Spike's wingsby valkyrie95ChaptersChapter 1chapter2chapter 3chapter 4Chapter 1It was the day after Spike, Twilight, Rarity, and Rainbow Dash returned the dragon migration. The newly hatched phoenix was getting flying lessons from Owlicious, and Spike was walking around Ponyville. Even though it had been a few days since the dragons flew over ponyville, their was still a lot of talk about it. Spike would over hear ponies talking about how they were amazed at the dragon’s wing spans, amazing speed, and flying maneuvers. Spike looked over his shoulders wondering why so many dragons like him had wings, but he didn’t. This thought never bothered him before, but after seeing all the other dragons he began to wonder. He started walking back to the library in which he lived with Twilight. Spike started searching the shelves for anything with a promising title. Twilight walked down from the second floor wondering what Spike was looking for. “What are you looking for Spike?” Twilight asked startling Spike who had yet to notice her. He fell off the ladder he was standing on before Twilight startled him. He stood up rubbing his shoulder. “Ow, hay Twilight; I’m just looking for a book that might tell me why I don’t have wings.” Said Spike “But Spike we went through all the books the other day, they don’t have any information on dragons.” “Oh yea.” Spike said slumped over sad looking at the ground. “But I think I just remembered some pony who might know something.” Twilight said with a thoughtful look on her face. “Who?” Spike said exited. “Follow me.” Twilight said walking out the door with Spike following “For a dragon raised with or without greed, to grow some wings the heart you must feed.” Said Zecora. “Please tell me I don’t have to drink blood?” Spike said startled at the thought. “No you wont, will he?” Twilight said to Spike, then asking Zecora. “No it is love in which I speak, love of more than a kiss on the cheek.” Zecora said. “So if Spike wants wings he needs a girlfriend?” Twilight asked. “A girlfriend!” Spike said. “A love shared by both, and a kiss to help the growth.” Zecora said. “Maybe you can talk to Rarity.” Twilight suggested with a small laugh. “But I still don’t know if she likes me back the same way.” Spike said looking at the grownd trying to hide his blushing face. “Your heart will lead you where you need to be, but to remember that the path may turn and twist is key.” Zecora just before Spike and Twilight left. “Thank you for your help Zecora.” Twilight said as she walked out the door. With Spike on her back, Twilight approached her library and greeted Derpy Hooves as she was dropping off the mail. “Hello Derpy how have you been lately?” Said Twilight “I’v been good, oh and here.” Derpy replied as she turned her head to grab a few letters from her saddle bag. She held out two envelopes and a scroll. “Thank you.” Twilight said as she grabbed them with her unicorn magic. “Your welcome Twilight.” Derpy said flying off. Twilight started to walk in when she heard a crash. Both her and Spike looked up to see Derpy lying on a now bent branch of a tree. “You ok Derpy?” Spike asked. “I’m fine, just a strong wind.” Derpy then flew off leaving the bent branch. Twilight continued on into the library and sat down with the mail. She opened the orange envelope first. It was an invitation from Apple Jack. “Dear Twilight I would like to invite you a camping trip up in the Everfree forest. I’m inviting Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie. Apple Bloom has asked that I invite her little friends to, so they’ll be there to. Fell free to bring spike as well. From your good friend, Apple Jack.” “Spike come look! Apple Jack invited us to a camping trip, I’m sure it will be a fun experience. Spike?” Twilight said looking around. “Huh. I guess spike went back out. While I wait for him to return I should look for a book on camping.” Said Twilight. Spike was walking towards Rarity’s boutique happily. He had new encouragement to talk to Rarity about how he feels. Wondering what he should say, Spike found himself at Rarity’s boutique faster than anticipated, he wasn’t paying attention and walked face first into the front door. The large bang at the door was answered by Rarity. “Oh Spike dear! Are you alright?” Rarity asked after seeing Spike on the ground. “I’m ok, just a little distracted while walking.” Spike said “Oh well come on in, lets see what’s on your mind.” Rarity said, inviting him in. Spike walked in and sat on a couch. Rarity grabbed scissors, measuring tape, and some thread with her magic to continue a dress she was working on prior to Spike’s arrival. “So what is it that’s on your mind today Spike?” Rarity said still working on the dress. “Oh… well umm…” Spike stuttered to say. “Oh don’t be shy Spike, Rarity is here to help.” Rarity said to try and ease Spike’s mind. “Well its just that I’ve always thought that you were very beautiful, and I really like you.” Spike said. “OH!” Rarity said realizing where Spike was going with this. She sat down the scissors, measuring tape, and thread. She then walked over to Spike. “Oh Spike I do appreciate the complement, and you are very special to me, but I’m to old for you. I’m sorry but…” Rarity said trying to put Spike down gently. “Its ok Rarity *sigh* I understand” Spike said leaping off the couch. With his head tilted down he walked towards the door about to leave. “Wait Spike, I can at least offer you a cookie before you leave.” Rarity said as she used her magic to grab get a cookie from the kitchen and give it to Spike. “Thanks.” Spike said with a sadden tone as he grabbed the cookie and walked out. Spike walked back to the library, and he laid in his bed depressed as soon as he got there. “There you are Spike. Where did you go? You look upset.” Twilight said. “I went to Rarity’s. She gave me a cookie.” Spike said trying to keep from crying. “You actually went over there? Spike I said that as a joke. You know that’s a big age difference right?” Twilight said. “Yeah, that’s what Rarity said to.” Spike said, still trying not to cry. “Well I’m at least proud to see that you had the courage to finally say it to Rarity. I’ll let you rest for now, but I will need your help later, we go a camping trip to go to next week.” Twilight said about to walk off to get back to the camping book she was reading, when there was a knock at the door. chapter2Twilight answered the door to find Apple Jack and Apple Bloom waiting there. “Howdy there Twi. Ah was wonderin if ya might have a book ta help me get organized fur next week’s campin trip?” Apple Jack said when Twilight opened the door. “Hello Apple Jack. I was actually just in the middle of reading a book on the subject, come in” Twilight said as she moved out of the way, so that Apple Jack and Apple Bloom could enter. Apple Jack and Twilight walked over to the desk the book was on, but Apple Bloom spotted Spike in the corner of her eye. She walked up to Spike, who was curled up in his bed, still holding the cookie and tears welling up in his eyes. “Howdy Spahk, is every thin all right? Ya look like your gonna cry.” Apple Bloom asked. “I don’t feel like talking about it.” Spike said rolling over to face the other way. Apple Bloom circled the bed to get back in front of spike. “Aww come on, why ya so sad?” Apple Bloom asked. Spike just ignored the question. “Come on Spahk, cheer up. Ah know, you should come and play with Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, and me. It’ll get your mind off whatever is upsettin ya.” Apple Bloom suggested. Spike laid there for a moment before sitting up and whipping his tears from his eyes. “I guess that might help.” Spike said. He took a deep breath to try and calm himself down before standing. He walked to Twilight to let her know where he was about to go. “Twilight, is it fine if I go out and play with Apple Bloom and her friends, you know to try and cheer me up?” Spike asked Twilight. “That’ll be fine Spike, but be home before it gets dark. I’m still going to need your help with some camping preparations, and here take this just in case, but don’t spend it all.” Twilight said as she handed him a small bag with twenty bits in it. “Thanks Twilight.” Spike said just before leaving with Apple Bloom. “Come on lets go find Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo.” Apple Bloom said to spike when suddenly Scootaloo pulled up next to them on her scooter attached to a wagon, which contained Sweetie Belle and several rolls of thick fabric. “There you are, we’ve been looking for you. Sweetie Belle had a good idea for something for us to try and get our cutie marks.” Said Scootaloo. “Yea it’s a really good idea. Hay what are you doing with Spike? Are you two on a date or something?” Sweetie Belle said sharing a laugh with Scootaloo. “NO! we’re not on a date. Spahk just seemed upset so ah invited him ta hang out with us, ta get his mid off what it is that’s botherin him. We actualy just started lookin fur you.” Apple Bloom said with a slightly red face. “We were only kidding. Come on climb in the wagon, Spike can probably help.” Scootaloo said. Spike and Apple Bloom climbed into the wagon, and then Scootaloo scooted off into town. “We have a few stores to stop by first, but my idea is to make bags.” Sweetie Belle said “Bags?” Spike said. “Yea you know, so people can carry stuff easer.” Sweetie Belle said “Sounds fun.” Apple Bloom said. The four of them stopped at two stores fore buckles and thread. They went to the crusaders tree house. The three fillies unrolled the rolls of fabric. Spike out of habit organized the scissors, buckles, and thread. Sweetie Belle started off the cutting. Spike was juggled between the three for help, but it seemed that he helped with Apple Bloom the most. “I don’t think I did it right, even with your help Spike.” Sweetie Belle said holding up a light purple bag, with stitching running through unnecessary parts and loose fabric coming out at parts. “Yea I didn’t do to good ether.” Said Scootaloo, looking down at a mangled pile of fabric and thread. “Mine came out good.” Apple Bloom said holding up a yellow and red bag with a green burning scroll shaped buckle. “That’s cause you kept calling spike over to help you.” Scootaloo said. “Well ah just didn’t want Spahk ta feel to left out.” Apple Bloom said “Wait how is it held? Its got two straps on the back.” Sweetie Belle asked. “Its so Spahk can carry it on his back.” Apple Bloom said. “You made it for me?” Spike asked. “Yea ah saw how holdin the pouch of money was getin annoyin fur ya. And ah thought this might make it easier fur ya.” Apple Bloom said to Spike as she gave him the bag. “Aww, thanks.” Spike said, finally letting out a smile. The days passed and Spike would go to hang out with the crusaders whenever he could. He would use his new bag every day, throwing in his money and a book about what ever kind of adventures him and the crusaders would be going on that day. Spike grew to be close friends with the three fillies, especially Apple Bloom. Apple Bloom helped spike get out of his depression the most, so spike grew really close to her. The day before the camping trip came and Apple Bloom was given the job of preparing the camp sight, and Apple Bloom invited Spike to help. They walked around clearing the camp sight of loose branches around the cabin and fire pit. “So what do we do with the sticks we find?” Spike asked with a small pilled of sticks in his arms. “If its wet just toss it inta the woods, away from camp, if its dry set it in the fire wood pile” Apple Bloom said. They finished cleaning up the camp sight at the same time. The sat to rest on one of the logs around the fire pit. “Ya know ah never found out why you were so upset the other day, why don’tcha tell me?” Apple Bloom said. “Eh… I don’t know.” Spike said, scratching his head and looking at the ground. “Aww come on.” Apple bloom giving Spike a bight wide eyed look. “Ok fine. Well you see I really liked Rarity, but she said I was too young. But its ok now, I’m over it, you helped me a lot, thank you” Spike explained. Without warning Apple Bloom planted a small kiss on spikes cheek and trotted off. Spike sat there for a moment holding his cheek with a red face. “Come on, we’re done cleanin up here, we mite as well head back.” Apple Bloom said just before walking off with Spike following behind. chapter 3It was the night of the first day of the camping trip and everypony was sitting around the fire pit. Pinkie Pie roasting ten marshmallows on one stick, Twilight going through a check list, Fluttershy feeding a squirrel, Rainbow Dash and Apple Jack discussing which is better, speed or strength, Rarity trying to get comfy on a tree stump, Sweetie Belle whispering something to Scootaloo while giggling, and finally Apple Bloom and Spike holding a marshmallow over the fire. They were all waiting for Twilight to finish going over her check list. “So spahk, is it a little weird to be here with Rarity.” Apple Bloom asked in a whispery voice. “It’s a little weird I guess, but I’m fine, remember you helped me get over it.” Spike said. Spike pulled in his marshmallow and tried to blow on it before eating it, but he accidentally set it on fire with his own green fire breath. “How did I not see that coming?” Spike said. “Here let me.” Apple Bloom said just before blowing out the fire on Spike’s marshmallow. “Thanks.” Spike said as he ate the marshmallow in one bite. “Ooooo that looked good, can I try?” Pinkie Pie asked Spike. “Try what?” Spike asked. "A green fire marshmallow, Duh.” Pinkie Pie said. “Um ok I guess.” Spike said as he lit the three marshmallows at the end of Pinkie Pie’s stick of ten. Pinkie Pie let them sit for a moment before blowing them out and eating all three at once. “Mmm, I think that made them a little bit more sweet.” Pinkie Pie said. “Ok, I’ve been through the list and it says that after marshmallows, is usually ghost stories.” Twilight said finally looking up from the check list in the back of her camping book. “G-g-ghost stories?” Fluttershy said nervously, and a little frightened. She hid her face in her hooves letting out a little squee. “Don’t worry Fluttershy, their just harmless stories. You have nothing to worry about.” Twilight said to comfort Fluttershy. “Oh… ok I guess.” Fluttershy said, still a little nervous. “Who wants to go first?” Twilight asked the group. “I’ll go!” Rainbow Dash announced. “Wait hold on. Spike if you don’t mind.” Twilight said looking over to Spike. Spike knew what Twilight wanted because they had discussed it earlier. Spike jumped down from the log he was sitting on and blew his green dragon fire onto the camp fire, turning it green for the perfect lighting for ghost stories. This made Fluttershy a little scared, as she had gone back to hiding in her hooves. “Now you may continue Rainbow Dash.” Twilight said. "Ok so, one dark night, deep in the Everfree forest…” Rainbow Dash said before getting interrupted by a premature scream of terror from Fluttershy, who then ran off scared. “Huh, you four stay here, we’ll go get her.” Twilight said to Spike and the three fillies. “And I had just gotten comfortable on this tree stump.” Rarity said as she got down from the tree stump to follow the other ponies on their search for Fluttershy. While the four waited for their return they roasted a couple more marshmallows on the still green fire. “So what was that you were whisperin ta Scootaloo?” Apple Bloom asked Sweetie Belle. “Oh nothing important.” Sweetie Belle replied, and then sharing a small laugh with Scootaloo. Apple Bloom just rolled her eyes, knowing she probably wouldn’t get the true answer. “Mmm, I think these are sweeter with the green fire.” Scootaloo said after taking a bit of a marshmallow. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle pulled their marshmallows in to try for themselves. “Its not that much different but yea it is sweeter.” Sweetie Belle said. “Not much? Mine is really sweet! Spahk could ya pass me another one pleas?” Said Apple Bloom. “Sure.” Spike said as he reached down to grab one, only to find the bag was empty. “Umm, I think we’re out.” Spike said holding up the empty bag. “I think there might be another bag in the cabin, come on Scootaloo, you can help me find it.” Sweetie Belle said as she and Scootaloo got off the log they were sitting on. They went into the cabin leaving Spike and Apple Bloom alone. “So Spahk, have ya been havin fun campin?” Apple Bloom asked. “It’s a lot of fun, I’ve never really been camping before, but I’m happy that you’re here for my first camping trip.” Spike said “Aww thanks Spahk.” Apple Bloom said resting her head on Spike’s shoulder. Spikes face turned a little red and he smiled a little more than he already was. Apple Bloom looked up at Spike at the same time Spike looked down at her. Apple Bloom closed her eyes as Spike leaned in. At the moment they kissed a bright magical light shown for a moment, and when the light had gone Spike had grown a pair of bat like wings. Spike didn’t acknowledge the wings for a few seconds after the kiss, it wasn’t till Apple Bloom saw them that Spike saw them. “Where did ya get wings?” Apple Bloom asked. “Oh Zecora said I would grow them after kissing a girl I love, who loves me back.” Spike answered. “So ya sayin ya love me?” Apple Bloom asked. “I guess I am.” Spike said. His wings started flapping with joy, like a dog wagging it’s tail. The wings making a breeze just big enough to wave the fire, stretching Spike’s shadow to where it looked like a full grown dragon’s shadow. The other ponies on their way back from finding Fluttershy saw it from a distance against the side of the cabin. All but Fluttershy, who ducked under a bush until Rainbow Dash dragged her out, ran to the camp sight to face the dragon, but when they got there they were more surprised to see Spike with wings. Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle came out of the cabin with the marshmallows, which Scootaloo dropped after seeing Spike’s wings. Twilight gave a little laugh once she remembered what Zecora had said the week before. “Hay Flutershy, you can get up. It’s just Spike.” Said Rainbow Dash tapping on Fluttershy’s head, which was once again buried in her hooves. She lifted her head and saw Spike, her eyes widened with astonishment when she noticed the wings. “Spike, how did you get wings?” Fluttershy asked. “Umm, I don’t know they just appeared.” Spike answered a little embarrassed to say what really happened. "Apple Bloom, you were here, what happened?” Scootaloo asked. “Nothin, one moment nothing, the next he had wings.” Apple Bloom said also a little embarrassed. “Well at any rate, its to late to do ghost stories now, so lets get to bed, there’s a hike first thing tomorrow.” Twilight said with a slight laugh in her voice. Everypony agreed and headed into the cabin after Rainbow Dash used a small rain cloud to put out the camp fire. At one point before falling asleep, when nopony was looking, Spike and Apple Bloom gave each other a good night kiss and then went to bed. chapter 4The morning had come, and Apple Jack and Apple Bloom were the first to wake up. Apple Jack yawned as she walked to the cabin’s window to open the blinds. Everypony snapped awake at the sudden burst of light. “Rise and shine Everypony.” Apple Jack said as the others stretched and yawned to get up. “Why do we have to get up sooo early?” Spike asked after letting out a big yawn. “So we can eat before going on the hike.” Twilight said. “Well why do we have to hike so early? I’m still tired.” Spike said. “Come on Spahk, dontcha whant ta see all the awesome things there are ta see?” Apple Bloom asked Spike. “Ok, ok I’ll get up.” Spike said as he stood up stretching his arms, legs, and new wings. “And maybe I could give ya a quick flying lesson after the hike.” Rainbow Dash said “Oooo, what about me Rainbow Dash?” Scootaloo said egger and excited. “Hmmm… your wings do seem to have grown some, you might be able to join the lesson.” Rainbow Dash said as she got a good look at Scootaloo’s wings, which seem to have grown to the point where she could fold them in properly. Everypony had finished their breakfast and were walking along the hiking trail. Everypony was enjoying the scenery in silence until spike let out a loud burp. “Oh Spike, must you do that?” Rarity said disgusted. “Sorry but breakfast was good.” Spike said. “Well you didn’t have to eat as fast as you did.” Rarity said. “Well you didn’t have to eat as slowly as you did.” Apple Jack said to Rarity “Sorry for not wanting to be a mess.” Rarity replied “We’re campin, ya don’t have ta be all neat and spiffy out here.” Apple Jack said. Rarity’s ony response was a huff as she trotted further ahead. “So Spahk, how did ya sleep last night?” Apple Bloom asked spike. “I slept well. I didn’t snore to much did I?” Spike asked. “Not at all actually.” Apple Bloom replied. “Really? I usually snore quite a, WAAA!” Spike said as he tripped and fell down the side of the hill they were walking along, he rolled down and fell into a bush. “SPAHk!!” Apple Bloom yelled chasing after him, despite her loud yell all the other ponies were out of hearing rang. She ran down the hill and at the bottom was the bush; she pushed the branches and leaves out of the way to see a hole leading to a cave. “Spahk, ya down there?” Apple Bloom called. She put her ear to the hole and listened, but all she got in response was a groan of pain echoing from the hole. She then leapt down the hole. When she got to the bottom it was pitch black dark. “Spahk, spahk, where are ya?” Apple Bloom called out. “Over here.” Spike replied as he breathed some fire to help light the way to where he was. He had leaned himself against the wall of the cave. Apple Bloom looked around in the pitch black darkness and could see a faint light down a tunnel. “Spahk can ya walk?” Apple Bloom asked. “A little.” Spike replied. “Follow my voice and climb on my back, I’ll carry ya till ya can walk better.” Apple Bloom said. Spike followed her voice till he got to here; he then climbed on her back. Apple Bloom then started to walk towards the light at the end of the tunnel. It took a while but they got close enough to be able to see more clearly. Spike had turned himself around after seeing he had been sitting on Apple Bloom backwards. “Let’s take a break I’m getting tired.” Apple Bloom said sitting down next to where she had laid Spike. “How long have we been down here?” Spike said kicking his leg to see if was feeling better. “Bout an hour ah think. Should be around twelve now.” Apple Bloom said panting the exhaustion of carrying Spike for an hour. “I wonder if the others are looking for us.” Spike said “I’m sure they are. Why wouldn’t they?” Apple Bloom said. “I don’t know. I think im good to walk on my own now. What about you?” Spike asked. “Maybe a bit longer.” Apple Bloom said leaning her head on Spike’s shoulder. Spike pulled hid bag off his back, trying not to bother Apple Bloom too much. He pulled a “Y” shaped ocarina out and proceeded to play a soothing calm song. Apple Bloom soon dozed off; Spike even lulled himself to sleep after a while. When Spike woke up it was at least five hours later. He nudged Apple Bloom to wake her up. “Hay we fell asleep, we should get moving.” Spike said. “How long were we asleep?” Apple Bloom asked as she got to her hooves, and after yawning. “I don’t know, but we should get out of this cave, I’m getting hungry.” Spike said. The two started walking side by side towards the cave exit the light was coming from. They came out of the cave to a part of the forest surrounded by tall trees and low bushes. “Where are we?” Apple Bloom asked “I don’t know, I haven’t seen a place like this.” Spike said. He reached into his bag and pulled out the camping book he had brought along. “Oh wait I’ve heard of this place. These are redwood trees, biggest trees in all of equestrian.” Spike read from the camping book. “Can we find our way back from here?” Apple Bloom asked. “It says that they’re mainly found in two places on the edge of Fillydelphia, and five miles from Ponyville in the middle of the Everfree forest.” Spike read. “Five miles! That’ll take furever.” Apple Bloom complained. “Well we better go then before it gets to dark. But priority one when we get back is a snack, then to learn to use my wings.” Spike said as he put away the book. They climbed to the top of the hill the cave exit was popping out from. They started walking opposite from where the cave exit faced. They walked for a while, passing tall redwoods and small bushes lining the ground around the trees. Both their stomachs growled with hunger. Apple Bloom was staring at bushes like they were delicious cakes from Sugar Cube Corner, and spike stared at rocks like precious gems. “Spahk does your book say anythin about what plants are edible?” Apple Bloom asked out of hunger. “I don’t know, give me a second.” Spike said taking his bag off and taking out the book. “It says, there is a wide variety of plant life, most are harmless, and some are poisonous. There is usually no danger in approaching plants, most are harmless and some are even good to eat, some examples are tall grass and small flowers.” Spike read. Apple Bloom looked around till she saw a small patch of tall grass, she rushed over to eat, her eyes widened when she saw that the small patch of grass was bigger than she first thought. Spike didn’t prefer to eat grass, but he was starving as much as Apple Bloom. He grabbed a handful of grass and choked it down. He felt both disgusted and satisfied at the same time. The two sat there eating until Spike had realized that it was darker. “We need to find somewhere to sleep for the night.” Spike said. “What about there?” Apple Bloom said pointing at the base of a nearby redwood with a hole in it big enough for them to climb in. The two of them laid next to each other to stay warm thru the night. They soon fell asleep to silence of the night. The sun had risen, and Spike and Apple Bloom had woken up to see that the hollowed out tree base belonged to a family of timberwolves. Trying not to make a sound they attempted to sneak away, but just before they were out Apple Bloom stepped on a twig. The sound of the snapping twig was loud enough to wake the timberwolves; the timberwolves stared at them growling. Spike and Apple Bloom quickly ran off being chased by the timberwolves. Spike and Apple Bloom ran side by side, spike would use his tail to hit a timberwolve if it got to close every once in a while, and Apple Bloom would hop over tree roots if the got in her way. They were chased out of the redwoods and back to where the Everfree forest looked like what they were used to seeing. The timberwolves stoped chasing them at the edge of the redwood tree line. “What were those?” Spike said as he fell to the ground out of breath. “Timberwolves. They must live in the redwoods when it ain’t zap apple season.” Apple Bloom said, also out of breath. Spike who was lying on his back could see that that they had stopped under a wild apple tree. “Hey look, apples!” spike said pointing up. “Ah didn’t think apples grew wild in the ever free forest.” Apple Bloom said when she looked up into the tree. Spike used his claws to climb up the tree to knock a few apples down. Spike was able to knock down five before he lost his footing and fell, he flapped his wings franticly to try and slow the fall, but he still ended up landing face first into the ground. “You alright Spahk?” Apple Bloom asked. “Yea I’m good.” Spike said as he got up. Both of them grabbed the closest apple to them and took a big bite. “Mmmm. So much better than any grass.” Apple Bloom said. “You said it.” Spike said with a big grin. They each ate two apples, so they were left with one. Spike held up the last apple, and they both simultaneously took a bite from each side. They enjoyed it for a second before they were startled by a voice coming from behind them. “Awww, how cute.” The two looked behind them to see that it was Pinkie Pie. “Hay, over here. I found them.” Pinkie Pie yelled in the direction to her right. Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo came running from behind a bush, Rarity followed slowly trying not to get dirty. “Where are the others?” Apple Bloom asked. “Hay Rarity guess what, they were sharing an apple.” Pinkie Pie said ignoring Apple Bloom’s question. “Aww, that sounds just simply adorable.” Rarity said. “Really! I told you they liked each other.” Sweetie Belle said. “You knew! Why didn’t you say anything, you know love some juicy gossip.” Rarity said. “Well I didn’t know for certain, but….” Sweetie Belle said before getting interrupted. “HAY! Where is everypony else?” Apple Bloom said now that she had everyponys attention. “Oh, they’re searching another part of the forest.” Pinkie Pie said “Please don’t say anything to Apple Jack or Big Mac, I don’t know how they’ll react, and I’m kind of scared to find out.” Apple Bloom begged. “You can trust me with a secret.” Pinkie Pie said. “Fine I won’t say anything, but you’ll have to tell them eventually.” Rarity said. “You know you can trust us.” Scootaloo said for both her and Sweetie Belle. “Thank you.” Apple Bloom said relieved. The group started walking along the trail Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Scootaloo, and Sweetie bell came from. “So Spike, does Apple Bloom have anything to do with your wings, or did they really just grow?” Rarity asked. “Ah sure do, if it weren’t fur me he might not have them right now.” Apple Bloom said for Spike. Spikes face turned a little red at the statement. “Does Twilight know?” Pinkie Pie asked. “I’d bet she has figured it out by now, she was there when Zecora told me how to get wings. So I’m sure she figured it out when she saw me with wings.” Spike said. “I’ll go get the others, you go on.” Pinkie Pie said hopping off as Rarity lead the fillies and Spike back into Ponyville. Once back in Ponyville Spike and Apple Bloom raced to Sugar Cube Corner, craving food more than grass and apples, and for their first actual date.
Chapter 1It was the day after Spike, Twilight, Rarity, and Rainbow Dash returned the dragon migration. The newly hatched phoenix was getting flying lessons from Owlicious, and Spike was walking around Ponyville. Even though it had been a few days since the dragons flew over ponyville, their was still a lot of talk about it. Spike would over hear ponies talking about how they were amazed at the dragon’s wing spans, amazing speed, and flying maneuvers. Spike looked over his shoulders wondering why so many dragons like him had wings, but he didn’t. This thought never bothered him before, but after seeing all the other dragons he began to wonder. He started walking back to the library in which he lived with Twilight. Spike started searching the shelves for anything with a promising title. Twilight walked down from the second floor wondering what Spike was looking for. “What are you looking for Spike?” Twilight asked startling Spike who had yet to notice her. He fell off the ladder he was standing on before Twilight startled him. He stood up rubbing his shoulder. “Ow, hay Twilight; I’m just looking for a book that might tell me why I don’t have wings.” Said Spike “But Spike we went through all the books the other day, they don’t have any information on dragons.” “Oh yea.” Spike said slumped over sad looking at the ground. “But I think I just remembered some pony who might know something.” Twilight said with a thoughtful look on her face. “Who?” Spike said exited. “Follow me.” Twilight said walking out the door with Spike following “For a dragon raised with or without greed, to grow some wings the heart you must feed.” Said Zecora. “Please tell me I don’t have to drink blood?” Spike said startled at the thought. “No you wont, will he?” Twilight said to Spike, then asking Zecora. “No it is love in which I speak, love of more than a kiss on the cheek.” Zecora said. “So if Spike wants wings he needs a girlfriend?” Twilight asked. “A girlfriend!” Spike said. “A love shared by both, and a kiss to help the growth.” Zecora said. “Maybe you can talk to Rarity.” Twilight suggested with a small laugh. “But I still don’t know if she likes me back the same way.” Spike said looking at the grownd trying to hide his blushing face. “Your heart will lead you where you need to be, but to remember that the path may turn and twist is key.” Zecora just before Spike and Twilight left. “Thank you for your help Zecora.” Twilight said as she walked out the door. With Spike on her back, Twilight approached her library and greeted Derpy Hooves as she was dropping off the mail. “Hello Derpy how have you been lately?” Said Twilight “I’v been good, oh and here.” Derpy replied as she turned her head to grab a few letters from her saddle bag. She held out two envelopes and a scroll. “Thank you.” Twilight said as she grabbed them with her unicorn magic. “Your welcome Twilight.” Derpy said flying off. Twilight started to walk in when she heard a crash. Both her and Spike looked up to see Derpy lying on a now bent branch of a tree. “You ok Derpy?” Spike asked. “I’m fine, just a strong wind.” Derpy then flew off leaving the bent branch. Twilight continued on into the library and sat down with the mail. She opened the orange envelope first. It was an invitation from Apple Jack. “Dear Twilight I would like to invite you a camping trip up in the Everfree forest. I’m inviting Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie. Apple Bloom has asked that I invite her little friends to, so they’ll be there to. Fell free to bring spike as well. From your good friend, Apple Jack.” “Spike come look! Apple Jack invited us to a camping trip, I’m sure it will be a fun experience. Spike?” Twilight said looking around. “Huh. I guess spike went back out. While I wait for him to return I should look for a book on camping.” Said Twilight. Spike was walking towards Rarity’s boutique happily. He had new encouragement to talk to Rarity about how he feels. Wondering what he should say, Spike found himself at Rarity’s boutique faster than anticipated, he wasn’t paying attention and walked face first into the front door. The large bang at the door was answered by Rarity. “Oh Spike dear! Are you alright?” Rarity asked after seeing Spike on the ground. “I’m ok, just a little distracted while walking.” Spike said “Oh well come on in, lets see what’s on your mind.” Rarity said, inviting him in. Spike walked in and sat on a couch. Rarity grabbed scissors, measuring tape, and some thread with her magic to continue a dress she was working on prior to Spike’s arrival. “So what is it that’s on your mind today Spike?” Rarity said still working on the dress. “Oh… well umm…” Spike stuttered to say. “Oh don’t be shy Spike, Rarity is here to help.” Rarity said to try and ease Spike’s mind. “Well its just that I’ve always thought that you were very beautiful, and I really like you.” Spike said. “OH!” Rarity said realizing where Spike was going with this. She sat down the scissors, measuring tape, and thread. She then walked over to Spike. “Oh Spike I do appreciate the complement, and you are very special to me, but I’m to old for you. I’m sorry but…” Rarity said trying to put Spike down gently. “Its ok Rarity *sigh* I understand” Spike said leaping off the couch. With his head tilted down he walked towards the door about to leave. “Wait Spike, I can at least offer you a cookie before you leave.” Rarity said as she used her magic to grab get a cookie from the kitchen and give it to Spike. “Thanks.” Spike said with a sadden tone as he grabbed the cookie and walked out. Spike walked back to the library, and he laid in his bed depressed as soon as he got there. “There you are Spike. Where did you go? You look upset.” Twilight said. “I went to Rarity’s. She gave me a cookie.” Spike said trying to keep from crying. “You actually went over there? Spike I said that as a joke. You know that’s a big age difference right?” Twilight said. “Yeah, that’s what Rarity said to.” Spike said, still trying not to cry. “Well I’m at least proud to see that you had the courage to finally say it to Rarity. I’ll let you rest for now, but I will need your help later, we go a camping trip to go to next week.” Twilight said about to walk off to get back to the camping book she was reading, when there was a knock at the door.
chapter2Twilight answered the door to find Apple Jack and Apple Bloom waiting there. “Howdy there Twi. Ah was wonderin if ya might have a book ta help me get organized fur next week’s campin trip?” Apple Jack said when Twilight opened the door. “Hello Apple Jack. I was actually just in the middle of reading a book on the subject, come in” Twilight said as she moved out of the way, so that Apple Jack and Apple Bloom could enter. Apple Jack and Twilight walked over to the desk the book was on, but Apple Bloom spotted Spike in the corner of her eye. She walked up to Spike, who was curled up in his bed, still holding the cookie and tears welling up in his eyes. “Howdy Spahk, is every thin all right? Ya look like your gonna cry.” Apple Bloom asked. “I don’t feel like talking about it.” Spike said rolling over to face the other way. Apple Bloom circled the bed to get back in front of spike. “Aww come on, why ya so sad?” Apple Bloom asked. Spike just ignored the question. “Come on Spahk, cheer up. Ah know, you should come and play with Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, and me. It’ll get your mind off whatever is upsettin ya.” Apple Bloom suggested. Spike laid there for a moment before sitting up and whipping his tears from his eyes. “I guess that might help.” Spike said. He took a deep breath to try and calm himself down before standing. He walked to Twilight to let her know where he was about to go. “Twilight, is it fine if I go out and play with Apple Bloom and her friends, you know to try and cheer me up?” Spike asked Twilight. “That’ll be fine Spike, but be home before it gets dark. I’m still going to need your help with some camping preparations, and here take this just in case, but don’t spend it all.” Twilight said as she handed him a small bag with twenty bits in it. “Thanks Twilight.” Spike said just before leaving with Apple Bloom. “Come on lets go find Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo.” Apple Bloom said to spike when suddenly Scootaloo pulled up next to them on her scooter attached to a wagon, which contained Sweetie Belle and several rolls of thick fabric. “There you are, we’ve been looking for you. Sweetie Belle had a good idea for something for us to try and get our cutie marks.” Said Scootaloo. “Yea it’s a really good idea. Hay what are you doing with Spike? Are you two on a date or something?” Sweetie Belle said sharing a laugh with Scootaloo. “NO! we’re not on a date. Spahk just seemed upset so ah invited him ta hang out with us, ta get his mid off what it is that’s botherin him. We actualy just started lookin fur you.” Apple Bloom said with a slightly red face. “We were only kidding. Come on climb in the wagon, Spike can probably help.” Scootaloo said. Spike and Apple Bloom climbed into the wagon, and then Scootaloo scooted off into town. “We have a few stores to stop by first, but my idea is to make bags.” Sweetie Belle said “Bags?” Spike said. “Yea you know, so people can carry stuff easer.” Sweetie Belle said “Sounds fun.” Apple Bloom said. The four of them stopped at two stores fore buckles and thread. They went to the crusaders tree house. The three fillies unrolled the rolls of fabric. Spike out of habit organized the scissors, buckles, and thread. Sweetie Belle started off the cutting. Spike was juggled between the three for help, but it seemed that he helped with Apple Bloom the most. “I don’t think I did it right, even with your help Spike.” Sweetie Belle said holding up a light purple bag, with stitching running through unnecessary parts and loose fabric coming out at parts. “Yea I didn’t do to good ether.” Said Scootaloo, looking down at a mangled pile of fabric and thread. “Mine came out good.” Apple Bloom said holding up a yellow and red bag with a green burning scroll shaped buckle. “That’s cause you kept calling spike over to help you.” Scootaloo said. “Well ah just didn’t want Spahk ta feel to left out.” Apple Bloom said “Wait how is it held? Its got two straps on the back.” Sweetie Belle asked. “Its so Spahk can carry it on his back.” Apple Bloom said. “You made it for me?” Spike asked. “Yea ah saw how holdin the pouch of money was getin annoyin fur ya. And ah thought this might make it easier fur ya.” Apple Bloom said to Spike as she gave him the bag. “Aww, thanks.” Spike said, finally letting out a smile. The days passed and Spike would go to hang out with the crusaders whenever he could. He would use his new bag every day, throwing in his money and a book about what ever kind of adventures him and the crusaders would be going on that day. Spike grew to be close friends with the three fillies, especially Apple Bloom. Apple Bloom helped spike get out of his depression the most, so spike grew really close to her. The day before the camping trip came and Apple Bloom was given the job of preparing the camp sight, and Apple Bloom invited Spike to help. They walked around clearing the camp sight of loose branches around the cabin and fire pit. “So what do we do with the sticks we find?” Spike asked with a small pilled of sticks in his arms. “If its wet just toss it inta the woods, away from camp, if its dry set it in the fire wood pile” Apple Bloom said. They finished cleaning up the camp sight at the same time. The sat to rest on one of the logs around the fire pit. “Ya know ah never found out why you were so upset the other day, why don’tcha tell me?” Apple Bloom said. “Eh… I don’t know.” Spike said, scratching his head and looking at the ground. “Aww come on.” Apple bloom giving Spike a bight wide eyed look. “Ok fine. Well you see I really liked Rarity, but she said I was too young. But its ok now, I’m over it, you helped me a lot, thank you” Spike explained. Without warning Apple Bloom planted a small kiss on spikes cheek and trotted off. Spike sat there for a moment holding his cheek with a red face. “Come on, we’re done cleanin up here, we mite as well head back.” Apple Bloom said just before walking off with Spike following behind.
chapter 3It was the night of the first day of the camping trip and everypony was sitting around the fire pit. Pinkie Pie roasting ten marshmallows on one stick, Twilight going through a check list, Fluttershy feeding a squirrel, Rainbow Dash and Apple Jack discussing which is better, speed or strength, Rarity trying to get comfy on a tree stump, Sweetie Belle whispering something to Scootaloo while giggling, and finally Apple Bloom and Spike holding a marshmallow over the fire. They were all waiting for Twilight to finish going over her check list. “So spahk, is it a little weird to be here with Rarity.” Apple Bloom asked in a whispery voice. “It’s a little weird I guess, but I’m fine, remember you helped me get over it.” Spike said. Spike pulled in his marshmallow and tried to blow on it before eating it, but he accidentally set it on fire with his own green fire breath. “How did I not see that coming?” Spike said. “Here let me.” Apple Bloom said just before blowing out the fire on Spike’s marshmallow. “Thanks.” Spike said as he ate the marshmallow in one bite. “Ooooo that looked good, can I try?” Pinkie Pie asked Spike. “Try what?” Spike asked. "A green fire marshmallow, Duh.” Pinkie Pie said. “Um ok I guess.” Spike said as he lit the three marshmallows at the end of Pinkie Pie’s stick of ten. Pinkie Pie let them sit for a moment before blowing them out and eating all three at once. “Mmm, I think that made them a little bit more sweet.” Pinkie Pie said. “Ok, I’ve been through the list and it says that after marshmallows, is usually ghost stories.” Twilight said finally looking up from the check list in the back of her camping book. “G-g-ghost stories?” Fluttershy said nervously, and a little frightened. She hid her face in her hooves letting out a little squee. “Don’t worry Fluttershy, their just harmless stories. You have nothing to worry about.” Twilight said to comfort Fluttershy. “Oh… ok I guess.” Fluttershy said, still a little nervous. “Who wants to go first?” Twilight asked the group. “I’ll go!” Rainbow Dash announced. “Wait hold on. Spike if you don’t mind.” Twilight said looking over to Spike. Spike knew what Twilight wanted because they had discussed it earlier. Spike jumped down from the log he was sitting on and blew his green dragon fire onto the camp fire, turning it green for the perfect lighting for ghost stories. This made Fluttershy a little scared, as she had gone back to hiding in her hooves. “Now you may continue Rainbow Dash.” Twilight said. "Ok so, one dark night, deep in the Everfree forest…” Rainbow Dash said before getting interrupted by a premature scream of terror from Fluttershy, who then ran off scared. “Huh, you four stay here, we’ll go get her.” Twilight said to Spike and the three fillies. “And I had just gotten comfortable on this tree stump.” Rarity said as she got down from the tree stump to follow the other ponies on their search for Fluttershy. While the four waited for their return they roasted a couple more marshmallows on the still green fire. “So what was that you were whisperin ta Scootaloo?” Apple Bloom asked Sweetie Belle. “Oh nothing important.” Sweetie Belle replied, and then sharing a small laugh with Scootaloo. Apple Bloom just rolled her eyes, knowing she probably wouldn’t get the true answer. “Mmm, I think these are sweeter with the green fire.” Scootaloo said after taking a bit of a marshmallow. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle pulled their marshmallows in to try for themselves. “Its not that much different but yea it is sweeter.” Sweetie Belle said. “Not much? Mine is really sweet! Spahk could ya pass me another one pleas?” Said Apple Bloom. “Sure.” Spike said as he reached down to grab one, only to find the bag was empty. “Umm, I think we’re out.” Spike said holding up the empty bag. “I think there might be another bag in the cabin, come on Scootaloo, you can help me find it.” Sweetie Belle said as she and Scootaloo got off the log they were sitting on. They went into the cabin leaving Spike and Apple Bloom alone. “So Spahk, have ya been havin fun campin?” Apple Bloom asked. “It’s a lot of fun, I’ve never really been camping before, but I’m happy that you’re here for my first camping trip.” Spike said “Aww thanks Spahk.” Apple Bloom said resting her head on Spike’s shoulder. Spikes face turned a little red and he smiled a little more than he already was. Apple Bloom looked up at Spike at the same time Spike looked down at her. Apple Bloom closed her eyes as Spike leaned in. At the moment they kissed a bright magical light shown for a moment, and when the light had gone Spike had grown a pair of bat like wings. Spike didn’t acknowledge the wings for a few seconds after the kiss, it wasn’t till Apple Bloom saw them that Spike saw them. “Where did ya get wings?” Apple Bloom asked. “Oh Zecora said I would grow them after kissing a girl I love, who loves me back.” Spike answered. “So ya sayin ya love me?” Apple Bloom asked. “I guess I am.” Spike said. His wings started flapping with joy, like a dog wagging it’s tail. The wings making a breeze just big enough to wave the fire, stretching Spike’s shadow to where it looked like a full grown dragon’s shadow. The other ponies on their way back from finding Fluttershy saw it from a distance against the side of the cabin. All but Fluttershy, who ducked under a bush until Rainbow Dash dragged her out, ran to the camp sight to face the dragon, but when they got there they were more surprised to see Spike with wings. Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle came out of the cabin with the marshmallows, which Scootaloo dropped after seeing Spike’s wings. Twilight gave a little laugh once she remembered what Zecora had said the week before. “Hay Flutershy, you can get up. It’s just Spike.” Said Rainbow Dash tapping on Fluttershy’s head, which was once again buried in her hooves. She lifted her head and saw Spike, her eyes widened with astonishment when she noticed the wings. “Spike, how did you get wings?” Fluttershy asked. “Umm, I don’t know they just appeared.” Spike answered a little embarrassed to say what really happened. "Apple Bloom, you were here, what happened?” Scootaloo asked. “Nothin, one moment nothing, the next he had wings.” Apple Bloom said also a little embarrassed. “Well at any rate, its to late to do ghost stories now, so lets get to bed, there’s a hike first thing tomorrow.” Twilight said with a slight laugh in her voice. Everypony agreed and headed into the cabin after Rainbow Dash used a small rain cloud to put out the camp fire. At one point before falling asleep, when nopony was looking, Spike and Apple Bloom gave each other a good night kiss and then went to bed.
chapter 4The morning had come, and Apple Jack and Apple Bloom were the first to wake up. Apple Jack yawned as she walked to the cabin’s window to open the blinds. Everypony snapped awake at the sudden burst of light. “Rise and shine Everypony.” Apple Jack said as the others stretched and yawned to get up. “Why do we have to get up sooo early?” Spike asked after letting out a big yawn. “So we can eat before going on the hike.” Twilight said. “Well why do we have to hike so early? I’m still tired.” Spike said. “Come on Spahk, dontcha whant ta see all the awesome things there are ta see?” Apple Bloom asked Spike. “Ok, ok I’ll get up.” Spike said as he stood up stretching his arms, legs, and new wings. “And maybe I could give ya a quick flying lesson after the hike.” Rainbow Dash said “Oooo, what about me Rainbow Dash?” Scootaloo said egger and excited. “Hmmm… your wings do seem to have grown some, you might be able to join the lesson.” Rainbow Dash said as she got a good look at Scootaloo’s wings, which seem to have grown to the point where she could fold them in properly. Everypony had finished their breakfast and were walking along the hiking trail. Everypony was enjoying the scenery in silence until spike let out a loud burp. “Oh Spike, must you do that?” Rarity said disgusted. “Sorry but breakfast was good.” Spike said. “Well you didn’t have to eat as fast as you did.” Rarity said. “Well you didn’t have to eat as slowly as you did.” Apple Jack said to Rarity “Sorry for not wanting to be a mess.” Rarity replied “We’re campin, ya don’t have ta be all neat and spiffy out here.” Apple Jack said. Rarity’s ony response was a huff as she trotted further ahead. “So Spahk, how did ya sleep last night?” Apple Bloom asked spike. “I slept well. I didn’t snore to much did I?” Spike asked. “Not at all actually.” Apple Bloom replied. “Really? I usually snore quite a, WAAA!” Spike said as he tripped and fell down the side of the hill they were walking along, he rolled down and fell into a bush. “SPAHk!!” Apple Bloom yelled chasing after him, despite her loud yell all the other ponies were out of hearing rang. She ran down the hill and at the bottom was the bush; she pushed the branches and leaves out of the way to see a hole leading to a cave. “Spahk, ya down there?” Apple Bloom called. She put her ear to the hole and listened, but all she got in response was a groan of pain echoing from the hole. She then leapt down the hole. When she got to the bottom it was pitch black dark. “Spahk, spahk, where are ya?” Apple Bloom called out. “Over here.” Spike replied as he breathed some fire to help light the way to where he was. He had leaned himself against the wall of the cave. Apple Bloom looked around in the pitch black darkness and could see a faint light down a tunnel. “Spahk can ya walk?” Apple Bloom asked. “A little.” Spike replied. “Follow my voice and climb on my back, I’ll carry ya till ya can walk better.” Apple Bloom said. Spike followed her voice till he got to here; he then climbed on her back. Apple Bloom then started to walk towards the light at the end of the tunnel. It took a while but they got close enough to be able to see more clearly. Spike had turned himself around after seeing he had been sitting on Apple Bloom backwards. “Let’s take a break I’m getting tired.” Apple Bloom said sitting down next to where she had laid Spike. “How long have we been down here?” Spike said kicking his leg to see if was feeling better. “Bout an hour ah think. Should be around twelve now.” Apple Bloom said panting the exhaustion of carrying Spike for an hour. “I wonder if the others are looking for us.” Spike said “I’m sure they are. Why wouldn’t they?” Apple Bloom said. “I don’t know. I think im good to walk on my own now. What about you?” Spike asked. “Maybe a bit longer.” Apple Bloom said leaning her head on Spike’s shoulder. Spike pulled hid bag off his back, trying not to bother Apple Bloom too much. He pulled a “Y” shaped ocarina out and proceeded to play a soothing calm song. Apple Bloom soon dozed off; Spike even lulled himself to sleep after a while. When Spike woke up it was at least five hours later. He nudged Apple Bloom to wake her up. “Hay we fell asleep, we should get moving.” Spike said. “How long were we asleep?” Apple Bloom asked as she got to her hooves, and after yawning. “I don’t know, but we should get out of this cave, I’m getting hungry.” Spike said. The two started walking side by side towards the cave exit the light was coming from. They came out of the cave to a part of the forest surrounded by tall trees and low bushes. “Where are we?” Apple Bloom asked “I don’t know, I haven’t seen a place like this.” Spike said. He reached into his bag and pulled out the camping book he had brought along. “Oh wait I’ve heard of this place. These are redwood trees, biggest trees in all of equestrian.” Spike read from the camping book. “Can we find our way back from here?” Apple Bloom asked. “It says that they’re mainly found in two places on the edge of Fillydelphia, and five miles from Ponyville in the middle of the Everfree forest.” Spike read. “Five miles! That’ll take furever.” Apple Bloom complained. “Well we better go then before it gets to dark. But priority one when we get back is a snack, then to learn to use my wings.” Spike said as he put away the book. They climbed to the top of the hill the cave exit was popping out from. They started walking opposite from where the cave exit faced. They walked for a while, passing tall redwoods and small bushes lining the ground around the trees. Both their stomachs growled with hunger. Apple Bloom was staring at bushes like they were delicious cakes from Sugar Cube Corner, and spike stared at rocks like precious gems. “Spahk does your book say anythin about what plants are edible?” Apple Bloom asked out of hunger. “I don’t know, give me a second.” Spike said taking his bag off and taking out the book. “It says, there is a wide variety of plant life, most are harmless, and some are poisonous. There is usually no danger in approaching plants, most are harmless and some are even good to eat, some examples are tall grass and small flowers.” Spike read. Apple Bloom looked around till she saw a small patch of tall grass, she rushed over to eat, her eyes widened when she saw that the small patch of grass was bigger than she first thought. Spike didn’t prefer to eat grass, but he was starving as much as Apple Bloom. He grabbed a handful of grass and choked it down. He felt both disgusted and satisfied at the same time. The two sat there eating until Spike had realized that it was darker. “We need to find somewhere to sleep for the night.” Spike said. “What about there?” Apple Bloom said pointing at the base of a nearby redwood with a hole in it big enough for them to climb in. The two of them laid next to each other to stay warm thru the night. They soon fell asleep to silence of the night. The sun had risen, and Spike and Apple Bloom had woken up to see that the hollowed out tree base belonged to a family of timberwolves. Trying not to make a sound they attempted to sneak away, but just before they were out Apple Bloom stepped on a twig. The sound of the snapping twig was loud enough to wake the timberwolves; the timberwolves stared at them growling. Spike and Apple Bloom quickly ran off being chased by the timberwolves. Spike and Apple Bloom ran side by side, spike would use his tail to hit a timberwolve if it got to close every once in a while, and Apple Bloom would hop over tree roots if the got in her way. They were chased out of the redwoods and back to where the Everfree forest looked like what they were used to seeing. The timberwolves stoped chasing them at the edge of the redwood tree line. “What were those?” Spike said as he fell to the ground out of breath. “Timberwolves. They must live in the redwoods when it ain’t zap apple season.” Apple Bloom said, also out of breath. Spike who was lying on his back could see that that they had stopped under a wild apple tree. “Hey look, apples!” spike said pointing up. “Ah didn’t think apples grew wild in the ever free forest.” Apple Bloom said when she looked up into the tree. Spike used his claws to climb up the tree to knock a few apples down. Spike was able to knock down five before he lost his footing and fell, he flapped his wings franticly to try and slow the fall, but he still ended up landing face first into the ground. “You alright Spahk?” Apple Bloom asked. “Yea I’m good.” Spike said as he got up. Both of them grabbed the closest apple to them and took a big bite. “Mmmm. So much better than any grass.” Apple Bloom said. “You said it.” Spike said with a big grin. They each ate two apples, so they were left with one. Spike held up the last apple, and they both simultaneously took a bite from each side. They enjoyed it for a second before they were startled by a voice coming from behind them. “Awww, how cute.” The two looked behind them to see that it was Pinkie Pie. “Hay, over here. I found them.” Pinkie Pie yelled in the direction to her right. Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo came running from behind a bush, Rarity followed slowly trying not to get dirty. “Where are the others?” Apple Bloom asked. “Hay Rarity guess what, they were sharing an apple.” Pinkie Pie said ignoring Apple Bloom’s question. “Aww, that sounds just simply adorable.” Rarity said. “Really! I told you they liked each other.” Sweetie Belle said. “You knew! Why didn’t you say anything, you know love some juicy gossip.” Rarity said. “Well I didn’t know for certain, but….” Sweetie Belle said before getting interrupted. “HAY! Where is everypony else?” Apple Bloom said now that she had everyponys attention. “Oh, they’re searching another part of the forest.” Pinkie Pie said “Please don’t say anything to Apple Jack or Big Mac, I don’t know how they’ll react, and I’m kind of scared to find out.” Apple Bloom begged. “You can trust me with a secret.” Pinkie Pie said. “Fine I won’t say anything, but you’ll have to tell them eventually.” Rarity said. “You know you can trust us.” Scootaloo said for both her and Sweetie Belle. “Thank you.” Apple Bloom said relieved. The group started walking along the trail Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Scootaloo, and Sweetie bell came from. “So Spike, does Apple Bloom have anything to do with your wings, or did they really just grow?” Rarity asked. “Ah sure do, if it weren’t fur me he might not have them right now.” Apple Bloom said for Spike. Spikes face turned a little red at the statement. “Does Twilight know?” Pinkie Pie asked. “I’d bet she has figured it out by now, she was there when Zecora told me how to get wings. So I’m sure she figured it out when she saw me with wings.” Spike said. “I’ll go get the others, you go on.” Pinkie Pie said hopping off as Rarity lead the fillies and Spike back into Ponyville. Once back in Ponyville Spike and Apple Bloom raced to Sugar Cube Corner, craving food more than grass and apples, and for their first actual date.
