//-------------------------------------------------------// My nature or my choice? -by The Howling Behemoth- //-------------------------------------------------------// //-------------------------------------------------------// The Date (Revised) //-------------------------------------------------------// Author's Note This is the reason my other stories have been taking time. I was going for major feels, tell me how I did. I take complements and CONSTRUCTIVE criticisms. NO! FLAMES! I got the idea from. 1. Tom Jones~Delilah 'Song' 2. But First!! Here are some doubts- by Leslichu 3. My mind. Be honest in your reviews.-They are my motivation. The Date (Revised) It was a wonderful day in Equestria, even more amazing in Ponyville. Usually a day like this would signal an adventure for the Mane Six. Today was different. It would be an adventure for Spike. Today he planned to finally confess his feelings to Rarity. "Spike, are you sure you've planned this through?" Princess Twilight asked. "Yes." The baby dragon answered confidently. "I've planned this out for weeks." He wanted to make sure everything was perfect. "Well...if you're sure." "I even asked Shining Armor for advice." He admitted. "What, why not me?" She asked. She knew why and so did Spike, she just wanted to mess with him. Mom privileges. She thought happily. "Well...uh, you see..." Spike turned tail and ran. Twilight watched as the baby dragon made his way out the door. In all the time they spent in Ponyville she'd assumed his feelings were a crush he'd outgrow. Instead the opposite happened, Spike's feelings for Rarity only grew! Twilight had even asked Princess Cadence to see into his heart. The answer was one she had expected and feared. Spike was in love. Not a silly crush, but full on love. This thought saddened her. If Rarity didn't return Spike's feelings then he'd be crushed. "You'd better go easy on him Rarity." Twilight grumbled "Or all Tartarus will break loose." Spike was practically skipping as he made his way towards the boutique. When he arrived he raised a hesitant claw to the door. Maybe I should come back at another time. He thought. No! He steeled himself and began knocking. After only three seconds the door opened. "Welcome to the-Oh, hello darling." lilac mare greeted "You know you don't need to knock, it is a business during the day." When Spike looked toward the beautiful mare he felt his heart speed up. Just being near her made it hard for him to talk, it was something Rarity took notice of. "Spike darling, is something wrong?" Rarity asked concerned. Spike tried to speak but when he open his mouth nothing came out. Buck! He needed damage control. "I was wondering if you would like to go on a picnic with me?" Spike asked while hiding terrified he was. He felt proud that he didn't stutter or choke. "That sounds lovely, who will be joining us?" She asked. "No...uh." This was harder than he thought "It'd just be the two of us, as a...date." Rarity was a little taken back by this. So he finally did it. She thought. I never thought he had it in him. She, like every pony else, knew about his 'secret' crush on her. It wasn't shocking that he finally confessed, just inconvenient. Well, he does deserve a little reward. "Well Spike..." She spoke slowly, making sure he saw her hesitation. "I can't..." She just loved to tease him. His nervousness died out and was replaced with sadness. "I...understand." He spoke sullenly "Sorry for bothering you." Rarity saw the dejection on Spike's face as he turned to leave. The look on his face practically tore at her heart. She never liked hurting an admires heart, especially when it was such a close friend. She just enjoyed teasing every once in a while. "Until later!" She quickly added drawing his attention "You really should wait for a lady to finish her sentences dear." "Huh?" "I was saying that I can't join you on a picnic until later this evening." She smiled happily "I have a...friend joining me in a few moments." "Thank you!" He practically shouted in joy. "Well run along darling and prepare." Rarity spoke. "A lady mustn't be kept waiting." "Of course!" He gave her the directions toward the spot before leaving. Rarity watched as the baby dragon made his way off to prepare for their 'date'. Ooh Rarity, maybe you're too generous at times. She really hated leading the poor dragon on, but wasn't heartbreak worse? It's just one picnic. She thought. What's the worse that can happen? Spike was skipping as he made his way from the boutique. As he did he noticed a stallion, he was making his way to the boutique. The stallion was a Unicorn, he had a pure red beige coat with a short and darker red mane. The Unicorn looked strong and held himself with pride. He was also good looking, Spike had to admit that. For some reason this bothered Spike, but he couldn't tell why. As they passed each other Spike couldn't help but glare at the stallion. The stallion however didn't seem to notice Spike, his eyes were locked on to the boutique. Now Spike wasn't skipping, he was stomping. His happy mood was replaced with anger. All because of... Why am I angry? Just like that the negative emotion was gone. Rarity even said it was just a friend. He thought reassuringly "Probably not even the same pony." He had no time to dwell on it, he had a date to prepare for! Rarity was happily working before she heard a knock at her door. "Ooh, he's here!" She squeeled. This lasted only a second before she calmed herself. A lady must keep her image. She mentally chastised. She opened her door to see a tall and well-bred stallion. Her colt-friend. As soon as Spike walked through the door Twilight scooped him up with her magic. She pulled him into a tight hug and placed a tissue in his face. "It's okay Spike." Twilight spoke soothingly "You'll get through this." "What are..." "There are other fish in the sea." She spoke mechanically. "Better to have loved and los-" "What are you doing?!" Spike shouted in frustration. "I'm consoling you." Twilight answered confused "I read a book that said after heartbreak it's good to have someone console you." The Alicorn levitated a book to his face for emphasize. Soothing the broken heart. Spike took one look at the book before giving Twilight an annoyed look. "Did it occur to you that she might say yes?" Spike asked angrily. "Wha-She did?" Twilight asked shocked. "Yep, she said this evening." Spike answered full of pride. This time Twilight pulled him into a hug of joy. "Oh Spike!" She exclaimed "I'm so happy for you!" "I'm off Twilight." Spike announced as he left the library. The baby dragon made his way towards Sweet Apple Acres. There he had everything set up. "Hey there Sugercube." A voice rang. "Hey Applejack." Spike greeted. The mare took a look at the basket in his claw. "Ah take it she said yes since you're here." Spike nodded enthusiastically in reply. "Yep, she said she'd meet me at the spot. "Well we kept the land spic and span, just as promised." Spike gave Applejack a gem in exchange for renting a part of her land for his date. He sometimes forgot that gems were more valuable than a delicious snack. He made his way to the perfect spot. It was on a hill that gave a clear view of an undisturbed lake. It was one of the few places where apple trees hadn't been planted. All around you could see a miniature forest of flowers. The baby dragon laid out a blanket for them to lay on. He the placed an array of food that they would be dining on the blanket. It was a spinach quiche, jasmine tea and all of Rarity's other favorites. He had spent hours making the food himself so that she could enjoy them. Spike even had a gift for her. He spent more effort in this gift to her than he did his fire ruby on his birthday. I won't tell you what it is now. Now I just need to wait. Spike thought. Knowing Rarity, she would be fashionably late. So the baby dragon waited. As he did, he began to visualize his plan with a mental checklist. One that he was sure Twilight would be proud of. He continued to wait long into the evening. He waited long past the point of Rarity just being fashionably late. He was sure that the mare of his dreams was going to arrive. "Hey there sugercube." Applejack called, breaking him from his thoughts. "Hey Applejack." Spike greeted. "Ah came to offer y'all bottle of cider." She spoke presenting the bottle while looking around looking around. "Where's Rarity?" "She's just being 'fashionably late'." Spike quipped. "That's Rarity for you." The mare struggled to laughed. That mare should have been here dang near an hour ago. She knew of Rarity's habit, this was late, even for her. But Spike would wait forever. "Hey, granny Smith is almost finished baking a pie the size of my head, want to join us?" Spike didn't miss a beat. "She's just late." She left the baby dragon to his thoughts. Rarity just giggled happily as she took another sip of her wine. The colt she was with was amazing! He had treated her with relaxed respect, but kept a high standing. He wasn't like the other pony's of the upper-class, he was more like her. He was born into a middle class family and strives to join the upper-class. She didn't have a care in the world. Though I can't help but feel as if I forgot something. She thought worriedly. Oh well, must not have been important. "Another glass?" She offered. Spike was pulled from his thoughts again when he heard the sound of hooves meeting ground. He turned with high hopes that were quickly dashed. It wasn't his Lady Rarity, it was Applejack. She had a large slice of steaming pie with her. "Now ah know you said no, but ah wouldn't feel right unless..." She stopped when she saw he was still alone. "No luck?" She asked. "She's just late." He spoke "That's all." Applejack sighed as she handed the pie to the baby dragon. "Fresh apple pie." In trust she just wanted to check on the baby dragon, the pie was just a front. Come on Rarity, don't do this to him! "Thanks, I'm sure Rarity and I will love it." Spike spoke. "A'm sure you two will." She lied, luckily Spike didn't notice. She left him again. Rarity was currently showing the stallion her wonderful collection. He showed her an appreciation none of her friends could in return. "I've never seen that piece before." He commented. The mare followed his eyes to her favorite piece of jewelry, the Fire Ruby. "Oh that." She commented "I got that one from a dear friend of mine, Spike...oh dear!" As if his name was magic to her ears, he memories returned. She had an appointment with him. Looking at the window, she saw that she was late. "Oh dear oh dear oh dear!" She exclaimed. "This. is. the. worst. possible. thing!" Her little panic attack was stopped by the stallion. "I'd like to see you in it." Whatever she was going to say was cut short by a cool sensation and familiar weight. When she looked down, she saw that he had placed the necklace onto him. "I was right." He spoke smoothly "You look amazing in it." Her white coat began sporting a red shine to her cheeks. The red shines only grew darker and wider as he began kissing her. He placed the kisses on several parts or her, focusing on her neck. "Well I thank you for the flattery." She begun "But I..." Her words were cut in her throat as the sensation began to consume her. He certainly is talented. She thought. "Stay here." He spoke in between the kisses "Let's get...closer." "Dear" She spoke "My bedroom is up stairs.' Spike will forgive me. She thought assured. I'll just...give him a few gems and kisses. Rarity was sure that it would make the baby dragon happy enough to forgive her. It was all she ever needed to get a smile on his face. Applejack never actually left the baby dragon. In truth, she only went as far as the trees. She was well hidden enough to see the baby dragon but stay out of his sight. She watched as he waited for the mare of his dreams to arrive. He waited until the clouds in the sky began to expand and darken. It was obvious they promised rain. He waited until the small animals stopped making their noises. They were heading into their homes for the night. He waited until the sun set. The baby dragon never stopped waiting, even after the last bit of the sun disappeared and the moon rose high into the air. When the rain finally started, it poured down on him by the gallons. He never moved, he never thought to. He would wait forever if need be. So he just waited. "Oh buck you Rarity!" She whispered to herself. Applejack made her way towards the lone baby dragon. Spike saw her coming and open his mouth in preparation for Rarity's defense. When Spike opened his mouth. "She's just la..." Was as far as he got before Applejack placed a hoof on his mouth. "Come along now Sugercube." She whispered. Spike hung his head in dejection as he followed her. The meal was forgotten but the gift went with him. Two things happened when Applejack and Spike made it to the farm. Big Mac took a look at Applejack then the dragon before clearing the room with Applebloom. Granny Smith shaking her head sadly as she followed behind the pair. The second, Applejack let loose the loudest "BUCK!" he had ever heard. He was sure it was actually in the Royal Canterlot voice. The Earth mare grabbed a towel and began rubbing the baby dragon and herself down. "Ah'm sorry y'er meal went to waste." Applejack spoke sullenly. "I'm sure she was going to show." Spike stated, not believing it himself. She took a look at the dragon before her. His eyes were filled with mixed emotions and his scales lacked it's usual luster. "Ah'll take you to Twilight's when the storm stops." Applejack offered. Spike only responded by nodding. The pain the dragon was radiating was making... "Maybe I did something wrong." Spike spoke cutting off her thoughts. "Spike, you can't blame yourself for this." Applejack spoke. "No, I'm sure of it!" He stated frantically "I messed up somehow!" "You didn't!" The Earth pony countered. "Maybe she just...got held up?" It was more to herself really. But Spike didn't hear her. He had already dashed towards the boutique, hoping to salvage a chance with Rarity. Applejack followed behind. To comfort the dragon or harm Rarity, not even Celestia knew. Spike had almost arrived at the boutique, he was completely exhausted. Applejack however didn't even have so much as hard breath. No time to waste! He thought frantically as he pushed on. The baby dragon made his way towards the entrance door. Before he could knock, he began to think. It's late, she probably locked up. He reasoned. But he couldn't just give up, he had to be sure. Spike gave the door a test push, not expecting it to give. The door was unlocked. Spike made his way inside with Applejack following behind. It was dark on the entire floor, Spike thought his first guess was true. Until he saw that there was a light coming from the hallway leading to the second floor. "Spike, we shouldn't be here." Applejack spoke "It's rude to be here without permission." He didn't hear her. What he did hear was a noise from upstairs. Normally Spike wasn't a nosy dragon, but this noise caught his attention. It was the sound of grunting and gasping that you usually hear with heavy lifting. Something that Rarity found to be very 'unladylike'. He made his way to the stairs only to stop. No, she's probably busy. Spike reasoned. He didn't want to intrude on her privacy. At least no more than he already has. As Spike turned to leave a scream stopped him from taking a step. He paled when he realized where it came from. It came from Rarity. A second scream broke him from his paralyzation. Spike began climbing the stairs as if his life depended on it. To him it did, Rarity was his life. When Spike made it to the top he froze. The door to Rarity's room was slightly open. There he saw a sight that was too much for him. It turns out Rarity wasn't screaming in pain, not in fear or even in anger. Rarity was screaming in pleasure. The mare of his dreams was...rutting with a stallion. The look on her face told him she was enjoying it. A lot. Applejack's anger began to rise at the sight before her. THAT NO GOOD... Applejack saw another kick to Spike's heart, she was wearing the fire ruby. His fire ruby. She thought. It added to the disgust she felt build. She just wanted to give the mare a hard kick and ruin her pretty face. Spike's eyes began to burn as he watched. Tears that wanted to make their way to freedom but couldn't. As Spike watched, he felt something in him snap. No, that's not the right word for it. Snap would signal that something was breaking. For Spike it felt as if something was being put back into place. Something he wished he'd never have to feel again, not since his birthday. Something primal, telling him to go claim what was his. Something greedy, telling him to take what was his. Applejack heard a sound that unnerved her. It was a low growl that reminded her of a wounded animal, the most dangerous kind animal. They were more desperate, more savage. More deadly. It was coming from Spike. He had a savage and unnatural look in his glowing green eyes! His fangs were bare and his claws looked as if they were extending! A column of smoke was rising from his nose with sparks of fire licking his mouth. It even looked as if his body was growing. She couldn't help but back away from the creature. She had to remember that even if he was a baby, he was a dragon. A small part of him, very small, was telling him to look away. But he couldn't. It wasn't because he was enjoying a chance to see her in a more...mature state. In fact, he was hating every second of it. It was because he was seeing her in such a mature state with another. Not him, but with some Unicorn, the stallion he passed on the way from her boutique. Stallion. The word stuck in his head. It finally dawned on Spike as he watched. He was a dragon, a baby dragon. She was a mare in the early prime of her life. They were two different species, far too different. It only made since that she would choose to be with a stallion, they were compatible. As his mind came to some form of ease, so did his body. Applejack began to relax as Spike began to change back. "Did I stand a chance?" He asked the Earth pony beside him who could only look away. Applejack didn't the heart to answer him, he was heartbroken enough as is. "At least she's happy." He whispered to himself. The orange mare was shocked at the words. He wasn't resentful to the Unicorn in the slightest. He honestly cared for her emotions more than his own. Oh Rarity. Applejack had never felt such disappointment. She's happy. That thought kept Spike in his right mind. "Come on Spike." Applejack spoke pulling him away. "Y'all shouldn't be here." With both the heart ache and primal emotions at bay, for now, the baby dragon made his way down the stairs. It was time to go home. //-------------------------------------------------------// My nature //-------------------------------------------------------// My nature Spike entered the Golden Oak Library as silently as he could. It didn't do him any good since Twilight was waiting for him to arrive. And she was angry. "Spike!" She shouted "WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?!" The baby dragon didn't answer, he just looked up at the angry Alicorn. She had a small candle near her face so he could see her, but the light didn't reach the baby dragon. Twilight couldn't see the red eyes of un-shed tears he had. "Sugercube." Applejack spoke, only to be ignored. "Do you even know how worried I was?" She continued "Plus it's raining out there! You know you could have gotten sick!" "Sugercube." She tried again, ignored. "Not only that..." "SUGERCUBE!" Applejack shouted, that brought on needed silence. "I'm sorry." Spike spoke in a small voice. Twilight heard how small he sounded when he answered. Hid tone was so...broken, not what she would have exspected from Spike. Not after a day with Rarity. She took a look at Applejack for the first time. The orange mare simply shook her head. "Spike." Twilight spoke hesitantly "Come into the light." Spike hesitated for a moment before doing as asked. Twilight took one look at him and almost burst into tears herself. "What happened?" She asked. Spike slowly opened his mouth but closed it, it became apparent he didn't want to answer. Twilight knew it was bad, she had never known Spike to not want to talk about Rarity. The mare looked around for help, the book on consolation. She grabbed it in her aura and brought it to them. Before she could open it she caught a look from Applejack. She looked at the book then back at the dragon, the baby. This is no time for books. Twilight pulled Spike into a hug. He needed consolation from the heart, not paper. Like that the dam burst. Spike wrapped his small arms around the Alicorn that raised him and cried. He let out all of the betrayal he felt in his body. They poured themselves onto Twilight's coat, not that she minded. A few of her tears fell onto the baby dragon. "Twilight, she...Rarity...she..." He wailed. Twilight watched as Spike tried to make coherent words through his tears and failed. He was trying but he was too hurt to speak. "It's okay Spike." She soothed "Momma's hear. Tell me when you're ready." So the baby dragon continued to cry until he had no more tears to cry. When he was done he sat with Twilight. "Feel better?" She asked. "No." He weakly answered. "You want to talk about it?" Spike was going to say 'No', but decided against it. "I waited for Rarity to show up for our date." Spike spoke "But she never did." "She stood you up?!" Twilight asked appalled. "...Yes." Spike answered uncomfortably "I thought it was my fault." If she wasn't absolutely sure it would have sent Spike into another crying fit, she would have called him an idiot. Instead, she just settled on pulling him into a hug. "Spike, you should know something like that isn't your fault." She assured. "I went to find her, to apologize." Spike explained "But when I got there...when I got there..." His voice began breaking "She was...rutting with a stallion!" Twilight watched as he broke down in her arms again. The Alicorn was torn inside at the Rarity-hurt Spike Did she even intend to go on that picnic? She asked herself Does she even know what she's done? Twilight would get answers, but for now she needed to comfort Spike. An hour passed and now Spike was asleep. He had cried himself into unconsciousness. Using her magic, she was able to put him in his basket without much disturbance. She turned her attention back to Applejack. "That little feller is in for a heaping heartbreak when he awakens." Applejack stated sadly. "Yeah, it's a shame." "It ain't right!" Applejack corrected. "She's been leading him on since he arrived." The Earth mare began pacing "Using his affection to get free labor from him." "I know." Twilight agreed. "Ooh, ah just want to go give her a good buck to the face!" Applejack said, doing her best to keep from yelling. "What happened?" Twilight asked "From your perspective." "He came to the farm for the patch of land he rented." Applejack began. "Wait, rented!?" Twilight cut in "How?" "He gave me a gem." Applejack answered "It's worth quite a few Bits, or it would have been." "What do you mean 'would have be'?" "Spike rented the land for a date." Applejack spoke "No date, no pay." "I'm sure Spike would let you keep." "I'd chuck it back to him." The orange mare stated "An Apple earns their money." The Alicorn would have spoke against it, but decided not to. She knew of the the families stubborn pride, it's caused as many disasters as it's helped fix. "After he came, he sat and waited." She continued "I came to visit twice, it wasn't until after sundown that I brought him in." "Oh Spike." Twilight sighed. "I best be heading in." Applejack spoke. "You sure you don't want to stay, the storm's still going." "I'll be fine." "Before you go, promise me you won't do anything drastic." "Promise." "Pinkie promise?" "I'm still in trouble for the last one!" Spike had awakened from his sleep without feeling the slightest bit rested. He hadn't actually slept that long, just long enough for Twilight to get into bed. He sat up and saw said mare was watching him from her bed. "Feeling better now?" Twilight asked. "A little." He answered. Twilight looked at him before pulling out the book on consoling. When she saw Spike roll his eyes she knew he was feeling better. "There are more fish in the sea Spike." She read. "I don't want any fish." Spike spoke firmly "I want...I want a diamond." Twilight was taken back by the statement. Even heartbroken he wants her. She thought. She thought it was sweet until she remembered the situation. "Spike, I understand that you...love Rarity." She spoke hesitantly. "But you might have to move on." "I don't want to move on Twilight!" Spike shouted "I want what's mine!" "Spike?" Twilight was taken back by the statement. "Spike want Rarity!" He roared. "Spike!" She shouted. Twilight was taken back by how primal Spike sounded when he said those words. Spike's eyes were even glowing a neon green and his snake like tongue snuck out. The Alicorn had only seen him like that once, during his greed growth. When he realized what he had said, he turned from her and looked away. "I...didn't mean that." He spoke ashamed. Twilight stuck out a hoof and placed it under the dragon's jaw to raise it. When she saw the fear in regret in his eyes she understood. She smiled warmly at the baby dragon earning a smile in return. "Spike." She spoke "You meant it, we both know that." Spike looked away from Twilight in regret. "What am I going to do?" He asked in a whisper. The Alicorn's horn started to glow as she pulled out a book. It was small, a book for babies really. It was one she was sure would help Spike...cope. "Twilight, I don't think..." He was silenced when she placed a hoof to his mouth. Spike then watched Twilight do something that he would have considered the signal to Armageddon. Twilight Sparkle, Princess of Magic and Friendship. Ripped. A. Page. From a book. The mare seemed to be in shock of her own action before shaking her head to clear her thoughts. She handed the baby dragon the torn page. He looked at the title of the page. The Scorpion and the Frog. He looked at the Alicorn in confusion. "Read it." She ordered "It'll all make sense." Spike looked at the page one more time. He sighed in defeat, Twilight always gets her book read. "Okay, I'll read it." He caved "But...can I go for a walk?" Twilight was torn at the request. Ponyville was usually a place safe of crimes, but there was the odd supernatural events here and there. To let a baby out, even a dragon one, was unwise. But Spike is as smart as an average adult pony. She thought. Usually. "I promise I'll read the page." He tried. "Pinkie promise?" Twilight asked a little relieved. Spike went through the motions. He was also sure that he saw Pinkie out in a mirror. He was also sure he heard Twilight planing a book funeral. One day a scorpion arrived at a river bank. He really needed to cross the river bank, but there was one problem. He couldn't swim. The scorpion looked around for a solution and found one. He saw one, a frog sitting on the river bank. "Hello frog." The scorpion spoke "Would you be so kind as to give me a ride across the river?" The frog was reluctant. "If I do that, how do I know you will not sting me?" "If I do, then we both will die." Satisfied with the answer, the frog agreed to carry the scorpion across. Midway through the river, the frog felt a stinging sensation. He looked to the scorpion just in time to see him remove his stinger. The frog felt the paralysis of the poison set in, they begin to sink. Knowing that they both would die, the frog asked. "Why?" The scorpion responded "It's in my nature." Then they died. Spike was walking around at random, just letting his feet guide him. His thoughts were elsewhere, namely on a lilac Unicorn. His small loss of control on his greed. And the piece of confusing paper. "How was a paper supposed to help me?" He asked out loud. Well, at least I kept my Pinkie promise. Spike looked around for a randomly placed bench, only to realize he was near Rarity's boutique. His feet had betrayed him while he was in his daze. The sight of the boutique brought back the heartbreak the baby dragon felt. The baby dragon began walking towards a new destination, he didn't care where. he didn't get far before he heard a voice that made him stop in his tracks. "Are you sure that you don't want to stay a little longer, maybe the night?" Spike froze. Have I been found out? The thought didn't stop him from launching himself into the bushes. "No, that's okay." A voice answered. Spike looked towards the cloths shop, he hadn't been found out. At the door stood Rarity and the stallion she chose over him. He was busy aligning his bag while she was trying to get it off him. "But it's storming out." Rarity spoke. "Yeah but...I've got this...thing in the morning." He spoke uncomfortably. Rarity finally stopped trying to take the bag off the stallion. She gave him a pointed stare that made him take a step back. "Surely you can come up with a better lie then that!" Rarity snapped. The stallion sighed at being found out. "It's been fun Rarity." He spoke. "Fun, is that all I was to you?" She asked offended. Before the stallion could come up with something to say, probably a lie, she slammed the door on him. The stallion began a pace going by Spike while mumbling. He made the mistake of mumbling the worse part in ear shot of the dragon. "Best piece of flank in town but way too clingy." He mumbled. The words made Spike's mind go fuzzy. The whole broken-realignment sensation returned. This time without the affect of his heart to calm him. The stallion was in a happy place. His fiasco ending with Rarity had done little to dampen his spirits. He had just rutted with one of the most beautiful mares in ponyville and gotten a side 'score'. His happy thoughts were taken from him in the blink of an eye. From a bush to his side, a purple blur jumped out. It literally ripped his satchel off in a single sweep. It also left a few small cuts on the stallion's side. The blur never stopped, it ran off with the bag. "Hey, get back here!" He shouted. The stallion gave chase to the blur. If he had payed any attention to their direction, the stallion would have stopped. He would have stopped and ran in the other direction. Instead, he followed the blur straight into the Everfree forest. Spike ran, he had to run. He had to get far enough away. Spike's grief and rage were unbearable, and yet familiar-- so much like the greed that filled him when he celebrated his birthday a year ago. And as he ran, he let his fury transform him. His rage became red-hot sparks erupting from his mouth. His frustration became jagged sharp teeth, meant for rending the flesh from bone. His jealousy pulled his eyes into narrow glaring slits, and his sorrow hardened his purple scales into a shell as hard as steel. Scaled armor encased him now, his whole body was like the surface of a diamond. Just as smooth and just as hard--but it didn't slow him down. If anything, he became faster then ever. His armored shell thundered with each footfall, setting off seismic ripples in the living forest that no one could account for. And, fully encased in that armored body, he stormed all the way into the heart of the Everfree. Followed by a foolish stallion. The stallion had run as fast and as hard as he could. Eventually he lost the blur and came to a stop. As he gathered his breath and looked around, he made a startling discovery. He was lost. He was lost and alone inside the Everfree forest. It was like asking for the monsters in the woods to make him a meal. I've got to get out of here! He thought as he looked for an exit. As he scanned the area, he saw something that made him stop. A pair of glowing green eyes. They were focused entirely on him, watching his every movement. They were filled with an unnatural greed. A closer inspection made him jump back. There was something else pass the greed, a sense of hate. This beast that he had never met actually hated him. He could sense the beast's desire to hurt him, to kill him. It wasn't out of hunger or defending territory, the beast just wanted to see him hurt. Not like this! He thought. "I'M NOT DYING IN THESE WOODS!" He shouted to the beast "I'M NOT GOING TO BE A MEAL!" The stallion started firing bolts of magic from his horn towards the eyes. He didn't aim, but sent a rapid onslaught towards them. When he finally stopped his attack, he stopped to examine his work. There was no sign of glowing eyes, there was no sign of anything alive. He made his way towards the spot, hoping to find the beast's body. He found nothing, the beast was still alive. It was still watching him. He could feel the eyes watching him. If that wasn't enough, he heard a growling sound from somewhere, but couldn't tell where. He needed to find his bag. He couldn't leave the forest without it. I won't leave the forest without it. The dragon looked at the spot that it once stood. It had moved as soon as he saw the Unicorn's horn glow. Slowly, so slowly and silently, he made his way behind the stallion. The horse was too distracted to notice him anyway. He seemed to be looking for something. Either for a body or the bag. "Not leaving without bag." The stallion mumbled as he searched. Spike felt like chuckling at the stallion's statement. That answers that. He felt like chuckling, but he didn't. Instead he growled. It was low, deep and loud. This action froze the stallion in place, it came from right behind him. "You actually think you're leaving this forest alive?" He asked mockingly "You're not leaving. Period." The stallion turned and looked for the beast, only to see a baby dragon. Spike looked different, but he was sure that it was the same baby dragon that he see's working for Rarity. Just a little taller. He reasoned. "It was you?" He asked in anger "Look kid, just give me the bag and I might not have to rough you up." To emphasize his statement, the stallion reared himself onto his hind legs. Spike took full advantage of this. He took and mere step forward and took a swipe with his claws. Before his transformation, Spike could easily cut a diamond. He did so for Rarity, time and time again. With this new transformation his, he was stronger and his claws were sharper. What chance did pony flesh have? The stallion fell onto his back as one of his legs fell to the ground. Blood soon soaked the ground until it matched the stallion's color. He looked down at it, as if he couldn't believe that it was his. He even tried to levitate them back into place. Tried! Spike put a stop to that by stepping on it. "Rarity." Spike suddenly spoke. "She's mine." "What?" "We dragon take things like gems and make them ours." Spike explained. "Rarity is a gem above all others." "Then take her!" The stallion screamed in tear "Just take the-AHH!" He was cut off by a stomp to his stomach. The force in the baby dragon's leg was greater then the stallion would have guessed. He was sure that it ruptured something inside of him. "You don't just take a mare-A gem like Rarity!" Spike hissed "Besides, I already said she's mine." He calmed slightly "You are the one trying to take her. From me!" "P-please!" He begged "Mercy!" There would be no mercy for the sobbing horse. "Please, I'll never have anything to do with her!" He promised "I'll leave Ponyville if I have to!" "Not good enough." "WHY?!" He screamed. The flames in his mouth began to grow and grow before he spoke. "It's in my nature." Author's Note The story from 'Aesop Fable' also helped me come up with this story. Be honest in your reviews. //-------------------------------------------------------// Turtle //-------------------------------------------------------// Turtle Spike looked at the remains of the pony he had killed. There was nothing but a pile of burnt flesh left. If the body was found, there was an unlikely chance that any pony could identify him. Not that there will be much left. Spike thought. The commotion they made would be noticed by the inhabitants of the forest. The smaller and herbivorous creatures would avoid them and hide. The carnivores however, would head straight to them. What little remained of the stallion would be devoured by scavengers. Why should they get the meal? A part of him asked. You made the kill. Spike had to agree with the voice, he did do the work, why shouldn't he reap the rewards. The dragon would be lying if he said he wasn't tempted, he was a born carnivore. He had always been curious as to what meat tasted like. The only thing that held him back was the fact he was raised by ponies. When will I ever get a chance like this again? He reasoned. "You did make me miss my meal with Rarity." His reasoning was cut short by the sound of growling. Spike turned his head to see a small pack of Timber-wolves. They were sending Spike warning growls and barks. The message was clear, get away from the meat. The old Spike would have backed away from the beasts, not this one. He growled back at the beasts, fire licking at his lips. A Timber-wolf's major weakness. The wolves backed down, but they didn't leave. They would simply wait their turn. The dragon knelt down to the corpse. He opened his newly sharpened mouth and bit. He only tore a small piece away to sample it. Though the meat was burnt on the outside, it was still raw on the inside. The pony's blood and innards fell away under Spike's powerful jaws. Spike took notice of the burnt and ash like taste. It mixed well with the coppery smoothness of the flesh. It was one of the greatest things he'd ever eaten. He began eating with his usual vigor. The wolves began growling again, they were growing impatient. Spike ignored them as he stood, he had eaten his fill of the pony meat. He backed away so that the Timber-wolves could begin. They didn't hesitate to pounce onto the pony meat. They tore into it with more vigor than Spike did. It seemed that burnt meat didn't bother them in the slightest. Now that he had a full stomach, he decided to sit back. He wouldn't leave until he was sure that none of the pony remained. While he waited, he decided to look at the stars. They twinkled in the sky with great beauty. With all the glowing stars in the sky, Spike couldn't help but think about diamonds. Whenever he thought about diamonds, he thought about Rarity. His train of thought was cut off by a curious growl from a stray Timber-wolf. Instead of focusing on the meat like the rest, this one was investigating. It was sniffing at the bush that Spike had his behind. Reaching it's head in, it pulled out a bag. It was the same bag that Spike snatched off the stranger. Spike had tossed it when he began his...action. The wolf continued to sniff at it before losing interest. It did however, peak Spike's interest. He remembered how the Unicorn had blindly chased him all the way into the Everfree forest for it. Then the stallion's refusal to leave without it, even when he knew his was in a dangerous place. What could have been worth it? Spike asked himself. Spike decided to check for himself. He opened the bag and looked at it's contents. Inside was something that usually filled Spike with joy, or hunger. Now it just made him furious. The bag was full of gems! "Buck you!" Spike shouted to the dead stallion. Not only had the stallion rutted with his Rarity, now he tried stealing from her! With the amount that was inside, the stallion could have lived a carefree life. He pulled one out, a diamond. It was clear cut and absolutely flawless. It looked delicious, even if he had filled up on meat, he could make room for gems. Just a small reward. He reasoned. He would return the rest to Rarity. At least most of it. Spike opened his mouth to take a bite only to pause. Something in the diamond caught his attention, an image. When he held it to get a better view of it, he jumped. What he saw was enough to make him drop the delicious morsel. The image showed a beast out of Spike's nightmares, it was him. It was him fueled by his greed into a monster. Once again, his train of thought was interrupted by the curious Timber-wolf. It was sniffing at a piece of paper that Spike dropped. The same piece of paper that Twilight ripped from a book. "Oh buck!" Twilight would kill him if he lost it. He quickly snatched it from the ground. At first glance there was nothing wrong. He did however notice something on the back. Words that he had missed from the story. The Scorpion and the Frog: The meaning of this story is to show that no one can change their nature. That single line broke something in Spike, or in his case re-broke. A dragon's nature was that of evil. They were nothing but vain and greedy creatures at their best. At their worst they were a force of destruction. They would destroy the land and kill anything that got in their way. Spike had always saw himself as different. He never thought he was better than other dragons, just nicer. A lot more gentle and generous than his kind. His actions tonight proved that wrong. He had just killed and eaten a pony with his bare claws. Just because he did like him being by his-by Rarity. Spike looked at the Timber-wolves as they neared the end of the meal. The baby dragon felt as if he were going to be sick. "No no no nononononono!" Spike begged for it to not be real. "This can't be happening!" The baby dragon couldn't stand it, he grabbed everything and ran. Not to the library, not home. He couldn't face Twilight, not with what he did, not after the library incident. Applejack awoke with an angry start. She was no Rainbow Dash, but she did enjoy her sleep. Whoever was at her door was going to get a good buck to the face. Why am ah the lightest sleeper? She asked herself, envious of the other Apples. When she opened the door she was shocked. She expected to see Pinkie giving invitations to a party. Rainbow Dash trying to play a prank on her. Twilight gathering the others for some insane adventure. The Crusaders after a fiasco to get their Cutie Marks gone horribly wrong. Even Fluttershy being kicked out by her rabbit. Again. The last thing she expected to see was Spike standing at her door looking like his life was over. "A-Applejack." He gasped "I d-did something..." he couldn't finish. The look in his eyes told her that he wasn't depressed over Rarity. Or even hassled by one of Twilight's magic experiments on the fritz. What she saw was fear and self-loathing. "Ah'll get us the hard cider." She spoke as she let him in. Spike watched the mare as he followed her inside. He didn't know why he ran to her in the first place, he just did. She helped me once. He reasoned. Maybe she can do it again. Applejack watched as the baby dragon slowly made his way inside the house. She saw how he held onto the bag and paper in his claws. Yet he held the bag as if it were something he found disgusting. "Are ya okay there sugercube?" She asked. "N-no." He didn't look okay, he looked sick. "Ya look like ya ate something rotten." She stated. Spike's eyes widened in fear at her statement. It seemed that the fear had a negative affect on him. He felt the meat in his stomach turn rancid in his stomach. It then traveled up until it was a lump in his throat. It took all of his will power to hold it in long enough to run outside. Spike had just barely made it the trees before the bile was released. "Land sakes Spike!" Applejack exclaimed as she followed him out. "I'm sorry!" He cried, tears falling uncontrollably "I didn't mean to do it!" Applejack was shocked by his uncontrolled state. Ah got the feeling he ain't crying about vomit. She thought with dread. "It's okay Spike." She soothed "You'll be okay." "No I won't." He suddenly spoke, the clarity in his voice was unnerving. "Yes you will." Applejack affirmed "You're just a little..." She paused as she saw the contents he emptied "Oh Celestia." She turned back to the baby dragon "Spike is...is that...flesh?" The dragon froze at being found out. He looked at the mare and saw her fear, as if she were looking at a monster. When he saw the look on the stallion, it was different. He had been in control of the situation He couldn't take it, not from a friend, not from a pony. Applejack's memory brought back the sight of him at Rarity's boutique. Every fiber in her body was telling her to run. To get to safety, but she couldn't leave a friend. "Sugercube." She called "Spike, look at me." Spike looked up at her with a face that nearly tore her heart in two. Ah ain't seen a look like that since ah told Applebloom about ma and pa. She shook her head, ridding the thoughts "Come on Spike, tell me what happened." Spike looked as if he couldn't heard her, or would anytime soon. What's this here? She noticed that he dropped the paper he had been holding. "The scorpion and the frog." Apparently saying those words had a bad affect on the baby dragon. "I'm just a scorpion." He repeated over and over. Applejack was very familiar with the story, it was one of her favorites. The story of a creature's nature taking control, leading it down a- Oh, now ah understand. People always assumed that since Applejack was a farm pony, she had below average intelligence. She may not have their book smarts, but she had something just as good if not better. She had wisdom, passed down through family experience. "Spike, ah want ya to look at me." She spook soothingly "Please Sugercube." It seemed that Spike wasn't going to meet her gaze, but he did. The sight was heartbreaking for the mare. "Is this what has y'all so upset?" She asked, pointing to the paper. He nodded. "Why?" "My n-nature is e-e-evil." He nearly started crying again. "No it's not." She countered "Why do ya think it is?" "A dragon is naturally-" "Proud and majestic." Applejack cut in. "There's got to be a hundred stories about how great they are." "Spike, am I evil?" Spike was confused as he answered. "No." "King Sombra was evil." She stated "Am I evil?" "No, King Sombra was some pony else." "Exactly." She agreed "Are you every evil dragon?" Spike was beginning to understand, a smile started creeping to his face. "No." "Then how can you be evil?" She asked, confident he had no answer. Instead of him being happy, he started frowning. His eyes left hers for a brief second, long enough for Applejack to notice. She followed his gaze towards his lost meal. The flesh. "Spike, you aren't going to like what a'm about to say." She spoke, gaining his attention "But that's...your nature.' "I knew it." He whispered. "That doesn't make ya evil!" She rushed "It just makes ya a...carnivore." "So I'm not evil?" He asked. "No, just hungry." Spike gave the mare a hug, she was initially shocked by the action but quickly returned it. Applejack was surprised at how large Spike was. Usually he could only reach her legs, now he was hugging her neck. "Thanks Applejack." Spike spoke "Now I see why Twilight values your advice the most." "No problem." When they separated, the dragon was experiencing a form of relief he never knew existed. "I'm glad I'm not a scorpion." He spoke "I'm a turtle." "Don't tell that to Rainbow, she's been looking fora friend for Tank." Applejack joked. "Come inside, I have something for you." Spike followed the farm mare. Spike waited for the mare to return in the kitchen. When she returned, she had a shiny piece of emerald in her mouth. The same one he used to pay for the plot of land. "Here you go partner." She handed it to him. "What's this for?" Spike asked "This is yours." "Well, since your date...cancelled, it's only fair I give you a refund." Applejack answered. Spike looked at the gem and the mare. Part of him told him to take, the other told him to leave it. "You should keep it." Spike forced out "I'd only use it as a snack." "Now that wouldn't be the Apple way." The mare declared "We don't take charity, we earn our keep." "You helped me get over my fears." Spike declared "Take that as payment for your services. "That was just me being a friend." She stated "How could I charge you for that?" Spike was at a loss for reason. They both wanted her to take the gem, but she was too stubborn to do so. "Fine." Spike sighed. He took the gem without his usual vigor for the item. "Well, let me make it to you." Spike begged "Waking you up in the middle of the night wasn't right." "Spike." "Please!!!" He begged. She looked at the face, she couldn't resist long. "Fine." "Great, I'll be hear to help you out tomorrow." "Well hold on there partner, I'm not saying that y-." He was already gone." Author's Note Not my best, but I promise more drama next chapter. More comments, they keep me active. //-------------------------------------------------------// Real Scorpian's venom //-------------------------------------------------------// Author's Note SORRY FOR THE WAIT! Comment.-Honestly, what did you all think? I'm sorry to inform you that all of the notes I had for future chapters were lost before I saved them thanks to computer troubles. I have no choice but to update slowly, as you can see, unless someone can send me a few ideas. Maybe some can jog my memories. Review and send idea's, PLEASE! Real Scorpian's venom Spike made his way home looking forward to his day with Applejack. He walked through the door to the library with a spring in his step. This time he didn't bother trying to sneak inside. When he was inside, he saw Twilight reading a book. Does that pony ever sleep? He asked himself. "How are you feeling?" She asked with out looking up. "Better." Spike answered. "How about the page?" She spoke, finally looking at him. "I...read the page, front and back." He answered, not meeting her gaze. "Back?" She seemed confused about that. "Spike, let me see the page. Spike would have handed it to her, but he didn't have it. He had left it with the bag he...acquired, at Sweet Apple Acres. That's right! Spike remembered. "Twilight, do you have anything specifically planned for me tomorrow?" The mare didn't answer right away. Instead, she pulled out a scroll with her check list for the next day on it. "No, why?" "I may have promised to help Applejack at the farm tomorrow." He smiled sheepishly. Twilight gave the baby a skeptical look. "Spike, you still have chores to do." "I'll finish them." He promised. "All of them, nice and tidy." Twilight saw how much he wanted to go to the farm. The studious part of her was against it, especially after the dragon code incident. The motherly part of her was telling her to agree, he was happy again. He seemed to have forgotten all about the incident with Rarity. She gave a sigh before agreeing. "Fine." Spike couldn't hold in his cheer in, or the little dance. He was going to be at the farm tomorrow, he was getting what he wanted. "Spike." Twilight called with a frown. "Are you bigger?" Of all the things for her to notice, it was what he wanted her to notice the least. "Maybe." He decided to change the subject "I may have scavenged a few gems." "Oh, and where are they?" She asked. Spike looked around only to realize that he left that as well. "At the farm." He answered. Twilight just gave a sigh before smiling. At least he wasn't driven by it. She thought. "Goodnight." She said. Usually Twilight would have to drag Spike out of bed in the morning. She was shocked when the tables were turned on her. "Come on Twi." He urged. "Applejack's waiting." "Coming." She spoke. Talk about irony. The baby dragon and Alicorn princess were at Sweet Apple Acres in a matter of minutes, thanks to the dragons urging. "Morn'n y'all." Applejack called. "Good morning Applejack." Spike and Twilight returned. "Y'all are here mighty early." A.J. spoke. "Wasn't expecting ya for a while." "You can thank Spike here." Twilight spoke as she tried to hold back her yawn. She failed. "Well you can just pull up a stack of hay and take a load off." A.J. spoke. "Spike and ah have work to do." She turned to the baby dragon. "If ya'll are still up to it." Spike only nodded as Twilight did as advised. It wasn't until two hours later that Twilight roused herself from her sleep. She saw that the two were hard at work. Applejack bucking apples and Spike gathering them all as soon as they hit the ground. Twilight was happy, mostly because Spike was happy. From the look on his face, working with Applejack had taken all thoughts of Rarity away from the baby dragon. "Alright you two." She called. "I've got to head back and open the library, be on your best behavior Spike." "Wait." The alicorn turned her attention to the earth pony, and the bundle in her mouth. "Fresh apple fritters." Twilight grabbed the treats with her magic. "Thank A.J." With that, the mare was off to her books. "A good book and treats." Twilight sighed as she settled down. "What more could a mare want?" -KNOCK KNOCK Besides some peace. She thought. Twilight answered the door to a most unexpected and un-welcomed sight. Rarity. "Hello Twilight." She spoke. "I was wondering if I could speak to Spike." Twilight stared at the mare before her, asking to speak with Spike as if it were another day. "...Sorry Rarity, Spike is a little busy." Twilight lied. "It'll only be a moment, I promise." Rarity assured. "I just need to borrow him for a little project." "He's not here." Twilight stated. She actually wants him to help he after standing him up? "Oh, well do you know where he is?" Rarity asked. "No, though I doubt he'd want to see you!" Twilight hissed before slamming the door shut in Rarity's face. Rarity stood on the other side of the door in utter shock. She was completely caught off guard by her friends action. "Some pony woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning." She stated. Rarity was no fool, and Twilight was almost a bad a liar as Applejack. Speaking of Applejack, the white Unicorn noticed the distinct smell of fresh apple fritters. Spike and Applejack were having a nice time. They were distracted with work and pleased with the progress they were making. Then it had to all come crashing down. Uh-oh. In the distance, Applejack could make out the form of a certain white Unicorn mare. What in tar-nation is she doing here?! Applejack asked angrily. Can't let Spike see her! "Um, Spike." She called. "Could ya go wake granny and tell her that the inventory." "Can do." Spike answered as he raced inside. "Hello Applejack, I came to see Spike." Rarity spoke with a smile. "That wouldn't be such a good idea." Applejack spoke with a frown. "He doesn't want to see you." Rarity was taken back by not only her friends a brute coldness, but the sheer declaration. Spike not wanting to see me, simply preposterous. "Please dear, I need to apologize to him..." "For standing him up." Applejack interjected. "For some stallion." Rarity froze at the accusation, it was dead on. "What do you mean dear?" Rarity asked, playing innocent. "I just got caught up in work." "Well if that's the type if business y'all run, y'all should be ashamed of yourself." Applejack countered. Rarity was beginning to fail under Applejack's intensity. "I honestly don't know..." "We bucking saw you!" Applejack screamed. "You and that darn stallion!" "We?" Rarity asked with a bit of fear. If news about her sleeping with a stallion, she would be ruined! The scandal ponies could and would come up with for a mare like her trying to make a name for herself. Stay calm Rarity. She ordered herself. "Who's we?" "Y'all's supposed date!" Rarity stood there in utter bewilderment. The door to the Apple home and out walked Spike. "Applejack, Granny Smith won't..." The baby dragon froze in mid-stride. He took one look at Unicorn before turning his gaze to the ground. Rarity was shocked by his action. He adored her, but now he wouldn't even spare her a glance. Spike saw her eyes tear up as she ran from the farm. Spike made to follow her, but was stopped by a hoof on his shoulder. "Ya don't have ta follow her." She spoke. "Yes I do." Spike stated. "Why're y'all going after a mare like her?" Applejack asked. "She broke your heart." "It's my nature." Spike mumbled as he broke free. Spike had ran in a single direction, knowing that's were Rarity would be. The Carousal Boutique. The dragon tool a moment to assess the situation. He saw that the place was closed and the lights were off. Though the door was slightly ajar, luckily Ponyville was a safe place. Spike made his way inside, causing the bell above the door to ring. "I'm closed!" A familiar voice screamed. Spike noticed that her voice was breaking. Spike slowly made his way towards the voice. It sounded as if it had come from the bedroom. This time the mare's door was closed, but when he turned the knob, he found it wasn't locked. He would have opened it if he hadn't heard a muffled noise. He pressed the side of his head to the door to make out the sound, sobbing. She's crying! Slowly, he opened the door to the bedroom. "Rarity." He spoke. "Didn't you hear me, I'm clos-!" She stopped when she raised her head to see the intruder. "Spike?" He fumbled with his hands before giving a meek. "Hi." Spike was shocked to suddenly find himself being pulled by Rarity's magic. He suddenly found himself in her hug as she redoubled her crying. "I-It's okay Rarity." Spike gasped through her crushing hug. "No it's not!" She wailed. "He u-used me l-like a common whores!" Spike looked at the bawling mare and felt his heartbreak. He knew for a fact that he stallion had used her. "You shouldn't cry for him Rarity." He comforted. "It's his loss." "He said he loved me." She continued. "He was lieing for a...a rut!" Her grief began turning to anger. "When I get my hooves on him!" "He won't be bothering you again." Spike stated. "Spike?" Rarity was taken back by his tone. "I found out he had been stealing from you, so I...chased him into the Everfree forest." He explained. "I...only meant to scare him away, but the Timberwolves got him." He hated lie-ing to Rarity. But I can't tell her the truth. The he killed and ate the stallion, leaving the leftovers for the wolves. Rarity stared the baby dragon in the eyes in silence for a full minute, unnerving him. "Well he got what he deserved." She finally stated. "He wasn't even that good in bed." She grumbled. "Not that he cared anything for me." She turned her watery eyes towards Spike. "But you do, don't you." "What?" Spike asked. "Of course I-" He was stopped by a kiss, light, but enjoyable. "You care for me a lot, don't you Spike." She stated, more than asked. Spike was trying to enjoy the kisses she was giving him, each being a little deeper than the last. But he couldn't. He, begrudgingly, pushed Rarity away. She's not in her right mind, and I won't take advantage of that. Rarity took this another way. "You don't care about me at all!" She declared as she jumped to the other end of her bed. "No, I do car-" His words were silenced by her wailing. Come on Spike, think! He ordered himself. But it was hard. Rarity just laid there in such a vulnerable position, both emotionally and physically. Her face deep in her blankets with her legs slightly parted. It wouldn't have been so bad if her tail hadn't been sprawled to the side. He could see a slit, a pink slit. How could he resist, she had just been urging for it. Spike kneeled down between her legs and pushed her tail to the side. He grabbed her plot in both claws and gave a light squeeze. They were so soft. He tongue slid from his mouth and gave her slit a test taste. It tasted as he always imagined it would. Like the one of a kind diamond that she was. "SPIKE, WHAT ARE YOU-OOH YES!" Spike drove his tongue deep into the mare's flower. He had no experience in this, so he did the only thing he could, whatever instinct told him to. He pushed his tongue in as deep as it could, and he had a long tongue, all the way to her furthest wall. He swirled his tongue, switching between clockwise and counter clockwise. "Yes Spike!" Rarity moaned. He continued to kneed her rear with one claw as the other fell lower. He brought it towards the nub on her marehood and gave it a light squeeze. This caused Rarity's body to lock up and give a rewarding sound of pleasure. "Again!" She ordered. He did so, again and again. He felt her inner walls tightening around his tongue. "So close!" She moaned. "Don't stop!" With a far from silent scream, Rarity reached her climax. Her face etched into a look of pure ecstasy as her body shuddered. Like a geyser, she released herself all over Spike's face. He drunk her climax so greedily, you'd think it was pure ambrosia. "How was that?" Spike asked, a little meekly. "Simply divine darling." She answered. "I told you I cared Rarity." This time, Rarity turned to speak to the baby dragon. But when she laid eyes on him, she turned her nose up. "I see that you care." She hissed. "Just like that stallion. Spike was taken back by her statement, what did she mean? "I'm nothing like him!" Spike declared. "Then what is that?" She asked, pointing a hoof low. Spike followed and saw his member standing at full attention. "That's nothing!" He declared. "I care for you Rarity, not your body." She only raised a skeptical eyebrow. "Honest Rarity, I'm not asking you to do anything!" "Promise?" She asked as she lowered an eyebrow. "Of course." Spike stated with a relieved smile. "I'd never ask you to do anything you didn't want to do." Rarity leaned in to Spike and nuzzled his face with a warm smile. "I knew you were a gentle-drake." She stated. "No problem." "Well darling, you've warn me out." She declared. "And a gentle-drake mustn't keep a lady from her beauty sleep." It took Spike a moment, but he got the hint. Spike had nearly made it out of Rarity's shop when he ran into Applejack. "Applejack!" He exclaimed in a hushed whisper. "What're you doing here?' Her eyes traveled around him to that he had a glistening liquid on his face, it was giving off a particular odor. Her eyes traveled lower to see his member still standing, not waning in the slightest. She had to admit, she was...impressed. He was no stallion, but with his body size, he more than decent. "Ah could ask ya the same thing." She retorted. His eyes turned away from hers, but decided to answer. Applejack had been good to him lately, he didn't want to lie to her. "I proved that I cared for her, not just for her body." He stated. "So I...well..." "So ya gave her pleasure...and asked for non in return?" She surmised. He nodded, causing her to sigh. "Why do ya keep doing this to ya'self, she's using ya." "I want to show her I'm here and I'm more than Spikey-Wickey." "Even at ya own expense?" She asked, motioning to his member. Spike looked down once before meeting Applejack's gaze. "Yes." He answered without a moment's hesitation. Applejack gave another sight. "She doesn't deserve ya Spike." In a single motion, she gulped half his entire member down her throat. Only stopping when she reached the end of his member, a knot. She began slurping as she bobbed her head up and down. Pulling on his member with her firm lips but unskilled tongue. While she did that, the back of her throat began massaging him. For Spike, it was bliss. Her mouth was like a vacuum, but wet. Even her throat was massaging him in ways he never experienced. His groans began filling the air as Applejack continued to suck. She had no real warning as his member exploded inside her mouth. Just a throaty growl and the twitching of his member. She hadn't pulled back but actually pushed herself forward, making sure to get as much as she could. Applejack actually began wondering if it would end before she choked. Luckily, it did come to an end. Applejack pulled back, giving an audible pop as she released him. Without looking, she turned and spat what she hadn't swallowed straight to the ground. It covered the floor as well as some of Rarity's fabrics. She took a lot of pleasure in that. Applejack turned to Spike to see that he had a glazed over look in his eyes with a large, goofy smile. He seemed to be completely satisfied with her work. His wobbly legs and limp member were a testament to that. "Come on now partner, let's get you home." She spoke. She placed him onto her back and made her way towards the library. Rarity awoke from her mid-day beauty sleep feeling refreshed. "Ah Spike, you were a dear." She stated to herself. She made her way to her vanity mirror with a skip in her step. After removing the mess on her face, she began making herself look 'fabulous' once again. A few tears here and a sob story there and you were putty in my hoof, unable to take advantage of such a 'vulnerable' mare. She thought before sighing. My reputation and self are saved. She looked at her incomplete 'face' in her mirror. "My one regret is that it ruined my make-up."