Desparity

Chapters

1 - Despair
2 - Decide
3 - Deject
4 - Defend
5 - Depend
6 - Debit
7 - Depart
Epilogue - Disparity

1 - Despair

“Thanks for working so hard today, Spike” Rarity called out in her sweet voice as she finished up the last detail on the final dress in the order “I know it’s been a busy day but you have made it so much easier as always, my faithful little assistant.”

Had Spike not been so busy he would have had is usual dreamy look on his face at the compliment from his not-so-secret crush. “No problem Rarity!” the young dragon called out with his from the other side of the room as he put away and organised rolls of fabric. Truth be told it had been a problem and the young dragon was exhausted from the days hard work. But, as always, he would do anything for the most beautiful pony in Equestria.

“I just have one last adjustment to make before I can get ready for tonight!” Rarity practically sang in delight.

“Oh, where are you off to tonight? Out with Twilight and the girls?”

“No, not tonight. I have a date.”

“A date?”

Rarity was a pony whose business thrived on details and paying close attention to the requirements of her clients - the slight nuances that she picked up on could make a wonderful dress into a one of kind piece. If Rarity had not been focusing on the date later and had been paying closer attention to the present, she would have picked up the sudden change in tone in Spike’s voice.

“Yes, with Crescent Moon. He asked me out last week and naturally I jumped at the chance!” Rarity began to wax lyrical “I mean he’s only taking me to the market cafe but thats all he can afford bless him...”

“So, I’ve worked flat out today so you have enough time to get ready for a date tonight?”

The tones of anger in Spike’s voice snapped Rarity to attention, but unfortunately for the unicorn it was a little too late. Rarity turned to see Spike standing there with his arms crossed and a very unamused look on his face.

“Spike, I didn't mean anything by it!” Rarity began to verbally backtrack as she started to realise the faux pas she had made. “I know you like helping me and didn’t think you would mind...” she trailed off as the dragons stare burned into her.

“Didn’t think I would mind? Typical!” Spike retorted, before taking a deep breath. A silence held in the air for a moment, the unicorn not sure what to say and the dragon trying to compose himself. Spike let out a deep breath “I mean, this isn’t the first time is it? With Prince Blueblood you probably may not have known how I really felt about you, even if I was probably being a bit obvious. And after making myself clear when we were plummeting to the ground, we had that thing with Trenderhoof."

Rarity winced slightly at the memory of that incident but Spike continued "I just thought you were just wallowing in pity rather than trying to hurt me, and I thought you would have learnt from that.” The dragons rant reached it’s conclusion “But to actually work my claws to the bone so you can have time to go on a date?”

Rarity looked a bit startled as Spikes vexation was clear “Oh Spikey Wikey…”

“Don’t call me that!” Spike snapped back to interupt the mare “That’s all you ever do is it? Say nice things but then never really think about your actions. Never think about...me.”

Rarity wanted to respond, but the words just wouldn't coalesce in her mind, whilst they were coming all too easily for the dragon.

“I mean, I have no right to expect you to...have feelings for me just because I lov...have feelings for you. And I don’t expect for you to date me because I have some sort of Celestia given entitlement!” Spike’s tone softened slightly as he spoke, but that quickly turned again “For tartarus sake, I don’t even have a right to be your friend. But the least you could do is treat me...my feelings with a little respect.”

Rarity had never seen Spike this angry before, even when he had grown to a full size rampaging dragon. She saw a passion in his eyes, a glint of something primal in the windows to his soul that the unicorn had previously only ever seen look at her with affection. “But I guess that’s too much to ask from the element of generosity...and somepony I thought was my friend!” he finished with snarl.

Spike started to walk out of the room and Rarity called out for him to stop. But unlike anytime before when Rarity had called for him, he ignored her and continued out of the room, closing the door behind him leaving the unicorn all by herself, alone except for the tears flowing from her eyes.

Spike managed to keep himself composed until he stepped out of Carousel Boutique. However, once he had crossed the threshold to the outside world, the thought of never being allowed back inside after shouting at it’s owner filled his mind. He began the journey towards his home, the castle he shared with Twilight, and within moments found himself running through the streets.

As a dragon he mostly walked around standing up, something his unique biology allowed him to do. However, like most of the creatures in Equestria he was fastest on all four legs. And he made great use of being quadruped as he tore through the town as the position also hid his face, and the tears now pouring from it, from everypony elses view. Spike soon found himself charging up the steps into the Friendship Castle, dashing down the halls paying no attention to any of the ponies visiting. He flashed through the protection shield that prevents anypony by him, Owlowiscious and Twilight access to the personal areas of the castle. Spike was on autopilot and headed up towards his bedroom and the comfort of his basket.

Twilight heard her brother-son crying as he pounded past the door of her study, the sobs of pain echoing out around the solid crystal walls. She dropped the book she was reading out of her aura and galloped after Spike. Regardless of the research she had planned and the deadline for the next scientific journal, her maternal instincts told her something was wrong with her charge.

Despite calling out for him, Spike did not slow down and soon Twilight found them both running into the shared bedroom. Spike dove under the blankets whilst Twilight came to a sliding stop before hitting the wall on the other side of the room. She was thankful she was in bare hooves rather than golden shoes Celestia wore as she would have skidded across the whole room.

Shaking that slightly amusing thought from her head, the sobs coming from Spike hidden underneath an old blanket brought Twilight’s mind back to the serious matter at hoof. Slowly approaching the tattered old basket that had survived the Library’s destruction, she knelt down.

“Spike, are you okay?” she asked tenderly, trying to pull back the blanket that covered Spike with her magic.

“Go away!” Spike sobbed back as he held on fast to the material surrounding him.

Twilight was too concerned to pay heed to his words and edged forwards “Are you hurt? Do you need help?”

“I said go away!” he wailed.

“Spike, I’m not going to abandon you, I never have and I never will.” Twilight cooed “Are you hurt? Shall I get the doctor?”

“What, that useless doctor that sent me to the vet?” Spike snapped back, but the response made Twilight smile a little He can’t be physically hurt if he’s being so cheeky!

“No need to be sarcastic Spike, I’m only trying to help.” Twilight put a slight hint of hurt in her voice. “But whenever you’re ready I’ll be sitting right here waiting for you.”

Knowing that her companion was physically fine, Twilight sat down and waited. A few moments passed in silence between the two, just the sounds of sobs coming from the baby dragon. However, curiosity got the better of him and Spike lifted up the blanket from his face to look over to Twilight who was just looking down at him with love and concern.

“Now we see the Draco Piger in his natural habit, lying in bed when there’s chores to be done.” Twilight giggled slightly, trying to open up the dragons hard shell.

“You can be really annoying sometimes you know that?” Spike scowled a little, trying to suppress a smile but failing

“Don’t you mean…” Twilight cleared her throat ready to mimic Spike “...You can be really annoying sometimes, Princess?”

Spike couldn’t help but giggle slightly as Twilight gave him a fake disapproving smile. “Now there’s the sound I like to hear from my son. But what's wrong?”

Spike demeanour soon disappeared and curled back under the blanket “I don’t want to talk about it!”

Twilight knew Spike too well to give up without a fight “How about some milk and cookies then?”

As if on cue, Spikes stomach rumbled which gave away his hunger. He slowly got out of his basket and wiped his tear stained eyes “I am hungry, I haven’t had dinner yet, have you?”

“No, I was waiting for you to get home."

“Well, I best get dinner started.” Spike replied.

Twilights heart literally broke in two hearing that as she knew despite whatever trauma Spike was suffering, he was putting her needs first. Just as he was started to walk, Twilight grabbed Spike into massive hug with her front hooves and wings.

“Don’t be silly, you don't have to cook tonight. Why don’t we order in from the Burger Hut?” Twilight released her hold and smiled at Spike “I know you really like their triple cooked hay fries!”

“Do they do delivery?”

“Not normally, but I’m sure they’ll make an exception for Ponyville’s royalty in residence.”

“You'd do that, abuse your position as Princess, for me?” Spike gasped slightly.

Twilight lifted Spike onto her back like in the past and trotted out of the room “For you Spike, I'd do anything!”

2 - Decide

The food delivery arrived very promptly, speeds at which Rainbow Dash would be proud of. Twilight made a mental note to go and apologise to the fast food venue the next day for making them go out of their way. But this was a royal emergency as far as she was concerned - her brother/son/royal assistant needed help.

Besides, having saved Equestria and the Crystal Empire multiple times should come with a few perks and this burger order could easily classify as one!

Twilights crystal castle was much bigger than their old home, but everypony had chipped in to make it as homey as possible. Much like before the downstairs areas were open to the public - a new library, the room of thrones etc. The higher areas were reserved for Twilight and her friends, and the top area just for Twilight and Spike. This included a personal library of Twilights rarest tomes, a personal library of Spikes mint condition comics and all the rooms a small family need: A kitchen, a reading room and a dining room.

Whilst Twilight and Spike normally ate in the dining room, the daily time together helping keep structure to the young dragons life, due to his mood she allowed them to eat sat on the soft couches of the reading room. The delicious meal was eaten in silence, although Twilight had thought ahead and had placed some music on to help. The lack of conversation was a little worrying but Twilight was glad at least Spike had stopped crying. Of course he still looked sad, so as they got to the bottom of their respective drinks, Twilight decided it was time to have the conversation Spike had been putting off. Turning down the music a little, she turned to her dragon.

“That hit the spot, didn’t it Spike?”

“Uh-huh” he replied barely in the positive, as his empty cup made a slurping sound.

Twilight put down her own drink “So...want to talk about what happened today?”

“Not really…but that was just a rhetorical question wasn't it?”

“Uh-huh!” Twilight smiled back with a nod, trying to break the hard outer shell she knew her dragon could have.

Spike welled up and burst into tears “I...I shouted at Rarity.”

Such a simple answer was one Twilight was not expecting, although she had highly suspected it may have had something to do with her purple maned friend. She rushed over Spike, pushing away the empty food cartons with a wing as she dragged him into a comforting hug.

After giving him a few minutes to calm down a little, Twilight asked what had happened to cause that. After a little coxing, Spike proceeded to tell the tale of the events of that day, from working hard all day without break up until the bombshell at the end and the subsequent argument. Twilight listened in silence, gently stroking his soft spines to help calm and console the baby dragon. As Spike finished, Twilight sat there in silence for a few moments as she organised her thoughts.

She had learnt a lot about friendship after moving from Canterlot - it is what gave her her wings and the castle they were sat in. But as a Princess looked up to by scores of ponies, and a mother-figure to a young child, she had also learnt other lessons. Whilst she had only heard one side of the story, there was nothing about what Spike had said that would have made her think that there was anything misleading about what had been said.

Twilight gave Spike a squeeze as she spoke “I know I’m friends with Rarity, but I have to say I think you were right to say what you did.”

“You do?” Spike turned around in the embrace to see the look of concern on the pony’s face.

“Yes Spike, and I’m not just saying that. I think Rarity was out of line on this one. Very out of line in fact!” Twilight's voice raised slightly and her wings semi flared in anger.

Spike let out a gasp at Twilights actions, having rarely seen anypony get Twilight so worked up before “Twilight, no need to get so angry!”

Twilight looked a little sheepishly towards the dragon “Sorry, but you're too important to me not to get caught up. I have studied friendship for many years and in this case Rarity clearly hasn't thought about her friendship with you. I’m not angry with her...just disappointed.” Twilight sighed at the end.

“Well, it’s not that bad. I mean I probably would have helped out anyway…” Spike sort of trailed off, the complicated relationship he had with Rarity playing over in his mind, causing a few tears to reappear.

“Of course, I expect you would Spike!” Twilight nuzzled him again “You are far too kind and generous to everypony, especially Rarity. But expecting you to help out, without telling you why? That was a very cruel thing to do, even if it was done accidently.”

Spike sighed, a few more tears falling from around his eyes, and hos head dropped a little. Twilight pulled Spikes face up so she could speak directly to him “Spike, she should have thought about your feelings. You two have a complicated, er, friendship, but I think you should have a strong think about it before deciding your next steps.”

“Next steps? What do you mean? Surely there’s nothing more important than friendship?”

“Spike, I may be the Princess of Friendship, but I’m also your, well…” Twilight’s front hoof circled in the air for a moment as she searched for the word. Instead she lit her horn and floated over a picture that was nearby. It had been sent over by her parents after her photos had been destroyed along with Golden Oaks. It was a picture of one of the first hearth warmings after Spike had been hatched and one of the only photos of the family and Spike together before Shining had left to join the Royal Guards. “...family."

Twilight let that sink into Spike for a moment before continuing "Friendship is important, but I think you need to really decide what's best for you. Despite what Pinkie Pie may say and do, you don’t have to be best friends with everypony you meet." Twilight thought carefully about the next words "Perhaps you need to decide what sort of friendship you and Rarity need to have...if you have one at all”

Spike gasped at the very notion and went to respond, but the look on Twilights face made him pause for a few moments. A mixture of sadness and anger started welling up inside him, combined with the feelings of love, friendship and regret. Twilight just kept in contact with her dragon charge, offering the comforting warmth of her touch as he thought things through.

“You and Rarity are very close, something that had brought both of you a lot of joy and has been mutually beneficial up to now. But…” Twilight paused to make sure she worded this right “...there can be times when friends need to evaluate how close they should really be.”

Spike wiped his face and gently pushed himself away from the pony, trying to gain a bit of composure “You’re right Twilight...as always. I may love Rarity, and I accept she will never love me back. Maybe we... maybe we just can’t be friends anymore?”

Twilights heart fluttered a bit at the thought “I think you really need to think this through. Not to persuade you at all, but I believe you should be friends. Not only do we all spend so much time together, there is much enjoyment you bring to each others lives. But perhaps you need a bit of space from each other and not be as close as you are now. There are many different types of friendship, and its perhaps time to decide what your’s and Rarity’s needs to be in the long term?"

Spike started sniffing again as thoughts of purple mane and white fur entered his mind. Twilight gave him a reassuring pat on the shoulder "Don’t let me push you, but I’m here if you want to talk.”

Spike gave Twilight a hug and got off the couch “Thanks Twilight. If its okay I'll just go and lie down to think about all of this" Twilight naturally agreed and reminded him that she was there for him if he wanted to talk. With a slight sigh, Spike walked out of the room and up to the bedroom. Twilight watched with a pain in her heart as he left My brave little baby...I hope he make the right choice for him. Your first love is always the hardest to get over…or so I’ve been told! and her mind wandered back to a blue haired human she met through the mirror that she had majorly crushed on.

Rarity woke up at her usual time and almost couldn't be bothered to get out of bed. Sweetie Belle may have been staying with her parents this weekend, but even so she still had chores to do and she couldn't afford to wallow in pity all day. The unicorn pulled herself out of bed and slowly moped her way towards her lavish bathroom.

The previous days events weighed heavily on her mind as she stepped into the shower, and even the cleansing water failed to make her feel better. The half-hour or so it took to do her hair and makeup was a depressing affair, and her spirits had not improved as she went downstairs for breakfast.

As she was eating her bowl of oats (plain, good for the diet she was always on) she contemplated what to do today. She wasn't in the mood for socialing with friends and so instead could stay indoors to start on her next order. But she was out of gems and needed to go out and collect some to finish up the next order she had.

Just as she was thinking about what time to go out, she heard a knocking at the door. With the closed sign up and the courier company not due to the next day, she opened the door expecting one of her friends. Instead, she wasn't sure what she found.

“Spike?” she exclaimed in a little surprise at seeing him so soon “What are you doing here?”

Author's Note

I know people don't like too much Twi-mum, but given how the show seems to be changing is making it more appropriate. I feel the opening scene (this one) in Power Ponies (Season 4, so newer, so more canon to this story than the "You're not mommy" from WRU) shows a very parent/child relationship :moustache: :facehoof: . As does the way she "dances" with him when she hears cadence is coming in Threes a crowd.

Either way, thats the last we hear of Twilight for a while :twilightoops:

3 - Deject

Spike stood there in the morning sunshine. “We said we would go gem hunting this morning at 10, and it’s 10” and Spike pointe dover to the clocktower.

“Okay then?” Rarity replied in a most confused manner and she just stood there in shock. She had not expected to see Spike for a while and her mind was already muddled after the events of the previous day.

Spike tapped a foot on the ground impatiently “So, you ready?”

“Are you sure you're ready to help me today?” Rarity asked with warmth and a hint of concern, although still with overriding confusion. Spike’s tone was very sharp and his body language screamed indifference when speaking to her. But the dragon also looked slightly different. He hadn't physically grown like during his greed growth spurt, but his scales looked a deeper shade of purple and had more defined edges. Rarity assumed that they had somehow gotten thicker.

“I said I would help you, and unlike some people I mean the things I say” Spike replied, shooting a rather disdainful look at the unicorn.

Rarity winced at the hostility on display from a friend which had for years only ever spoken and acted towards her with affection “I’m...I’m not sure I’ll go out today.” she stammered.

“You still need the gems don't you?”

“Well, yes but…”

“And I doubt that you are going to be able to dig and carry them all by yourself?”

“I’m not incapable!” Rarity snorted back, Spike’s brashness starting to rub off on her "I did it for years before you moved to Ponyville!"

“Sure you could, if you want to take about twenty times longer, ruin your hooficure and end up with a much smaller haul.”

“Well maybe I do!” Rarity pouted.

Spike shrugged his shoulders “Meh, doesn’t really bother me too much. I’ve put the day aside to do this so it’s only your only cutting your own muzzle to spite your face if you don’t want to take advantage of these.” Spike flashed his talons "I've got a whole bunch of comics I could be reading instead".

Rarity slightly shuddered as the dragons sharp claws glistened in the sunlight. Despite what some ponies would like to believe, especially the so called nobles, it is a commonly accepted scientific fact that ponies are animals like all the others in Equestria and beyond. And like any other animals, ponies have a built in flight or fight instinct.

Earth ponies mostly tended towards fight, their strength and stamina helping to protect them.

Pegasi mostly resorted to flight, hence its name, as in the air no creature could match their speed and agility.

Unicorns depended if they were good with defensive or offensive magic; some like the Sparkle family could fight, others could not.

Rarity was not known for her defensive magic, and so when she saw the glistening claws, a part of her told her to flee. She took a step back and managed to regain control just before turning to actually run. The rational part of her brain knew Spike would never harm anypony, but her primal instinct was giving her a constant reminder that the creature that currently seemed to hate her could easily hurt her if he wanted to.

"Rarity?" Spike asked, a bit taken back by the pony looking a little scared.

Rarity snapped back to reality hearing her name, although she needed a moment to think. “Erm...just give me a few minutes to finish up and we’ll head out” the unicorn stuttered before returning inside. She immediately rushed to the bathroom and sprinkled some water on her face Calm down Rarity, Spike would never hurt you. He’s just a little mad right now, I'm sure it’ll pass. He did come to help you afterall? Now that was a nice surprise.

Having started to control her thoughts, the primal part kicked in again Are you sure you want to go off, alone, to a remote part of the country with a dragon? You can't fight him off if he decides to attack you. Besides, something has changed about him, can you really trust him? The image of the claws and the thicker scales re-entered her mind, and it made her nervous.

No! The rational part argued back Spike is a proper gentledrake, even when he went on a rampage he protected me. He's just hurting right now.

Yes, but you hurt him.

Rarity winced even though it was her own mind talking to itself Maybe, but I don't think he would have come just to deceive me so he could hurt me! Dragons don't do tactics when it comes to fighting, he would have just burnt down my home with me inside if he wanted to!

Rarity shook that last thought out of her mind, and quickly gathered up some items in her saddle bags. She returned outside via the backdoor to the garden. where Spike was waiting having already hooked himself up to one of the carts they used after being given them by the diamond dogs.

“You know I’m very thankful for your help...” Rarity started to speak as she opened the gate,

“Whatever” Spike interrupted dismissively in reply and started walking off. Rarity sighed and followed, an uncomfortable silence falling over the pair. She wanted to speak to the dragon, for her own benefit if not his, but clearly Spike was not in the mood.

The walk to the mountains south of Ponyville with the richest gem deposits took a couple of hours over tough terrain. Despite this, it was usually a pleasant journey where the two friends would usually chat about Pinkie's most recent party, or Rainbow Dash's latest stunt. But as they approached their halfway rest stop, Rarity's mind was in overdrive. Spike hadn't spoken to her since the start of the journey, and the longer the silence remained the worst it felt. Sometimes she thought that she had seen Spike take a glancing look at her, but there was no real interaction between them for the whole journey.

Reaching the clearing, Spike let the cart come to a stop and unhooked himself from it. Rarity pulled a cup out of her saddlebag and levitated it over to the fresh river to fill it. However, she was slightly distracted as she noticed Spike suddenly cannonball dive into the river, causing a big splash that just missed hitting her perfectly styled mane. Rarity stood in shock at the sudden change as the dragon enjoyed cooling himself off in the river.

“Sorry, am I being a bit uncouth for you?” Spike called out as he backstroked past where Rarity was paused for thought.

The sarcasm in his voice snapped Rarity back to attention, and she dipped the cup into the river to fill it “No, not at, it’s just you surprised me as you haven’t gone swimming before.”

“Well, after pulling that heavy cart I could do with a cooling down, even in autumn.”

Rarity watched as the dragon froliked about in the water I wonder just how much Spike changed his behaviour for me. Sweet Celestia, could I be any more of a bad friend!

“Sorry that you felt you couldn’t do this before” Rarity called out.

“It was my choice, nothing to do with you!” Spike snapped back.

Rarity could tell Spike was still smarting and decided to leave him in peace. She took her drink and sat down under the shade of a nearby tree, waiting for her dragon companion to be ready. But it just gave her time to think.

Everypony knew dragons were dangerous creatures, and kept well away from them. However, Rarity and her friends had much more knowledge than most, having witnessed first hand young dragon behaviour. They were despicable creatures that would kill young phoenixs just for fun - they had no redeeming features.

But Ponyvilles resident dragon, her little Spikey Wikey, was nothing like those mean dragons. Rarity reflected that he displayed the five base elements of harmony as much as anypony else:

His loyalty to Twilight was evident, but the dragon was just as loyal to her when she needed his help.
He would always try cheer everypony up, even going as far as that dangerous trip to the castle to get that book for her.
Despite his basic instinct, his generosity in time and any possessions he had was only second to her own.
The actions with the phoenix baby; saving it, raising it and eventually letting it go, proved his kindness.
Even when it came to honesty, he had even be truthful of his feelings in a way she had not.

But she was worried just how easy it would be for him to turn towards his dragon nature, to become greedy, selfish and violent. Of course having a pony like Twilight as a mother figure would be useful in preventing this, in particular now she was a strong leader who could keep anypony in check.

But it had been Spikes feelings for her, and the fact she would not give up the Heartgem, that had turned him back to normal when his greed had taken over. And when she was taken over by the Nightmare, he had done everything he could to rescue her. This was despite the evil tempting him with false visions of them being together, offering him everything his dragon greed desired. Would Spike be able to stay on the good path now he hated her? Visions of an out of control Spike tearing Equestria part entered her mind...

“Hello, Equestria to Rarity?” Spike called out, snapping the unicorn back to reality where the dragon had already strapped himself into the carts harness “Sorry to interrupt your daydreaming but some of us will have work to do later, so lets get moving.”

Rarity stood up, packed away her things, and followed the cart. The break may have given Spike a chance to refresh his muscles, but all it had done was depress her further. She vowed to herself that when the day was over, she would lay on her favorite couch and eat all the ice cream she could find.

Unbeknownst to the unicorn, Spike was equally having a harder then expected time. It was not solely because of his dragon code that he decided to do the gem hunting today. Spike had wanted to prove to himself that he could be around Rarity without resorting to his usual feelings of attraction. But even with the freshness of the pain, and the night spent softly weeping, he was often finding himself ready to break down and apologise to Rarity, despite having decided there was nothing he needed to apologise for.

4 - Defend

After the second half of their awkward walk towards the mountain, Rarity and Spike finally reached an area where the unicorn could sense a large deposit of gems whilst Spike's stomach rumbled as his draconic instinct sensed the gems nearby. The dragon unhooked himself from the cart and started a stretching regimen in preparation for the hard work, although his . Rarity lit her horn and searched for the largest cache of gems, marking the ground with a stick.

As Spike began digging down where marked, Rarity continued to trot around casting her spell, trying to locate the position of the types of gems she needed. Out of the corner of the eye, she noticed the sharpness of Spikes claws again as he tore through the dirt and rock, the sight of the tough ground being ripped to pieces harping back to the original thoughts she had in the morning.

Rarity physically shuddered Don’t be silly, Spike would never hurt anypony! Even as a grown dragon he only defended himself as passively as possible. Don’t flatter yourself too much that one argument from you would be enough to turn him into a snarling beast!

Would it?

She continued to trot around and noticed that she was keeping a bit more distance between herself and her helper, and instantly felt a little bit guilty for doing so. Having marked a fair few places to dug, she sat herself down under a tree, laying back against the bark. Having stopped she suddenly felt tiredness of the walk and sleeplessness of the night start to take its toil and her eyes started feeling rather heavy...

The next thing Rarity knew she was woken up by a loud cough right next to her ear. She jumped at the surprise as Spike crouched next to her, making the dragon quickly back off.

"Woah there Rarity, didn't mean to scare you. I've finished the areas you marked and just needed you to find some more"

The first thing Rarity noticed was that Spike's tone was a little softer than earlier in the day. She then looked around at the piles of dirt and the gems lying next to the cart ready for sorting. "What time is it?"

"I don't know" Spike mumbled "I've been the one busy working whilst you slept!" and with that he's tone had returned. A pang of guilt flushed through Rarity as that hit home. Everytime that they had gone gem hunting, she had always just cast her spell and then sat back whilst Spike did all the work. At least at Carousel Boutique they worked together, giving the dragon what he wanted which - some time together. But out here...she just used him as cheap physical labour.

"So, where shall I did next?" the dragon asked, picking a piece of dirt out of a claw nonchalantly. Rarity saw that whilst Spike had already dug up a fair amount of gems, unfortunately as of yet they hadn’t found any sapphires that she needed. She got up and started moving around again, trying to focus on their unique signature. She marked a couple of places and Spike started digging.

Rarity then looked up at the sky and noticed that it had gone midday, and as if in response the pony's stomach started to rumble. When Spike had finished with the first hole, she called over to him “I bought some lunch for us, if you would like?”

The dragon walked over to where Rarity had set up a picnic blanket. Spike’s stomach rumbled in response, and the dragon seemed annoyed that his biology had given away that he was. “Sure, one of us needs to keep our energy up to do all the hard work round here!”

Rarity decided not to raise to the bait, but instead unpacked the lunch, splitting it in two. She sat herself down and to her surprise Spike sat nearby - not close enough to be friendly but it was a start. The unicorn decided against tempting fate by speaking and just enjoyed the sandwich she had made for herself. The silence did not last as long as Spike asked something Rarity would never have expected “So, how was your date last night?”

Rarity gulped. She wasn’t sure whether to actually respond on not, given everything that had happened in every conversation that day, but knew it would be even more awkward and rude not to answer at all. “He...he cancelled on me…” Rarity sighed, wondering what barb her companion would shoot back hearing that.

Spike thought for a second before snorting out a puff of smoke and replying “What an idiot...I’m sorry to hear that”

Rarity analysed the response and decided it was clean of sarcasm. She was about to respond when Spike continued "I mean, I know the nobles say Pegasi are supposed to be stupid..."

"Don't say that!" Rarity admonished the dragon as an automatic response.

"Hey, I'm not agreeing with them, I never did whilst even living in Canterlot. But if Crescent Moon stood you up for a date then clearly he is, you were way out of his league!" Spike finished with a hint of warmth in his voice. However, he seemed to catch himself being nice and quickly took a bite of his lunch.

Rarity was unsure what to say, but wanted to take this opportunity to start a dialogue “Spike, I never meant…” Rarity began in her soft tones, only to be interrupted again.

“Look, I’m sorry I asked, lets just get on with the gem hunting, okay?” the dragon huffed, swallowing his sandwich in a single gulp. “You've marked a few places and I can dig them out whilst you eat.”

A few more hours of gem hunting later and the cart was mostly filled. Luckily they had discovered a few caches of sapphires that Rarity needed. Clouds had formed in the sky and the sun was starting its downward arc to the horizon. Once the final marked area had been excavated, Rarity said that they were due to go. The dragon studded the sky and agreed that it would be going dark soon and a storm might be on the way later.

Spike looked over the pile of jewels in the cart and licked his lips “I’m hungry - which gem are you going to give me? I could do with something to snack on for the journey home.”

Rarity had kept the sapphires separate and placed these into her saddlebags which were empty having eaten lunch. A small smile formed on her face as she turned to her companion “I’m not going to give you a gem. Apart from these few sapphires I need -" she said, patting her bag " - all the rest are yours!

“What?” Spike replied oddly coldly.

“Well, I don’t need them except for these I’ve put aside, so I think it’s only fair you get a decent haul for once”

Spike voice remained cold “Thats not how it work. You get the gems, I get a few snacks”

Rarity was unsure why Spike was resisting - she was the element of generosity and nopony ever turned her down in the past “At best we should have been splitting the gems more equally for all our trips, so this is payment for those trips!”

“No. No, you don’t get to do that!” Spike snapped at her, his temper rising “You took advantage of my feelings for you for years to get me to do what you wanted, and you don’t get to undo that now.”

“But Spikey…” Rairty tried to speak, physically started to back away from Spike.

“No! You get all but a few of the gems, as you always did. And each time you see them on a client or in a fashion magazine, I want you to remember how you took advantage of my feelings for you to get them!”

“Spike, I -”

“Shut up!” Spike yelled.

Rarity was aghast “You’ve never -”

“Quiet!” Spike snapped, his body tensing up in a way Rarity had never seen before. The unicorn stopped speaking and held her breath. Her ears picked up on some noises in the background, the sound of something that didn’t sound too friendly. Out of the treeline a pack of timberwolves started walking towards them, at least four large adults and a couple of smaller ones.

The timberwolves had never been seen in the mountains before, usually only in the everfree forest, so had always been a safe place to dig. Sure, there were the diamond dogs, but after the first run in with them they had left Rarity alone. Besides, the Diamond Dogs weren't going to kill anypony...but the same could not be said for the wolves.

Spike moved himself in front of Rarity, and growled “Run”.

Rarity looked as the timberwolves eyed up the dragon in front of them, and knew there was no way for the baby dragon to win. She readied herself to fight alongside her friend.

“Run!” he repeated with a level of volume and aggression that shocked the unicorn so much that her instincts kicked in and she galloped off without a second thought.

Moments later, when her brain reengaged, she heard a roar of flame and glanced back to see a bright light coming from her friend. This wasn't a yellow fire he normally blew, or the green magical fire he used to send scrolls. This was an intense blue flame that turned the leading timberwolf that had lunged for him into dust.

The adrenaline kicked in and she ran even faster through the forest until a ear-shattering howl rang out. She looked back as the sounds of fire and rage echoed round the forest, the noise of the fight feeding her flight instinct. Without paying full attention to where she was running, the unicorn tripped over an exposed root, landing awkwardly on her side. She tried to stand but her right front leg gave way under the pressure. She quickly realised that it was broken, or at least badly sprained, meaning her ability to move was drastically compromised.

Knowing it wouldn't be wise to lie out in the open, she saw a large bush off the to side and hobbled her way under it, finding a large gap in the middle. She lay under the bush in pain, and wept as the sounds of the battle echoed out around her...wondering what was to become of her dragon friend, and then to herself should the timberwolves find her.

Author's Note

Sorry for the slightly too-convenient plot device!

5 - Depend

A fair amount time passed with Rarity hiding under the bush weeping. In a reflection of the pony’s mood it had started raining which made her even less likely to leave the cover she had found, especially as she could sense a major storm on the horizon. Luckily the bush was keeping her dry for the time being, as with her injury and the temperature dropping, Rarity knew that getting cold and wet could have been fatal.

However, truth be told she was less worried about hypothermia than the threat of the timberwolves finding her. The noise of the attack on Spike had been brutal, but it had fallen silent a while ago leaving a eerie calm hanging over the mountainside. With her injury there was no way for her to make a run for the safety of Ponyville so knew she would have to wait until a rescue party came by...but that wouldn't be until the next day at the earliest.

She heard a creature walking nearby and she instinctively slowed her breathing is it didn't sound like the movements of a pony. Whatever it was seemed to be looking for something, and Rarity shivered as she suspected it was her. Even if she wouldn't be able to stop it, she knew she had to try to do whatever she could to protect herself but through the pain and cold she couldn't focus her magic properly leaving her defenceless.

The bush in front of her parted and she partially recognised what came through. It was Spike, but at the same time it wasn’t Spike. He had grown - nowhere near the size of a normal dragon, or even a teenage dragon, but was about the same size as a large pony. He also no longer looked like the young baby dragon she knew, his face was much more fierce and his scales were much darker.

As the dragon approached her, the sharp talons of his claws glistening in the fading light, and smoke still puffing from his nostrils, Rarity instinctively flinched away.

“Rarity, I’m not going to harm you!” Spike spoke, not realising that his voice came out deep and powerful in his agitated state, causing Rarity to wince in fear slightly. Rarity closed her eyes and turned her head away, waiting for the beast to finish her off. Instead, a claw gently cupped her muzzle, gently turned and lifted her head. She opened her eyes and looked into the familiar eyes of a dragon that cared for her.

“Rarity, it’s me, Spike...you're safe now!”

“Oh Spike!” the unicorn gasped, before fainting unconscious.

Despite the seriousness of the situation, the dragon couldn't help but slightly roll his eyes at Rarity’s reaction. The fashionista was always ready to faint, and often pretended to when being melodramatic, but this was the first time she actually had. At least it was for a good reason.

Spike gently shook Rarity and used some of the rain outside to splash on her face, until she came around. Rarity awoke and almost fainted again at the site of the small dragon leaning over her. Spike backed up a few paces “I grabbed your bags before I left” Spike explained as rummaged through the bag. Finding a cup, he left it outside for a few moments before bringing it back in half filled with rainwater “Here, have a drink, you need it”.

“Thanks” Rarity replied cautiously reached forwards and took the cup out of the dragons clasp before eagerly drinking the water.

“Wait, you're using your hooves?” Spike noticed.

“Yes, the pain is making it impossible for me to focus my magic. I’m not skilled in such things as Twilight!”

“Okay. We need to get to safety. I fought off the timberwolves but others may come...plus there are other beasts out here. I can’t fight them and protect you at the same time, especially if you have no magic.”

“I hurt my front leg...I can’t walk on it, I think it’s broken!” Rarity replied meekly.

“Well, we can’t stay here in the open, we need to move.”

“But I can’t Spike, alright?” Rarity moped.

Spike thought about it for a second and a slight smile formed on his face. He had always wanted this to happen, albeit the other way round, so the irony of what he was about to do was not lost on him. He reached in and as gently as possible picked up Rarity, placing her on his back. “Offf!” Spike exhaled as Rarity rested on his back “You’re a little heavier than I thought you would be!”

Rarity was too in shock at being carried like a foal to actually respond, even if the dragon was implying she was fat. Spike had a look around at the sky “I saw a cave near here which we can go to for the night. The storms going to be here in a few minutes and I don't fancy trying to navigate down the mountain in the rain and wind whilst carrying you”.

Spike set off on all fours and Rarity just held on with her three good legs to make sure not to fall off. The pain of movement on her leg kept her from really thinking properly, but she knew she was being carried to safety. As the rain started to soak into her fur, she shivered and tried to absorb as much of the heat coming off her friend as she could.

It only took a few minutes to reach the cave which was quite small, about the size of the ground floor of Carousel Boutique. Fortunately, it had a fairly small entrance which kept out the wind and rain. Spike gently knelt down at the rear of the cave and Rarity crawled off his back. Spike stood up onto her rear legs, and stretched out his back, causing large pops.

“Heh, not used to moving on all four legs” Spike said sheepishly. Rarity internally shuddered as Spike’s louder voice echoed round the cave, espically as with him standing and her lying down he towered above her. However, being injured and practically helpless, she knew that there was nothing to do but trust her former friend. Spike then started walking towards the entrance.

“Where are you going?” Rarity asked with some alarm.

Spike turned his head back “Huh? I'm just going to go grab some fruit and berries from some nearby trees for you to eat, and see if I can find some firewood.”

Spike started walking again. “Please, don't leave me” Rarity whinnied rather pathetically.

The dragon froze in the cave entrance. For years he would have loved to have been asked to stay anywhere by Rarity. But in the current circumstances he was torn between the request to stay, a desire to leave, but overwhelming all he could think about was providing Rarity with what she needed to survive.

“You’ll need to eat to keep your strength up, and a fire to stay warm” and with that Spike almost ran out the cave. Rarity reached out forlornly with a hoof but the dragon was gone, leaving her alone. The unicorn looked around the dingy cave, the exactly opposite of the decadence and warmth of her personal boutique. She shivered as the cold seeped in, and it dawned on her - she was completely dependant on Spike right now. Even if by now her friends may be starting to get worried about her and Spike’s late return, with the storm and the size of the area they would have to search, it would take time to find her...longer if she was in a cave.

It didn't seem to take too long for Spike to return, cradling a bunch of fruits in his arms. He placed them down next to Rarity who picked up a pear. “Thank you Spike” she smiled before she bit into the fruit most despised by her orange coated friend.

“No problem, there's plenty of fruit around and a fresh stream for water nearby.”

“What about wood for a fire?”

“It’s all too wet...but don’t worry, I have a backup plan.”

Spike rolled some large rocks into the centre of the cave, and roared his flame breath onto them. Rarity was astonished by the intensity of the flame, the warmth of that alone seemingly helping to heat up the cave. Spike then rolled the stone nearer to where Rarity lay.

“Don’t touch them- “ Spike warned in his deep voice “- they would seriously burn you if you were to touch them.

“How come you can then?” Rarity asked.

“Dragons are basically impervious to heat, I can even swim in lava”

“Of yes…” Rarity half giggled “I remember that from the dragon migration.”

“Yep these scales aren’t affected by heat...or dress pins…” Spike replied.

And there it was. Rarity instantly picked up the change in Spike's tone, the dragon making a point to throw up a conversational barrier between them. Spike placed some other stones around the heated ones. “These will act as a railing in case you accidently touch them, and to help the heat dissipate more slowly.”

Rarity could sense that Spike’s defences over his emotions were lowering compared to earlier in the day, but in her current state wasn't going to risk bringing anything up that may cause an argument. She quickly thought of something else to say. “When did you learn all of this?”

Spike sat down “Basic Survival? From a book...and I read lots of books growing up!”

“Indeed. Your flame certainly seems to have grown up in the past few hours...it seems to be much hotter than before!” Rarity replied before taking some berries from the pile.

Spike grabbed a few himself “Yes, but it also means I can't currently send messages using magic.”

“We don’t have any paper or ink at the moment anyway” Rarity tried to reassure the dragon.

“That wouldn't matter. If I started sending Celestia a bunch of random twigs etc, she would soon realise something was up and probably be able to trace my magic or something! So, sorry about that!”

Rarity practically choked on her berry “Sorry? Spike, you saved my life! You certainly have nothing to be sorry about!”

Spike looked over to Rarity, and another awkward silence started to develop. Rarity found herself unable to prevent herself from yawning, the heat and the food helping her relax after hours of hiding scared under the bush.

“I guess it’s best we rest, the sooner we do, the sooner morning will come and hopefully the storm would have passed” Rarity lay her head down. Spike agreed and lay down nearby but noticed that the unicorn was shivering.

“You okay?” Spike asked with concern.

“This cave is so cold!” Rarity half whined.

“The heat from the stones not enough?”

“They are wonderful and I'm very grateful. But being a pampered indoor pony my coat is thinner than say Applejack or Rainbow Dash would be, so I feel the cold more.”

Spike knew what he had to do...the last thing he really wanted to do right now but another thing that before yesterday would have been right up at the top of his wish list. He crawled over and Rarity slightly gasped as the dragon cuddled in behind her.

No words were said between the pair. Rarity knew Spike was doing this solely to protect her, to keep her warm...possibly to keep her alive. And she owed him everything for saving her today. Spike knew that Rarity was only accepting the touch because she needed it, but regardless his heart was warmed that he was able to do something for somepony he cared deeply for.

As sleep overcame the pair, neither of them noticed that there tails instinctively twisted round each other.

Author's Note

This chapter was going to be longer, but decided to keep each chapter between 1,800~2000 words ish.

6 - Debit

As dawn broke, Rarity stirred in her sleep as the sun shone into the cave. Instinctively she went to stretch but as soon as she moved, the pain from her injured front leg woke her up fully and the memories of where she was came flooding back. She then felt something gently tugging at her mane, and turning her head slightly she saw what it was.

“Spike, what are you doing?”

Spike froze holding the mane brush, only just realising what he was doing having not actually thought about it before “You had some knots and twigs in your mane, I thought it needed some work." Spike looked a little bashful "Sorry.”

“No don't apologise, it feels nice to get my mane sorted after the mess it was in yesterday…without my magic I couldn’t use that brush your holding. But you can hold it - its like your claws a perfectly designed for so many more things than a hoof.”

They both chuckled, and Rarity then looked down to notice something else. “You...you did my tail too?” the pony asked kind of nervously.

Spike turned red and got really flustered “Rarity, I’m so sorry, I never meant…”

“Don’t worry!” Rarity interrupted putting, reaching back a reassuring hoof on spikes arm “I know you didn’t mean anything by it.”

However, Spike wasn't reassured and started backing away from the unicorn “I can’t believe I invaded your personal space like that!”

“Spike, if you had wanted to, you could have done anything to me last night. Be that attack me, eat me or -” Rarity coughed and blushed a bit as she prepared to say the next words “have your way with me!”

“I would never do that!” the dragon interrupted in shock before Rarity could continue.

Rarity smiled at herself, glad she didn’t have to say the third option “Of course not Spike, everypony knows they can trust you.” Rarity gently turned herself over so she could see her companion fully and saw that Spike was already starting to revert back to his old form. He had shrunk a little so now he was slightly smaller than Rarity and his voice had started to change back. His scales were just as dark as before though.

“Can they?”

“What do you mean?”

“When I woke up, I found that our tails were entwined.”

“Oh!” Rarity replied.

“Yeah, but...it wasn’t just my tail wrapped around yours, yours was wrapped around mine. Isn’t that, well, a sign of more than friendship?" Spike started fidgteing with his claws as he spoke "I presume you only allowed me to get close to you as you needed my warmth. Didn't I take a bit of an advantage there?”

Rarity struggled to hide a blush “Well Spike, I have no doubt it was just a subconscious thing, as you tend to curl up when you sleep. As for me, it can be instinct to naturally get close to somebody you are depending on. It’s a form of survival instinct, or Stockcolt syndrome if you were. You try to bond with somepony that you’re scared of so they…”

“You’re, you’re scared of me?” Spike almost whimpered.

Rarity bit her lip “Consciously, no, I trust you explicitly. But my instincts yesterday were warning me about going off alone with a powerful dragon that hated me and…”

“I don’t hate you!” Spike interrupted, before turning away “I could never hate you. By Celestia, I tried to, but I simply couldn't!”

A pause fell over the pair, Spike waiting for Rarity to respond. It was early morning and Rarity’s brain wasn't quite working properly. But through the awkwardness of where they found themselves, the conversational gates seemed to have opened and the unicorn was going to make the most of it “Spike, look at me!”

The dragon remained turned away “Spike, I’m injured and can’t force you to face me so please look at me.” Rarity pleaded. Feeling guilty, the dragon did turn back to face her. “You had every right to hate me -”

“But” Spike interrupted, but Rarity held up her good hoof.

“No, let me finish. We have known each other for a while and in that time there have been a number of occasions I have mistreated you. When I first met you and when you first started helping me, I should have taken your feelings more into account. I just...I just suppose I never thought you were as serious about me as you obviously were.”

Rarity reached out and took Spikes claw “But then, I did start abusing your feelings. I should never have asked for that precious gem from you. That was the first of many times I took things from you when I had no right to.”

“Maybe it’s fate?” Spike shrugged his shoulders

“Huh, what do you mean?”

“Well, that Heartstone has saved both me and you from a fate worse than death.”

“Yes, perhaps it was fate. But both of those incidents showed me that what you were feeling was more than a crush. By the time I realised that, I didn’t want to change what we had. It seemed to make us both happy and I wanted nothing to ruin our friendship. But regardless, I was taking advantage of you.”

Rarity held back a tear that was threatening to spill from her eye “And then I lost sight of your feelings in the matter. I mean, moaning to you about Trenderhoof not reciprocating my feelings...that was most insensitive of me. And to get you to work hard so hard so I had time for a date. It just showed a lack of any care towards you.”

“It’s not that bad…” Spike began, his eyes looking down to the floor.

But Rarity continued “Spike look at me” Spike looked up from the floor into Rarity’s eyes “I’m sorry. I never meant to hurt you, you have to know that. I just want to make it up to you somehow!”

“You don’t owe me anything, thats why I got so annoyed by the gems yesterday.” Rarity didn't respond to allow Spike to continue “I’ve know for a while that this - “ he pointed between the pair “- is complicated. And I’ve known that I’m underpaid for the services that I do for you. And we both know that I’m not doing it for personal gain.”

“You do it because of your feelings for me. That’s why you help me out much more than anypony else.” Rarity replied sadly.

“True. But it’s not only that, its also because of the alternative. I help everypony in town without expecting anything back.” Spike sighed “Everypony knows what my natural instincts are, and every day I have to battle the urge to hoard. I just hoped, maybe spending time round the living embodiment of generosity would help.”

“Spike, you don’t have to be underpaid to be generous. If you decide to help me either around the boutique or gem hunting, I’m going to pay you properly.”

“But…”

“No buts, hear me out. If you want to help me, you are going to accept proper payment. You have a hobby in your comics books you can spend the bits on"

“I can’t, that would feed my hoarding instinct. I only swap one comic book for another, never letting the total amount grow.”

“Okay, I didn’t think of that. But theres other things to spend money on. Perhaps one day you won’t want to live with Twilight. You could get a place of your own and so could save up for that, and then pay the bills.”

“It’s unlikely I’ll ever leave Twilights side. Even if she was to get a special somepony, I’ll always be her assistant!”

Rarity could tell Spike had thought about this before “Or, you could give your earnings away to charity, to the needy, to the orphanage whatever.”

“Can’t it just continue like we are now?” Spike asked “I really like it, even if I know it doesn’t mean anything.”

“No, because no matter what you say, you aren’t doing it for the right reasons. Spike, my feelings for you are...complicated. I really like you as a friend, and perhaps more. But, I don’t like you in the same way you like me.”

“Because I’m a dragon” Spike replied softly.

“No!" Rarity almost shouted, before composing herself "Because you are my friend. And also the son...or whatever, to one of my best friends. And a few years younger than me. Whether or not I’ve ever had such feelings for you, there would be so many problems to overcome."

“I know you're just trying to be nice.”

Rarity rolled her eyes “You are the perfect gentledrake, and nopony cares that you're a dragon. Someday, when you find somebody who can reciprocate your feelings, you’ll understand that!”

“Yeah right, nopony could ever love a dragon.”

Rarity didn’t like to gossip (okay she did, but only about certain things) but knew that this was in everypony’s best interests. “Scootaloo has a crush on you!” she replied with a bit of a song in her voice

Spike looked at Rarity with some confusion “She does?”

“Yep, and another filly at school….Archer I think her name is. She’s very adventurous and would really like to go exploring with a brave dragon companion” Rarity gently nudged Spike in the ribs.

“Yeah, but they aren’t you!”

Rarity blushed again, and Spike felt awkward. To give herself time to think, she asked Spike for some fruit for breakfast and some water. Spike handed Rarity some of the berries he had collected and went outside to fill up the cup. He returned inside wet from the rain, but it had given them time to think.

As Spike sat down, Rarity had a smile form on her face “At least yesterday I helped you live out one of your fantasies”

“What do you mean?”

“You always wanted to rescue a damsel in distress haven't you, and now you have!”

Spike couldn’t help himself as a slight grin formed over his face at Rarity’s bad joke. But Rarity had to say something she didn't want to. Sighed, she continued “Yes Spike, they aren’t me.”

“Huh?”

“The fillies that like you. They aren’t me. But...to be blunt...and maybe I should have said this a while ago...I don’t love you that way.”

Spike swallowed a handful of berries “I know...I guess I always have! And I know I have no right to demand you love me. Sorry for blowing up like that the other day”

“Spike, you have nothing to apologise for, it’s all down to me. I should have been more considerate, it is me that should apologise.”

“But I still shouldn't have shouted at you!”

“Yes you should have, I needed the wake up call!”

“Regardless, what I said to you yesterday, and the day before? It was out of line”

“I understand that the emotions got the best of you, but you were right in what you said.” Rarity realised that they were just going backwards and forwards “How about we don’t let anything build up between the two of us going forwards. Why don't we start afresh? I know I want to have you as a friend, but it has to be on more equal terms...for your own sake.”

“Afresh?” Spike seemed to dwell on the word for a moment “Yes, that does seem best.”

“But one thing will never change Spike. You are my friend, and I owe you my life!"

Spike looked outside as the rain seemed to be easing up “Well, we should head out after we finish here, no doubt the weather team is looking for us!”

“Yes." Another awkward pause as Rarity wondered how to bring it up "I see that you've started to revert back?”

“Yeah, I woke up smaller. I still don’t have my magic fire back and now I don’t think I’m strong enough to carry you.”

“Oh well, it certainly going to make traveling a little more awkward. But I’m sure once we get into the open somepony will spot us.”

After a few more minutes of eating the remaining fruit, and with the rain easing, the pair started their journey. Spike was walking on all fours under Rarity’s bad leg, the pony using him as a walking support. It may have not been the most elegant of solutions, but it worked. After about an hour of walking down the mountainside, they were spotted by Rainbow Dash who had been up searching all night. After checking that Spike was okay to get back to Ponyville by himself, the pegasus carried Rarity off to Ponyville Hospital, leaving the dragon to travel on foot back to town...with plenty on his mind.

Afresh

Author's Note

Hope this chapter doesn't disappoint. It's not quite the end, there's a little more to come...

7 - Depart

Spike arrived back in Ponyville about two hours after the pair had left him. The journey down the mountain would not normally take so long, but he had a lot to think about. Besides, it was a clear and fresh day and he was enjoying the time to himself - it gave him the opportunity for the realisation that he had come to from into a plan.

Upon arrival in town, he headed straight to the hospital where he found four of the bearers of the elements waiting, along with their sisters. Sweetie Belle was being consoled by Fluttershy but as soon as Spike walked in she came running over and pounced-hug him. “Thank you, thank you, thank you” she squeaked.

The two got up, a slight blush forming on the unicorn face as she returned to sit with Fluttershy, whilst Spike tried to play it cool. “So...I guess you’ve all heard hey?” Spike asked.

Applejack smiled “All we know is that Rarity said that you saved her life, and that Rainbow Dash saw you helping Rarity when she was injured!”

“Yeah, I guess.” Spike rubbed the back of his head nervously as many pairs of pony eyes stared at him.

Rainbow Dash hoovered in front of him “Which was, like, totally awesome of you Spike.”

“Thanks” Spike smiled back, accepting the hoofbump for what it was...the closest thing you’ll ever get to a hug from Rainbow Dash.

“Is that why you're bigger and your voice is different?” Pinkie Pie asked, causing everypony to look at her “What, we’re all thinking it!”

Spike laughed a little “It’s fine. No, most of that happened when I was fighting the Timberwolves.”

“Timberwolves?!” the ponies all replied in shock.

“That can be a story for another day” Twilight Sparkle announced as she entered the room.

Sweetie Belle went running over to her “Is my sister okay?”

Twilight leant down a little to give Sweetie her full attention “Your sisters fine, just resting now. She had a broken leg, which I’ve reset by magic. She also had signs of residual shock and her body temperature was a little low, but nothing to worry about now. She’ll be off her hooves for a few days, but be back to herself soon enough.”

“Thank you” Sweetie squeaked again as she hugged the alicorn.

“You can go in and see her if you want.” Twilight stood up “You all can. We're just waiting for her parents to arrive.”

The gathered ponies, and one not-so-baby dragon, filed into the room where Rarity was lying. Her hoof was in a cast, but apart from that she was in good health. After a few thankful hugs between the sisters and most of the ponies, Rarity went on to explain that she'll stay with her parents out of town for a few days to convalesce.

“Fluttershy, could you be a dear and finish up one order for me. There’s a few clothes that needed gems sewing...shoot, I haven't got the sapphires I need!”

Spike patted the bag his was carrying “I’ve got the ones we dug up right here!”

“Thank you Spike” Rarity replied, her tone perhaps indicating she wasn't just talking about the gems.

After maybe about fifteen more minutes of chatting, Rarity and Sweetie Belle’s parents arrived, thankful to see their elder daughter safe and well.The other ponies left to give the family some privacy, and after a few more minutes of conversation outside the hospital headed back to their respective homes.

Once the pair had got back to the Friendship Castle, Twilight took Spike upstairs to the private area away from the public. She made them both a cup of tea, and sat down with him.

“Rarity... told me everything!” Twilight started.

“Everything?” Spike asked a little nervously.

“Yes, she told me about how you saved her from the Timberwolves, rescued her, fed her...based on what she said you saved her life twice over.” Twilight brought her charge into a deep hug with by hooves and wings “I’m so proud of you Spike.”

“I would never leave anypony hanging” Spike tried to sound grown up, but after all he had himself been through the comforting affection of Twilight was very welcoming and a few tears leaked from his eyes.

Twilight just cradled Spike, sensing his emotions “I know it can’t have been easy for you, given what had happened a few days before!”

“No, it wasn’t. I tried so hard to be all distant like I said I wanted to be...but I couldn’t!” Spike was in tears by this point.

“Shhhh” Twilight reassured “Spike, they were very unusual circumstances. A friends life was in danger, and you saved it. Okay, it was a little more complicated for you as it was Rarity, but I hardly think you can judge your ability to move on based on something like last night!”

Spike nuzzled into the warmth of his adoptive parent, a place that as a baby baby dragon he cherished. But he was no longer a baby, and knew he had to move on. He parted himself from the comforting fur and looked at her “Twilight, I have something I need to discuss with you, and I need you to hear me out”

Spike then continued to explain what was on his mind, Twilight listening carefully but not interrupting. It seemed to make a lot of sense and undoubtedly it was logical much to the princesses annoyance. But just as the dragon had, she had grown and could see that maybe it was for the best. “So, can I?” Spike asked nervously.

“Spike, you don’t need my permission to do anything.”

“Are you sure, Princess?”

“Yes Spike” Twilight rolled her eyes, knowing he was trying to lighten the mood “And don’t worry, I won’t interfere like I did last time.”

A few days later, Rarity slowly walked back into her own home. Her leg was still a little tender, but she was able to move around fairly freely and her magic had fully returned. Applejack, the true friend, had stocked up Rarity's cupboards and fridge with supplies, and so she made herself a nice cup of tea and sat down.

A few minutes later there was a knock on the door. Rarity called out that she was closed, but the new voice of her dragon friend called out that it was him. Having let him in, and poured him a cup of tea, the pair chatted for a while about Rarity’s stay at her parents. However, clearly Spike had come for a reason, and Rarity was intrigued to know what it was.

“So Spike, I presume there is a reason you came by so quickly on my return?”

Spike decided just to get it said quickly “Yes, I did. I’m leaving Ponyville...in a few hours in fact.”

“What?” Rarity practically whispered in response, barely finding her voice.

“I’m going to stay with Princess Cadence and Prince Shining Armour for a while. You know, get away from here, have some time to explore myself, that sort of thing!”

“It’s because of me, isn’t it?” her voice was still quiet.

Spike sighed “Partly. I need time to...well...get over you.”

“I can’t allow that Spike, If anypony should be leaving, it’s me.”

“Don’t be silly rarity. You're a member of the council of friendship. you have to stay together for the sake of Equestria!”

Rarity was starting to find her voice “That may be, but I can’t chase you away from Ponyville!”

“You’re not, it’s my choice Rarity. Besides, your business is in Ponyville, and all your family is nearby!”

“What about your family...Twilight.” Rarity grasped at straws.

Spike laughed slightly, having had a similar argument with some of his other friends previously “Twilight will do fine without me, she’s going to hire a few helpers for the castle now she is a Princess. And besides Shining Armour was like a brother to me, and Princess Cadence was an awesome foal-sitter to me as well. It’ll be nice to spend some time with them, before they have a family of their own.”

“It seems you have thought this through.”

“Yes, I have Rarity. It’s in my best interests, and will probably be good for Twilight as well. And ”

“What about me?” Rarity added softly.

“You?”

“Yes, me. I was looking forwards to making amends for all the times I abused your feelings!”

Spike took Rarity’s hoof in his “Rarity, you have nothing to make amends for. I think we both know you didn’t do anything to deliberately hurt me, or take advantage knowingly. We are both young, both naive in the ways of love. Just like you had your heart broken at the gala, this was a lesson to me.”

“Please don’t compare me to Prince Blueblood!” Rarity joked.

“Of course not, you are much more noble than he would ever be!” Realising he was still holding her hoof, he released it quickly. But it just underlined why he had to go. “The train leaves at three. The gangs going to meet up to say goodbye before, I hope you can make it?”

“Of course Spike, of course!”

Twilight and Spike were the first to arrive. Their eyes were already red from the goodbyes they had cried at the castle. Spike only had a small bag with him, leaving behind most of possessions to help Twilight not miss him so much.

One by one the others arrived. They were told not to bring gifts, lest it fed Spikes hoarding instinct, but Applejack brought some snacks for the train on the basis they were perishable. The train was due in a few minutes and as everypony was saying their goodbyes, Rarity shot the others a quick glance. Picking up on the hidden message they all, even twilight, went off to look at the timetable to give the two a little privacy.

Rarity reached into her bag, pulled out a box, and placed it into spikes claw. Spike opened the box and found the Heartstone necklace inside.

“Rarity I…” Spike began, but found a hoof covering his mouth.

“I know what you are going to say, but hear me out. You gave me this gem because I asked for it. Given your taste for gems, I literally took candy from a foal! It may have saved the world a couple of times, but I have no right to keep it. Take it.”

Rarity smiled at Spike, the sort of smile he always melted to “Maybe someday you’ll find a special somepony, or dragon, to give it to.” Rarity bluished slightly “Maybe someday you’ll want to give it back to me...or maybe you’ll just eat it. Either way, it’s your choice to make now!”

Spike studied the gem, and then lent forwards to give the pony a hug. Rarity accepted the act but whilst it was happening, Rarity could feel Spike placing the necklace around her. When the hug was broken, Spike looked her in the eyes.

“Rarity, I gave this to you when I was your little Spikey Wikey. It was given, not in the hope of anything in return, but because it made you happy. It was a gift, one that I do not regret in the slightest. I have no regrets over the past, and I want you to keep the stone as a reminder of the good times we had, not just the past few days. Can you do that for me?”

“Of course, Spikey Wikey” Rarity smiled back through watery eyes, relishing the use of the nickname for the final time, for Spike was no longer a baby dragon.

The others returned, and after a few more hugs and goodbyes, the train arrived. Spike boarded, and with a final wave out of the window the engine began to move off. As soon as the train was out of the station, Twilight broke down into tears, the thought of spending more than a day away from her long time companion too much to bear. Her friends comforted her whilst onboard the 3:05 to the crystal empire, a small dragon sniffed back tears on his own.

A few hours later, the train arrived at its destination and Spike saw Princess Cadence waiting for him at the station. Spike had no sooner left the carriage than found himself picked up by the alicorns aura, deposited on her back and flying through the air to the castle.

“Hello Princess, whats going on?” Spike asked as he held on tight.

“Spike, I have ice-cream back at the castle, and you can tell your aunty caddy all about it!”

“About what? And you're not really my aunt...er Princess?”

“No, just a weird sort of relative" she giggled "But I am the Princess of Love, and I can sense a broken heart a mile away. I'm looking forwards to spending time with you Spike, lets just hope nothing gets in the way of it on this trip!”

Author's Note

Just an epilogue to go now.

I wonder if some people may be upset with the resolution, but all I can say is sometimes that is how things go. And I say that partly as somebody lived that. Is it ever possible to get over love, or is distance the only cure?

And given Spike was going to eat the heart shaped fire ruby. Rarity did basically take candy from a baby. Bad Rarity :duck:

Epilogue - Disparity

It was Hearth's Warming Eve, the first one Twilight was going to spend in her new castle, and the first one in more than a decade that she was going to spend without Spike. Trotting around the palace, she came across the council of friendship hall which had been set up by the castle assistants ready for the meal the next day. All of her friends were going to join her; five thrones would be filled with those she loved. Some normal chairs had also been brought in for other guests for the feast - three for the other members of the apple household, three for the Belle household and two for Scootaloo and her mother.

However, there would be one empty chair at the table, next to her. Spikes throne remained at the table, unused since he left. Afterall, Twilight wasn't going to let anypony else use it whilst he was away. Looking round the decorated room, Twilight sighed thinking about how they would be celebrating in the Crystal Empire. However, a nearby clock chime reminded her there was one task left for the day, an enjoyable one of watching the Hearths Warming Eve play at the town hall.

Twilight was told that as a Princess in her own kingdom, she would have to be the patron of her own play. As she couldn't act in it, she let Cheerilee's class put it on as a school project. Besides, it seemed more festive and fun to let foals perform the play than grown mares like they did at the Canterlot. As she sat in the front row with most of her friends, another one joined them.

“Rainbow Dash? Aren’t you supposed to be acting as the windigos in this?”

“Yeah, but I found a last minute replacement. Besides, this way I get to see all of Scootaloo's acting.”

The play soon started, Cheerilee acting as the narrator and director. Twilight rather enjoyed watching the play, and was going to try to make it traditional for younger ponies to play the parts every year across the land. The play was going along as predicted, with the foals enthusiasm making up for a lack of acting skill, until the cave scene arrived. Twilight was eager to see who was playing the part that Rainbow was due to play and with bated breath waited for the line “It must be a windigo!”.

A purple dragon, covered with long blue fabric strips tied to his scales, flew onto the stage, slowly circling it with his leathery wings. Rainbow sniggered as both Rarity and Twilight eyes expanded at seeing Spike’s return, and giggled to herself at the dragon idea of how to make an entrance And he can fly too, he is like so much cooler now!

Twilight almost ruined the play right then and there by flying up to hug him but managed to keep herself under control until the end of the play. As soon as it finished, all the foals came rushing from backstage to their parents and friends for congratulations. And amongst them a stallion sized spike saunted confidently across to where his friends stood.

He stopped a few hooves away from Twilight and smiled, flexing his new wings as he did. Twilight bit her lips a little, not wanting to break the almost staring contest that had started between the two. Of course it wasn't a staring contest, they just did want to be the first to speak as neither were sure what to say. Fortunately, Pinkie Pie broke the silence “Oh my gosh Spike, your back? It's a hearths warming miracle!”

Spike turned to smile at her “Well, you know the egghead probably wouldn't have any fun without me around.” Some of the ponies nearby gasped as Spike ruffled up Twilight’s, Princess Twilight’s, mane with a claw. Noticing everypony's reaction, Spike continued “It’s been pointed out to me before, by Celestia no less, that I am a dragon and therefore the Princesses have no dominion over me!”

Twilight smiled at the newfound confidence of her dragon son “I’m still your mother, young man.”

“That’s funny -” Spike studied his claws “- I don’t believe I have hooves.”

Twilight could sense that he was only joking, but she was determined to win the argument “That may be, but I looked after you as a baby and raised you. So I am your mother. So come here and hug me!”

“Of course” Spike came over to Twilight and gave her a proper hug.

“So, did your cheekiness grow as much as your wings?” Twilight asked as the pair embraced.

“Not really. I just didn’t want the whole thing to resort into complete mushiness straight away...I really missed you Twilight”

“I really missed you too...big guy”

On Hearths Warming Day, the friends and family gathered at lunchtime in the grand hall. The castle had somehow magically made Spike’s throne bigger overnight so he fitted on it, and he sat between Rainbow Dash and Twilight. Spike spent half of the time discussing flying with Rainbow Dash and half catching up with Twilight. Whilst they had kept in touch with letters during the months he had been away, they still had a lot to talk about.

Rarity was on the opposite side of the table, obviously spending time chatting to her family on one side and Sweetie Belle on the other. Every so often Spike saw Rarity glance his way, but the table layout didn't really give them a chance to talk. The meal took all the afternoon and evening, a lunch turning into a civilised gathering fit for a princess, despite how much Pinkie Pie tried to kick it up a notch. The three fillies went off to play in the castle, the adults sipping some of Berry Punch's finest.

As luna's night took hold, the gathering was winding down and in dribs and drabs ponies were going either home or off to the rooms provided for the night. Rarity’s parents went upstairs to bed with Sweetie Belle, and with the crowd thinned, Rarity took Spike off to one side.

“Hello Spike, it’s good to see you!”

“Rarity!” Spike greeted warmly “It’s good to see you too. You look well.”

“Yes, but not as well as you do. You sure have grown in these past few months! Those wings look rather impressive.”

Spike turned his back slightly “Yeah, they came in about a month ago. Cadence took me up flying and then just threw me off her back. They grew during my fall…”

“That sounds horrible!” Rarity gasped

“No, it was a trick. She caught me before I hit the ground and since then I’ve gotten used to them. Cadence did some research and apparently falling, or being pushed, out of the nest is how Dragons learn to get their wings!”

Rarity saw them flutter slightly as he spoke “Mind...mind if I touch them?”

“Not at all.” Spike replied, turning round fully. Rarity gently stroked one with a hoof.

“They feel thin...but powerful”

“They are. I won’t ever have the speed of Rainbow Dash, but eventually I should have more flying stamina for the long migrations. She’s already looking forwards to a race.”

“Well, the time away certainly has done you some good.” Rarity summised.

“Yeah, hows things with you? From Twilight’s letters it sounds like your business is going well?” Spike had none of the awkwardness that he always used to have round her but a quiet confidence instead.

“I can’t complain, it’s been a good few months. I’ve hired some helpers to do some of the work to let me channel my creativity.”

“Helpers hey, I’m surprised they could put up with you.”

Rarity laughed in response “I may have had to tone down my dramatic moments...slightly!”

Spike just smiled back, a moment passing between the pair. Rarity began to walk to the door to head home for the night. Spike knew he had one last thing to say “Well, it’s good to see you again. Perhaps we can catch up properly on my next visit?”

“Wait, you're not staying?”

“No, I’m leaving tomorrow morning to go up Canterlot for a while. Luna and Celestia, I mean the Princesses, would like to teach me some dragony things.”

Rarity looked visibly upset, so Spike continued “I’ll be back for Winter Wrap Up. I can help Applejack with the planting, Fluttershy with some of the animals, and of course help you with some of the first gem hunts of the new season...for the right price of course.”

“Of course!” Rarity smiled. “Well, do pop past to say goodbye before you leave.”

“Sure, It'll be mid morningish. See you tomorrow, goodnight Rarity”

“Goodnight Spike” Rarity replied. Spike leant forward to give the pony a hug. There was warmth in the hug, but equally Rarity knew that it wasn't the same sort of affection as shown before., something she reflected on sadly on the way home. He's changed...good for him. Although I will miss my Spikey Wikey.

Spike lay in his new bed, looking out of the window. He then heard a knock on the door.

“Come in Twilight”

The alicorn opened the door and entered quietly “How did you know it was me?”

“I could smell you...in a good way I mean. My senses have started to heighten.”

Twilight climbed up into Spikes bed, keeping herself above the covers “How are you feeling Spike? I saw you chatting with Rarity...you okay?”

Spike placed a hoof on Twilights face “Yeah, it was difficult but better than I expected. I’m not quite moved on yet, but getting there.”

“So more time away?” Twilight asked softly, to be met with a soft nod from the dragon. “I really do miss you Spike!”

“Just a few more months Twilight, I’ll soon be back to bother you on a daily basis.”

“I know” Twilight giggled, giving her charge a hug “But no matter how big you get, you’ll never be too big to get a clip round the ear young man, so drop that cheekiness!”

Author's Note

I had never planned to do anything about Spike coming back, orignally I was going to end with him going away, but it did feel unfinished. I know this doesn't have an ending, but really this just segways into a new ongoing universe where Spike and Rarity are just friends.

There won't be a sequel as I am in favour of Sparity (despite a few stories pushing them apart...I just thats a reflection on my first love) My next Spike story will be a happy one with Sweetie Belle. So you know, follow me to see when that gets posted. :pinkiehappy: