Time of your Life

by Thebravenorse

Rating: teen
Tags: Romance, Tragedy, Anthro
Length: 1320

Spike has left Ponyville on his own acord, but upon his return four years latter he descurves some tragic news. Could this news destroy a life, or maybe, begin two.

Spike has always wanted something more. Its like a nagging sensation that eats at him, and has been for the past few years. So finally on his 16 birthday he leaves home and does not return until four years later. Rudely, not once dose he send a letter home to his worried friends and family.

But upon his return to Ponyville he soon learns that something, or in fact, someone has changed. Will this tragic occurrence ruin a life, or perhaps, begin two?

Short Spike x Applejack Shipping Story.

Published 1970-01-01 00:00:00 UTC
Last updated 2014-11-06 13:30:06 UTC

Chapter One

Time of your Life

Chapter One

Something more. Those two words have haunted Spikes mind for years now. To have something more. Many would call the desire for more to equal greed. Spike on the other hand has always felt that it was just a dragon need to want something more.

But why should he want more? Spike has a great life. He has amazing friends, a wonderful mother, and a home. Ether way, Spike has wanted something more for half his life. Its like a burning desire to do something great. Call it destiny if you like, or just adolescent dreaming.

Anyway, he had finally gathered up the courage to leave Ponyville once and for all.

Today was his 16 birthday.

“Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you!” Cheered all of Spike friends and family. “Happy birthday dear Spike!”

“Now blow out your candle's Sugarcube!” Said Applejack, giving Spike a slap on the shoulder.

“Oh, but be careful.” Whispered Fluttershy.

Spike rolled his eyes and smiled. Then proceeded to extinguish the candle.

“Yea!” Screamed Everyone in joy.

Everyone but Twilight, who, after hearing that Spike had decided to leave today, didn't want anything to do with his party anymore. The news of his leaving came to a surprise for everyone, but once the yelling calmed down it was easy to see that Spike had made up his mind.

But that didn't change the fact that Twilight was still angry.

From behind Spike, Celestia wrapped her arms around him. Drops of tears fell from her cheek.

“Oh my little angle why must you go.” She squeezed him tighter saying what was on everyone’s mind. “Stay here... at least until the end of the party.”

Spike laughed. “The train will be here soon. Besides, if I was going to stay until the end of the party, Pinkie Pie would turn it into a never-ending party.”

“A never-ending party!” Pinkie Pie gasped. “That. Sounds. Awesome!”

Everyone laughed, including Celestia. She wiped her eyes and smiled.

“Your right.”

Not that long after, the train arrived and everyone said their goodbys. Except for Twilight who intimately regretted it as the train became nothing more than a speck in the distance.

Four Years latter.

The train came to a halt. Over the intercom the conductor spoke:

“Lady's and gentleman, we have arrived in Ponyville.  Please exit the train calmly and orderly. Thank you for choosing The Equestrian Railroad company, the only train company in Equestria.”

The conductor and passengers laughed, but not Spike. He never really liked that joke.

The doors opened and out rushed the passengers, all happy to be off the train. 20 year old Spike was the last to steep off into the cold morning air. He wanted to take his time. Plus, dragons and cold weather don't mix.

Taking a breath of air, Spike smiled.

"I'm home."

He looked around, expecting to see some kind of grand change to the town. It had been four years, but nothing at all had changed. Ponyville looked just the same as it had when he left.

Spike shrugged and lifted his suitcase from off the ground. He walked around town for sometime, just enjoying the morning air, but also somewhat nervous to continue his mission.

Sighing, he decided to just get it over with. His first stop would be Pinkie Pie.

It was still fairly early, Spike learned, because Sugarcube Corner was still closed. This... disappointed him. He had hoped that when seeing Pinkie Pie first, knowing her, she would had just gone around and told everyone he had returned herself.

It would have saved him a lot of talking and buy him sometime before he would have to see.... Twilight. He wasn’t oblivious years ago to know how she had felt the last time he had seen her.

“Spike... is that you?”

He turned around and was greeted by an adult Apple Bloom in tight blue jeans and a dirty work shirt. His young tom-boyish friend from years ago was now beyond gorgeous. He had never payed much attention to her before, but now...with that figure and those breasts.... just... wow!

Upon seeing where his eyes lingered, Apple Bloom began to blush.

'Oh crap, I'm starring,' He realized. 'Come on Spike say something!'

“Ummm... whats up.”

She giggled and shook her head. “Ya still have a way with words don't ya' Spike.”

He rubbed the back of his head. “Yea I guess so,” He coughed to remove the awkward energy in the air. “So... how have you been?”

“I'm Good. Nothin' much to tell really. Just been workn' on the farm,” She gave him a once over “My your lookn' mighty fine Spike. Ya been going to a gym?”

Spike shrugged. “No. I guess its just from all the traveling.”

“Well ya look good,” She hesitated for a moment, then rushed at Spike and gave him the biggest hug of his life “Its good to have ya back Spike. I've missed you.”

He hugged back. “I've missed you too, Apple Bloom.”

After a few seconds, they broke apart and smiled.

“So what ya been doin' this whole time?”

Spike smirked. “That, my dear apple, is something that will have to be told another time.”

She raised an eyebrow. He laughed.

“What I mean is that I want to tell everyone at the same time. You know how I don't like repeating myself.”

“Makes since,” She smiled, then playfully punch him in the arm. “Your a nerd ya know that?”

He flashed her a toothy grin. “Yep!”

She shook her head. “How about ya come back to the farm with me. I'm sure Applejack would love to see you.”

“Lead the way.”

Apple Blooms smile faltered for a split second, almost as if she wanted to tell Spike something. But she just sighed as they began their walk to Sweet Apple Acres. He wanted to ask, but something inside told him that whatever she was hiding wasn't good, and it was best to keep his mouth shut.

Spike and Apple Bloom soon arrived at the farm and were quickly greeted by Big Mac, who wore blue jeans and a vest. He looked tired. Most likely from all the early farm work that had to be done.

Big Mac pulled Spike in death grip bear hug.

'OK I take it back, Big Macs hugs are the most painful... not Blooms!' Thought Spike, gritting his teeth.

Big Mac dropped Spike and laughed.

“Spike I'm so glad your back!” He helped the drake up. “Dang your lookin' strong. Might have to get ya' a job working here soon. I could use the help.”

Spike raised an eyebrow. “Sure I don't mind helping at all, but doesn’t Apple Bloom and Applejacks help usually get the job done?”

He sighed. It was the same kind of sad sigh that escaped Apple Bloom only moments before.

“Yea... Apple Bloom helps.”

“What... what about Applejack?”

Big Mac looked away. Apple Bloom placed a hand on his shoulder.

“I think you should sit down for this-”

“No!” Both siblings backed away. Spike had just about enough of this. He needed answers. “Tell me now what happened!?”

Tears escaped Apple Bloom as she eased up to Spike and gripped his claw.

“S-Spike... Applejack can't walk anymore....”

“W-W-What....”

“She broke her leg trying to find you. It was about one year ago and all of our friends were getting more and more worried day by day. No one had heard from you for three years Spike!  You never sent any letters....”

Spike felt dizzy.

“Finally Applejack was the first to do something about it. She left one day and came back a month latter. Only this time.... in a wheelchair- SPIKE!”

The dragon pushed passed them and ran inside the house.

"S-Spike is... is that you Sugarcube?"

With his fears confirmed, Spike fainted onto the living room floor.