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            Around the World (Spike's Journey)             
                   -by Regis-Th3-Lesser-                   
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                 Ch.1 A Choice to Be Made                  
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Ch.1 A Choice to Be Made
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.

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                  Ch.2 Do I Stay or Leave                  
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Ch.2 Do I Stay or Leave
Applejack’s party roared on for what seemed like forever, everypony was having so much fun dancing, laughing, drinking, or even sitting that they became oblivious to the time. “Alright everypony, ah hope that you had one heck of a good time, but it’s late and ahm beat so have a safe trip home.” Applejack said with a yawn. All of the attendants waved their goodbyes and went home to rest. Spike, Applebloom, and the mane six stayed behind to help clean.
“I hope you enjoyed your party Applejack.” Twilight said while picking up some streamers that had fell.
“Yeah it was the best party that ah have ever had, but one thing is worryin’ me.”
“What is it?”
“Well, it’s Spike. he feels like he needs to leave, and go explore the world.” Applejack whispered, looking over to Spike who was helping Applebloom move around some benches. Twilight thought about it for a moment; the dragon that she literally raised wants to go and see what the world has for him.
“Honestly I think that this is the perfect time for him to go and explore Equestria.” Twilight said in an understanding tone. “We can’t keep him here his whole life.”
“You’re absolutely right, Twi.” Applejack agreed. “But what about all of his friends? How would they take it? Especially Sweetie Belle.”
“I don’t know, but lets hope that they will understand his decision. I always knew this day would come, just not so soon.” she thought, while seeing Spike laughing with Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy. They all worked for some time reverting the barn back to it’s original status.
“Thanks fer throwing me such a nice party.” Applejack choked, while pulling all of her friends into a group hug. They all deepened the hug, just enjoying each others company. Spike watched them with a bittersweet smile. He fell back into the deep well of his thoughts; he never could seem to escape them; no matter what he did or what he tried to think of he couldn’t shake the one sentence that played constantly in his head ‘Should I stay or leave’? He didn’t realize that he had been staring out of the window, lost in Luna’s dark perpetual night.
“Hey Spike”? A sweet female voice whispered. He turned to see Sweetie Belle looking at him with worry. “Are you okay, you’ve been having a staring contest with the moon for the last three minutes...”
“Yeah, I’m fine. I just keep getting lost in my thoughts.”
“What are you thinking about?”
“It’s just that, I feel like Ponyville is too small for me. I want to get away from all of this, I want to see what the world is really like; I even want to see the lands beyond Equestria.” he spoke, face full of hope, pride, and wonder. Sweetie Belle tried to hold back her tears the best she could, but Spike noticed. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah I just rubbed some dirt in my eyes”. She replied trying to sound as normal as she could. “I won’t stop you if you decide to leave, But look over there.” She pointed to Rarity and all of their friends. “They have never been like this before. Before you and Twilight came here they didn’t even acknowledge each other’s existence.” She stammered. “They might all be the elements of harmony, but, in my eyes, you are a forgotten element.” Spike looked to her with inquiry.
“What do you mean?”
“If there was a seventh element, it would be family, which you embody.”
“How so?”
“Oh my gosh, ya big dummy! They’d fall apart without you! Remember when you started going through your growth spurts and you had to stay in Canterlot because the princesses thought that you were going to go on a hormone fueled rampage?”
“How could I not? that was the longest year ever.” He muttered.
“While while you were gone they hung out less and less; eventually it was like before you and Twilight came. They barely spoke to each other or even hung out, and that was after three months!” She exclaimed. “You are what holds them together; without you, they are lost!”
“So you’re saying that I shouldn’t leave.”
“I’m not saying anything except think about how your decisions will impact others. Well, I have to go to work in the morning, I’ll talk to you later.” She sauntered out of the barn trying to keep her composure. The moment she was out of his sight tears quickly filled her eyes. Spike stood still once again lost in thought.
“Spike, you can go home now.” Twilight called from behind him. He nodded then proceeded to walk out of the barn. He closed his eyes, lost in pure bliss of the cool wind brushing against his scales. Looks like I have a lot of thinking to do tonight,” he thought as he walked on into the moonlit night.
The Next Morning
So another day has begun in Ponyville, citizens busy going about their day and for once in a while the famous dragon Spike has risen with them. He didn’t really have anything to do today, so instead of sitting in bed, like he usually does, he decided to go and talk to some of his friends. He came upon The Carousel Boutique, stopping for a moment he figured it wasn’t best to talk to Rarity at this moment. He was just about to walk away when Sweetie Belle spotted him.
“Hi Spike!” She shouted out of an open window.
“Hey.”
“Where are you headed off to?”
“Well, nowhere actually.”
“Do you wanna hang out sometime today?”
“Sure, what time?”
“When I’m off work.”
“Alrighty then, see you later.” Spike walked calmly away wondering what to do with his day. Sweetie Bell still sat in the window watching him dreamily.
“Please don’t go anywhere,” she thought out loud.
Spike continued to walk aimlessly through town looking for something to pass the time. He eventually walked up to the castle that housed Princess Twilight. Maybe she’s doing something interesting? Then again, this is Twilight  I’m talking about.” He casually marched up the stairs, upon reaching the top he spotted the two guards from yesterday. “Hey guys.” He said while still walking up to them. They stood still and unresponsive. “Okay, that’s rude.” Spike mumbled. Approaching the door he was cut off by two interlocking staffs. “Hey, what gives?”
“Unless you have an appointment or the princess is expecting you, no entry!”
“C’mon, I’m her friend! Heck, I’m almost her brother! Let me in!”
“No entry!” The guards shouted in unison. Spike was about to leave when he heard an all too familiar voice coming from an elevated plane.
“You can let him in, guys, he’s a trustworthy dragon.” Twilight declared out of a high window with her horn glowing. The large crystalline doors slowly slid open. Spike took a few steps forward then stopped, he shared glances with the guards before symbolizing an L on his forehead with his tongue stuck out. He entered the massive foyer once again captivated by it’s size. “It looks so small on the outside.” He muttered while spinning around slowly.
“See what I mean? This is one big castle.” Twilight said with a dozen books orbiting her.
“Wow, what are all those for?” Spike questioned with wide eyes.
“Since I have nothing to do today, I was just gonna read in bed.”
“All of those books?”
“Yes Spike, all of them. Now stop stalling; what brings you by?”
“I have nothing to do, and I need to talk to somepony.”
“Is it about you leaving?”
“How did you know?”
“Applejack told me. Now come on, let’s go somewhere else. The foyer feels too open.” Spike and Twilight went down a few corridors before stopping in her chambers. Twilight neatly stacked her books before plopping down on her bed. “So what’s wrong?” She asked with her hands to her cheeks.
“Well, I feel like Ponyville is just too small. Don’t get me wrong, I love living here, but it feels like I’m trapped inside of a box of mirrors. I run all the way to the edge only to see that nothing has or ever will change.”
“So you feel like a caged bird and you want to fly away, in metaphorical terms.”
“Yeah, but that’s not the only reason. I heard what happened when I had to go to Canterlot for that year, remember?”
“Yeah I do.” She stood up and walked over to a nearby window. “When you were gone, we just... I don’t know, we just fell apart. Pinkie didn’t throw any more parties, Applejack was constantly tired and depressed, Rainbow Dash barely flew anywhere except for when she had to go home, Fluttershy disappeared, and I didn’t even have the energy to read or do anything for that matter. When you left it sucked the life out of us, in a sense.”
“Oh.” He looked down to the sparkling floor.
“I don’t want to hold you back, but then again if you leave the same thing might happen.”
“That’s exactly what Sweetie Belle told me last night.” He sat down on a gilded stool with his claws to his face.
Twilight’s eyes widened at the realization that hit her. “She did?”
“Yeah.” He started while sitting up. “She told me what you said, only in her own words.” He scratched the spines on his head for a little while. “Should I stay or leave?”
“That is up to you, my former assistant. In the end, I will support whatever decision you make.” She walked over to the books and picked one out. “Now shall we read, just like old times.” He smiled warmly then joined her on the bed.
Later in the Day
“Okay, I’ll see you guys later.” Sweetie Belle shouted back into the boutique. It was around five-o’clock, she walked calmly into the densest part of town with one thing on her mind. A double hayburger with a side of large hay fries and a cherry milkshake, but that had to wait. She needed to find Spike, wherever he is. She walked around asking left and right if anypony had seen him. “Where the hay is that dragon? I mean, how hard is it to find the only dragon in Ponyville?” she thought to herself. The sun was beginning to set behind some mountains in the distance. Sweetie Belle was just about to give up until she saw a tall figure with green spines running up its back to the top of it’s head. She bolted towards him as fast as she could, nearly tripping upon approaching him she fell against his back, narrowly avoiding a spine to the eye. He craned his neck to see her panting on his back.
“There you are! I looked everywhere.” He said with a warm smile.
“Oh, you were looking for me?” She panted.
“Yeah... are you okay? You look like you ran a marathon.”
“Yeah, I’m okay. Just a little tired.” She lifted herself off his back, opening her eyes she lifted her gaze to his. Even though he was in an awkward position his eyes still looked amazing to her.
“Well where do you want to go?” He asked, fixing his position.
“Oh, um... how about there.” She pointed to a nearby restaurant with a picture of a hayburger in the window.
“Sure. I could use a good burger right now.” Spike said leading the way. They stepped through the door into a medium sized diner with a modern decor.
“Welcome to Sleazy’s Shack, the name’s a put off, but the food is spot on!” A brown female unicorn with a gray mane excitedly hummed. “Oh, you’re that dragon that lives here, aren’t ya?” She asked with wide and curious amber eyes.
“Yeah that’s me.” Spike bashfully murmured.
“Is that your marefriend? If so she’s very lucky.” Sweetie Belle's face became as red as a tomato while Spike nearly turned pale.
“We’re not dating, she’s just a close friend.” Spike stuttered nervously.
“Oh, okay well where would you prefer to sit?”
“Next to a window.” Sweetie Bell muttered with her head down.
“Alright then, follow me.” They walked through a maze of curious eyes glaring at them all the way through the restaurant.
“Okay here you go!” The brown unicorn exclaimed. “Oh by the way my name is Dusk, tell me if you need anything!” She scurried away in a hurry to address any other customers in need of assistance.
“Well, she’s nice. Kinda reminds me of Pinkie, talking in a blur.” Spike said. He looked over to Sweetie Belle who was staring out of the window with a frown on her face. “What’s wrong with you?”
“That was very embarrassing.” She muttered.
“Yeah, that really was. But I get it all the time. Especially whenever I hang out with Fluttershy.”
“Really?”
“Yeah, ponies are always thinking that the moment I’m with a mare we’re together.” Sweetie Belle chuckled quietly before silence fell upon the two. A little time later, a maroon colt suddenly appeared.
“Well hey there, beautiful.” He smoothly whispered to Sweetie Belle.
“Excuse me?” She quipped with a raised brow.
“Sorry for being so rude, my name is Firecharge; but you can just call me
Fire.”
“Oh really.”
“What about you? I bet you have a great name”. He slyly added, while draping his arm over her shoulder.
“My name is buzz off and get a life”. She shot back while moving his arm with her magic.
“Oh come on, baby! Don’t be like that.” He defended while trying to get closer.
“Look, I’m trying to have a meal with my friend so if you could go away, that would be nice.”
“What, you mean the dragon? Really, I’m surprised that they even let him in. He isn’t even civilized enough to wear clothes.” He shot, pointing a finger at Spike.
“Well how would you like to leave with your clothes on fire!” Spike shouted, while baring his teeth.
“What you think that you're something scales? Dragons aren't supposed to be with ponies! Now go crawl back to your cave.” Spike stood up and eyed the sleazebag furiously.
“Leave the young lady alone before I start acting like a real dragon.” At this point smoke began to rise out of Spike’s nostrils while his eyes seemed to catch on fire.
“Y’know what, forget it. Enjoy your dragon, you freak.” Fire scowled while walking away. Spike sat back down calming himself down.
“Sorry about that.” He forcefully sighed.
“It’s okay Spike somepony needed to tell that jerk off.” She scolded in his direction. Soon their waiter reappeared with paper and pen in hand.
“Hey guys sorry about that, he’s even tried to hit on me a couple of times. So what are we getting?”
“I’ll have the hay fries, extra crispy and a hayburger.” Spike answered.
“That all sir?”
“Yup.”
“What about you ma’am?”
“Oh, I’ll have the double hayburger with hayfries and do you have milkshakes?” Sweetie Belle ordered speedily.
“That we do!”
“Okay, can I have a cherry shake, and if you have them, a ruby sapphire shake for my dear dragon here.” Spike’s eyes doubled in size at what he had heard.
“Okay, I’ll see.”
“Thank you.” Sweetie Belle looked at Spike whose eyes were still wide in surprise.
“Are you crazy, how the hay are we going to afford that?” Spike asked with a claw to his forehead.
“Trust me I think this’ll cover our whole meal.” Sweetie Belle pulled a small diamond out of her purse. “C’mon Spike, Ponyville is like a gemstone haven. You can find an emerald laying in the streets.”
“Hmm, true.” They both let out hearty laughs.
“So how’s your big decision going?” She asked.
“Huh?” Spike quizzed with a raised brow.
“Oh sorry I meant are you going to leave Ponyville or stay?”
“I don’t know yet. I talked with Twilight and she supports me too, but there is something that would haunt me if I left.”
“And what would that be?”
“Everything and everypony I leave behind. I really want to do this, but I don’t want my friends to be sad.” He put his head down in defeat.
“Spike, I want you to go and explore the world and see what it has to offer you. If you go, remember to write every day.”
“Thanks Sweetie Belle, you’re a good friend.”
Yeah. That’s all I seem to be: a friend.” she thought while choking back more tears. They sat in silence once again only listening to the ambiance of the restaurant around them.
“Okay here we are, hay fries extra crispy and a hayburger for the handsome dragon, with our first gem smoothie!” Dusk exclaimed with the shake in hand. Spike’s pupils grew enormous as he took the shake and began to gulp it down. “And for you ma’am, a double hayburger with hayfries, and a cherry shake!”
“Thank you!” Sweetie Bell exclaimed with a hungry smile. She looked at Spike and couldn’t help but smile at how cute he looked when he had a big satisfied grin on his face. The two continued their meal in peace as the night began to take over.

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                    Ch.3 The Descision                     
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Ch.3 The Descision
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.

//-------------------------------------------------------//
                       Ch.4 Farewell                       
//-------------------------------------------------------//
Ch.4 Farewell
Three Days Until Departure
Spike woke up feeling a tad bit unsure. Just a few weeks ago he told everyone that he wanted to leave Ponyville, which they accepted. Now, only three days remained until he embarked on the journey of his life; feelings of excitement, nervousness, anxiety, and fear emerged. Looking over to his clock, he rose out of the bed. “Time to go see Rarity,” he thought as he walked towards the door.
_________________________________________________
Rarity was running throughout her workroom in a panicked fashion. She had been working on outfits for Spike and Sweetie Belle ever since the two announced that they were leaving.
“Rarity! Honestly, it looks fine.” Sweetie Belle said while looking over herself in a mirror.
“I need to add just one more piece to the blouse, but I can’t find the right fabric or thread!” Rarity exclaimed while rummaging through some drawers.
“What more do you need to add? I love it!” Sweetie Belle said excitedly.
“Found it!” Rarity rushed over to Sweetie Belle. “Your blouse please.” Sweetie Belle took her shirt off and handed it to Rarity. Rarity zipped as fast as a blur to her sewing machine. Just then, Spike walked in.
“Hey Rarity, I'm here.” he and Sweetie Belle stared awkwardly at each other before she ran behind the curtain with a shriek.
“Hello Spike. I’m happy that you’re here. I'll be with you in just a moment, have a seat please.” Spike slowly took his seat with a claw to his face. Rarity ran behind the curtain with haste. With some shuffling mumbling and a “hey, watch it” they emerged from behind the curtain.
“Here you are dear.” she said while facing Sweetie Belle towards the mirror. Her blouse was the same color as her mane, trimmed with gold thread with a circle that held her cutie mark. She wore black and white leggings that had a golden diamond print running down her leg.
“Wow, it looks even better with my cutie mark on it!” she exclaimed with joy.
“I told you. It just needed that finishing touch.” she turned Sweetie Belle to Spike. “Spike, what do you think?” Spike turned his gaze up from the ground.
“Wow, it looks amazing.” Spike said causing Sweetie Belle to smile bashfully.
“Thank you darling. This is the last of Sweetie Belle's outfits. I wanted this one to stand out.” she proudly replied. “Now to your outfit.”
“Wait, my outfit?” he asked, intrigued.
“Yes, that is why I called you here.” she responded happily while walking off of the platform.
“How did you make me anything without taking any measurements?”
“I always keep my friends’ measurements.” she called from an open closet.
“But you haven't made me any clothes in years.” he protested.
“You haven't really grown much.” Sweetie Belle added. Spike looked over himself a few times then shrugged in agreement.
“But seriously, when did you take my measurements?”
Rarity came out of the closet with some clothing on her arm. “I would say the last suit you wore to the gala.” she said with a hand to her chin.
Spike began to recall the tuxedo she made nearly five years ago. “I remember now. It was the one that was the same color as my scales.”
“Precisely, now come and try this on.” she said hurriedly. Spike rose from his seat and followed her behind the curtain.
Sweetie belle sat where Spike once was waiting for the reveal. “I wonder what she made him? Knowing Rarity, it's going to be something bright and flashy.” she muttered quietly to herself. Rarity gracefully appeared from behind the curtain.
“My dearest sister, I present to you: Spike the Dragon!” Rarity stood with an outstretched arm expecting Spike to make a dramatic entrance. “Would you get out here!” she whispered aggressively into the curtain.
“I dunno. I'm not really comfortable wearing clothes.” Spike quietly protested.
“You are representing Equestria Spike, you can't just parade around nude!” she hissed with a slight change in volume.
“My scales cover everything!”
“Ponies are always commenting on how you walk around with nothing on! Do you really want somepony in another country ridiculing you because you're naked?”
“Fine.” Spike submissively groaned.
She took her head out of the curtain and straightened her clothes. “My apologies, now revealing my latest ensemble for Spike the Dragon!”
Spike stepped out onto the platform. He wore a black button up vest with amethyst buttons and a purple dragon on the chest accompanied by a hood and fingerless gloves. The pants were a simple gray and his boots were a dark lavender.
“Oh, I almost forgot.” Rarity said as she walked over to her desk. “Here we are.” she walked back to the platform with a belt lined by numerous pouches. Strapping it to his waist she took a few steps back. “What do you think Sweetie Belle?”
Sweetie Belle was at a loss for words. The outfit was amazing enough, but the way it adorned Spike perfectly made her mind swim. “Wow.” she mouthed.
“What was that?” Rarity asked.
She closed her mouth and spoke as normally as she could. “Wow sis, it's truly amazing. I thought that it was going to be something like my outfit though.” she said as she stood.
“It was going to be, but then I thought ‘Spike is a dragon, one of the most fierce creatures in Equestria,’ he needs something that encapsulates such a title.” she explained proudly. “The real challenge to this one was making sure the openings for his tail and his spines were not too large so they would sag off of him, but not too small to where it would constrict his movements.”
“I have to say Rarity, you've really outdone yourself this time.” Spike said as he looked over himself in the mirror. “It looks a little threatening though.”
“I said I wanted this one to mirror the ferocity of a dragon, did I not?”
“Ye..yeah you did.” he replied in a stutter.
“What about my outfit?” Sweetie Belle asked.
“Yours represents grace and divinity.” she responded quickly.
“What's with the belt?” Spike asked while examining the sash on his waist.
“Just think of it as extra pockets.” she stopped for a second. “Are you satisfied?”
Sweetie Belle and Spike shared glances. “We're satisfied.” Spike answered. Rarity gave them a large smile.
“Oh thank goodness, I'll get the rest of your clothes.” she sighed.
“So what have you been up to?” Spike asked casually.
“I've been mostly working and hanging out with my friends. What about you?”
“Doing my usual odd jobs. I had to help Applejack and Big Mac move around some hay-bales yesterday.”
“Are you excited?” she asked excitedly.
“About what?” he cluelessly answered.
“About our trip.” she said with a blank expression.
Spike realised his mistake a little too late. “Oh, that! Yeah, I am so ready to go and see the world.” he said with false enthusiasm.
“What's the matter?” Sweetie Belle asked with concern.
Spike stood and said nothing, trying to avoid answering the question.
“Spike, what's wrong? You can tell me.”
Spike looked into her green sympathetic eyes. Somehow he couldn't help but tell her what was troubling him. “I don't know. Maybe it's because we’re leaving the only place that we have ever known as home and going out into a world full of… well, who knows? Honestly, I'm a little nervous.”
Sweetie Belle put a hand to his shoulder softly snorting as she did so. “You need to stop thinking so much. This is the best opportunity of our lives. We are going where nopony has ever gone before, Spike! We are trailblazers right now. What we do will resound throughout history.” she slowly waved  her free hand through the air.
“I think you're exaggerating a bit.” he laughed.
“But see,” Sweetie Belle chuckled. “You need to stop thinking all of the time.”
Spike looked away and thought “she is absolutely right.” He looked back at her with a big toothy smile. “Thanks, Sweetie Belle. You're a great friend.” he said as he pulled her into a hug.
“Yeah, ‘friend’,” she thought as if the word were poison. She wanted him to hold her forever, but just as soon as he hugged her he let her go.
“Here you two are.” Rarity announces with a bag in each hand. “Spike, you can wear that out or you can put it in the bag.” she said, handing the bag to him.
“Thanks Rarity. Do I owe you anything?” Spike asked.
“Of course not. I’m always happy to make something for my friends.”
“Thank you. I should get going; I promised Fluttershy that I'd help out with her chickens.” he said, turning towards the door.
“Goodbye Spikey.” Rarity waved.
“I guess I should get going too.” Sweetie Belle said. She was stopped by Rarity who gave her an understanding stare.
“I know that you feel strongly for Spike.” she said soothingly.
Sweetie Belle was preparing to protest, but she stayed silent.
“I know that it seems like he doesn't notice, but he does.”
“How do you know?” Sweetie Belle asked in a low tone.
“Colts never know what they want; I guess the same thing applies to dragons, but that's besides the point I am trying to get across. Give it some time, he'll come around. How could he not?” she stopped, looking over Sweetie Belle. “You've grown into a beautiful young mare. You can sing, you're a natural born leader, and I see that you share your sister's features.” Sweetie Belle giggled with a blush. “Don't give up on him,” Rarity continued. “He's going to need you more than ever on this expedition. Take care of him.”
“Thanks, sis.You always know what to say.” Sweetie Belle said as she hugged her sister tightly. She walked out of the Boutique beaming with raw confidence. Not knowing what lay ahead only drove her further into the future.
Two Days Until Departure
Sweetie Belle was relaxing on a hill with Applebloom and Scootaloo. The three lay in the soft grass soaking up the rays of the evening sun.
“That one kinda looks like a cat.” Applebloom said while pointing to a cloud.
“No it doesn't,” Scootaloo contested. “It looks like a… um… Sweetie Belle, help me out.”
“I agree with Applebloom, it looks like a cat.” Sweetie Belle answered.
“Are you two blind?! It's obviously a, bear?”
“Give it up Scootaloo. We got ya two to one.” Applebloom concluded.
“Whatever, I think it looks like a...”
“Spike?” Sweetie Belle interrupted.
“What the hay? No, not Spike by a long shot.”
“No, look; it's Spike.”
Sweetie Belle pointed at Spike, who was running from a group of aggravated cows.
“Why is he running from cows?” Scootaloo asked.
“Ah don't know, but ah bet mah sister has somethin' to do with it.”
As soon as those words left Applebloom's mouth Applejack appeared with her lasso screaming “Spike, hold still darn it!” The trio sat and watched as Spike, Applejack, and the cows disappeared over a nearby hill.
“He's always up to something.” Scootaloo chuckled.
“He's always wantin' to help somepony out.” Applebloom added. They waited for Sweetie Belle to chime in.
“There she goes again.” Scootaloo snorted. Sweetie Belle was as still as a tree, completely unresponsive. “Hello,” Scootaloo waved her hand in Sweetie Belle's face. “Equestria to Sweetie Belle, hello.”
“Huh, what is it?” Sweetie Belle lazily said.
“Come back to us!” Scootaloo said, shaking her.
“I'm here, I'm here!”
“Good, now can you stay out of your fantasies long enough to enjoy our last two days together.”
“I don't have fantasies.” Sweetie Belle stated defensively.
“Are you kidding me?! All you ever do is drool over Spike. It's Spike this and Spike that all the time. He will never notice you! I don't even know why you're trying!”
“Um, Scootaloo.” Applebloom interrupted.
“And now you are going to blindly follow him like a lovesick puppy!” tears began to run from her eyes. “Why are you leaving us, leaving me?! We've been like sisters ever since we were fillies, and you wanna leave just because of some dragon?”
Sweetie Belle pulled Scootaloo into her embrace, sharing in her tears.
“You’re my best friend, Sweetie Belle. I don't want you to leave us.” Scootaloo sobbed.
“I'll be back before you know it.” Sweetie Belle soothed.
“What if you don't come back? You and Applebloom are the closest thing I have to real sisters. If I were to lose one of you.” she choked on her words. Applebloom joined in.
“You shouldn't think about stuff like that Scootaloo. No matter where I go or what I do we will always be sisters.” Sweetie Belle soothingly whispered.
“We will always be family.” Applebloom added.
“Thanks guys. Cutie Mark Crusaders for life?”
Applebloom and Sweetie Belle looked at each other. “CMC for life.” Applebloom agreed.
“Cutie Mark Crusaders forever.” Sweetie Belle added.
“Good, now tell no one that I cried.” Scootaloo said sternly. Sweetie Belle and Applebloom laughed loudly together. “I'm serious.”
One day until departure
“What was with you running from that stampede yesterday?” Sweetie Belle asked.
“I was helping out AJ with some herding, and I guess I spooked one of them.” Spike admitted.
Sweetie Belle giggled with a loud snort.
“Since when did you snort?” Spike laughed.
Sweetie Belle covered her mouth blushing fiercely. “I don't snort!” she squeaked.
Spike rolled his eyes and continued walking. “Well we're here now.” Spike looked up to Twilight's castle.
“What do you think she wants to talk about?”
Spike shrugged and took a step forward. Sweetie Belle followed silently behind. They reached  the top where Twilight was waiting.
“There you two are. Come in, please.” Twilight led the two into the foyer. “I know that you are wondering why I've called you here. It occurred to me that you will be gone for an extended period of time. The lands outside of Equestria are probably rich with raw scientific information.”
“What are you getting at?” Spike interrupted.
“I was just about to get to that.” she seethed. “I have compiled a series of discrete scientific instruments that you can use to log data on your journey.” Twilight led them into a room that resembled her basement in the library.
“What do you think we're going to be doing?” Spike asked.
“You know me Spike, I'm always prepared.”
“Whoa, what's this?” Sweetie Belle asked with a metal baton.
“That is a collapsible pickaxe.” Twilight took hold of the metal rod. “All it takes is a flick of the wrist and.” the pickaxe emerged as the handle lengthened. “It's made from magically infused rolled steel.”
“Did you make this?”
“No, Smithy made these. I know of metallurgy, but I wouldn't practice it.”
“What do you mean, ‘these’?”
“I have tools here ranging from shovels to swords.”
“Swords?” Spike asked with uncertainty.
“Well yeah, swords.”
“Okay, okay; wait a minute. Rarity makes me an outfit that captures my species’ ‘ferocity’, and now I find out that you've made weapons. What's going on that you aren't telling me?”
“Spike”, she set down the pickaxe, “The world is not going to be like Equestria. There may be some ponies that would not only want to hurt you, but kill you.”
“But nothing can kill a dragon, right?” he asked concernedly.
Twilight wanted to tell him that anything or anyone can be killed, but seeing his confidence slowly fading. “You're right, I know of nothing that can kill a dragon. I think I'd be comfortable if you took them though, for Sweetie Belle's protection.” Spike looked over to Sweetie Belle who was messing around with the pickaxe. “Now if you come over here me and Zecora have been brewing various potions for you two.”
“Hey, what's this one?” Spike asked.
“No, don't touch that one!” Twilight screamed in concern.
“Aah, what why?!”
“If even one drop falls on you it'll paralyze you for five hours!”
“I think some got on my claw.” Sweetie Belle's eyes bucked wide while Twilight covered her mouth with both hands. “I think this potion is broke, I don't feel a thing.” Spike began to slur before falling to the ground with a thud.
“Oh my gosh, is he okay?” Sweetie Belle asked in panic.
“He'll be fine, the big dummy paralyzed himself. Know what the worst part is?”
“What?”
“He's going to be conscious until it wears off.”
“Ahhhh.” Spike groaned muffled by his locked jaw.
Day of Departure
“Citizens of Equestria. We have gathered here at the shores of Horseshoe Bay in the great city of Baltimare to send off these two brave and courageous young travelers on a mission to connect Equestria with the rest of the world. May my sun illuminate your path during the most darkest of days and Luna's moon bring hope into your most sorrowful of nights.” The crowd cheered loudly for the odd pair. They waved to all that attended.
“We will now let their families wish them goodbye.”
Sweetie Belle's parents and Rarity rushed through the crowd.
“My little girl is leaving.” her mom said in a cracking voice. She started to cry while holding on tightly to Sweetie Belle. Rarity walked over to Spike.
“Watch out for her. I've only got one little sister.” she said, pulling him into a hug.
“Don't you worry about a thing.” Spike reassured.
Twilight stepped up to Spike and threw her arms around him. She pulled back looking into his eyes. “My dragon, who I raised from nothing but an egg, has finally grown up. I am so proud of you. I love you Spike. Please be careful.”
“I will Twilight, and thank you for everything.”
Twilight walked back to the crowd noticing that Applebloom had gone to say goodbye, but Scootaloo stood with tears in her eyes.
“Hey Scootaloo.”
“Oh, hello Twilight.” she said, wiping tears away.
“I know how you feel. The hardest thing to do is say goodbye.”
Scootaloo stood unresponsive.
“I raised Spike from an egg. I watches him grow, make mistakes, and mature. There was moment in my life that he wasn't there with me. Him leaving is tearing me apart, but I support him because I love him. You do love Sweetie Belle, don't you?”
Scootaloo nodded with years and matted fur under her eyes.
“Then go and show that you support her.”
Scootaloo smiled at her then bolted through the crowd. Twilight watched with a satisfied smile.
“They're going through with this then.” Fluttershy said while walking up to Twilight.
“They really are.”
“They've grown so much, but I don't know if they’re ready. Do you?”
“Without a shadow of a doubt.”
“Now that we have all said our final goodbyes, I bid you farewell.”
Spike and Sweetie Belle boarded the boat, looking back one last time at their home.
“There's no turning back now.” Spike muttered.
“Yeah.” Sweetie Belle sighed. The doors closed and the boat was underway out of Horseshoe Bay.
“There they go, Celestia.” Twilight said solemnly.
“I hope that they can handle this expedition.” Celestia responded.
“They have our friendship and love to support them.”
“Maybe that is enough for the dangers they might face.”

//-------------------------------------------------------//
                 Ch.5 The Adventure Begins                 
//-------------------------------------------------------//
Ch.5 The Adventure Begins
Day: Twenty-Five
Location: Unknown
Time: 7:43 a.m.
It has been a over two weeks since we left Equestria. Things have been slow and quiet so far. I've befriended one of the only other girls on the ship. She's really nice, pretty too. They call her Mona,even though her name is Ocean Monsoon. She's a dark blue pegasus  form Vanhoover. Funny, I had always thought that pegasi lived in Cloudsdale,or somewhere in the sky. I didn't really expect to make any friends this early or at all for that matter. Speaking of friends,the crew absolutely adore Spike. They're always asking him to breathe fire.I don't know what really much to sayso far. I'm really nervous mainly because I don't know where we're going,or what will happen when we get there, but I hope that I'll see something mind-blowing!
~Sweetie Belle
Sweetie Belle rolled the letter with her magic and wrapped a blue ribbon around it. She left her room and walked through the closed doors of the living quarters with the letter still encased by her magic. She crept up the squeaky stairs as quietly as they would allow, the morning sun's rays fighting their way down the stairs as she neared the top. She pushed open the small wood hatch door letting in the blinding sun.
“Mornin' Sweetie Belle.” a dark brown hand extended out to get. She looked up greeted by two amber eyes.
“Hi Timberjack.” she took his hand and sped up the last steps. Timberjack was a large stallion who was a year older than her, but his appearance seemed to show otherwise. “Have you seen Spike? I need to send something.”
“Last I saw him he was on the bow, looking out over the water.” he looked at Sweetie Belle who cocked her head slightly. “The front.”
“Oh, sorry.”
“No worries.” he chuckled as watched her walk away. “It's a shame, those two are up and at ‘em before the actual crew is.” he threw open the hatch. “Time to get off your bums!”
Spike looked out to the open ocean basking in the salty air adorned by the sunrise. “Hey Celestia.” he whispered to himself.
“Spike!” Sweetie Belle yelled waving the letter.
“Good Morning, Sweetie Belle.” he turned to see her levitating a letter. “Another one?”
“Yeah, when was the last time you wrote one?”
“Yesterday, I told Twilight that everything was going fine so far.” he took the letter and blew a soft green fire turning it into a magical mist.
“Why are you out here?” she leaned on the railing next to him.
“Just enjoying the sunrise.” he said turning back to the sea. Sweetie Belle sighed and looked out over the golden waters.
“It's a very beautiful sunrise.”
“It truly is. Wait, do you see that?” Spike asked excitedly.
“See what?”
“I think I can see… land over there!” he pointed to the left of the ship. Sweetie Belle squinted as hard as she could only seeing a near imperceptible speck on the horizon.
“Are you sure that's land?”
“Positive! Is Scope in the bird's nest?”
“I don't know.”
“I'm going to go find him!” Spike ran off with haste, leaving Sweetie Belle alone and confused.
“Or we could've just stayed here and talked a little. No? Oh okay.” she angrily mumbled.
Spike ran up to the Captain's quarters and knocked on the door frantically.
“Whoever it is, come back later! I'm busy!” the captain yelled muffled by the door.
“Captain Gildcrest, it's Spike, and I have to tell you something!” he yelled excitedly.
“Dragon? Can't it wait?”
“I'm afraid not.”
“Very well.” There was some rustling followed by the sound of creaking wood. “What do you need?” she threw the door open. Gildcrest was an earth pony similar to Applejack in appearance, but she had light yellow fur similar to Fluttershy's.
“Sorry captain, I-I thought that you were working.” Spike stuttered while covering his eyes.
“I was trying to get some extra rest, but you thought your news was so urgent that you had to wake me. So speak.” she said while running a hand through her long brown hair, parting her gray streak.
“I was out on the front-”
“Bow”
 “-of the ship, looking out over the water, and I looked to the left and saw some land.” he explained.
“Are you sure that being out at sea hasn't affected your mind?” she turned around with a chuckle.
“No, we've only been sailing for a couple weeks at the most after all.” Spike defended.
“And that is why there is no land. Besides, I've been charting our course. We shouldn't see any land until at least next month.” she said as she put on a pair of white leggings.
“Just trust me. I know what I saw.”
She put her hand to her chin. “Then again, you are a dragon and your eyes may be sharper than that of a pony. Hmmmm, I'll see into it.” she said as she grabbed a blouse from a drawer. “Is that all?”
“Yes captain.”
“Good, now let me make myself at least somewhat decent.”
“Sure, you just opened the door in nothing but your bra and panties, now you're worried about decency?”
“Okay Captain.”
“Honestly, I don’t know what I'm gonna do after this. I may just go to school.” Mona explained.
“I haven't thought about when all this is over. I'll probably just go back to what I was doing in Ponyville.” Sweetie Belle added.
“What was that?”
“I was working wi..”
“Hey guys!” Spike yelled.
“Hi Spike!” Mona yelled in return. “What's up?”
“Hold on, I'm coming over.” He ran towards, them tripping over a deckhand's broom. The girls laughed at the dragon scrambling to get off the ground.
“He's always clumsy when he's excited.” Sweetie Belle giggled. “So did you find Scope?”
“No, I went to go talk to the captain.” Spike said while brushing himself off.
“Why?” Mons asked.
“I thought that if there was something big going on she should know.”
“Hard to argue with that logic.” Mona simply answered.
“Captain on deck!” one of the crewponies shouted. They all turned to see the sunny yellow mare walk authoritatively towards Spike.
“Tell me where you spotted the land.” Spike led her over to where he and Sweetie Belle were previously standing. He looked out over the water a couple of times then yelled out “There it is!” Gildcrest took out her binoculars and focused on the area that Spike pointed out.
“Well I'll be.” she mumbled. “Spike was right, it looks like an entire landmass.” she handed the binoculars to Timberjack.
“You're right captain!” He exclaimed. “It looks to be about… three or so hours out or so out.”
“Good eye Spike, prepare to change course! We set foot on dry land in an hour!” all crew members cheered loudly while Spike spat out a celebrational flame.
“Goodness, dragon! Don't do that so close to me!” Gildcrest scolded.
“Heh, sorry.” he replied bashfully.
Spike was in his room gathering any gear he thought necessary. He carefully stuffed his pack full of food, water, and the tools that Twilight had given him. He opened a case full of the potions and elixirs that Zecora helped Twilight brew. One by one he put them all into his utility belt. One familiar one sat still in the crate; the one that caused instant paralysis. He cringed remembering how they had had to carry his limp body home as if he were a dummy if some sort. He closed the case and grabbed his pack and headed for the door. Just as he was about to leave he hesitated and ran back to get the last potion. He made sure that the cork was in tight and carefully lowered it into one of his pouches.
He walked down the hall to Sweetie Belle's quarters and knocked on the door. “Are you ready Sweetie Belle?”
“Yes, give me a second.” a few moments later she appeared with her pack on and a massive smile.
“You look kinda creepy...”
“Exited? Of course I'm excited! This will be the first time that anypony had ever stepped foot on foreign land!” she squealed with delight. “Come on! What're you waiting for?!” she yelled as she bolted past him.
Sweetie Belle ran up on deck seeing five crew members including Mona lined up. She joined in the line next to Mona. “What's going on?” she whispered to her ocean blue counterpart.
“These are all the volunteers for the landing party. The captain usually takes nine of us, but since you and Spike are here she can only take seven.”
“Quiet down!” Gildcrest ordered. She looked up and down the line. “Sweetie Belle, where's Spike?” Sweetie Belle looked left, and right then back to the stairs.
“There he is.” Spike jogged up the stairs looking down the most of the way.
“Spike!” Gildcrest shouted causing him to look up with confusion. “Fall in line.” he ran next to Sweetie Belle standing as still as a pole.
“Listen up! We are going to be exploring uncharted areas that could hold some of the most vile creatures this side of creation! This is not Equestria, so you better throw that mindset overboard now before you forget!” the furthest right crew member hit his head a few times, acting like he knocked something out onto his hand and throwing it like a rock. She buried her muzzle in her hand. “Why must you be an idiot in the most serious of times?” he lowered his head in mock shame. “Now, as I was saying. This is not your home. We move as if the next step could be our last. What is the main priority of this trek you ask? To boldly go where nopony has gone before. Now let's do this.” all that were in line walked single file to the nearest lifeboat. “Tim,” she pulled the large stallion back. “Make sure nothing happens to the unicorn and the dragon.”
“Will do, sis.” he joined the others on the lifeboat. Captain Gildcrest looked at her ship one last time before boarding with her others.
“Is all who are going ashore present?” she asked.
“Aye!”
“Good, lower us in.” slowly the small craft neared the water swaying gently. Spike sat as quiet as a mouse while Sweetie Belle clutched the trim.
“Sweetie Belle must be really afraid of water.” Mona chided.
“I-I'm not scared of water! Now, falling into the water, that's a completely different story!” she stuttered.
“It's alright Sweetie Belle. We've touched down now, and we’re ready to row to shore.” Gildcrest chucked. “Alright, stallions: row!”
They reached the shore in less than fifteen minutes. Gildcrest was the first to step foot on the strange new land.
“Be very cautious, we don't know what could be here.” she said quietly. One by one they all followed Gildcrest up the beach. Spike admired the white sandy beach that was bordered by a dense forest up ahead. Then he heard a loud crack coming from the thicket. He stared down the area from where the sound originated.
“Spike, are you okay?” Sweetie Belle asked.
“Yeah, I just thought I heard something.” her trained his eyes harder.
“Come on, you two. Stay with the group.” Timberjack said while urging the two on. Spike dismissed the sound lightly and pressed onwards. Him, Sweetie Belle, and Timberjack caught up with the rest of the group who stood at the edge of the ominous jungle.
“I don't wanna be the first pony to go in there.” said a black crewpony. Gildcrest patted him in the back and wished him good luck.
“Captain, you can't be serious.” he protested.
“I'm very serious, Void. You saying that you do not want to enter told me that you had thoughts of entering.” she explained.
“... huh.”
“Just go and scout it out, you big foal.”
“Why not ask Spike? He's a fire breathing dragon, and he has tough scales.” he pointed to a confused Spike.
“Fine, I'll ask somepony else since you lack the fortitude to do so.” she turned to the rest of the group quickly startling most of them. “Even though he is a coward, Void has a point. Spike, you and Timberjack are to scout ahead.”
“I'd like to scout ahead also!” Sweetie Belle involuntarily shouted.
“Uh… me too!” Mona followed.
“Absolutely not.”
“No worries, Captain. I can watch after them.” Timberjack added. Gildcrest looked on him with worry. Timberjack winked at his sister telling her that everything will be okay.
“Alright then. Spike, Sweetie Belle, Ocean Monsoon, and Timberjack will report back to us the safest path to follow.” she walked over to Timberjack. “Please try to be back before sunset.”
“I will.” he reassured.
“Sweetie Belle, are you sure you want to do this?” Spike asked concernedly.
“You're talking to a Cutie Mark Crusader. We never back down from a challenge!”
“Cutie Mark Crusader?” Mona giggled.
“It's a club that she and her friends made when they were fillies.” Spike answered.
“Alright you three. Let's get a move on.” Timberjack commanded. Gildcrest watched as they all disappeared into the dense vegetation.
“Please be careful, little brother.”
“We've been walking for over an hour.” Mona complained.
“You're a pegasus, just fly.” Timberjack countered flatly.
“I would if it weren't for this overgrown salad bowl!” she said while brushing some leaves out if her hair.
“You decided to come.” Mona crossed her arms with a pout.
“How long do we have till sunset?” Spike asked. Timberjack looked to the sky.
“I can't really tell. Hey Mona, do you think that you can find an opening to fly through?”
“Maybe, why?”
“Because I can't see the sun from down here.”
“Maybe I can help.” Sweetie Belle added in. “Twilight showed me this spell that campers use to tell time.” her horn lit up, then shot a beam at the sun. A few seconds later, holographic numbers began to appear.
“Sixteen thirty-eight? It's four in the afternoon?!” Timberjack yelled. “We've been walking for five hours?!”
Mona collapsed on the ground while Spike hung his head down.
“Does this mean that we should head back?” Sweetie Belle asked.
“If we wanna make it back before sunset, we need to go now.” he stated.
“Oh come on! My feet are going to be swollen by the end of this.” Mona wined. Timberjack picked her up and slung her over his shoulder.
“There. Is that better?”
“You didn't have to be so forceful.” she mumbled.
The darkness of Luna's night shrouded the land only to be parted by the faint moonlight.
“The captain is gonna kill me.” Timberjack said in a low tired tone.
“We’re not that late.” Spike said.
“Trust me Spike, even if we were a second late I'd get in trouble.”
“You two have been working together for a long time huh?”
“Well, beyond years my frie...” he stopped. “What the?” there was no one to be found. “Isn't this where we landed?”
“Yeah, I can see the lifeboat, but where's the ship?” Spike added.
“Something is wrong here.” Timberjack to a step forward and tripped over a sharp stick pulling it out of the sand. He eyed it curiously. “I need some light.” Sweetie Belle moved in closer and lit her horn. He picked it up examining it closely. “It looks like a weapon of some kind.” he continued to examine it finding blood on the tip. “No!” he gasped.
“What's wrong?” Sweetie Belle asked.
“Whoever or whatever is here took the landing party.”
“Timberjack, I found some tracks.”
“How can you see that?” Mona asked.
“Dragon eyes.” Spike simply answered. Timberjack and Sweetie Belle joined the two.
“They were dragged this way.” Timberjack said as he ran along the trail. “Come on!”
“I'm coming for you sis!”
Gildcrest woke tied to a tree in the middle of a tent. She looked around trying to get an idea of where she was.
“Quis tu? Quid agis hic?” a dark figure asked.
She lifted her head in a search for the voice. “Responde mihi: Quid venistis ad sacrum terra?” the figure asked again.
“Wh-what?” she asked with a weak exhausted tone.
“Ah sic Latine loquantur.”
“I… I don't know what y-you're saying.”
“Can you understand me now?” it asked in a deep ominous voice. “Why have you come here?”
“I'm an e-explorer. S… sent from Equestria.” she gasped. The figure looked at the others surrounding it.
“Equestria is only a land forged in myth and legend.” the figure stepped forward revealing a large white wolf creature. “Tell us where you are from or suffer the consequences.”
“I told… you. I am a traveler from Equestria.”
“Lies!” he slapped her across the face with his large hand. “Tell us where you are from wench!”
“I-I am of… Eq-Equestria!” she protested. He punched her in the stomach hard enough to be heard.
“Tell me where are you from now!”
“I... I'm E… Eque-strian.” she gasped in pain. He wrapped his hand around her throat.
“I grow tired of your lies. We will deal with you soon enough. Caneen! Deal with the trash.”
A gray female wolf appeared and offered her some water. “Please drink.” Gildcrest greedily gulped down the small bowl. “I'm so sorry. He doesn't trust anything that's non canine.” the wolf explained. “Are you really from Equestria? I've heard legends, but I've always thought them false.”
“Yes, Equestria is..”
“Caneen! That's enough, now step away from that harlot!” the larger white wolf ordered.
“I'll sneak you something to eat later.” she whispered before running off.
“Spike, can you still see the trail?” Mona asked.
“Yeah,” he sniffed the air. “Now I'm starting to smell smoke!” he said excitedly. “This way!” he led them through side thick bushes to the edge of a village.
“Do you think that they're here?” Timberjack asked
“Yeah, the tracks lead to here, and this is the only village for miles.”
“Where are they?” Sweetie Belle asked.
“Most likely in the largest tent.” Timberjack answered.
“Like that one with the tree in the middle?” Mona pointed.
“It could be, but how are we going to get there?” Sweetie Belle asked.
“A distraction.” Mona declared. “Since I can fly, I’ll get their attention so you guys can go and get them out if the tent.”
“If they're in there.” Spike added. They all stared daggers at him. “Sorry.”
“Let's do this.” Timberjack whispered as he Spike and Sweetie Belle snuck around to the tent. Mona landed daintily in the village attracting all of the attention.
“Um hello... I am Ocean Monsoon and I was wondering if you knew saw some ponies around here?” she asked nervously.
“Est et aliud genus unum. Quod equi in nobis expugnare posse putant; Et succendit eam caperet, ipse cum reliquis eius feci.” the large white wolf pointed at her, several warriors running to apprehend her.
“Uh oh!” with one large downbeat of her wings, she took to the night sky followed on foot by the wolves. Meanwhile Spike, Sweetie Belle, and Timberjack waited until they were out of sight and snuck into the tent.
“Gildcrest?” Timberjack was about to help her when he saw the same young wolf who was with her earlier. “Get away from her, you little runt!” he boomed.
“Be quiet please!” Caneen shot back.
“I will the moment you get your hands off my sister!”
“Sister?!” Spike and Sweetie Belle asked in unison.
“Timberjack!” Gildcrest shouted. “She means no harm. She's been trying to free me.” she explained.
“I-I'm sorry.” Timberjack said submissively.
“I accept your apology. Now, I would like some help before someone gets suspicious.”
“Don't worry, runt. I got this.”
“My name is Caneen.” she mumbled. Timberjack took hold of the ropes binding Gildcrest and ripped them in one swift move.
“Whoa.” Spike said in amazement.
“Oh my goodness.” Sweetie Belle said with her hand to get mouth.
“Such strength.” Caneen crooned.
Timberjack held Gildcrest close. “I'm so glad that you're okay.”
“I'm glad to see you too Tim, but we need to get out of here.” Timberjack happily nodded and proceeded to walk out of the tent. The moment he was outside, he was met with a village of angry wolves looking down on him holding Mona in a net on the ground.
“I must say you horses are quite the pest.” the white wolf started. “And now you've included my daughter in this failed attempt at escape. We would've spared you, but now you are too dangerous to let live.”
“How are we dangerous? You kidnapped our crew and...”
“Silence, oaf. You have trespassed on our grounds, and for that your sentence is a slow painful death.” he stated sternly. Spike tried to squeeze out from behind Timberjack.
“What are you doing?” Timberjack asked.
“Maybe if I tell them why were here they'll let us go.”
“They won't.” Gildcrest weakly added.
“Look, dog things, we are on a peaceful expedition from Equestria. We only want the rest of our crew and safe passage.” there was absolute silence until the white wolf spoke.
“Dragon! Please have mercy on us.” he said as he bowed. Spike looked around at all of them confused.
“Wait what?”
“We did not know that these horses were in the company of a mighty dragon.”
“Mighty huh?” Spike or a claw to his chin.
“I, the mighty dragon,” he started authoritatively. “request that you release the horse in the net.” they cut the net and released Mona.
“I'm glad you're okay.” Sweetie Belle hugged her.
“Now for the others!” he demanded.
“There were only three that we captured.  One fled soon after we captured him and the other...” he trailed.
“They killed him!” Caneen shouted. The large wolf scowled at her. Spike couldn't imagine anypony being murdered.
“We're done here! You are not to follow us or else I'll unleash a deadly fire.” they turned cautiously towards the village's exit.
“Wait!” Caneen yelled. “May I please travel with you. I don't want to live another day cut off from the world.”
Spike looked at her seeing his own desire for freedom in her eyes. “As punishment for the unjust murder of an innocent pony I shall take your daughter to be my eternal servant!”
They left the village then started running as fast as they could.
“Why are we running?” Sweetie Belle asked.
“Anything to get away from that place.” Timberjack respond.
“Ditto that!” Mona agreed.
“First day on land and we lost our crew, the ship, and were nearly slaughtered by wolves.” Spike said while looking to the sky.
“I wonder what else could happen.” Sweetie Belle sighed.
“I do too.”
“Goodnight Spike.”
“Goodnight Sweetie belle.”