Around the World (Spike's Journey)

Spike awoke with the decision that could change the course of his life lingering like a deep mist. He had ample enough reasons to leave and even more so to stay. Ponyville is where all of his friends and family are, in a sense, but the urge to be free and travel wherever his heart desires was in a constant struggle with his love of Ponyville.

‘What do I do’ played like a broken record; the more he thought, the more he asked.

“Maybe I should go talk to Pinkie. She has some sort of odd wisdom about her.” he muttered silently. Sitting upon his bed he turned to the clock.

“Ten-o’clock? Wow, I slept in!”

He rose to his feet, groaning and stretching the stiffness of sleep away. On his way to the kitchen he heard a knock at the door. He opened it looking both ways as if he were going to cross the street. Normally there were a few fillies and colts who would knock on his door and run. Dismissing the disturbance he walked back into his apartment and began preparing breakfast.

‘Why is this such a hard choice to make? Either I stay or I leave. Why is it so darn hard!’ he thought, nearly burning his hay hashbrowns. Sitting down on his sofa with a large ‘whump’ he ate slowly not focused on the small meal that he just made.

“I need to stop thinking so much. It’s messing up my head.” he chuckled to no one.

A little later he finished his breakfast and began to straighten up his home. Walking up to a mirror he picked at his teeth, straightened his spines, smiling slyly to himself as he did so.

“Looking good as always.” he proclaimed proudly stepping out into the hallway with a slight chip on his shoulder.

“Good morning Spike!” a female voice announced.

“Oh, good morning Miss Sweets.” Spike responded with a cheerful smile.

“Going out to be town hero again?”

“I’ll try my best to help out anypony that I can.”

“You’re always somewhere.” she retorted.

“Nothing wrong with lending a helping hand, or

claw in my case.”

“Alright Spike, have a good day!”

“I will Miss Peach, you too.” she entered her apartment leaving Spike with a anticipative smile.

“I will have a good day.” he whispered.

_______

Spike walked through the busy noon streets of Ponyville watching the buzzing colts, mares, and fillies go about their ordinary lives without a care.

“Mommy, mommy Look!” Spike turned to see a little gray filly pointing at him. She broke away from her mother’s grasp sprinting to him.

“Wow! A real dragon!” she exclaimed in awe.

“Oh, I’m sorry. She can be a little explorer.” The mother sympathetically apologised while taking hold of her daughters hand.

“That’s no problem. It happens more often than you think.” He chuckled. Crouching down to her height, he looked the little pony in the eyes.

“So you like dragons, huh?”

“They’re so cool, but I thought that dragons were big and scary.”

“I’m not like other dragons. Call me a gentledrake if you will.” Spike said with a toothy grin.

“Your teeth are all pointy.” She said while inching closer to Spike.

“You wanna see?” He questioned energetically.

“Do I!?” Spike opened his mouth showing off his razor sharp teeth.

“They’re all really pointy.” She stopped and peered deeper into his mouth.

“Why are those back ones different?”

Spike closed his mouth and inched closer to the little filly. “Don’t tell anypony, I eat gemstones.” He whispered.

“Gemstones?” she asked with wide eyes and a cocked head.

“Yeah, like diamonds, and emeralds.”

“That is so awesome!” she screamed in awe.

“We need to get going. I hope that she wasn’t a bother.” the mother said while picking her child up.

“Not at all. She’s just a curious little ankle-biter.” Spike chuckled while pinching the filly’s cheek causing her to giggle.

“We should be going. Nice to meet you Mr.?”

“Spike, call me Spike.” he finished.

“Okay, have a wonderful day!” he stood watched the two disappear into the crowd.

“I guess I’ll go see what Rarity is up to, or maybe Snips and Snails are doing something cool.” he stopped to think about what slipped past his lips.

“Yeah better to go and see what Rarity is up to.”

_______

He approached the boutique calmly snorting at what rushed order Rarity was up to this time.

“Hey Rares, are you home?” he knocked.

“Give me a moment please.” He heard the calm clicking rhythm of footsteps on the floor followed by a ‘yowl’ and a loud thud. “Opalescence!”

Spike laughed at the mental image.

“My Apologies” *ahem* “Welcome to Carousel Boutique…oh, hello Spike.”

“Hey Rarity, Opal plotting your downfall again?”

“It would seem so. I do not know why she feels that the bottom of the stairs is an ideal place to rest. Anyway what brings you by?”

“Mainly boredom, and I need to talk to you.”

“Oh dear, look Spike we have a great friendship, but that’s it friendship nothing more.” she cowered as if he would burn her to a crisp.

“What in the land of Equestria are you talking about?” he asked generally confused.

“Wait, you didn’t come to confess to me?” she asked sharing his confusion.

“Wha... no. I came to talk about me leaving”.

“Oh... OH! Yes of course.” she replied while hiding her face.

“What were you thinking?” he leaned forward with a large grin.

“Nothing.” she stuttered. “So what is this I hear about you wanting to leave Ponyville?” she questioned in an attempt to redirect the topic.

“I’ve been feeling that Ponyville is too familiar; even Equestria is too familiar. I want to see the world for myself, but I don’t want to hurt anypony in my absence.”

“I see. Come in.” he entered the fashionista’s home amazed at how it hasn’t changed at all since his first visit years ago.

“Shall I get you some water dear?”

“Yeah that’ll be fine, thanks.” he sat down in a nearby chair playing with his claws to pass the time.

“I heard that you and Sweetie Belle went on a date last night.” Rarity chimed with two glasses encased in her magic.

“It… wasn’t really a… well… we… we did go to a restaurant.” Spike added while trying to avoid eye contact.

“She told me about how you defended her honor from that ruffian.” she said while levitating a glass over to him.

“Oh she went on and on about how it was one of the best nights she’s had in quite a while.” Rarity took a sip while looking over to Spike who was bashfully smiling. “Now enough delay. What is this ‘traveling the world’ I’m hearing about?”

“Well like I told you at the door, I feel like Ponyville is too small for me. I want to go and see the whole world for myself.”

“Why the whole world?”

“Think about it: we’ve been as far south as the badlands and as far north as the Crystal Empire. We’ve been to Manehattan, Horseshoe Bay, and Vanhoover. We even went to Las Pegasus.” he took one big gulp.

“Really, when?”

“Remember Rainbow Dash’s birthday party two years ago?”

“Now I remember.” she frowned as she took a sip. “I lost all of my bits at a blackjack table.”

“But do you see? We’ve been all over Equestria at least twice!” he slumped into the chair throwing his arms up. “It's like I just have the urge to leave.”

“It could be that this isn’t an urge at all. Perhaps it is instinct.”

“Instinct?” he asked with a raised brow.

“Yes Instinct.” she sat her glass down. “Spike, you are a dragon. Whatever may seem like urges to us could be necessary for you. I for one do not want to lose my favorite dragon, but if this is supposed to happen, I have no power to say otherwise.”

“Maybe you’re right. I think I need to leave.” he stood up and took the rest of his water down in one hearty gulp.

“It could be what is best for you.” she levitated his glass along with hers into the kitchen.

“I guess I should be on my way then.” he motioned for the door.

“Aren’t you going to stay and help?” she asked from the kitchen.

“I thought that you weren't busy.” he stopped.

“I never mentioned anything about not being busy. I just needed a little rest.” she began to make her way up the stairs. “Are you coming?”

“Yeah, here I come.”

_______

It was about two in the afternoon when Spike left the boutique. He looked towards the clear afternoon sky as if he were searching for something. ‘I guess it’s time to go see Pinkie’, he thought with a claw on his growling stomach. He walked once again thought the lesser populated evening streets. Not paying any attention to what was in front of him, he heard a loud low humming sound before something solid knocked him to the ground.

“Darn it Spike! Watch where you're going!”

“I should say the same to you Scootaloo.” Spike groaned. He stood up and dusted himself off.

“Here, let me help you up.” he held out a claw.

“Thanks.” she slowly pulled herself to her feet. “So what's got you walking around stuck in dream-land?” she asked while dusting herself off.

“Just… stuff.” he responded nervously.

“Stuff like what?” she asked, glancing out the corner of her eye.

“It isn't important.” he assured with a forced smile.

“Okay? Well I need to get going.”

“Where?”

“Me, Sweetie Belle, Rainbow Dash, Applebloom, and Applejack are having a picnic. I’m already late!” with that she sped off leaving Spike alone and confused. He looked around to see if anypony saw what happened. With a shrug of his shoulder he continued his trek to Sugarcube Corner.

_______

Spike walked through the doors into the bakery. The sweet smell of cakes, cupcakes, and cookies made his stomach growl like a chained dog.

“Hello Spike. What can I do for you today dearie?” Mrs.Cake asked.

“Can I get a box of donuts please?”

“Extra sprinkles?”

“You know me.” he chuckled. “Is Pinkie here? I need to talk to her.”

“I do believe that she is upstairs with Pumpkin and Pound. I'll tell Carrot to fetch her.” she placed the donuts in a box and handed them to Spike.

“That’ll be twelve bits.” he handed her the money.

“Thank you.”

“It is nothing at all dearie. Any customer is a good customer.” she disappeared around corner leaving Spike with his treat. He took a seat at a nearby table slowly opening the box with hungry eyes. Lifting one to his waiting maw he bit down to find that his sugary treat was gone.

“What the what?” he muttered while looking around. He slowly took another in his claw glancing around the mostly empty bakery. Bringing it slowly to his awaiting jaws he heard a rustle coming from his left. Turning quickly to investigate a pink blur filled the corner of his vision. Looking down on his claw he clenched it tightly. “I will avenge you my sweets.” taking one more in his claw he brought it slowly to his mouth taking note of anything unusual while he did so. He was about to stuff his face when he heard a loud thud resounding from under the table. Quickly ducking under the table he notice one blue half opened eye looking down.

“Really Pinkie?” he asked in an unamused tone.

“Hey Spikey!” she exclaimed with a hand lost in her poofy hair.

“I should’ve known that you were stealing my donuts.”

“What! Donuts are delicious.”

“All you had to do was ask. Can we get out from under the table?”

“Okay!”

Spike lifted himself back up to his original position.

“So Mrs. Cake said that you wanted to talk to me.”

Spike jumped back clutching his chest.

“How wha… but you were just under the table?!” he gasped sporadically. “How do you do that, and why do I always fall for it?”

“That is a secret I shan’t tell. Now tell me what’s troubling that scaly head of yours.”

“I was thinking about leaving Ponyville for some time.” he answered with shortness of breath.

“What!?” Pinkie screamed loudly.

“Uh, Pinkie? Are you okay?” He asked with caution.

“How could I be? Ponyville’s only and favorite dragon is trying to leave!”

“Calm down, I'm not going anywhere yet.”

“Oh, okay.” she said in an instantly calm tone. “But why do you want to leave?’’

“Twilight says that it could just be time for me to expand my horizons, and Rarity thinks that it could be draconic instinct or something. I just want to go and see the world for what it is. What do you think?”

“Hmmmm, maybe you should. I don’t want you to go anywhere, but it might be great for you!”

Spike sighed. “I’m going to regret this, but how so?”

“Because.” she paused to inhale. “You’re a dragon, you're a grown up now, there are no other dragons here, you really need a dragonfriend, and you've always wanted to be a hero who goes on adventures and is awesome!”

“Those are some really good reasons.” Spike chuckled.

“I give you the one hundred percent Pinkie Pie guarantee.” she exclaimed with a salute. “Just remember this Spike. Home is where the heart is. No matter where in this big crazy cuckoo you go, never forget where your heart becounters

“Thanks Pinkie, that really helped.” he said with a soft smile. “I think I am ready to make my decision now.” he stood as prideful as a lion. Sitting back down he reached for his box of donuts only to find them gone. He whipped his head around searching for the pink fluffball responsible.

“Oh Spike!” she giggled from behind the counter.

“Hey get back here with those!” Spike bolted after her as if he were a cat and she a mouse.

_______

Spike and Pinkie Pie emerged from Sugar Cube Corner

“Do you think our friends got the message”? Spike asked while looking towards the oncoming sunset.

“Of course they did! Pumpkin and Pound are the quickest little helpers ever.”

“You let them tell everypony where to meet us?” he asked with a raised brow.

“Yeah, why not?”

He turned to Pinkie. “They usually go around causing all types of problems.”

“That’s never a problem with me. They always listen to aunt Pinkie.”

Spike snorted softly then turned back to the horizon. He inhaled sharply through his nose then let out a content sigh.

“Lets go and join the others, if they're there.”

“Okay!” They walked through the calm evening streets taking in the peace around them. Spike had his eyes glued on Celestia’s sun as it slowly fell towards the awaiting horizon.

They reached the area where their friends were supposed to meet them. It was a small grassy area that they usually used for picnics or watching sunsets.

“There he is.” Applejack said as Spike and Pinkie descended on the group. Spike walked up with a small halfhearted smile.

“Yeah, here I am.” he said dryly.

“What’s the matter? You look sadder’n a bee with no honey.” Applejack stated.

“I’m fine, just a little tired.” he responded.

“Weren’t you going to tell us something?” Fluttershy asked while petting a nearby gopher.

“Yes, but that can wait. I just want to be around my closest friends.”

He walked over to them and took a seat in between Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle. They talked and laughed the remainder of the evening away.

“It’s rather late; I must be going.” Rarity announced while looking towards the orange dimming sky. Earning agreements from all everyone was gathering up their belongings.

“Now is as good a time as any.” Spike muttered while claiming to his feet.

“Thank you all for coming on such short notice. It feels great to be around all of my friends. Being with all of you has made me really think about my life and my future.” he paused to ready himself. “I have made my decision. I am leaving Ponyville!”

All around him there were saddened, surprised, and proud expressions.

“So ya finally made up your mind.” Applejack said with crossed arms.

“Wait, what? Spike’s leaving!” Applebloom shouted. “Why!”

“I feel trapped here. I just want to get out and see the world for what it is.” Spike responded proudly.

“But why!?”

“Calm down.” Twilight interrupted. “We’ve all had to find out who we were somehow. Maybe this is Spike's way of earning whatever a dragon cutie mark may be.” she turned to Spike. “He needs to do this.”

“But nopony has ever talked about whatever may be beyond Equestria.” Scootaloo added.

“Then I Princess Twilight Sparkle appoint my brave subject Spike to travel to foreign lands in the name of Equestria!” Twilight announced royally.

“Hey sis, can she do that?” Applebloom whispered to Applejack.

“She’s been an official princess fer quite some time. Ah reckon she can.”

Twilight turned back to everyone.

“It is official. Spike shall leave in one months time.”

“Wait!” Sweetie Belle screamed.

“Sweetie Belle?” Spike asked with a raised brow.

“If Spike is going, I’m going .” she declared. Rarity took hold of Sweetie Bell and escorted her away from the group. They all stood in awkward silence as the two sisters argued. Occasionally there would be a ‘because I said so’ or a ‘I’m a full grown mare’ followed by some unsavory words most wouldn’t dare utter. Rarity was the first to walk back followed shortly by Sweetie Belle.

“If Twilight will allow it.” she let out an annoyed sigh. “Sweetie Belle may go with Spike.”

“Okay now it’s settled. Sweetie Belle and Spike are to voyage across foreign lands and connect Equestria to the rest of the world!”

“If there is one.” Applejack whispered to Rainbow Dash causing her to snicker. Soon they all dispersed and headed for home. Spike chased after Sweetie Belle who was rushing to get out of the cold night air.

“Sweetie Belle, wait.” he called after her.

“What is it Spike?” she turned to him.

“Why did you say that you wanted to go with me?”

“Because someone is going to have to watch out for you while you're out there.” she moved closer to him. “And traveling the whole world sounds like fun!”

“Are you sure you want to do this?”

“Yes.” she answered with confidence.

“There is no guarantee that I'll be gone for a short time now; even more so with Twilight’s whole voyage idea.”

“Spike I don’t care about all if that. I’d go anywhere with you.” she inched closer to him with a blush as clear as day. “You’re my friend Spike. I don’t want anything happening to you.” she cooed as she pulled him into a tight hug.

Spike stood still before accepting her hug. “Thank you. That means a lot to me.”

Sweetie Belle released Spike then walked towards her home. Spike did the same. Once again his head was swimming in thought, not thoughts of uncertainty or consequence, but thoughts of adventure, excitement, and discovery. He jumped in the air and yelled “Woohoo, yeah!” into the empty night as he continued his trek home.

This is going to be one heck of an adventure.