Hug Me Tightby FinnTheHuman8947ChaptersToo Many Concussions For One MorningTicket To Ride On The Rainbow ExpressThe Noble DragonA Short FuseAnd The Tears FallToo Many Concussions For One MorningSpike woke up to loud noises coming from the bottom floor of Golden Oaks Library. He scratched his eyes and sat up. "Come on, Twilight. I didn't know you were excited enough to wake up this early," Spike groggily muttered to himself. He walked down the stairs to find Twilight Sparkle packing two camping bags. "Hello, sleepy head!" Twilight said, optimism obvious in her voice. After smiling at Spike, she turned back to packing. "It's WAY too early, Twilight. It's, like, five in the morning. When does the camping trip even start?" Spike questioned, walking towards the kitchen. He picked up an emerald and started chewing on it. It acted like coffee, quickly waking the dragon up. "Well, plans CAN change, Spike. Applejack needs to leave early to help out on the farm, Pinkie Pie has to help the Cakes make a cake delivery, and Rarity has to design some dresses for some models at Canterlot. So I needed to make the trip earlier so we can still have enough time to enjoy the whole day together. You do care for our friends, right?" Twilight raised an eyebrow. Spike yawned and answered, "Of course. I kinda, you know, could've used a warning. But oh well. Anything for our friends!" Twilight threw a bag at Spike, which he caught. She asked, "You ready to pick up our friends?" Spike slid on the backpack. "Let's go." First on their list was Pinkie Pie. As they approached Sugarcube Corner, a pink mass flew into them, knocking them over. Spike sat up, rubbing his head. He said, "Pinkie. Try not to throw yourself at us. It hurts, you know." Pinkie got up, her eyes spinning from being dazed. She giggled and apologized. "Sorry guys. I just couldn't wait for the trip!" "Well, I'm glad you're excited Pinkie. We're off to a great start!" Twilight smiled. Suddenly, they hear a voice scream, "Incoming!" That voice was unmistakable. A sonic rainboom resonated through Ponyville as a streak of rainbow came speeding down. Right towards Spike. Bracing for impact, Rainbow Dash landed right on Spike. They looked at each other for a few seconds. After this awkward silence, Rainbow Dash, looking down at Spike, laughed. "Hey Spike! What'cha doin' down there?" She stepped back to allow Spike have room to get up. Spike brushed off the dust from his body and said, "You kinda landed ON me, Dashie. It's not like I was gonna be on YOU." "Don't get ahead of yourself, champ," Rainbow Dash said, lightly punching his shoulder. "All right then. Two down, three to go!" Twilight started walking towards the Carousel Boutique with Pinkie, Dash, and Spike behind her. As they approached Rarity's boutique, Spike ran ahead. Suddenly, a purple force field appeared around the building. Spike ran straight into the force field. The door opened, then Rarity walked out with a fashionable dress. It also had a purple force field around it. "Hello, girls!" Rarity waved, then looked down and saw the unconscious Spike. "Oh. Spike! What are you doing down there? The ground isn't the best place to lay down on." "Your force field kinda knocked him out," Pinkie answered. Rarity sighed. "I'm sorry, Spike." She put the knocked-out Spike on her back. "Let's go!" As they were walking towards Sweet Apple Acres, Rainbow Dash asked, "Hey, Rarity. What does that force field around you do?" Rarity answered, "I found the spell that can protect me from dirty things such as... dirt." She gagged at the idea of dirt. Spike woke up. "What happened?" He was surprised when he realized who he was on. "I'm sorry, Spikey Wikey. My force field on my house kind of knocked you out," Rarity apologized. Spike hugged her. "It's okay. It's my fault for running." They arrived at Sweet Apple Acres. Spike jumped off. He started walking towards the barn, looking behind him. "I keep getting hit. What do you think the chance is that-" "Spike! Watch out!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed, pointing her hoof at him. Spike saw two grayish-olive hooves coming for his face. He ducked. The hooves hit an apple tree. The tree violently shook from the hit. Looking up, Spike saw Applejack. Applejack smiled blushingly. "Sorry, Spike. Didn't see you there." Spike smiled back. "Haha! I almost got hit a fourth t-" Five red apples fell on Spike's head. After a minute of Spike rubbing his head, he looked at all of them and said, "I should've brought a helmet." The five ponies laughed. Spike, the optimistic dragon he is, smiled. They headed to a small cottage near the Everfree Forest to pick up the last attendee. Spike put a claw on his head for protection, and, with his other claw, knocked on the door. "Fluttershy?" Spike closed his eyes, bracing for impact. This was probably going to hurt the most. After a few seconds, he realized nothing was happening. He opened his eyes and saw the most tenderest pony today. Fluttershy was dressed in a nice green dress. Spike asked, "Aren't you gonna hit me or something? By accident, of course?" Fluttershy confusedly looked at him. "I would never hurt you. Why would you say that?" she asked. "Oh. I have a story to tell you. Here's a precaution: heads will be hit." Spike warned with a smile. "Well, you'd better get comfy," Fluttershy replied. She got Spike on her back. The crew started walking towards their camping spot. Ticket To Ride On The Rainbow ExpressThey arrived at a clear spot in the middle of the forest. Four tents were set up next to a few blankets on the ground. A pile of wood was enclosed in a rock-formed circle, serving as the campfire when lit. The sun was high, considering it WAS noon. They took their place around the unlit campfire. Twilight put her bag down. Spike did the same. "I have our food. Spike has the beverages," Twilight announced. Taking notice of this announcement, Rainbow Dash ordered, "Spike! Be a good dragon and toss me a drink, will ya?" She smiled to show no hostility. Spike sighed. "Here," he said as he tossed a can of Colt-A-Cola. Fluttershy spoke up. "Um, Spike. Is it okay if I can have a drink, as well? If it's okay with you..." She was barely audible, but could be heard nonetheless. Spike gladly pulled out a can of ParaSprite and tossed it at Fluttershy. She quietly thanked him. "Thank you, Spike. I was a bit thirsty. This should help." "See, Rainbow Dash? You could learn a few manners from Fluttershy," Spike said, catching a blue sapphire from Twilight. He started eating it. Rainbow Dash laughed. "I have manners. It's not like I need all of them." She took a sip. "Wow! This tastes great! How is this still cold?" "The bags are insulators, keeping the temperature of the inside environment of the bag to stay constant no matter the effects of the outer-" Twilight started explaining. "Yeah, yeah," Rainbow Dash cut her off, taking another swig. "So the bags keep them cold. Long story short." Spike just rolled his eyes, so she changed the topic. "Hey, Rarity! How are those dresses going?" Rarity started her story of how the idea of light bulbs on dresses could make a "dazzling" show. After Rarity's story, Spike obviously had no interest to stay there. He excused himself then headed into the forest. Rainbow Dash took notice of his leave and, without excusing herself, flew in the direction Spike headed. Fluttershy looked at them leaving. She looked wistful, but remained. The rest of the group stayed and listened to the story of how Pinkie Pie is thinking of upgrading her party cannon so the party is two times bigger. She called it "the Party Cannon v2". Spike was walking on a dirt trail, kicking a rock as he went. He heard a loud sipping behind him and looked. All he saw was a streak of rainbow fly behind a large boulder. Spike sighed. "Dashie, I know you're there." She giggled and trotted over to him. She pulled out her can of Colt-A-Cola and handed it to him. "Thirsty?" Rainbow Dash politely asked, her eyebrows relaxed. Spike slowly took the can, then hugged her. "Thanks, Dash. Come on. Let's walk." They kept walking until they found a more rigorous trail; tree branch obstacles, cliff jumps, and jagged rocks. Rainbow Dash smiled with glee. Spike cringed in fear. Rainbow Dash smirked. "Jump on, Spike. Or are you chicken?" "Uh..." Spike reluctantly got on Rainbow Dash's back. "Try not to go too fa-AH!" She took off without warning. She wasn't using her wings as she traversed the obstacle course. She leaped between tree branches, jumped from cliff to cliff, and skipped over the jagged rocks. She ran as fast as she could until she got to the edge of the cliff. She looked at her passenger, who was frozen with fear. Rainbow Dash talked in a train conductor voice. "Up ahead is a steep cliff. Please hold on for dear life." Spike didn't have to be told twice. He hugged Rainbow Dash tightly. Dash had a warm feeling appear in her heart, then she jumped off the edge. Spike screamed in fear, while Rainbow Dash screamed in excitement. But her excitement wasn't from the sliding, at least, not fully... the claws snugly around her neck... Rainbow Dash spotted a pile of leaves at the bottom of the cliff. She aimed right for it to soften their stop. Sadly, it was a trap. The two expected the pile of leaves to stop them, but underneath the pile was a hole. They fell straight through the pile of leaves and landed a great distance down. The two landed hard. Spike shouted, "Can't I go a few hours without getting hit in some way?" But he realized his pain was nothing compared to his friend. Rainbow Dash's wings were bent weirdly out of shape. She was hyperventilating. Spike, still hurt but could beat the pain, crawled over to her. He rolled her over so she faced the sky. Spike was shaking her, repeating, "Rainbow Dash? Are you okay?" She whispered, "Not really." She laid down, unconscious. Suddenly, Spike hears some hissing. He looks around and sees snakes coming out of cracks on the wall. He stood, defending his friend. He found a stick, then breathed fire on it. The edge caught on fire, acting like a torch. He swung the torch at them, making the snakes hiss and retreat. Sadly, the fire consumed the whole twig and turned it into ashes. Spike look around. For anything to fend the snakes off. But there was nothing. The snakes hissed angrily. And hungrily. Spike looked back at Rainbow Dash and whispered, "I'm sorry." Rainbow Dash slowly opened her eyes to look at him. She slowly say up, still in pain, and hugged him. They closed their eyes, waiting for the inevitable. Then a gentle but assertive voice from above the trap ordered, "These are my friends. Please do not hurt them." The Noble DragonThe snakes hissed and quickly retreated back into the cracks. Fluttershy looked down from the hole. "Spike! Dashie! You guys okay?" she quietly shouted. Spike replied, "Help, Fluttershy! Rainbow Dash's wings aren't doing so well." He looked at Rainbow Dash, still unconscious. "Actually, she doesn't look well, period." "Oh. Okay," Fluttershy said as she flew down. Spike placed Rainbow Dash on Fluttershy's back, which made Fluttershy make a little groaning sound, but she was fine. "Get her up there without me," Spike said, patting Rainbow Dash on the side. "We'll both be too heavy. I'll just climb." "Are you sure?" she tried to say, struggling. A heavy pegasus on your back isn't exactly the lightest carrying load. Spike nodded, and Fluttershy, though struggling with Rainbow Dash on her back, managed to fly out of the hole. Spike used the cracks on the walls to climb out. He found Fluttershy looking worriedly at Rainbow Dash who she laid down on a grass field. Spike ran up to Fluttershy and told her, "Go get help. I'll stay here and guard Rainbow Dash." Fluttershy reluctantly nodded, then flew off towards the camping site. Spike grabbed Rainbow Dash's front left hoof and whispered, "Dashie. Please be okay." Because Rainbow Dash was unconscious, she just laid there. After a few minutes, Spike saw Twilight running towards them with Fluttershy hovering above her. When they both got there, Twilight quickly ordered, "Touch Rainbow Dash." Spike put his claw on her torso, Fluttershy placed her hoof on her neck, then Twilight gently touched her forehead. Her horn lit up with a purple light. "...and so I said to him, 'Hoity Toity. Are you sure you wanted pink?'" Rarity finished her story. Applejack chuckled a little bit, but Pinkie Pie just bursted out laughing. After the laughter died down, Rarity looked at the first aid kit she was holding that she got from Twilight's bag. "Oh," Rarity worriedly said. "I hope Rainbow Dash okay." "Yeah," Applejack agreed. "Those wings are like one of the most important things to her, above Daring Do and below 'being awesome', of course." Suddenly, a flash of light appeared next to the tents. Twilight, Fluttershy, and Spike sat up, dazed. Rarity, Applejack, and Pinkie Pie looked at Rainbow Dash, who was still knocked out. Rarity gasped. Applejack took her Stetson and placed it on her heart. Pinkie Pie looked teary-eyed. After a few minutes of silence, Rainbow Dash sat up, rubbing her head. "What just happened?" The group let out a sigh and quietly rejoiced. Twilight looked at Rarity and asked, "Can you toss me that first aid kit?" Rarity looked at the first aid kit box and had an epiphany. "I have something better!" She pulls a white and red dress out of her bag. It had a blue mist around it. "I knew someone was going to get hurt on this trip, and I was right. I made a dress which I put a healing spell on. After a few hours or so, the wearer of the dress will heal from most injuries. I think this spell works on broken wings, as well. Let us hope so." She threw the dress at Twilight. Twilight reached out to catch it, but Spike jumped and caught it. He sighed and said, "I should've stopped Rainbow Dash before she did something that could hurt her. And I didn't. The least I can do is put this healing dress on." Rarity eyes softened. She wiped her eyes and said, "How noble of you, Spikey Wikey. You are the best dragon to have ever existed!" Everyone else agreed. Fluttershy went to him and gave him a hug. Spike blushed. He carried Rainbow Dash to her tent and laid her down on the green blanket place inside on the ground. He put the dress on her very gently, careful not to hurt her. Before he could leave the tent, Rainbow Dash called out to him. "Spike?" Spike looked back at her and returned to her side. She whispered, "Thank you, Spike. You are a noble dragon." She planted a kiss on his cheek. Spike blushed and patted her forehead. "Don't mention it, Dashie. Just get some rest. You should heal up in a few hours, according to Rarity. Then we can have some fun!" Spike said. They looked into each other's eyes for a few seconds, then Spike left the tent. Rainbow Dash looked at the tent entrance for a minute, then laid down and started snoring. A Short FuseRainbow Dash woke up to the sound of three voices. "Yay! I have a royal flush!" "What! Twilight, you're cheating, aren't you?" "What? I would never! Just pure luck!" "Sure." "Come on, Spike. I'm not cheating! Right, Fluttershy?" "I don't think she would cheat, Spike. Just because she used her magic to shuffle the cards, doesn't mean she would cheat. It would take the fun out, right?" "True. You're right, Fluttershy. But can you shuffle them? Just in case." "Hey! You don't trust me?" "It's not that, Twilight. Well, not only that. Fluttershy might be a better manual shuffler." "Um, I guess I'll, um, try." Rainbow Dash sat up, dizzy. She looked at the dress she was wearing. "Wow," she muttered. "This dress actually looks cool. Probably because of the mist around it." She looked behind her at her wings. They were as good as new. She flapped them. No pain. "I gotta hand it to you, Rarity," she said. "That magic spell can come in handy." She walked out of the tent. Fluttershy was shuffling cards, then she looked up. She put on an elated smile. "Rainbow Dash!" Twilight and Spike looked behind them. Rainbow Dash waved at them and weakly said, "Hey, guys." She walked over to them and sat next to Spike. She laid down on Spike's lap, which made the two blush. Fluttershy looked at them wistfully. Twilight was smiling, oblivious to the awkward situation. "Rainbow Dash. Do you want to play Hold 'Em poker with us?" she asked her. Rainbow Dash though about it, then answered, "Ok. But I can't be on Spike's lap if I'm gonna play. I suspect that you'll cheat, Spike." She sat up, looking at him teasingly. Spike punched her lightly and said, "Whatever, Dashie." They both smiled. Rainbow Dash asked Fluttershy, "Hey, card dealer! Toss me two, will ya?" To everyone's surprise, the whole deck of cars flew towards Rainbow Dash like a storm of bullets were just shot at her. Everyone looked at Fluttershy. She was seething with anger. Her heavy breathing gave it away, along with the angry look on her face and her front hooves clutched into fists. "Oh, two cards, huh?" Fluttershy asked very grumpily. "I'm sorry, Queen of Equestria! Let me get that golden statue of you in your 115-acre mansion on the roof surrounded by diamond-encrusted swimming pools! And while I'm at it, why don't I go to the moon and plant a rare rainbow-colored chrysanthemum on it with your PICTURE ON IT?" Everyone was in a state of shock due to Fluttershy's outburst. Twilight was the first to recover. "Fluttershy! What's gotten into you?" Rainbow Dash asked worriedly, "Are you okay? Is it something I did? Fluttershy. I just got done healing. Sorry if I did anything to you. But it would help if you told me what happened." Spike looked at Fluttershy, wondering what got into the pony. Fluttershy noticed his worried look, then ran to her tent, crying. She shut the front tent cover. Twilight, Rainbow Dash, and Spike quietly looked at each other. Spike started walking towards the tent. He said to them, "Fluttershy never turned down talking to me. I should talk to her." Rainbow Dash and Twilight nodded in agreement. Spike got close to the front of the tent. He quietly said, "Uh, Fluttershy. You there?" No answer, but the crying stopped. "Do you, um, want to talk?" Spike asked. No answer still. "I guess you want some, uh, alone time," Spike inferred. He started walking back towards the campfire when he heard Fluttershy's voice. "Spike? Is that really you?" He walked back to the tent. "Yeah. It's me, alright. Can I come in or-" "No, no," Fluttershy quickly answered. "But... stay here for a few minutes. Outside the tent. So we can talk." "Alright. Let me get my blanket so I can sit down," Spike said, heading towards the campfire. He grabbed his blanket from the log he was sitting on. "What's going on?" Twilight asked. "Is Fluttershy gonna come out?" "No," Spike answered. "But she'll only talk to me." "Can you tell her something?" Rainbow Dash asked. Spike nodded. "Tell her that whatever I did, I'm sorry for it. Ask her why she's so... like that. Thank you, Spike." Spike walked to next to the tent and placed his blanket on the ground. "I'm back," he announced. "Oh, good," Fluttershy replied. "I thought for a second you left me." "I would never do that!" Spike said. "You really wouldn't leave, would you?" Fluttershy said. "You're the most noble dragon to have ever existed." Spike blushed, and inside the tent, Fluttershy did as well. "Fluttershy. What's wrong," Spike asked with worry. "This isn't like you at all. You haven't been seeing Iron Will, have you?" "Oh, no, no," Fluttershy answered. "It wasn't the assertive me back there." "So what happened?" Fluttershy heaved a sigh, then replied, "I'm just a bit... stressed. I've been doing so much work, and I kinda lost it." "Well, Rainbow Dash could use some manners. We could teach her a few, maybe," Spike said. "So did Rainbow Dash do anything to anger you?" There was a few seconds of silence, then Fluttershy said, "I'm just really glad you're here, Spike. You helped me calm down just by talking to me. I thank you for that." "Aw, shucks," Spike said, blushing. "Nothing a good friend can't do. So, uh, you wanna come out? Maybe you'll feel better if I make Rainbow Dash act nicer." Spike barely heard Fluttershy muttering something about Rainbow Dash, then she walked out of the tent. And The Tears FallAs Fluttershy and Spike returned to the campfire, Rainbow Dash looked up from the fire and grinned. "Fluttershy!" she yelled in elation. She ran towards her and have her a huge hug. Fluttershy sighed, then smiled as she hugged her back. "Hey there, Rainbow Dash." "Look, whatever it is I did, I'm sorry for it," Rainbow Dash said, hugging her tighter. "It was just the stress. I just kind of released it on you. I'm the one who should be sorry," Fluttershy replied. They stopped hugging each other and sat on the logs around the campfire. Spike sat down next to Twilight Sparkle. "Well, it's good that you guys made up," Twilight said. "So what should we do until we're really sleepy?" "I think we should just talk," Spike suggested. "Each of us starts a topic, then we keep talking about it until we're all bored of it." "Good idea!" Rainbow Dash said. "Fluttershy. You first." "Oh, um, thank you, Rainbow Dash," Fluttershy replied. She started telling a story. "So Angel was stuck in an oak tree, then out of nowhere a whale-" After a few hours of heartwarming and comedic stories, Twilight was the first to retreat to her tent and sleep. Later, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy started to drift asleep, but Spike woke them up so they can go to their tents. They said their goodnights then went to sleep. Spike sat alone outside eating sapphire-marshmallow s'mores when he heard thunder. After a few minutes, it started to drizzle. He yawned and walked towards his tent when he heard a whimpering. He looked around. No one there. Then he located the source of the sound. Fluttershy's tent. Spike walked towards her tent. He whispered, "Um, Fluttershy? Are you okay?" Fluttershy answered, "No." She squeaked. "Um, do you need something? I can get you something if you want," Spike offered. Fluttershy said, "Uh, can you come in here?" Spike blushed, and so did Fluttershy on the other side if the curtain. Spike answered, "Sure. I guess so." He opened the curtain and went inside. Fluttershy was laying down with a blanket over her whole body. She pulled the blanket back so her head was sticking out. Spike sat down next to her. They awkwardly just sat there. There was another thunder boom, and Fluttershy tensed and squeaked. She pulled the blanket over her head again. Spike worriedly looked at her then said, "Here. If I hold you, will you feel safer?" Fluttershy peeped from above the blanket and looked at Spike. Another thunder boom. She scooted towards Spike. Spike laid down and embraced her. Fluttershy's body stopped tensing. She closed her eyes and a tiny smile appeared on her face. Her eyes opened and she said, "Hey, Spike." Spike looked at her. "Yes?" "Could you, um, maybe stay up with me until the storm passes?" Fluttershy asked, blushing. "If you don't mind, of course." Spike grinned. "Sure! I'm not really that sleepy." So they laid down in the tent and told more personal stories as time, along with the storm, passed. Suddenly, Fluttershy was falling asleep. Spike said, "Fluttershy! Don't sleep yet! The storm might still scare you!" Fluttershy opened her right eye and looked at him sheepishly. "Oh. I feel safe in your arms. Who cares about some dumb storm?" She went back to sleep. Spike's eyes softened as he looked at her, then he fell asleep as well. They slept there in each other's arms with cute smiles on their faces, knowing that love was present. Rainbow Dash woke up to two voices. Fluttershy's and Spike's. She whispered to herself, "Oh my goodness, you guys. I'm trying to sleep here." Then she heard Fluttershy's voice. "Oh. I feel safe in your arms. Who cares about some dumb storm?" Rainbow Dash froze. She looked at the "ceiling" of her tent. She was whispering to herself, "Fluttershy? In... Spike's arms?" She was tough. The best flyer in all of Equestria. The Element of Loyalty. The first and only performer of the Sonic Rainboom. Co-saver of the world... at least three times! But not Spike's love. Her eyes acted like the clouds up in the stormy sky. The clouds poured rain. Her eyes got teary. She held the tears back. She was tough. The toughest pony in all of Equestria. But not Spike's love. She let the tears fall.
Too Many Concussions For One MorningSpike woke up to loud noises coming from the bottom floor of Golden Oaks Library. He scratched his eyes and sat up. "Come on, Twilight. I didn't know you were excited enough to wake up this early," Spike groggily muttered to himself. He walked down the stairs to find Twilight Sparkle packing two camping bags. "Hello, sleepy head!" Twilight said, optimism obvious in her voice. After smiling at Spike, she turned back to packing. "It's WAY too early, Twilight. It's, like, five in the morning. When does the camping trip even start?" Spike questioned, walking towards the kitchen. He picked up an emerald and started chewing on it. It acted like coffee, quickly waking the dragon up. "Well, plans CAN change, Spike. Applejack needs to leave early to help out on the farm, Pinkie Pie has to help the Cakes make a cake delivery, and Rarity has to design some dresses for some models at Canterlot. So I needed to make the trip earlier so we can still have enough time to enjoy the whole day together. You do care for our friends, right?" Twilight raised an eyebrow. Spike yawned and answered, "Of course. I kinda, you know, could've used a warning. But oh well. Anything for our friends!" Twilight threw a bag at Spike, which he caught. She asked, "You ready to pick up our friends?" Spike slid on the backpack. "Let's go." First on their list was Pinkie Pie. As they approached Sugarcube Corner, a pink mass flew into them, knocking them over. Spike sat up, rubbing his head. He said, "Pinkie. Try not to throw yourself at us. It hurts, you know." Pinkie got up, her eyes spinning from being dazed. She giggled and apologized. "Sorry guys. I just couldn't wait for the trip!" "Well, I'm glad you're excited Pinkie. We're off to a great start!" Twilight smiled. Suddenly, they hear a voice scream, "Incoming!" That voice was unmistakable. A sonic rainboom resonated through Ponyville as a streak of rainbow came speeding down. Right towards Spike. Bracing for impact, Rainbow Dash landed right on Spike. They looked at each other for a few seconds. After this awkward silence, Rainbow Dash, looking down at Spike, laughed. "Hey Spike! What'cha doin' down there?" She stepped back to allow Spike have room to get up. Spike brushed off the dust from his body and said, "You kinda landed ON me, Dashie. It's not like I was gonna be on YOU." "Don't get ahead of yourself, champ," Rainbow Dash said, lightly punching his shoulder. "All right then. Two down, three to go!" Twilight started walking towards the Carousel Boutique with Pinkie, Dash, and Spike behind her. As they approached Rarity's boutique, Spike ran ahead. Suddenly, a purple force field appeared around the building. Spike ran straight into the force field. The door opened, then Rarity walked out with a fashionable dress. It also had a purple force field around it. "Hello, girls!" Rarity waved, then looked down and saw the unconscious Spike. "Oh. Spike! What are you doing down there? The ground isn't the best place to lay down on." "Your force field kinda knocked him out," Pinkie answered. Rarity sighed. "I'm sorry, Spike." She put the knocked-out Spike on her back. "Let's go!" As they were walking towards Sweet Apple Acres, Rainbow Dash asked, "Hey, Rarity. What does that force field around you do?" Rarity answered, "I found the spell that can protect me from dirty things such as... dirt." She gagged at the idea of dirt. Spike woke up. "What happened?" He was surprised when he realized who he was on. "I'm sorry, Spikey Wikey. My force field on my house kind of knocked you out," Rarity apologized. Spike hugged her. "It's okay. It's my fault for running." They arrived at Sweet Apple Acres. Spike jumped off. He started walking towards the barn, looking behind him. "I keep getting hit. What do you think the chance is that-" "Spike! Watch out!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed, pointing her hoof at him. Spike saw two grayish-olive hooves coming for his face. He ducked. The hooves hit an apple tree. The tree violently shook from the hit. Looking up, Spike saw Applejack. Applejack smiled blushingly. "Sorry, Spike. Didn't see you there." Spike smiled back. "Haha! I almost got hit a fourth t-" Five red apples fell on Spike's head. After a minute of Spike rubbing his head, he looked at all of them and said, "I should've brought a helmet." The five ponies laughed. Spike, the optimistic dragon he is, smiled. They headed to a small cottage near the Everfree Forest to pick up the last attendee. Spike put a claw on his head for protection, and, with his other claw, knocked on the door. "Fluttershy?" Spike closed his eyes, bracing for impact. This was probably going to hurt the most. After a few seconds, he realized nothing was happening. He opened his eyes and saw the most tenderest pony today. Fluttershy was dressed in a nice green dress. Spike asked, "Aren't you gonna hit me or something? By accident, of course?" Fluttershy confusedly looked at him. "I would never hurt you. Why would you say that?" she asked. "Oh. I have a story to tell you. Here's a precaution: heads will be hit." Spike warned with a smile. "Well, you'd better get comfy," Fluttershy replied. She got Spike on her back. The crew started walking towards their camping spot.
Ticket To Ride On The Rainbow ExpressThey arrived at a clear spot in the middle of the forest. Four tents were set up next to a few blankets on the ground. A pile of wood was enclosed in a rock-formed circle, serving as the campfire when lit. The sun was high, considering it WAS noon. They took their place around the unlit campfire. Twilight put her bag down. Spike did the same. "I have our food. Spike has the beverages," Twilight announced. Taking notice of this announcement, Rainbow Dash ordered, "Spike! Be a good dragon and toss me a drink, will ya?" She smiled to show no hostility. Spike sighed. "Here," he said as he tossed a can of Colt-A-Cola. Fluttershy spoke up. "Um, Spike. Is it okay if I can have a drink, as well? If it's okay with you..." She was barely audible, but could be heard nonetheless. Spike gladly pulled out a can of ParaSprite and tossed it at Fluttershy. She quietly thanked him. "Thank you, Spike. I was a bit thirsty. This should help." "See, Rainbow Dash? You could learn a few manners from Fluttershy," Spike said, catching a blue sapphire from Twilight. He started eating it. Rainbow Dash laughed. "I have manners. It's not like I need all of them." She took a sip. "Wow! This tastes great! How is this still cold?" "The bags are insulators, keeping the temperature of the inside environment of the bag to stay constant no matter the effects of the outer-" Twilight started explaining. "Yeah, yeah," Rainbow Dash cut her off, taking another swig. "So the bags keep them cold. Long story short." Spike just rolled his eyes, so she changed the topic. "Hey, Rarity! How are those dresses going?" Rarity started her story of how the idea of light bulbs on dresses could make a "dazzling" show. After Rarity's story, Spike obviously had no interest to stay there. He excused himself then headed into the forest. Rainbow Dash took notice of his leave and, without excusing herself, flew in the direction Spike headed. Fluttershy looked at them leaving. She looked wistful, but remained. The rest of the group stayed and listened to the story of how Pinkie Pie is thinking of upgrading her party cannon so the party is two times bigger. She called it "the Party Cannon v2". Spike was walking on a dirt trail, kicking a rock as he went. He heard a loud sipping behind him and looked. All he saw was a streak of rainbow fly behind a large boulder. Spike sighed. "Dashie, I know you're there." She giggled and trotted over to him. She pulled out her can of Colt-A-Cola and handed it to him. "Thirsty?" Rainbow Dash politely asked, her eyebrows relaxed. Spike slowly took the can, then hugged her. "Thanks, Dash. Come on. Let's walk." They kept walking until they found a more rigorous trail; tree branch obstacles, cliff jumps, and jagged rocks. Rainbow Dash smiled with glee. Spike cringed in fear. Rainbow Dash smirked. "Jump on, Spike. Or are you chicken?" "Uh..." Spike reluctantly got on Rainbow Dash's back. "Try not to go too fa-AH!" She took off without warning. She wasn't using her wings as she traversed the obstacle course. She leaped between tree branches, jumped from cliff to cliff, and skipped over the jagged rocks. She ran as fast as she could until she got to the edge of the cliff. She looked at her passenger, who was frozen with fear. Rainbow Dash talked in a train conductor voice. "Up ahead is a steep cliff. Please hold on for dear life." Spike didn't have to be told twice. He hugged Rainbow Dash tightly. Dash had a warm feeling appear in her heart, then she jumped off the edge. Spike screamed in fear, while Rainbow Dash screamed in excitement. But her excitement wasn't from the sliding, at least, not fully... the claws snugly around her neck... Rainbow Dash spotted a pile of leaves at the bottom of the cliff. She aimed right for it to soften their stop. Sadly, it was a trap. The two expected the pile of leaves to stop them, but underneath the pile was a hole. They fell straight through the pile of leaves and landed a great distance down. The two landed hard. Spike shouted, "Can't I go a few hours without getting hit in some way?" But he realized his pain was nothing compared to his friend. Rainbow Dash's wings were bent weirdly out of shape. She was hyperventilating. Spike, still hurt but could beat the pain, crawled over to her. He rolled her over so she faced the sky. Spike was shaking her, repeating, "Rainbow Dash? Are you okay?" She whispered, "Not really." She laid down, unconscious. Suddenly, Spike hears some hissing. He looks around and sees snakes coming out of cracks on the wall. He stood, defending his friend. He found a stick, then breathed fire on it. The edge caught on fire, acting like a torch. He swung the torch at them, making the snakes hiss and retreat. Sadly, the fire consumed the whole twig and turned it into ashes. Spike look around. For anything to fend the snakes off. But there was nothing. The snakes hissed angrily. And hungrily. Spike looked back at Rainbow Dash and whispered, "I'm sorry." Rainbow Dash slowly opened her eyes to look at him. She slowly say up, still in pain, and hugged him. They closed their eyes, waiting for the inevitable. Then a gentle but assertive voice from above the trap ordered, "These are my friends. Please do not hurt them."
The Noble DragonThe snakes hissed and quickly retreated back into the cracks. Fluttershy looked down from the hole. "Spike! Dashie! You guys okay?" she quietly shouted. Spike replied, "Help, Fluttershy! Rainbow Dash's wings aren't doing so well." He looked at Rainbow Dash, still unconscious. "Actually, she doesn't look well, period." "Oh. Okay," Fluttershy said as she flew down. Spike placed Rainbow Dash on Fluttershy's back, which made Fluttershy make a little groaning sound, but she was fine. "Get her up there without me," Spike said, patting Rainbow Dash on the side. "We'll both be too heavy. I'll just climb." "Are you sure?" she tried to say, struggling. A heavy pegasus on your back isn't exactly the lightest carrying load. Spike nodded, and Fluttershy, though struggling with Rainbow Dash on her back, managed to fly out of the hole. Spike used the cracks on the walls to climb out. He found Fluttershy looking worriedly at Rainbow Dash who she laid down on a grass field. Spike ran up to Fluttershy and told her, "Go get help. I'll stay here and guard Rainbow Dash." Fluttershy reluctantly nodded, then flew off towards the camping site. Spike grabbed Rainbow Dash's front left hoof and whispered, "Dashie. Please be okay." Because Rainbow Dash was unconscious, she just laid there. After a few minutes, Spike saw Twilight running towards them with Fluttershy hovering above her. When they both got there, Twilight quickly ordered, "Touch Rainbow Dash." Spike put his claw on her torso, Fluttershy placed her hoof on her neck, then Twilight gently touched her forehead. Her horn lit up with a purple light. "...and so I said to him, 'Hoity Toity. Are you sure you wanted pink?'" Rarity finished her story. Applejack chuckled a little bit, but Pinkie Pie just bursted out laughing. After the laughter died down, Rarity looked at the first aid kit she was holding that she got from Twilight's bag. "Oh," Rarity worriedly said. "I hope Rainbow Dash okay." "Yeah," Applejack agreed. "Those wings are like one of the most important things to her, above Daring Do and below 'being awesome', of course." Suddenly, a flash of light appeared next to the tents. Twilight, Fluttershy, and Spike sat up, dazed. Rarity, Applejack, and Pinkie Pie looked at Rainbow Dash, who was still knocked out. Rarity gasped. Applejack took her Stetson and placed it on her heart. Pinkie Pie looked teary-eyed. After a few minutes of silence, Rainbow Dash sat up, rubbing her head. "What just happened?" The group let out a sigh and quietly rejoiced. Twilight looked at Rarity and asked, "Can you toss me that first aid kit?" Rarity looked at the first aid kit box and had an epiphany. "I have something better!" She pulls a white and red dress out of her bag. It had a blue mist around it. "I knew someone was going to get hurt on this trip, and I was right. I made a dress which I put a healing spell on. After a few hours or so, the wearer of the dress will heal from most injuries. I think this spell works on broken wings, as well. Let us hope so." She threw the dress at Twilight. Twilight reached out to catch it, but Spike jumped and caught it. He sighed and said, "I should've stopped Rainbow Dash before she did something that could hurt her. And I didn't. The least I can do is put this healing dress on." Rarity eyes softened. She wiped her eyes and said, "How noble of you, Spikey Wikey. You are the best dragon to have ever existed!" Everyone else agreed. Fluttershy went to him and gave him a hug. Spike blushed. He carried Rainbow Dash to her tent and laid her down on the green blanket place inside on the ground. He put the dress on her very gently, careful not to hurt her. Before he could leave the tent, Rainbow Dash called out to him. "Spike?" Spike looked back at her and returned to her side. She whispered, "Thank you, Spike. You are a noble dragon." She planted a kiss on his cheek. Spike blushed and patted her forehead. "Don't mention it, Dashie. Just get some rest. You should heal up in a few hours, according to Rarity. Then we can have some fun!" Spike said. They looked into each other's eyes for a few seconds, then Spike left the tent. Rainbow Dash looked at the tent entrance for a minute, then laid down and started snoring.
A Short FuseRainbow Dash woke up to the sound of three voices. "Yay! I have a royal flush!" "What! Twilight, you're cheating, aren't you?" "What? I would never! Just pure luck!" "Sure." "Come on, Spike. I'm not cheating! Right, Fluttershy?" "I don't think she would cheat, Spike. Just because she used her magic to shuffle the cards, doesn't mean she would cheat. It would take the fun out, right?" "True. You're right, Fluttershy. But can you shuffle them? Just in case." "Hey! You don't trust me?" "It's not that, Twilight. Well, not only that. Fluttershy might be a better manual shuffler." "Um, I guess I'll, um, try." Rainbow Dash sat up, dizzy. She looked at the dress she was wearing. "Wow," she muttered. "This dress actually looks cool. Probably because of the mist around it." She looked behind her at her wings. They were as good as new. She flapped them. No pain. "I gotta hand it to you, Rarity," she said. "That magic spell can come in handy." She walked out of the tent. Fluttershy was shuffling cards, then she looked up. She put on an elated smile. "Rainbow Dash!" Twilight and Spike looked behind them. Rainbow Dash waved at them and weakly said, "Hey, guys." She walked over to them and sat next to Spike. She laid down on Spike's lap, which made the two blush. Fluttershy looked at them wistfully. Twilight was smiling, oblivious to the awkward situation. "Rainbow Dash. Do you want to play Hold 'Em poker with us?" she asked her. Rainbow Dash though about it, then answered, "Ok. But I can't be on Spike's lap if I'm gonna play. I suspect that you'll cheat, Spike." She sat up, looking at him teasingly. Spike punched her lightly and said, "Whatever, Dashie." They both smiled. Rainbow Dash asked Fluttershy, "Hey, card dealer! Toss me two, will ya?" To everyone's surprise, the whole deck of cars flew towards Rainbow Dash like a storm of bullets were just shot at her. Everyone looked at Fluttershy. She was seething with anger. Her heavy breathing gave it away, along with the angry look on her face and her front hooves clutched into fists. "Oh, two cards, huh?" Fluttershy asked very grumpily. "I'm sorry, Queen of Equestria! Let me get that golden statue of you in your 115-acre mansion on the roof surrounded by diamond-encrusted swimming pools! And while I'm at it, why don't I go to the moon and plant a rare rainbow-colored chrysanthemum on it with your PICTURE ON IT?" Everyone was in a state of shock due to Fluttershy's outburst. Twilight was the first to recover. "Fluttershy! What's gotten into you?" Rainbow Dash asked worriedly, "Are you okay? Is it something I did? Fluttershy. I just got done healing. Sorry if I did anything to you. But it would help if you told me what happened." Spike looked at Fluttershy, wondering what got into the pony. Fluttershy noticed his worried look, then ran to her tent, crying. She shut the front tent cover. Twilight, Rainbow Dash, and Spike quietly looked at each other. Spike started walking towards the tent. He said to them, "Fluttershy never turned down talking to me. I should talk to her." Rainbow Dash and Twilight nodded in agreement. Spike got close to the front of the tent. He quietly said, "Uh, Fluttershy. You there?" No answer, but the crying stopped. "Do you, um, want to talk?" Spike asked. No answer still. "I guess you want some, uh, alone time," Spike inferred. He started walking back towards the campfire when he heard Fluttershy's voice. "Spike? Is that really you?" He walked back to the tent. "Yeah. It's me, alright. Can I come in or-" "No, no," Fluttershy quickly answered. "But... stay here for a few minutes. Outside the tent. So we can talk." "Alright. Let me get my blanket so I can sit down," Spike said, heading towards the campfire. He grabbed his blanket from the log he was sitting on. "What's going on?" Twilight asked. "Is Fluttershy gonna come out?" "No," Spike answered. "But she'll only talk to me." "Can you tell her something?" Rainbow Dash asked. Spike nodded. "Tell her that whatever I did, I'm sorry for it. Ask her why she's so... like that. Thank you, Spike." Spike walked to next to the tent and placed his blanket on the ground. "I'm back," he announced. "Oh, good," Fluttershy replied. "I thought for a second you left me." "I would never do that!" Spike said. "You really wouldn't leave, would you?" Fluttershy said. "You're the most noble dragon to have ever existed." Spike blushed, and inside the tent, Fluttershy did as well. "Fluttershy. What's wrong," Spike asked with worry. "This isn't like you at all. You haven't been seeing Iron Will, have you?" "Oh, no, no," Fluttershy answered. "It wasn't the assertive me back there." "So what happened?" Fluttershy heaved a sigh, then replied, "I'm just a bit... stressed. I've been doing so much work, and I kinda lost it." "Well, Rainbow Dash could use some manners. We could teach her a few, maybe," Spike said. "So did Rainbow Dash do anything to anger you?" There was a few seconds of silence, then Fluttershy said, "I'm just really glad you're here, Spike. You helped me calm down just by talking to me. I thank you for that." "Aw, shucks," Spike said, blushing. "Nothing a good friend can't do. So, uh, you wanna come out? Maybe you'll feel better if I make Rainbow Dash act nicer." Spike barely heard Fluttershy muttering something about Rainbow Dash, then she walked out of the tent.
And The Tears FallAs Fluttershy and Spike returned to the campfire, Rainbow Dash looked up from the fire and grinned. "Fluttershy!" she yelled in elation. She ran towards her and have her a huge hug. Fluttershy sighed, then smiled as she hugged her back. "Hey there, Rainbow Dash." "Look, whatever it is I did, I'm sorry for it," Rainbow Dash said, hugging her tighter. "It was just the stress. I just kind of released it on you. I'm the one who should be sorry," Fluttershy replied. They stopped hugging each other and sat on the logs around the campfire. Spike sat down next to Twilight Sparkle. "Well, it's good that you guys made up," Twilight said. "So what should we do until we're really sleepy?" "I think we should just talk," Spike suggested. "Each of us starts a topic, then we keep talking about it until we're all bored of it." "Good idea!" Rainbow Dash said. "Fluttershy. You first." "Oh, um, thank you, Rainbow Dash," Fluttershy replied. She started telling a story. "So Angel was stuck in an oak tree, then out of nowhere a whale-" After a few hours of heartwarming and comedic stories, Twilight was the first to retreat to her tent and sleep. Later, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy started to drift asleep, but Spike woke them up so they can go to their tents. They said their goodnights then went to sleep. Spike sat alone outside eating sapphire-marshmallow s'mores when he heard thunder. After a few minutes, it started to drizzle. He yawned and walked towards his tent when he heard a whimpering. He looked around. No one there. Then he located the source of the sound. Fluttershy's tent. Spike walked towards her tent. He whispered, "Um, Fluttershy? Are you okay?" Fluttershy answered, "No." She squeaked. "Um, do you need something? I can get you something if you want," Spike offered. Fluttershy said, "Uh, can you come in here?" Spike blushed, and so did Fluttershy on the other side if the curtain. Spike answered, "Sure. I guess so." He opened the curtain and went inside. Fluttershy was laying down with a blanket over her whole body. She pulled the blanket back so her head was sticking out. Spike sat down next to her. They awkwardly just sat there. There was another thunder boom, and Fluttershy tensed and squeaked. She pulled the blanket over her head again. Spike worriedly looked at her then said, "Here. If I hold you, will you feel safer?" Fluttershy peeped from above the blanket and looked at Spike. Another thunder boom. She scooted towards Spike. Spike laid down and embraced her. Fluttershy's body stopped tensing. She closed her eyes and a tiny smile appeared on her face. Her eyes opened and she said, "Hey, Spike." Spike looked at her. "Yes?" "Could you, um, maybe stay up with me until the storm passes?" Fluttershy asked, blushing. "If you don't mind, of course." Spike grinned. "Sure! I'm not really that sleepy." So they laid down in the tent and told more personal stories as time, along with the storm, passed. Suddenly, Fluttershy was falling asleep. Spike said, "Fluttershy! Don't sleep yet! The storm might still scare you!" Fluttershy opened her right eye and looked at him sheepishly. "Oh. I feel safe in your arms. Who cares about some dumb storm?" She went back to sleep. Spike's eyes softened as he looked at her, then he fell asleep as well. They slept there in each other's arms with cute smiles on their faces, knowing that love was present. Rainbow Dash woke up to two voices. Fluttershy's and Spike's. She whispered to herself, "Oh my goodness, you guys. I'm trying to sleep here." Then she heard Fluttershy's voice. "Oh. I feel safe in your arms. Who cares about some dumb storm?" Rainbow Dash froze. She looked at the "ceiling" of her tent. She was whispering to herself, "Fluttershy? In... Spike's arms?" She was tough. The best flyer in all of Equestria. The Element of Loyalty. The first and only performer of the Sonic Rainboom. Co-saver of the world... at least three times! But not Spike's love. Her eyes acted like the clouds up in the stormy sky. The clouds poured rain. Her eyes got teary. She held the tears back. She was tough. The toughest pony in all of Equestria. But not Spike's love. She let the tears fall.
