Spike and Rarity go to Canterlot on a long weekend vacation both with plans, but things don't always go as planned.
Spike and Rarity go to Canterlot on a long weekend vacation both with plans, but things don't always go as planned. Spike and Rarity are in for a ride. Feelings will be tested and a new ship that I should have never attempted may come to light. Thanks to a wonderful cover art donation, I have some cover art. I must thank you once more alexanderhunt88 for the great contribution.
It was a beautiful morning in Ponyville. The birds were singing, the ponies were just waking up, and the sun had already begun to rise over the horizon. Everything was peaceful. “AHHHHH”… Well almost everything was peaceful.
Twilight came running up the stairs of the library all flustered asking, “Spike! What’s wrong!?” She found Spike sweating and rushing around the house back and forth.
“Today is the day I go with Rarity to Canterlot and I’m not properly packed yet!” Spike said in a rush. He was zooming all over the library gathering some random things into a small case. He grabbed things like two suits, a few gems, a book, cologne, and other items for romance.
Twilight was already doubtful of letting the dragon go in the first place, but both Rarity and Spike insisted on it. She wanted to convince him to stay to avoid getting a broken heart. “Say Spike. Are you sure about going?”
Spike stopped what he was doing and turned to Twilight. “I have never been surer in my life.” Spike said in the most serious tone ever. He then pulled out a list and presented it to Twilight. “This is my ‘Spike wins Rarity’s heart’ plan.” The list he presented was a chore list.
“Um… are you going to do her chores?” Twilight asked. Spike looked at the list and realized the accident. He switched the lists so Twilight could see the proper list.
1. First Day: Escort Rarity to the party in Canterlot at night. 2. Second Day: Go to the races and then help Rarity with shopping for fabrics. 3. Third Day: Go to the Canterlot Carnival 4. Final Day: Confess my love at the end of the Garden Party by the fountain when the full moon is out.
“It’s a perfect plan to win her heart.” Spike proudly said.
“But there is no detail and what if something happens?” Twilight asked and tried to reason with Spike, but it went unnoticed as Spike resumed his packing. “Alright Spike, but if anything happens, go to the Princess.”
“Okay Twilight!” Spike says as he rushes out the door to Rarity’s place.
“Please be okay Spike.”
Spike hurried past the few ponies who easily recognized Spike. He quickly waved to anypony who said “Hi” or anything close to it. Spike had jumped through hoops, slid under some ponies who were carrying glass, dodged a bunch of water balloons, and even did one round of hopscotch. He jumped on a trampoline and landed perfectly in front of Rarity’s house. Nothing was going to stop him from meeting his beloved. He went to open the door and skillfully dodged it as it opened. Unfortunately he dodged it into some rose bushes.
Spike tried to hold in the pain as he saw his beloved come out of the house in some fancy hat. He walked out of the bushes plucking off thorns and whatever else was stuck in him as he went to confront Rarity.
Rarity noticed Spike dusting himself off. “Spike! You’re here early! Now I won’t have to pick you up.”
“I didn’t want to make my lady wait.” Spike had plucked the last of his thorns.
“Well Spike, I only have a little more packing to do so once we finish, we can go to the station.”
“Sounds good to me.” Spike floated behind Rarity into the Boutique.
“Alright Spike. I need …” One hour of packing later. “Okay! I think that is enough. I don’t want to pack too much.” Spike looked at the many bags she had bunched up and put into a cart. He was surprised she called it ‘little’. Just imagine what too many looked like. “Alright Spikey. Let’s go to the station.”
“Say Rarity. How about you go to the station first and get our tickets. I will meet you there.”
“Are you sure Spike?” Spike nodded to assure her that it was fine. “Well okay then.” Rarity went ahead, but was a little worried about leaving him behind. Spike however, was glad she was gone so he wouldn’t look like such a weakling by barely being able to move the cart.
Spike pulled the cart to the station slowly, but he was determined to prove himself to his beloved that he was no wimp. Ponies around looked a little worried for him since he was trying so hard to pull this massive cart. Some ponies even tried to offer assistance out of pity, but Spike wasn’t having that. He continued to pull it with all his might.
By the time Spike reached the station, Spike was ready to go to bed again. He was completely out of air, but he made it. He had conquered the test of strength. Rarity then came walking with a smile that instantly lifted Spike’s tired state. The sparkles that shone around her and her natural radiance, brightened his day.
“Spike! I got the tickets. The train should be here any minute.” The train arrived right after she said that. “Come on Spike!” Spike was happy when some other ponies who worked at the station took the baggage. Now all Spike had to do was relax on the train and have fun with his beloved.
Spike and Rarity both boarded the train and soon enough they were off to Canterlot. Both Spike and Rarity were really excited about the trip. Spike tried to stay awake, but the toll that the cart put and with Spike staying up so late at night put him out cold. Rarity saw Spike had fallen asleep and just hugged his cute little face.
Spike then began to dream about the first event he had planned. The big party at Fancy Pants’ mansion. Spike was inside the main ballroom where many ponies were having conversations. Spike was in a corner next to the drinks. Out of nowhere the lights then dimmed and a spotlight hit the top of a spiral staircase where a beauty like no other was gracefully waiting.
Spike’s eyes began to widen and he just couldn’t look away from her. Once she reached the bottom of the stairs, a wave of stallions raced up to her and asking for a dance, but she didn’t look at any stallion. She walked up to Spike in the corner and said in the most elegant voice, “Would you like to dance?” The stallions around had dropped their mouths in shock.
Spike trying to act as cool as he could accepted her invitation, “I would be honored to dance with you milady.” Spike and Rarity then danced the night away in the center of the ballroom as the center of attention and Spike was the envy of all the Stallions.
As the party dwindled down and they were playing slow dance music, Rarity drew closer to his face. Spike pulled back a little first, but then drew close himself. Before their lips touched, Rarity said “wake up Spike.”
Spike was confused and then started waking up to reality. He then noticed Rarity was gently shaking him to wake him up. “Good morning Rarity.”
“It’s evening. Also we are about to arrive in Canterlot!” Rarity pointed out as the train was only a few minutes away from the capital city. No matter how many times she sees the city, she reacts just like it was her first time to the city.
Spike then stretched about to get his body ready for the second stage of cart pulling. When the train stopped, Spike and Rarity exited the train and Spike was ready to drag that cart all the way to the castle. On the opposite end of town… Well the cart wasn’t going to pull itself.
Spike got behind the handles and began to push. This time Rarity went with him to make sure he was alright. He did pass out in the train after all. Spike had pushed the cart twice as fast as he did because Rarity was there. Twice as fast however, really wasn’t much of a difference. Around Canterlot it was a much different crowd. Not as many ponies came up to offer help, but a lot of them showed pity to him. He still turned down any help. Even when Rarity insisted on it, but he was too determined to prove himself. Rarity chuckled at Spike’s determination. It was cute to see him to try hard to be a tough guy.
Spike’s determination went all the way through the castle gates, through the castle, and all the way to Rarity’s room in one of the towers where she stayed before. Spike looked as though he were ready to pass on to the next world. The only thing keeping him here was the fact that he had not won the heart of Rarity.
He finally collapsed in the middle of the floor as Rarity walked in the room and began surveying things. The bags then started making noises and then fell down like an avalanche right toward Spike. He tried to dodge, but his legs had no strength. Spike was then snagged by Rarity’s magic and tossed toward her.
“Spikey! Are you alright?” Rarity said as she hugged Spike. Spike wanted to reply, but he just melted by her hug. When she took notice how Spike was, she then set him down. “Spike. I think you should go rest up and get ready for the party. I want you in top condition when we go. I just need to unpack a few things.” She then levitated Spike outside the room with his bag. “Remember to be ready around sunset. The carriage will be here around that time.”
Spike hurried to his old room where he and Twilight used to stay back before Ponyville. Spike goes down memory lane as he remembers all the late nights Twilight was studying and the endless experiments she did. Thinking about it made Spike sleepier than before. He passed out on Twilight’s old bed and began to dream once again.
Spike awoke in happiness. I guess his dream had positive results. Spike however, looked outside and saw that the sun was starting to go down, which meant that he needs to get ready or rather needed to be ready now! “AHHHH!!” was heard all throughout the castle. Spike was in a blur of speed as he took a shower, opened his bag, put on his tux and other ‘necessities’, and before Rarity could get to leave her room, Spike was there waiting for his lady.
When Spike laid eyes on Rarity, he almost passed on to the next life. She wore a dress like no other. Spike held in his over joyous state to be more refined. “Wow Rarity. You look amazing.”
“Thank you Spike.” Rarity then quickly scanned her escort. “You look pretty well dressed yourself.” Spike could only hide his flustered face. Rarity then looked at the time and saw that the carriage would arrive soon. She trotted past Spike and called him over when she saw that Spike was still mesmerized, “Come on Spike! We want to be fashionably late, not actually late.”
Rarity and Spike entered the carriage that was provided by Celestia herself. Spike tried to avoid staring at Rarity, but he was too obvious. Rarity teased him throughout the whole ride by doing subtle movements that drew his eyes toward her. She then quickly glanced at him and Spike tried his best to hide his blushing face. Rarity was so amused by the little game she was playing that the ride took almost no time to reach Fancy’s Mansion.
When the carriage stopped, one of the Royal Guards pulling the cart opened the door for both of the passengers. Spike stepped out first and then turned to take the hoof of his lady. As Rarity exited the carriage, she caught the eyes of many stallions who were looking at how benevolent she was. She then took Spike’s claw and exited the carriage nice and slowly.
They walked into the party and noticed that they were getting some attention. They didn’t know if it was from Rarity’s dress or that Spike ‘a dragon’ was her escort. Before they could discover the answer, a familiar voice grabbed Rarity’s attention. “Hello Rarity! I’m glad you could make it. It has been quite some time since we last spoke.”
Spike did not recognize the voice, but as he saw his face he instantly knew who it was. Spike then noticed another mare who was trotting next to him. He recognized that it was Fancy Pants, the eccentric billionaire and probably the most famous unicorn in Canterlot and maybe even Equestria, and the other unicorn was another famous figure Fleur De Lis, supermodel and comes from a prominent family as well.
Spike didn’t know what to do in this situation. He was hoping it would be time for Rarity and he to get better acquainted. Rarity however, was happy to see Fancy Pants, but not so much Fleur. Probably a battle of the beauty or something. Rarity returned the greeting, “Why hello Fancy Pants. I am delighted that you invited my friend and I to one of your parties.”
“I hope you enjoy yourself then.” Fancy continues to talk with Rarity for what seemed like ages for Spike. He couldn’t even get into their conversations since they were either too boring or just not his style. There was another thing that got Spike’s attention.
Fleur seemed to want to talk to Spike, but was sort of hiding behind Fancy each glance he gave her. Spike was confused so he asked her, “Is everything alright?”
Fleur was a little shocked, but answered slowly, “Uh… um… well… I just wanted to ask if you were…” Spike was getting a little impatient, but she finally finished what she wanted to say. “I wanted to know if you’re a real dragon.”
She turned her head away in embarrassment, while Spike stood there with a ‘is she serious?’ look. “Yeah? I am a real dragon.” What happened next took Spike off guard even more.
“Oh! A dragon!! And a young one too!!!” Fleur exclaimed as she rushed and hugged him. Spike first thought to himself that this feels like a Deja-vu, but he can’t remember where. *Fluttershy first discovering Spike*
Spike then pushed away from her hug so Rarity wouldn’t see and to address an important matter. “Hey! I’m no young dragon. I am a mature dragon!”
“Aw. That is so cute.” She didn’t even take his comment seriously.
Fancy seemed more interested in talking to Rarity than the dragon of course, but what struck odd was Fleur seemed more interested in talking to Spike. I guess it is rare to see a dragon at a pony social event.
Fleur then grabbed Spike and took him to the middle of the dance floor. He was not expecting this at all. She was normally so refined and well-behaved, but now she was acting like an excited school girl. Spike just went with it, since all of the ponies were already locked on him and Fleur. If she wanted to dance, then he was going to give it all he got.
The floor cleared and they were surrounded by spectators. The light then shone on them and they began to dance. First was classical music, but then it changed to a jazz style. Spike was showing off moves he didn’t even know he knew and was enjoying every moment. The spectators cheered as the two duo changed dance styles once again as the music shifted into another style. This went on for a little while until Fleur and Spike were exhausted so they ended with one finale of Spike catching her while she did some sort of swan dive. I don’t know. I’m not a dancer.
The crowd cheered them on a spectacular performance, but then it dawned on Spike’s head. Where was Rarity and why did he go and dance without her? Spike then frantically searched for her, but she seemingly had disappeared. Spike hit himself on the forehead pretty hard before slowly making his way to the exit. He couldn’t believe that his plans were ruined because he was distracted for just a moment.
Spike sat outside the mansion on the stairs almost crying. Fleur then came out of nowhere and saw Spike looking down. “Is everything alright?”
Spike looked up at her and thought it was Rarity, but it was just his mind playing tricks on him. “Oh. It’s just you.”
“What do you mean ‘just me’?” Fleur said as she raised her eye brow in curiosity.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean anything by that. I was just hoping to… never mind.” Spike really didn’t want to talk about it much, since it wasn’t really helping him feel better.
Fleur may not have been able to get any information out of him, but she still wanted to cheer him up at least. Before Spike could react anymore, she grabbed his claw and put him on her back. She then rode off to who knows. Spike tried to protest, but Fleur wasn’t having any of it.
They finally stopped in a park near the outskirts of the city. She then let Spike off, but motioned for him to follow. Spike really had no other choice. She would probably magically force him to go up anyways. Eventually reaching the top of the stairs, Spike was laying out of breath. He was shocked to see Fleur looking like it was nothing.
“Come on! It is just a little further.” She said as she trotted up to a single bench.
“Yeah. That’s what you said the last 10 time-” But before Spike finished, he saw something really beautiful. The whole city of Canterlot was lit so perfectly. He even saw Ponyville just beyond the city. It was truly something magical. He turned to face Fleur who was also gazing at it, but then started having butterflies in his stomach as he saw her with the city behind her.
When she turned to see Spike’s reaction, as if on cue, a meteor shower glistened behind her. She stared just as well and smiled while he watched. He didn’t even realize how long he was staring. He shook it off and continued to watch the shower rain from the heavens.
After the shower ended, Fleur and Spike slowly made their way back to Fancy’s Mansion, while doing various activities along the way. There were rarely any ponies in the streets because they were either at Fancy’s party or sleeping. They enjoyed the entire walk back. When they returned, the party was over and all of the carriages were gone. Even the one Spike came in. Spike dropped off Fleur and then made his walk to the castle. Normally he would have been moping about Rarity, but he was oddly happy as he walked down the streets to the castle.
When he entered the castle, none of the servants with exception of the night guard were awake. They escorted Spike to his room, but first he took a detour to Rarity’s room. He saw her sleeping peacefully and it kind of put him at ease because he was her escort, but still it was wrong to just have disappeared.
He then went to his room and fell asleep on the bed with a little grin on his face. Before he went to sleep however, he felt a presence was watching him, but he shrugged it off. Maybe it was the Mirror Mare Shining Armor used to tell to scare Twilight and himself. He quickly went to bed in the nice soft bed. “I hope tomorrow goes as planned.”
Today was a beautiful day, the sun rose over the horizon to start a new day for the residents of Canterlot and the rest of Equestria. The sunlight breached past the windows beyond the drapes and into Spike’s face. It abruptly woke him up, but he didn’t feel the least bit tired. In fact, he welcomed the light and stretched his hands in the air. He then walked to the window and opened it, letting the gentle breeze carry the smells breakfast into his nose.
He could smell all the food of a royal banquet and in turn his stomach replied with a loud grumble. He then proceeded to do his morning rituals. Since he didn’t have to wake up so early like he normally does with Twilight on weekdays to do early chores, he was even more relaxed than usual.
During the middle of his shower, he heard a servant call his name for breakfast. He could not wait for the feast. It has been awhile since he has eaten at the castle, and all the chefs are well known individuals. Almost everyone of her servants were famous in some level. Even the janitor was famous for some odd reason. The life of a ruler is beyond a luxurious life.
Spike finished his shower and quickly got ready for the food. Spike then noticed a dark room with a single light on. It was Luna’s bedroom. He was a little scared to see what was going on since he heard sounds of somepony crying. He peered into the room and saw Luna wrapped up in a blanket watching a T.V. show where a dragon made a bet against a pony and for some reason the entire country has gotten involved. The two seemed to began to develop feelings, but tried to deny them. It was starting to reach a climax as both sides of the betters had began to fight like two hobo ponies fighting over a sandwich. The scene they were on was where the dragon and pony had escaped on a mountainside cliff and they were cuddling to stay warm for the night. Luna just couldn’t help crying.
Spike then shook his head when he saw the dragon closely resembled him. He headed for the stairs, but a fear struck him. What about Rarity? Will she be there? Will she be upset at him for kind of leaving her behind at the party? He tried to deny his fears by faking his reassurance. “I am sure she was too busy having fun at the party to even notice I was gone.” That thought also made him feel a little sad, but it was better to be slightly ignored than to be hated he thought.
When Spike finally reached the dining room, he immediately saw Rarity already sitting down with Celestia. They seemed to be talking, but he was a little too far to make anything out. The first thing Spike noticed was that she looked a little off. She didn’t seem too rested. Maybe something happened at the party... or maybe she was worried about him not being there... or worse.
Spike then came out and made his appearance. The first thing he got was Celestia’s smile and then a death stare from Rarity. Spike only thought to himself, ‘Yeah she is mad at me.’ He then proceeded to his seat. It was such a large rectangular table easily to hold a whole barracks of stallions. They only used the edge of the table. Spike felt that Rarity would rather have sat on opposite sides of the table by its most lengthy side than directly across the shorter side.
Once Spike sat, it grew eerily quiet. There was only drinks ready at the table, while the food was being prepared, so Spike couldn’t even hide his shame by eating. All he could do was sit there, look down at the floor, and hope Rarity wasn’t too upset at him. He occasionally tried to look up, but looked back down before even meeting her eyes.
Celestia was worried about the awkward silence between the three so she tried to spark a conversation. “So how was the party last night?”
Spike began by saying, “It didn’t exactly go as planned.”
Rarity then quickly added, “Well Princess, it went well. There was lots of fireworks, music, and dancing.” You could tell she was really emphasizing the dancing in a slightly displeased tone.
Spike felt a little hurt by it, but denied that she meant it for him. Celestia first replied to Rarity, “Well I am glad you had some fun.” then asked Spike, “Why do you sound so displeased?”
Spike answered truthfully by saying, “Well I kind of got side tracked and met a new friend at the party. She was a lot more fun than I expected out of a luxurious pony such as herself. I kind of got lost though in the fun and was escorted around with her.” Spike started to get a little too excited talking about Fleur. “She even took me to a secret spot that had a great view of Canterlot. I guess it wouldn’t matter for you Princess since you overlook the city on a daily basis and you can fly. Still it was great!”
Spike then saw Rarity’s face. It was not a happy one. The look gave him a sub-zero chill down his spine. He was lucky the food just came out, otherwise he would have to suffer her deathly stare. Rarity finished early and headed up to her room. Spike felt like such an idiot and decided he had to apologize to her. He excused himself from the table and headed for her room.
Just after he opened the door he realized his mistake of barging in and probably walking in on her changing. Luckily for him she just finished changing. He began to wonder where she was going, but first he needed to apologize.
“Rarity.” She turned to look and see a dragon already on his knees. “I am sorry for being a bad escort yesterday. I can’t express how sorry I am, but please give me a second chance. I promise not to get side tracked.” He then pulled two tickets from his pocket, “Look! I even got us two tickets for the races today. I’ll even help with anything after the races like help carry your things while you shop.”
Rarity turned back to the mirror and continued brushing her mane. She then replied, “That’s nice Spike, but I was invited by Fancy Pants to his private booth. It has a very nice view of the race.”
Spike then looked down and spoke in a lower voice, “Oh...” The pause felt like it lasted minutes when in reality it was just a few seconds, before Rarity spoke again.
“Well Spike, I am allowed to bring guests...” Rarity just couldn’t stay mad at the dragon for one little mistake. He had been nearly flawless in helping her. She can give him a second chance. Spike got really excited and sprang up into the air in joy. Rarity couldn’t help having a smirk on her face, but to keep her pressure on Spike she gave him one rule. “On the condition that you behave yourself and don’t abandon me like you did last time.”
Spike’s leaped then dropped as he remembered how bad that was. “Of course Lady Rarity. I will be the best escort ever and make up for my previous mistake.”
“Alright then Spike. Let’s get ready to go.” Rarity needed him to go before he discovered her smile on her face. Spike then sprang off to his room to get ready.
After Spike was dressed, they both got in the carriage provided by Celestia once again and headed to the races. Celestia was going to be there later so she couldn’t ride with them, but Spike wasn’t really complaining. He felt good about today. He was finally going to take her to the races and maybe even impress her with all the studying he did with Rainbow Dash on the wonderbolts. He already liked the wonderbolts, but Rainbow Dash was even better than the experts on the sports channel.
When they both arrived, they were greeted by an unpleasant surprise. “Hello there Rarity.” The white stallion then looked at Spike. “Is this your bodyguard?”
Rarity then asked, “Why are you even here Blueblood? I thought you were afraid of getting dirty.” Spike never seen Rarity snap so wildly before. This guy must have screwed up really bad.
“Oh Rarity, you don’t have to be so cruel. I have changed, I promise.” Blueblood tried to convince her.
Normally Spike would have intervened, but it seems Rarity had this, “Yeah, I will believe that when you are no longer afraid of dirt.” Rarity then pulled Spike to get away from him.
Spike had to know, “What was that about Rarity?”
“Let us say that he was a mistake.”
Spike hopes he won’t make a mistake like he did.
Rarity and Spike then were at the staircase to the booth, when they were stopped by the guard. The guard had a stern look about him. He asked the two while looking at his list, “Name?”
Rarity had responded, “Rarity and this is my guest.”
The guard then let the two through. Spike didn’t know if guest was a good or bad thing. At least she didn’t call him a bodyguard or something. Then it would seem like he was just a lowly servant. As they entered the booth, the first to greet them was none other than Fancy himself. Spike looked around and noticed Fleur wasn’t around.
“Hello there Rarity! So good to see you and your little friend again.” Fancy was pretty excited to see the two of them. Maybe Spike made a better impression than he thought or he was just being courteous. Yeah it was probably the second thing.
Just then the Prince came from behind them. Rarity thought to herself, ‘Why is he stalking me?’ Just as she was about to lash at him when she saw him, Fancy had greeted him as well, “Oh Prince Blueblood, it is good to see you as well. Glad you could make it.”
Rarity was upset that he was there, but she didn’t want to make an unnecessary scene. Instead she walked over and got herself a glass of wine from a passing waiter. It was going to be a long day. Might as well loosen up a little.
After a little chatting, between Fancy, Rarity, a few other notable ponies, and even the Prince, Spike was feeling a little left out. When he was about to just go downstairs and get a better look at the races, Blueblood had stopped him by calling the little dragon out.
“Hey you, dragon. Care to have a little wager? We are having a wagers for the race that is about to start. Don’t be chicken.”
Rarity commented, “Oh real mature Prince.”
Spike took the challenge. “Alright. I’ll put some bits in.”
Rarity then looked surprised at Spike. “Spike! You don’t have to do this!”
Spike just ignored her comment. “I am going to bet on Lightning Streak. 200 bits!” Spike thought to himself, ‘Man if Fleetfoot wasn’t injured I would have chosen her in a heartbeat.’
Many of the other ponies began to chuckle at his decision. Most were betting on others such as Fire Streak or Misty Fly as they have a reputation for being not only two of the faster ponies, but two of the most competitive out there in the team. No one had even tried to bet on the newcomer Lightning streak.
The Prince chuckled his response, “Well then. Good luck! It’s a 50:1 bet.”
Spike then proceeded downstairs to get a better view while the upper group can continue to laugh. He couldn’t wait to see their faces after the races though. Not many know that Lightning Streak had been under heavy training by the best of the wonderbolts. It was scary thinking out Rainbow Dash even got that info.
When he arrived at the front, he was blocked his vision by two hooves. He had the first thought of Rarity, but she wouldn’t do something like this. He then heard the mysterious pony speak softly into his ear. “Guess who?”
Spike immediately recognized it as Fleur. “Fleur!?”
She then released him and said with a happy face, “Oh you got me. It’s nice you still remember me.” Spike was a little shocked to see her around here although she seems to be in disguise. Not a good one, but at least she doesn’t stand out as much. “So what are you doing all the way here in the front. Well, I guess watching the race, but shouldn’t you be with your marefriend.”
Spike’s face then turned red like an apple. She knew she hit something. “S- She isn’t my marefriend!”
“Then why did you look so down when she was talking to everypony else and not you? Come on, you can tell me.”
The question from Fleur really got to Spike. He went from embarassed to sad again. He then decided to reveal his little plan sheet. “Well, I had planned the few days we were going to be here, but she seems to be already having fun without me. Besides I already messed up day one. I was supposed to escort her and have fun with her at the party, but it went up in smoke when I lost her.”
Fleur couldn’t help, but feel sorry since she was kind of the reason that didn’t go well.
Spike then continued his rant, “She looked pretty angry at me in the morning. I had to plea with her just so we could come here. I had tickets for here already, but she got that special invitation from Fancy. I am lucky she could invite guests or I wouldn’t know what to do. I just wish I could make her happy with me again. I hope these next days I have planned don’t fail me now.”
Fleur then responded, “I am sorry Spike for interfering.”
Spike was a little shocked, but when he saw the look in her eyes, he saw how genuine her apology was. “Oh no! It’s not like I didn’t have fun with you. You really made me happy with all the things we did. I mean we only met yesterday, but I feel we are already great friends.”
Fleur then smiled and proceeded to hug the little guy. Spike was taken back for a sec, but then hugged back. Just then the races had began. Their attention was immediately brought to the track. Spike was a little worried when he saw Soarin take the lead, but he reminded himself that what Fire Streak excelled at was acceleration. Behind him was his rival Misty Fly who was practically on his tail. Lightning Streak was in fourth, but gradually picking up speed.
Lightning Streak had stayed on the outside oddly which actually put him back one place. Spike then started to get worried if he got anything from that training, but then once the straightaway came. He was picking up even more speed than before and slowly, but gradually passing the competition. When it came to the final turn, even though he was on the outside near the railing, he was going so fast he was able to hold his third place status. When they hit the final straightaway, he zoomed past the two rivals and easily passed the finish line. The only problem was when he tried to stop and ate a lot of cloud before he stopped.
“I WON!!!” Spike leaped for joy.
Fleur was confused at his sudden joy. “What did you win?”
“The bet! I won a 50:1 bet with 200 bits! That means I won 1000 bits!!”
“No Spike. You won 10000 bits!!!” Fleur exclaimed.
Spike’s face lit up even more. What was he going to do with all that money? Maybe he can get a meaningful present when Rarity and he go shopping. Get her the most amazing fine-cut jewelry and maybe a few to sate his hunger for special occasions. He just can’t wait to see their faces.
Fleur was really happy for Spike. Sure she comes from a rich family so 10000 bits isn’t too much for her, but to see the dragon smile as he did was good enough for her. “Come on Spike! We need to collect your winnings!”
“Oh yeah! I can’t wait to see the Prince’s face.” Spike and Fleur went back up into the booth and saw that most of the noble ponies upset faces. The Prince tried to have some dignity, but everyone could tell it was eating at him at how he lost. Spike then walked up to the guy and asked, “So Prince Blueblood. Where are my bits?”
The Prince used his magic to carry over a suitcase that opened and had a little card inside. He gave it to Spike. “This card has exactly 10000 bits in it. Just go to any bank to deposit it.”
Spike was confused. How could a little card have 10000 bits? Fleur saw he was confused so she explained how gambling works in Canterlot. All the bits go into one card and the winner gets the card. If they have multiple winners, then it is split at the bank. Spike was happy he won. He was about to run over to Rarity, but then he saw Rarity and Fancy in some conversation.
Fleur saw his reaction and decided to give him a little push before he decided to hide or something. “Rarity come look! Spike won!”, however it backfired.
“Oh that’s nice.” was all Rarity said before continuing her conversation. It seemed they were both in a bit more serious chat. Spike looked down and just decided to leave. She didn’t seem to even care. Spike headed out with Fleur behind him.
When Rarity had finished her conversation on a possible second shop of hers in Canterlot, which she declined mainly because she wanted to have only one unique shop, she noticed Spike leaving the races. She only now realized that she hurt him, but just then she noticed another pony was following behind. She quickly left to talk to Spike, but when she reached the gates, he was gone.
Spike walks around Canterlot and calm down. I mean Rarity was probably just too busy. Spike felt he messed up somewhere. Maybe he shouldn’t have taken the bet. She was really against him doing the bet after all. Spike continued to walk around town near the shops district.
Spike then noticed that there was a certain pony trailing him from behind. He entered a clothing shop and hid behind some of the suits. He watched the entrance to see if anypony suspicious was following him. Sure enough he saw Fleur walk through the door.
Spike thought to himself, ‘Oh no. Not her again. She is just going to get me into more trouble with Rarity.’ Spike then tried to sneak out a back way, but there was only one way in and out and Fleur was right next to it. It will take all of his cunning and sneakiness to get past her.
Spike took one step forward and tripped over one of the pony mannequin’s feet causing him to tumble into a basket which held a bunch of fabrics. He continued to tumble into other mannequins and even past a few ponies. He was then headed to the door, which was closed, but the door opened just as Spike was about to crash into it and left out the shop.
Spike ended up crashing into some barrels that were stacked next to a cart. Spike was so dizzy, that when he got up, he walked and talked like some crazy drunk pony. He grabbed onto something, until the dizziness stopped. Once he regained himself, he was glad he escaped Fleur. What Spike didn’t realize was that the thing he held on to stop the dizziness was Fleur herself.
Spike looked up and saw her chuckling at him. He put his head down in defeat, then questioned her, “Why are you following me?”
She answered while smiling, “Well, I thought you might need a friend.” Her smile then turned into a slightly more calm face, but you could still tell she was happy, “Since you looked so down. I am sorry for embarrassing you in front of your marefriend.”
Spike blushed and turned away to hide it, “I told you she isn’t my marefriend.”
“But you want her to be.” Fleur replied
Spike paused for a moment, “Yeah... I do, but it’s like all I ever do is mess up around her. I won’t even be able to complete my list before we leave this place at this rate.”
Fleur gave a confused look, “A list? What list?”
Spike realized he just gave away some key information right there. All he thought was, ‘Oh horse manure.’ He then decided to tell her. She looked like the persistent type, especially after following him around Canterlot for a long time. “The list was a checklist I made for each day I was in Canterlot so I could woo Rarity. I already told you about how the first night we were supposed to have fun at the party, but --”
Spike reached into his pocket and didn’t find his list. He went into a state of panic, “Oh no. I can’t find the list!” His mind had visions of somepony random pony finding it who knew Rarity and giving it to her. Then a worse nightmare came into his head. What if Fancy found it? Then the scariest one of them all hit him. What if Prince Blueblood found it?
He felt the inner mechanisms of his brain stop. “My life and love life are over! What now!? I guess leaving Equestria is the only option I have left... I better write a goodbye letter to Celestia and get prepared to say my goodbyes to all my friends in Ponyville.”
After Spike said that, Fleur gave him a good bonk on the head. He rubbed his forehead and questioned, “What did you do THAT for!?”
Fleur got serious, “Spike! This isn’t the end of the world for you. Don’t you see it’s wrong to just run away from your problems and so what if she doesn’t like you or you get humiliated! Move on with your life. You will meet someone who likes you someday and dragons live for a LONG time. Hell you may already have met them and not even know. Besides, would you really leave all your friends and family behind over one rejection?”
Spike was being lectured by a pony who he just met last night... and she was right. As much as Spike hated to admit it, she was right in practically every way. Spike then calmed down once again, “I’m sorry. You are right about everything. Besides Twilight would hunt me down if I tried to run away from home for such a dumb reason.”
Fleur then asked an odd question, “Who is this Twilight?”
Spike just answered normally, “Oh, Twilight is my guardian. She acts too much like a mother even though we are so close in age. I mean it’s nice most of the time, but it gets excessive sometimes. Like when I found out she was stalking me along with Rarity and Rainbow Dash when I told them I wanted to go to the dragon migration alone...”
Fleur asked another odd question, “Rainbow Dash? Is that a stallion?”
Spike chuckled at that thought, “No no. Rainbow Dash is a mare. She is probably the number one fan of the wonderbolts. She kind of helped me with my decision for the bet.”
She asked one last question, “Don’t you have any male friends?”
Spike thought about it for a second, “Nope, I guess not. I mean I guess Snips and Snails could be considered friends, but we don’t really talk. Same with another stallion called Big Mac. We rarely talk to each other. A stallion of few words. The ponies I consider good friends are all mares. There is Twilight, Pinkie Pie, Scootaloo, Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, Fluttershy, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and of course Rarity.”
Spike continued to talk about all of his friends, but at this point Fleur was more focused on her own thoughts. ‘Why does Spike only have mare friends? That would explain why he knows how to treat a mare.’ She then continued to listen to Spike as he revealed something else that is more promising.
“Oh I am also friend’s with all the Princess’s from Canterlot.” Fleur thought he was joking and decided to humor him. “Yeah Princess Celestia apparently raised me when I was younger after Twilight hatched me and taught me many things for proper etiquette, dancing, writing, even drawing and how to play some musical instruments. I have no idea why she would make me learn that stuff, but I know it.”
Fleur then gave him a challenge, “Oh really Spike? Well then how about we go and test your skills?”
Before Spike made a choice, he was already levitated onto her back forced to come with her. Not that he was rejecting it anyways. He needed something to get his mind off of things. They entered a famous music shop where all the popular musicians go for instruments and even to record sounds in the studio upstairs.
To rent out a studio room, it costs a lot of bits and a long time reservation since they have the best of the best equipment, but once Fleur came in and flashed a black card to the owner, she cleared out the store sending mares like Octavia and Vinyl right out of the store like nothing.
Once the store was cleared, Fleur took off her disguise and gave her request. “I want to use the studio upstairs. You can continue business down here though.”
The store owner didn’t hesitate, “Ok. I will just cross out all the names and you can use whatever you want.” Spike was surprised at how easy it was for her to do that. He didn’t realize how much power she had until that moment. They went upstairs into the studio. It looked so professional.
Fleur then asked, “So Spike. What do you play?”
Spike responded after a second of wondering, “Oh I can play many things like the piano, saxophone, violin, guitar, harp, drums...”
Fleur stopped him there before he recited every instrument. “Well why don’t you try with the piano. I love good piano music.”
Spike then sat down and put on an oversized top hat on that was next to the piano.
Fleur was expecting a little childish song, but what she got was one of the most famous masterpieces ever written in Equestria by Hoofwig van Beethoven.
When he got halfway through the song, she told him to stop. She was already getting tears from the outstanding performance. “That was amazing Spike. Well I won’t ever doubt your talents again.” Spike smiled at the compliment. He didn’t realize she also meant that she didn’t believe him fully earlier.
In any other case, she was more willing to believe he knew the Princess, but she still had her doubts. She then asked Spike if he wanted to go somewhere to eat. “It’s about lunch time so how about going over to Pony Joe’s place for a quick bite.”
Spike suggested something else. “How about joining me for a royal banquet?”
She didn’t really know what he meant by that, but it sure sounded fancy. He is getting really generous with those bits he got. They headed out the store, but they left something very important behind. Fleur’s disguise!
As they headed down the shops headed to the castle, they saw many interesting things. When they were just a few blocks away, Spike saw a gem that really caught his eye. An amethyst center surrounded by white gold and sapphire bits in the form of a necklace and a tiara to match it. It costs about 5500 bits though which is over half his money. Still Rarity would love it and maybe she can even make a dress to match the set.
Fleur saw that he liked the set, but she was more interested in another piece. A simple gold and emerald set with amethyst all around the center. When she turned to Spike, he had already bought the other set and was ready to leave. Before she could even react, a few ponies came up to her out of nowhere.
She only now realized her disguise was gone. Spike was eyeballing the jewelry too much to really notice, but he was snagged up by Fleur and was confused until he saw the mob that was slowly getting larger.
“What’s going on!?” Spike yelled.
Fleur replied with each breath, “They... are... the... paparazzi!”
Spike then thought to himself, ‘Right she is probably some super famous pony... wait I have been hanging out with a famous pony?’
Fleur then asked Spike a quick question, “Spike, where is the restaurant?” Her horn began to shine.
Spike replied quickly, “The castle!”
They were covered in a veil of light and vanished. Teleported right in front of the castle where the guard was ready to meet them with arms ready. Once the guards saw Spike, however, they lowered their weapons.
“Oh its just you Spike. Having fun with a celebrity?” The veteran guard asked.
There was one guard still with his weapon raised, but the veteran guard told him to put it away. Spike then asked, “Um, excuse me sir, but can I invite my guest over for lunch. She and I are famished and well also need to hide from her crazy fans.”
The veteran guard just laughed it off and let them pass. Whatever doubts Fleur had was gone. He definitely knew the Princess and was even well known around here. She didn’t realize how much power he had until that moment. When they got inside, she was led to the dining area, while a butler came around and asked, “Hello Sir Spike. I take it this is your guest?”
Spike just nodded. The butler continued, “What will you be having this afternoon?”
Fleur had no idea what to choose. There was no menu or anything so she just said, “Whatever he is having I guess.”
Spike requested a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. It may sound childish, but how they make it is with royal jelly which is to die for and hoof made peanut butter. It’s the natural taste that makes it taste better and then on sweet bread. It is the PB and J that ponies would fight for.
Luckily it is quick to make so it arrived in no time. Once they each took a bite, their taste buds went on a journey. That was one of the best meals of their lives, which is sad since it is just PB and J.
After the meal Fleur became curious to see the rest of the castle. Spike had the idea of showing Fleur some of Rarity’s creations. She had brought a “few” dresses with her for any occasion. Fleur liked the idea and decided to follow him around the castle.
They eventually walked through many interesting rooms that Fleur was amazed at since she only has ever been to the foyer and the places where they had parties. She never explored around the castle and was shocked. She even saw Luna, who was now asleep. They finally reached Rarity’s room in one of the towers.
They found that a lot of her dresses were already on display. Fleur was really impressed with all the dresses. They looked amazing. She was ready to put in an order for a few just on first looks. Spike was chuckling as he watched her act like a little filly.
Just then she tripped on one of Rarity’s bags. They both yelled, “Ahh!” then only the sound of a crashing mannequin was heard after along with two bodies. When they opened their eyes, they were in a very awkward position with Fleur being on top of Spike. If Spike was lucky her whole body didn’t land on him or he may have been knocked out.
They both stared at each others eyes for what felt like a few mins when in reality was like 10 seconds. They then heard a noise from outside the door. Spike immediately recognized Rarity’s voice and heard her talking to some other pony.
“Thank you for helping me on such short notice.” Rarity said beyond the door. Spike only could make out a few words, but he was more worried about the position he was currently in. The door knob twisted and clicked open. Rarity walked in the room and was shocked at what she saw.
Just then the butler walked in after Rarity carrying a few items with his magic. “Oh pardon me, but where do you want these?”
Rarity then turned her attention to the butler, “Oh just leave them off to the side over there. Once again thank you, that will be all.”
“Then I shall take my leave.” The butler bowed and exited the room.
Rarity then turned her attention to the two in her room. Spike was sweating bullets, while Fleur was a bit more calm, but was still a little off from her usual self. Fleur was standing next to Rarity’s ponnequins as if she were admiring them. Spike was trying to put back the fallen ponnequin and dress that was on it.
Rarity wanted to apologize to Spike, but didn’t know how to go about this situation with Fleur there. She also wanted to know what happened to the dress, but that was only a minor question compared to why Fleur and Spike were in her room. The room was silent until Rarity finally spoke.
“Um, hello Spike...” She sounded a little hurt, but tried her best to force a smile. “And who is this?”
Spike wanted to answer, but there was no sound coming out of him. Fleur took it upon herself to answer. “Oh I am a friend of Spike. We met before at the party last night.”
“Oh right. You were with Fancy. Why are you both in my room?” Rarity was definitely not pleased with the intrusion. Especially with her specifically being alone with Spike.
Spike still couldn’t speak, so Fleur continued to answer. “Spike told me how you were a fantastic fashion designer and I really wanted to get to see your work. His compliments on you and your dresses were spot on. I was kind of hoping I could order some myself.”
Once Spike saw Rarity sighed from relief, he did the same. Thank Celestia that Fleur diffused the ticking time bomb that was sure to explode if he tried to explain things. “Oh! Is that all? Well I would be glad to take your orders.” Rarity was a bit happier, but there was still one more thing she had to get off her chest. “Oh. Before I take your orders, I need to speak with Spike in private.”
Spike was once again scared. He turned to Fleur who nodded and exited out the door. She wasn’t going to bail him out this time. Rarity then grabbed his attention, “Spike.” He turned to face Rarity slowly waiting for something bad to happen. “I want to apologize for earlier today.” Spike now just felt a mental slap to the face. He doesn’t even know why she is apologizing for. “I am sorry for ignoring you like I did. Even after my little speech about leaving others, I made the mistake this time. Can you ever forgive me?”
Spike was surprised that was actually bothering her. “Of course I forgive you.” Spike and Rarity then shared a hug, but was interrupted by Fleur.
“Hey! Are you two done in there!?” Spike and Rarity both giggled at Fleur’s comment and let her back in. Seems like these are finally going the right way. Rarity began measuring Fleur, while Spike was being a little assistant just like back in Ponyville. The nostalgia of working together again felt like a refreshing breeze to the both of them.
Fleur was happy that both Spike and Rarity made up, but something was secretly nagging at her. Soon it was getting late. Rarity had finished setting up a custom design for Fleur which she enjoyed. Spike decided to take it upon himself to escort Fleur back. As they headed back she noticed Spike had a big grin the whole time.
“You know Fleur, I really have to thank you. You have been like the best friend anyone could have. You got Rarity and I back to being friends, I no longer feel queasy from stress, and now I can commence with my next phase of my plan.” Fleur didn’t notice Spike talking to her until he started waving his hand in front of her face. She was too busy staring at him while he was being happy.
“I’m sorry Spike. I guess I am just a bit distracted.” Fleur made sure she wasn’t staring as much.
“Well you had a long day. It was fun though like when we were being chased by the paparazzi.” Spike chuckled.
“That was like the least favorable thing that happened.” They both giggled for a bit until she continued. “I enjoyed your pianist skills much more.”
“Really? I guess the lessons paid off.”
“I’ll say. You should perform. I bet you would be famous quickly.”
“Now you are just flattering me.”
“No! I really mean it. Maybe sometime you can play me a solo again sometime.”
“Sure.” As Spike finished they arrived at the manor. “Well, I guess this is where we part.”
“You shouldn’t say that. That makes it sound like we are going away forever. It’s more of a see you later.”
“I never thought of it that way. Well goodnight then.”
“Goodnight Spike.” She then entered passed the gates. Before she entered the house, she waved to Spike one more time and he waved back before departing. Spike was almost skipping back happier than before. He didn’t know why, but he just felt even happier. As he left however, a stallion kept a close eye on him from high in the manor until he left his line of sight.
“I cannot believe she denied my offer twice. It is that little reptile’s fault.”
Just then Fleur entered the room, “Fancy. Why do you even care about Rarity?”
“Fleur! You weren’t supposed to reveal my identity!”
She rolled her eyes and replied sarcastically, “Yeah. Like they all didn’t know that already. Anyways why Rarity and Spike?”
“Why not Rarity!? She has an impressive resume of being one of those Elements of Harmony and is good friends with the Princess. Anything to help my status. Who is Spike?”
“The ‘reptile’ you despise.”
“Oh. Him. Well he is probably the main cause of why she won’t accept my offer. She has denied me twice so I guess its time to stop being Mr. Gentlepony and take what is mine.”
“And what about Spike?”
“You can do whatever with him. All you need to do is split them apart. You know one of the reasons I pay you for is to follow orders.”
“Maybe we can just let them both be.” Just as Fleur said this, Fancy’s face was a very unpleasant angry stare. “Right. Well I will see what I can do tomorrow.”
“Excellent.” Fancy began an evil laugh and then went to bed ready for his plan to unfold.
Fleur walked to her room thinking about the events that happened thus far. ‘I don’t want to hurt Spike, but I have to do this. It feels bad having to split them up after I just got them together. Maybe it won’t be all bad. Rarity always did want a prince charming from what I remember. Maybe Fancy would fit that description for her. Maybe I can have Spike...’ She shook her head. ‘Scratch that last part. I just don’t want him to be sad anymore. Yeah that is why I want to have Spike. So he won’t feel down that Rarity is with Fancy.’
She entered her room, sighed, then laid down on her soft bed. ‘I really don’t know what to do. Spike will surely hate me by the end of his vacation for using him like this. Maybe I just need to go rest.’ She then slowly begins to nod off to sleep in hopes that tomorrow, things will become more clear.
Spike finally made it back to his room. He was really tired from today’s events, but it was a great day minus the bad start. He won a bet and more importantly beat Prince Blueblood and making him look like a fool, made up with Rarity, and having the best day with Fleur. He is surprised at how things turned out. He still had the gift he had chosen kept secret from Rarity. He will use it at the right time.
Spike then felt once again that he was being watched. He surveyed the room, but saw nothing. He then went back to his bed and quickly fell asleep. Just then in the shadow of the mirror a pony figure appeared once more with crumpled paper in its pocket. “Goodnight Spike.”
Spike finds himself in the room where all the stained glass is located. Each tells a story of equestrian history to remind them of these times and to learn from them. He was looking at the glass where he was the savior of the crystal heart and the crystal empire. Spike looks behind him to find a hooded pony standing behind him. He jumped in shock and fell on his back to the floor. The pony then runs away out of the corridor.
Spike’s impulsively chased after the pony. He was yelling, “HEY STOP!!” and even tried calling for some guards. It seems though the castle was empty. Spike chased this odd pony outside and into the maze garden. When he saw the pony rush in, he was skeptical of going in, but decided to anyways.
In the maze, Spike did his best to keep up with the pony only narrowly catching the sight of cloak’s end each turn. The pony finally stopped in the center of the garden where only a fountain that had a few famous heroes of Equestria spitting out water. He noticed the pony was a little taller than regular ponies.
Spike gasping for air demanded, “Wh- Why were you- running away?”
The pony under the hood turn to face him. They seemed unfazed by the running that took place. It finally spoke with a distinct mare’s voice. “Spike. I have been watching you for some time.” Spike gave a confused look. She then used a yellow magical aura to pull out a crumpled up piece of paper and levitated it to Spike. To his surprise, it was the missing plans to woo Rarity.
Spike reacted excitedly, then with confusion. “Where did you find this!?”
The mare responded, “That does not matter. It is important to you right?” Spike nodded. “Then all is right. I must go now.”
Spike stopped her. “Wait! I still have questions! Who are you?”
Just before she spoke, a sound of cracking thundered. Spike looked around confused and in terror. The mare quickly said, “You are waking up. Do not be alarmed.”
Spike then replied, “Wait. If this is a dream, then getting this list doesn’t even matter right?”
The mare then said, “Don’t worry. It will be in your hands when you wake up. Next time we meet we can talk in full, but it’s time for you to wake up now.” A gust of wind then swept up and revealed she was just a pony with reflective skin and no features on her face. It was the mirror mare. Spike was a little alarmed by the stories of her, but if she returned his list, how bad could she be? Not to mention how nice she seems.
Just then, Spike woke up in bed. He noticed in his hand that he had the list. Whether or not it was the mirror mare, he will never know, but at least he got his list back and is very thankful to her if she exists. Spike hadn’t noticed it, but a reflection in the mirror of his room had the shadow of the mare. One more shine of magic from her and she gradually faded as the sun rose.
Spike was overjoyed to recover his list again. He then begins to get ready for breakfast again doing his morning routine happily. Before the new butler could knock on the door, Spike bursted through, letting the door knock out the butler. Spike dashed away to the dining room while reading the next thing to do on the list, which is to invite Rarity to the Carnival. Normally it would be odd to ask her to do that, but this is a famous Carnival that comes to each city semi-annually for a day.
Spike realizes when he reaches the dining room, that he was the first to be there. Shortly after the Princess comes around, but looks a little tired. Spike asks, “Are you alright Princess?”
The Princess opened her eyes a bit, but calmly replied, “No. I am usually tired after using magic to lift the sun. It takes tremendous magical power to do so. Why are you up so early?”
Spike decided to trust Celestia to tell her about the dream, but he didn’t want to tell her about the paper. “Well I had a very weird dream last night. I chased some pony around the castle and the garden. When it stopped, everything started cracking and I didn’t get to know its name. I think it was the Mirror Mare though.”
Celestia wanted to continue their conversation, but Rarity came down and Spike’s attention became preoccupied. She chuckled a bit and sat at the table.
Rarity was first to greet, “Hello Spikey and Celestia!” Rarity headed to her chair which was already pulled out by Spike.
Spike sat in his chair and now they waited for the breakfast to come. They waited… and waited… and waited. It wasn’t until they saw the new butler dizzily come around the corner and fell to the ground. Everyone gasped in surprise.
Celestia rushed to his side and asked, “What happened!? Who did this to you!?”
The butler whispered into her ear as he pointed at Spike, “The dragon o-.” The butler keeled over.
The attention was now directed at Spike. Questions buzzed around the mares minds. Before they asked, the head butler came in and said “Breakfast is served!” Chefs came in putting platters on the table. The head butler then noticed the new butler was on the floor with Celestia’s attention focused on Spike. “What has happened here?”
Celestia replied, “We are about to find out.” Her voice became more serious, “Spike! What did you do to this stallion?”
Spike had no clue what that stallion was talking about, “I didn’t do anything! I only woke up early, got ready for breakfast, rushed to the table, and that’s when you saw me in here.”
The stallion slowly groaned and finished what he was saying before. “The dragon… opened the door and it hit me pretty hard.”
Celestia then added, “So… it was accidental.”
The stallion gave his last few words before passing out again, “Yes. I am sorry to have failed you head butler.”
The head butler rushed to his side, “I will take him to the infirmary. He is just being over dramatic.”
Spike thought to himself ‘Well that was a waste of time. At least the food is here.’ They all returned to their seats and began eating.
While Celestia and guests began eating, Spike was thinking of how to invite Rarity to the carnival. Back in Ponyville it sounded like a great idea, but thinking about it now… it probably wasn’t the best idea. She wouldn’t like a carnival. Maybe he should just spend the day with her or something.
Celestia then asked, “Say Spike. I hear the carnival is in town today for a few days. Maybe we can go? You loved the carnival when you were younger.” Spike blushed feeling a little embarrassed by Celestia talking about his younger self.
Before Spike could object to the idea since he felt Rarity wouldn’t be up to it, Rarity replied “Oh! That sounds like a smashing idea.”
Spike was a little shocked, but decided to go with it. He still questioned her however, “Are you sure Rarity?”
She quickly answered, “Of course! We can finally have time to enjoy ourselves.”
Spike smiled, “That’s great! I’ll go excuse myself and get ready!” Spike was glad she was willing to do this and rushed out.
Rarity then said to herself, “I’m glad to finally spend some time with Spike with no distractions. I’m a little unsure about a carnival, but if that’s what it takes then I am willing to put up with it. Also that other pony won’t be around that kind of place.” She walked off to get ready.
Spike and Rarity met up in front of the castle. Spike came out casual with a bowtie and a detachable collar, while Rarity wore garment around her neck surrounded by her usual jewels, but had one large amethyst in the middle. Even for a carnival, she will still look fashionable. Spike couldn’t help peeking glances at her as they walked towards the carnival. She noticed this and giggled silently to herself. Once they arrived, she noticed something odd about the carnival. She expected less of the high class society, but there were quite a few high standing ponies around. They all seemed to have came with their family so it sort of made sense, but this put Rarity in a bit of a bind. She might be here if this many high class ponies are here.
Rarity then heard a voice that she wasn’t too particularly happy to hear.
“Hello Lady Rarity!” Blueblood said. “I am surprised to see you here and might I add, you look ravishing today.”
Rarity rolled her eyes from the annoying creature next to her. Spike wasn’t exactly pleased with his appearance either. Rarity decided to dispel this annoying prince without offending the crown, “Prince Blueblood, I don’t mean this in any offensive way, but I am here with my good friend and I wish to enjoy it together with him.”
Prince Blueblood was shocked, “You would rather be with this little peasant than with royalty!?”
Rarity firmly replied, “No. Spike isn’t a peasant. He is a true chivalrous noble and knows how to treat a lady.” Rarity then pulled Spike away with that comment, so they can leave while Blueblood just stood there shocked.
Rarity felt so great telling the snob off and Spike was surprised at how she handled things. He began blushing a lot. Spike then saw the first ride he wanted to go on and ran to it yelling, “Come on!”
Rarity was not too pleased to go on a roller coaster for their first ride. She had a bad experience before with it. The speed, drops, and loops were terrible, but what made her fear them was how they messed up her hair.
“Uh, Spike. Are you sure you want to go on this first?” Rarity asked trying to convince him to not do it. Spike was waiting for this.
Unfortunately for Rarity, Spike was waiting for this ride, “Of course! I have been waiting for this ride for a long time! Why do you ask?”
“Well… I don’t want to ruin my hair.” She explained.
Spike didn’t think about that. He was hoping to have a day of fun, but pleasing her was more important to him. “Oh. Well we can just go on an easier ride.”
Rarity didn’t want to mess up her mane, but she also didn’t want to ruin their day. She then suggested, “Spike. Why don’t you go on ahead and I’ll wait here for you.”
Spike didn’t like the idea of leaving her alone, “But I would never leave you behind. I promised.”
Rarity and Spike were going nowhere with this constant bickering. Just then Rarity’s worse case scenario appeared, “Hello Spike!” Fleur yelled.
Rarity eyes snapped to her and noticed Fancy was with her. Fancy greeted them as well, “Hello Rarity and Spike! Fancy meeting you here.”
Spike and Rarity weren’t happy about this. Rarity responded, “Nice meeting you both here. I wasn’t expecting you to come to a place like this.”
“Well Rarity, Fleur really wanted to come here. It was a nice change of pace from the high society.” Fancy said as his excuse.
Fleur then went to Spike, “So Spike! How have you been?”
Rarity became angered when she did this. Spike answered her, “I’ve been alright. I’m just debating on going on this ride or not.”
Fleur asked, “Why? You should go! It looks fun. If you’re scared then I’ll come with you.”
This sparked Rarity, “If anypony is going to go with Spike, it’s me!” All three were a little shocked by her outburst. “Sorry. I meant I want to go on the ride now Spike.”
Spike then took Rarity and Fleur followed behind to the ride. Fancy stayed and watched from a distance. The moment they were seated in the ride, Rarity regretted it. The moment the ride started, she grabbed Spike. The higher they rose, the more she tightened her grip. Spike felt his eyes might be coming out his sockets. Just then they reached the top. Rarity opened her eyes for a second and shut them even tighter from how high they were. Spike thought a bone cracked when the descent began. Spike passed out before they even reached the first loop.
Rarity was terrified and left the ride shaky. Fleur had to go and pick up an almost lifeless Spike from the ride. They went back to where Fancy was sitting. He chuckled as he saw them come closer. Fancy then began chatting with Rarity, while Fleur slipped away with Spike.
Spike woke up spinning around and around and the sound of Fleur laughing. He looked around and noticed he was in a spinning teacup ride with just Fleur spinning it faster. Spike screamed, “WHAT’S GOING ON!!”
All Fleur did was continue laughing maniacally. Spike then began feeling queasy. Once the ride stopped, they found the nearest bathroom and Spike began throwing up. Fleur felt bad about doing that to him. Spike finally left the bathroom feeling horrible.
Fleur then began with, “I’m sorry Spike. I thought playing a little joke with you would be the best way to wake you up, but I didn’t expect you to get sick.”
Spike didn’t really care about that. Well something else was more important than a prank. “Where is Rarity?”
Fleur said, “We got separated when we were walking through some of the crowds. You shouldn’t worry too much. She is a grown mare. We should go and have fun!”
Spike was too worried for fun. “Sorry Fleur, but I have to find Rarity. I don’t have time for fun.”
“Why?” She asked.
Spike then thought to himself, ‘Maybe I should just show her the list.’ Spike then pulled out the list and handed it to Fleur.
She looked at the list and realized it must have been the list he was talking about before. “Is this the list you were talking about before?” He nodded in agreement. She thought to herself, ‘He really cares about her. Sorry I have to do this to you Spike.’
“I suppose we should go look for her then.” Fleur said. It made Spike happy that she was willing to help out.
They searched all around the carnival, missing out on many games Spike really wanted to play again. Fleur then thought of an idea, “Hey Spike! How about we go on that ride?” She pointed to a ferris wheel.
Without thinking Spike said, “We don’t have time for rides.”
Fleur justified her point, “I meant we can use the ride to get a better view of things.”
“Oh. That makes sense. Let’s go!” Spike was actually happy to go on a ride and search for Rarity.
Fleur felt bad about what she was going to do next, but she doesn’t exactly have a choice in the matter. She and Spike went into the ferris wheel and Spike immediately began looking around for Rarity, but couldn’t see her anywhere. Just as they reached the top, the ride stopped working. They heard on an intercom, “We are sorry for the inconvenience, but the ride has suddenly stopped working. We will fix it as soon as possible just stay within your seats.”
Spike began panicking. “What are we going to do now!?”
Fleur calmly suggested, “Well there isn’t much we can do so how about we just talk? It can pass the time faster and hopefully you can calm your nerves.”
Spike wasn’t exactly happy with that, but he had no other choice. All they could do is what she said. “Alright then. Not like we have any other choices.”
Fleur finally calmed Spike down and got him in a stable setting. She then began asking him questions to get to know him better. “So Spike. Want to talk more about your friends in Ponyville?”
“Sure I guess.” Spike said while having his head hang sadly. Spike went on to talk to her about all the Elements of Harmony. He began telling stories about his adventures with them. Spike was cheering up a little, but Fleur needed more to get his mind off of Rarity. Spike then continued and noticed how he was mentioning Rarity quite often. It stirred something inside her the wrong way.
She then asked a personal question, “Spike. What’s your relationship with Rarity like?”
Spike was embarrassed to answer the question. “Can we choose another question?” She shook her head in disagreement. She wanted to know badly. “Well Rarity and I are just friends. I mean we are good friends. I help her all the time with her work whenever she asks me to come. I even help with detail work. I have been learning a lot from her about being a tailor. Its been fun working together with her.”
“But you don’t want to just be friends right?” Fleur asked bluntly and blindly. She didn’t even realized she asked the question.
Even though Spike already told her about her crush on Rarity, it still felt a little surprising. “Well yeah, but I don’t want to mess up our relationship either. It feels wrong, but I would rather not mess up our current relationship.”
She wanted to give him advice, but that would hinder her master’s plan. “Yeah. It would be better if you didn’t mess with it without knowing she likes you or even sees you as a romantic interest. Break ups hurt the most at the beginning, but it will get better.”
Spike began feeling uncomfortable, “Can we not talk about this?”
She was finally getting into Spike’s head. It made her sad to do a despicable thing to such an innocent guy. If someone wasn’t pulling her strings, she would rather he be happy. “Sorry Spike. How about any other crushes you had in your life?”
Another personal question for Spike. He began wondering why she was this invested into his love life. “Well there was another mare, but that died out when I met Rarity. I had a few other minor crushes, but they didn’t last longer than a week at best. I’ve been in love with Rarity since I moved to Ponyville.”
Fleur was losing him back to Rarity. She needed something quick. She then did a desperate move. “Say Spike. How does Rarity treat you when you help her?”
Spike was confused, but answered anyway. “Well I guess I am treated like any other worker. She does treat me to some food and gives me gems if I do well.”
She then decided to explore a little more. “What do your friends think?”
Spike answered still confused, “Well Twilight says sometimes, that she is kind of asking me to help too much, but I never minded the work. I have fun.”
“What things does she make you do outside of detail work? I am sure you don’t just work on dresses all day.”
Spike then admitted to a few other daring things that most ponies wouldn’t do for her. “Well she sometimes has me go and join her out so we can hunt and mine gems under the ground. My dragon claws and tail are good for digging quickly. She also sometimes uses me as a pincushion, but that isn’t as bad as it sounds! My dragon scales are really tough so I don’t feel it!”
Fleur was mortified. “Spike! That is dangerous! Do any of your other friends know about that!?”
“Well yeah. They were scared when they first heard it, but I showed them it wasn’t that bad.”
Fleur was now more worried for Spike’s safety now. More reason for her to split them up. “Well Spike. If you are ok with it, then I trust you to make the right choices. I just don’t want to see you get hurt by anything. Even though we have only been friends a few days, I still consider you an important friend of mine.”
Spike felt happier hearing that. She then continued to flatter him. “Before you came into town, it was very boring and dull. The moment I met you, I had fun that I haven’t had since I was a filly. It has been great. I hope you and I can continue to be close for longer too. Just like you and your friend.”
Spike was really happy to hear that. He grew a smile on his face. Fleur started getting the upper hand. They then continued their conversation, moving gradually away from the topic of Rarity until she was forgotten and lost in the chatting. They then were talking about fun times and embarrassing moments they had and were laughing a lot.
Spike said something unexpected to Fleur, “I have to admit. This has been the most fun and relaxing thing I’ve done on this vacation.”
Fleur let something slip out that she wasn’t planning to tell. “I wish we could have spent more time on this vacation of yours together. All those fun rides we missed.” Saying it gave her a little blush.
Spike was fascinated by it, but tried to play it off like she was joking “What do you like me or something?”
Those words put Fleur in a trance. Her body unconsciously moved in and she kissed Spike on the lips. The moment they kissed, the ride began moving again. They didn’t stop until they were near the bottom. Spike was really shocked and couldn’t say anything. Fleur realized what happened and left the ride, rushing past other ponies.
Spike was still in a trance like state until the pony, who controls the ride, magically pulled Spike out of the ride. He then snapped out of it and now his thoughts were filled with Fleur. He said to himself, “What just happened?”
Just then Rarity came out of nowhere with tears in her eyes. “SPIKE!” Where have you been!?”
Spike’s body heard her, but it didn’t register into his head. She finally got close to him and wrapped him up in her hooves. He then realized what was going on. “Rarity!! Where did you go!?”
“I should ask you the same thing! You vanished as soon as you got off the first ride!” Rarity exclaimed.
“Last thing I remember before the ride ended was blacking out. I then woke up spinning around in a teacup ride with…” Spike paused as the vision of her kissing him had infected his mind.
Rarity noticed the blush on his face and was slightly angered by it. “Who was with you?”
Spike shook his head and answered, “It was just an old friend I knew from Canterlot a long time ago. Apparently they kidnapped me and dragged me around the carnival. I was trying to look for you the entire time. I even entered the ferris wheel in hopes to see you, but I got stuck up there all day. Now the day is almost over and I couldn’t even spend it with you like I wanted.”
Rarity smiled, “Well Spike. We still have time so lets enjoy whatever time left together.”
“That would be lovely.” Spike said realizing he just lied to the one he loved right to her face. This goes against his dragon code, but this is a special circumstance right?
Spike and Rarity then began spending their day together, but something just felt wrong. Spike didn’t look as excited as he was before he got lost. He seemed to always be thinking hard. Rarity noticed it and it bothered her. She thought to herself, ‘Maybe he is just tired’, but Spike denied being tired. As the day ended, it was an awkward walk back. It was a little silent as they had small chats. The mood was definitely different than when they walked to the carnival.
Spike then began noticing that his critical thinking is causing Rarity to feel sad. He had to do something to make her feel better. Spike noticed a little outdoor dance in the town square. He pulled Rarity to come join him. She was surprised by the gesture, but it was a good kind of surprise.
He then took his lady by the hand and asked, “May I have this dance?”
Rarity only nodded and they began dancing the evening light away. Rarity had tears on her face again, but they were tears of joy. Spike thought to himself, ‘That’s right. She is the girl I’m supposed to be pleasing. The one I want to be with’ He then whispered to her, “I’m sorry Rarity.”
She smiled at him and whispered back, “It’s ok.”
Once the dance had ended, it had become late and they went back to the castle. Spike let Rarity leave for her room and headed back to his room. As he headed back, he noticed a drama was on the magical TV in Celestia’s room.
Celestia was sniffling just like her sister. She was watching a drama too, but this one had a story where the protagonist, who is a dragon, has to make a choice between his crush and his childhood friend like a lot of drama’s do. Spike recognized the drama and remembered it had a sad ending rather than a happy one like most people wanted. They fight so much that their friendship is gradually torn apart. He guesses that’s why it was called Torn Between.
Spike then headed to bed. He after doing his nightly ritual of brushing and using the bathroom before bed, just laid in bed wondering about the events that happened today and every other day this week. He was even more confused and torn between his new friend and his lifelong crush. What would he say to Fleur tomorrow if he meets her again? Spike then noticed a quick little mist of stardust entered his room and he gradually fell asleep. Three tall hooded ponies entered the room.
“You only have until sunrise so make this work as soon as possible. He needs just a little extra push in the right direction after all.” One of the ponies said as it opened a portal into his dreams. “Go now. I will watch over the night and good luck.” They entered Spike’s dreams and began to exercise their plans.
Spike woke up back in the courtyard. He looked around in hopes to find the mirror mare. He was confused since she said that she would meet him again, but never told him when she would come. As if on cue, a magical aura ensnared Spike. Spike began struggling, but it then began to spin him around. When he stopped spinning, he was taken to a weird part of the garden. It was like a little filly’s tea party. Spike noticed that there were now two tall ponies hiding in cloaks.
Spike was worried because he thought there was only one mirror mare. The silence of the two made it feel eerie. “Um. Hello?” Spike asked in hopes one of them would not just sit there drinking dream tea.
“Hello Spike. You’re probably wondering why we summoned you here.” The first cloaked pony said. Spike only nodded in agreement as he felt their pressure on him.
The second then said, “Relax Spike. We are here to help you out.”
Spike asked, “Help with what?”
The first answered, “With your little love problem.”
Spike was thinking to himself, ‘They must mean the two mares on my mind. I wonder how they even knew that? Maybe she is a part of my mind after all. Like a conscience or something.’
The second then asked, “So Spike, how do you feel about her?”
“Which her are you talking about?” Spike returned.
“Spike. You know which one I am talking about.”
Spike thought to himself, ‘She must mean Fleur.’ He responded, “Well I don’t know. I like her as a friend I guess. I mean she is important to me and all, but it’s hard for me to imagine being with her I guess.”
“Why would it be hard? Are you scared she may reject you?” the first asked.
“Reject me? I am pretty sure she loves me too. I just don’t want to ruin our friendship that we have.” Spike said looking down.
“Spike, that isn’t a good reason to not go after a mare that you’re clearly in love with! You need to have courage that things will be alright between you. I am sure she does love you too. She gives you all the cute gestures and glances.” The second one replied.
Spike then began thinking again, ‘Fleur has been giving me subtle hints. I haven’t even noticed this whole time even though with this small time. She is probably suffering a lot if she fell in love with me so easily however. Or maybe she really does love me and felt a connection.’ Spike then said, “I guess that is true. She has been giving me a lot of attention this entire vacation.”
The first then added, “She is the one who made you feel happiest here right? She is the reason you are so relaxed and having fun. I know because I have seen for myself that pure joy on your face.”
The second piled on, “She is the clear one for you Spike. You know it in your heart.”
Spike began thinking about the entire vacation and slowly was convinced that Fleur was the one for him, but what about Rarity. He thought about it, but in actuality he never knew if she liked him that way or not. The feeling of doubt for Rarity began growing the more he talked to the two ponies. It was driving a nail between him and Rarity.
The second mare then asked, “Spike. Are you willing to wait forever as she gets snatched up by another stallion? You are the perfect choice for her. I can already see how the love between you two will blossom. I can feel the strong connection between you two, but lately it has been waning. This is why we are here to help you find your true love.”
Spike kept thinking more and more of Fleur over Rarity, until his mind was mostly convinced that he loved Fleur as if their words were enchanted to make him love Fleur. “Alright! I am going to do it! Tomorrow I will let her know how I feel and make her the happiest mare!”
Right on time, the dream began collapsing, which meant Spike was waking up. Before he woke up he wanted to thank the two. “Thank you both. I feel confident now! I will tell Fleur how I feel!”
The two mares looked at each other and wondered, “Wait Fleur? Who is that?” Just then the dream began collapsing around the two mares.
Spike woke up in his bed, well relaxed and ready to go. The sudden feeling of empowerment and courage has overtaken Spike. He followed his usual morning routine, but really took his time to look really good before he confesses his love. He quickly rushed out of his room and headed out the castle, before he was stopped by Celestia.
Celestia excitedly asked, “So Spike! What has you so energized this morning?”
“Well I had a dream from the mirror mare! She helped me decide on what I should about my… problem.” Spike didn’t want to arouse suspicion by the princess, but his pause didn’t help.
“The mirror mare eh? It’s nice that you still believe in her after all these years.” Celestia chuckled.
“Hey! I don’t believe in her! She just came to me in a dream!” Spike felt slightly annoyed by Celestia treating him like a child still.
“Well you’re coming to breakfast right Spike?” Celestia nudged.
“I think I’m going to skip breakfast. I need to go somewhere quickly. I’ll see you later at the party!” Spike said as he quickly rushed before any other questions were asked. The last thing Spike wanted was to have an awkward chat with Celestia or Rarity. He still felt a small connection to Rarity, but he has decided that Fleur is the one by what the Mirror Mare said, which he believes to be his subconscious decision.
As Celestia saw Spike run away, two cloaked mares appeared from the shadows. They first asked, “Celestia. We have a report for you about the mission. Should we share it now or?”
Celestia replied, “I’ll have that report now.”
They reported to Celestia, “The mission was a success, but we had a little complication at the end.”
Celestia wondered, “Complication?”
The tall cloaked pony replied, “He said something about Fleur. We don’t know if that is a nickname or something for Rarity, but that is what we heard.”
The short one then added, “I could feel how strong his love energy was for her though. It did seem odd that there were two forces of love energy though. After our talk though it looks like he got it all sorted out.”
Celestia doesn’t know what to make of it. The only pony with the name Fleur in it is Fleur De Lis, but she is a celebrity and is always going on tours around Equestria. She doubts it’s her. Well whatever it is, Spike sure did seem determined. Celestia then addressed the cloaked ponies with delight, “Well I guess it was a success then! Now we just need to finish the final part of the plan so everything can come together.”
The two were both excited to hear this and then left to do their individual parts. Celestia remained opening up a piece of paper that was a copy of Spike’s plans for Rarity. “Don’t you worry Spike, we are going to help you out and make this happen. This shipping thing Cadence taught me is so much fun!” Celestia said as she dashed off.
Spike was happily strolling through Canterlot planning how to confess to Fleur and ask her to the dance. Looking back on how everything happened since Spike first met Rarity, it did seem like she wanted to just be friends. “I guess everything comes into perspective when you’re not blinded by love.” Spike then went out to different shops to get a present to his newly found love.
Spike first went to Fleur’s home at Fancy’s home. He knocked on the door and a maid came first. Spike asked, “Is Fleur home? I am friend of hers.”
The maid responded, “I’ll go get her. What is your name?”
“I’m Spike.” he happily said.
“Ok. It’ll just be a quick moment.” She said and then dashed off.
She soon returned saying, “I apologize, but she doesn’t wish to see you right now.”
Spike was hurt, but he got this far so he decided to go see her anyways. “I’ll go see her now.”
The maid protested it, but Spike was determined. He quickly found her room and opened it brashly. Spike then said, “Hi Fleur!”
Fleur was hiding under the covers saying, “Go away Spike!” All Fleur could think about was how stupid she was to go and kiss him out of the blue. She knew he loved Rarity, but she just couldn't hold back. Even knowing that she was deceiving him, she just let her emotion take over.
“Why!?” Spike asked in return.
“You’re just here to pity me.” She then thought to herself, ‘He probably just feels bad for me.’
Spike was confused, “What? I’m here to ask you to join me at the garden party?”
Fleur thought to herself, ‘Even after how yesterday ended he still asked me out!’ removed the covers and excitedly said, “You still want to hangout! Then let’s go! As friends of course...”
The maid then said, “But the party doesn’t begin until evening and you’re not even properly ready?”
Fleur then blushed, “Well that is true. I guess I’ll see you there then!”
Spike then said, “That’s great. Can’t wait to see you there!”
Spike then left and went to seek the perfect present for her.
After finding the perfect gift, he returned in the late afternoon back to the castle. He was fortunate that no other pony was around. They were probably already headed to the party. Spike entered his room, leaving the door wide open, and quickly got changed. Just before Spike left, the door suddenly shut itself. Spike turned to face the door and saw Rarity at the door. Spike’s colors drained from his body for a second, until he realized in his head, ‘What am I so afraid of? I didn’t do anything wrong.’
Rarity then spoke to him, “So this is where you were hiding from me?” Spike didn’t say a word back. “You look dashing Spike, but I think my present will look even better on you.”
Spike uttered out, “A- a present for me? Why?”
Rarity chuckled, “For being such a wonderful assistant these past few days.”
Spike sighed, “Well thank you then. So where is it?”
Rarity then gave Spike a white box with a gem encrusted purple ribbon with green highlights. Spike carefully opened it and saw a new outfit for him inside. It looked a lot better than what he was wearing. An all white tuxedo with a purple tie. Spike felt fancy now. He immediately put on the new suit and it was a perfect fit. The almost gave an aura around him.
Rarity then asked, “Do you like it?”
Spike responded, “Yes! It’s amazing, but I guess since you made it that it’s always amazing.”
Rarity then replied, “I’m glad you like it.” Spike was in awe as he watched himself in the mirror. Rarity then added, “I have one more present to give you Spike.”
“Oh and what is that?” Spike said posing at the mirror. She tapped Spike on his shoulder and as Spike’s head finished turning around, it was met with somepony’s eyes staring into his and his lips touching something soft. Spike began feeling like he was floating on clouds. He then realized he was kissing Rarity, but he just couldn’t pull away. She had ensnared him in her web of love and he wasn’t able to escape the sticky threads around him.
Rarity then pulled away and said, “I hope you enjoyed that too.” Spike just stood there motionless. Rarity took that as a sign that he loved it. “I’ll see you at the party Spike. Don’t be late.” She said with a wink and then left the room.
Spike collapsed onto the floor. What does he do now? All of that courage of his convictions has all just collapsed as he did when he dropped to the floor. “Rarity loves me?” He whispered to himself. His heart was now torn in two. His love for Rarity was still alive, but what about Fleur? In the few days he has known her, he can’t remember when was the last time he had that much fun. He was back to square one. Maybe even back to square zero.
He had to lay down everything and his options. Rarity definitely has feelings for him and Fleur is not confirmed yet. They are both beautiful. They both care about him. Fleur has been more fun, but he has known Rarity longer. Spike’s head began overworking and fumes were leaving his head. He yelled, “WHY DO I HAVE TO MAKE SUCH A DIFFICULT DECISION!!?”
Just then the door opened again. A soft voice asked, “What difficult choice might that be?”
Spike froze and didn’t want to acknowledge who was behind him. He then turned and saw it was Celestia in her usual get-up. Spike let out a heavy sigh of relief, which bothered the princess. “So what has you so worked up Spike?”
“Oh, it’s nothing your highness. Just some girl troubles.” Spike admitted.
“Girl troubles? I thought they fixed those already?” Celestia accidentally slipped out of her mouth.
“What was that princess?” Spike questioned.
“Oh nothing. So what girl troubles are you having?” She said to quickly get back to the topic she wanted.
Spike brushed her previous words off and continued, “Well I have this girl that I liked for a long time.”
Celestia immediately thought in her head, ‘It’s definitely Rarity.’
“I guess I might as tell you that it’s Rarity.” Spike said not noticing Celestia’s mini celebration of a quick pump in the air. “I wanted to impress her this vacation, but then things didn’t go as planned. I wanted to spend time with her, but things always got in the way.” Celestia kept nodding because she already knew most of these things.
“But then I met another mare.” Spike said. Celestia immediately stopped her nodding and shook her head in disagreement. She didn’t know anything about this. Who was this mare? “She showed me how to have fun at the Fancy’s party and we even got to share a moment as the fireworks went off. It really cheered me up and I guess these past few days, when I wasn’t able to be with Rarity, I was with Fleur.”
Celestia immediately thought, ‘There goes that Fleur name again. So it was another mare, but nopony is named Fleur outside of the model, but that’s impossible. Must be a visitor to Canterlot.’ She then asked Spike, “Who is this Fleur exactly? A visitor from somewhere else?”
“No she is from here. Her full name from what she told me is Fleur De Lis.” Spike said.
Celestia was shocked. ‘The model Fleur De Lis!? REALLY!!? How did that happen? I must know now! But how do I go about asking without being suspicious.’
Spike then continued without warning, surprising Celestia, “Well Fleur and I had a lot of fun these past few days.” Spike then began explaining in more detail to Celestia and she was drawn into every word. Spike then asked her, “What should I do now!? I mean I thought my love for Rarity was long gone and I was just friendzoned, but now she kisses me and I already invited Fleur out!”
Even Celestia wasn’t prepared for this. She really wishes Cadence were here right now, but she is probably already attending the party. Celestia then decided to share a little of her own wisdom to Spike. “Spike. You don’t want to hurt either one right?” Spike nodded in agreement. “Well Spike, you can either go back to the girl you’ve always known very well in Rarity, who you also knows has feelings for you or go with Fleur and try to have an adventure with her. I think the only way to make the right choice is to act on your feelings in the moment. When you reach the party, whoever makes you feel right just let your instinct take over.”
This was Celestia’s way of saying she had no idea how to help, but Spike bought it and just let his instinct take over at the party. “Thank your Princess. I’ll go do that.”
Celestia felt a little bad about not being able to help Spike, but at least he feels better. Surely this can’t backfire in any way. “No problem Spike. Now give me a kiss on the cheek.”
“Aw fine.” Spike jokingly complained.
“I’ll see you at the party and don’t worry. I’ll have your back. Just whistle loudly if it goes sour.” Celestia said to help him feel secured. Even Celestia knew how dangerous mares can be, when their hearts are on the line.
“Ok. Thanks again. I’ll see you there.” Spike said as he waved. He then continued his preparation for the party. He looked at the present he bought for Fleur. It was a rare starlight pink sapphire in a heart shape, where light is trapped into the jewel using magic enchantments on top of a lovely necklace. “Whoever I give this to, will be my final choice. No holding back Spike.” Spike promised to himself. He left the room and headed for the party, which may just be his final dance.
Spike entered the party, not recognizing any pony. It was mostly high society ponies around and foreign officials. Spike then noticed Fleur sitting at a table. She looked amazing. That maid did a great job on making a model look even better.
She motioned to him to come over. Spike then heard Rarity calmly calling to him to not upset the atmosphere. It was decision time. As he looked at Fleur, but heard Rarity, his heart was tearing. Even his instincts failed him. Luckily for him, Rarity was quickly distracted by a group of ponies complimenting Rarity on her designs and she lost track of Spike as Spike lost track of her too.
This made his option to go to Fleur a little easier. He then was greeted by Fleur, but then she noticed something was off about Spike. “Are you alright Spike?”
“Yeah! Of course I am!” he said suspiciously.
“Spike. I can tell when you’re lying. What’s wrong? Are you nervous being around me or is there something else?” Fleur said as a little joke to lighten him up, but it had an effect on him.
Spike then noticed Rarity in his sights and immediately jumped from his chair. “I need to go to the bathroom! I’ll be back in a sec!” he said as he sped off. Spike didn’t even hear what she said and found the nearest bathroom. He hid inside the only single bathroom for both sexes thinking to himself that this was crazy. Just then he heard a knocking on the door. He said, “Sorry it’s occupied.”
They knocked again and Spike said angrily, “Hey! It’s busy!”
He then heard Rarity’s voice say, “Are you ok in there Spike?”
Talk about bad timing. Spike quickly had to come up with an excuse, “Yeah, I’m fine! Just had some bad food earlier. I’ll be out in a minute. Let’s meet up at the fountain at the end of the garden!”
Rarity had agreed and left. Spike sighed heavily and didn’t know what he was doing. Maybe he should just run away and go back to the land of the dragons. He could never return to Ponyville after that. It’s like he would be exiled from there even though he didn’t really do anything wrong. Just can’t be near Rarity. She would probably go berserk if she saw him again after leaving.
“NO!” Spike suddenly said. I can’t just run away. I have to make a choice or they both will end up hurt and no pony will be happy. I can’t live with this, besides these two will get over it. Well Fleur I guess doesn’t really know my feelings, but whatever. I still need to do this!” Spike then left the bathroom after consoling himself. Some ponies were looking at him as if he were crazy. He then decided to head to Fleur, but was stopped by noticing Cadence.
“Cadence? What are you doing here?” Spike said shocking Cadence.
Cadence wasn’t expecting her cover to be blown. She decided to confuse Spike. “Spike. I can’t talk right now. I am on a top secret mission and I need you to keep quiet. Don’t worry no pony is in danger here. I just need to make sure things go well.” Before Spike could respond, she shooed him away.
Spike was confused, but then continued to Fleur, but she was gone. Just then it went dark. A pair of hooves covered his eyes. “Guess who?” A familiar voice said.
“I know that’s you Fleur.” He said slightly annoyed.
“You got me.” Fleur said admitting defeat. Spike then began to chuckle. “Finally you give me a smile. I thought you were just going to be stressed out all day.” She then grabbed Spike’s hand and took him saying, “Come on Spike! I know somewhere more fun than this!” She took him to the balcony that overlooked the fountain, which had a great shot of the moon and the whole party. She always knew the good spots.
Spike’s smile quickly turned into one of amazement. It was clear to him that she was the one in that moment. She proved it just now, by how she makes him feel. He felt at peace finally. He then decided to confess to her at that moment. The words in his head kept saying, ‘No holding back.’ “Fleur. I have something to tell you.”
“Oh and what’s that?” she said still playing around.
“I told you how I was working hard to get Rarity’s love this whole vacation.”
Fleur realized that this was a little more serious and began listening. “Yeah?”
“Well, I decided to give it up.” Spike announced.
Fleur was both happy and sad he said that. “Why? Did she reject you?”
“Not exactly. I just decided that there is somepony I wanted more. A pony who makes me feel happy and at peace. Like I can trust you with all of myself.” Spike says as he rummages through his pockets for his gift. He then hands it over to her. It instantly clicks in her head what was going on. Tears began forming, but Spike continued anyways. “Fleur. I love you.” he said as he held out her present.
She was happy beyond belief, but the words of trust hurt her too. With her voice shaky she replied, “Spike. I am so happy to hear this,” Spike was happy to hear this, but that turned quickly. “but before I can accept your confession I must confess something to you too.” Fleur paused for a second and admitted, “I have been lying to you.” Spike was confused. “This time we spent was fun, but it’s been part of a job of mine.”
She then continued, “I was supposed to distract you away from Rarity. You see Fancy has had his eye on her for quite some time, but when you appeared, he noticed the bond you too shared. He decided to split you both up by using me to keep you from her and doing whatever it took to separate you both.” Spike couldn’t believe what he was hearing, but it made sense. “I am so sorry Spike. I-”, but she soon realized Spike wasn’t even listening anymore.
“Spike? Are you alright?” She asked.
All he could do was start chuckling to himself. Tears then ran down the side of his cheek. He then said, “So this whole time it wasn’t my fault or some divine force stopping Rarity and myself from doing things, but Fancy and you.” He then crazily added, “This is a joke right!?”
“Spike… I’m sorry. I had to tell you the truth.”
“Why would you tell me this now. Did you want to crush my feelings that badly. Are you really that cold?” Spike responded in a darker tone.
“You’re wrong!” Fleur returned. Spike lifted an eyebrow in curiosity to how he is wrong. “I do love you Spike! Well… I fell in love with you. I never had so much fun in my life with anypony else. Even on that first day, I felt so happy. I think then was when I began my feelings for you. When you showed me that list, it hurt. Not just because you were so in love with Rarity and how much I wished that it were me, but because I was deceiving you the whole time. You confessing to me just made me have to spill the whole truth to you. I wanted you to accept me for all I am and have no secrets.”
Spike felt torn again. On one hand she does love him, but on the other she betrayed him the entire time. For all he knows, he should be with Rarity. At least she didn’t hurt him. Spike then walked to the edge of balcony and noticed Rarity being cornered by Fancy. His first thought was that, ‘She was already taken because of how dumb he was.’, but then he noticed that she was in distress. “Rarity’s in trouble!” he said to Fleur. Fleur then noticed it as well. She may have failed Spike, but she can at least help him get Rarity she thought to herself.
Spike wondered what to do. If he went around, it might be too late. He then went with a crazy idea. Fleur asked, “What are you doing?”
Spike simply replied with, “Something crazy!” as he ran towards the end of balcony to jump over. He immediately regretted it, but was lowered down softly with Fleur’s magic. She yelled at him, “SPIKE! THAT WAS RECKLESS!!”, but he just responded with a simple thank you. Fleur grabbed her chest and said to herself, “The reckless dragon that I love.” She then headed down the stairs herself.
Spike saw Fancy was leading Rarity away further into the garden away from everypony’s sight. He called out, “Rarity!”
Fancy said in spite, “Not that annoying little lizard again.”
Spike replied, “Hey! I’m not a lizard!” Fancy covered the path by magically moving the plants. Fancy chuckled as he was now kidnapping Rarity. He then stumbled onto the cliffside. He turned around, but then a quick blaze of fire burned down a path for Spike to come through. As Spike walked through the fire, he said, “I’m a dragon.”
Fancy then retorted, “What’s a little dragon like you going to do against me?”
Spike thought to himself, ‘Hmm what can I do? I showed up, but now what?’
Fancy then grabbed him with his magic and slammed Spike to the floor. He then said to Spike, “You’re weak. You already lost! I gave Rarity a potion where the next one to kiss her at midnight will get all of her love and admiration.”
Spike had no idea what to do. As Fancy continued slamming him, a memory hit Spike. He knew one thing he could do. Spike then put his hand to his mouth and blew as hard as he could making a loud whistle. Fancy was confused. “Is that all you could come up with? How pathetic. Well I can’t play any longer.”
Fleur then showed up. “Spike!? Are you alright!?”
Fancy then ordered, “Oh Fleur, I’m glad you’re here. Can you dispose of the garbage? I have more pressing matters.”
Fleur then retorted, “Spike isn’t garbage. He is more than twice the gentlecolt you ever were!”
Fancy then chuckled, “Did you actually grow attached to that lizard?” He then got serious, “Don’t forget who owns you. What of your poor sister? What if I suddenly stop funding her treatments?” Fleur wanted to fight back, but she couldn’t. “Now be a good assistant and get rid of that garbage ok?” Fleur had such fury in her eyes, but it soon turned to fear as she saw an even more furious Princess Celestia rising from behind him along with two other cloaked ponies.
Celestia then said in a thunderous voice, “WHO DARES HURT SPIKE!!?”
Fancy’s bravado then disappeared in an instant. Everypony in the area heard it and came to the scene. Fancy dropped Spike instantly and tried to speak, “W- well your highnes-”, but he was cut off immediately.
“Fancy Pants! For not only hurting a personally invited guest as well as someone, who I call family, as well as drugging a mare, blackmailing, and many other heinous crimes. You will be put away for a long time as well as freezing all of your assets for further investigation.” Celestia said with a malicious intent, but restrained herself as best she could.
The guards then took Fancy Pants away. Rarity woke up right afterwards one minute after midnight. “What happened?” She asked groggily.
Fleur then said before the others, “Spike here rescued you from Fancy Pants.”
This shocked everypony, but a quick wave of the Princess let everyone know to be quiet about today. Spike wanted to object, but Rarity then hugged Spike before he could utter anything. “Thank you my Spikey-Wikey! I always knew you were such a gentledrake.” She then kissed Spike, which was Fleur’s cue to leave. Spike only had a quick glance, before he noticed she was gone.
With the party over, everypony had left and the clean up crew came in. Spike, Rarity, Celestia, and the two cloaked ponies all headed to bed. The two cloaked ponies revealed themselves as Luna and Cadence in front of Celestia.
Cadence was the first to say anything. “Well that was one crazy turn of events.”
Luna then added, “And after setting up everything to be perfect. I even made the moon into a full one just for tonight just for Spike.”
Celestia sighed, “At least everything turned out well. I’m glad that I showed Rarity Spike’s plans. She was so happy to hear that and went to work on that stunning outfit he had.”
After a quick silence, it was broken by Celestia, “Did you see how happy Spike was to be hugged by Rarity!?”
Cadence and Luna both agreed excitedly like a couple of teenage ponies in high school.
As the gossip circle went on, Rarity was fast asleep. Spike, however, was looking outside the window. “What a crazy vacation.” He said to himself. “Well at least it’s all over now.” He looked around the room and noticed a small envelope that was addressed to him.
It said “To: Spike”, but that was it. He opened it and a note was inside. “Here is a little memento from me to you Spike.” Also inside was a picture of Fleur and Spike in the teacup ride with him being hysterical. Spike chuckled to himself. He then said to himself, “I wonder where you went Fleur. I still need to thank you after all.” With that Spike went to bed.
The next morning he and Rarity rode the train back to Ponyville. Before it took off, Celestia personally saw them off and Spike thought he saw Fleur too, but it was probably his imagination. The ride back was oddly silent. Rarity wanted to say something, but how Spike was acting, it felt like it would be best if she just left him alone for a little bit.
They then entered Ponyville and all of their friends were waiting for them there. Pinkie of course had a party ready for them and they were prepared for that. Seems that everything went well. Spike was officially with Rarity and everypony is happy for the new lovely couple. It then became late into the evening as Spike and Twilight headed home along with Rarity. He described the entire experience, while leaving details about Fleur out for Rarity’s sake. They dropped Rarity off and now it was just Twilight and Spike.
“So Spike. That was quite an adventure you had for only a few days.” Twilight quipped
“Twilight, I did leave some details out, but there is something that is still bothering me.” Spike said.
Twilight asked, “What’s bothering you?”
“When Rarity kissed me the second time, I didn’t feel anything.” This shocked Twilight. “I mean… I guess what I’m trying to say is that… I guess I still love Fleur. Even before she gave out her reason for working with Fancy, I was still in love with her. It’s why I was laughing when she told me the truth. My mind wanted to hate her, but my heart and body wanted to still love her. I am just a terrible dragon aren’t I.”
Twilight was still baffled. “Are you sick Spike?”
“No I’m not sick or crazy or have some concussion from being slammed so many times.” Spike replied.
Twilight didn’t know what to say. “Well let’s talk about this tomorrow. I want to know all the details of course.”
“I kind of expected that. Don’t worry. I’ll tell you everything eventually. We got time.” Spike said as they entered their home. Spike just wanted to have a nice stress free sleep. Of course that wasn’t going to happen. This should have been his perfect ending, but it was all wrong. That’s all he could think. Eventually it ate at him, until he decided that he couldn’t lie to himself. He had to see her one more time. He looked at the time and there was still time for the late train to Canterlot. He snuck out and headed towards the station.
Unfortunately for Spike, it seems somepony was following him as well.
Inside the Carousel Boutique, Rarity was feeling annoyed. She couldn’t put her hoof on it, but she felt that something was wrong. She and Spike were together and everything should’ve been perfect. He came in as her knight in shining armor and saved her, but she feels they only grew further apart from this incident. Spike didn’t say many words outside of simple and general replies. During the party, he mostly just kept to himself or glanced towards the evening sun over Canterlot. Even the presence he had before he left Canterlot that morning was different. It felt as though she were an afterthought throughout this ordeal. That she wasn’t the focal point of his attention. She then decided to calm down and drink some tea.
Just as she finished making her tea, her sister barged in the front crying. “I HATE HIM!” She bawled as she jumped onto the couch into a nice and fluffy pillow. She squeezed the life out of it continuously repeating how much she despised somepony.
Rarity then rushed to her sister and asked, “What’s wrong Sweetie Belle?”
Sweetie looked at her sister with large tear-filled eyes and sobbed out, “Button chose another pony over me! We were so close, but this other transfer girl came in and stole him from me. Now we barely hang out anymore. He is always with her and she keeps taking him away on purpose. I can feel how much she hates me being near him.”
Rarity was shocked. She didn’t even know she was interested in boys that way yet. “Well Sweetie, are you absolutely sure she is taking him from you or are those your delusions from being jealous?”
“What!? I’m not jealous! I just want him back. I miss spending time with him, but she keeps butting in and enjoys it. She even smirked at me when he canceled on me.” Sweetie replied.
“Well, they’re other ponies to be close with.” She said, but Sweetie glared disapprovingly. Rarity then began thinking to herself how similar her situation was to her little sister. It’s playing out almost exactly the same on a smaller scale. She won’t let her sister fall for the same mistakes and proudly help her get her boyfriend back.
“Well Sweetie, if you want to take him back, then you have to fight for his love!” Rarity said proudly.
Sweetie then turned her head slightly sideways in confusion, “What’s this got to do with love?”
Now Rarity was confused, “Aren’t you jealous of this new rival?”
“Well I’m upset she took my friend away from me, but I don’t like him like that.”
Now that Sweetie better clarified the situation, Rarity said, “Oh. Well, that still doesn’t change the fact that you should still fight to get your friend. If you wait, then you might lose him to this new rival of yours.”
With newly lit determination in her eyes, Sweetie jumped up and announced, “You’re right! I can’t just sit here. I have to win back my friend! Thanks, big sis!” She quickly hugged Rarity and almost rushed out of the house, but realized that it was night and her friend was probably sleeping. “Oh, I guess I’ll try tomorrow. Well, I’m off to make plans before I go to bed. I will win him back!”
As Rarity saw her sister trot upstairs, she noticed her tea became cold. She poured it out slightly annoyed by it. She then noticed by her window over her sink. Something peculiar. She saw something cloaked, but it had to be Spike. No one else looks like that unless they had a recent visitor. If there were a new visitor, Pinkie would’ve let everyone else know by now. She then quickly got herself together and left to chase after Spike.
Spike continued to the station, while not trying to draw too much attention. He really wanted to avoid any of Twilight’s friends, especially Rarity. He felt like he was betraying her, but at the same time, everyone just assumed they were together. He never truly accepted it and was contemplating it since before he entered the train home.
The worst part is how he plotted this whole scheme to get Rarity and it worked kind of, but his heart now lies elsewhere. Most of his doubts have shredded from his body and now he knows that he wanted Fleur above all else. As he saw the station in the distance, he then began thinking, ‘What would I even say to Fleur?’
He had been thinking about going to see her, but he didn’t even have a true plan on what he would do when he got there. ‘I guess I can just think about it on the train ride I suppose.’ His thoughts slowly began to swirl more into doubt not in seeing her, but in how she would respond. ‘What if she doesn’t feel that way about me? What if it all was an act? But she seemed very genuine and she wouldn’t have helped me if that were the case.’ Spike said under his breath.
All while he was thinking this, Rarity was behind him in a cardigan, large decorative hat, and wearing glasses. She felt she was being inconspicuous, but everypony around really noticed her tailing Spike. Luckily for her, Spike was too absent-minded himself to notice. She began wondering, ‘What is he doing? I was going to surprise him, but when I got close he had that same look as he had on the train. It feels like he was serious. It felt almost daunting just to talk to him.’
She then noticed Spike enter the station, ‘Why the station? Where could he be going at this hour? These are the last trains for the day so does he plan to stay somewhere else or runaway?’
She eavesdropped as best she could and tried to make out where Spike was headed. “One t--ket to C-------t.” The station manager handed a ticket and Spike handed over some bits and walked to the station floor to catch his train.
Rarity upset that she couldn’t hear tried to quickly decipher it, but then had the bright idea of asking the manager. “Um excuse me, sir. Can you tell me where that previous passenger was going?”
The manager replied, “I am sorry mam, but all customers have a right to privacy.”
Rarity then pleaded with the manager, “Please! I must know. He is important to me and I don’t want him to make a permanent mistake.”
The manager thought about it for a second and looked into her large teary eyes. They seemed honest to a degree. “Well, okay then,” he said as the train just began pulling into the station. “He is headed to C--------” The train’s noise pulling in blocked what he said.
“I’m sorry, but could you repeat that?” She hastily asked.
“Oh well, he is headed to Canterlot. An odd time though, after all that happened recently with …” She blocked out the rest of the manager’s ramblings and rushed up to the station floor.
Just as she got to the upper train deck, she noticed Spike about to enter the train. She yelled, “SPIKE!!!” and he instantly grew two shades lighter. He turned to see Rarity there with tears and slightly smeared eyeliner.
This was the situation Spike was most worried about. He stared at her for what felt like an eternity.
Spike then took his foot off the train and realized he had to tell her the truth. “Rarity. What are you doing here?”
“That’s what I should be asking you. Why are you going back to Canterlot?” She sorrowfully replied.
Spike was worried, but he had to tell her how he felt. “Well, Rarity… I don’t think it’ll work between us.” She made an audible gasp followed by an awkward silence. Spike then continued as he looked at the floor no longer being able to look at her eyes. “I love Fleur. It's not like I dislike you or anything. It's just I feel happy being with her. Everything feels so natural between us.”
The moment he said her name she finally felt everything come crashing around her. She always knew it in her heart, but always denied the possibility. Lying to herself how close those two had gotten in such a short amount of time. Even when she saw that plan that Spike wrote, she already knew that his eyes were already beginning to wonder, but even still. Just like she told Sweetie Belle earlier, she will fight for his love till the bitter end.
Spike was worried at this point. He could almost feel the fury coming from her as the air began to warm up around them and she was the source of it all. He braced himself for her anger, but was met with an even worse calm voice that had pure malice behind it. “Why her? We've been closer for longer. You’ve known me longer. You loved me first! Why!?”
There goes the thunder Spike expected. “Rarity. I’m sorry, but no matter how much I thought about it. I just couldn’t help, but fall in love with her. She and I have a natural thing going on. It’s hard to explain it, but I just feel truly happy and loved being with her. It’s not to say you did anything wrong, it’s just that I love her.”
Spike felt confident towards the end, but Rarity wasn’t having that. “I LOVED YOU!! You don’t even know if she loves you!”
“I know she does!” Spike replied with lightning.
Rarity, however, returned with thunder, “DO YOU!? Do you even know!? She could have been using you this whole time to split us apart from each other an- and felt guilty about it. It was probably just a job for her! Nothing more!!”
Spike felt she was unnecessarily attacking Fleur so he replied in a lower calm voice filled with anger “Rarity. I am going to see her.”
The train’s conductor said, “All Aboard!” and noticed the two barking at each other.
“Well, there’s my ride. Maybe some time away will cool us both off.” Spike finished as he began to board. Rarity had no idea what to do. She then reacted on impulse and magically grabbed him off the train and flung him to the floor. “What are you doing!?”
“I don’t know what else I can do! You just won’t listen to me!!” Rarity bawled as she crept closer to Spike to better hold him down.
Spike’s snapped, “You’re not listening to ME!” Spike then began to struggle. The conductor looked at his pocket watch and realized he ran out of time and decided to leave the station. Once the train began to move, Spike struggled even harder and managed to get one arm loose where he grabbed onto Rarity’s horn. Rarity’s magical grasp over Spike was released as her magic became temporarily unavailable. Spike then began to sprint toward the train in hopes he can at least grab on to the last car.
In a last-ditch effort, Spike had grabbed onto the caboose’s rail and vaulted onto the back. Out of breath, he thought to himself, ‘Thank Celestia I made it.’ He looked towards Canterlot with absolute optimism that Fleur would still be there waiting for him. ‘Fleur, please wait for me.’ He then looked back only to see Rarity in tears. He felt bad for her, but he had no regrets. This is what he truly wanted.
As Spike rode the train, all he thought about was what he would say once he saw her again. He would tell her how much she means to him. How she was the one for him and he would never let anyone get in his way again. He will be more adamant about his decision to love her. He would look out the train and think about his time he spent here.
“It has been one hell of a week. She came into my life out of nowhere and snatched up my whole soul away. She’s a high-class pony who doesn’t feel like she is. A pony who knew when to keep up appearances, but behind closed doors is really more of a child than she lets on.” Spike then looks at a fleeting away Ponyville and remembers Rarity.
“I’m so sorry Rarity. None of this was really your fault. I even felt deep down that my plan would’ve probably have failed anyway. I didn’t expect you to not only fall in love, but she stole my heart before you claimed it. Looking back, I was most at fault since I didn’t try harder to stay with you even when you needed me. I apologize for that, but I only feel sympathy and not empathy. I loved you before, but I have moved on just as I know you will as well. You’re not going to recover quickly, but I hope you do. Actually I know you will Rarity. You were always stronger than everypony ever imagined. Time for me to let go however.” Spike said as he noticed how close he was getting to Canterlot.
Spike then began remembering the silly events that transpired as he was in Canterlot with the dance, the secret spot to see the fireworks, going out shopping, Fleur kidnapping him to go on fun rides together, and even though Spike was distraught most of the time, she kept coming back and bringing a smile to him. She knows that in the beginning that she was doing it intentionally for Fancy, but she was genuinely happy and he could feel it now in hindsight.
Spike never left the caboose of the train, but just took in the breathtaking sights holding tight to not fall off and watch a great portion of Equestria. Maybe one day he can go exploring all different parts with Fleur. He’s sure she has seen a lot with her line of work, so why not explore even more together.
Once the train finally pulled up to the Canterlot station, he walked off to the platform and noticed Fleur there already as if she was waiting for him or rather waiting for the train. She had bags and everything like she was ready to depart. She noticed him staring at him and was overcome with emotions. Her normal demeanor was broken as she charged at Spike. Spike still being undersized however was swept off like nothing by Fleur. As the tender embrace lasted for what seemed like forever as they stay their hugging, laughing, and full of happy tears. . .
This is the story's new end without breaking the original's sequence. Anything after this point was the original ending I had intended long ago.
. . . . . . . . . . .
The reality that was around Spike finally stopped.
Spike was home. Eyes full of tears, soulless, and depressed. He took one final look at the window outside his bed and said under his breath, “If only she didn’t stop me. If only Rarity let me go and I didn’t miss that train.” Spike stayed awake the entire night looking at Canterlot with the calendar next to the window reading one week later.
As he lay there awake, he began replaying the true events of that day. Rarity holding him back with her magic. When he broke free she leaped onto his back preventing him from boarding the train. She was crying, babbling, saying how she just couldn’t let him go, but all he felt was the life being drained from him as the train moved on.
A quick flame of anger lashed out as he got up and he separated himself from Rarity, but he did not hurt her. Just glared with a cold glare and walked away. Rarity stood there paralyzed, like a pony frozen in the tundra by the anger and the lifeless eyes he had. She had never seen his eyes that way before. No pony has ever seen Spike’s eyes like that, but her.
Spike remembers going to Canterlot the very next morning, but it was too late. Fleur had already moved on and to where? No one knew. Her agency said that she went on an extended vacation to wherever and departed on the last train. The sickening feeling in the pit of Spike’s stomach only got worse the more he tried to look. A whole week of searching and he came back empty-handed. Now he lay in bed wondering what to do next and reminiscing about the past.
Meanwhile, Rarity was also replaying the events in her head, but all she could see was Spike’s eyes. She remembers when she finally came to, he was already gone. Rarity thought to look for him, but those eyes flashed into her head. Rarity was scared, filled with so much fear not for what Spike may do to her, but fear that they will never be close again. She realized that she was selfish and may have ruined his happiness. All these years of friendship shattered by the raw jealousy and selfish need she had. Rarity had been very generous before, but Spike was the one thing she didn’t want to give up.As Rarity lay in her bed looking at the stars out her window, all she muttered was a single regret, “Why didn’t I let him go…”
