Rarity stares at the rapier held against her neck, the edge digging into her jugular "I... yield..."

The blade is withdrawn and Midnight smiles at her, her mane in a ponytail "That's better than last time! You learn fast."

Rarity nods weakly, lightheaded "It would... help if you didn't move faster than I could see..."

She frowns "Hey, you could see me when we were doing hoof-to-hoof"

"I can't see your coat at night, yet you can see mine because it's white. I'm at a... physical disadvantage... including night vision, acute senses, and obviously, wings."

She ponders this and claps her hooves "I know! I'll just change color!"

"I thought you couldn't-"

"Not during the day, when my magic is weak, but at night..." she closes her eyes and green fire erupts around her, and dissipates just as fast. Midnight had changed her coat from dark mauve and into ice-blue, her wings fused to her sides and eyes no longer slitted "There! How's that?"

"I'm going to pack you up in my suitcase and you'll be my model/slave..."

They stare at each other and Midnight raises a hoof and points to Rarity "So... 'good'? We're even now."

"Yes." she replies and before she can get her wits, Midnight's shot forward, her sword barely missing Rarity, and she parries, making Midnight to laugh "This is more fun when it's fair!"

Not... for... me!! Rarity thinks to herself but an idea occurs to her, Her ears hadn't changed shape so her hearing was possibly just as sharp.

She lights her horn and it emits a shrill noise that causes Midnight to flinch and cover her ears "AUGH! MAKITSTOP! MAKITSTOP!!"

Rarity dims her horn and jump forward and hold the point to Midnight's chest "Do you yield?"

Midnight grins through her tears and raises her sword, nearly knocking Rarity's rapier out of her hooves "No!"

She's on Rarity with thrusts and jabs, and Rarity spins out of the way, her own sword reflecting the light of the moon.

Luna watches, her eyes watching their every move, a notepad held in her magic. Both knew she was writing down her observations but Rarity couldn't take her eyes off Midnight Fair physically, not in skill....

Midnight grins still, enjoying herself "None of the other guards like to spar for some reason, or fight at all. Weirdos."

Rarity grins back "Maybe they just don't think your enthusiasm has merit."

"Maybe, but then again, I make them nervous because I can go chameleon and all."

Rarity thrusts but Midnight shifts out of the way, attacking her other side "Oh? You can change texture as well?"

Rarity throws up a small shield where Midnight had aimed and sliced the air in a rising arc, a feint for a shoulder blow. Watching the Crusaders plus Rainbow Dash and Applejack wrestle is paying off.

Midnight parries the swipe and Rarity tackles her with her shoulder, landing in her chest.

Victory.

Midnight hits the ground with a whoosh of air, the flames erupting again and she's returned to normal, though dazed "Ooogh... not cool..."

Rarity extend her hoof and she takes it, wincing "Dang, you don't weigh a whole lot, but boy can you hit..."

Rarity smiles "Why thank you. What's the verdict Luna?"

Luna walks over to us, the notebook in hoof "I have a few observations, but very few. Rarity, your use of a small barrier to disrupt the force of the strike is a very complex tactical spell that very few can use, but unfortunately, it takes a bit of focus, so maybe hold that in reserve like you did just now. Midnight, your transformative abilities are improving, in fact, the heat was nonexistent and the light was on a level that is visible only from right next to you. But your moves are too closed, while Rarity's are wide enough to make a good stance, but narrow enough to not leave her open to most conventional counterattacks."

They both bow to her and then each other, as is how Luna told them to.

Luna smiles, lights her horn, and Rarity's joints suddenly feel heavy "Wh-what?"

Midnight winces, her wings spread with the tips on the ground, shivering "St-stop it..."

Luna grins "Now you must work in increased gravity, this is two g's, double the usual gravity. This will be a test of your skeletal, muscular, and neurological abilities as well as allowing you to escape from any surfaces or situations where you would be held by accelerational forces, metal shoes and magnetic surfaces. The doors into the castle and my room are unlocked and open, all you need to do is get inside without being seen." she walks away and turns back to them with a smile "And both of your stamina levels are average at best."

Rarity groans, trying to move her hoof "Why... is... this... so hard?!"

Midnight shoves one hoof forward "She's... good at... altering... stuff. Like... tides and... gravity too..."

Rarity inhales and focuses her magic through her hooves, enveloping them in blue magic "Stop moving... please..."

Midnight stops mid-step and strains her eyes to look at Rarity "Why? Do you... want to... race?"

Rarity snorts and moves her forehoof to Midnight's wings, the bat pony's hooves glowing blue as well "What the-"

She grins, weakly "A little... flight magic... please..."

Midnight blinks and her wings twitch, dark lavender magic rippling with the blue and slowly the two mares float off the ground.

"Whoa! We're flying!" Midnight whoops, making Rarity grunt "No... I'm levitating us... you're helping us... move..."

Midnight thinks about this and nods "Sounds... logical..."

Slowly the two floating mares hover over the ground and towards the castle doors "You know... this is kinda neat..."

Rarity nods "Yes, but it's... draining my magic..."

"You don't have a lot of magic inside of you?" Midnight asks, sweat running down her face.

Rarity shakes her head "No, not really..."

"Huh. Why don't you just use some from the environment? I mean, this place is set on a ley line and all..."

"... Is this the type of thing they teach you in warrior school? Because I haven't the slightest idea what you're talking about."

"I'll tell you when we're in Luna's room and get vengeance..."

Rarity gasps, dispersing her magic when she shot up upon reaching Luna's room "Whuh-"

Luna's horn glows, catching her and Midnight "Congratulations, I had thought you'd go it alone. Yet you saw the best route, and cooperated. I swear you must be from a lineage of knights, Rarity."

Rarity groans "Ugh, patronize me when I can move my joints again..."

Midnight nods wordlessly, trying to burrow into Luna's bed, her limbs and wings limp.

Luna smiles and walks towards a steamer trunk "I believe I have a small cache of... aha!" she grabs a small cloth pouch.

She hums and sets the pouch on a table, pulling out a dried black-green cube "Ah, still potent... though, Aconite is quite rare in Canterlot... ah well, I know where some grows."

Rarity tries to move but her body is unresponsive, and she watches in horror as Luna cuts a small piece off the block and grinds it down, pouring the powder into a glass of water "Here, drink it all."

Rarity shakes her head "No, I'm fine thank- glrp!" Luna's magic pours the mixture into Rarity's throat, magically squeezing her nostrils closed "You have to swallow to breath. Now swallow."

Rarity complies, though an indescribable taste lingers in her mouth "What was that?!"

"Aconite, a material that is found in is created by Monk's Hood or Wolf's Bane. Hard to find in Canterlot but easy to find in Trottingham."

Midnight taps her chin "Isn't Aconite... poison?"

Luna nods "Usually when fresh, but to equines like ourselves, dried it's mostly harmless... eat a whole died root, then you'll have problems, but I had an anti-toxin and that should- what's the matter Rarity?"

Rarity swoons, falling off of the bed with a loud thud, frothing at the mouth and twitching.

Midnight yawns "Sheesh, what a wimp. Acts as if poison being medicine is news to her."

The crash of cymbals shatter Rarity's sleep, causing her to fall out of bed in a tangle of blankets "Urgh... if that was you Pinkie Pie, I swear by all that is radiant and fabulous, I will make you swallow those cymbals. If it's Rainbow Dash, I'll tell Twilight about your secret. Or one of them."

"What if it's Twilight?" Twilight asks.

Rarity pauses "I'll tell the whole town about your psychological studies."

"Then it's a good idea it is neither of them, wake up Rarity Belle." someone says, obviously smirking.

Rarity groans and frees herself with a flash of magic, the bed now immaculately made "And who are you?" she asks, removing her sleeping mask

"Luna." Luna says, the cymbals floating above her head.

Rarity blinks and standing before her is a slim light blue pegasus a few inches taller than her with a dark blue hoodie that has the words "Blame the sun, because the night is right" on it.

"Wha- no, you aren't Lu-" Rarity sighs "Disguise?"

"Compression too. And I was born a pegasus anyways so it's more akin to descending down to the ground rather than a lofty castle, blegh." Luna sticks her tongue out in mock-disgust.

Rarity rolls her eyes "A princess shouldn't act like that. It's... uncouth."

"It'd be uncouth for my sister, but not for me, I'm too... she'd say 'Wild' but I like to think 'Adventurous'. Speaking of which, do you mind that I'm going to hang with you and your friends today?"

Rarity nods "I don't think they'll have a- wait, you asked if I minded that you're going to, not that you want to."

Luna grins and walks out "Duh, I'm going whether or not you minded, I just wanted to know. Now come on, I know a great coffee shoppe in the Renter's District. Well, one among many..."

Rarity rubs her head "Ugh, I'm not going to survive this..."

Luna slams the mug of Irish coffee on the table "Your turn Apple mare."

Applejack grins and drains her mug of spiced cider in one gulp, slamming it only to see that Luna has finished another "Go again."

Rainbow is unconscious, spread eagle on the floor of the café, Pinkie drinking her juice box, and doodling on her face.

Fluttershy sips her tonic water and Twilight sits next to Moondancer, chatting about arcane theory.

Rarity sits next to Spike, who had opted for water, saying that he had coffee when he'd awoken.

Rarity sighs "Must they compete?"

Spike shrugs "I actually have a theory as to why they do it, if you'd like to listen."

Rarity grins "Yes, I would. And... did you polish your scales?"

Spike blushes "Uhh... yeah... I was trying to look good for you... cause our trial date is tonight and.. wanted to score some 'Suave' points... ugh, I'm so superficial..."

"No, I'm the one who's superficial. I mean, I refused to leave until I had put on some eye shadow and brushed my mane..." Rarity laughs into her hoof "It feels so nice to finally open up to somepony- er-"

Spike laughs "Nah, you know I raised by ponies and if I didn't look in a mirror, I'd forget I was a dragon... again." he blushes and sips his water "Don't ask..."

Rarity smiles and kisses his cheek "I suppose that if I didn't look in a mirror I'd-"

"Still look as breathtaking?" Spike supplies before covering his mouth "Did... I just say that out loud?"

I'm a fool for not realizing how often he's complimented me... "If you keep blowing smoke up my dress, I'm liable to float away with a big head."

Spike chuckles "Nah, you're one of the most grounded ponies I know. But back to my theory, I figure that the reason why Applejack and Rainbow love to turn everything into a competition is that the primitive parts of their brains with the 'Herd leader' instinct makes them need to 'Butt horns' to see who the leader is. That or their dominant-type personalities and hormones make them have to fight it out so that they just don't have passionate-hate/exhaustion sex every time they're alone if they don't already." he sips his water "Either one or both, I'm not sure."

Rarity nods, sipping her tea "Sounds logical... my theory was along the idea that they really can't rationalize a different way to resolve their rivalry. Less chemical and more... psychological, I suppose."

Spike laughs "Yeah, but I think we can agree why Rainbow sleeps in Applejack's trees."

"Marking her territory?"

"Yup. Only thing I can think of." Spike admits and Applejack falls off her chair, Luna pumping her hooves shakily "Whoo! Th' challenger wins! Whoo!!"

Twilight looks up from her notes and groans "Ugh... why are they so noisy?"

"Well judging by how they act, I'd say that Applejack and Rainbow just need to be locked in a heated barn and wait for them to come out smelling of shame." Moondancer says, making a notation "So I think that Hay Cart's method is better used as a means of infiltration considering that you can exit from the book whenever."

Twilight turns "What was that first thing?"

"Hm?" Moondancer moves one side of her bangs out of her face "About your friends? They just need to be locked in a warm place with some privacy and their constant head locking should lessen. Now as I was saying, say you used it on a letter and you had somepony mail it to somepony else, and you leave the letter; Not only have you travelled a great distance for the price of postage, but think about how you could get around embargoes or weather that would stop trains? Unfortunately... there's the fact that should the letter get lost... you've basically left your friend for dead..."

Twilight scoffs "Applejack and Rainbow aren't- are they making out?"

"Yes, I think Princess Luna is manipulating their subconscious movements so that they think they're embracing their ideal partner. Wouldn't surprise me, she did that to Minnuette and Lemon Drops when they visited us during our overnight attempts to use an old astrolabe." Moondancer groans "Ugh, read this, 'B. Work's newest thesis is as always, blunt and brusque.' Seriously, that competitive hack writes entire books, not papers. She was always trying to one-up you before we became friends..."

Twilight stares at her friend "Who?"

"Ah some annoying perfectionist with dreams of exceeding everypony in everything, your basic egomaniac and nothing more. But back to important topics, how did you like the book I lent you?"

Twilight claps her hooves and levitates a worn book from her bags "It was a bit dry, but it was engaging nonetheless. Though... 'Courting rituals of the last two millennium and what we can expect in the future' was a bit..."

"Odd of a first recommendation? Come on, it's sociology and economics projecting on the slightly unpredictable future. And page 234, paragraph 3 'Taking another pony to get a non-alcoholic beverage, most often tea or coffee, is a modern courting ritual' and the next paragraph 'If in the company of others of platonic relationship, isolating the other pony with something like a shared interest is an indicator of desire on the isolator's side.' So..." Moondancer slides closer to Twilight, levitating her coffee near her lips "What conclusions can we draw from that text and this scenario?"

Twilight blushes "Ah... you planned this?"

"Among other plans, yes. I thought you admired thorough preparedness for all eventualities. I also had one for a bar but that mostly involved one of us carrying the other back to the castle..." she shrugs "Anyways, this shouldn't come as a shock, you knew that I desired to teach you about relationships and that meant that I'd take advantage of any learning opportunities that came along. It's the best way I've found to help others learn is to make connections to the moment we're in. Probably why CSGU wants me as a teacher, but I have better things to do."

"What could be better than teaching at Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns?!"

"You, my dear Sparky." Moondancer replies flatly, grinning behind her mug.

Luna hefts Applejack and Rainbow onto her back, her hoodie wrapped around her neck "I suppose I'll carry them until they wake up. Rarity, Twilight, would you two please hurry it up, I have a wonderful idea on how to spend the remainder of our day."

Rarity sighs and finishes her tea I suppose she wants to do one of her quizzes again... at least my friends are here to help.

Rarity sighs in contentment, her body limp "Spa day... perfect."

Luna trots over to her, her mane cut short "Not my usual idea of a relaxing retreat, but you deserve it. Quiz time."

Rarity groans to herself "Fine... what is it?"

Luna grins "You heard the conversation between Twilight and Moondancer, yes?"

Rarity nods "I couldn't help it, I had a feeling that's why you sat between our tables with Rainbow and Applejack being raucous. What about it?"

"Both groups spoke of the underlying reasons to why they are the way they are. Both conclusions were good, but it was also to see how you prioritize your attention, you multitasked."

"You mean listening to their conversation and carrying one with Spike?"

"No, you were capable of honing your hearing onto two different sources of noise and filter out a third and the din of the shop itself. That is admirable, though common. But you showed that you can handle and compartmentalize your facilities. That is something that is universally useful."

Rarity rolls her eyes "That's something gained from years of work. I know that you have another task for me, so please stop keeping me in suspense."

Luna grins "No task, I figure you'll need your wits about you tonight."

Rarity blinks in surprise "Then why did you-"

"Because I get bored sitting around the castle and besting every single active guard at once in every discipline. So I thought that spending the day with you and your friends would alleviate my boredom. And Discord's a bit preoccupied with his job restoring the balance of chaos and order. Nature can't flourish without the counter balance."

Rarity shrugs "Well good to know that you have... wait, how do you know about my date with Spike?"

"He dreamt of it going badly last night. I helped him a little... not out of favoritism, but because it's my vocation." Luna replies, her face neutral "He really loves you, you know. If you break his heart-"

"I know what will happen if I break his heart. I'm just not sure how it'll go. I'm excited to finally go out with a stallion that shares my values and likes... but how much of that is Spike, and how much is it him trying to impress me?"

Luna sighs "I don't get involved outside of dreams with the lives of my sister and I's subjects, but I suppose this is warranted." she rubs her forehead "Rarity, stop trying to sabotage your life with doubts. Doubt is essential to life, but for once, sew the voice in your head's mouth shut and keep your eyes open. Enjoy the view and fly away before you get hurt, and always accept the welcoming arms open to catch you. Take it from me Rarity, it's lonely at the top, and being alone is no way to live."

Rarity nods "Thank you..."

Luna shrugs "It's my job I suppose. But you're welcome. But after the date, we're getting you a magic teacher, you suck griffon balls in magic."

Rarity sighs in contentment, her mane and tail are even more immaculate than usual and one of Luna's dresses tailored to her body glistened in the light of the room "Thanks again for the dress Luna."

Luna looks up from her lexicon "Hm? Oh, sure, sure, better you use it than I just paying the designer, disassembling it stitch by stitch and making a pair of drapes or something out of it and melting the plastic into model figurines or something... like most dresses and junk I get every so often. Well, unless I can modify it to hide some knives, weapons, or maybe a few flasks of mead. Either way, it serves a better purpose."

Rarity groans "Are you sure you're a mare? You'd give Rainbow Dash a run for her bits in utter boorish-ness."

Luna blinks and rolls her body onto her side "I'm a bit busy talking and reading but if you want, you could check out my equipment to sate your curio- mph!" Luna looks up from her book "Why did you throw a pillow at me?"

"Because you don't just flash your 'equipment' around like that!"

Luna blinks "Is that one of those silly taboos? If that were so, we would wear under garments and pants like Homo sapiens sapiens. So full of themselves, they called them selves smart twice."

Rarity shakes her head "How is it that you don't just masquerade as a stallion?"

Luna blushes "H-how did you know?! I use the most airtight disguises! How did you see through them?!"

Rarity steps back "I... I was making a joke, what did you mean by... you crossdress?!"

Luna grits her teeth "I am glad I sound-proofed my room. Yes, I am a casual transvestite, okay? I always preferred the masculine half of society and thus I make it a habit of... making a new identity whenever nothing is happening at the castle. I don't sleep because I slept for a millennium, so I thought I might as well be princess by night, average stallion by day. If you tell another soul, I swear-"

Rarity holds up her hooves "I wouldn't. Lo should I be one to cast a stone, for I am about to embark on a date with a dragon suitor."

Luna nods "You have no IDEA how long I've wanted to tell somepony, not even my sister knows about it. Ugh... it feels good to get that off my chest. Maybe Silk would like to know too... nah, with her nervous nature she'd slip into a coma... but what an adorable little comatose doll she would make... eheheheh..."

Rarity stealthily leaves Luna's room, slightly disturbed Well... Luna is a bit of an odd ball.

Spike knocks on Rarity's door and the knob turns with a flash of indigo light "Spike? You're early!"

He nods "I thought that it'd be good to get the night started a little earlier. But if you want, I can wait."

Rarity shakes her head "No no, I'm ready, what is the venue again?"

"Well, It was to The Rose, but unfortunately, the owner had a death in the family and is in mourning, so he gave our reservation to another restaurant that's just as chic, but a little easier on the pocket. It's Saffron Petals."

Rarity gasps "That's one of the top restaurants in Equestria! Second only to The Rose! How did you even manage to convince the owners?"

"Well, I know them from my life in Canterlot and I learned a bit from both of them in how to cook. That and I helped them out of some bad situations that I can't say."

Connections, intellect, modesty, and chivalry. This is going better than most of my previous dates. rarity thinks to herself, grinning.

Spike pulls a chair out for Rarity and walks to his own, smiling calmly "Thanks for giving me this chance Rarity."

Rarity smiles "I'm just so sorry it took so long for me to do it."

"Oh don't worry, I'm patient. And you had other more important things to attend to. I'm just happy to be around you."

Rarity blushes "Spike, please stop... you're making me blush..."

Spike nods and scans his menu "... May I make a suggestion?"

Rarity nods "Yes, you've been here before."

"I'd suggest the Prench sautéed stir-fry and a watercress salad to finish."

Rarity scans her menu and finds the description in fluent Prench "Erm... my Prench is a little... under-par for this. But I'll take your word for it." Who has a restaurant that has Prench menus?!

Spike makes a turning motion "The menus are two sided, they put them down Prench-side up."

Rarity blinks and flips her menu over "Oh... well, now I feel silly."

"You shouldn't, I forgot to mention it. But who could remember something when a living incarnation of beauty is so close?"

Rarity's face flushes to a bright pink "Sp-spike... my word, you are a flirtatious drake."

"Augh... I have no filter... I'm sorry if I'm laying on too thick."

Rarity shakes her head "No need, though could you perhaps tone it down a little?"

Spike nods and a waiter approaches the table "'Allo Spike."

"Sous! Oh man, did you get my letter about Pinkie?"

The stallion nods, his orange-peach coat flushing for a few seconds "Oui, but... spontaneity to get her attention? I am too... reserved for such a thing."

Rarity smiles "Hello Sous."

Sous turns and smiles at Rarity "Allo, you are the one who caught the heart of my little cold-blooded friend? It is a pleasure to meet you, Spike never sent pictures, though I do not think that... non, flirtation at work is not a thing I do. So, what is your decision on entrees?"

Spike nods "I'll have the dandelion, black forest toadstool, and clover casserole with an iceberg and tomato salad."

"I'll have the Prench sautéed stir-fry and a watercress salad, please." Rarity replies and Sous writes it down and takes their menus "It should take about... 'alf an hour, and the usual house wine as well?"

Spike smiles and shakes his , speaking in Prench "Noir 900 Dread Serf if you have it."

Sous raises an eyebrow "Is that not the one you said was a gift from the princess? Is she 'The one'?"

Spike turns to Rarity and nods, smiling "I know she is."

The stallion smiles in a similar manner and nods "You are a true gentlestallion Spike the Dragon."

Rarity looks from Sous and back to Spike "What was that about?"

"Well... I have had my eye on a certain bottle of great vintage for a while. I gave it to the owner of The Rose to hold onto, so that I knew where it was. And... I think it's time to break the seal."

Rarity blinks in confusion "Oh? What might that be?"

"You'll see, it's a surprise."

Sous returns from the kitchen two plates on his back "Here is your dinner Sir Spike and Lady Rarity"

Spike rolls his eyes "Still a stickler for your native habits?"

Sous grins "Nah, Ah jus' like talkin' fancy-like. Y'all're th' last two customer anyhows. Made m'self some food too if ya don't tell th' boss on me."

Rarity jumps in her seat "Wha- you're accent..."

Sous shakes out his mane, the slicked back mane falling in layers over his face, opens his vest and removes his shirt "Faker'n a snake's word, no 'fense, right Spike?"

"Hey, I'm not to keen on other reptiles, so none taken. Rarity, this is an old school friend of mine from Canterlot University. Crisp 'Sous' Crunch, an actor, chef, and proud Apple after hours."

Rarity blinks in realization "So... you're related to-"

Sous places a plate of sautéed vegetables on another table "First cousin, my pa's her pa's brother. Have ya met my half-brother Breaburn? Both of us got our pa's good looks but his accent too. Nopony'd hire a thick jawed yokel no matter how many other star chefs he can beat in contests or how many mares and stallions he draws like flies an' ants ta honey. So ah went ta CU an' met Spike, he helped me learn how ta do accents and not looks so... yokel-ish. Ma, my mother, not Breaburn's; rest her soul, said ah should stop slingin' fancy food ta gruff workers an' make a name fer m'self in th' big city. Her dyin' wish; an' buck me where Celestia's sun don't shine, Pa kicked me out faster'n a Pegasus on pure Zap an' told me to write." he laughs, eating voraciously "Anyways, ta sum'rize, ya got a good one in Spike there. Never met a nicer pony in mah life."

Rarity smiles "I know, he's a darling, isn't he?"

Spike grins and lifts the bottle of wine "To the most beautiful mare in history."

Rarity blushes and takes the bottle in her magic "Thank you Spike, may I see what type of wine it is?"

Spike shrugs and she winks, at him reading the label and nearly drops it "D-D-Dread Serf?! Where did you get this Spike?! This is said to be a secret, limited quantity wine sought after by enthusiasts!"

Spike nods "I know, so I thought that I should mark the best day of my life with it. Shall we?"

He wants to open an ultra-rare fifty year vintage for me! I... this is possibly the most generous thing anypony has done for me! And... Oh Celestia he's so... so... too good for me! I can't... I just can't... "I... hold off on that darling, I must go powder my nose."

Spike nods and sets the bottle back on the table and waits, grinning She's so gorgeous... even if I never get a second date, this will be the highlight of my life.

Crisp's brow furrows Ah know that look anywhere, she's gonna bolt on Spike. Ain't gonna let that happen to ya little Sir, tain't right.

Crisp follows Rarity and circles around the outside of the building and waits. As expected, Rarity pulls herself onto the ledge of the bathroom window and stops "Erm... there's nothing I can say to prove that I'm not doing what you think I'm doing?"

He shakes his head "Not a one."

"... Well this is awkward."

Crisp shrugs "Personally, ah don't get involved in this kinda trouble, but fer Spike's case, ah can't let ya just leave him."

Rarity sighs "I know, I know... but he's too perfect. I mean, sure, the only thing that would improve it would be me. I'm not the perfect pony he thinks I am, I'm all too imperfect."

"I know you're imperfect Rarity, but the fact that you can admit it is proof that you're perfect to me." Spike says, rounding the corner.

"Rarity, I know that I may seem to be too kind and perfect, but I have my own personal demons deep inside of me. Take Dragon Greed for instance. I have the natural, instinctual urge to take whatever I want, whenever I want. I don't, and that's why I'm so small. When Twilight and I left Canterlot, I knew that Celestia's counter-measure of letting me have whatever I want, without greed, would make the transition as hard as it was for Twilight to make some more friends. But on that same day, I saw you, and knew that I could never have you, and that put me on the edge of succumbing. But you were so generous and beautiful, that I knew that I'd found the perfect pony who could keep my greed tamed when I couldn't. As I got to know you, I saw that beauty was within and without, and that made you that much more important to me. It started out as a primal, base need, but it turned into selfless love, a thing that most ponies and dragons would say is impossible for me. But I knew that I was a rare individual, just like the mare who succeeded in taking something from a dragon. You stole my heart, and I don't want it back."

Rarity blinks away tears "Y-you really mean that?"

"I can't lie to you Rarity, you know that."

Rarity sits on the window ledge "You're too kind."

Spike crawls up the wall, and sits next to her "And you, my dear, are beautiful."

Crisp wipes his eyes "Aw consarn it, yall're makin' me cry... how 'bout ah get yer dinner an' wine an' ya go have a picnic, it's a nice night out anyways."

They nod, and Spike jumps from the ledge and opens his arms "I'll catch you."

Rarity giggles and eases herself from the ledge.

Enjoy the view and fly away before you get hurt, and always accept the welcoming arms open to catch you.

Rarity watches with a smile as Spike catches her with ease, his arms under her knees and back I do wonder if Luna knew how it would go...? No, she's not that powerful.

She kisses Spike on the lips "Thank you... Spike, why is your face... longer?"

Spike blinks and sets her down "What do you- Sweet Sassafras! I'm taller!"

It was true, Spike had suddenly grown to the height of a pony, and his features looked more like an adult Dragon's. "Whoa... I'm a juvenile... this is only supposed to happen when a dragon finds the most precious thing to... them... whoa."

Rarity blinks "What do you... oh my..."

Spike rubs the back of his neck "Eheheh... I guess what I really wanted was a real kiss from you..."

Crisp rounds the corner, bottle and food on his back "Ah brought ya'll t'go boxes. Ah'm gonna close up- Celestia's flares! Spike! Ya dun grown on me! Well, ya already did back at CU, but ya know what ah mean!" he sets the food and bottle down and stands on his back legs "Shee-oot! Yall're taller'n me on two legs! Ya didn't even come up to ma shoulder five minutes ago. Gotta say Spike, ya look real regal-like. Woo-wee; wish ah had ma camera, cause this is somethin' else!"

Spike laughs "I can hardly follow what you're saying Crisp, calm down."

"'Calm down'?! How in Cadance's shapely flanks am ah supposed ta do that?" Crisp asks, dropping to all fours.

Rarity clears her throat and levitates the food off of the ground "Thank you for being so generous Crisp Crunch. I'll be sure to suggest to many of my close friends of you and this fabulous establishment."

Crisp bows, smiling "Mighty nice of ya miss Rarity. But ah think that ya'll should get a move on if ya want ta eat your food warm. Ah'm gonna go close up shop an' see ya'll when ah see ya."

Spike flexes his longer fingers "... I'm definitely not going to fit in my basket anymore..."

Rarity sighs in happiness, relaxing on a bench near a small lake "Spike?"

Spike turns "Yeah?"

"Thank you."

Spike raises an eye-ridge "What for? I should be thanking you. You gave me my greatest desire and let me treat you to a date. This, truly is, the best day of my life."

Rarity shakes her head "No, for not... getting angry when I tried to run away. I... I have a habit of putting others on high pedestals and they never measure up and... I built yours up the highest of all. You're so generous and humble that... I felt greedy and audacious in comparison. And... I'm scared."

"Of ponies judging you?"" Spike asks "Hey, if you don't want anypony to know about it, I'll keep my mouth-"

Rarity shakes her head "No, nothing foolish like that. I'm afraid of being... content. I don't want to stop moving forward, to stop and... settle for 'Good enough'. I'm afraid of waking up one day and realize I've done nothing to show that I even existed... or accomplished anything. Romance was a means to a selfish end, to take the fame that others have and use it as my own. To scale the social ladder by stepping on the heads of others, rather than grabbing the rungs and taking it one step at a time. I want to be famous, coveted, and sought after."

Spike takes her hoof in his hand and Rarity is shocked by its warmth "You've already left many signs that you lived. You're not only a national heroine, but you've also designed several ensembles that models and artists clamour for in droves! If that isn't significant enough, then I guess that means that history is too blind to marvel at your radiance and majesty."

Rarity blushes and averts her eyes, stumbling over her words "Sp-Spike... I... I don't know what to say... you keep leaving me speechless darling."

Spike smiles "Well, I love the sound of your voice, so I guess I should be quiet?"

Rarity shakes her head vehemently "N-no! I mean... I like..." she meets Spike's eyes and notices that he's blushing as hard as she is "I... love the... the..." Rarity's words fade in her throat and a sudden wave of happiness and peace washes over her mind Why do I... why can't I look away? I'm... I want him to kiss me...

Spike's forehead furrows in concern "What's the matt- mmm... Mph..." Rarity meets his lips, relishing the feel of his scaly lips on hers and the warmth radiating from his entire being.

Rarity leans a back a bit, her eyes glowing like sapphires in the moonlight "You, that's the end of my sentence."

Spike blinks, his mind replaying her words "I love the... the... you." Wait, "I love the you."? That doesn't- Oh sweet sassafras... did she just- "Wh-what? did you just say-"

"I love you, Spike the dragon. You're my true knight in shining armor, and the dragon too."

Spike rolls his eyes "I can't stand those stories, true or no- wait... WHAT?! Y-y-y-you love me?! As in... more than platonically?!"

Rarity nods, her face ripe as an apple "Mm-hm... is- is that ba- MMMPH!" Spike pounces, pining her to the ground and he eagerly kisses her. The shock passes and Rarity leans into the kiss, wrapping a hoof around his neck.

She parts her lips, granting him access to her mouth and he pauses, as if asking permission. Rarity whimpers an affirmative and shivers as Spike's long, slender tongue snakes past her lips and around her tongue, massaging it in a way that Rarity never thought was possible. Her lips brush his sharp teeth and a shiver of fear and excitement passes through her mind; her hind-brain instinct telling her to run from the dangerous predator. Willing the feeling of fear away, she succumbs to the euphoric bliss that flowed into her from the gentle ministrations.

Spike's mind is less turbulent, but his will is holding back his urges, he bends to his knees and brushes Rarity's mane to the side, cupping her cheek in his claw. She jerks away, startled, but lets herself be held, nuzzling the smooth palm. Spike traces her face with his thumb, placing his other hand behind her head and lifting her from the ground, still massaging Rarity's tongue before snaking back into his own mouth and breaking contact "Rarity..."

Rarity opens her eyes, still enjoying the feeling of Spike's claws on her face "Yes?"

"I... would... uhh..." Spike stutters, unsure how to phrase his question "Would you... like to head back to the castle? I mean, grass in your mane can't be good..."

Rarity looks into Spike's eyes and shakes her head "I have nopony to impress, besides, the night is beautiful."

Spike blushes "It's nothing compared to you..."

She blushes and giggles "Don't let Luna catch you saying that."

Spike grins "Let her, it's true."

Rarity playfully rolls her eyes "Are you going to continue or...?"

Spike pauses, thinking before realizing what she meant "But of course my dear." he lowers his lips to hers, still holding her head and Rarity arches her back, a whimper of relief emanating from her chest. Spike growls from deep within his own, his desire mixing with base urges, but still unable to break his will's barrier.

Rarity isn't as in control, and pulls Spike's chest closer to her own, wrapping her other hoof around his neck and falls limp in his grasp, her composure fading.

Rarity breaks contact "I know I said no a few minutes ago, but... how about we go back to the castle?"

Rarity smiles at Spike and enters her room "I had a lovely evening Rarity, well, 'Lovely' doesn't cover it. This has truly been the best day ever."

Rarity blushes "As did I, my sweet prince."

Spike blushes and bows before turning to leave.

"Spike? Where are you going?" Rarity asks, grabbing his tail in her magic.

"What do you mean? I've done my gentlecoltly duty of seeing you back to your room. I'm going to go sleep or wait for Twilight to wake up so I can scare the cutie mark off her. Whichever comes first."

Rarity rolls her eyes "No darling, you are going to break tradition with me once more... and accompany me to sleep, mayhaps even more."

Spike cocks his head "What are you talking abou-" a cloud of steam rises from his face "Ah-er-uhh... is this a test?"

Rarity bites her lip with a smile and turns, flicking her tail to the side "I'm not that type of mare Spike, you know that."

Spike swallows and follows after Rarity, closing the door with his tail.

A solitary scrub jay sings on the windowsill of Rarity's room, rousing the slightly disheveled mare and her dragonic suitor "Mmmph? Morning already?"

Spike blinks several times and sits up, stretching "Another day, another advent... oh... it wasn't a dream?"

Rarity shakes her head, her mane covering half of her face "No my dear, it wasn't. And... I must say, for a ferocious dragon, you're very tender."

Spike blushes "Ah... was I that bad?"

Rarity titters "No. I meant that as a complement... though we might need to change the sheets, my blood's set..."

"Bl-blood?! Oh my Celestia, I'm so sorry if I hurt you!"

Rarity rolls her eyes "Spike, the blood's from my... you know..."

Spike blanches "I... I was... I... Oh crud..."

"Is it that surprising? I've had a job for most of my-"

Spike shakes his head vehemently "That's not what I meant! I meant... you seemed to know what to do so I thought..."

Rarity blushes "W-well... you did ask what to do... and from what I've heard, that's an uncommon trait." she leans up and nuzzles his cheek "Good morning love."

Spike blushes brighter but returns the nuzzle "Good morning... love."

Rarity beams and hops out of bed, levitating the sheets and blankets off "I suppose we'll have an announcement to make to everypony this morning."

Spike nods, and takes the bundle of cloth into his arms "I'll carry these, if you don't mind."

Rarity nods "Such a gentlestallion. Be sure not to spoil me too much dear."

Spike shrugs "I'll try not to, how about we go get breakfast first? Or do you want to wash first?"

"Wash first. And I think you should too, you are a bit... fresh."

Spike sniffs the air and nods "Meet back in the dining hall?"

Rarity nods and they part ways, both wondering how to breach the subject of their relationship.

Rarity sighs as the warm water cascades over her form when something in the back of her head tells her that she's being watched "Come out Princess Luna, I can feel you watching me."

Luna fades into visibility and grins "Good, never doubt the sense of being stared at, for herd animals such as our kind, that's an invaluable trait to use to our advantage, but enough about the extended mind. I take that your date went very well?"

Rarity nods "That it did, but you were probably spying on us, weren't you?"

Luna shakes her head "No. I know that doing that would not only be a violation of your privacy, but also of the basic tenants of decency. I am not that type of pony, and I hope to never be. I just wanted to tell you that dating and loving Spike back will further complicate your life. I just wanted to ask you if he's worth it."

Rarity pauses "What do you mean?"

"I mean, is it worth being ridiculed and reviled by the very ponies you wish to supply your clothes? Is it worth straining yourself to accept another into your heart, to have all of your faults and weaknesses exposed to another? I cannot begin to comprehend the strain of love, for I have loved none. Love... I still think it a weakness in the mind and heart of ponies, but I also know that it can be a great strength... Will you be consumed by love, and suffer from what you fear? Or will you keep him at a distance, fear holding your heart in a cage? I won't tell you what to do, but once you choose, you cannot change that." Luna sighs "Rarity, can I expect your all in your actions as The Huntress? If I can, come to my chambers the night after today, and know that... the real tests begin."

Rarity turns to respond but Luna has disappeared without a trace of magic or hoofsteps "... She's hurting."

Spike sits down at his table and raises an eyeridge at everypony staring at him "What? Do I have drool on my face or something?"

Rainbow rises from her seat and grabs Spike's head "Spike? What the hay has Twilight been feeding you?"

Spike shakes her off "Nothing out of the usual. And I'm the one who cooks, not her." he bites into his toast "Why?"

Applejack shakes off her shock and walks over to Spike "What she means is, how did ya grow overnight like that?"

Spike grins "I got a kiss from the most beautiful mare in Equestria. I guess all of those things Cadence said about love being powerful were true."

Twilight steps into the room and gasps "HOLY DOCK!! Spike! You're huge!!"

"That's what- mmph!" Spike covers Rainbow's mouth "No."

Twilight rolls her eyes and looks Spike over "Wow, you almost look like a pony, and your body mass has at least quadrupled."

"Are you calling me fat?"

Applejack laughs "Ah gotta say, ya ain't th' shrimpy fella ah met at th' summer sun celebration."

Spike smiles "We've all grown since that day. Maybe... maybe it's time for all of us to seek our own destinies. I have practically the same intellect as Twilight and now... now I have no more reason to be left behind if you guys go on an adventure. Look at me, I can probably protect you guys now." he laughs "I'm a beast now. Wonder if that means I should start a hoard?"

Twilight shakes her head "Let's... not get carried away. So how did you grow so much, tell me every detail."

Spike shrugs "I kissed Rarity, she kissed me back, I felt hot, and then I was big. Nothing really to say, we both had our eyes closed. Now, I'm hungry, and there's a piece of margarine toast that needs masticating."

Rainbow snorts "I think you're supposed to eat toast Spike."

Twilight rolls her eyes "'Masticate' means to eat, Rainbow. For friend's day, I'm getting you a word a day calendar."

Rainbow's smile drops "Feathers."

Rarity enters the dining hall and kisses Spike on the cheek "Hello lover."

Spike smiles back "Hello, my elusive treasure."

Applejack extends a hoof to Rainbow "Pay up."

Rainbow grumbles and drops a bag of bits into Applejack's hoof "Double feathers..."

Pinkie plonks in and gasps "Oh wow! I knew that cutie itch, wobbly knees, and a burpsnart meant that one of my bestest friends was getting laid!"

Spike and Rarity blush "So... uncouth..."

One of Spike's ear frills is enveloped in magenta magic "Come with me 'Lover' we have a long, LOOONG lesson on proper mating protocols and rituals to cover. You know how I feel about skipping ahead in the curriculum."

"Ow! Twili- Ow! Stoppit! I need these to- Ow!!"

Rarity steps in front of Twilight "I'm afraid that his... 'deviance' is my fault Twilight, if anypony should be punished, it should be I."

Twilight nods and envelopes Rarity's ear in her magic "Okay, I'm the type of pony who believes in free agency. So both of you will be punished. Come on, I have slides and a new laser pointer."

Pinkie shrugs and Rainbow grins "Immanent education coming."

"How do ya know that word, but don't know what masticatin' means?"

"I read a lot of comics."

Author's Note

Well. That was a bit of a struggle to find my muse. But I found it again. So Spike and Rarity are a thing, and Spike can be a hero rather than a sidekick. I wonder how this will play out in the upcoming events?

See you in the next chapter, where Rarity's real training starts.