizations, easily capturing Dash’s attentions and unwilling to let it go. Until the referee rings the bell Until both your eyes start to swell Until the crowd goes home What we gonna do ya'll? Spike started playing the guitar with his tail as he stood up and grabbed Rainbow Dash, to say she was surprised was sugar coating it, but she quickly gave in to the mare. Give 'em hell, turn their heads Gonna live life 'til we're dead Give me scars, give me pain Then they'll say to me, say to me, say to me Spike spun Rainbow Dash as the Pegasus for the first time that day completely forgot about the Wonder Bolts. “Watch out world! Spike had just gotten 20 per cent cooler!” And if I can last 30 rounds There's no reason you should ever have your head down 6 foot 5, 220 pounds Hailing from rock bottom, loserville, nothing town Spike exploded with joy at that comment and started tapping his feat faster to the music as he sang even more energetically. The textbook version of a kid going nowhere fast And now I'm yelling kiss my ass It's gonna take a couple right hooks, a few left jabs For you to recognize you really ain't got it bad Spike chucked Rainbow Dash in the air as he spun around, before the flier could hit the floor Spike had caught her bridal style. Until the referee rings the bell Until both your eyes start to swell Until the crowd goes home What we gonna do ya'll? He then set her on the ground as the Pegasus jumped over Spike like a funky dance move. Give 'em hell, turn their heads Gonna live life 'til we're dead Give me scars, give me pain Then they'll say to me, say to me, say to me Spike then brohoofed Rainbow as twirled the guitar around his head using his flexible tail. There goes a fighter, there goes a fighter Here comes a fighter That's what they'll say to me, say to me, say to me This one's a fighter Rainbow Dash then hugged Spike and they started doing the slow dance ballroom style while Spike continued to expand and contract his vocal chords. What we gonna do, what we gonna do? What we gonna do, what we gonna do ya'll? What we gonna do, what we gonna do? What we gonna do ya'll? Spike then detached himself from the mare and jumped on the table as he continued his singing. Give 'em hell, turn their heads Gonna live life 'til we're dead Give me scars, give me pain Then they'll say to me, say to me, say to me Rainbow Dash quickly followed and hugged Spike while he continued ringing, the table lucky for them did not crumble under the sheer weight of a pony and dragon. There goes a fighter, there goes a fighter Here comes a fighter That's what they'll say to me, say to me, say to me This one's a fighter Spike looked at Rainbow Dash straight in the eyes as he finished up the chorus. Until the referee rings the bell Until both your eyes start to swell Until the crowd goes home What we gonna do, kid? As he finished he was quickly tackled by a blue and cyan blur, both the figures were rolling on the floor. Dash was nuzzling Spike intensely. Spike actually enjoyed the soft fur; he enjoyed it so much he started to caress the mare slowly. Before they got off the floor they appeared to hug each other face to face in an adorable manner, with Spike’s face touching Rainbow Dash’s face as they gripped each other’s appendages at the same time blushing. “Thank you so much Spike! You have made my day! To think I was down from such a pathetic little letter, nothing could make this day any better.” Spike grinned conceitedly. He slowly reached up and caressed the mare’s soft cheeks. “What if I said I could?” Rainbow Dash looked at him like he was Pinkie breaking the fourth wall, wait the mare wondered, what is the fourth wall? Before Spike could do anything more he felt that familiar churning in his stomach and pushed the mare off him so she wouldn’t be hurt. The letter that he vomited was quickly caught and placed in his hand was a familiar blue color and he smiled in glee. “This is for you Dash!” The mare was reminded of all the pain she suffered from the first letter, but a gentle look from the drake smote all the fear out of her heart. She hastily broke off the seal and started reading, with each sentenced that passed her smile grew bigger and bigger that it threatened to jump off her face. Dear Rainbow Dash I must apologize quite profoundly; the letter that was sent to you was an accident. It was meant to another recruit. You are actually Wonder Bolt material and I have decided you have proven yourself skilled enough AND devoted enough. Your Wonder Bolt initiation ceremony will be in a month, please use the uniform that will be sent to you soon and bring one guest, preferably one who could fly as I don’t want another being to smash through the clouds and scare the passer-by’s. Yours Truly Head Mistress and Future Team Captain Spitfire Rainbow dash was in tears, she was overjoyed, excited and grateful. She turned to Spike and asked him a simple question. “Did you do that Spike?” Spike just smiled and nodded. A dragon was once again tackled by a screaming Pegasus, he was laughing as she hit him. “You’re the best drake friend ever!” Spike smiled at the compliment and just reached up and kissed Rainbow Dash on the lips. They both stuck in that position for at least 2 minutes before they broke away. “That’s what drake friends do; they make their loved ones happy and cheer them up at all costs.” Rainbow Dash beamed again. She then said the one thing that made SPIKE’S day, in exchange for making her day. “Well I know who is definitely getting some tonight.” She murmured in a seductive tone. Spike looked at her and started laughing and laughing, within moments he had tears streaming down his face from the absurdity of the situation. “Good one Dashey, that joke also made my day!” By the time he had finished, he looked up and saw the mare. She was grinning even more seductively as she seemed to hover on top of Spike, the drake took one look at her and gulped. “You’re not joking are you?” “Nope.” With that the dragon fainted, never the notice the movement his body was making as Rainbow Dash dragged him into her bedroom. Damn the situation was looking good for our favourite library assistant. > One Month Later > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- *One Month Later* Rainbow Dash looked at herself in the mirror. Her eyes seemed to glow with excitement, her lips contorted into one of the largest smiles. After all these years she was going to achieve her dreams. Everything she fought, she struggled, and sacrificed for was ready to be rewarded. She slowly lifted one of her hooves and started to zip up her blue suit. What suit you may ask? Why none other than the legendary icon of the Wonder Bolts. However unlike the usual suit, it was modified. It had symbols of fire and thunder plastered across it. The cyan maned mare sighed in anticipation. Today was the day, and nothing was going to bring her down. She quickly placed her goggles on and stared back at her reflection. Memories soon started to surge through her mind on her battle to conquer her goals. She remembered watching the Wonder Bolts for the first time, oh how she squealed in delight. Memory of the Nightmare moon incident flashed and she reminisced how she sacrificed her chance at the Shadow Bolts to save her friends. That truly cemented the fact that she was the element of loyalty. She grinned, her emotions getting brighter by the second. She remembered the Gala; no matter what a disaster it had been she still had fun. It was also entertaining to see Spitfire get pissed at Soarin for paying more attention to pie than to her. In the end she finished her night at Donut Joe’s and she wouldn’t have had it any other way. She stood up and took one final glance at the mirror before moving away and into the hall. She recalled when they had turned Discord to stone. He caused a lot of chaos that day but it wasn’t like he really harmed any pony. It wasn’t like the petrification was permanent, they did just release him a few months later, and he seemed to have bonded quickly with Fluttershy. And though Rainbow Dash wouldn’t admit it, she was glad Fluttershy had someone new to talk to. She quickened her pace as she turned the corner; her ears seemed to pick up sound. But one memory that stood out was the attack on the crystal empire by Sombra. Although he nearly succeeded they managed to turn the tides of the battle and destroy the dark prince. Or so they thought. But the person they really had to thank was Spike. If it wasn’t for him they would have been goners in that battle. He had also managed to purify Sombra himself. The kind dragon had sent the dark prince a crystal growing set when the villain hid in tundra; he said it was a gift for giving him time in the spotlight. Rainbow Dash stopped as a faint hue of crimson started to lace her cheeks. It was always Spike that made their day. He helped Twilight keep both her organization levels and sanity in check. He aided Applejack on the farm when she needs help. Instead of treating Pinky like a lunatic he treated her like a very close friend and assisted her with pranks. He spends time with Fluttershy when he isn’t busy and he supports Rainbow Dash when it comes to training for the Wonder Bolts. Is it really a wonder the Pegasus fell for Spike? Imagine the new Wonder Bolt’s initiate’s surprise when Spike reciprocated her feelings. It was like the sweetest of desserts, in more than one way. He was strong, he was fast, he was funny, he was charming, he was caring, he was sweet, he was attractive, and all around awesome. “Almost as awesome as me right?” Rainbow Dash asked herself jokingly although she thought Spike was far superior to her. But she would never say that, she has a reputation as a Wonder Bolt to uphold after all. At the thought of the Wonder Bolt she realized what she was here for and started walking again. She soon came upon a great door and she pushed it and moved though. As she did applause rang through her ears as her eyes adjusted to the sudden light, she swiftly noticed the crowds of thousands cheering. Each one wearing a sort of Wonder Bolt accessory, whether it was a cap, fake wings or a necklace it was all fantastic and they were all chanting the same thing. “Rainbow Dash! Rainbow Dash!” The aforementioned mare smiled the biggest she could, tonight was her night. She strolled faster and faster until she reached a podium, where she quickly met Spitfire. The captain of the team beamed the cyan Pegasus a bright smile as she quickly shook hands with her in front of thousands, no millions of fans. “Congratulations Dash, it was about time too.” She spoke with a tone filled with pride. “I wouldn’t have it any other way Spit.” Rainbow Dash replied, her tone echoing Spitfire’s. “By the way, I forgot to apologize for what happened a month ago. I’m sorry; I was just stressed that day due to Soarin’s lack of enthusiasm towards our dating and stark raving passion for pie. I must have sent the letter to the wrong address.” Spitfire said, her cheeks flushed in embarrassment as she glanced towards the ground. “It’s fine, after all we are still here and I am still getting in one of the most awesome teams in the land thereby making me 20% cooler!” Rainbow Dash squeed in reply as she lightly embraced Spitfire to the amusement of fans. “Besides I have a way to get Soarin to pay attention.” Rainbow Dash uttered silently as she whispered in Spitfire’s ears, the words causing Spitfire to turn redder and redder. “Sounds like a plan.” Spitfire said softly before turning back to the crowd, she began the program to avoid more awkwardness. “Fillies and gentlecolts! We are gathered her today to witness the induction of Rainbow Freeze Dash into the Wonder Bolts due to her many accomplishments!” Spitfire announce in a loud booming voice. The crowd cheered, their combined voices reverberating throughout the arena. The program was finally going to start. Rainbow Dash smiled one last time today was it. Before anything else she scanned the crowd to see if her special drake was there. Just before Spitfire spoke again, Dash spotted a combination of purple and green and saw a rather tall figure. Her face broke into a grin. *Three Hours Later* The after party was amazing; Pinkie Pie had really outdone herself this time. Although only her close friends and some Wonder Bolts were attending, the pink pony really created a marvellous scene in the library. The elegant purple and green hues of streamers accent the numerous cyan balloons scattered across the scene. A large rainbow cake was at the center, complete with numerous side dishes. Applejack had even gone to the trouble of brewing up a large keg of cider as a gift for Rainbow Dash. But the best thing for Rainbow Dash was the fact her closest friends were all there. “Guys you shouldn’t have gone through with all this, this is too much even for a mere as awesome as me.” Rainbow light-heartedly joked, although she was getting all misty eyed. “Aww, is the tough widdle wondabolt getin all teary eyed on us?” Applejack teased before quickly bringing Rainbow Dash into a tight hug. “Jokes aside Dash, congratulations you have finally accomplished your dream.” Applejack sincerely said before all the other mares then joined into the hug. “This is really the best night ever, but where is Spike?” Dash questioned after finally pulling away from the hug. “Oh I forgot to mention, he is on the terrace upstairs waiting for you, said something about a surprise.” Pinkie Pie uttered as if nothing important was going on. “Why don’t you check upstairs darling, who knows you might like it.” The Fashionista white pony said with a bit of command in her voice but kindness in her eyes. The newly inducted Wonder Bolt nodded her head before climbing upstairs, yet in her haste she never noticed the knowing smirks the other members of the Mane 6 were sending each other. As she ascended the stairs, a growing knot started forming in her stomach. Nervousness, fear, but at the same time excitement gnawed at her being. What could the surprise be? She finally reached the top of the stairs and stepped into the astonishing glow of Luna’s moon. Each tendril of darkness seemed to slowly wrap around her, yet it gave a feeling of beauty. The tiny stars accent the massive pearl in a sea of diamonds, each twinkle embedding them in her vision. Complete silence dominated the air as she continued staring, completely enraptured in their beauty. She was utterly fixated until a voice snapped her out of her trance. “Enjoy the sight?” She whipped her head quickly and noticed her beloved drake, how dapper he looked. He was wearing a tuxedo of all things, complete with bowtie. Although she would never say, she was glad he wasn’t wearing that silly top hat. “Oh my Celestia, what are you wearing Spike?” Dash started giggling before she noticed another item at his side. “And is that a guitar?” Spike grinned before taking Rainbow Dash’s hoof into his claws. “Dash remember a month ago when you were down because a letter of expulsion was sent to you by mistake?” The pegasus’s eyes glistened in memory of what had been a sad day turned into the best of her life. “How could I ever forget?” She slowly said as she started inching her face towards the drake. “It was the most painful moment of my life receiving that letter, every word, every letter carved into my heart another wound.” Spike slowly wrapped his arms around Dash before she continued. “Yet, you made everything better for me. I can never forget the food, the song, and the favour you did contacting Spitfire. Even after I kicked you down there, you took it all in stride.” Spike winced slightly. “It was that day I realized I had fallen for the best, greatest, most awesome dragon in all of Ponyville. “The only dragon in Ponyville,” Spike wisely remarked. Dash weakly punched him in the shoulder as Spike continued. “You know what I mean you big lug. Yes I do remember, and I just want to say thank you and I love you.” Spike slowly cupped Dash’s cheeks as they melted into a soft, yet passionate kiss. The sparks showering still as bright as the very first kiss they shared. A minute had passed before the demanding fingers of precious oxygen demanded that they breathe. No words were shared before Spike wordlessly got the guitar and started strumming. “As I saying, I would like to give you another gift Rainy.” Spike snickered slightly as Rainbow Dash groaned at the nickname. “Wonder Bolts don’t get called Rainy Spike, that is so so so- unawesome.” But Dash smiled and Spike took that as his cue to strum louder. “Before we get side tracked Rainy, here is my gift and I wanted it to be similar to our moment a year ago.” With that Spike started singing. Wise men say only fools rush in But I can't help falling in love with you Shall I stay Would it be a sin If I can't help falling in love with you Spike looked at Rainbow Dash and noticed her eyes misting over. He slowly moved closer towards her before kissing her quickly on the lips. Like a river flows surely to the sea Darling so it goes Some things are meant to be Take my hand, take my whole life too For I can't help falling in love with you Rainbow Dash soon starts bobbing her head up and down as she giggles softly, like honey to Spike’s ears. Like a river flows surely to the sea Darling so it goes Some things are meant to be Take my hand, take my whole life too For I can't help falling in love with you For I can't help falling in love with you Feeling the moment Spike goes to say something as Dash utters something simultaneously. “I love you.” “Spike that was beautiful! Oh my Celestia you are making me cry! Please Wonder Bolts don’t cry.” Dash said in jest, yet openly crying now. “You are still a new Wonder Bolt; we have plenty of time to break the habit still.” Spike beamed her a toothy smile. Rainbow Dash just nuzzled her Drake Friend lovingly. Nothing could make this night any better for Dash. “By the way Dash, I have one more surprise for you.” Spoke too soon. Dash nodded her had as a sign to go on, Spike grabbed something from his pocket but concealed it. “I know we have only been together for a month, but we’ve known each other for years. Everyday around you only seems like minutes, and you are the most amazing mare I have ever met. When you say you are awesome, that is something I completely believe in. Just talking to you makes me feel 20% cooler. But now, I have something important to ask you.” Spike uttered with conviction, yet still cutely copying Rainbow Dash a little. He knelt to his feet before finally opening the box. It was an amazing, platinum hoof ring, encrusted with a single, massive diamond, and accompanied by different gemstones all making up the colour of the spectrum. Rainbow Dash was in shock, she was in silence but a sea of happiness was brewing like a cyclone inside her. “Will you marry me?”