The Rainbows Of Spike

by B_25

Rating: teen
Tags: Slice of Life, Sad, Dark, Romance
Length: 19244

After hitting a growth spurt, Spike is much taller and stronger and has also grown wings. Needing someone to train him on how to fly, he turns to Rainbow Dash. As Spike learns how to fly, he also learns more about Rainbow, as she dose about him.

After Spike hits a sudden growth spurt over night, Spike has to deal with his new body.

And that includes his new wings.

And who better than Equestria's fastest flier to teach him how to use them! But when Spike realizes that it's not just his body changing, will he be able to come to terms with his new found emotions and feelings? And will Rainbow be able to reciprocate the feeling? The age old question that almost every ship fic says in the description!

And will little fillies and colts across Equestria ever stop doing the sugar cube challenge!
—————————-
Collaboration effort done with Diamond Brook.
Editing done by Octavia Harmony.
This is my entry for the SpikeDash contest, which can be be found here.

Published 1970-01-01 00:00:00 UTC
Last updated 2013-10-27 06:17:24 UTC

Prologue

The first thing Twilight could feel was a burning sensation on the front of her head. Opening her eyes to try and identify the source only a seemed to intensify the pain further. Using her magic, she managed to shut her blinds before the sunlight made her blind.

Twilight was not a morning pony. There was only a few days of the year her body allowed her to get up early. Winter Wrap up, Hearth's Warming, and (scheduled) trips to Canterlot.

Sadly, today was not one of those days.

Groggily, Twilight pulled herself out of bed and made her way to the bathroom. Combing her mane as well her coat, while checking her schedule, she saw that she had a planned lecture today at the local elementary school about the dangers of sugar cubes. Too much and they'll give you diarrhea!

Satisfied with her appearance for the day, she made her way to go wake Spike up so that he could start his chores for the day.

She reached the door leading to the shared room, but she was clearly not expecting what was on the other side of the room.

“Spike, it time to wake-AH!” Twilight screamed, seeing a way larger dragon then Spike and a broken basket beneath the drake.

This of course, caused the said dragon to shoot up, screaming much like the mare just did.

“What is it! What’s wrong, Twi!?” Spike yelled, immediately looking at the disheveled mare next to him, though Spike noticed a lot of pain prickling through his body, as his body was aching.

“Huh? what- who, huh?”

“No, I mean what’s wrong?” Spike asked, as the mare was just spilling out random words.

“Spike... is that you?”

“Of course it’s me, who else would it be?” Though Spike began to notice something a bit off.

“Hey Twi, did you get smaller? Because you used to be—” He raised a claw just above his head “—this much larger than me.”

Though when he brought his claw down, he noticed something. It was longer, as well sharper.

Something is definitely wrong.

He looked to his arms, they were also longer and larger. Spike’s eyes widen, as realization struck him. To make sure of it, to be the final nail on the coffin, he looked down to his body to find his fears were true.

He had grown.

His his body was much much longer, his feet almost made it to Twilight bed. He moved his tail, only to feel that it was much longer and bigger. He moved it to the front of his face, something he was unable to do before. The spikes on his tail were bigger and sharper.

He looked over to Twilight, who had the same confusion as him. He finally tried to stand up, feeling a pain in his legs, no doubt from all the growth. He finally stood up, reaching his full height, it all kinda felt weird. He stretched out his back, upon hearing the crack, he stood straight again, his tail neatly against his back.

He then turned back to Twilight, who was still stuck in a state of confusion. He also noticed he was much taller than her.

“Spike... what happened to you?” Twilight asked, finally able to put out a sentence.

Spike only shrugged. “I don’t have a clue, Twi. I just kinda woke up like this, I’m as confused about this as you are.”

Twilight studied him a bit more, till an idea came to mind. Giving him a stern face, Twilight asked. “Spike, have you been hoarding again?”

Spike quickly brought up his claws in an act of defense. “No Twilight, I swear I haven’t been greedy at all. All I did yesterday was do my chores and go to bed.”

Something I do everyday.

Studying him a bit more, Twilight finally figured out what was going on, a smile appearing on her muzzle.

“I know what’s going on.”

Spike stopped looking at his body to look at her. “What is it Twi?”

“You’ve finally hitting puberty, as well as hitting your growth spurt.”

“But how did I grow this much in one night?”

Twilight let out a sigh. “Spike you’re a dragon, dragons puberty is different. Ponies grow slowly, while dragon seemly grow overnight, as well as get muscles as it seems.”

Spike examined his body and arms, to indeed she was right, he felt stronger.

“Huh. Cool, I guess,”

“Just cool? You’re not going to say anything else about them? Or at least brag about them?” Twilight asked, confused to as where is macho self went to.

“Yeah I guess, nothing really else to say about it.”

“Huh.”

“What is it Twi?”

“I guess you also matured over night, it’s like you’re a new kind of dragon.”

“I guess. I’m not going to lie, to kinda feels weird, as well as good.”

“Good?”

“Yeah, good. I mean I’m no longer smaller anymore, and I’m way stronger than before, besides from the aching, and the weird feeling behind my back, I feel pretty good.”

Twilight couldn’t really blame him, I mean who wouldn’t feel like that? But the weird feeling on the back, this intrigued her to study him more. Looking at his back, something indeed was off, there was something on his back, this something kinda looked like-

“Wings! Spike, you also grew wings!” Twilight exclaimed, as she studied his scaly wings.

Spike tried looking behind himself, only to catch a glimpse of the newly grown wings. They seemed to be resting perfectly against his back.

“Are you able to open them?” Twilight asked, becoming more and more curious about the dragon. And who knows, maybe she can learn more about dragons from him, as there was little knowledge about dragons.

Please don’t let me turn into a subject for her to study.

Trying to get used to this new feeling in his body, Spike opened and expanded his wings to their full length, as Twilight watch in awe.

It felt good to open his wings, similar to cracking his back. That was the only thing Spike could compare the feeling to as he let out a breath.

“So... how do they look?” Spike asked, not able to see the full glory that was his wings.

“They look amazing, Spike! Are you able to use them?”

“Hmm, let me try.” Spike said, as took a small jump, trying to flap his wings clumsily. Besides hovering in the air for a short moment, he fell straight to the ground and the ground shook on his impact. The gust of wind Spike produced was enough to blow some research papers around the room, with Twilight’s slight dismal.

“Spike, are you okay?” Twilight asked, approaching the fallen drake and helping him up.

“Yeah, I’m fine, Twi, though I suppose it wasn’t wise of me to go full on my wings,”  Spike said jokingly. The two shared a laugh, as Spike backed up.

“I guess we’ll need to find somepony to train you on how to fly. I would of helped you Spike, but as you can see, I don’t have any wings.”

“Trust me. Twilight, I know, but who can help me?”

The duo though on the subject, only till the two came to the same conclusion.

“Rainbow Dash!” The duo realized.

“Who wouldn’t be better to train me then the worlds fastest-” Spike was cut of by a lavender hoof meeting his mouth.

“Shush, Spike. If she hears you saying that, who know’s how long she will brag for.”

Once again, the two broke into a small laughter.

“Aright aright, but you have to admit that there's no one else better to train me.”

“I agree. Now you should go and eat some breakfast, after all that growth, you need to get some food in your system.”

“Oh, I was going to go and talk to Rainbow-”

“No, Spike. You can do it after. You may not be a baby anymore, but that doesn’t mean that you can do whatever you want, and that you don’t need any food!”

“Alright, Twi,” Spike said defeated, as he started walking to the stairs.

Twilight knew she did bad. She knew Spike was both confused and happy with his new body, but didn’t probably know how to fully use it. As well as the new thoughts that will come to mind.

“I’m sorry I yelled like that at you, Spike. I’m just a little confused right now, as I know you are. But that doesn't give me any reason to yell at you like that.” She approached the drake, nuzzling his side.

“It’s alright, Twi. I guess I’m just a little confused about everything that’s going on. Like going from kid to this, I just kinda... I just don’t know.”

Twilight walked away from the drake, approaching her dresser. “I understand Spike, if you ever need to talk to me about anything, I’m always here to listen.”

“Thanks, Twi.”

Twilight soon reappeared, a pouch in her mouth. Signaling him to take it from her mouth, as he did so.

“There should be enough bits in there to get you something from AppleJack’s cart, just promise me that you’ll eat.”

With a nod, Spike answered. “I promise. Thanks for the bits, Twilight.”

Spike started heading for the door, before being once again stopped by a voice.

“Be careful, Spike, don’t forget that ponies may be a little different around you, if any are a problem, let me know.”

Spike nodded again, heading to the door once more, he was again stopped.

“Also I won’t be home later, I have to go to the elementary school to talk about the dangers of sugar cubes.”

That’s so not like you.

“Anything else?” Spike asked, not wanting to be interrupted again.

“Uhh, no. Have fun! And be safe.”

“Thanks Twi, and I will.”

Spike then headed out the door, running down the stairs, he arrived at the door that led to the outside world, feeling able to take on any challenges.

If only he knew what the days were to bring.

Chapter 1: A Not So Warm Welcome

After Spike had left the library, he decided to make his way to the marketplace, where he knew he could find Applejack's apple stand.

Spike knew that he was going to get a few stares and even a few ponies running away in fear, so he tried to stick to the back alleys as much as possible. Which was hard, because Ponyville was a small town. One such encounter though did surprise him.

Spike was hiding behind a cart full of hay when he heard some whispers from around the corner.

"Do you think it's gonna eat us", they whispered. It sounded feminine, and definitely young, like it belonged to a filly. The filly had a rather high voice, and seemed to be more curious than outright afraid.

"Of course he is! Haven't you heard of the stories! About the ponies that go to the badlands and never come back", another voice whispered. This one hinted at a country accent, but still retained the voice of a small filly.

"And we all know what's in the badlands", a third whispered, obviously unfazed by the presence of a dragon.

Spike already knew that it was the Cutie Mark Crusaders up to their normal shenanigans.

"You know I can hear you, right", Spike said. He heard three unified gasps in response, the scuffling of hooves, some light cursing, and something that indicated that one of them had tripped in the process.

Spike started after them, but realized that a teen dragon chasing three screaming fillies through town wouldn't have been his brightest idea ever.

After climbing over roofs, hopping over walls, and crawling under carts, Spike finally made it to the Plaza without any more trouble from anypony. Seeing that he still had his bits with him, he proceeded to look for Applejack's cart.

"Stay back ya dirty dragon! Don't y'all come any closer!"

Before Spike could even turn around, he felt something prodding at his backside.

Something that was very sharp.

Spike turned around, only to come face to face with none other than the Element of Honesty, Applejack, holding a pitchfork in her forehooves, pointed straight at Spike's chest.

And boy, did she look angry.

Applebloom was cowering behind her bigger sister, a look of utter fear and awe adorning her face. Seeing a dragon that's three times your size and has spikes that are as sharp as the most dangerous of swords can do that to somepony.

"Woah, Applejack, calm down! It's me, Spike!" Spike threw his hands up in the air, showing that he was at her mercy.

"I don't know y'all think ya are, claiming that you're Spike! You ain't nowhere near small as he, and I think I'd remember if Spike had some fancy looking  wings on his back", she growled.

This was going to take some convincing to show her that he really was Spike. He was gonna have to prove it to her, one way or another.

"Ok, how many dragons do you know that have green fire." Spike let out a small flame onto his palm, letting the spark dance across his fingertips. He soon extinguished the flame, fearing that it might spook Applejack a little too much.

"That ain't mean nothing! Who knows if all dragons can breathe green fire", she retaliated.

"Ok, well I can tell you about that one time that I helped MC you and Rainbow Dash's Iron pony competition. You were mad that Rainbow had used her wings to help her win."

Spike could see Applejack's expression falter, her faith in her rushed conclusion fading.

"We'll, anypony or anyone could've told you that story. Doesn't mean you're Spike."

Spike was running out of options here. There wasn't much left he could say that would convince her. Unless he told her... No, he couldn't tell her that! Not his biggest secret! But then he looked down again, and saw an angry Applejack, and a frightened Applebloom. He had to settle them down, and if that meant proving to them he was Spike no matter what, he had to do it.

"Alright", Spike started. He leaned in close, even though they were the only ponies present right now. He didn't want to risk anypony else hearing. "I'm going to tell you a big secret. But you have to promise not to tell anypony." He looked around one last time, to make sure they were all alone.

"I have a crush on Rarity."

Applejack just stood there at first, a blank look on her face. She looked at him for a few seconds before breaking out laughing, dropping the pitchfork to the ground with a clatter.

"Only Spike would have been nervous about telling anypony something like that", she said through tears of laughter. Right now, she was giving Pinkie Pie a run for her money as the Element of Laughter.

Applebloom had started to come out from behind her sister, and Irving him a better look.

"Holy pony feathers, Spike, it is you!" She proceeded to jump around the dragon in a circle, chanting "It's Spike, it's Spike, it's Spike" over and over again.

"Applebloom! Watch yer tongue! You know better than ta say things like that", Applejack scolded.

"Ah'm sorry big sis. I was just so happy that it was Spike and not some big scary dragon that was gonna eat all of us." Applebloom tried to make her puppy dog eyes at Applejack, but she would have none of it.

"That don't give y'all the right to swear in front of comp'ny. Sorry bout' that Spike", she apologized. "Anyhow, what can I do for ya, after accusing ya of going to eat all of us."

"Well, for one AJ, I woke up like this today. I'm just as confused about my body as you are. I was going to find Rainbow, but I figured I might as well come and get breakfast first, and since no one else would have wanted to serve... Well, a teenage dragon, I figured I would come over here", he explained breathlessly.

"Well, we're always happy to serve a friend", Applejack said with a small smile across her muzzle. "And as compensation for earlier, you get 1/2 off whatever you order!"

"Thanks Applejack, but I think I'll just take some Macintosh apples and some Golden Delicious. 10 of each please." Spike pointed to each type of apple as he said them, fantasizing about how wonderful they would taste. Sweet Apple Acres did make the best apples and apple cider in all of Equestria, anyways.

"That'll be 15 bits, partner", she said, her usual, happy tone coming back. He reached back into his bit bag and grabbed the appropriate amount of bits.

Collecting his apples, he bid his farewell to the duo, and proceeded his hunt for Rainbow Dash.

Knowing Rainbow Dash, she was probably near Sweet Apple Acres doing some new trick, or taking nap in one of the Apple family's trees. Why she decided to take a nap in a tree than a cloud was beyond him.

Spike ate a few of the apples while on his search, eating the apples whole. He didn't know what he was going to say her once he actually found her.

Hey Rainbow, I'm a giant teenage dragon now, and I need you to drop everything and help me use my new wings

No, to straightforward.

Hey Rainbow, Spike here. Just wanted to let you know that I had a major growth spurt overnight, and that I got these cool new wings

No, too indirect.

Hey Rainbow, just wanted to let you know that-

His train of thought was cut off by a sudden impact to the chest, and he along with his remaining apples, were sent flying across the fields.

Before Spike could even come out of his dazed stupor, he heard somepony shouting in his ears. And whoever it was sure sounded mad.

"Hey, why don't you just go back to where you crawled out of, you scaley demon." Whoever was shouting at him had managed to surprise tackle Spike and pin him to the ground. While he could easily of swung his tail at the attacker, he decided better not to. The only injuries he had received were minor, if that, so he decided a full on frontal assault would not be a wise idea.

"Ok, first off, who is this?" Spike had had enough of being tackled and screamed at for one day, and it wasn't even noon yet. "And second, I wasn't even doing anything wrong! I'm only looking for a mare named Rainbow Dash, and I bought those apples with bits."

Somewhere above him, he could feel his attackers weight lessen if only slightly. Finally, after a few moments of silence, she responded, "Why are you looking for Rainbow Dash. And what do you want from her."

"My name is Spike, and you see those cool new wings that you're sitting on? I need Rainbow's help to teach me how to fly. And for your information, the hole that I crawled out of, was Golden Oaks Library. So if you could please GET OFF ME", Spike yelled, sparks flying out of his snout to add to his anger.

"Spike? You can't be Spike. Spike is just a baby dragon. You're... Huge", she said, waving her right fore-hoof at him as if he couldn't tell on his own.

"It's called growing up. Now please, get off of me", he pleaded. This pony was really starting to get on his nerves.

There was a long silence that followed. Later rather than sooner, he could feel his attackers weight shift, and then it was gone. Pulling himself together, he made sure that none of his scales had been dented too badly in the assault. Finding his scales in a satisfactory condition, he decided to confront his attacker.

Spike turned around, only to find that the same mare he was looking for was the same mare who had attacked him.

There Rainbow stood, in all her colorful glory. Her mane hung loosely over her back and head, Andover wings were folded neatly over her back. She had a smug smile in her muzzle, something that she always seemed to wear. She didn't look like she had just attacked a teenage dragon and held him hostage. Yet Rainbow always seemed to never look anything other than perfect, in that sporty mare kinda way. Something that no other mare in Ponyville exhibited.

"So you say you're Spike huh", she said. "Then I bet you can tell me what my favorite color is", she teased.

Spike knew he was in trouble. This was the mare with an entire rainbow in her mane! He had no idea what it could have been!

"Ummm... It's... No color. You have all the colors of the rainbow in your hair. You don't have a favorite." Rainbow's face turned from a confident and brash smile to a stunned and confused look.

"How did you know! I've never told anyone that!" Rainbow started pouting like a little filly who had just gotten her dolls taken from her. Or, in her case, her favorite hoofball or sweatband. She knitted her eyebrows, and stomped her hoof on the ground in anger.

"Well, does this prove that I'm Spike", he said teasingly.

Again, she paused before responding. She rolled her eyes at the drake, and said "I'll give you the benefit of the doubt that you're a nice guy, but I still don't think you're Spike, even if you have the same color of scales."

"Awesome! So you'll teach me how to fly!"

"Yea, I will. I'm not the Element of Loyalty for nothing now, am I? But you have to do me a favor", she said.

"And what favor do I have to do."

"I don't know yet! Now come on, we're wasting daylight!" Rainbow took flight, yelling at him as the distance grew between the two.

What did I get myself into?

Chapter 2: Training

Spike tried to follow suit, sprinting after the air-borne rainbow mare. Just as he felt he had enough momentum, he leaped into the air, gliding through the breeze. That is, for a couple of seconds, till he came crashing down to the ground, eating a mouth full of dirt as he slid across the ground.

Rainbow Dash quickly took notice to the now fallen drake, suppressing her laughter at the sight. Albeit her best efforts, some giggles still got out. She landed next to the now fallen drake, watching him spit out some dirt and leaves.

“How's the dirt taste?” Rainbow asked, still giggling at the fallen and embarrassed drake.

“Splendid,” Spike said, trying to get one of the leaves out of his teeth.

“Here" -Rainbow extended a hoof toward her fallen comrade- “Let me help you out.”

Spike looked up at Rainbow. From his view, the sun shined perfectly over her, her rainbow mane looking more beautiful than ever before. He could see each individual strand of mane and tail.

I've never seen her like this before...

Spike kept on staring, noticing each detail about her. How her cutie mark's vibrant colors danced off her coat, how her mane was loose and fell across her back, and even how her eyes shone in the light.

He was so etherized with her, so much that he hasn't realized he has been staring this whole time, causing her to clear her throat and look away.

“Uh, you okay big guy?”

Shaking his head, he grabbed her hoof, pulling him up to his clawedfeet.

“Thanks,” Spike said, dusting himself off.

“No problem,” Rainbow said, still confused about what was so interesting to him. She looked behind her, thinking that he had seen something of interest, but was only met with a blank sky.

“What was that about?" She said as she turned around to Spike, till trying to get all of the foul tasting dirt out of his mouth.

“Well, banging your head against the ground causes you to become a little disoriented.”

Rainbow smiled sheepishly, as she rubbed a hoof along the back side of her neck. She should have guessed that was what all his staring was about.

“Yeah... sorry about that, I guess you have no wing experience at all. My bad.”

“Yes, I told you that I grew them today.”

“Well, there's still no saying that your Spike", she said, an edge of suspicion in her voice.

Spike faced clawed, letting out a sigh. he decided that rather than argue with her, it was just best to continue on with training.

“Alright fine, so can you help me train then?” Spike asked, expanded his wings once more.

“I already told you that I would!" She snapped.

Spike faced clawed again, as anger was slowly consuming his thinking. Slowly, but surely.

“Then thank you. Now then, may we proceed?” Spike asked, just wanting to learn on how to fly.

Looking at the drake one more time, Rainbow noticed that his scales did match with Spike's, and not just the color, which was obvious, but even the placement. Looking even closer, she could see that even some of his scales looked exactly the same as before.

Is that really you Spike?

While looking at the drake though, she couldn't help but notice his features. The way the light shone off his scales, making them seem brighter and more vibrant than before. The muscles that showed through even his tough scales.

“Equestria to Dash” Spike said, waving a claw in front of her face.

“Huh?” Rainbow said, a claw now blocking her view.

“I said, can we get to training?”

Rainbow had to look away, for fear that this dragon- Er, Spike, wouldn't seeing her getting all mushy and all that. She hadn't realized that she, too, had been staring.

“Right, uh sure.”

Spike thrust a claw in the air, shouting out a. “Yes!”

“Give me twenty five push ups,” Rainbow instructed, leaving Spike a little confused.

“Alright then,” Spike said, dropping down to his claws, only to be yelled at by Rainbow.

“Not that kind of push ups! I mean wings push ups!”

Spike let out a breath of anger. “You didn't specify!”

Rainbow Dash was not happy with his tone of voice.

“I shouldn't have to, if we are training with wings, then almost everything should be based on that.”

Like last time, Spike decided it was best to let it slide. “Fine, you have a point. Now how do you do a wing push up?”

Rainbow Dash faced hoofed, answering his question while rubbing her temple. “You do push ups with your wings...”

Spike claws once again met his forehead, as they soon gripped his eyes.

Do they all think I'm really all the dumb?

“I know what it is Rainbow, I'm just asking you to show me on how to properly get it done. I don't want to hurt myself by screwing up like last time", he said. This mare was really starting to get on his nerves.

“Ok Hotshot, you do em like this", she said as she moved her forehooves from the ground in front of her.

"Your Primary and Primary Coverts are what makes contact with the ground. Nothing else should. I don't know what you should do, since your wings seem more... Dragony. Just try to use the ends of your wings."

“Your Marginal Coverts and Secondaries, these parts right here", she said, showing him the parts of the wings she was referring to,"are the parts that you push up with. Your Secondary Coverts aren't used all that much in this exercise. And make sure to keep your Scapulas straight, or else you'll hurt yourself."

Spike just looked at her, dumbfounded. He never took Rainbow for being ignorant or stupid, but he never knew that she actually had a bit of book smart in her after all.

“Close your mouth, you're starting to creep me out", she said, a playful smile across her muzzle.

"Right, sorry. Just... never thought you were an "egghead" like Twilight is all." Spike turned toward the ground, getting ready for his wing push ups.

"What did you call me", she deadpanned.

Spike could feel his scales go on edge. He couldn't tell if she was mad, sad, or sarcastic. Maybe a bit of all of them. He decided to approach the situation in the only way he could.

Humor.

"What? Sorry, I don't remember", he teased.

"Oh, that's ok. I thought that you had just called me an egghead is all."

"Oh please Rainbow, I would never dream of it." He knew he was pushing her buttons now.

"Oh. Well that's great to hear. You wanna know what else I like to hear? You, and 25 more wing ups", she said. She had a some point grow a smirk across her face.

"He/She has  no idea what they're in for" they thought to themselves in perfect unison.

Chapter 3: We're friends, Right? (Un) (Sp)

Time flew by for the mare and the drake. Okay, well maybe just for the mare.

But that said mare couldn't help herself at times but stare at the drake during his exercises, but it wasn't for training, but for something else, a reason she was yet to be revealed to.

Though sometimes, when the mare was staring at the drake, the drake would look at her, and when their eyes would meet, she would try and look elsewhere.

But the thing was, the drake would stare at her, while she was looking else where.

He wasn't sure if it was from the boredom of the exercises, but whenever he looked at her, he was able to see every little detail about her, ever strands of her multicolored mane.

While the mare had an excuse for staring at the drake.

It's for training purposes, right?

The drake however, did not. He just wished the mare wouldn't notice.

“Alright Spike, time for push-ups,” Rainbow Dash said, as Spike finished his wing push ups.

“What, push ups again? I wanted was to learn to fly Rainbow, not work out.” Spike whined, as he stretched his body.

“Spike, flying isn't only based on your wings, your whole body affects on how you fly.”

Spike only sighed, as he dropped to the ground, and began doing push-ups. Putting a smile on Rainbow muzzle.

“Besides Spike, if you want to be awesome like me, you're going to have to work on your whole body,” Rainbow briefly bragged, wiping a hoof on her chest.

“You know you don't have to do that,”

“Huh? Do what, being awesome?”

“That, you don't have to put on a show to impress me. You can be yourself when it's just you and me,” Spike answered honestly, as a pain in his arms started to begin from the push-ups.

“What are you talking about? I'm always like this?”

Spike sighed, even while pushing up. “Exactly, you don't have to be insecure around me, I'll like you for who you are.”

Rainbow Dash herself let out a sigh, as she lowered her head, and her hoof played with a small patch of grass.

Guess it wouldn't help but to tell someone

“Spike... can you keep a secret, or rather everything that happens a secret?” Rainbow Dash asked, her eyes refusing to meet the ones of the drake's.

At least she's calling me Spike.

Spike stopped doing his push ups, as he began to sit in front of the mare, ears open.

“Of course Rainbow. Now, what's bothering you?”

The mare was silent for a couple of seconds, but yet Spike sat still, awaiting her words.

Spike always seemed nice, he'll be understanding.

“Well... the reason why I brag, the reason why I'm sort of like someone else sometimes, is because I kinda feel like I need to. I love being competitive, and it never hurts to lose. But it's when I have to defend myself, as a filly, after all the name callings, things like Rainbow Crash, all those things they did, it hurt me, more then I let on.”

“I can understand that Dash, and my sympathy for going through that. But why do you still do it then, why try to be someone you're not? Because you know we would never judge you.”

Rainbow let out another sigh, as she finally rose her head, their emerald and rose eyes meeting once more.

And I’m not looking away.

“Do you know about the rumors going around about me, the ones saying that I play for the other team?”

Spike lowered his head a bit, just barely making eye contact with the mare.

“I've heard bits and pieces, which is okay if you are-”

“IT'S NOT TRUE!” Rainbow yelled. “It’s not true, none of it is. But yet ponies think it, sometimes making jokes about it, I mean I never at a stallion look at me, nonetheless a drake would.”

Spike make no haste in hugging the mare, as she buried her face into his chest. As she shed some tears on his chest, to which he didn't mind.

It hurt Spike to see one of his- one of Twilight's friend in such pain.

How long had she kept this bottled in?

Spike began stroking her multicolored mane, trying his best to be gentle with her. As she cried for a bit, she was barely making any noise, just mostly silent tears.

One of the worst kinds.

Spike began whispering words to her, like “Everything is going to be alright,” and “It's okay.”

After awhile, her tear began to die out, but she kept in the embrace, she didn't know why, she just kinda like it there, enjoying the unusual warmth of his scales, far more than she would ever admit.

And Spike couldn’t help but enjoy her soft fur against his scales.

But sadly, to both demise, Spike pulled back, feeling her tears come to an end.

“You aright Dash?” Spike asked, with a comforting face, and a glimmer in his eyes.

Dash awkwardly rubbed her neck, never being in such a state for a long time, but it did feel good to have someone comforting her.

“Yeah I guess, thanks Spike, I guess I needed to get that out-” -Dash also let out a small chuckle- “And I guess I also needed a hug too.”

Spike quickly bridge the gap.

“It's alright Dash, it's good to let it out sometimes, and besides, everyone needs a hug here and there.”

Dash smiled, as she return the hug, only to break it off a couple of minutes later.

Aright Dash, you can still be a bit awesome around him.

“Alright, enough of that, back to work.”

Spike nodded, as he dropped to the ground.

“Just remember Dash, if you ever need someone to talk to, I'm always all ears. Even if I'm not your first choice, I'm still able to help,” Spike said, as he resumed his push-ups.

Rainbow couldn't help but find something weird in his words. “Wait, what do you mean by first choice?”

“Come on Dash, we all know how you feel about me.”

Almost how you all feel about me.

Rainbow only found confusion in his words.

What? That I may like you-WHOA. Well, there's still no way he would  know that.

“I don't know what you mean Spike.”

Spike let out a sigh in response, as he answered a question that he didn't want to.

“I know you hate me Dash,” Spike then let out a weak chuckle. “I mean who doesn't?”

Rainbow was in disbelief.

The little... the big guy thought I hated him?

“Spike, I've never hated you, if anything, I found you awesome! The way you jumped out of the crystal empire to save the crystal heart-”

“To which I was thanked for a minute, before all attention went back to Twilight.”

But I guess I did get some stain glass I'll never see again.

“Right, well... oh I know! How about you let Twilight leave to her have her birthday-”

“I was uninvited because of the fight we had, and because I was acting all mopey, and I was going to kill the mood.”

Buck!

“Um, how about-”

“Just stop it Rainbow, all your doing is proving your point.”

“No Spike, I've got to prove you're my friend.”

Spike only let out a pained sigh, both from Rainbow, and the pain in his arms.

“Fine, prove my point more.”

Rainbow thought for a minute, before a idea came to mind

“I know! How about the time you turn into a big dragon-”

“Which you called names!” Spike yelled, as steam evaporated from his nostrils.

Rainbow let out a hurt wimpier, as she took a step back.

Spike realized what he had just said, and sighed in response.

Damn it!

He sat up, and looked over at Rainbow, who in return just sat there, a tear could be seen in her eye.

“Look, Rainbow, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to-”

“You don't have to say sorry” Rainbow cut him off, as she let out weak chuckle. “Here I am telling you about how much those things hurt, but yet I do it to you, I guess I've become the bully, huh?”

“No, well sort of here and there. But you are loyal to your friends, and are willing to defend and fight for them, that’s a sign of a true friend, and that's exactly what you did that day, but also proves my point, you don't view me as a friend Dash, just face it.”

Dash let out a sigh, as she wiped away her tear. “I... won't face it Spike. I know I haven't been a great friend, or rather a bad friend, but I am your friend, and I'm going to prove it, over training, I’m going to become your best friend.”

Maybe even more.

Spike let out chuckle, while putting on a smile, extending his claw.

“Promise?”

Rainbow stood on all fours, as she also extended a hoof, meeting the claw.

“Promise.”

She shook the claw, as he shook the hoof. After a couple of seconds, they broke it off.

“So... we're friends, right?”Rainbow asked quizzically.

Spike only smiled, as he nodded.

“Sweet!” Rainbow yelled. Afterwards she quickly brought her hoof up to her mouth, as she tried to fight off the oncoming blush, muttering out a. “Sorry.”

“Like I said Dash, if you're around me, just be yourself.”

Dash brought her hoof down, as a tiny blush stayed on her face, as she smiled at the drake.

And the drake smiled back. As she slowly closed her eyes, and reopen them.

She looks cute when she blushes-NO. She looks cute when she smile-NO. She just looks cute-Eh fine.

The two emerald and rose color eyes kept staring at each other, notching each detail upon the pair.

Spike soon broke the stance, as he shook his head, returning to the world.

“So... time to get back to work?”

Rainbow also shook her head, returning as well.

“Uh yeah, back to training!”

Chapter 4: A View On The Horizon (Un) (Sp)

The mare and the drake trained all day. Okay, mostly the drake, but either way, both trained.

Nothing really noteworthy happen during the session, besides Spike being able to hover in the air, well, for ten seconds at least.

Celestia’s sun was at it’s peak, and was about to go down, making way for Luna’s moon.

This was marking of the end of the day, as well as the end for Spike's training.

“Well, that's a wrap Spike, we're done.” Rainbow announced, just as Spike fell back to the ground, finishing his final wing up as they called it.

“Great, because I think most of my body is dead from all the work we did today,” Spike said as he stood up, dusting himself off.

This only caused Rainbow to giggle, as well to smile. She then turned her head to horizon, to where she was met with a beautiful gaze, as the sun last light shone on the trees. She admired the work for a little while longer, before an idea came to mind.

“Hey Spike, I wanna show you something,” Rainbow said, as she started trotting to the nearest hill, one that would give a great surprise to the drake.

“You see Rainbow, I really can't,” Spike awkwardly said, while scratching the back of his head.

While Rainbow just stopped in place, and turn around to the nervous drake.

“You see, Twilight has curfew-”

“Oh come on Spike, your older-”

“Not to much older...”

“You bigger now, that means you get more freedoms, right?”

“I don't think so.”

Rainbow only let a sigh, as her time was running short.

“Come Spike, I'll cover for you, I'll say training took longer than expected.”

Whatever Rainbow said, it caused Spike to go happy with glee.

“Really!? You would do that for me?”

“Uh, yeah? That's what friends do,” Rainbow said, confused with the dragons random glee.

Before she could even see it coming, the drake had rushed over to her and picked her up, hugging her and swinging in circles, causing her to have a faint blush.

“Spike, what has gotten into you, all I said is that I got your back!”

Spike slowly stopped, a wide smile still present, as he set the mare on the ground.

“Sorry Rainbow, it's just, that's one of the nicest things anyone has done for me in awhile.”

Rainbow felt herself flinch at his last words, but yet he remained unchanged.

“It's alright, now come on, we're going to miss it!”

But before Rainbow could even take a step, Spike let out a “Huh.”

She quickly let out a sigh, as she turned around to the drake.

“What now Spike?”

“Just really noticing it now, but I'm way bigger than you now.”

“Huh?”

Dash trotted up to the drake, to where indeed he was much bigger.

Never really noticed it I guess.

“Huh, I guess twice, no, twice and a half your size. Must have not notice from all the pushups you made me do.”

“Hey, you wanted to fly, not me. But I guess I did over work you then, especially if you grew like that overnight.”

Spike only shrugged. “Meh, don't worry about it, just worry about this thing you want to show me.”

Dash nodded, as she once again making way to the top of the hill, the drake following suit.

I can get used to being this big.

Soon the drake and the mare reached the top of the hill, just as the sun was giving off it's last perfect view.

Once upon the hill, the mare let out a breath of air, as she flopped on her back to the ground.

Though the drake just stood there, confused at what to do.

“Spike, you're supposed to lay down.”

“But why?”

Rainbow only giggled at what was to come.

“Look to your left.”

Spike quickly let out a. “Huh.” As he looked, not expecting the magical view before him.

He was stunned at what he was looking at, the trees, the lights, the moon, they were all just in the perfect place, at the perfect time, making the view perfect.

Spike sat down at the ground, fully admiring the view.

“I take it you like the view?” Rainbow asked teasingly, as the dragon was in a stance.

Spike didn't even look at her when he answered.

“Yeah... only really seeing the sun go down from the library, I've never got to see it's full glory.”

To Rainbow, every time he said something like that, it would always cause her guilt, but yet, he wouldn't be affect at all.

Soon, Spike began to lay down on the grassy hill, turning his head to Rainbow.

“Hey Rainbow, I kinda wanted to thank you for today, and for right now.”

Rainbow smiled. “It was no problem Spike, that's what friends do.”

If I'm going to be good friends with him, I've got to learn more about the drake.

“So... Spike, what's your dream?”

Err, not the best question.

Spike only let out a chuckle.

“That’s kinda out of place.”

Rainbow only adorned a sly smile.

“I know, but I just kinda want to talk to you.”

“Rainbow, you don't need to smalltalk me-”

“But I do Spike, I want to learn more about you.”

Spike only let out a sigh.

“Fine, but don't blame me if you get bored.”

“And I won't, now tell me, you already know mine.”

“Wonderbolts?”

“Eeyup!”

Both mare and the drake broke into a fit of laughter at the mare’s impression.

“Alright alright,” Spike said, trying to end his laughter. “I'll tell you my dream.”

The mare soon ended her own laughter, as her ears flung open, waiting for the drakes words.

“Well, I guess I have two, but kinda lost faith in one.” Spike let out a sigh. “You know how I used to have a thing for Rarity.”

“Wait, when did you ever stop chasing Rarity?”

“Well, ever since I started wondering who my friends were, I guess I just kinda realized I had no chance with her.”

Poor drake...

“But besides that my other dream is kinda silly.”

“I won't laugh, I Pinkie Promise,” Rainbow said, as she did the motions of the promise.

“Alright, well, my dream was to become a knight, a warrior. No, my dream was to become a hero.” Spike let out a weak chuckle, as he scratched the back of his head. “Pretty cheesy, huh?”

“No actually, sounds like a great dream... for a kid.”

Spike let out a chuckle. “You mean teen?”

Rainbow looked back at the drake, almost forgetting his new looks.

Looks I may be falling for.

“Right... teen,” Rainbow couldn't help but yawn, as she began to grow tired.

“Tired Dash?”

“Yeah... I think I might take a nap here.”

If almost on cue, Spike also let out a yawn of his own.

“Yeah, I think I may join you on that one Dash.”

Spike looked at the horizon, the sun was finally gone, and the moon was now ascending up to the stars.

He turned to tell Dash, but was only met with a sleeping mare.

Spike only let out a small, soft giggle. As he watch the mare sleep, the word 'cute' came to mind.

He slowly scooted over to the mare, noticing her chest go up and down, in rhythm of her breaths.

A smile came across his face, as he brought a claw down to her muzzle, moving away a couple strands of hair.

She seemed to smile more in her sleep, as Spike soon began brushing the multicolour mane, he was in some kind of trance.

I may actually have a friend, hey Cole?

Yeah, someone to talk to rather than... me. And hey, who knows, she might become something more.

Oh come on Cole, don't be thinking like that.

Come on Spike, I know you may have a thing for Rainbow.

Okay, maybe something, but it would just end up like Rarity again.

Or it could not, see how Dash actually see's her mistakes, and is trying to fix them. We're talking about Rainbow Dash here.

Don't talk like that about Dash, Cole, you know why she is the way she is. And besides, she said she would act normal around me.

Alright fair point.

Spike inner mogul was soon cut short, as the mare began to stir.

Look's like I talk to you later Cole.

Spike waited for the mare to wake up, but he grew surprised as she never did. But the closer he began to examine her, the sooner he realized she was shivering from the coldness of the night.

He didn't want to wake the mare from her peaceful slumber, but yet he didn't want her to freeze. Spike thought about what to do, till an idea came to mind, a little selfishness, but yet resolving answer.

Buck it.

Spike unfolded his right wing, as she slipped it around Rainbow’s frame, rolling her in his wing.

Spike was very careful not to wake the mare, as he was literally right next to her.

But just as Spike himself was about to drift into slumber, contact brought him right out of it.

Spike felt something wrap around him, as he looked to his right, he saw Rainbow, hugging his side, with her face laying on his chest.

Spike smiled even more, as he rested his head back again, as he began to drift off, into a land of slumber.

Chapter 5: Conflict (Sp) (Un)

Rainbow could feel something, she wasn't totally sure what it was, but whatever it was, she loved it.

It was something warm, something hard, while something else was soft, she couldn't really describe it, but she was determined to find out what it was.

Opening her heavy eyes, all she saw was purple, as well as something wrapped around her body.

She was having a hard time figuring out what in the hay was going on, and where she currently was. But she was having trouble doing so, not only were her eyes refusing to see probably, but her eyes kept demanding to be shut again.

Though the rainbow maned Pegasus refused to give up until she figured it out. She was Rainbow Dash after all.

Rainbow Dash, with a little shake of her head, her eyes finally adjusted, from both awakening and the darkness.

And she finally found out what the purple scales were.

Oh, it's just Spi-SPIKE!

Rainbow yelp in surprise, and struggled to break free, only to be restrained by something. And that something, was Spike wing.

Dash was beyond confused to at her current situation, as this was one hay of a way to wake up.

But all her struggling caused something for Spike, as he smiled, retreating his wing, and hugging the surprised mare.

But what was more surprising to her, was the her hoofs were already hugging the drake.

Though as soon as the drake's claws wrapped around her, that warm feeling returned, and doubled, as she took on a massive blush, to which she was happy Spike was asleep, so couldn't see her face.

After a couple of minutes in the embrace, the mare started to lose herself, any thinking to why she was like this, or rather be mad that she was in this kinda situation was gone. All that remained was a drifting mare, as she fell back into the world of dreams, the warm feeling sticking with her.

The mare and the drake kept embracing each other, even in sleep. But soon the embrace was broken off, as the howling of timber wolves could be heard, causing the drake to shoot up in defense.

But just as he he was he had felt a weight had been lifted of his chest, to which was true.

He looked at Dash, who was still in slumber.

She must of have been tired.

Weird, you worked out all day.

I am a dragon, remember Cole?

Right, sorry.

Spike heard the howls of the timber wolfs again, as he began to stand up, deeming his nap to be over.

He walked over to Dash, gently shaking her.

“Come on Dash, it's time to go home.”

All he got was grumbling, as a hoof batted his claws away.

“Come on Dash, you can sleep all you want at home.”

Again, the mare grumbled at him again.

Spike sighed, as he looked among the trees.

iIf she's this tired, then there's no way she can fly home.

Though, as if some one answered his prayers, Spike eyes met a familiar barn.

Spike went back to Dash, hopping to actually get her up this time.

“Come on Dash, you can crash at AJ, you don't even need to fly.”

To Spike's surprise, the mare actually answered him.

“Just give me five more minutes!”

That sound familiar to you Cole?

Yeah, I believe it's. “Five more minutes Twi!?”

Ha, can always count on you to remember everything.

Hard to forget when it happens everyday.

Spike didn't really want to wait five minutes. But then an idea came to mind, something that would give Dash her sleep, and him to get her to AJ.

“Hey Dash, if you don't want to walk, I could just, you know, carry you.”

Rainbow brought her head up.

“No, I'll walk. There's no way I'm going to be miss Girly Girl. No hero is going to carry me.”

Spike chuckled, as the mare fell back to the ground.

“You don't seem to be getting up Dash.”

“I'm getting there.”

Spike sighed, as he knew that he was going to need to take things from here.

Just as the mare thought she could return to the dream world, a pair of claws went under her frame, slowly lifting her into the air.

“Hey, what do you think you're doing big guy?” Rainbow asked, starting to wake up just a little more.

“Carrying you.”

“But I told you I didn't want to play some princess.”

“And you're not, I'm just a friends, helping out another friend, aright?”

Rainbow mumbled something, before resigning with. “Aright.”

“And besides, I'm no hero.”

“Yet.”

Spike let out a small chuckle, as he looked down at the mare.

“Go and get some sleep, I'll cover from here.”

And if almost on cue, Rainbow idmeaddly went back to sleep. It amazed Spike, he never saw any pony pass out that fast.

Spike only stared at the mare for a bit, before bringing his head back up, and resuming his walk to Sweet Apple Acres.

It wasn't a long walk for the drake. Aside from the howling, and the dark background surround by trees, it was a peaceful walk for the drake.

But soon the darkness was absurd, from the little light that came from the apples family house.

“Dash, we're here, time to wake up”

Dash began to stir from her sleep, waking up with a. “What?”

“I said-”

“I heard ya!” Said loudly, not realizing it.

She made enough noise to wake someone in the apples house, as hoof steps could be heard, and the front door opening.

Rainbow Dash looked at the door, to be met with a tired, yet confused Applejack.

“Dash, Spike, why are you two here. Spike why are you carrying Dash, and why are you two out here so late, making noise no less?”

Spike tried his best to think of a reason as to why he was in this position, but before any ideas could come to mind, Dash started to move.

“Great thing you're up AJ” Dash said, as she leaped out of the drake's arms. “You wouldn't believe how tired I am, I mean I'm really out of it.” Dash just passed AJ, entering her home, and flopping into her couach. “Goodnight everypony.” She closed her eyes for a second, before re opening them. “Oh, and dragon!” And with that, she passed out.

While Applejack stood with a slightly agape mouth, a hoof up in question.

She looked at Rainbow, then to the purple scaled dragon. She must of done this a couple of times.

She finally went to ask the drake a question, but before she could even ask, as he let out small laugh, shaking his head left to right as he did so.

“Don't ask, at least don't ask till later. Just accept it, and I'll owe you one.”

He didn't even wait for an answer, as he step back into the darkness, leaving the mare once more stunned.

Giving up, she let out a sigh, as she closed the door, return to the bed that was calling her name.

Spike began protruding through the darkness, as the the town lights of ponyville were in sight.

I'm almost home Cole.

Yeah, but you do know Twilight's going to be ticked.

She will be, but Rainbow’s got my... SHIT!

Spike stopped his walk, as he let out a sigh, as well as a small chuckled.

You know that word bucked.

Kinda of.

Well, my situation is the definition of that word.

Indeed.

Spike was now approaching the oak tree home, to which, also housed a very mad Twilight Sparkle.

The lights were still on, so mostly liking she was awakening, and he was going to have to deal with her now.

Spike stood outside the door, deciding whenever or not it would be even safe to go inside.

I could probably go crash at Fluttershy’s

Just deal with it now you pansy.

Sighing, as the Cole had a point. Spike began to grab the handle to the door, and slowly pushing it open.

Spike didn't even take two steps, before the mad voice of Twilight sparkle could be heard.

“Spike! You are in a lot of trouble young dragon, do you even know what time it is?” Twilight yelled, approaching the guilty dragon.

“Do you know what can happen to you at this time of night?”

Nothing, not only am I a dragon, teen one in fact, but we live in a peaceful town.

“Not only that, but I don't know what you've been doing, I can only assume bad things mister!”

Yeah, training and carrying a mare home, so bad!

“And I have no clue where you have been, to which, should've been here, in your basket sleeping, you don't know what we have planned tomorrow.”

“I may have been sleeping in my basket, or you would force me to stay up, help you with your work, then forget about me. And then, the next day, I would clean up your mess, while you have fun, and I'll be alone, like usual, and then the cycle would restart, like it always does.”

Spike thought for a moment, because it sounded like he just said what he thought. But after looking at the lavender mare face, his fears became true.

Well buck me.

“Spike, what are you talking about? I always hang out with you, and you do have fun with us... sometimes that is.”

“Of course I do, also, by sometimes, do you mean never?” Spike asked, as he felt this, this rage build inside of him.

Aright Spike, time to cool it down buddy.

“Well, that's because you've got work do. Work that a lazy dragon never get's done!”

Oh buck.

“Really, is that what you got thinking in your small little head?” Spike said, as he started advancing on the pony, who was holding her ground.

“My head is not-”

“Can it. You are so caught up in your life, that you've already forgotten mine.”

“I didn't-”

“Shut up, I'm not done.” Spike cut her off ferociously, as his anger was just starting to rise.

“Who is the one that cleans up around here?”

“Well, we both do.”

Spike began to make error noises, as he was getting closer to the mare.

“I do, and only I, want to know why, because a certain mare like's to make messes.

“Well... I get tired after I study”

“And leave it to me next day, all day, while you go out with your little friends and have bucking fun!”

“But-”

“But I'm not even done. I'm the one the fixes everything, I'm the one that cleans everything, I'm the one that's alone all the time, and I'm the one that has finally stop giving a buck. While you: you are the one that make's the messes, you are the one that leaves me, you are the one that has forgotten about another life, and you're the one that dumps all your problems on the one that won't reject you, I'm basically your slave. And once you're all done with me, once I'm all used up, you go and have fun with your friends, while you leave me in the dust.”

“Well there my friends, not yours!”

“Exactly.”

Spike approached the mare, bending down to make eye contact with her.

“I had no friends in this town, no one I could talk to, it got so bad I created my own friend. But hear me now Twilight Sparkle, because of now, we are no longer friends, we are no longer brother or sister, from now on, we don't even know each other, because I'm done with you.”

Spike stood up, as he began to walk to the door, he was about to leave, but you always say goodbye before you leave.

“Goodbye Twilight Sparkle. I also hope your presentation went good.” He took a step, before a thought came to mind. “Oh, and just so you know, me and Rainbow Dash are friends.”

Spike left the library, leaving behind a sad mare, reflecting on the brother she once called

Spike.

Chapter 6: Reflection

Applejack didn't sleep well the rest of that night. She had so many questions going through her head. Why was that dragon- err, Spike, carrying Rainbow? Why did they seem so... Touchy feely? And why the buck were they in her apple orchard?

Applejack stayed in her bed for the remaining hours of the night. Not being able to tolerate sitting down and doing nothing, she got up to start the days long list of work till Rainbow awoke.

Donning her trademark Stetson atop her head, she took a quick glance at the brush lying atop her dresser.

She quickly disregarded it, telling herself that it could wait till another day. Something she'd told herself for the past week now.

Applejack quietly moved downstairs, making sure as to not wake any of the other ponies.

She quickly poured herself some oatmeal, and letting it cook on the stove. In the meantime, she looked at Rainbow's sleeping form,wondering what was going on in that mind of hers.

After a few silent minutes, she pulled the pot off of the stove.

Although, in Applejack's state of mind, she had forgotten to grab a rag to hold the pot with, and dropped it because of the heat.

The noise had startled Rainbow, causing her to jump into the air, and stay airborne. She tried to fly away from the noise, only to be met by a wooden wall.

Applejack quickly rushed to Rainbow's side, checking to see if she was severely injured. Seeing no major cuts or bruises, she picked up the fallen mate, and cleaned up her oatmeal that was no strewn across the kitchen floor.

Rainbow slowly regained her bearings, and looked around at her surroundings. The poor mare seemed to have no idea as to what was going on.

"Rainbow. How much do ya remember of last night", Applejack asked.

"Last night? Umm, well, me and Spike were training, trying to help him to fly and all. Next thing I know is we're sitting on that little hill right at the edge of your orchard, and then I woke up under his wing. Then I think he carried me home, and I honestly don't know how I got in here... Why did you need to know all that anyways Applejack?" Rainbow gave AJ a quizzical look, not understanding what was going on.

"Well, last night, I saw Spike carry ya here from ma orchard. And you seemed pretty snug there in his arms..." Applejack trailed off at the end of her sentence, trying to not make it sound like an assumption, and more like an observation.

At first, Rainbow just sat there, not moving a muscle, just staring at AJ with a bewildered look. But before AJ could even process what was happening, Rainbow was hyperventilating, and started flittering around the room in circles.

"Woah there sugarcube, you come down now before ya break something", Applejack warned. She didn't want to have to deal with an injured and worried Rainbow Dash.

"Applejack, what am I gonna do! I can't let anyone know about this. My entire reputation will be ruined! Nopony will love me anymore! They'll all think I've gone soft." Despite Applejack's pleas, Rainbow wouldn't stop listing off all of the worst possible scenarios that could happen to her.

Finally, Applejack had had enough. "Consarnit Rainbow, if y'all like the drake, be straight with the feller! No sense in bottling up yer feelings."

Rainbow froze in place, the only sound filling the room the rhythmic beat of her wings. Slowly, she lowered herself to the ground, and faced Applejack.

"like him", she whispered. "I don't like him."

"don't seem that a' way to me", Applejack replied.

"But... How could I like a dragon?"

"Rainbow, if we lived in some kind of place where there was only one master species that was capable of intelligent thoughts and complex emotions, and said thoughts and emotions couldn't be reciprocated be other species, I would be against it. But... This drake of yours, whoever he claims to be... He really seems to like you too."

Rainbow Dash was silent, trying to soak in all Applejack had said. Was it true that Spike actually liked her back? She can't say that he wasn't a sight for sore eyes. The way his scales sparkled in the sun, the way his muscles moved. And she felt like she could stare into his eyes forever. But... Was there actually something there... Not just for her... But for them.

Slowly, Rainbow made her way to the door. Applejack tried to say something, but before she knew it, the rainbow mare was gone.

"Aw pony feathers Rainbow. I wanted to know if you wanted some oatmeal."

Chapter 7: A Stranger In Need

Spike was roaming the streets, steam evaporating from his nostrils, as he thought back to as what just had happened.

Okay, maybe it got a little out of claw

Little is not the correct word Spike.

But was I wrong?

Well, no, everything you said had truth, but still.

Look Cole, one day it was going to happen, and today was that day.

I guess.

“Hey buddy, you got a light?” A Pegasus asked with a cigarette in his mouth.

Spike was too busy in thought to realize he wasn't alone on these streets.

“Uh, yeah sure,” Spike said, as he blew a green flame onto his finger, then lighting the cigarette.

“Thanks friend.” The pony thanked, as he took in a smoke, and then lightly exhaling it.

“Man, what I wouldn’t do for a light wherever I go.”

Spike only let out a small chuckle, as he murmured out a, “hm”.

“You smoke?” The Pegasus asked, with a cart in his hoof, and a diseased stallion halfway out of it's slot.

“Nah,” Spike said, while waving his claw in a declining matter.

“Would you like to start? You seem kinda tense.”

Eh, wouldn't hurt.

I don't approve of this.

Yeah, well that doesn't matter right now.

I’m always with you Spike, no matter what you do. Even if what you do is stupid, I’ll be there till the end.

You sound like my mother.

Spike hastily took the cigarette, lighting it the same way he did before.

"So, what brings you out here on the streets, dragon." The Pegasus didn't say dragon in a derogatory way, only as if he was just another lost soul, just like himself.

"Fighting with the fam", Spike said matter-of-factly, while inhaling the smoke for the first time into his mouth.

"Girlfriend, wife, sister?"

"Sister", Spike replied, while exhaling the smoke. "And boy is she pissed at me this time."

“I always hear the first time smoking, you’re supposed to cough like a madman, guess it’s because I’m a dragon, huh?”

The Pegasus let out a small laugh, alcopmented with a smirk.

“Take in a small amount, the try inhaling the air again.”

Spike did as he was told, bringing the smoke back to his mouth, taking a small inhale, the brining the smoke back down, as he took in a small breath of air, to only be alcopmented by coughing.

“You alright buddy?”

“Yeah,” Spike said as he coughed up his last cough, as he turned to look at the Pegasus, and got a good look at him for the first time.

He wore a trench coat above an expensive looking suit. He had a short, brown mane that was styled backwards, and a short tail to match. Spike couldn't see his cutie mark, but wondered what the cutie mark would be of a pony who wanders the alleyways of Ponyville at night. He also had a lightly colored brown flat to match his mane.

"Oh, you're civilization is even weirder than Earth sometimes. So many species coexisting in... What do you call it here? Oh, that's right, harmony." He had a Canterlot accent, but there was something funny about it, something that he couldn't quite put his claw on.

"Ummm... Excuse me? I thought Earth was what the temporary name of the Earth Pony Tribe's land was?"

"Oh yes, I forgot that you all had that fight, what all with the Great Warming and all that."

Spike gave the strange pony a weird look, one that can only be described as "you're the weirdest pony I've ever met, why are you here, and I would love some apple juice right now".

"But enough about that. Really though, what brings you out here."

Spike paused for a second, wondering whether to entrust this strange and deranged pony with such private and personal information. But who else could he talk to, and he knew he shouldn't keep it bottled up.

"Well, you see, there's this mate I really like..." Spike trailed. This was going to take a lot of guts to tell this guy. "Anyways, I've always thought that she kinda hated me and found me annoying."

"Well that doesn't seem like a nice mare at all."

"Well, that's the thing. She claims she really does like me, and that I'm a good friend. And I don't know why, but she keeps staring at me a lot."

This made the stranger grow a smile upon his muzzle. Spike had no idea why, but kept on with the story.

"So anyways, she showed me this amazing view of the sunset from atop this hill, and it was perfect and all. So then we cuddled for a bit, and I decided to take her home, but I ended up taking her to her friends house instead."

This is where it would get tough for Spike. He could already feel himself getting teary eyed.

"But then, when I got home, my... My sister yelled at me, saying that I was doing bad things, and that I should be ashamed, but I was just trying to learn how to fly with these wings, and trying to help my friend get home... And I didn't mean to hurt her. I said a lot of mean things back there, and although they were all true, I still feel horrible."

The strange Pegasus remained still for a while, staring at the broken drake. He threw his cigarette on the ground, crushed it, and came face to face with Spike.

"What does your heart tell you."

"Excuse me", Spike said, still rubbing tears from his face.

"I said, what does your heart tell you"

"It tells me that I should go apologize to her."

But yet my mind tell’s me not.

"Then follow it. Remember, you may make an unwise choice, Spike. But as long as you knew it was the right choice, you can never be mad with yourself. Better to die a hero then live to see yourself become the villain."

Spike just sat there, stunned. He tried to soak in what had just been said, but stranger was gone.

"Wait, where'd you go! I want your help!" Spike stood up to his full height and yelled, hoping to get the stranger to come back.

"Bah, it's no use. He's gone."

Spike threw his cigarette on the ground, before stepping on it with his clawed feet.

Smoking is not for me.

"Oh, and Spike", a voice said from behind a wall, with a head extruding from behind the wall. "Just remember too, that good men don't follow rules", he said with a wink.

"Wait", Spike yelled! "what's your name?"

"Hmmm... You can call me David. David the third. Now good luck Spike!" And before he knew it, the Pegasus had vanished again.

Spike ran around the corner to catch a vanishing glimpse of David, but he was gone this time. For real.

I never even told him my name…

Chapter 8: Not Turning Back

Two weeks later..

From the outside, Golden Oaks Library seemed as peaceful as ever. A not so common sight to the residents of Ponyville.

The inside looked like a tornado had cake through and puked up an assortment of items. Books were strewn across the ground in piles, there were unwashed files piled up in the sink, Twilight's bed was a mess, and even a few of the bookshelves had fallen from the walls.

Twilight sat in the fetal position, rocking herself gently. Her usually neat mane was fraying in every direction, her coat was damp from all the tears she shed, and she had the appearance of a pony who hadn't bathed in two weeks. Partially because she hasn't bathed in two weeks.

Twilight heard a sudden knock on the front door, and jumped into the air in fright. She hadn't remembered inviting anyone over. In fact, she hasn't even remembered talking to anypony since the night Spike left.

The knock came again, and Twilight decided that no matter how repulsive she smelt and appeared, it was not polite to leave a guest waiting. She made her way to the front door, to find Rarity there.

At the sight of Twilight, Rarity visibly gagged, having to turn away from the sight.

"Sorry Rarity. I haven't been... Myself lately." Twilight turned away, ashamed at the fact she's let herself get this bad.

"Darling... No pony has seen horn nor tail of you in two weeks, and you've locked yourself in here, so no pony could get you", Rarity stated, still trying her best not to breath in.

What? It couldn't of been two weeks... It had to be a few days at the most.

"Rarity, are you sure? It's only felt like a few days for me", she said in a confused tone.

"That is not important right now. What is Important is that I get you reintroduced to the shower."

After a good half hour of Twilight making herself presentable, she came back downstairs, to where Rarity was entertaining herself by looking at Twilight assortment of pictures.

"Oh dear, don't you just love this one? It was taken on the day we all first met... The day we discovered we were the Elements Of Harmony. Such a glorious day, don't you agree?" Rarity looked at Twilight with an expectant look.

"Yea... Wonderful", she said enthusiastically.

"Oh, look at this one. Little Spikey-Wikey put himself in this one. He's so adorable!"

At this, Twilight let the floodgates open. She fell to her stomach and bawled. Rairty was immediately by her side, asking what was wrong, if there as anything she could do. Soon though, the white unicorn just as there, running the lavender mares back, until she had calmed down enough. Twilight didn't know how long she cried for. It could have been minutes, but it felt like hours. Yet Rarity never left her side.

Eventually, Twilight calmed herself down, enough to the point where she could talk.

"R-r-rarity. He... He left. He just left", Twilight whimpered through her tears. "He just yelled at me, and-and then he just walked off. I don't know where he is, or-or what he's doing. But... I mi-miss him."

"Twilight, who's he? Was it a coltfriend?"

"S-spike. Spike left me."

Rarity just say there, stunned. Her little Spikey-Wikey, left Twilight. Had she heard her correctly? Maybe she had said Mike. She had a secret colt friend named Mike, and he had walked out on her.

"Whatever did Spike do dear? Or did I even hear you correctly", she stated.

"Spike left. He came home late one night... And I didn't know where he had been. And he started yelling at me. I don't know if it's because of something I did, or because he's going through puberty, or what-

"Wait a second", Rarity said, cutting off Twilight. "Going through puberty?"

"Yea. He had a major growth spurt overnight. He's about the size of two full grown stallions now, Rarity."

"Oh my! Has he been feeding his greed again?"

"No, and that's the thing Rarity. I'm afraid he's growing up to be...." Twilight couldn't finish her thought, as her tears racked her body again.

"A monster?" Rarity finished.

Rarity had always known Spike to be a loving and caring dragon, but if he had made Twilight feel this bad... Well, there was only word to describe him now.

A monster.

"He's... He's not a monster Rarity", Twilight pleaded.

"He made you cry Twilight, for hours upon end. He made you lose the will to do anything but rot in this tree house. He took you away from me. From us."

Twilight sat on the ground for a bit, contemplating what Rarity had just said. He HAD caused her and her friends a lot of grief. Who knew what the rest of her friends were feeling right now.

Maybe... Maybe he was a monster.

"Maybe you're right Rarity... Maybe... Maybe it's not my fault. Maybe he was destined to be a monster.

Or maybe it was all my fault.

Spike stood outside the door of the Golden Oaks library, listening to every word that Rarity and Twilight were saying.

Monster... They're calling me a monster.

Spike didn't remember what happened next. But what he does remember, was walking away, with Twilight screaming his name from the upper balcony.

He never turned back.

Chapter 9: Down A Path

Over the course of the two weeks, many things happen.

Spike started living with Fluttershy, no matter how much she secretly fears the drake.

Spike couldn't lie and say he didn't like living at Fluttershy’s cottage, it was a change of scenery.

Though the butterscotch mare would constantly nag the drake to make amends with Twilight, to which he would respond would be “Maybe” or “Some Other Time”.

Spike had learned to fly, but he kept training with Rainbow, as every session the two souls would connect more.

Dash was even closer to achieving her dream of becoming a wonderbolt, as she got called back for more training.

Though Dash dream was soon changing to someone else.

Twilight had also locked herself inside the library, refusing anyone entrance, no matter how much her friends wanted to help her.

But the sad thing was, besides Fluttershy and Rainbow, no one else talked to Spike on the matter, almost completely forgetting about him, or getting mad at him for what he did to Twi.

Spike started, seeing Rarity less and less, not that he didn’t have the time, but he just started losing interest in the mare.

Spike hadn't spent much time outside, besides leaving for work and practice.

To say he become a little depressed was a understatement.

He would mop around the cottage, mind you he would help Fluttershy with everyday tasks.

And if anyone would ask if he was okay, all he would say is.

“I’m just tired.”

Two weeks later...

"Fluttershy, have you seen where Angel's been off to", Spike asked from the living room of the small cottage. "I think he's trying to prank me again or something."

"Oh my, I hope he doesn't make a mess like last time", Fluttershy said from the kitchen. She came out holding two bowls of brown food pellets for all of her smaller animals, balanced precariously atop her wings. "Why, last time we had a guest stay in the cottage, Angel didn't take too kindly."

Spike just stopped and could only imagine the damage that the little Demon spawn could do. Already, he'd manage to cover Spike in some sticky substance that he hoped was honey, sawed off the legs to the couch, which as where he was currently sleeping, and put hot sauce into more than one of his meals.

"Well, if you see him, try and give me a warning. I'm keeping my eye out for him", Spike said, scanning the room mercilessly, before flopping down on the couch.

“Sure thing Spike", Fluttershy said as she set down the bowls carefully, before turning back to the drake.

Upon seeing the drake, she giggled to herself quietly, witch went noticed by the drake.

“What was that for?”

“It’s just, I’m still not use to seeing that big.”

“Yeah, you must be twice a pony’s size. But hey, when puberty comes a knocking.”

They both shared a laugh, as Fluttershy made her way to the couch, as the drake sat probably to make room for the mare.

“Must of have be two weeks since you showed up at my door,” Fluttershy said as she sat on the couch.

“And two weeks since you passed out,” Spike said with a giggle.

While Fluttershy just sighed.

That probably wasn’t the best thing to say Spike.

“I know Cole, I just didn’t realize it.”

“Uh Spike? Who are you talking too?" Fluttershy questioned, as she searched the room for somepony else.

“It’s nothing Shy, and sorry for bringing that back up,” and before she could even open her mouth, Spike cut her off, knowing what was to come. “And please don’t say sorry again for the monster thing okay?”

Fluttershy only nodded, as a smile crossed her muzzle.

That was a close one Cole.

“Man, still can’t believe two weeks of gone by, they went fast.”

I mean, not doing chores, and actually relaxing, it’s nice, but times goes by faster, eh Cole.

It’s not going fast for Twilight…

“It must go fast for a lazy dragon.” Fluttershy said jokingly, not truly knowing what her words meant.

Ouch.

Spike let out a sigh. “I also guess it’s been two weeks since I last saw her.”

“You should probably go see her and make amends.The sooner, the better, right?”

She’s right.

“I guess you’re right, the sooner the better,”Spike said as he arose from the couch, heading towards the door.

“And maybe you can start living together.” Fluttershy quickly brought her hoofs up to her muzzle, also eliciting a “meep”.

“I mean I don’t like having you, because I do like you living here. It’s just would be good if you two got back together, like best friends again, that is, if you don’t mind.”

Spike just brushed her off. “It’s alright Shy, I’ll be back soon, don’t be packing my bags arealdy.”

Not like I had anything to begin with.

Spike was walking down the the streets of ponyville, gaining a view looks and stares, but no actions against him.

Every step he took, he felt his heart beat thump faster, as he step, led him closer to his once called home. To where, when he re entered the tree, anything could happen.

Though down the trail, he saw something, something he saw for a split second, something he for the first time was glad for.

He was getting dive bombed by Rainbow Dash.

The mare and the drake rolled for a bit, till the rolling finally stopped, with the drake below, and the rainbow mare on the top.

“Heya Spike!” Rainbow Dash said, as he towered over him.

“Hey Dash, am I actually glad you dive bomb me today.”

Dash jumped off the drake, while he started to stand up.

“Huh, why? That’s the first time you’ve said that.”

I’m mostly glad, I just never say it.

“Well, you’re kinda delaying the inevitable for me.”

“What do you mean Spike?”

“Well…” Spike rubbed the back of his head with his claw. “I’m kinda going to go see Twilight today.”

“Finally!” Dash yelled, before covering her mouth with her hoofs. “I mean it’s about time you two got back together.”

“We’re not back together yet. But it’s kind of shame though, because I was going to ask to live with you, since it’s not really working out with Fluttershy’s.”

Oh come on Spike, you can’t just say that to me.

“Oh... yeah?” Rainbow hyperventilation. “Yeah, that, that is a shame.”

“Yeah… I guess I better be off then, can’t keep her waiting,” Spike said as he began to walk down the road again, only to be temporarily stopped by a voice.

“Oh Spike! Also training is off today, in case of whatever happens. But if you need someone to talk to, give me a holler.”

Spike only nodded, as he trailed down the path once more.

Chapter 10: Confrontation

What is a monster?

A monster is a villain right?

No, a monster is something big, something scary, something that means harm to others.

Getting closer.

A monster is something that kills, and lives of the thrill. A monster has no regrets, and want's everything to himself, like a greedy monster he is.

Almost there.

A monster is something that has already given pain someone, and seeks to give more. A monster only stands for itself, killing others that gets in it's way, friendly, or not.

A monster is-

“Me.”

Spike was walking down along a dirt trail road, walking in shame.

“They... were right Cole, I chose to yell at Twilight, I chose to not go back, I chose to be a monster, and a monster, doesn’t deserve anything, that's why you're gone, right?”

Spike was only met with silence.

Only the silence to be to be filled with a chuckle from the drake.

“I still remember how we met Cole. I was just working, when I heard you in my head, wondering what was going on, and how you were in some kind of dark room, since then you've been helping me. But not to the end it seems, I don't blame you, who would want to stay with a... monster.”

Soon the silence return, as the dragon kept travelling.

And we know where all monster go to.

Truth be told, Spike could easily get to where he was going by flying, but he chose to walk, wanting to delay his fate.

But no matter how much you delay it, fate will come no matter what, and Spike was soon to become what he was meant to be,

a monster.

“Hey Spike!” Rainbow Dash called, as she was nearing the lonely drake.

Not now.

Spike ignored her, as he kept on walking, clearly hoping she would take the hint.

Rainbow knew something was wrong, Spike was never the one to ignore.

Oh no, did something happen between him and Twilight?

She landed right next to him, as she once again tried to make contact.

“Hello? Equestria to Spike?”

She's not going to leave me alone, is she.

“Yes Rainbow?” Spike answered, clearly annoyed.

“What do you mean yes Rainbow? I've been calling your name.”

Spike let out a small sarcastic chuckle. “Sorry, I guess it seems I didn't hear you.”

What's up with his attitude? Even in his state, he would never be like this.

“Spike, what's going on with you? You're never like this. Did something happen with you and Twilight?” Rainbow moves closer to the dragon, hoping that just maybe, he need to a shoulder to lean on. That is, if she didn't buckle under his enormous weight.

And she dives right in.

“Just leave me alone Dash.” Dash quickly trotted in front of him, cutting his path off.

“No Spike! I hate seeing my friends down, and I plan on doing whatever I can to help them, I'm your friend Spike.”

Spike stopped walking, with a major problem in front of him.

“Dash, I just need some time alone.”

“Then let me be with you Spike, you don't need to be alone on this one. You can just be by yourself, and I'll be nearby, and if you need anything, I'll be there. I'm not leaving you hanging on this one Spike.” Rainbow wore a confident grin across her muzzle, showing she wasn't giving up this easily.

Spike couldn't take it much longer, he just wanted to leave, and his monster part of himself, the part he didn't create, was now about to be unleashed.

“Yes you can! You did it all dose times before! Why now of all times do you decide to care for me? All those times you would pick on me, all those times you would make fun of me because I was a baby dragon. That sounds very familiar to a certain filly named Rainbow Crash!”

“Spike...” Rainbow whispered quietly, as she brought her head down in shame, a tear on the brink of escape.

“I think I finally figured it out, all of it out. Twilight and Rarity just finally put them.ast puzzle,piece into place. The only reason why you wanted to be friends with me, the only reason why anyone would want to be friends with me, is because they fear me!”

“I don't fear you Spike. If anything, I lov-”

“You do fear me!” Spike yelled, not letting her finish. “You all knew what I could become, a monster. What I could do when I finally became one, all of you caught a glimpse that day, and because of that, you knew I was nearing what I was destined to be, a monster.”

“No Spike!” Rainbow yelled, finally raising her head to the drake. “I finally found out how bad a friend I-”

“Your not my friend Dash, you never were. All those times you would ask, I never said yes, I always just nodded. We never were friends, and we never will be.”

Spike! What on Equestria are you doing? I come back from-

Buck off Cole.

Dash slightly lowered her head, as well as her eyes.

As a single tear fell.

Spike noticed the tear, he watch roll down her face, then fall to the ground.

His anger, this monster that was inside of him, just burned out, as sorrow over took his body, as he realized what he had done.

He made Rainbow Dash cry.

Before he could talk, before he could even move, Dash spoke.

“You're wrong Spike,” Dash head shot up, looking him the eyes. Spike saw the pain he caused in her rose eyes. “I never thought of you as a monster, I knew that you would turn out to be a good dragon, but not this.”

She trotted close to him, not removing eye contact.

“I've done a lot of pain to you, to which I'm eternally sorry. But I've never feared you, until now.” She finally removed eye contact to him, as she walked to the side of him.

“Ever since I pinned you that day, I started feeling different about you, and ever since then, I've tried to be the best friend I can towards you.”

Dash finally started trotting slowly away from the drake, but she still had words for the dragon.

“You never viewed me as a friend, and since that day, neither have I. I viewed you as a lover, as someone who saw the real side to me, as well as my other side. Someone I could trust, someone who I could share everything with, and not have it used against me. I saw you as a dragon friend, and I was beginning to think maybe you saw me as a mare friend." Rainbow paused and faced Spike, making sure that he was looking in her eyes for this one.

"But I guess not though.”

Dash finally started to trot away from the drake, only to be stopped by a voice.

“And I felt the same way since that day too.”

Dash stopped, she didn't turn around to look at the drake, she just stood there, holding her breath.

“I was worried at first, a drake and a mare relationship wouldn’t be the best thing to any couple, nonetheless to the famous Rainbow Dash, the mare who is closing to becoming a WonderBolt. But luckily Flutters beat that out of me, she actually almost wiped away all doubts, and if things did go sour with Twi, I was going to ask you.”

Dash finally talked. “But didn't things go bad, I mean why would you be like you are right now?”

“Funny enough, I never even got to see Twilight today. All I was going to mind you, my claw was on the handle, but I started hearing voices, not Cole mind you, but a certain white mare's voice.”

“Rarity.”

“Exactly. She was talking to Twi, making sure everything was alright I guess, but after a bit of talking, they both came to a conclusion, a conclusion that is true.”

Dash finally turned around to face the drake, who still had his back pointed towards her.

“A monster.”

Silence once again met the pair, the only exception was the wind that breezed through the drakes scales, and the mare's mane.

“The day after my birthday, I grew, and became a full monster the ravage the town. And that day, the day the seems perfect for both of us, the day I grew to a teen. Was actually a bad day, because that day, was only telling me that I was getting closer to becoming a monster, only to become it hours later, and to become it more now.”

Spike shut his eyes, as he let out a sigh.

“Before, I had no doubts before. But now, I do. I know I am now a monster, and I always will be one. And no one, can love a monster.”

And now I know no monster can love.

Dash was stunned, thoughts racing through her head like spears being thrown. So many things were racking inside her head, that her mind was about to be overblown.

Spike, a monster? Spike, the cute and friendly baby, a monster? The baby dragon who would do anything for almost anyone, a monster?

Dash was at a loss of words, she just couldn't comprehend how Spike could even think he was a monster.

Though while Dash was in this state of mind, she didn't notice the drake she had been thinking about in her head, had just expanding his wings, and was flying afar.

She tried to say something, she tried to do anything, but with no avail.

I couldn't even say goodbye.

Chapter 11: A Talk With Friends

Bon Bon had just finished today's shopping list. New strings for Lyra's lyre, some nice new flowers for the porch, and some food for dinner tonight. Everything seemed to he in order. Now all she had to do was make it back to the house in time to surprise Lyra for her birthday!

Suddenly, Lyra could hear a soft whistle from behind her. She turned around, trying to see what was causing the ruckus. Hearing it grow louder, she looked above the thatched houses to see Rainbow Dash, flying fast above the houses.

And she had a sonic cone behind her.

Bon Bon braced for impact, grabbing onto the nearest thing she could find, which happened to be the air raid warning pole, newly intact from the last major disaster.

Suddenly, the wave hit her, forcing her back, but she held onto the pole for dear life.

Sooner rather than later, she could feel the last of the energy from the G-force leave her, and she could stand again. Combing a hoof through her mane, she then proceeded to her way home. She'd already lost enough time as it is.

Then she found her groceries. Down the street. Smashed to pieces. Against a wall.

Bon Bon sighed, and turned around to make her fourth trip to the grocery store today.

Rainbow Dash could feel her eyes being torn out of her sockets, but she didn't care. She needed to get to Twilight's house, and now. She frantically searched the houses, wondering how in the world she could miss a giant magical tree in a labyrinth of cottage. Finally, she saw it, at the edge of town, and bolted for the balcony window. She burst through the door, to find Rarity sitting on a chair next to Twilight's bed, magically feeding her a bowl of hay and oat soup.

"DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHAT YOU'VE DONE" Rainbow screamed, her wings flaring out in anger.

"Rainbow my dear, calm down. Whatever are you talking about", said Rarity, as she lowered the bowl

"Spike's gone, and its all your guy's fault!"

At The mention of Spike's name, Twilight burst out crying again, causing one very stressed out Rarity to chew Rainbows flank out.

"Do you have any idea how uncalled for that was Rainbow. Can't you see that Twilight is going through something very tough right now? Do you have no respect for another pony's feelings?"

"Spike left,and for good. He is never coming back. And I don't know where he is going."Rainbow was literally screaming right now.

Rarity just sat there, staring at Rainbow with a blank look. Finally, after a few moments of silence, it was broken  by Rarity saying “For good? But why would he leave for good? He’s got nowhere to go.”

“He overheard you two talking about how he was a monster! Now he thinks that you guys hate his guts, and… I don't know where he’s going! For all we know, he could be going into the Badlands, or the Everfree Forest… or beyond the Equestrian Border!”

Rarity and Twilight both gasped, knowing that anything past the Equestrian Border was… Well, nopony ever came back alive. But some of the more scholarly ponies from Canterlot had been able to scry across the border. Apparently, they claimed that it was pure madness. Ponies, gryphons, dragons, and every species imaginable ran amuck, with no laws, guidelines, or rules to abide by.

In other words, if Spike were to go over the Equestrian Border, he would never be heard from again.

“But Rainbow. Nopony, dragon, or Gryphon has ever made it back alive from the Outside. That’d be… Suicide!”

“That’s what I’m worried about Rare. And you have to help me stop him!” Rainbow was sitting on her flank now, on the verge of crying.

“B-but… what can we do”, Twilight whimpered, not having a spoke an entire word the entire time. She had stopped crying, but her fur was still matted, and her mane was a mess.

“You guys are the one who need to convince him. I already tried. He wouldn’t believe me. And besides, he heard you guys call him a monster. He needs to hear it from you.”

Rarity got up, and put a hoof around Rainbow Dash. “Spike is our friend too. We need to go after him.”

Rainbow looked up at Rarity, and just stared at her. A few more moments went by, but soon Rarity was enveloped in a crushing hug from Rainbow Dash, which was soon followed by Twilight. The three stood there, savoring in each other’s embrace. Finally though, the trio broke apart.

“Alright, now that all the mushy girly stuff is now over, we gotta go after Spike!” Rainbow jumped into the air, now wearing her signature trademark smile.

“I for one, agree with Rainbow Dash. Let’s go ladies!” Rarity rose, making her way toward the door.

“Rainbow Dash, did you see where he went off to?” Twilight asked.

Rainbow flew a bit higher into the sky, scouting the surrounding area, while shading the sun with her hoof. Finally, she flew back down, and pointed to the south.

“That a way! If we just follow the train tracks south, we should catch him before he gets too far!”

“Do you think he’s going to Appleloosa?” Rarity said.

“Why would he be going to Appleloosa? Nopony there knows him, and they’d all probably just run from the sight of a huge dragon waltzing into town.” Twilight said. She seemed better now, and had pulled herself together. She had her saddlebags strapped around her waist, but they seemed to be empty.

“Uh, Twi? Aren’t saddlebags supposed to be used for carrying stuff?”

“Exactly! thats why we need to go to the market before we leave! Rainbow Dash, I need you to go the market and fill these saddlebags with food we’ll need. Meet here in 1 hour.” Twilight used her magic to switch her saddlebags onto Rainbow’s back.

“On it Twi! I'll be back in 10 minutes flat!” Rainbow took off towards the market, leaving a rainbow trail right behind her.

“Rarity, I need to go home and grab a few books for the journey. You go home and grab whatever you need.” Twilight started to gallop home, but she quickly turned around and yelled at Rarity “And don’t bring half your wardrobe! Be practical!”

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Ponyville, Equestria

1130, Morning

Rainbow Dash

“What do you mean you’re out! You’ve never ran out before! Why now of all times!”

“Look madam, I’m sorry, but we're all out of carrots and cherries. May I interest in you some lettuce?”

Rainbow had been all over the market, looking for a stand that sold carrots and cherries. Carrots, because she knew Rarity had a sweet spot for them, and cherries because she loved them. She had a secret stash of them at home. But now that the one stand that did sell them was sold out, where was she supposed to get her cherries!

“Look buddy, if I don’t get those cherries, I’m going to freak out. Do you understand me”, Rainbow said, leaning into the poor stallions face.

“Rightly so ma’am. But I won't have any more until I can head home and back again next week. There’s nothing I can do for you.”

“Alright then buddy. Who did you last sell some cherries to?”

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Carousel Boutique, Ponyville, Equestria

1145, Morning

Rarity

“Oh no…. Oh lord no…. Sweet Celestia, what is that still doing here!”

Rarity was going through her expansive closet full of jackets, dresses, shoes, scarfs, hats, jewelry, shirts, tops, boots, heels, socks, and every other imaginable piece of clothing known to ponykind.

“Oh, this will do just perfect”, Rarity said, as she pulled out that old bandana she wore when she and sweetie belle would go play outside in the… mud.

“Well, we are going south. It would only seem proper to try and fit in.”

She started packing away a few other articles of clothing into her saddlebag.

"Uh, Rare, we're going to save Spike, not show off every piece of clothing you have."

"Oh Darling, you must always look your best when saving the world."

Rainbow just facehoofed. No matter how stressing the matter, she always needed to look her best.

"Alright, now that half your wardrobe is all packed up in your saddlebags, can we go please go pick up Twi?

"I don't know what you're waiting for Rainbow! I'm already out the door", Rarity said teasingly, as the front door slammed shut.

"oh, you little..." Rainbow muttered as she raced out the door

Chapter 12: A Drake In A Black Cloak

A mysterious cloaked figure was walking a dirt trail. It’s tail barely fitting inside of it. It also could not fly away, as it’s wings were not only blocked by tail, but the cloak itself.

Knew I should’ve chosen the one with wing holes.

But you didn’t because it wouldn’t look cool.

“Hm, fair point, though no reason to remind me of. Although I thought I said not to speak with me.”

I told you, I was gone because… of something.

“Right…”

Listen, you’re not the only one going through things. Besides, you’re not the one that get’s this mad at someone, unless you’re going through a period that is.

“Hm funny. But I do suppose you bring up a good point, and if it was for a good reason, then I understand.”

Finally! About time. And Like I said, I’ll be with you to the end.

The figure looked afar to a mountain, where several dragons were landing, ready to take rest from their travels.

“Hm, from the looks of it, we aren't far, wouldn’t you agree, Cole?”

Twilight, Rarity and Rainbow were boarding a train, the only train that would take them closest to the badlands border. While aboard the train, there was an awkward silence between the three mares. Two of them in deep thought

I know things I said and did were terrible, and I didn’t completely agree with Rarity in the first place, but I just needed something to comfort me, to show that I wasn’t wrong. Why did Rarity bring it up in the first place? Either way, It was my fault, and I was wrong, and me denying it caused my oldest and my bestest friend pain, and to think he was that something is not. I swear Spike, once I find you, I’ll make sure I make it up to you, I promise!

Where would Spike go? Knowing him, the first time he ran away, he didn’t care about the dangers of the Everfree. So where he is going now must be even worse, seeing how he is even bigger, and the problem is even worst than before. Come on Rainbow, finally use that brain of your’s. Maybe if you were to use it in the first place, you could of saved him, and you two would already be in your bedroo…

Now that it may be impossible to see  into someone mind, however, it was easily seeable  to look at some muzzle, as Rainbow Dash had a blush on her muzzle. The two other mares occupying the wagon of the train took notice to them, shock appearing theirs as well.

The most awesomest, tomboyish mare, was blushing.

“My word, Rainbow Dash, are you… blushing?” Rarity said, not hiding her smirk. She knew from the very beginning that something was up with her, and now seem like the perfect time to find out what it was.

“What! No way!” Dash tried to hide her face, as well as her blush. “There’s no way an awesome mare like myself would ever do that girly… blushy thingy.” But at last, no matter how hard she tried to hide it, both the mares were able to see it.

“Rarity’s right, Dash,” Twilight stated

“Oh my! This is just simply wonderful darling! So who is he… or maybe she?” That last part caused a string of anger inside of Dash, but she kept calm.  “Or rather, who should we say you were day dreaming off?”

Dash felt like she was trapped in a corner, well, she kinda was in actuality . She had been caught in the act of doing one of the most girly things, and seeing how long the train was going to go for, she knew they’d find out.

If he was here, he would stop this.

“Fine! I kinda like someone.” Dash omitted quietly, she tried to hide her face behind her multi colored tail. She hoped it would end here, unfortunately for her, when it came to love, Rarity had to find out, and she also had to be the first to know.

“So, what are they like? Are they charming? A gentle being? Handsome? Will they fight for you till the end? Oh the possibilities! You must simply tell me darling!”

Dash once again felt her self even more cornered.

So, this is how FlutterShy feels, maybe I should start taking it easier on her.

“Well, first he’s actually a male.” Surprisingly to Dash, neither were surprised like she thought they would, maybe she was wrong about what everyone thought of her. But with this new confidence, she continued. “He’s kinda tall, I mean way taller to me, even on my two hoofs.”

Oh no, did I reveal too much?

But neither mare did not question it. In fact, they were at the edge of their seats, awaiting more words about this being the swept Dash of her hoofs, and this is Dash they are talking about.

“He’s umm, very nice. Like way too nice then other ponies, or than what he supposed to be. Also, he’s way too forgiving, I mean things you thought he would be mad at you for, instead, he kinda just helps you through it. And, kinda like what Rarity said, he’s kinda… well, good looking, maybe not to others, but to me he his.”

Twilight, having not spoken so much since they bordered. “He sounds pretty cool Rainbow, glad you found him, as he’s kinda like you. Heck, he even kinda sounds like Spik…”

Well, Buck.

The two mares eyes brighten, were scanning Rainbow, as she was hoping to die right there and then. Both mares minds were working wonders at the moment.

This cannot be good. I can just laugh and talk my way out of it! Or maybe come out truthfully, and if they say something about it, I’ll just remind them of what they did to Spike. No I couldn't do that to a friend. What is the right approach to this? Maybe if I had a voice in my head to talk to, that way I know I could trust them. Huh, that would be something worth going insane for.

Dash was lost in her own mind of thought, something she normally does. But in this case, she still had two mares with the same question on mind; ‘who in Celestia was this guy!’

“So, does this male... have scales?” Twilight started.

“And maybe breath fire? Like, green fire?” Rarity went along.

“And dose eyes... glow neon in the night?”

“Or rather his Spike’s are not sharp, or rather use to?”

“And helps everyone he can, even though everyone treats him like garbage?”

“And his generosity is so high, that it outweighs mine?”

“IT’S SPIKE OKAY!” Dash yelled as loud as she could, she couldn’t handle the endless questions. She repeated the line again, only quieter and slower. “I liked him ever since I started helping him. I never really knew him before, even worst I never even thought to. But once I did, once I learn the drake he was, I don’t really know what I was feeling at the time. But once we starting hanging out more and more, the feeling got stronger, until I figured it out. I was in love with Spike, okay!” By this point, Dash was in tears, as her eyes stayed low, and her head even lower.

“I know how it is. Twilight, you hate me because he’s basically your brother, and Rarity, you hate me because he is in love with you.”

Even though you suggest he was a monster, and I bet you still think that.

“Others may hate a dragon dating a pony, or rather a soon to be wonderbolt. But I didn't’ care, the only thing I cared about was him. And then one day, I saw him walking away on a dirt path…” Dash couldn't speak no more, her throat didn’t allow it. She shedded all the tears she had kept up this whole time, tears that should’ve been cried out a long time ago. Her friends made no haste in hugging her, she didn’t push them away or anything. She just sat there, crying her heart away. Her two best friends hugging her, staying by her, almost like they were saying everything was going to be alright.

And that they understood.

The mysterious figure continued to walk, his black cloak was ever flowing in the wind, his hood up, covering his face, his identity. Truth be told, the figure barely wore cloths, but he did like wearing the cloak. It kinda gave him a cool feeling, something he’s always sought for. And he only achieved it when he was even wanting it anymore.

“You remember the true purpose of the cloak, right Cole?”

So the others don’t recognize you, and if they tried to come after you-

“Please, beside maybe Rainbow Dash, I doubt any of them are coming after me.”

Even so, Dash will be coming after you. So you prepared for this in advance, but yet you have one thing setting you back.

“And that is?”

The love you have for Rainbow Dash.

“True, it is holding me back a little. But as soon as I reach the top of that mountain, I’ll change myself, into something I was meant to be from the beginning.”

And that would be?

The cloaked figure let out a large, somewhat creepy laugh, that only him and Cole could hear. “When I reach the top of the mountain, I will finally become a monster Cole! I won’t feel these pestle feeling or emotions anymore, all that will be on my mind is death! Control, greed! I won’t even remember my name! I'll become a monster that this would has yet to see, a monster I was born to be!”

It had been sometime on the train, and yet the two mares were hugging the one. Two both mare had small tears in their eyes, while the one in the middle still had a small stream of them flowing. But only a little later, and with much self control, the cyan mare was able to stop her crying. She had really appreciate her friends, who thought they would be mad and disgusted with her. But yet here they were, sitting there and embracing her while she cried away like a little filly. She managed to break off the hug.

“Thank you guys. I know what I’m feel is wrong, and how you must hate me.”

“Now stop right there Rainbow Dash, there’s no way I could hate you over something like this.” Twilight said with a confronting smile, she nodded over to Rarity, who also nodded.

“I mean it’s a little weird, liking Spike. But I don’t see much of a problem with it, I mean after what I did, this would make him happy. Something he’ll need after this.”

“You really think so Twilight?”

Twilight smiled, as she nuzzled her friend. “I know so, besides, I think Spike may feel the same. Who knows, it could be you that brings him back.” The words their self hurt Twilight, but she did her best to hide it.

Dash wiped her tears, as her trademark smirk came across her face.

“Well, we need to find that out first, and we won’t find that out if he are all her crying and hugging and stuff.”

“Although you probably like to do that with Spike”

“SHUT UP!”

Spike… are you sure you want to do this? I mean I try my best to keep you sane, or rather how you are now, but I highly doubt I can be so much help.

“Don’t worry about me Cole, I’m ready to become a monster. You just worry about that problem of yours, as I think it’s about time I released some well deserved anger.”