Secret of My Excess

Chapters

The Letter
Progress
Promises
Loved
Something to Depend On
All Good Things
That Kind of Friendship...

The Letter

Chapter 1: The Letter

Twilight Sparkle opened her deep purple eyes to feel the cool night air flowing through her dark mane. Blue night sky seeping through her window. Something had woken her, she was sure of it.
“Hello?” She called out, but no pony was there to answer her.
“... Spike?”

An immense feeling of loneliness swept over her. She tried to stop herself, but she needed to. Twilight turned her head to see Spike's empty bed. Twilight stuffed her face in her pillow and cried uncontrollably. She wish she could stop, but it was useless. Twilight was left alone to cry in her dark library in Ponyville.

********************************

The bright morning sun lit Rarity's workshop perfectly. With The Grand Galloping Gala coming up, with her new found reputation in Canterlot, she was really busy making new designs for new customers. This could be huge for her reputation, she gleefully thought. If big name ponies wore her dresses, she could certainly be a designing star. The sheet white unicorn of generosity skipped over to her sketch table and began to work on her best dress yet.

Normally, Rarity would be so wrapped up in her stylish genius to even begin to think about anything other than work but a thought crossed her mind. She recalled hearing Twilight last night while she was getting some late night work done. Her pencil lowered to her desk with a blue aura.
“Poor Twilight...” Rarity thought aloud.
“It's simply not fair... I'll make her a dress too to cheer her up!” Rarity kept working, hiding behind her feelings with concern for her friend. Her mind was shooting blanks when she tried to think of a dress for Twilight. Ratity thought of Spike, the obvious reason Twilight was so upset. Rarity let her emotions flow in. A tingly feeling in her stomach came, a certain flutter and warmth. Inspiration hit.

Rarity reclaimed her lost pencil. She let her pencil flow through the page, an extension of herself. She couldn't do it. Rarity put down her pencil and take a look at her work. It was great, but Rarity knew she shouldn't be doing her work like this.

“Maybe I deserve a break!” She concluded. Rarity left her work stranded as she went outside to the streets of Ponyville. She could feel her emotions building up, as much as she didn't want to show them. Pain and stress were in the poor pony's system, but she didn't want anypony to know. Rarity found herself at Twilight's library. She took a deep breath, and knocked on the door.

The wooden door to Twilight's house swung open with a light purple aura. Rarity peered around to see her best friends inside celebrating.
“Wha- What's going on?” Rarity asked. “You won't believe it!” Said a pink, ruffled maned pony popping from seemingly nowhere. Pinkie Pie was dancing around as usual, in her same exited manner. Rarity turned to see her blue multi-colored maned friend Rainbow Dash lying lazily around looking rather content on the top floor. “Spike sent a letter to Twilight!” Dash answered.
“What?!” Rarity exclaimed.
“How is that even possible?” The pegasus shrugged as Twilight appeared from the top floor a sack on her back full of supplies. She looked happier than Rarity had seen her in a long time. A slightly crumpled letter floated in front of Rarity. She instantly recognized the handwriting. “Spike...” Rarity couldn't believe it.
“Read it out loud.” Spoke up Applejack, the orange blond maned pony of honesty.

Rarity felt all eyes on her, even Flutter Shy's, that yellow pegusus never liked to put ponies in awkward situations. “Um, okay.” Rarity collected herself and read the handwritten letter by Spike.:

“Dear Twilight

Can't write for long, I've returned to normal for reasons I'll explain later. I'm on top of the mountain in the cave on the border of Ponyville. I can barely move and have no food or water. Please help when you can.

Your friend, Spike”

Silence ensued over the friends in the library.
“What are we supposed to do to save him?” Flutter Shy remarked.
“I'm not sure.” Twilight said, shoving a backpack onto The kind pegasus’ back.
“But we're going to help him.” Twilight said determined, something Rarity hadn't seen in Twilight for a long time.
“Ya, we're his friends!” Rainbow Dash yelled.
“And we need to be there for him.” Rarity wasn't sure how she felt, she had work to do.
“You all in?” Twilight asked.
“Of course!” Dash said.
“Ooh, I'm in too.” Flutter Shy said in a hushed tone.
“Wouldn't miss it.” Applejack answered back. Pinkie leaped in the air with her hoof straight up.
“Oh Oh, and me too!” Rarity stared at the letter. What was wrong with her, why didn't she say anything? She wanted to, but something was holding her back.
“Rarity?” Rarity looked up to see her friend's quizzical looks.
“Is something wrong?” Twilight asked concerned. Rarity's mind knew in an instant she had to find him. “Of course, let's find Spike.”

Progress

Chapter 2: Progress

It was the middle of the day while Twilight and friends were searching the mountain floor for gems. Twilight was helping, but couldn't help but feel uneasy. She felt something she hadn't in a long time though. Hope. With sudden inspiration, Twilight announced to her friends. “Come on everypony, we need to move on, Spike needs us.” Rainbow Dash flew overhead screaming “Yes Sargent Sparkle!” Twilight would normally laugh at this humor, but she was more in the mood to make progress.

Rarity was locating gems in a hurry to which her friends quickly dug up. Twilight wasn't sure how Rarity felt about all this, but at least she wanted to help Spike. Twilight took a closer look at Rarity, to notice a golden necklace with a heart shaped ruby around her neck. Twilight bit her lip.
“Spike...” she thought, “You were so sweet.”
“Yeehaw! That's the last satchel!” Applejack boomed. Twilight looked up to see her friend's worried stares.
“Alright then.” Twilight said, putting on the best commanding voice she could muster, “Let's take on the mountain!”

********************************

Twilight exhaled deeply as she trudged up the mountain with her heavy diamond-filled backpack. The lavender unicorn was unsure on how long they'd traveled, but they were making progress. Slowly. Twilight felt a lump growing in her throat, anxiety filled her body. She wanted to be by Spike, she wanted to be with him now.

“Don't y'all think it's 'bout time we set up camp?” Applejack suggested. The sun was nearly down, and it was starting to get cold.
“Oh, oooooooooooh oh! I've got it!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed passing everypony in a pink blur. Twilight watched her go around the mountain. Twilight turned to look at her friend's in confusion, when they heard a loud BANG!
“Yep, that's Pinkie.” Rainbow Dash said, flying off after her.
“Why does she have to be so loud?” Flutter Shy complained.
“ Come on girls, let's move.” Twilight said, and they hurried up the cliff side.
“Oh my...” Rarity exclaimed.

In front of them was six large sofas, with food and drinks on a table with a fire in the middle to top it off. Pinkie blew smoke from her party cannon. Twilight wondered how she'd carried it, but she decided not to ask.
“And, it has the entire Daring Do series!” Rainbow Dash said from a sofa, reading. Twilight wanted to laugh out loud.
“Well I guess this is my first camp out, what are we supposed to do?” Dash's book closed with a crack.

“Ghost pony stories!” Everypony gather around the fire.
“Um, I have one...” Flutter Shy said. Everypony looked surprised, and Rainbow Dash was rolling her eyes.

“One day a spirit pony decided to teach animals how to take care of themselves... and how to live on their own!” Glances went around as Flutter Shy's breath quickened. “They no longer need ponies to help and feed them, or love and nourish them.” Twilight looked at Pinkie Pie who was holding back tears of laughter, Flutter Shy, on the other had, looked absolutely horrified. “The world starts to take care of itself, no more need for pegasi to clear the skies, the clouds move-” The bright yellow pony took a deep shaky breath, “on their own!”
“NO!!!” Rainbow Dash screamed huddled on the ground.

Everypony started laughing, even Rainbow Dash and Flutter Shy. It felt really good to Twilight, being... normal. They talked for a while, ponies leaving to go to bed when they felt they had enough, until it was just Twilight and Flutter Shy.
“I'm really tired, we have a big day ahead of us too. We'll finally see Spike again! Well, goodnight Twilight.”
“Goodnight.” Twilight said softly. She turned to an open party sofa filled with confetti. Not to her surprise, when she lied down, she found she couldn't sleep.

She turned to look at the beautiful night sky, lit by brilliant stars and the shining moon. In the morning, she would see Spike, but there was a feeling she had all day that she couldn't quite place. Had he changed? Was he still her Spike, the one she brought up?

She thought about it for a while, only to realize that she couldn't do anything even if he had changed. But that didn't mean she didn't love him. Even if he was the most brutal dragon when they got up there, it didn't matter. He was still Spike, and she just wanted to hold him like she used to. When he was scared and lonely. When she was scared and lonely... Twilight whimpered, feeling hot tears forming in her eyes. She rolled over and covered them, but the tears wouldn't stop.

This is when she needed him, to no somepony understands. The unicorn felt suffocated, it was hard to breathe. Twilight felt a hoof on her back, which was going up and down uncontrollably. Twilight turned to see Rarity, tears on her cheeks as well, biting her lip. She gave Twilight a hug, to which she returned, not wanting to let go. They cried for a long while, because they both knew why the other was crying.
“Twilight-” Rarity's voice cracked, “I miss him too, but we'll see him tomorrow.” Twilight let go to look at her.
“I know, I'm just scared.” Rarity nodded, and she walked off to her couch to leave Twilight alone. Twilight turned to lay down her head, and instantly fell asleep.

Promises

Chapter 3: Promises

It was dark. Spike rolled over on the cold hard stone. Somepony was calling him, somepony needed him. Spike rolled off his stone and landed on his large four feet. He instantly collapsed. His knees felt weak, he clutched his empty stomach. This was antagonizing, he thought. This shouldn't have happened. Spike's eyes dilated as he felt a surge of anger flow through him. But he stopped himself, he couldn’t let that happen.

It was natural for dragons to feel this way, but it wasn't him. His friends would come, he knew it. Spike moved his head enough so he could see out the cave entrance. He saw a bright moon, almost full. Somepony was watching the moon to, he could feel it. The moon calmed him, he could feel it soothing his entire body. Spike closed his eyes, and fell asleep.

********************************

Rarity had begun to wake up. She fell asleep on the semi-comfy party couch Pinkie prepared. When Rarity stepped up she felt a little stiff. She looked around at her friends, all asleep on this misty morning. All except one. Rarity turned her head to see Applejack sitting on the edge of the cliff, watching the morning sky. She nimbly avoided her friends to go to Applejack. Without even turning around, Applejack asked:
“Watcha' doin' up?” Rarity was startled for a second, standing very still. She finally responded
“I could ask you the same question.” Applejack chuckled.
“Fair enough. When I feel in doubt, I like to watch the sunrise.” She paused for a second, allowing Rarity enough time to sit next to her. “It gives me comfort that maybe Celestia is watchin' us, ya know?”

Rarity noticed something change in her dark green eyes, so Rarity turned toward the sun. It was magnificent, rising over the misty-eyed world. Rarity could feel a breeze flowing around her. They sat in silence for a while, watching the sun creak over Equestria. Rarity and Applejack didn't always see eye to eye, but Rarity knew she liked her. And as much as she hated to admit it, they were similar in some ways too.
“Now it's your turn.” Applejack finally said, breaking the silence. “What's got you so worried?” Rarity felt out of place, not sure what to say, or even how exactly she felt. Could she really talk to Applejack about it? She turned to look into the pony's eyes. Rarity knew she could trust her.

“I always thought that for somepony to like me, they needed me to do them... favors. That is to see me as a good pony. To some I may seem stuck up or even snotty, but not to Spike. I didn't do anything for him, but he instantly saw me for who I was.” Rarity knew she was opening up farther than she'd ever dare go, but it felt good. She pressed on.
“I suppose he's a good judge of character, seeing me for who I am. But I don't think he knows how I feel. I-”
“That's enough.” Applejack said putting a hoof up to silence her, “Let's just enjoy the sunrise.” They smiled at each other for a moment, and turned to watch the sun.
“Maybe...” Rarity thought to herself, “Maybe I don't even know how I feel.” Rarity and Applejack watched the sun warm up the waking world.

********************************

“There's no time to waste! Let's move everypony.” Twilight Sparkle's voice rang. If everything went as planned, they would reach Spike in less than an hour. Over rocks and sketchy paths the brave little ponies traveled across the treacherous mountain side.

They worked as one, helping each other up when needing it. They knew each other well, their strengths. Their flaws. But this let them really know each other, this made them friends.
“It's what holds us together.” Twilight thought. That's why they had stayed together all this time, why they needed each other.

It's why she needs Spike. He was there before anypony else was and he understood her the best. Even though Twilight felt like she ignored him sometimes, he had always been there for her. Twilight's mind went back to a rainy Spring night she remembered so well.

Twilight was in her warm bed closing her heavy lavender eyes. It had been a rough day, plenty of problems to fix between her friends and hours of studying. Rain pounded against the window with booming thunder on the other side. But she didn't mind. Without a care, only sleep on her clear mind, she was on the verge of a perfect night's sleep.
“Tw-Twilight?” Although she hates herself now for feeling annoyed, she was.
“What is it Spike?” Twilight said crossly. Her eyes were on the shaky shadow of a figure Spike.
“I uh... I had a nightmare.” Spike replied shakily. Lightning flashed showing his horrified face, holding onto the side of her bed just to stay balanced.

Twilight magically pulled back her covers and made room for Spike. He crawled in and rested his head on the other half of Twilight's pillow. She turned her back to him, closing her eyes again allowing sleep to take over her body. Twilight felt her bed shudder and heard Spike trying to hold back tears. Twilight rolled around and squeezed him.

“It's okay.” She whispered, feeling his claws clutching her. “It was only a dream, Spike. I'll protect you.” She watched him slowly calm down, his head on her stomach him listening to her heartbeat. Spike was falling asleep, and Twilight leaned in and kissed his forehead.
“Twi...Twilight?” Spike whispered drowsily.
“Yes my silly dragon?” Twilight said, rubbing her hoof on his shaking back.
“Can you promise me something?” Twilight was taken by surprise, but didn't let it show.
“Of course.” Spike's eyes were wavering.
“Promise you'll never give up on me?” Twilight let out a soft laugh.
“I never wou-”
“Twilight.” He said more urgently. “Please...” Twilight was taken aback, why was he asking this? Did it have to do with his nightmare? “Twilight?”
“I promise Spike.” She said from the bottom of her heart. “I couldn't give up on you even if I wanted to.”

Spike let out a breath of relief, and was asleep. “That obviously meant a lot to him.” Twilight thought. She held him there all night. She wished she could hold him now.
“Look! The cave!” Twilight came to reality to see her friends running into the cave entrance. Twilight suddenly felt nervous, what would he be like? Is he her Spike? Twilight started to gallop faster, whether he was in the right mind, or completely changed, she would still be there for him. She promised.
“I won't give up on you Spike.” Twilight said to herself. “I promise.”

Loved

Chapter 4: Loved

The cave was lit from the sunlight out side, but darkness still fell over Twilight Sparkle. Longing was eating at the pony's inside. She wanted to see Spike. No, she needed to see Spike.

Her eyes were mid-adjusting when she heard a shriek from Rarity. Twilight lit her horn and ran towards her. On the ground in a heap, lay a large beat up and worn out purple figure.

“Spike!” Twilight shouted, sliding on the cave floor next to him. He was just a bit over the size of a full grown Stallion, but Twilight could see the chipped off scales and wounds. She pushed him off his belly and put her ear by his mouth. Faint breaths came in and shortly came out. There wasn't much time. Fear came over Twilight, but she wasn't letting him get away this time.
“Sp-Spike.” She said as softly and calmly as she could. When no response came, Twilight shook him slowly. She put her hoof on his neck and lifted it and held him.

It was a long time before anypony moved. Twilight felt a hoof on her shoulder. It was Applejack.
“Look, uh, Twilight-” Twilight shook it off and held Spike closer. She held him close to her chest. Her heart beat was beginning to grow rapid, but she couldn't move. She held him tight, with more strength she knew she had.
“Come on Spike.” Twilight thought, “Don't leave me here.” She heard a deep cough from the dragon's throat.

Twilight moved back to see him opening his eyes. He droopingly turned his head toward her.
“Spike!” Twilight said relieved. Spike returned a toothy smile.
“Hehe, what's up Twi?” This made Twilight want to laugh and cry at the same time. Spike tried to get up, but fell back down, his eyes almost rolling back.
“He needs water.” Twilight ordered. Pinkie Pie placed a canteen in her hoof. Twilight shakily poured water into Spike's mouth. Which Spike, a little too eagerly, swallowed. Twilight helped him eat and drink, as though it were when she first met him. When he was her baby dragon.

********************************

Spike was sitting on his own now, his back against the cold cave wall. He gnawed on his sapphire, savoring the taste. He ate so many already, it was hard to eat anymore. Spike felt his strength returning to him, his scales growing back. That would take time, but it didn't matter.

He was with his friends again. After all that time. And they went through all that trouble, for him.
“Spike?” Spike lifted his head part way to see the most beautiful fire ruby he'd ever seen, then even higher to look into the eyes of the most beautiful mare he'd ever seen. Her deep, seeking blue eyes stared into his.
“Rarity...” She stared at him, almost blankly.

She wanted something from him, he could tell that. Spike composed himself on all fours to face her. Too many emotions came at once for Spike to sort out, but he pushed them back. She watched him, noticing how beat his body was. Her eyes wavered, tears growing. Spike wrapped his arm around her, holding her. Her arms came around his back.
“Rarity, I missed y-” Spike felt a warm stream come from where her head was burrowed in his shoulder. Like a flood, emotions filled his being. He was tired, frustrated, happy, angry, but above all he felt loved. They all cared about him. He almost couldn't contain it. His emotions were his whole being. But this mare felt so attached to him she was actually crying because she found him. Spike swallowed hard.
“I missed you Rarity.” He managed to say. Her frost white head rose from his shoulder.
“I missed you too, Spike.”

********************************

“It's getting late fast, we should set up the camp in the cave.” Twilight said. Pinkie Pie jumped at the opportunity.
“We'll set up camp, and have a PARTY!”

The pink pony zipped to seemingly no where and came back with a cannon. She lit up the string and with a loud bang and a flash of light, there were tables with snacks and drinks with tents and couches to spare.
“Never seizes to amaze me.” Applejack whispered to Twilight. They both laughed.
“I've learned never to under estimate Pinkie.” Pinkie rose from between them, and jumped into the air.
“Let's party!!”

Rainbow Dash flew over with streamers, making them fall all over the cave. A record started to play and the party of Spike's return officially started. Twilight laughed with her friends as they all picked up Spike and threw him into the air. He was heavy, but the six of them managed to get the joyful dragon airborne. He came down laughing as they all crashed onto the floor. Twilight hadn't done this in a while, but she felt so good a party felt like the right way to let go.

Twilight actually danced and they all made Spike dance, much to his embarrassment. Twilight and Spike stuck together throughout the party. She knew the feelings were mutual, but Twilight wasn't exactly sure what those feelings were.

After a round of pin the tail on the pony, Pinkie swung by Spike and started dancing with him. Spike desperately tried to keep up with the energetic pony, but simply couldn't. Twilight laughed as she watched this, and decided it would be a good time to take a breather. She stepped outside the cave and sat down against a rock. She felt tired, but too exited to sleep. The moon was full but not high yet.

Looking out over Equestria, all the vast land, forests, hills, and towns she hadn't gone to yet. But out of all the places in Equestria she could be, Twilight was glad to be here.
“Hey...” Twilight turned to see Spike standing awkwardly.
“Do you- um mind if I join you?” Twilight smiled at this.
“Get over here you silly dragon.” Spike smiled and strolled to the rock she was resting against, and took a seat next to her.
“Missing your own party?” Twilight teased. They laughed together, and it felt good. She had missed moments like these.
“Twilight, I wanted to ask you something.” The unicorn turned to look at him. He was looking at his feet nervously. She stared at him. Her Spike was back, who she raised. Her assistant, her baby, but most of all...

“Did you ever miss me?” Twilight thought hard. Of course she missed him, it seemed almost dumb to ask so, but staring at him she saw something in him that needed an answer.
“Of course Spike. How could I not miss my best friend?” Spike looked up to beam at her, and they both started to laugh. Twilight wasn't sure why, but she didn't care. It felt so good to get everything off her chest. After a few minutes they calmed down.

“You're my best friend too Twilight.” Spike replied. At this, Twilight embraced him. She didn't know what came over her, but it felt needed.
“I messed you so much Spike.” Twilight felt his claws around her. She knew she had to control her emotions, for Spike.
“But you're here now.” She backed up slowly to look him in the eyes.
“and that's all that matters now.” They smiled at each other, and returned to the cave.

********************************

“Hello?” Spike was alone in a pitch black room. No pony responded. A feeling of dread came over him.
“I don't want to be alone again.” Spike groaned. A scream came from behind him. Rarity's scream.

Spike moved on all fours incredibly fast, thrusting himself straight into whatever dangers lie ahead. The scene suddenly changed to white, as he saw five of his friends fighting an enormous blue monster. Spike looked around but could not find Rarity.
“Spike run!” Twilight shouted.

Spike didn't move, and felt fear, not for himself, but for his friends when he stared at the beast. He recognized him, it wasn't safe here.
“Spike!” Twilight shrieked. The beast moved a claw with unbelievable force by his friends. Four of them got out of the way, one didn't move.
“Twilight!”

********************************

Spike jolted up. His heart was racing, he felt as though he was going to explode. He squirmed and thrashed out. His rapid pulse slowed as he turned to look at his sleeping friends. He was sitting on a mat where he'd previously been asleep. He got up and saw Twilight sound asleep, right next to him. Relief and love blew over him.
“They really care about me.” Spike whispered to himself. He looked around to see all his friends by him. All except one.

“Rarity...” Spike felt a magic breeze touch his chin, turning it toward the cave exit. Spike avoided stepping on any of his friends while going out. The moon was casting a pale blue rays over the mountain. Spike turned around to see a rocky slope, with Rarity at the top. Rarity teasingly winked at him and bolted off. Spike smiled slyly.
“Okay then, here I come!” Spike swiftly ran up the mountain.

The breeze in his ears, Spike running through the cool night air. He felt free. Spike reached a flat field at the top of the slope. Rarity was still running. Spike chuckled as he was easily catching up with her.
“Come on Spike, you slow poke dragon!” She teased laughing. She turned quickly to throw Spike off. Spike saw this coming, but slowed down anyway. He was enjoying himself too much.

“You're so slow Spike!” Rarity teased again. Spike smiled and burst forward tackling her. They laughed as they rolled together on the soft grass.

Momentum and time caught up with them however, leaving Spike and her on the wet grass together. Spike realized that he was on top of the pony, pinning her down. He looked into her eyes, his heart slowing to a loud steady thump. He knew he should move, allow her to get up.

But Spike didn't want to. And from what he could tell she didn't want him to either. Rarity's eyes softened before they closed. She leaned in and kissed him. Spike felt like he could get off the ground and soar, but even if he could, he didn't want to. He felt all the pain and anger that filled him before vanish. This was all he needed. Eventually she retreated. Spike opened his eyes to see her biting her lip. He had always found that cute.

“Oh Spike...” Rarity said softly. He backed off of her so they could lie down together. They watched the brightest stars. Spike had ever seen on this beautiful full moon night. He noticed the snow white mare getting cold. He reached out to pull her close. She fell asleep in his arms.

Something to Depend On

Chapter 5: Something to Depend On

Rarity was lying on her back on a warm sofa. At first she wondered how she had gotten there, but she noticed Spike lying not too far away from her. He must of carried her here last night.
“He's so sweet.” She thought to herself. The unicorn got up and kissed his rough cheek. She nimbly avoided waking any of her sleeping friends before leaving the cave. What had come over her last night? It wasn't really like her, but it felt good. No not good, Great.

For once in her life, Rarity had felt complete. She had something she had been looking for her entire life, someone to love her and take care of her. But then why did she feel so upset?

Fog covered the sleeping mountain, leaving an ominous almost dead feel to it. Almost dead. Rainbow Dash swooped in through the fog, flying at top speed while spinning and flipping. The pegasus noticed her and descended to the stone.
“What's up Rarity? Not like you to wake up so early.” Rainbow Dash remarked.
“Oh I don't know,” Rarity said nonchalantly, “I guess I just wasn't tired.” Dash nearly pressed her face against her own, hoof rubbing her blue chin, inspecting her. Rarity did her best to look relaxed and calm against her bright searching eyes. A wide smile made it's way across the pegasus' face.
“It's okay Rare, I know what's goin' on.” she said, patting Rarity's head. Now she was beginning to get annoyed.
“Well I guess you, the great,all knowing Rainbow Dash knows exactly what's going on.” Rarity announced sarcastically.
“That's right!” Dash said matter-of-factly.

Rarity puffed out her cheeks. Sometimes, that pony really got on her nerves. Rainbow Dash waltzed over to a rock and sat against it, hooves behind her head, eyes closed. She looked as if preparing to take a nap.
“You're just saying that to get on my nerves.” The defiant unicorn proclaimed. “But I'm better than that! I won't let you.” She turned to march off, when a slightly softer, more affectionate Rainbow Dash spoke back.
“Spike means a lot to you.” Rarity froze in her tracks. She wanted to make the pony shut up, but some part of her needed to hear what she was going to say.
“But you don't know how long, or even if he'll stay. He left because his heart found greed more satisfying, what's to stop him from leaving again?” Rarity soaked this in, digesting every word she said. She was right, why would he stay here? He's a dragon, why would he stay in Ponyville where he couldn't be greedy.

Rarity stepped closer to her friend and sat down next to her. With her eyes still closed, a smile crossed her face.
“But, then what do I do?” The white pony sighed. The pegasus' eyes popped open. She obviously hadn't expected this question, and suddenly appeared nervous.
“Well- Uh....” The multi-colored pegasus didn't seem to know the answer, looking all around her for something to perhaps give her a clue. Rarity wanted to plead, even beg if necessary. She needed to know.

Rainbow Dash's eyes became fixed on her own hooves.
“You need to show him” The blue pony said slowly, “that you'll be there for him. Even if he isn't, even if he decides to go and live somewhere else. You need to show him that you'll always be his friend, no matter what he does.” The pegasus' head turned to face Rarity's.
“You need to be something he can depend on.”

Rarity's whole expression changed. She felt terrible that he could leave her, but she wouldn't ever leave him.
“Thank you, Rainbow Dash.” She said.
“No problemo!” And with that she jumped up into the morning sky.

Rarity admired that Rainbow Dash woke up this early, still working to fulfill her dream and become one of the members of the prestigious Wonder Bolts. She watched her fly around, doing outstanding, awe inspiring tricks.

She sat there, watching her loyal friend fly through the sky, without a care in the world. Rarity, on the other hoof, was stuck on the ground, with a thought on her tender mind that was growing like a tumor. Could she ever depend on Spike?

********************************

“How long are we staying here, Twilight? This spooky cave is bad luck, I can feel it.” Pinkie Pie complained. Twilight and the other ponies were busy picking up party supplies that had been abandoned the night before on the cave floor. Twilight didn't want to be pestered by this, but she knew she had to seem worry free to maintain control of the group.
“I'm staying as long as Spike needs me. It's been rough, and we still don't know what's happened to him. You all have stayed long enough and I'm grateful for your help. But if any of you wish to leave now that's fine.” Twilight replied coolly. Rainbow Dash and Flutter Shy were in the middle of taking down a banner that had been put up for the party, when a pink pony bounced out from behind it, which caused Flutter Shy to scream.
“ I'm staying as long as you do Twilight!” The ruffled haired pony replied, “I couldn't even dream leaving without you.”

This made Twilight smile in appreciation. She was so fortunate to have these friends. It seemed odd though, that out of all of her friends, Rarity hadn't complained once about being stuck inside a cave. The thoughtful pony noticed that she had been going through a rough time, and her head and feelings were probably all jumbled up in the troublesome mare. Twilight thought it best not to bring it up.

However there was one thing she did want to bring up, something they all long deserved. The purple pony walked over to where Spike and Flutter Shy were sitting.
“So Spike, it's about time we had an explanation.” She asked.
“Ya, why'd you change back?” Applejack chimed in.
“How much did you miss us?” Pinkie inquired.

In no time at all, everypony was gathered around, surrounding the slouching dragon. It was apparent to Twilight that he felt out of place.
“Well, uh, I dunno...” He said shyly.
“Did something remind you of one of us, like last time?” Rarity cut in. Spike just looked down.

Twilight felt that maybe she had been to quick, and maybe she should take a step back. But this had been eating at her for too long.
“You can tell us anything.” Twilight assured. His head lifted up, looking each of them straight in the eyes. But his gaze fell upon a pair of lavender eyes. Twilight trusted him more than anything in this world. But he looked sad, and as she stared into him, she saw something that wasn't just hurting him. It was killing him.

“I didn't think of any of you.” He said, cutting eye contact from her. “Not once, I was a dragon full of greed. They don't feel compassion, love or caring. Friendship's a sick joke.” Murmurs from Twilight's friends went around. She could feel her fragile heart snapping. She missed him everyday, she never stopped thinking about him. If he was safe, out there, whether he missed her too. The only friendship and family she'd ever known, didn't even think once about her.
“It's not the same, dragons sort of.... Shut it out. When we feel emotions, it's unbearable. Obviously greed is huge, but the other one is humility. When everything you have is taken away, you're no longer a dragon, you're a loser.”

The purple unicorn stopped herself from crying. Maybe there was more to what he was saying.
“But then, what were you humiliated by?” Flutter Shy asked. Spike hadn't said he had been humiliated, but it was apparent, especially to the yellow pegasus. Spike's claws clutched themselves into a fist. He was trying to hide it, but Twilight saw something changing in the dragon's eyes. They were growing.

Twilight felt scared for him, as if she needed to do something. The dragon took a deep breath, and closed his eyes. It was silent for a moment, except for a loud clutter outside the cave.

Her throat and tongue were dry, but he still never answered the unicorn's question.
“So, what happened to you?” She finally asked. Spike steadily opened his mouth to speak, but an earth shattering roar came from the cave entrance. A gigantic blue dragon filled up the cave, hissing at the ponies. It's aged, blood-red eyes, sharp blue scales, it's blade sharp fangs. In a terrifying instant, it all finally made sense.

Twilight had seen this dragon before, in her studies of dragons. She had tried to learn as much as she could about dragons, for Spike. This was the oldest dragon in existence. And also the strongest. It went searching for other dragon's loot, to steal and take for itself. This monster is the thing that left Spike all beat up. It took his things and left him to die.

“Run!” Spike yelled. Her friends were screaming all around her, scattering in different directions. But Twilight didn't move, the dragon left her petrified. The blue dragon took a deep, raspy breath.
“Twilight!” Spike screamed, the sheer fear evident in his voice. Not for himself, not that he would lose his life. But that Twilight would lose her's. She felt herself being pushed out of the way as the ancient dragon blew scorching red flames in their way.

She was being pinned down by Spike, flames barely missing them. Spike got up on two legs, limbs extended in a blocking position.
“I won't let you hurt her!” Spike yelled ferociously. Twilight Sparkle watched as her own Spike, against all odds, stood up to protect her. He was risking his own life, to save her's.

The beast watched attentively at this. For it had no idea what the purple object behind the brave little dragon was. But if Spike wanted it, then so did he. It extended it's overpowering claw and slapped Spike away. His body hitting the cave wall. THWACK!
“NO! Spike!” Twilight shrieked as the blue claw grabbed her, and carried her out of the cave.

All Good Things

Chapter 6: All Good Things

Spike flew across the cave, skidding on the rocky floor and hitting the rough cave wall. His head and vision distorted as the pain filled dragon struggled to get up.
“Not him again...” He groaned, managing to compose himself. The oldest dragon in existence was leaving the cave, but not empty handed.

Spike got one last glimpse of his closest friend being taken away by an unstoppable monster, before flying out of sight.
“No... NO!” The dragon howled, “I'm not letting you take her!” Fury filled his whole being, and there was only one thing on his mind. He was going to save Twilight.

Moving faster than he ever had before, Spike ran on all fours out of that wretched cave. He turned up the slope leading him to the grassy field. In the distance, the aged dragon was getting away with Twilight. But Spike had already decided that wasn't going to happen.

His pain and emotion were slipping away, affection caring, and love left his heart to be replaced. He wanted Twilight free, no, he needed Twilight free. That was the only thing he wanted, and it filled him up. Spike felt complete. The dragon lept off the edge of the cliff.

********************************

She was being choked. The grasp of the dirty beast's hand were suffocating Twilight, squeezing her puny chest till it felt like it was going to give way. If she stayed this way, she was going to die. A bubble formed around the pony, shielding her from the tight clutch of the blue deathtrap claws.

She gasped for air, setting her hoof on her heart. A sigh of relief came from the unicorn's heavy lungs. Her feeling of security didn't last long. The clutch around her bubble tightened, and the pony's concentration on magic protecting her grew. She had to get out.

With strain growing on her horn, Twilight managed to teleport onto the elder's scaly back. She was in some kind of mountainous region, the beautiful sight made her feel reassured. Just when she was beginning to feel safe, an enraged roar came from behind her. A rage filled, fully grown dragon flew behind them, gaining speed.
“Spike...” She muttered. Her head was pounding, and she was being kidnapped by the oldest dragon in Equestria. But this took the cake, and Twilight knew she was in trouble now.

A green ball of fire erupted from Spike's mouth, but the older, wiser dragon evaded it with ease. Twilight was flung across the dragon's back. Her back hit a scale and she quickly grabbed hold. With a deep growl, the dragon let out an ancient battle cry, and flew straight up into the sky. Wind was whipping her mane and screaming in her ears. The purple pony clung on for dear life, knowing very well she might not make it.

But they stopped. Twilight looked down to see the Spike grabbing hold of the beast's tail. He pulled down. The dragon went down faster than she, so the unicorn was left to free fall. Twilight tried to summon some magic, teleport to safety, but this was too much for her. Blood rushed up to her head, but she could make out the blue elder hit the ground, making an ominous crack.
“That will be my fate too.” Twilight thought. She heard wings flapping by her, and something swooped by right next to her.

Suddenly, she wasn't falling anymore. She was in the claws of the purple dragon, who glanced at her with a triumphant look.
“Spike!” The pony shouted. A grip formed around her, but allowed her head to pop out. She could breathe easily enough, his grip was rather loose. He genuinely cared for her safety.
“Maybe he is somewhere in there.” She thought.

They were diving down, gaining speed. They were going head first into the dragon, and Twilight thought Spike had officially lost it. But he flipped in mid air to land on his feet. And the dragon. A cry came out of the beast, and then lied still. Spike was breathing heavily, then released an intense roar, spouting green fire into the air. Twilight chuckled, but her energy was long gone. Her head fell on the dragon's claw as she passed out.

********************************

When the purple pony awoke, she was flying in Spike's hand. They were soaring over mountains and valleys. A curtain of sunshine was covering the magical land, the whole unfolding right in front of her. She took everything in, after all, it wasn't everyday Twilight Sparkle got off the ground. In the distance, Twilight was able to make out the mountain that loomed over Ponyville. The dragon slowed down to grab onto the cliff side, scaling it easily with one claw. They made their way around the mountain into the cave, with horrified screams coming from the inside.

When inside, Twilight could make out all her friends, cowering in a corner. She felt herself being lowered and set down on the stone floor. Her friends collided with her, they were all screaming and laughing.
“Doggy pile!” Rainbow Dash laughed while they fell on top of Twilight. Now, in the middle of a pile of ponies, Twilight felt the best she had in a long while.
“These really are the best friends in the world.” She thought, but they weren't complete yet.

Twilight climbed out to stare into the thoughtful gaze of a purple dragon. He looked confused, as if unsure what they were doing or why he was here. But she was so happy, and he saved her, so he had to be in there somewhere.
“I'm okay now Spike, you can change back!” She said matter-of-factly. The dragon continued to stare at her blankly.
“Alright now, no need to stay like that.” She said, this time concern making it's way in.

The dragon turned it's head to some of the left over party supplies. He pounced on them happily, reaching out for nearby items. Her friends were suddenly silent. The greedy dragon gathered a nice pile and decided to lie atop it and cuddle it as if it were a teddy bear. Twilight couldn't move, her legs growing painfully stiff and her mouth running dry. Not this, not again.

Tears were forming in her eyes, this couldn't be happening.
“Do you really want this?!” She shouted, pain ringing in her raspy voice, but she didn't care.
“Who are we to you? Who am I to you?” Her knees were shaking so bad, the world was pulling her down. She felt a gentle yellow hoof on her shoulder.
“Twilight, maybe it's best if-”
“No!” Twilight was screaming now, this needed to be said, and nothing was going to stop her. That greed filled dragon, lying on top of his valuables was tearing her apart.
“If this is what you want, then fine! You don't even know who I am, all you care about is yourself! I didn't raise you for-” Her voice cracked. The entire world was against her, but above everything else, the pony needed to say one last thing.
“If that's what you want, then fine. Goodbye Spike.”

She ran out of the terrible cave, tears whipping off her face.
“Twilight wait!” A voice called. She ran even faster. Down the slope of the cursed mountain, down like her sinking heart. Was that it then? She had thought she was going to learn some valuable lesson, but was the moral of the story that all good friendships come to an end?
“Twilight stop!” Rainbow Dash was gaining on her now. But Twilight didn't want to see her. She didn't want to see anypony.

The blue pegasus' hooves reached around her stomach, and press her full body weight down. They both hit the jagged stone path, rolling down before stopping hard. Pain rushed thorough her body. When Twilight finally stopped rolling, she was pinned down.
“Twilight you need to stop!” The pegasus screamed in her face.
“We can help you, we can fix this. We'll be there for you.” But the unicorn didn't want any of it. She struggled under the weight of the pegasus, adrenaline pumping through her body. Getting her right hoof free, she whacked the multicolored pony in the face, and was able to get up. She limped away as fast as she could. Her hoof hit a rock and she fell flat on her face.

She lied there, crying. Not for the pain of humiliation she just received. But because she lost Spike, again. Clops of her friends hooves came by her, they wanted to help, but there was a new barrier around Twilight's broken heart. She wasn't going to let anypony in. How could the one she raised, grew up with, didn't even care to see her face?
“Uh, Twilight... We should go.” Applejack's voice called.
“Leave me alone!” Twilight shrieked. There was murmurs and whispers, but they didn't matter.

Was she meant to have no friends? Was that it, if it was she could go back to Canterlot now and just study and read her life away like she used to. But even then she still had Spike. The real Spike, not that monster in that terrible cave. That wasn't him, and for all she knew he would never come back.

The thin mountain air grew cool around her. Night's unforgiving chill was crawling on her skin.
The world abandoned the shivering unicorn, leaving her alone to her thoughts.

That Kind of Friendship...

A sheet white unicorn stared blankly at a dim camp fire. There were other ponies around her, but no pony spoke. Rarity had gone through the motions ever since the group left to chase Twilight. It felt as if this was a dream. A fuzzy, non-existent figment of her imagination. But common sense told her otherwise. This was all wrong, Spike was taken away from her again. Fate couldn't leave them in peace. Spike's natural instinct told him how to live, but his personality always fought back.

Rarity had thought she'd known rock bottom, but this was a new low. Dresses not being accepted, feeling like she wasn't good enough for Canterlot society. She could care less about any of that now.

Just when she had begun to open up, when she was going to tell him how she felt, he went back to his greedy ways. Stealing and fighting, were Spike's idea of fun. How could she even think that it would work out?

But her attention turned to the fire ruby around the sorrow-filled unicorn's neck. It was the most precious thing in the world to her, given in an act of generosity and love. There was still a Spike in there that gave her this beautiful stone.

The unicorn lifted her head to view her friend Twilight. She was face down on the stone mountain floor. She had been there for hours. Rarity figured they were both thinking the same thing. Spike will leave Equestria tomorrow morning, and they would never see him again. He was so confused, and wanted to leave this behind. He didn't belong anywhere else but Ponyville, he didn't deserve a greedy heart. However, sitting there wouldn't help anything. After all he put her through, she needed to tell him something.

Rarity stood up. The ground below her was moving a million miles an hour. Her limbs were numb, not wanting to respond to what she was telling them to do. The determined unicorn struggled from the campsite, leaving her friend's behind.

Muffled voices were calling out her name, trying to stop her. But that didn't matter now. That dragon was going to hear what she had to say, and no pony could stop her.

Something grabbed her, it was yelling, pleading to try and reason. The unicorn responded with a blue sphere around her. Nothing would stop her.

Rarity questioned how she was even functioning. It had been days since she had a proper night's sleep. But that was mainly due to Spike. The closer the unicorn got to the cave, the clearer her head became. The cave was where she needed to be, she could feel it.

In what felt like years, Rarity finally stood in front of the cave. For all she knew, the dragon inside would kill her. No pony would be able to help her. She placed a hoof in the dark cave, and made a light with her horn. Reflections shined off a pile of multicolored gems. On the top, a sleeping dragon was beginning to stir. The face of the dragon shifted uncomfortably as light shined on his face. It's eyes focused on Rarity.

The dragon's face shifted to rage, angry that something had woken it. It then noticed the ruby around the pony's neck.

“Spike...” The unicorn whispered, “I know you're in there, somewhere. I need to tell you- there's something I've always-” Rarity's heart was racing. She tried to speak but the words weren't coming out. Besides, Spike was gone.

The dragon simply stared at the pony. She needed to say it, not just for Spike but for herself. Rarity undid her necklace.

“Spike, you've always had a crush on me. I used to think it was cute, and I would often take you for granted. I want you to know I don't deserve you. No matter how selfish I ever became, you always saw me for who I really was. I want to let you know,” Rarity placed the ruby on the dragon's pile of gems, “That I'll always love you.”

She ran as fast as she could out of the wretched cave. The world span around the broken unicorn, the world moving a thousand miles an hour under her hooves.

Before the unicorn knew it, she was at the campsite, her friend's watching horrified. Rarity collapsed next to the fire and sobbed uncontrollably. Her whole body was shaking. Rarity felt hooves touch her back, voices trying to reassure her. But she was too far gone. Not only was the poor pony heartbroken, she was empty.

********************

The dragon's green, greedy eyes were fixed on the fire ruby. That ruby was necessary, he needed it. Come morning it would be gone along with him leaving this terrible land that only confused him. As the dragon stared into the gem, it started to change. An image formed inside the hard gem.

A baby dragon was crying, he looked so scared. The dragon wanted to look away, the thought of a dragon crying disgusted it. But it's eyes stayed glued to the ruby. The baby went to the bed of a purple pony, saying something to her. She made room for the dragon, then pulled him close.

The scene changed, the baby dragon was falling. Along side him there was a white unicorn with a flowing blue mane. The tiny dragon summed up all his courage, more courage than he knew existed in the world.

“Rarity, I need to tell you something. In case we don't make it. I've always sort of had a crush-” A hoof suddenly was lodged in his mouth. The baby stared at her tear filled, blue eyes. She already knew, and she simply smiled at him.

The ruby went dark, and so did the cave. The ghost of generosity, touched the dragon's stone cold heart. Losing what made him a dragon never felt so good to Spike.

*********************

Sleep wouldn't come to the weary Twilight Sparkle. She tried lying to herself, that she didn't need that dragon. But Twilight wasn't one to fall for her own trickery. That sometimes felt like a curse.

The beat-up unicorn attempted to get up, fumbling over herself. After straightening herself, Twilight tried to move. She soon found that her hooves shook too much, and couldn't hold her up. Something had happened to her friends not too far off, but instead she just stood there.

Her body was cold, just like the night breeze blowing on her. Twilight didn't faze, she hardly noticed how cold she was. She was too weak and numb to feel anything. Twilight wanted warmth, her friends by her side again, which wouldn't be easy because she shrugged them off last time.

Twilight just wanted somepony there, to lie and tell her she was okay. Her friends would, she knew that. Twilight tried to pt her hoof out in front of her, but her body wasn't responding.

It took all of the chewed up unicorn's strength to place her right hoof forward. She then tried to move the next, but the sad heap of a pony fell.

She hung suspended in mid air, unable to fall. Twilight wondered what was wrong. She strained her neck back to see a pony sized dragon, more terrified than she had ever seen him. His arm was around her chest, keeping her from falling.

“Twi- Twilight?” He said in a shaky voice. Twilight couldn't begin to think of how she should feel. Tears began to form in Spike's eyes.

“Don't give up on me yet... I'm so-” Twilight leaped onto the sobbing dragon, kissing him all over.

“Spike!” Is all she could manage to say. She wouldn't let go of hi, ever again.

“Eh, Twilight.” She loosened her grip a bit and looked at his face. “You look awful.” The two stared at each other for a moment, then burst out laughing.

“You're right, let's go find the others.” Twilight said, hopping down.

“Try not to fall again.” Spike teased. The two walked off to find their friends, together at last.

Epilogue:

Twilight Sparkle was in her library, enjoying an afternoon reading a book. Well, at least it looked like she was. A week had passed since spike's return home, and everypony welcomed him back as their friend again. He had stayed with her, on the second floor of the library with a bed of his own.

The unicorn wondered why her silly dragon chose to live with her again, instead of with Rarity. The two obviously had something going on. Twilight didn't complain though, she was glad he stayed with her though.

A feeling had been nagging at her since they returned from the mountain. There was something she forgot, and she couldn't quite figure out what it was. Twilight scanned the room, searching for anything she forgot.

Her eyes fell on her desk, which held a quill and paper. A smile crossed the pony's face. It had been so long since she wrote one, but it seemed like the right thing to do. Twilight closed her book, and trotted over to the desk. The quill magically lifted from the air onto the paper.

Dear Princess Celestia,

A few weeks ago, I would have told you that friendships come to an end. That they are all destined to fall apart and ponies always go their separate ways. The friends we grow up with, the ones we share and learn with, are the hardest to let go. I learned that those friends are never truly gone. Even if they leave, they made an impact on who you are, so they're always with you. I learned that that kind of friendship, lasts a life time.

Your Faithful Student,
Twilight Sparkle