Around the World (Spike's Journey)

Spike was relaxing in his small two room apartment, catching up on some well deserved R&R. “I wonder what everypony is up to today? It's so calm and quiet. Maybe I should get off of my lazy butt, and go check on the girls”, he thought. He sat up and walked to a nearby window, peering down to the gravel street below with a dreamy smile. The one thing he loved about Ponyville was how rustic it was. Unlike Manehattan, everything here felt real; the ponies, the houses, and even the atmosphere felt as if it were alive, but for some reason he felt empty. Looking up to Canterlot he wondered what it would be like to just break free his shackles and go anywhere in the world. What or who is out there, what are they like, how do they live?

"SPIIIIIIIIKEEEEEY!"

Spike jumped and hit his head on the window frame. "OWWWW! What the hay?" He asked while rubbing his head. He dropped his gaze to Pinkie Pie who was standing with a big smile. "Oh, hi Pinkie". He said while massaging the crown of his head.

"Hey there!" She squeaked excitedly.

"What brings you by"? He asked.

She gasped loudly in shock. "WHAAAAT? You don't know that Applejack's birthday is today?"

"I do, I just didn't expect you to come so early." He said defensively.

"Spike, it's two in the afternoon." She said with a raised brow.

He took a quick glance at a clock behind him. "Oh… heh… well," He stuttered nervously.

"Well come on, the party starts in an hour!" She squealed with a bounce.

"Okay okay give me a few seconds", he muttered. Walking back to his bed, he pulled a gift from under it. It was addressed “To: Applejack From: Spike. Thanks for being a great true and honest friend over the years.” He smiled before rushing out the door to meet up with Pinkie. They walked through the streets to the castle to pick up Twilight; they walked up the crystalline walkway. Coming upon the doors, they were met by two pegasus guards.

"Good day, Ms. Pie and Mr. Spike, welcome.” One said with a bow. The doors slid slowly open across the transparent floor; the pair walked slowly into the massive foyer taking in the immensity of it's size and grace.

"There you guys are," Twilight said while walking up to them.

"Hi Twilight!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed while running to hug her.

"Hi Spike," Twilight said, looking over Pinkie Pie's mane.

"Hey Twi." Spike said with open arms; Twilight smiled warmly as she accepted his gesture.

"You know that you can visit me any time you please, right?" She said breaking the hug.

Spike's expression dropped at her words. "Heh, sorry. I've been busy."

"I bet doing odd jobs around town really takes a toll on a dragon." She said with a blank expression. "It gets lonely in this labyrinthine castle."

"I bet it does." He said looking around.

"Oh come on you two, we've got a surprise party to get to!" Pinkie said while dragging the two out of the foyer. She bolted out of the castle doors with her friends in tow.

"PINKIE! PUT US DOWN!" Twilight stuttered.

"Oh, sorry!" Pinkie Pie said releasing the disoriented pair. "But seriously guys, we have to get there NOW!" She said, while beginning to gallop away.

Spike and Twilight gave each other an understanding glance before sprinting after the pink party pony. Approaching the barn, Twilight and Spike nearly collapsed from exhaustion while Pinkie Pie was bounding around trying to get the side door open. "Come on, she’s almost here!" She exclaimed, pointing towards Applejack. Spike got to his feet and began walking slowly inside, while Twilight was literally crawling.

"I got you". Spike said. He lifted her off of the ground and onto his shoulder. They walked into the barn and waited for their tan friend to come through the doors.

"That was strange, everypony was trying to avoid me today. Ah hope they all remember mah birthday. *sigh* Might as well get ta work." Applejack said with a sad expression. She opened the barn door to find her friends and half of Ponyville giving her a big 'Happy Birthday'. "You're all here." Applejack said, her voice breaking.

"Of course we are, AJ." Spike said with a big smile.

"We wouldn't miss one of Ponyville's most important mares birthday." Rarity said with a flick of her mane.

"Ah'll admit it, ah honestly though y'all forgot." She said while wiping a tear away.

"Of course not Applejack; we would never miss out on your b-day." Rainbow Dash added while floating over Big Mac.

"Come on guys, enough talking! LETS PARTY!" Twilight exclaimed. Vinyl Scratch walked up to her turntables and pulled out a record that said Greatest Party Jams. She slammed it in the turntable; within seconds the barn was full of loud techno music. The barn was jumping with the sound of everypony dancing, chatting and laughing the night away.

"Okay...guys, ahm gonna go get some fresh air". Applejack said with an exhausted gasp. She walked outside enjoying the crisp night air. Looking to her right she noticed spike was outside too; he was standing outside calmly taking in the cool night breeze. He heard some footsteps coming from behind him; slowly opening his eyes, he glanced over his shoulder to see Applejack approaching him.

"Hey Spike, are ya okay?" She asked.

"Yeah I'm fine, just taking in the cool night air." He said with his eyes half open.

"Oh.....well what are ya doin out here anyway?" She asked while inching closer.

"I'm just thinking." He said while sitting down.

Applejack took a seat with him. "Thinkin’ bout what?"

"Well, I was thinking that maybe I should go and see the world; the whole world, not just Equestria." He said while laying his head back on the grass. "I know that there’s more out there, and I wanna go see it."

Applejack sat still and silent for a moment. "If that's what you want to do, then do it." She said while looking up at the stars.

"Really"? Spike asked with a raised brow. "I thought you'd give me a speech about how I need to stay because friendship is the most imp..."

"Spike you are fully grown now, this is the time to go and explore the world; besides wont ya live for like, centuries?" She said cutting him off.

"Actually no, I’m a messenger dragon; I'll only live to be one-hundred and thirty. The ones that live for a whole millennium are usually the larger selfish hoarders". He explained.

"When'd ya find that out?" She asked while playing with a dandelion.

"I used to live with Twilight, do the math." He said with a smirk. Applejack gave an understanding nod.

"Well look, If ya decide to leave, ah'll back ya one-hundred percent!" Applejack stated. "Now come on, we're missin’ mah party". She said while dragging spike with her. They went back inside the barn and were greeted by loud cheers, music, punch, and, apple cider. Even though Spike was having a blast, he couldn't get the thought out of his head. The night carried on with the sound of party ponies spilling from the barn.