JUST In Case...

Chapters

Dragon Training
The Race (Part One)
The Race (Part Two)
A Fitting (And Cheesy) End.
Looks Like a Flyin' Guy to Me
You call this an Intermission?

Dragon Training

Picking up from the pieces can be quite difficult with a story like this, yet I'll give my best shot. There never is a 'perfect' beginning to a story, just one that is of very best quality. So with that, we shall begin.

The sky was once again ruled by our dear Princess Celestia, and what better a day for flying than today? Our pony friends certainly agree. Spike was recently checked out of the hospital after some consultation from a dragon expert named Bright Idea. He had explained about all the changes Spike was going through and it had just marked that he had been going through a phase in his life. All dragons have earned their wings the same way Spike has and it is usual for them to go through extreme pain. Twilight asked him if he had any books on dragons so she can know about any other changes about Spike in the future and like a gentlecolt, he provided.

Like Rainbow Dash had promised, she decided to teach Spike how to fly. They were over at Rainbow's usual spot where she does tricks. The first thing she had to teach was to obviously get up into the air.

"OK Spike, can you flap your wings?" Rainbow Dash said while hovering above him.

Spike had replied with a single flap. "Check."

"Now, just relax all your muscles and start flapping and you'll be in the air in no time." Rainbow Dash flew a bit farther away from him to give him some space.

Spike begun to follow her instructions by inhaling and exhaling to relax his muscles. He then put all his might into flapping his wings. He levitated just a bit over the ground and leveled himself out without going any higher. He had a giant smile on his face, finally being able to feel the wind in his face. It was refreshing, and Spike was loving every second of it.

"Great! Now is when we get to the good stuff." Rainbow had signaled for Spike to get on her back, as Spike graciously followed. With all her force, she bolted through the sky, increasing altitude with every second. Spike was hanging on for dear life, trying not to fall. She had come to a quick stop at a group of clouds that were lined up in perfect order to form a walkway.

"Next thing you gotta know is how to cloud walk." She flew right next to the clouds with Spike still on her back. "Jump onto the clouds Spike."

Spike was nervous, but then again who wouldn't be? He was afraid he was going to fall through the cloud to his impending doom below. He had been hyperventilating and sweating uncontrollably. Every time he would send a look down to Equestria below, his anxiety would reach it's peak.

"Come on, Spike. You can do it." Rainbow assured him. "I'll be under the cloud, just in case you fall."
Spike proceeded to slowly lift one leg over the Pegasus's back and extend it towards the cloud. As he touched it, he was surprised to see that it was solid. His anxiety had died down a bit, but not fully. After about fifteen seconds of 'feeling' the cloud, he decided to jump onto it. Spike had his eyes closed and claws covering his face. When he came back to his senses, he saw he was standing on top of the cloud, not sinking nor falling through it. He looked over it to see Rainbow Dash right under the cloud, ready to catch him if he were to fall.

He began to tiptoe across the cloud walkway, moving inch by inch with each step. He did not want to think of the dire consequences if he were to fall. He remembered what Twilight had told him about the time she went to Cloudsdale to cheer on Rainbow Dash at the Young Flyers Competition. She was nervous about doing her signature Sonic Rainboom and felt as if she was going to fail as well and become the laughing stock of the whole city. But with enough devotion, and a Rarity in distress, she pulled through and became who she is today. Spike stopped tiptoeing and started walking.

The cloud was actually quite soft once you get used to it. It felt as if he was walking on air which technically he was. He had reached the end of the walkway and laid down. He stretched his arms out and curled his wings up. Sleep soon came to him in a matter of seconds and he was there, floating on the puff in the sky without a care in the world.

Rainbow Dash, on the other hoof had been waiting below for Spike to signal her to pick him up. She had grew tired of waiting and decided to fly up to find him. When she came up upon the cloud, she saw Spike sleeping and lying happily on the cloud.

Rainbow Dash sighed. "Just like when i started cloud walking for the first time."

She went over by Spike's side and decided to wait for him to wake up. She couldn't just leave the little drake there by himself. He was nervous enough to even walk on the cloud, let alone fly off of it. She'll take him over to Twilight's library when he wakes up and continue teaching him how to fly tomorrow.

She has never really seen Spike sleeping before. She noticed how for every snore, a little puff of smoke would come out of his nostrils. The little drake actually looked a bit cute in his sleep. Wait, did she just think of that? She shrugged that thought off and had sat there on the cloud waiting for him to wake up.

Though sleep was coming to her fast and she didn't want to fall asleep in the cold. Having no other solution she decided to lay down next to him, just close enough to absorb his body heat. She let slumber come over her and soon she was snoring just like Spike.

About a few hours later, Spike woke up groggily. He hasn’t slept like that in such a long time. When he woke up, everything was hazy and he couldn't move. He laid there still for some time, until he finally regained his vision. He saw what was constricting him. A drooling, smiling cyan pegasus had him locked in an embrace while she was asleep. He couldn't help but
snicker a little when he saw her face. He slithered himself out carefully as to not wake up Rainbow Dash. He was stranded on a white cloud and his only way out was resting. It wasn't all that bad though. The cloud offered a breathtaking view. He could see Ponyville, Sweet Apple Acres, the Everfree Forest, and the mountain ranges. All of these landmarks came together to make the home that he has come to know and love.

As Spike was admiring the view, he hadn't noticed that Rainbow Dash had awoken when he had crawled out of her hug. She got up and walked over to Spike, sitting next to him while he was still admiring the view.

"Enjoyin' the view?" She said while yawning.

"Hey bedmane," Spike said while pointing to her mane and laughing. It had been quite messy from sleeping on the cloud. She fixed it immediately. She didn't want to look bad in front of Spike. Wait, she just had that same thought again. She ignored the feeling, but it still kept poking at her inside.

"You ready to leave?" Rainbow said while stretching.

"Yeah." Spike had gotten up and walked over to the cyan pegasus. "You do realize Twilight is going to be furious right?"

"Don't worry, I'll explain to her what happened." Rainbow Dash earned a 'Are You Sure?' look from Spike. "She'll understand."

As soon as he mounted Rainbow Dash, she extended her wings, and for extra effect she trotted over to the beginning of the cloud walkway and ran all the way to the end, taking flight in a matter of seconds. Spike got used to being in the air and wasn't scared anymore. When he looked down, he didn't think of death, he thought of excitement. Every second in the air was more and more thrilling for him. He didn't want to be on the back of a flier, he wanted to be the flier.

Spike extended his wings and jumped off of Rainbow Dash's back. He took flight easily due to the fact they were already so high up in the air. Rainbow Dash saw her dragon pal wasn't on her back and instead was soaring across the sky in the opposite direction. She had taken pursuit, but man was Spike fast. His wings were perfectly aerodynamic and he had jumped of her at just the right angle. She immediately increased speed, and eventually caught up to him. She grabbed him and put him on her back once again and kept flying.

"Spike, what got into you?!" Rainbow had yelled while flying.

Spike had a giant grin on his face. "I knew you were gonna catch me. I wouldn't have done it if i thought you weren't. Plus, i really wanted to fly.”

Rainbow Dash blushed at the compliment. Wait, why was she blushing? Of course she was going to catch him. She was by far, the fastest pegasus in Equestria. But it was something about hearing it from Spike. She couldn't describe it but it felt enticing. Increasing speed she headed towards Ponyville, reaching the vicinity of Golden Oaks Library. Rainbow Dash wasn't one to just use the door. She had to be more awesome than that. She flew through the window, normally surprising any normal ponies. But Twilight was different. If she was immersed in a book, not even an earthquake can disturb her. While Spike and Rainbow Dash were trying to recover from the sudden crash, she was there reading the book that Bright Idea had given her. Seeing as this was their opportunity to sneak in. Unfortunately, at that very moment, Twilight had finished reading the book.

"Spike, where have you been?" Twilight said.

"Oh, I was teaching Spike how to fly and we lost track of time." Rainbow said while scratching her mane. "Sorry Twilight..."

"It's alright." She closed the book and headed upstairs. "Spike needs his training anyway."

Spike sighed in relief to the fact he wasn't in trouble. He proceeded to follow Twilight up the stairs when he saw Rainbow Dash still standing there.

"Oh...Um... See ya Rainbow." Spike waited for her to reply before heading upstairs.

"Bye Spike, same time tomorrow?" She said.

"Definitely." Spike smiled.

Rainbow Dash flew out the window the same manner she came in. Though, while she was flying back, that feeling had been tugging at her again. She kept trying to shake it off and continue her flight back to her cloud mansion. She had been flying slowly as she didn't have any energy left to fly faster. After what seemed like hours to her, she finally reached her home. She hated flying at such a slow rate. But after a long and exhausting day, she didn't care. She was helping Spike to fly and that was enough to keep her going. She enjoyed spending more time with Spike as they didn't hang out very often. Either he was cleaning and helping Twilight at the library or he would be off busy with something else.

She got back to her home, carelessly opening the door and closing it. She jumped onto her cloud bed and adjusted herself appropriately. She found herself in a comfortable position and began napping once again.

The next day brought a whole world of new adventure. Spike was headed towards the same spot as before to continue his training. He hoped that he was finished with the basics for he wanted to learn more advanced flying techniques. He wasn't walking anymore, he was flying. He learned to propel himself up and move forward at the same time, allowing him to levitate. Spike finally arrived at the ‘Training Area’ as he called it. While waiting for Rainbow Dash, Spike decided to do a bit of exercising. He saw other pegasi curl their wings up and down repeatedly to prepare them for flying. He decided to mimic them and started curling his wing, all the while moving it up and down. He could feel his wing straining after some time training. While Spike was working out in the middle of the field, Rainbow Dash was still lazily asleep in her mansion.

She woke up groggily and did her usual morning chores. Fixed her mane, brushed her teeth, washed her hoofs, etc. As soon as she had finished, she headed out the door. While she was flying, she couldn't help but feel she had forgotten something. She did all her morning chores, fed Tank, locked all the doors in her house, yet she felt a nagging feeling and it was driving her to the edge of insanity. Right then, it hit her like a brick house. She had completely forgotten about Spike and his training. She immediately started to fly in the opposite direction as fast as she could.

Spike was still there, having just finished exercising. He was wondering what was taking Rainbow so long. He was about to leave, when he heard the sound barrier break. That only meant one thing. Rainbow Dash was doing one of her famous Sonic Rainboom. When Spike looked up however, he didn't see an expanding rainbow ring. He had looked all over. Not one sign of a techni-color rainbow.

Though while Spike was looking over the horizon for the non-existent rainbow, a certain rainbow-maned pegasus was waiting right behind him. She decided to prank Spike and sneak up behind him. When she got close enough, she tackled him playfully to the floor. She was laughing while Spike was lying on the ground looking to see the perpetrator that had attacked him. He saw it was his dear trainer, Rainbow Dash.

“Hey Rainbow, was that you who broke the sound barrier just now?” Spike was still a bit dazed from the sudden tackle.

“Yeah,” She said while smiling. “Who else could it have been?”

“I thought you could only break it when you do a Sonic Rainboom,” Spike said while looking at her dumbfounded.

“I’m fast enough to break it without even trying,” She said.

Spike envied her. She was truly the fastest pegasus to ever come soaring out of Cloudsdale, maybe even Equestria. If she could break the sound barrier like nothing, it’s no wonder she can do a Sonic Rainboom. He wanted to be like her in every way. Well, not like how Scootaloo looked up to her, but differently.

“Can we get to training now? I've been waiting long enough.” Spike said while Rainbow flew off of him and he proceeded to stand up.

“Alrighty then,” Rainbow Dash said. “What do you want to learn today?”

“Can we continue on the basics?” Spike said.

“Sure, I actually have an idea.” Rainbow proceeded to zoom off in one direction, returning in seconds with a large plastic ring. “I got this from Pinkie. Pretty cool, am i right? Not as cool as me though.” She once again started laughing at her own joke. “Anyway, your job is to fly as fast as you can through this ring as many times as you can in three minutes.”

“Simple enough.” Spike extended his wings, ready to start. “Ready!”

With that, Rainbow Dash blew the whistle she also got from Pinkie Pie. Spike took off going as fast as he could towards the ring. In Spike’s mind, everything was going in slow motion. He can’t stop for anything. He was going to dominate that ring and nothing was going to stop him. Rainbow Dash was astonished at how fast he was going. He managed to pass the rings a total of seventy-three times on the first minute. Rainbow Dash decided to make it a bit more challenging.

She started moving around to make going through the ring a bit more difficult for Spike. That hadn’t affected Spike’s statistics much as he managed on the second minute to go through the ring a total of sixty-seven times. Rainbow began to increase speed and Spike was starting to have difficulty, knowing he couldn’t keep going much longer. He had managed to go through thirty-nine times as he could barely keep up with Dash’s speed.

“Impressive, Spike!” She flew back down to ground level.

“Not... Fast... Enough...” Spike said while hyperventilating. “Can i get a redo?”

“Maybe tomorrow, Spike,” She said. “We have to keep going with the training.”

Disappointed, Spike prepared himself for the next part of his training.

“For the next part of the training, what i want you to do IS... a loopty-loop.”

“That’s it?” Spike said confusedly.

“Yup,” Rainbow Dash said.

“Easy enough.” What Spike didn't know what that Rainbow Dash had a plan.

As Spike prepared himself to do the somersault, Rainbow Dash laid down in the shade of a nearby tree.
Spike took off and immediately started to curve into the loop.

“Eat your heart out, Rain-” Spike was interrupted as he reached the top of the loop, losing control and falling. Rainbow had pulled out a mattress, knowing that failure was imminent. Spike plummeted, landing onto the mattress.

“What? How did i fail?” Spike said, getting up from the mattress.

“You’re supposed to stop flapping and stretch when you reach the top of the loop.” Rainbow Dash said. “Like this.”

She got up from against the tree and zoomed into the same circular loop Spike had failed. In a matter of seconds, she reached the top of the loop and extended her front hooves and her back hooves as much as she could away from her body. She curved her body a bit to match the wind of the loop. Spike was watching from the ground as she perfectly executed the trick that he couldn’t. She performed so elegantly as she had Spike’s eyes locked on her the entire time. She finished the trick and returned to Spike, who had his jaw dropped from watching the technique that played out before him.

“That was... Woah.” Spike said, still dumbfounded.

“Well, your turn, Spike.” Rainbow went back to resting by the tree. Spike was still shocked at how amazing she looked when she pulled off that simple trick. The sun shone on her in a way that made her dazzle. Her mane hit the sun’s rays in just the right angle, exposing her hidden beauty.

Spike prepared to take off again, wary of the tip Rainbow Dash had given him. He took off once more, and when he reached around to the top of the loop and stretched as Rainbow Dash had instructed. He felt the wind carry him as he went around in the other direction coming back to ground level to meet Rainbow Dash. Rainbow was watching as she was resting by the oak tree. He actually looked pretty cool while he was flying.

“Hey, I did it! Does this mean we’re done with the basics?” Spike said, landing right next to Rainbow.

“Nice job, Spike, and no. It has just begun.” Rainbow replied.

Author's Note

How can i excuse myself for the delay? Well, I was high on friendship.

The Race (Part One)

This fic is getting more and more intriguing with each passing letter and word. A dragon getting wings, then a pegasus teaching him how to fly? And now there is a supposed race that you all are expecting? Let's hope it is that simple. Probably not. Wait, where are you taking me? I'm not crazy! I'm just writing an innocent little story! I'm not crazy, I tell you! Unhand me this instant!

The sweet little town of Ponyville was once again radiated by The Sun, which had been magically placed in it's right position by our lovely Princess Celestia. Back in Canterlot Castle, Princess Luna was preparing herself for the upcoming Summer Sun Celebration as it is her first one since she first turned good. Celestia was prepping the sun for it's arrival the next day on the balcony.

"Hmm, what to wear..." She pulled out her old Nightmare Moon robes. "Ugh, I cannot believe I liked this fashion."

She threw the robe back into the 'No' pile. "My sister deserves the best at her celebration and I shall make myself look as royal as can be!" She put her flank down and thought about answers.

"Maybe Fancy Pant's will be able to make some formal attire..." Right then, the idea hit her like a moving train. "I'll consult the Element of Generosity! I do hear she makes some very elegant clothes. Her horn lit up with the faintly blue aura that looked strikingly similar to her mane and in an instant was whisked off to Ponyville. She teleported herself in the middle of the market, surprising everypony and causing them to bow. She apologized for the sudden surprise and strode in the direction of the Boutique.

The only problem was, she didn't know where the Boutique was.

Her teleportation only worked when she knew where she would teleport. She couldn't start exploring randomly, that would waste too much time. She decided to consult Twilight, she will surely know. She strode off in the direction of the library, not paying mind to all the ponies bowing before her.

She reached the library and walked up to the door, though as she was about to open the door she heard arguing coming from within. She thought it was a bad idea to eavesdrop, but she was the Princess. She was supposed to help her loyal subjects.

"But, Twilight, it's not her fault that I came home late!" She heard the voice of that little purple dragon who was Twilight's assistant. 'Spike', she thinks he was called.

"No excuses! If this happens again, I'm not letting you train with her anymore!" Said the voice of Twilight Sparkle.

She decided to enter, thinking that the argument had ended. Twilight, who was still infuriated, was inside pacing back and forth. She didn't notice Princess Luna enter the room.

"Ah, Twilight Sparkle?" Princess Luna said.

"Oh, Princess! I wasn't expecting you. Is there anything that you need?" Twilight said, frantically trying to look her best for the Princess, though her frizzy mane wasn't helping.

"Please, call me Luna. Sorry to unexpectedly drop by, but i need directions to the Element of Generosity's Boutique." Princess Luna said.

"Oh, you mean Rarity? She's just down the road to the left, you can't miss it. What exactly do you need from her?" Twilight asked curiously.

"I need to prepare for the Summer Sun Celebration and none of my clothes will suffice. Hearing all the marvelous stories from my dear friend Fancy Pants, I've decided to ask her to make my robes."

The words Summer Sun Celebration rung in Twilight's ears. She completely forgot about her teacher's Celebration. She dreadfully looked at her calendar and saw that Luna was correct. She completely forgot about it, having to worry about Spike and his training with Rainbow Dash. The book that Bright Idea gave her said that after dragon's grow their wings, they start to get more and more defiant with each passing day. She was afraid of losing her dragon assistant and she increased supervision on him ever since.

"Oh, well Luna... Nice to see you again, now I don't mean to throw you out, but i need to work on something private and I must concentrate! Bye, and come again!" She proceeded to open the door for Luna, who confusedly looked at Twilight as she walked out. Twilight nervously smiled at her, hoping she wouldn't realize that Twilight had forgotten about the Celebration. Twilight shut the door and immediately went to looking for her Grand Galloping Gala gown. She figured she could use that and not worry about anything else. Unfortunately, when she found the dress, it was filled from top to bottom with dirt and stains. She forgot to wash it after the Gala and now Karma came to bite her in the flank. She couldn't wear it like this and Spike was the one who always washes all the clothes.

"Spike!" Twilight yelled.

Spike came down the stairs a few moments after she called out for him. "What is it, Twilight?"

"Can you wash this dress for me? I need it for tomorrow at the Summer Sun Celebration. While you're at it, wash your tuxedo as well." Twilight said, relieving at the fact her number one assistant will get rid of her problems.

She levitated the gown over to Spike, who looked infuriated.

"You know what, Twilight? No. Wash it yourself." Spike said.

"What?!" Twilight said, shocked by the young drake's answers.

"I said No." Spike closed his eyes and crossed his arms.

Twilight's worst fears were confirmed. Spike was never this cross with her before. He would always gladly accept any task she would give him, but now he was not gonna stand for it. If he wasn't allowed to stay up one minute late, why should he have to do her dirty work?

"Spike, what's gotten into you?" Twilight said worryingly.

Spike felt deja-vu coming on. "You want to yell at me for being up one minute past my curfew? You can do the laundry yourself."

Spike angrily flew out the window, leaving a confused Twilight standing in the middle of the library wondering what just happened. She didn't even try to stop him as he just kept flying. Her innocent little drake, now defying her? The book was right, only she wished she realized sooner. She got up, realizing she must do right by her assistant. First things first though, she has to go see Fluttershy and ask her to wash the dress. She didn't want to look like a fool to her master.

Spike, who was still flying angrily to Celestia-knows-where didn't care where he went. As long as he was away from Twilight, anywhere was perfect. He got the idea to sleeping on a cloud from watching Rainbow Dash do it so many times. He looked around for a nearby cloud, but no such luck was found. Apparently, the mayor requested a clear day. This was bad for Spike as he realized he has to look by the mountains for a comfy cloud to lay on. He flew over to the mountain range, in search of a fluffy white puff he can call his bed.

As he rounded the mountain where The Elements had conquered that other dragon, he found one cloud and flew hastily towards it. He quickly came to a stop right next to it and stepped on. He positioned himself in the middle of the cloud and curled up into a ball, closing his eyes and waiting for sleep to take him away to far-away lands. He cleared his mind of Twilight and hoped to just get some peaceful sleep and cool off. He will apologize to Twilight in the morning, as he had been a bit brash with her.

Twilight was trotting over to Fluttershy's cottage, trying to clear her head about Spike. She couldn't stop remembering all the good times she has had over the years since she first got him as an egg. She remembered her entrance exam where she got Spike, and how she had turned him into a full-grown adult when Rainbow Dash did her sonic Rainboom that caused he magic to go wonky. She aced the test, giving her her cutie mark and her powers today. Getting Spike as a baby was just icing on the cake for her. Though she hasn't taken care of a baby before, she read a book about it. There were times where she had blown a gasket at trying to care of Spike, but she succeeded and created who he was today.

She didn't realize she arrived at Fluttershy's cottage and ran headfirst into the door. The resulting "Ow..." from Twilight and the thump on the door informed Fluttershy, who was tending to her hummingbirds inside, of her presence. She walked to the door and opened it gracefully, giving a kind "Hello?" to whoever was there. She found her friend Twilight lying on the floor and rubbing her forehead with her hoof and carrying her Gala gown.

"Twilight, are you okay?" Fluttershy said, helping Twilight up.

"Yeah, just fine," Twilight said. "I need to ask you a favor though."

"Anything for my friend, Twilight." She said while inviting Twilight inside. "Come in and I'll make us some tea, I mean, if that's okay with you..."

Twilight went in and sat herself down onto the couch. She noticed all the animals that seemed to be leaking through all of the holes and cracks of her house. She was surprised Fluttershy could take care of all them with no problems whatsoever.

"You certainly have a lot of... Company, Fluttershy." Twilight said, still looking around.

Fluttershy came out of the kitchen, carrying a platter with two tea-cups on it. "Yes, but they are nice to me and help me around my cottage. In return, I care for them whenever they are hurt and give them food. Now then, what was the favor you were going to ask me?"

"Oh yeah, I was wondering if you could wash this gown for me?" Twilight said.

"Of course Twilight, I have one question though if that's okay with you..." She said shyly.

"Go ahead Fluttershy." Twilight said.

"How come you didn't ask Spike to do it?" Doesn't he always do what you ask?"

Twilight tilted her head down. "The thing is with Spike... He's been acting a lot more differently ever since he grew those wings at the picnic."

Fluttershy remembered seeing Spike go through extreme pain at the picnic and the wings popping out of his back. "Yes, that must have been very painful for the poor guy. I would have taken care of him if you simply asked, Twilight."

"I didn't want to burden you, Fluttershy, seeing as how you already have so many animals to take care of."

"It would have been no problem, Twilight, really." Fluttershy said. Her words ring the truth, as she always wanted to spend more time with Spike ever since he first got to Ponyville. Even after the little dragon told her his life story, she still felt like she barely knew Spike. He was always so kind, and he was a hard worker. He was even kind of cute too. Fluttershy knew of his crush on Rarity and always stayed away, but ever since she found out about the whole 'Just Friends' event from her at the spa, she has been trying to get closer to Spike. She never told her friends about her wanting for the little dragon to herself.

"Anyway, what happened was, when I asked Spike to wash the gown for me, he got angry. He said about how I yelled at him for being up past his curfew, and how I should wash it myself."

Fluttershy looked confused. "How late was he?"

"One minute..." Twilight twiddled with her fore-hoofs.

"One minute? I hardly think that's worth getting yelled at, Twilight..." Fluttershy said, taking Spike's side.

"I know... And I shouldn't have done it. He just flew off randomly and I didn't have a chance to stop him." Twilight said while looking down.

"You don't know where he is?" Fluttershy said worryingly.

"No, I tried looking for him but it seems he went off flying. I'm sure he just needs time to cool off. I was thinking of apologizing to him when he gets back."

Fluttershy nodded. "Well, I'm sure things will be fine. Anyway, by when do you want this dress back?"

"I was hoping you could get it cleaned by today. I need it for the Summer Sun Celebration tomorrow."

"I'll deliver it to you later then."

"Thank you, Fluttershy." Twilight sighed in relief, knowing one of her many problems was solved. She left the gown with Fluttershy, who picked it up and went to back to her business. Twilight left the cottage and went about her day merrily.

Meanwhile, everypony's favorite princess arrived at Carousel Boutique. Thankfully, the shop was still open. She entered the shop in her royal posture. Rarity was inside working on a small order she received a few hours ago. She just finished the making the order, which was a tuxedo for a young stallion and a bridal dress from a mare. The young couple were getting married and they trusted Rarity to provide. She always made her dresses exceptionally well when it came to weddings. She hoped one day the stallion of her dreams would one day propose to her and she would make her own bridal dress. She set the clothes aside and continued to work on the next order when Princess Luna stepped in.

"Are you the one called Rarity?" Princess Luna proclaimed.

Rarity was startled at the loudness that was Princess Luna's royal voice. She felt the ground shake whenever she heard that voice. She looked in back of her to find Luna staring at her other dresses.

"Ah, Princess! How may I be of assistance to you?" Rarity said, in her 'ladylike' voice as she would describe.

"You are the one that has made all these fine masterpieces?" Luna said, distracted by the beautiful gowns and dresses that Rarity made.

"The one and only!" Rarity said.

"I see I have come to the right mare then." Luna proceeded to sit on Rarity's 'drama' couch. "I need you to make me a royal robe for my sister's celebration tomorrow."

"You mean the Summer Sun Celebration? Darling, you are in luck. I have been making special dresses for just this occasion."

Rarity went over to one of her infinite curtains and pulled the rope, revealing the line of pony mannequins wearing very fancy dresses. They were especially designed for alicorns, such as the Princesses. Luna, awe-shocked from the mastery that was Rarity's dresses, couldn't help but think of one thing. Why did she make dresses that were designed for alicorns she didn't even know of Luna's request? She shrugged off as simple coincidence and luck and moved on.

"These dresses, they are simply divine." Luna said while walking up to one dress that caught her eye.

Rarity, giddy over the fact a princess complimented one of her dresses, simply kept calm and nodded.

"Thank you, Princess. It is an honor."

"I would like to take this dress." She pointed over to a dress that matched her in every way. The silk that was used to make it had been the same color as her and the dress came with a small veil. "I shall send payment when I return to Canterlot."

"Oh, Princess, you don't have to pay. Free of charge, to the ruler of the night." Rarity said elegantly.

"I see you are certainly living up to your name as the Element of Generosity. I thank you dearly." Luna said. "I hope to see you tomorrow."

"Same to you, Princess."

"Please, call me Luna." Luna used her teleportation magic once again to reappear back in Canterlot Castle. She went to her quarters and tried on her dress. Luckily, it was a perfect fit. With that, the princess rested, waiting for her time to raise the moon.

Back on the cloud, Spike woke up to find it was late. The moon was up and the cloud had drifted over to the top of Sugar Cube Corner. They were still ponies up and about, including the pink party ponie. She was outside, advertising for more customers.

"Come one, come all! Sugar Cube Corner is always the best bakery all around! Get a taste of our signature Sugar Cakes, the best cupcakes in town, and maybe even Equestria!"

The advertising was obviously working, as more and more customers were flowing into the shop. Mr and Mrs. Cake were inside filling all the orders, all the while smiling as they could get some extra orders done before they close.

Spike flew down off his cloud balcony and met Pinkie Pie who stopped yelling to talk to Spike.

"Heyyah, Spike! What are you doing here so late? You hungry for some gem cupcakes?" Pinkie said ecstatically.

"Nah, Pinkie. I was just sleeping on that cloud up there and it drifted over here." Spike looked up back at his former resting place. "Huh, what a coincidence."

"Oh, I've been meaning to tell you. I wanted to throw you a party for your new wings, but whenever I would try to ask, you would be off with Rainbow Dash learning some tricks."

Hearing Rainbow's name again reminded him. He had completely forgotten to visit her like he promised. Even though he finished his training a week ago, he still visited Rainbow Dash to practice with her. Besides, practice makes perfect. He also just wanted to hang out with Rainbow more often. He grew more closer to her while they were training and soon they were the best of friends. Spike couldn't help but feel something for the cyan pegasus. Something about her made him love being around her. Her awesomeness, great flying, her loyalty...

"Oh, um... Sorry, Pinkie. I would love for you to throw me a party." Spike said, making Pinkie jump for joy at the sound of another party.

"Yes Yes Yes Yes! Trust me, Spike! This will be the funnest party you will ever have!" Pinkie kept jumping as Spike smiled kindly.

"Well then, I should go. See you later, Pinkie." Spike began to walk away.

"Bye, Spike!" Pinkie yelled.

Spike began his journey back to his home. Though, as he walked he couldn't stop thinking about Rainbow Dash. He shook his head trying to focus on the task at hand. Twilight. He remembered at what he did and he felt extremely guilty about it. He shouldn't have been so mean towards the pony that has been taking care of him ever since he was just a baby. She always took care of him and in turn, he took care of her. She was like a mother to him. Spike recollected his thoughts and decided to apologize when he arrived.

When he got to the towering tree that was Golden Oaks Library, he was nervous about opening the door. He didn't know how Twilight would react. If she was going to angry, depressed, or maybe both. He finally worked up the courage to open the door and step in.

Twilight, who was inside reading one of her favorite books, turned her head to see who entered the library. She saw Spike and immediately galloped towards him as fast as she could.

"I'm sorry, Twilight! Please don't puni-" Spike was interrupted as Twilight locked him in a tight embrace. Spike was confused as he had thought that she would be angry. "Twilight?"

"I'm sorry too, Spike... I shouldn't have punished you for that stupid curfew thing." Twilight tightened her hug. "Please forgive me?"

"It's alright, Twilight. I should be the one apologizing. I shouldn't have said that to you." He returned the hug and tightened it even more to the point where he could barely talk.

The two released their hold on each other and smiled. "Well Spike, I'm happy to let you know I'm bumping your curfew up. You can be up one hour later."

"Thanks, Twilight." Spike said.

"But for today, you have to go to sleep early because tomorrow is the Summer Sun Celebration. By the way, Fluttershy told me to say hi."

Spike simply nodded and headed upstairs. He crawled into his bed and and closed his eyes, content that his caretaker had forgiven him.

Twilight went to bed soon after, preparing for tomorrow. She jumped onto her bed and didn't bother on covering herself with the blanket.

The next day was certainly a big one, as all the ponies in Ponyville were gearing up for the Summer Sun Celebration. Twilight and Spike were waken by all the commotion going on outside as all of Ponyville were finishing up decorations and such for the Princesses arrival. Of course, Twilight immediately rushed to start getting dressed as Spike groggily woke up.

"Get up Spike! We need to get ready!" Twilight said, while rushing into the bathroom. She immediately started to get dressed as Spike pulled out his clothes (which was only a tuxedo) and laid it out before him. There was a problem with his tuxedo. It didn't have a hole for his new wings. If he attempted to put it on, it would tear in half due to his wings.

"Err... Twilight, we have a problem." Spike said, still looking at his unusable tuxedo.

"What is it?" Twilight said, while brushing her teeth.

"My tuxedo doesn't have a hole for my wings." Spike raised his tuxedo to show Twilight. "See?"

Twilight finished brushing her teeth and left the bathroom. "Hmm... I got it!" Twilight used her magic and grabbed the tuxedo and proceeded to precisely cut out two holes in which Spike can fit his wings. Spike folded his wings up and put them through the two new holes inside his tux. He proceeded put his arms through the holes. Luckily, he could still extend his wings without tearing his tuxedo, considering it was his only piece of clothing that he actually used.

"Fits like a glove." He proceeded to put on his gloves. "Ready."

With that, him and Twilight left the library.

The town was decorated for the celebration, streamers and small ornaments that were shaped like the sun were hung everywhere. On each street light, they would be multiple banners with sketches of Princess Celestia raising the sun with her magic. The centerpiece of attention was the giant stage set up in the middle of the town along with the altar for the sun to shine through. Soon, the sun would be radiating through the altar causing a mixture of ray's to refract and collide, making a sight to see.

Twilight arrived with Spike flying right above her. Rarity and Applejack were off to the side. Applejack was selling her famous apple pies and making lots of bits while Rarity was making sure her dress didn't get ruined by any crowd-goers. Fluttershy was preparing her hummingbirds and singing in tune with them for the Princess's arrival. Pinkie Pie was in the middle of the crowd, detonating her Party Cannon every five seconds due to the large party that was going on. Everybody was here except for one person. Rainbow Dash.

"Um, Twilight, where's Rainbow Dash at?" Spike said, scanning for the crowd for her. Good think she was the only pony he knew with a rainbow colored mane. Unfortunately, he couldn't find her. "I don't see her anywhere."

"I honestly don't know." She started searching along with Spike. "Maybe she's kicking clouds?" They both looked up at the sky to find no clouds in the sky at all. "Where in Tarturus could she be?"

Rainbow Dash was hired to do a Sonic Rainboom for the Princesses arrival. That meant she had to watch for the Princesses carriage in the sky and she couldn't go mingle in the party. She was waiting atop a cloud, all the while keeping watch as she had to time the Rainboom for as soon as she left Canterlot. She was melancholy as Spike didn't go to see her yesterday. She was wondering why he couldn't come, trying to think of a logical reason. She thought it was might have been Twilight, she has been nagging her about him staying up late. Though while she was thinking, she heard the sound of flying pegasi. She looked over the cloud to find the two royal guards pulling Celestia and Luna, who was wearing a very lovely dress. She knew it was time.

She stretched about and prepared her wings. As soon as she was ready, she took off of the cloud and dived down. She moved the cloud so she could have enough velocity to perform the technique.

She got past the initial G-force and kept diving, increasing speed with each millisecond. She could feel the wind bending to her will as her speed peaked. She already broke the sound barrier and it wasn't long until the Rainboom happened. Right then, the her speed reached maximum and she was going at almost light speed, leaving behind a trail of rainbows. The expanding rainbow ring captured the sight's of all the ponies back in Ponyville. Especially Spike.

"Only one who can do a Sonic Rainboom, huh?" Spike said to himself.

She redirected her direction towards Ponyville, going through while still leaving behind a rainbow trail. When she entered the vicinity of Ponyville, she curved the rainbow as needed to be exactly over the large stage. The onlookers from the stage could do nothing, but admire the array of colors that played out before them. While Twilight was still distracted, Spike flew off in the direction he thought the rainbow was going to end. You know what they say, at the end of every rainbow is a Rainbow Dash. Rainbow Dash decreased her speed, knowing her job was done. She flew at a normal rate towards her favorite resting spot. Spike knew she was going to start resting after that, besides it must take up a lot of energy to perform a Sonic Rainboom. She told him about all her favorite resting spots, so he knew by heart all the locations she would be in.

She approached the cloud she loved so much. It was a special cloud, it never got too heavy to start raining nor too light and would dissipate. She positioned the cloud to be overlooking the Summer Sun Celebration. She rested, not noticing an oncoming Spike. He flew up to the cloud to see Rainbow Dash just resting there without a care in the world. She was lying on her back, leaving her stomach exposed. Twilight told him before that all pegasi were extremely ticklish on their stomach. Spike decided to go up to her and start tickling her to wake her up. Spike proceeded to put his hand on Rainbow's exposed stomach and twiddle his fingers. Rainbow Dash started laughing hysterically.

"Stop! I give! I give!" She was still laughing. Spike stopped tickling her and started laughing with her. She was still laughing, even though Spike stopped tickling her. She got up and saw Spike on the cloud floor still giggling. "Hey Spike!"

"Hey, Rainbow. Nice Sonic Rainboom you did there." Spike said, stopping his laughter altogether.

Rainbow Dash blushed at the compliment. "T-Thanks Spike." She laid back down, patting the area next to her and signaling Spike to lay next to her. He did as he told and laid right next to Rainbow Dash, while watching the Summer Sun Celebration.

"Man, that Sonic Rainboom must drain you, huh?" Spike said.

"Eeyup." She felt like she heard that somewhere before. "It seriously does. Hey, can I ask you something?"

"Sure, what up?" Spike said.

Rainbow Dash turned her head and looked at him. "How come you didn't come visit yesterday?"

Spike sighed. "This whole thing with Twilight I got into."

"What happened?"

Spike continued to explain the events of yesterday.

"Oh. Looks like it's all my fault you got in trouble." Rainbow Dash said sadly.

"No it's not, Rainbow. Your completely innocent. Your just trying to help me become a great flyer like you." Spike turned his head to meet her gaze.

"I guess." Rainbow Dash stared into Spike's eyes for a moment before both of them started blushing and looked away.

"Hey Rainbow," Spike said. "Can i ask you something?"

"Shoot." Rainbow Dash said.

"I know my training is done and all, but there's still one more thing you haven't taught me yet."

Rainbow Dash looked confused. "Really? I thought I taught you everything."

"Well, that's the thing." Spike said. "The one thing i wanted to know was how to do a Sonic Rainboom."

Rainbow Dash sighed. "Sorry Spike, your skilled and all, but you need a little more experience under your wing."

"Come on Rainbow, I pretty much aced all the tricks before and you gotta admit, I fly pretty fast."

"Still no Spike. Sorry." Rainbow Dash said.

Spike was disappointed , until he got the craziest idea in all of Equestria.

"Hey, Rainbow Dash..."

"Yeah, Spike?" Rainbow Dash said.

"Lets race! If I win, you gotta teach me how to do the Sonic Rainboom!" Spike got up in excitement.

"HAH! You think you can beat me?" Rainbow Dash started laughing again.

"I KNOW I can." Spike taunted Rainbow Dash.

"Alrighty then, You. Are. On. You lose, you gotta be MY assistant for a month!" Rainbow Dash taunted back.

Author's Note

Oh, dayum. A love triangle? Looks like you guys got a cliff to hang off of. Prepare your bodies for the next chapter.

The Race (Part Two)

On the inside, Spike was feeling confused.

Emotional problems? Maybe.

Physical injury? No...

Gas? Please...

Yet, he couldn't figure it out. Every inch of him seemed to be draped in guilt and sadness, though he couldn't figure out why. It can't be from his outburst towards Twilight, so what?

Speaking of which, he has been feeling this way ever since that day. Though, they both forgave each other and moved on with their normal lives. It seems as though that day erupted something in him, something that he would never comprehend.

He came to a realization. Why did he yell at Twilight? Why did his personality vanish for that split second in which caused his caretaker so much trouble?

As he was in deep thought, he kept thinking more and more about his dragon heritage with each question. Remembering his journey into the Dragon Lands, he remember the sudden revelation he discovered when he returned.

Who I am is not the same as what I am.

Then he started to question who he was. No life-threatening journey can solve this problem. Was he just Spike The Dragon? Did he truly know who he was? A friendly dragon with the personality of a pony? Or was he something more? These questions shaded his mind as he ruffled around in his small bed. Trying to forget about the thoughts, he simply thought of something else.

The only other thing to think about was the race. He knew Rainbow Dash wasn't going to just let him have her signature move without a fight. His rational thinking was at his best at the time, but know when he looks over his actions, he thought.

Can he really beat Rainbow Dash? And in that matter, did he want to?

He knew Rainbow Dash was fast, that was a fact that will never become an opinion. He looked over his training, and how well he had done in those courses. He would always surpass Rainbow Dash's expectations and never give up. He was dedicated on becoming the fastest flier in Ponyville, just like Rainbow.

He didn't realize these goals until he first grew his wings. He never even thought once about flying before this whole ordeal. He never really thought about much things. Hell, he completely forgot about the whole incident with Rarity. Though, even with the whole boyhood crush thing out of the way, he still felt... Empty. He changed that day. He never really considered finding somepony else.

Besides, who would be interested in a drake like him?

Rainbow Dash laid restless in her cloud mansion. She couldn't stop thinking about the race. She knew she was fast, yet Spike was just as fast. Her Sonic Rainboom was on stake and she couldn't bare to lose it. Even if it was to Spike... She didn't mind if she lost to Spike, that would just mean she had taught him well. In fact, she would enjoy it if Spike won. She developed a closer bond to him over the last few weeks. She couldn't help, but feel... Something for him. It was warm and joyful, yet she couldn't put her tongue on what it was. She shrugged it off, like she always did before, but once again it came back. As she laid her head back to her plush, cloud pillow, she couldn't stop thinking about him.

You're just a damn dragon! You don't belong in pony society! Spike kept trying to fight off his own insanity.

The only thing you bring is pain and destruction! You should be ashamed! The voice kept pulling at his nerves.

Spike woke up, gasping for air and sweating uncontrollably. His heart rate was going crazy as his headache pain grew. The one thing that didn't keep him from passing out was the fact that his eyes were rapidly moving. Spike, in an attempt to calm down, took deep breaths while relaxing. All the while, a sleeping Twilight was covering her ears with two pillows.

"Spike... Go to sleep..." Twilight moaned.

"I can't. I'm... Um... Thirsty." Spike lied. "I'm gonna go get some water, is that okay?"

"As long as it will get you to sleep." Twilight turned over in her bed.

Spike got up and stretched, getting his limbs as nimble as possible. He slowly crept through the library's quiet hallways to avoid disturbing Twilight. One night on the coach wouldn't be so bad. Beats sleeping in that damn basket, that's for sure. I wish Twilight would just throw it away and get me a real bed, or better yet an actual room. Spike headed down the stairs, careful of which steps would creak with the slightest pressure applied to them. He gently skipped over them in a precise matter, and went over to the coach.

However, he stopped in his tracks when he heard a strange noise from the kitchen. The sound of plates shattering and weird noises can be heard. He swore he could have heard some form of gibberish. Assuming it was a burglar, he grabbed the heaviest book he could find, and slowly crept to the kitchen door. Opening it slowly, he peeked in to see the perpetrator that threatened him and Twilight. He saw the refrigerator door open and a pair of hooves taking items from the icy storage. Deciding to ambush the robber, he turned on the lights to get full vision of who was by the fridge.

As he turned on the light, he noticed the infamous, blue-haired DJ swiping food. She stood there motionless as Spike stared blankly with the book in hand, while the other was still by the light switch. She slowly turned her head and sighed in relief, seeing it was Spike that turned on the light. Owlicious was flying overhead, carrying a glass bottle.

"Uh, what's up, Spike?" Vinyl Scratch nervously said. "Don't mind me, I'm just..." She paused to think of a response. Owlicious set the cup down and flew away, not wanting any part of this.

Spike dropped the book and sighed. "It's alright, Vinyl. What are you doing here so late and how did you get in?"

"Well," She grabbed the cup and poured herself some water. "Something happened with Octavia..."

She still hasn't answered how she got in... "Yeah?" Spike sat down by her, waiting for answers.

"Well, I was recording some mixes up in my noise-cancelling room, since it was late at night." She drank the entire glass of water in one go. "I just finished recording three of my favorite mixes, when Octavia comes in. She starts saying to keep it down and how she has a violin recital tomorrow or today, since it is a bit past one."

"So what exactly was the problem?" Spike questioned.

"Well, I said how I have to get these mixes out by tomorrow and we got in this huge fight. Long story short, I left in a fit of rage and headed over here. I swear, Octavia has been a lot more snooty than usual. She would never mind me recording as loud as I was. I knew about the whole recital thing, so I made sure to keep it a bit lower."

"Maybe the recital is just that important?" Spike offered a piece of advice.

"Yeah, maybe. We haven't exactly done anything as a couple in a while." Vinyl put her head down.

"I really don't know much about that stuff, Vinyl. Can't help you there. I especially wouldn't know about 'playing the other side' if you know what I mean."

"Speaking of couples, weren't you always drooling over Rarity?" Vinyl asked. "I don't mean that offensively, of course."

"Yeah, but I gave that up some time ago." Spike sighed. "Since then, I never really considered going out with any other mare in town."

"No offense again, but aren't you a little young to be dating older mares?" Vinyl said in confusion.

"Actually, I turned eighteen about five months ago. You remember when I became all greedy two years back? I turned sixteen that day."

"Woah, really?" Vinyl looked at Spike with amazement. "Then how come you're so... Short?"

"Well, since dragons live about five times longer than ponies do, eighteen is still considered a baby, but yeah, in pony eyes I'm eighteen."

"Does everypony know about this?" Vinyl said.

"Yeah, I'm surprised you didn't find out. Pinkie threw the BIGGEST party. I thought you were the one DJing..."

"Nope, turns out, I got the Horn Herratitis, so I couldn't take any orders. Man, there's a lot of things I don't know about you, Spike."

"Yeah, yeah." Spike opened up the refrigerator when a certain question popped into mind. "How did you get in again?"

"Oh yeah, I used this spare key that Twilight gave me. Pretty cool, am I right?"

"Wait, you got a spare key?! From Twilight?!!" Spike slammed the door shut in shock. "How?!! She never gives anypony that kind of responsibility except me!"

"Heh, I got some explaining to do." Vinyl poured herself another glass of water. "Well, you remember the Grand Galloping Gala?"

"Yeah..." Spike looked at her in confusion.

"Well, Celestia personally had me hire the whole chorus that was there. Octavia has some awesome connections with her old group back in Trottingham, so I hired them and naturally all the snobs back in Canterlot had a blast, including Octavia. I seriously don't get how she likes that music."

"I'm missing the part that has to do with Twilight..." Spike was waiting for an answer from the DJ.

"Well, when Twilight's friends had came and destroyed everything, she asked me to for Octavia's forgiveness. After an hour of calming her down in the fit of rage she was in, Twilight thanked me. She was going on about how sorry she was for Octavia and stuff and if she could repay me. Of course, I said I didn't want a reward, but she insisted on me taking the spare key to the library. Seeing as I had nothing better to do, I gladly accepted her key and went about my business."

"Well, buck. What a weird reward for a simple apology..." Spike sat down on a nearby chair.

"I thought that same thing too, but I didn't question. I was tired and I didn't feel like asking her to take it back or for anything else, so I just shoved it in my bag and left with Octavia. Believe it or not, this was the first time I use it. I had nowhere else to go, so I came here."

"Well, now that you're here, how long are you gonna stay?" Spike asked.

"What, you don't want me here?" Vinyl snickered a bit.

"Not that, I just wanted to know. Plus, I can't sleep anyways and I really need somepony to talk to." Spike slumped in his seat.

"Is it okay if I crash here? Don't worry, I'll leave before Twilight wakes up." Vinyl asked.

"Why not..." Spike said.

"Alright!" Vinyl yelled. Spike looked at her angrily and signaled for her too keep her voice down. "Woops... Sorry." Vinyl whispered.

Vinyl sat down by Spike, who had his head down in his chair. The air was getting more and more awkward with each second, Vinyl knew she had to break the ice somehow.

"So, you ever wonder why we have technology like hospitals, speakers, and fridges yet it still seems like we live in medieval times?" Vinyl wondered.

"I was just thinking that the other day. Why DO we still have royalty when we have technology?" Spike wondered the same thing.

"I mean, don't get me wrong, I'm glad they invented speakers. In fact, I probably wouldn't have my cutie mark without them, but still it seems weird. Plus, we still live in stone and wood houses when we have concrete. Our evolutionary era is all out of proportion."

"Never knew you could have so much insight, Vinyl. When did you get so brainy?" Spike grinned a bit.

"There is one thing you don't know about me, Spike. In fact, nopony knows." Vinyl snickered back.

"Oh yeah? What would that be? Fill me in." Spike said.

"Promise you won't tell nopony? Not even Twilight?" Vinyl asked.

"Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye." Spike proceeded to do the maneuvers of the Pinkie Promise.

"Ok, here goes..." Vinyl leaned in a bit, Spike came in a bit closer.

"I can actually be called Dr. Vinyl..." Vinyl blushed a bit.

"What does that mea- OH..." Spike looked at her confounded. "You mean having your doctorates degree is a secret? Vinyl, if I were you, I would showing that off to everypony in sight..."

"Yeah, but in my line of work, that's shunned upon... If I ever told Octavia, she would stick a violin in my hand and make me play it." Vinyl sighed.

"Well, that's still pretty cool, even if you are a DJ and all." Spike got up and stretched. "Anyway, I got this big race with Rainbow."

"A race with Rainbow?! Spike, you do know what you're getting into right?"

"Yeah, yeah, but trust me. I've been training with her and I think I'm ready to race her."

"Well, Spike, good luck on your race. Don't come crying when you lose in ten seconds flat."

"Thanks for the vote of confidence... Anyway, I think imma hit the sack. You need a blanket and a pillow?"

"That would be appreciated." Vinyl smiled at him.

Spike headed upstairs, being careful once again not to step on the steps that creak. He headed up the flight, reaching the top without making so much as a squeak. He got a blanket and two small pillows. He headed to the balcony of the stairs and called out to Vinyl.

"Yo, Vinyl! Catch!" Spike tossed the blanket and the pillows to Vinyl, who caught them in quick succession. "Night, Vinyl. Remember, don't sleep in. You wouldn't wanna get zapped by Twilight..."

"I'll keep that in mind... Night, Spike." Spike nodded and yawned. Unfortunately, he has to sleep in the basket again, since Vinyl took up the couch. He headed back to Twilight's room, slowly opening the door and creeping in. He took the sound of Twilight snoring as a good sign and went back to his basket. He shuffled around for a bit before settling on a comfortable position. He went back to sleep almost instantaneously, giving no mind to anything in his environment.

Especially the crying Rainbow Dash outside his window.

She had flown over to the library in a desperate attempt to talk to Spike. She thought she would be able to talk to him about all the things that was bothering her and not letting her sleep. She also just wanted to talk to him and be a bit closer to him. Unfortunately, when she arrived she heard talking coming from inside. She heard the voice of Spike and somepony she couldn't recognize. She flew by the window in order to look at the source of the other voice. When she looked inside, she saw Vinyl and immediately jumped to conclusions. She couldn't hear what they were talking about. A secret jealousy was growing inside her and tears were starting to well up in her eyes. She flew back to her mansion in a hurry, still crying.

The next morning was a slow one for our small dragon. He got up and stretched once again, his back aching from sleeping in the basket he hated so much. Twilight was still sleeping soundly without any worry. The sunshine that illuminated the whole room didn't even seem to bother her. Spike went downstairs in search of a certain unicorn. As he arrived at the bottom of the staircase, he noticed a loose blanket and two overturned pillows in his wake. Knowing Vinyl left already, he picked up the blanket and the pillows and put them back where he found them.

He went into the kitchen to prepare breakfast for the day. He found Owlicious asleep in his cage. The subtle 'hoos' gave him away. After a few minutes, Spike finished making breakfast for him and Twilight. He set the food on the table, while Twilight came down the stairs, yawning as she reached the bottom.

"Good morning, Spike." Twilight said, while approaching the table.

"Morning, Twilight." Spike said as he set down the last platter.

Twilight wiped her eyes with her fore hoof. As she regained her sight, she noticed her assistant in front of her. What she saw shocked her as she let out a big gasp. "S-Spike?!!"

"What's wrong, Twilight?" Spike looked at her quizzically.

"Look at you!" She levitated a mirror to a confused Spike.

"What? I don't see any-" Spike was interrupted as he saw that he grew considerably taller. He was at least a quarter inch taller than Twilight was and his wings were a bit more expanded. "Woah."

"Spike, what happened to you? Did you eat anything funny or-" She diverted her attention back to the Bright Idea's books info. "Oh..."

"What, Twilight?" Spike was still admiring himself in the mirror.

"Bright Idea said that you would start growing after you get your wings... I just didn't think that you would have grown so fast..." Twilight put her head down.

"Well, it was bound to happen at some point." Spike looked away from the mirror, still giving occasional glances, and walked back to his seat.

"I have to inform Celestia about this." Twilight ran to get a quill and a parchment.

"Is that really necessary? I mean, I'm just growing..." Spike said as he gulped down one of his sunny-side up eggs.

"Of course, Spike! If this keeps going, you might grow super tall and not be able to live in Ponyville anymore! Don't you know what that means?!" Twilight looked down again, saddened. "I don't want to lose you, Spike." Spike could see a tear roll down Twilight's right eye.

"Twilight..." Spike flew over and grabbed Twilight in a giant tackle/hug. He hugged as tight as he was sure that he was never going to stop being her assistant. "Don't worry, Twilight. Nothing will stop me from being your number one assistant!"

Twilight looked at him once again with big soft eyes. "You better not."

As they let go of each other, Spike went back to the table and gestured Twilight to eat.

"Regardless, Spike. I have to inform her." Twilight sat at the seat across from Spike, who finished consuming the last piece of toast on his plate.

"Fine, but can this wait until tomorrow?" Spike said as he got up and put his plate back into the sink.

"Why?" Twilight said.

"Well, I got a race with Rainbow Dash today, and I definitely can't miss that."

"I guess it can wait. Hey, wait a second... You're racing Rainbow Dash?!" Twilight gasped again.

"Well, yeah. I told you like ten times yesterday, yet you were so wrapped up in that dragon book of yours."

"This is bad, Spike. You know how competitive Rainbow Dash gets? It's Rainbow Dash! I don't even know how to describe it!" Twilight was still trying to find the words to describe her enthusiasm about sports or anything for that matter.

"Aw, come on. It's not that bad, is it?" Spike gave a nervous smile. Twilight didn't respond, instead giving a look of dread. "Well, I'm downright boned, aren't I?" Twilight could do nothing, but nod.

As Spike finished the rest of his chores, he couldn't help but feel a bit of dread coming on. He completely underestimated his friend in every way and now he was going to have to face her in a test of skill. I, myself, would have never stopped worrying if I went in a race against Rainbow Dash, but then again, this is Spike we're talking about. He has a tendency of doing that.

He left the treehouse, saying his goodbyes to Twilight before leaving, and set off. The flight was long and arduous for the dragon. The feeling of dread seemed to grow larger and larger with each flap of his wings. His mind kept pacing back and forth between the outcome of the race. He kept doubting himself and why wouldn't he? He's going up against the fastest pegasus in possibly Equestria and he just started flying about one and a half months ago.

He arrived at the starting line of the race, seeing Rainbow had taken the liberty of putting up a starting line and a banner.

Well, at least I don't have to do it... Where is she anyway? Spike thought. As Spike was looking around, he didn't notice Rainbow Dash overwatching from a nearby cloud.

Woah, did he get taller? Whatever. Still doesn't make up for what he did. Rainbow thought. She examined Spike, noticing the height difference from before. His tail was a bit more longer and the scales on his tail seemed a lot longer as well. The spikes on... Spike's head was still curvy, but seemed to arch a bit. His wings grew in size as well, becoming perfectly proportional to his body.

"Rainbow Dash! HELLO!" Spike shouted at the top of his lungs. Where is that damn pegasus...

Spike just waited.

And waited.

And after he finished waiting, he waited some more.

It's been nearly an hour already! I don't think she's here. Might as well head back. Spike started his trip back, until Rainbow came flying out of the clouds.

"Spike!" Rainbow Dash yelled.

"Finally Rainbow! I've been waiting all day." Spike gave a gentle smile. Rainbow Dash didn't return it.

"Hello, Spike." She said in a dull tone.

Spike looked at her with confusion. What's up with her?

"Um... Hey, Rainbow. You ready to start the race?" Spike said excitedly.

"Yeah. As soon as you're ready to lose..." Rainbow Dash said as quietly as possible.

"What's that? Didn't hear that last part." Spike said while leaning in.

"Nothing." Rainbow said dully.

"Err... Ok. What's the route of the race?" Spike said.

"We fly off here and fly straight in the direction of the mountains. We loop around, and then head over to Ghastly Gorge. We go through there, avoiding all the eels and head back here."

"That's a lot for a simple race." Spike said as he got on the starting line.

"Well, the prize is worth it. No one can just take the Sonic Rainboom without a fight. You gotta take it from my cold, dead hooves." Rainbow Dash prepared herself at the starting line, trying to distance herself from Spike as much as possible.

Spike noticed the large gap between him and her. He shrugged it off as personal space.

As the two positioned themselves on the starting line, Spike was as nervous as ever. Did he ever really have a chance of beating Rainbow Dash? Her name alone describes how fast she can go, and what did Spike have? Scales? Even though the race hadn't started yet, he was sweating uncontrollably. What the hell was he thinking? All this over a stupid move? Will he ever need this in society? Why is he asking all these questions?

Too late to turn back... Spike gulped. Rainbow Dash finished stretching and readied herself onto the starting platform. She didn't even give one glare towards Spike. She looks angry. Wonder what's got her in such a knot? Spike stared at her and waited for the signal of the inevitable.

I'm not looking at him, I'm not looking at him, I'm not looking at him. Her mind kept pacing back and forth with that sentence.

"Ready," Rainbow said, lowering her head while looking straight forward.

"Set," Spike did the same gesture as Rainbow.

"GO!" Rainbow zoomed off, leaving a cloud of dust behind. Spike was still there, caught off guard by the sudden speed. He noticed Rainbow Dash in the distance already, getting farther and farther with each millisecond. He sped off, catching up quickly to Rainbow Dash. He flew up right next her, causing her to move to a further distance from Spike's side. The two kept flying neck and neck, avoiding clouds whenever possible. Up ahead, Rainbow Dash saw a small black cloud that looked as if it was about to precipitate. She increased her speed a bit and reached the cloud and Spike, who didn't notice Rainbow Dash's absence, nor the black cloud ahead.

Rainbow Dash waited with anticipation, making sure to time at what time Spike would be under the cloud. As Spike came through a nearby stratus cloud, he looked up to see he was directly under the small, stormy cloud. Rainbow Dash immediately jumped with all her force, causing lightning to hit Spike directly. Luckily, he had scales and the lightning blast barely hurt him. He thought it was just bad luck that he managed to fly directly under a storm cloud, as he was oblivious to the fact that it was Rainbow Dash that shocked him. She got off the cloud and went back to flying at a rapid speed. She snuck back next to him without him noticing. Spike was rubbing his arm, which had a burn mark from the lightning strike.

"Hey, Rainbow, you ever been struck by lightning before!" Spike yelled, Rainbow didn't even bother to respond. She flew faster, wanting to avoid talking to Spike. OK, she is acting REALLY weird... Spike caught up quickly.

The two came up around the mountain range, and curved around at intense speeds. Spike wasn't very good at making hard turns, so he hugged the mountain wall as they kept flying. Spike looked at Rainbow Dash again. She had a completely blank expression on her face and didn't seem to know that Spike existed. Is she mad at me?

Rainbow was indeed angry at Spike, if anything, she felt like pushing into the mountain. Of course, she didn't, because that would mean a VERY painful scolding from Twilight. Man, he's cute... No! Remember what he did! She put on an angry expression and flew with all her might around he mountain. Since Rainbow was a master at making tight turns, Spike knew he was at a disadvantage. He pretty much lost all sight of her as she zoomed off the other side of the mountain. Fortunately, Lady Luck was on Spike's side today as he found a small cave that led out to the other side of the mountain. He quickly flew in and accelerated as much as he could. It was merely seconds he emerged from the other side and was once again neck and neck with Rainbow Dash.

What?! How! Rainbow Dash looked at him angrily. She looked back to see the small formation in the mountains face. Oh, that little...

Spike put on a smirk. "Not gonna pass me that easily, Rainbow!" He proceeded to fly with all his might. Of course, Rainbow caught up.

If looks could kill, Rainbow Dash would be on a massacre with the angry expression she had. She only had one option left, and she would have to save it for after they pass the gorge. They entered the crevice through one of its many branching crevices. The distance between each of them became immediately tighter as the trench was very narrow. The many cracks and indents that this gorge has suffered over the years is immeasurable. If rocks could die, this gorge would be long gone. The two fliers were just minor details on its enormous face. If you overturned a mountain and stuck it in there, there would still be space for one more mountain. But enough about the god damn trench.

Spike and Rainbow Dash were once again neck and neck. Rainbow Dash didn't like to be neck and neck in a race, especially in a short one like this. She still had one more trump card she could use, and the time was now. This'll show him.

As the two were reaching the end of the crevice, they were soon heading back to the makeshift starting line. The crevice threw them very far away from it, producing a very formidable home stretch. Ponyville was all, but a speck on the massive horizon.

Rainbow was obviously flying with all her strength and Spike knew it. He was watching her use all the remaining muscle she had in her to exert it into her wings. Man, Twilight was right when she said Rainbow was competitive. Hey, wait a second... He examined her more closely. There's only one time he has ever seen her strained herself that much and that was whenever she would do a Oh no...

That's right, she was about to do a Sonic Rainboom. This troubled Spike, as he now knew he ad to find some sort of counter measure against it. What was he going to do? It was a Sonic Rainboom for Celestia's sake. How is he going to stop it?

His question was answered with an idea. If she was gearing up for a Sonic Rainboom, would there be some way to interrupt her? No, she would be going at pretty much light speed. So what could he do? Wait, she wasn't at full gear yet, this is Spike's chance. Going with the irrational side of his thoughts, he jumped in front of Rainbow in a upside-down spread. He stuck his tongue out at her, teasing her. Rainbow Dash's anger swelled and she tackled him. She ended up tackling him all the way to the finishing line.

Rainbow Dash stopped a few centimeters away from the starting line, Spike getting launched away due to the inertia. He hit the finish line, pretty much destroying it. He stood up from the rubble unscathed and dusted himself off. Rainbow Dash was in shock. I... Lost...? Her jaw was wide open. No one had ever beaten her in a race before. NO-ONE. She didn't even cross the finish line, she just turned away, not wanting to look at Spike.

"Woo! I won! The student surpasses the master!" Spike was ecstatic. He was jumping and cheering all about, until he heard something. What is that? He recognized the noise as a sort of muffled whimpering. He looked around when he saw Rainbow covering her face with her hooves. "Rainbow Dash? You alright?" he approached her slowly.

She didn't respond. "Aw, come on, Rainbow, It's just a silly race. Don't get so- OOF!" She bucked Spike right in his stomach and flew away. Spike bent over and rubbed his stomach area, still sore from the painful kick he received. Damn, she hits hard... Aw, man, what did I do... He flew off after Rainbow Dash, going in the same direction she flew off after her surprise attack.

Author's Note

Gah, finally! Sorry if this chapter is crappy, I was just eager to get this done and publish it.

A Fitting (And Cheesy) End.

Recovering from the enormous power that was Rainbow Dash's kick, Spike picked him himself up and looked around. He didn't know where she flew off too, and he didn't see what direction she went. Why is she so mad at me? He dusted himself off and flew in pursuit of Rainbow Dash, wherever she was.

Of course, Rainbow Dash flew off to one of her many resting places, still in tears from the results of the race. Actually, the loss of the race didn't affect her at all, it was more of the subject relating to a certain purple dragon she knew. For all she cared, she hoped she would never have to see him again. She flew over to one of her infamous resting spots, but this resting spot was special. It way up at at very large elevation, and it was not affected by any sort of weather conditions. The cloud never dissipated, unless kicked by a pegasi or disturbed by a foreign object. The pegasi called these clouds 'Celestia Puffs' as they were almost as immortal as her. Rainbow Dash found this lonesome cloud after a quick flight through the Everfree, in which she came up upon a small clearing. She was rather tired, and instead of choosing to rest in the clearing, she looked up for any clouds that she could come upon. There was only one lone cloud, and it is now a usual resting spot for her today.

If I know her, she'll be hiding somewhere nopony can find her. Minus well talk to her, this can't be about the stupid race. With that, Spike gave a small sigh and flew off in pursuit of a certain rainbow maned pegasus. He knew she had to be hiding at 'that' place, the one that she usually goes when she's steamed. He headed over, hoping that he could get some answers.

The flight took a good fifteen minutes, considering how high it was in the sky. Spike spotted the cloud, noting that it was the only puffy cloud at this elevation. He flew up in caution and searched for Rainbow Dash. That wasn't very hard, as he spotted her laying by the outer edge of the cloud. She didn't notice him flying overhead as she laid there, deep in thought.

He slowly flew over to her and landed on the cloud, just a keeping some distance away from her. He steadily took a few steps toward her, as she detected someone moving on the cloud. She knew who it was, considering that she only told Spike about this spot.

"What do YOU want?" She said in a angered voice.

"I just wanted to talk..." Spike said in response.

"There's nothing to talk about." Rainbow Dash said while turning and facing away from him.

"How come you're so mad at me? Did I do something?" Spike said while trying to close the gap between them.

"I saw what you did. How you were talking to her."

"Talking to who? Come on, at least explain why you're so mad." Spike said, giving her a confounded look.

"Fine, you wanna know so bad?" Rainbow Dash stood up and quickly walked towards him. She stopped right in front of him and put a hoof on his chest. "I saw you and Vinyl last night."

"Err... And?" Spike looked at her with confusion.

"And? AND? I know you two are going out, don't even lie!" She turned away, not wanting to look at him.

Spike couldn't process what she just said. Did she really think that him and Vinyl were going out because of that late night sleepover? Did she really jump to conclusions that fast?

Spike laughed. And laughed. Rainbow Dash gave him a look of disgust. "Y-you think this is funny?" She started blushing, yet still keeping an angry face.

"Rainbow," Spike stopped himself from laughing. "Vinyl is a, err... She 'plays for the other team' if you know what I mean."

Rainbow Dash was confused. "Wait, what do you- OH. You mean she's..."

"Yep. That AND she has a marefriend. Her name is Octavia." Spike put a look of confidence on his face. "And the reason why she came over was because she had an argument with Octavia and came over to the library."

Rainbow Dash felt so stupid. Why was she so quick to jump to conclusions? These were the sort of moments where she wished she was Twilight.

"What I don't get, Rainbow," He looked at her quizzically again. "Is that you're so angry because of that?"

Rainbow Dash blushed fiercely, and turned her head away from him in an attempt to hide it. "Look, Spike. I... Um... I'm sorry for getting so mad, I just... I really have to tell you something."

Spike was relieved that she was not in anger anymore, yet now he was in suspense for what she was about to say.

"Spike, can you keep a secret?" Rainbow Dash looked at him, while still blushing.

"Of course, Rainbow, you know I will." Spike gave a gentle smile to reassure her.

Rainbow Dash signaled for him to come closer. Spike did as she commanded and came a bit closer. He was just a few inches away form her face, waiting for her to say whatever secret she wanted to tell him.

Rainbow Dash knew what she had to do. She needed to tell him, but how? In what way could she possibly show her feelings for him? That's simple. She put two and two together and...

"Um... Rainbow, what were you going to sa-" Spike was interrupted as Rainbow placed her lips over his, creating an unshatterable bond. Spike was caught completely off-guard by this. His mind went into shambles as she put her fore legs around his neck, keeping the kiss intact.

Is she? Well, that's pretty obvious... But... Why? Is this why she has been so pent up? I don't even... Spike eventually stopped questioning himself and gave in, closing his eyes and wrapping his arms around Rainbow Dash. Though it only lasted for about thirty seconds, it feel like an eternity. Time completely slowed down as the two shared their feelings for each other in that one passionate kiss. Eventually, they pulled away and were left in each other's arms.

"R-Rainbow, I-i-i don't know w-what to s-say..." Spike managed to stutter before a hoof covered his mouth.

"You don't have to say anything." She pulled him in for another reassuring kiss, this one lasting only for a few seconds. Spike was completely baffled, yet he loved it. More importantly, he loved her.

"Rainbow Dash, I don't know how to say this, but..." Spike pulled her a bit closer. "I love you."

"I love you too," She nuzzled into his chest. "Dragon boy." She giggled a bit.

Spike laid back on the cloud, as Rainbow Dash started cuddling with him. All of Rainbow's burdens came to an end at that moment, because now she was with him. That's all that mattered.

However, in Spike's mind, he knew this was going to cause a stir. What would their friends think of all this? Will they shun them? Would they support them as a couple? Spike didn't know, but he didn't care. Right now, he was with Rainbow Dash and he was going to enjoy himself. Besides, he's been through a lot. A little relaxation isn't out of the question. Slumber quickly overtook the two of them, and soon they were snoring in harmony.

Spike woke up, still finding himself on the cloud he was on. He looked to the side and saw Rainbow Dash still clinging to him while she had fallen asleep. She had a wide grin on her face as she was cuddling Spike. Spike thought she looked a bit funny. Spike ripped off a piece of the cloud on his opposite side, and slid out of Rainbow's embrace. He put the cloud in his place, so Rainbow could stay sleeping peacefully.

It was night time, that much had been obvious. The moon was now towering over the cloud, making an amazing sight to see. Of course, now that it was nightfall, Spike started thinking. Should I take Rainbow Dash back to her place? It's getting prety late and I can't just leave her sleeping on the cloud by herself. Spike looked back at her, seeing her cuddle with a piece of cloud was just way too much to bare. Awww, I should take her home.

He walked to Rainbow Dash and picked her up, throwing away the piece of cloud. He lightly carried her, making sure not to awaken her, and started the flight over to her cloud mansion.

The flight took a few minutes, considering how close they were to her mansion. Spike flew around the exterior and went in through an open window. He navigated his way to her bedroom and set her upon the bed as gently as possible. As Spike was leaving, he looked back at Rainbow one final time. He went by her side, and gave her a quick peck on the cheek before flying out of the window.

Epilogue

Spike and Rainbow Dash soon became the talk of the town. They were the most spontaneous couple and that was a fact. Rainbow Dash ended up teaching Spike the Sonic Rainboom and boy, was it a sight to see. The two entered in various flight competitions around Equestria, always winning first place with their signature Double Rainboom. Their friends always showed up at the events to cheer them on, both as a couple and a team.

One day, after a quick lap around Ghastly Gorge, Spike and Rainbow Dash laid by the nearby forest trees to relax, engaging in idle chit-chat.

"And then I said, "Soarin? More like Boring!"" Rainbow Dash said, making both of them laugh hysterically. After wiping a tear from his eye, Spike calmed down.

"Hey, Rainbow Dash," Spike said, earning a curious look from her. "You know what day it is? It's our six month anniversary." Spike smiled at her.

"You actually kept track?" Rainbow Dash smiled back at him.

"Yeah," Spike gave her a quick peck on the lips. "Somepony has to."

"You saying I can't remember how long we've been together?" Rainbow Dash said, in a playful tone while sticking her tongue out.

"Err... Um..." Spike thought he had said something wrong. Rainbow Dash gave him a quick kiss on the cheek to reassure him.

"I'm kidding, ya big lug. That's sweet of you." Rainbow Dash nuzzled him a bit.

"Well, since it's our six month anniversary, I booked us a reservation at that restaurant you were always talking about, you know the one that's themed after the Wonderbolts?"

Rainbow Dash gasped. "You got us reservations at The Right Wing?! Almost nopony can get reservations there! How much did it cost you?!"

"As much as it took to make you happy." Spike nuzzled her. "Besides, it was no problem. Twilight gave me a huge raise, so I got enough bits to blow."

"Aww, you shouldn't have..." Rainbow Dash blushed a bit.

And with that, the story of a dragon and a pony comes to a close, living in peace for the rest of their days.

Author's Note

Sorry for the really short (AND CHEESY AS HELL!) ending. I hope this is good enough for you, ya hungry bunch of bronies. Sequel? Maybe...

Looks Like a Flyin' Guy to Me

"Really Twilight? I can go?!!" Spike said ecstatically. Twilight had given him a friendly, confirming nod. How does one even begin to describe how excited he was? That is not truly possible. Why he's excited? Let me fill you in. He had just been invited to one of the Mane 6's famous "Mares Only" picnics. He could never go due to the fact that it's well... Mares only. That and he always had to stay home to clean the library. He loved the fact that he had been trusted enough to be able to go to one though sort of offended because they thought of him as a mare. He didn't give one flying hay bale though.

See, about a few months ago everything had changed for him. He has matured greatly not physically of course but mentally. But of course the one thing that had truly changed Spike for the better, the one thing that no one had expected. I'll keep you in suspense for a bit, let you soak in and guess what it is.

Figured it out yet? Of course you haven't. No one has, but i'll be generous and inform you.

He gave up on going out with Rarity. Though he still has some feelings for her still, he realized his plight was a lost cause. Things turned out for the better and they were closer friends than ever. Weren't expecting that were you? I WOULD go through the immediate process of just describing WHY he suddenly gave up on something he has always desired ever since he got to the fabled Ponyville. Surely we all agree that's gotten a tad bit stale. Let's let actions speak louder than words for once with a flashback.

--------------------------------A Few Months Ago-----------------------------------

"Spike? Have you finished putting those batch of books in yet?" Twilight said while engaging herself in a very immersive book. Golden Oaks Library was as busy as ever. Even after putting away over 1 million books, it seems he's only made a dent into the large pile on the floor. It was Re-shelving Day and while the town was bustling with life as ever, Twilight and Spike were stuck doing chores. Twilight was handling all the books, reading them and making sure of which section and which bookshelf to place them in, all the while Spike was putting them in order where Twilight would command him to place it. They were just about finished re-shelving and Spike was working as fast as he could see he can go see the mare that took his heart and made it shine like all the gems he eats. Either that or his heart is made of gems. It didn't matter to him anyway.

"Got it Twilight. Anymore books?" Spike said, hyperventilating from putting all the volumes of books and scrolls away.

"Just one more pile," She proceeded to levitate a towering castle made of books and documents towards him dropping it in front of him. His jaw had dropped to the floor after seeing so many books. You could literally build a new house out of that many books! No joke! Twilight noticed Spike was moving sluggishly due to the fact he had been sorting books all day.

"Hey Spike, if you want, i'll take care of these books for you." Twilight had assured him. "My number one assistant deserves a break anyway."

"Really?! Thanks Twilight!" Spike had finally been relieved from all that re-shelving. Although something was wrong for the little drake. He hadn't been expecting Twilight to give him a break. He had no plans today and it was still 3:00 P.M. Maybe a stroll through town will give him an adventure to conquer? Or even better he can go help Rarity! Spike had thought that was a great idea. Though something in the back of his mind was tugging at him. What was the point of helping her? Though he didn't mean it as if he didn't WANT to help her, he thought maybe he should do more than just help her. Helping would've just put him more into the friend zone and he didn't want that. He obviously wanted more out of this relationship than a few conversations about a few dresses and a girly nickname. That, my friends, had pushed him over the edge.

He decided today was going to finally be the day. The day when he would actually confess his feelings for Rarity and ask her out. Spike decided it wouldn't be best if he had headed over there all sweaty from working so he had cleaned himself up, put on the same outfit he wore at the Gala, even went the extra mile and asked Twilight if she could cast the moustache spell on him again. She thought it was stupid but then again he put away almost every single book in the library non-stop so she rewarded him. In his mind, he knew he was ready. The little drake zoomed out the door ready for the best evening ever.

Heading out towards the market, Spike had admired the scenery around him. The local shopkeepers and customers going about their day, trading all sorts of goods from different lands. Celestia's sun was as radiant as ever, brightening anything that it's rays could touch. The breeze had been just right, not too sharp and not too weak. It was the middle of spring, all the flowers coming out to bloom under the aforementioned sun. Roseluck's shop was filled to the brim with customers eager to buy all the flowers that come with the marvelous season of spring. Today was just one of 'those' days. Where everything was alright with the world. A day where you forget all about the troubling problems in your life and you could just let yourself go and relax. Spike had never really taken the time to really enjoy nature as its finest (except when he was with Fluttershy, but that was out of kindness and respect).

He had a task at hand and he couldn't even dare forget about it. As time seemed to fly by, he had arrived at Carousel Beautique in an instant. It seemed as if only a few seconds ago Spike was at the library.

"Time fly's when your in love i guess," Spike said. He had shuttered at how mushy it sounded but it was all true.

As Spike arrived at the front door of Rarity's shop, he saw that the shop was still open thankfully. Yet, he couldn't find himself opening the door. When he would try to put his claw on the doorknob, he would find himself recoiling as he reevaluated his situation. He stopped to think. What if she denies his feelings? What if shes dating someone else? What if when he enters, he finds her dead on the floor? OK, that last one was pretty stupid but nonetheless he was preparing himself mentally if he had gotten rejected. Though he hoped he didn't, i mean he could he? As dashing as he was now, he wouldn't suprised if every mare in town wanted to go out with him. He might have even heard some pony's in town compliment him. It was a foolproof plan. Go inside, wow Rarity with his looks, confess his feelings and win her heart. It was that simple right?

Right?

Thus Spike, with his renewed confidence, opened the door and marched in.

While Spike was outside nervously deciding whether he should go in or not, Rarity was as stressed as ever. She had just gotten any order from Princess Celestia and Luna herself! The Princesses! She can NOT be distracted as this will be the finest dresses she had ever made in her entire lifetime. She sent Sweetie Belle over with Fluttershy to ensure NO distractions as she didn't have time for it. Celestia gave her as much time as she needed but Rarity knew that just meant she had to work even faster than Rainbow Dash doing a Sonic Rainboom. She got infamous sewing machine out which she had named 'Sew Me' and got the first piece of fabric.

Right then and there Spike had entered the shop, the bell on the top ringing as it alerted Rarity that she had forgotten to put flip the 'Open' sign to 'Closed' and lock the door. She could dismiss a potential customer but that would mean he or she would get infuriated and go around patronizing her business. She couldn't have that now could she? She had headed over to her door, ready to greet whoever it was.

"Welcome to Carousel Beautique, the finest dres- Spike?" She had saw Spike dressed up almost as fancy as Fancy Pants himself.

"Oh Spikey, your dressed so adorably! Whats the occasion?" Rarity asked. If she had been this oblivious to Spike's feelings then she must have a mental inefficiency.

Spike closed the door dumbfounded to find Rarity already standing in front of him.

"Oh hey Rarity... C-Can we talk?" Spike was as nervous as Fluttershy when she had started modelling.

"Anything for my Spikey-Wikey. Although you must make it quick as i have a very demanding order from the Princess herself and i must attend to it right away." Spike had thought at the sound of that frilly nickname that he might just have a chance. He led himself over to Rarity's drama couch and sat down on it while twiddling his thumbs. Rarity had sat down next to him.

"So what is it you needed to tell me Spike?" She had asked in her 'ladylike' voice she would put on whenever she was around her friends.

Spike inhaled deeply, ready for the emotional train heading his way.

"Rarity, i-i-i-i-i-...." He couldn't spit it out.

Spike was starting to get very nervous. He thought he was prepared to admit his feelings to Rarity, dump all the pent up affection from inside him. Turns out this was gonna be a bit more difficult than he thought. He was doubting himself as he couldn't form the words that could describe his love for Rarity.

But then, he remembered Rarity. He remembered all the times he had with her. When he had turned into a full blown dragon and kidnapped her and yet she had still considered him a friend and hay they even grew closer after that. He especially couldn't forget about the kiss on the cheek she gave him. That moment will probably be engraved in his dragon mind for generations to come. He still could remember it like as if it was two seconds ago. It had been playing back in his mind over and over.

No more waiting. He promised himself he would come out and say it and he always keeps a promise.

"Rarity," he paused for good effect, "I've always had feelings for you. Before i got to Ponyville, i never really loved anyone as much as i have with you. When i heard that we were staying in Ponyville for a short while, i didn't want to come. But when i arrived and i saw you, my heart flew. Your beautiful purple mane flowing through your silky white fur coat entranced me. I was wondering if you could make this little dragon happy and go out with me."

Rarity didn't know what to say. Who wouldn't? She didn't know how to react. She certainly wasn't expecting Spike to come over and admit that he has feelings for her. She always thought all those times of him helping at the beautique was just him being a good friend. She never thought of it more as that. But at the same time, she didn't like Spike 'that way'. Sure, she would've considered it if he was just a bit more mature physically but he was very mature for his age. She couldn't see it happening though.

"Spike..." Rarity had put her head down at the thought of letting her closest friend down. "I'm sorry Spike. I just don't like you that way. Don't get me wrong darling, you are a very handsome young colt and i love the way you complimented me in your story but i don't have the same feelings that you have towards me. I want to be just friends."

Spike stood motionless as his worst fears had been confirmed. He had dreaded that statement 'I want to be just friends.'. He knew it was coming but he wasn't well prepared for it. His mind had been sent into shambles as though Pinkie had shot her Party Cannon in there. Paralyzed from head to tail, He couldn't move one scale on his body.

"Spike? Are you alright darling?" Rarity had said with worry in her voice.

"I... Sorry for wasting your time Rarity..." He said sullenly. He proceeded to get off the couch and walk slowly to the door.

He started to walk to the door as Rarity remained sitting on the couch guilty about what she had said to Spike. She hadn't expected her scaly pal to get into such a depression. Spike opened the door, getting blinded by the sudden blast of sunlight. The sun he had been admiring before had now been just one more thing to cause more discomfort.

As he stepped out, he was still wondering what had just happened. He thought everything would go just right. He would've left with Rarity in his hand heading out to eat at the fanciest restaurant in town. He had headed back to the library, going through the back roads of town to avoid talking to anypony. It felt as if he had been mugged and beat up from the inside of his body. His walking speed kept gaining momentum, soon turning into a speed walk, then sprinting. His tearducts had erupted with an ocean of tears as he was running home.

As he got back to the library, he ran in without even bothering to close the door. He ran up to Twilight and hugged in a huge embrace, still bawling over the sorrowful events. Twilight, dumbfounded to find Spike crying frantically, closed the door with her magic and held him in her hooves.

"Spike, what happened to you? Why are you crying?" Twilight worried as she was worried for her number one assistant.

Spike had calmed down after a few minutes. although tears were still welling in his eyes, he managed to explain to Twilight about the trip to Rarity's shop and about how he had admitted his feelings to her. She had known this was bound to one day happen and she would have to be there for him.

"Spike, just because Rarity doesn't like you, that doesn't mean she isn't your friend. I'm sure you'll find someone else who is special to you. Besides, there's plenty of mares in the sea." Spike didn't know what that meant, and why ponies would be living underwater but that didn't matter to him. His heart was shattered and he would never be able to find someone as special as Rarity.

After a week or so, things had started to look up for Spike. Rarity had came to make amends and get him out of his depression. Spike had come to accept her as just a friend and they continued their lives as usual. Like i said at the beginning, Spike had been maturing mentally. Yet at heart, he was still the good lil Spike was all know and love.

-------------------------------------------Present Time--------------------------------------------

Normally Spike would always spend his free time helping Rarity but ever since they've been 'Just Friends' He hasn't been visiting as often as he did before. Nowadays you see him helping out everypony in town. He was even invited into the CMC club, even though he wasn't a pony, he was a blank flank. He would help Roseluck tend to her flowers, go with Fluttershy and take care of animals with her, help Applejack with chores around the farm. Every day would be something different and he grew closer to his friends with each passing moment.

In the library Spike was still jumping for joy about the picnic.

"Now Spike, you can go but on one condition," Twilight said. "You have to finish all of the chores before we head out."

Spike looked around to see the library in a horrible condition. There were books from Twilight's late night reading lying all over the place and recently Owlicious had started shedding feathers. His cage had gotten so full of them, they started to fall all over the floor. Spike knew it was gonna take a miracle to clean up this library. He wasn't going to get one anytime soon. Taking matters into his own hands, Spike grabbed his little apron and broom and immediately started working his cleaning magic.

Twilight may have magic but when it comes to cleaning, it's no joke for Spike. He had started his usual cleaning route by starting at the dirtiest place which is the kitchen, and working his way from there. When he got to the kitchen, it was about tenfold more dirtier than what it was back in the living room. There lay home to countless unwashed dishes and spoiled leftovers which had not been eaten. The smell was so putrid, Spike had hold his breath to keep himself from gagging as so he doesn't dirty the floor more than it should be.

Almost in no time, Spike had finished cleaning the kitchen, leaving him quite exhausted. Though he knew his work wasn't done there. No, it had just been the beginning of cleaning this massive pigsty. The good thing was he got the dirtiest place of his home cleaned. That's really all that mattered. After about some time later, Spike finished cleaning every room in the library, leaving no inch dirty. Even Twilight was amazed at how fast he could clean up.

Spike had finished with just enough time to spare before the picnic. After taking a quick shower, he hopped on Twilight's back and headed over to the usual picnic spot.

It was around five and soon Luna would be taking over the sky. The familiar breeze had been soaring through the air. The sun was giving up it's fight against the moon as it had been rising to take over the fair land of Equestria. Twilight had arrived with Spike a bit earlier than expected.

"I wonder where everypony is." questioned Twilight.

Almost as if her question had been answered, Applejack had arrived at the picnic site.

"Howdy, Twilight. Heyyah, Spike," Applejack said in her usual southern accent.

"Hey, Applejack." The drake and unicorn said in unison.

"Ya'll are here mighty early." Applejack said while proceeding to sit by the blanket all the while admiring the horizon. "Ya gotta admit, Celestia sure done outdid herself with this here sunset."

Spike and Twilight looked out where Applejack was gazing and proceeded to nod. It was a very nice sunset. Who wouldn't agree? The orange and red rays of light combine in the ocean blue sky to create a masterpiece of colors that can make a pony admire the beauty in nature. Sad that the moon will have to rob them of this musical of colors playing out before them, Twilight, Spike, and Applejack were just glad they could admire it in the peaceful silence. Though that silence hadn't lasted long for Pinkie had appeared out of a tree. She had seemed to have knocked the trio back into reality from the entrancing sight that was the sky. She always had a way of doing that.

"Pinkie?" Twilight said while recovering from Pinkie's sudden surprise. "You scared me..."

"Sorry about that Twilight! I was just so excited about this picnic that i couldn't contain myself! So i hid in a tree and waited for you guys to show up. And then SURPRISE!" Pinkie was jumping up and down like a little schoolfilly. She opened her saddlebag and pulled out a picnic basket which contained baked goods made fresh from Sugar Cube Corner.

I swear, one day i'll know how she works... Spike thought. He proceeded to open the basket and marvel at the delicious creations Mr. and Mrs.Cake had worked up. Most of the food had been made for pony's but they didn't forget about Spike, for they had whipped some gem cupcakes which he dearly loved. He had started drooling at the sight of them and tried reaching for one of them. A purple hoof showed up to stop him.

"Now, now Spike, i know your hungry, but we have to wait for the rest of our friends to show up." Twilight gently giving him a 'just wait' smile. Spike sat back down, occasionally glaring at the picnic basket.

Almost like a blur, a certain cyan pegasus came zooming out from the clouds, quickly coming to a tight stop at the picnic site.

"What up guys?" She said in her usual boastful voice. "Oh yeah that's right. Me!" She proceeded to laugh at her own pun as the rest of the ponies were still dumdfounded at how fast she managed to stop at the velocity she was going in. Fluttershy had flown in the same path Rainbow Dash had came, only a lot more slower and graceful like. She had been humming a small tune to herself.

"Hey Fluttershy, i didn't see you following me." Rainbow Dash had greeted her.

"Oh...Um...Sorry..." She said in her timid tone.

"What are you apologizing for? I don't mind." Rainbow Dash reassured her.

Now the only one not here yet was Rarity. The rest of the gang had been sitting and talking to each other, waiting for Rarity to arrive so they can start scarfing down their lunch. It was expected of Rarity to be fashionably late, but she must have been trying to pull off a fashion statement with how late she was.

"Buck it! I'm eating whether Rarity gets here or not!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed as she went for the picnic basket. Making a rather seemingly vague appearance, Rarity had showed up in a very elegant gown. It had seemed to be made of a very silky material. It flowed elegantly along her side and the very tip of it ended at the length of her tail.

"A bit overdressed dont'cha think Rares?" Rainbow Dash said while gazing at the outfit Rares considered casual.

"Darling, there is no such thing as overdressed." She said while pouting for good effect. "Now that i'm here, we can finally start eating."

Spike couldn't wait to hear those words. He had immediately went into the basket and started serving everypony as fast as he could so he can get to his delicious muffins. After everypony had gotten their fair share of food, he picked up his own platter and started eating.

Although, something was wrong for Spike. He felt that pain in his lower back again. See, Spike had been feeling these random moments of pain coming from his back, but he assumed it was due to a bad night's sleep. The pain had been getting worse with each moment. Spike had managed to hold the pain in and go through his day. This time it was different.

Spike felt extreme pain in his lower back now. Much more stronger than before. The pain had only started to escalate quicker. He couldn't bear it anymore. It felt as if his back was going to explode. Spike had gotten to the point where he started screaming in pain. All the ponies immediately noticed and rushed over to help him.

"Spike, whats wrong?!!" Twilight exclaimed, worried for her dragon assistant.

Spike could only reply with ruthless screams. Now it felt as if something was trying to stick itself out of his back. The pain had been tripled and whatever was trying to get out of his back wasn't helping either. Two large bumps were now growing on the outer layer of his back.

Spike couldn't take the pain anymore. He was on the verge of blacking out. The two engorged bumps had been growing in size, getting larger with every second that passed. Spike was losing his balance as his vision blurred.

Right before Spike was about to collapse, two large wings erupted from his back. Spike had stopped screaming completely due to the fact that he was paralyzed. He was shocked at the pain he just went through. He fell over and blacked out, last thing he remembered was excruciating pain and two wings popping out from his back.

Now with an unconscious Spike on their hands, the ponies had to take action immediately.

"Spike!" Twilight rushed over to her knocked out assistant and grabbed him with her magic.

Twilight had examined the pair of wings that grew out of his back. They were the same color as him and had scales like his.

"We have to take him to the hospital!" Rainbow Dash said. Twilight nodded in agreement and levitated his body on top of Rainbow Dash. She extended her wings and took flight, being extra careful not to let the dragon fall. The rest of the ponies followed stead. It was bad enough he was knocked out, he didn't need a concussion either.

Spike was dazed as he woke up in a hospital bed to a beeping heart monitor and everypony sitting around his bed. All of them had fallen asleep, except for Twilight of course.

"Finally you're awake Spike." Twilight sighed in relief. "I was worried you weren't ever gonna wake up."

"Aw, come on Twilight. I'm tougher than that, y'know." Spike said.

"Well, what exactly happened out there?" Twilight had said, wanting answers.

"Um... Well what happened was..." Spike then continued to explain to Twilight about pain and sorrow he had experienced back at the picnic.

"Why didn't you tell me Spike? I would've immediately dropped everything and got you checked out." Twilight had given him an angry expression.

"I didn't want you to worry..." Spike had given her a 'Don't Hurt Me' look.

"Well, at least you're alive. So what are you gonna do now with these wings? Can you move them at all?" Twilight had began to get an envied look at she knew of all the reports she can send to Celestia about the newfound wings of Spike.

"I haven't really tried yet..." Spike began to move his left wing just a bit but no more than that. "I could move it a little bit but it hurts to move them."

"You probably just need to get adjusted to them." Rainbow Dash had said while yawning from her nap. "That's how it was when i started flying for the first time."

"Man... Think of all the places i can go with these babies..." Spike had begun to daydream of him travelling all over Equestria. Manehattan, Trottingham, Las Pegasus... Twilight was looking at him with the same angry expression as earlier.

"Don't even think about it Spike..." Twilight had yawned.

"Hey Spike, if you want, when we get out of here, i could teach ya how to use those wings like a master. Though, you probably won't be as skilled as me." Rainbow Dash had begun to flex.

"Sure Rainbow." Spike had rolled his eyes at the cyan pegasus's boastfulness.

Author's Note

Man, that took way longer than it should have. I barely get any free time nowadays. First Romance so go easy on the comments guys. Next chapter planned for this weekend.

You call this an Intermission?

Let me go for the record that the guy from the beginning of Dragon Training was Crazy Al. His name isn't Crazy Al, I just don't know his actual name. Oh look, there he is now.

What's up, Crazy Al?

"Hi, Ted."

My names not Ted.

"Well, my name isn't Crazy Al either yet you call me it."

... GUARDS!

"Damn it!"

Sorry about that. Guess it was a bad idea to invite him.

"It was a &%#@ing good idea!"

Get out of here! *sigh*

Anyway, I was scrambling around with ideas for the next chapter. Unfortunately, I couldn't exactly figure out who should win the race.

So I went with the completely unoriginal idea of making a poll, because it hasn't been done before.

You can vote here. No, vote here!.

Click me!. I'm different!

Do I have to create a poll for what link you should click? God, I'm tired.

Get to voting, ya hear?

EDIT: Well, Spike won by a landslide. I would've thought you all were going to vote for Rainbow Dash, but it seems my expectations precede me. I love you all for being original. Time to get to work! (Again? Ugh...)

You all can still vote though. Spike will still be the winner, even if somehow everyone goes and votes for Sew Me.

Then we'll be in for a ride.