Chapters The streets were empty, as per the usual at this time of night. The clock struck twelve when he left the library, though how long ago that was he was unsure. The dragon simply wandered, forever a seeker of what was not there. He would wish and plead, but what he truly desired was not given. Love, true love, he sought it endlessly, though it was never found.
Spike had grown over the years to be quite the dragon, though whether this was a blessing or a curse depended on who he asked. Some feared his mighty fangs, claws and wings, some wished they had them. He wasn't too sure of himself as of late, he was thankful he had the freedom of flight, but when he flew overhead he would scare any who were below.
Twilight had tried to convince him he was just over-thinking this, but he saw the terror in their eyes as he walked through the market that day, and it crushed him. He had known these ponies all his life, and they knew him just as well, but still they feared him? He wasn't all that fearsome, he thought. Sure, he had grown quite large compared to an average pony, standing a good foot taller then Big Macintosh when he walked on all fours and his claws and fangs worried even Twilight, but he was a vegetarian, and he would never think about hurting a pony.
He huffed, a small wisp of smoke leaving his maw. Spreading his wings, he took flight, shooting into the air like a bullet from a rifle. Ponyville was suddenly feeling very small and suffocating to him, even though he left the library for some fresh air, he needed fresher then that. The wind felt good on his scales as he flapped his massive wings, he closed his eyes and enjoyed the feeling and the freedom of flying.
He stayed like this for Celestia knows how long, it was a simple pleasure, but simple pleasures were usually the best. When he finally opened his eyes again, he was far away from Ponyville. Spike stopped his speedy flight and simply idled in the air, trying to get his barrings. He was very close to Canterlot, but not over it. He could see the lights of the city from where he was, piercing the darkness of night like so many spears.
Now, Spike was known for being impulsive, so the idea to fly over to the castle in Canterlot didn't seem like a bad idea at the time. He did just that, gliding through the sky, over the castle walls, his dark purple scales blending with the night sky. No one would mind, he thought, if he just stopped by.
He wasn't sure what he suspected, it was very late and everypony would be asleep, and of course that was the case. The city streets were just as empty as Ponyville at this hour. Spike tucked his wings in and sped toward the ground, the once comforting wind roared in his ears as saw the street growing closer and closer. His wings shot out again, and he banked up before he hit the pavement, gliding a short ways before touching the ground.
The streets of Canterlot weren't as cramped as Ponyville's, being built much larger to accommodate many ponies at once. It was a comforting thought that he could walk down a road unmolested for his size, though he doubted it was the case. The palace loomed over the city, and he made his way toward it. He passed Pony Joe's on the way, a 'closed' sign hung on the door. It was still the small family owned business he remembered it being, though he hadn't been inside in quite a while.
The castle was very close now, and he could see the guards. They watched him approach with apprehension until they got a better look at him. Spike gave a wave as he passed by, unhindered by them. He was always welcome in the palace, he grew up there and every guard knew him.
As Spike wandered through the expansive halls and corridors of the castle, he felt himself drifting down memory lane. Back when he was still small and adorable, everypony accepted him without question. He remembered times when Twilight would read to him at night, and Celestia would tutor him in all subjects. He remembered hating math, but it was something he was fairly skilled at.
He wasn't sure how long he had been wandering through the castle, but eventually he found himself out in the gardens. The flowers were bright and colorful, though sparse. There were statues all about, each carved with striking attention to detail. He recalled countless parties happening here, each better then the last.
Spike eye lids felt heavy and he wondered just how long he'd been wandering around. He couldn't stop a yawn from escaping his maw, he suddenly was very tired. His wings ached and he doubted he'd make it back to Ponyville tonight. He walked over to a bench and climbed onto it, laying across it and taking up the whole surface. He just hoped Twilight wouldn't worry to much when she woke up to find him gone.
The tension was so thick you could cut it with a knife. She crawled through the tall grass, rifle in hoof, slowly as she could manage while still moving. She couldn't be caught, if she was she was as good as dead. She heard a snap of a twig somewhere to her left and she instinctively turned to look. There, not 5 feet away, was a stallion with a rifle of his own, his uniform didn't match her's, it was the enemy. If she tried to turn her rifle, she'd be spotted, so she quietly set it down and reached for her handgun. She pulled it from it's holster and pointed it at the stallion, looking down the sights, aiming for his head she was just about to pull the trigger when she heard a gunshot not her own.
The screen went to gray-scale, and the purple mare dropped her control, lest she throw it out of rage. The kill-cam came up.
“Surely you jest?!” Luna cried at the TV, “A sniper?! The camping lout!” She ranted as she slid off her couch and trotted across the room to switch off the console. The system powered down at the touch of a button. Princess Luna would never speak like such in dignified company, or any company really, but she was a completely different mare while she was gaming.
She cantered over to the balcony, needing some fresh air to calm her nerves. She was very much a evening pony, her job demanded it. Raising the moon wasn't something you did during the day. The springtime air blew through her mane as she stepped out into the cool night.
As chance would have it, her balcony overlooked the garden, and as she tore her eyes away from her beautiful night sky, she was planning to admire the flowers the gardener had recently planted. What she didn't expect was to see a dragon down there, resting on a bench. She felt a fear climb up her spine, she needed to tell somepony!
If Luna was a night owl, then Celestia was an early bird. She slept, regularly, from 10 to 5. Unless, of course, awoken by her little sister. This was one such night.
“Tia, Tia! Wake up, there's a dragon in the garden!” Luna cried, pounding on her elder sister's door. It was only seconds, though it felt like hours to the hysterical Luna, before the door flew opened to show a none-too-please looking Celestia. The tall, white mare's mane was an absolute mess, and her eyes had bags under them. Luna would've laughed at her appearance if she wasn't busy panicking.
“What is it, sister?” Celestia's tone was forced kindness, she was usually kind of cranky when she didn't get enough sleep, if it had been anyone else they'd probably be chewed out by now.
“There's a dragon in the garden!” Luna cried, causing Celestia to sigh, it wasn't that she didn't believe her sister, but she did have a rather overactive imagination.
“Are you sure it wasn't just a trick of the moonlight?” Celestia questioned, desperately wanting to return to sleep.
“Positive!” Luna affirmed, tugging at her sister's leg with her front hooves. Celestia would need to take a look herself, so off they went.
It wasn't long before they reached the garden, and just as Luna said, there was a dragon. Spike slept on the bench, unaware of the princesses that had found him. Of course, Celestia recognized Spike immediately. Luna, on the other hand, hadn't seen the dragon since he was young, and didn't realize it was indeed the dragonling she had met on a few occasions.
“What do you believe he is doing here?” Luna spoke, her voice returning to it's regal normalcy. Her eyes were narrowed to slits out of suspicion, though when she heard her sister's musical laughter, they widened. “What is so funny?” She interrogated, looking at her sister from the corner of her eyes.
“Dear sister, this dragon is harmless. Don't you remember him?” Celestia patted her younger sister with her hoof. “Dig deep.”
Luna looked down at the slumbering nightmare. He was purple and green, odd coloring for a dragon. Now that she was closer, he looked familiar. His scales held a dull shine brought on by the pale moon above, his claws and fangs terrifyingly large, but he looked so peaceful. She looked up at her sister after scanning the dragon for a good minute.
“I do not know this dragon, sister. Who is he?” She asked, genuinely confused.
“Why not ask him yourself?” The elder mare proceeded inch closer to the sleeping drake and raised a hoof to his shoulder. Luna was about to protest when she started to gently shake him.
“Five more minutes, Twi.” Spike murmured, he still felt very tired. When he heard the melodic laughter he hadn't heard in a long time, a laugh that definitely wasn't Twilight's, his eyes snapped open. He was confused, where was he? This was certainly not the library. It wasn't long before it came rushing back, the events of the night.
“Good morning, sleepy head.” He nearly jumped out of his skin at the sound of Celestia's voice While that wasn't physically possible, it was very possible to fall off the bench. Which he did, much to his embarrassment. He rubbed his sore side and looked up at his unexpected company. The princesses looked down at him, Celestia let herself chuckle at his misfortune. Spike's face burned with humiliation as he righted himself and stood.
“Hello, Spike. May I ask why you're here at this time on night, and without Twilight?” Celestia's question was reasonable, though Spike wasn't too sure of the answer. As soon as her sister spoke the name, Luna realized just who she was scared of moments before, memories of those few times they met came rushing back. She didn't know Spike too well, but she knew he was nothing to be afraid of.
“I'm not sure myself, Princess.” Spike spoke, his voice telling just how tired he was. “I was just out for a walk when I found myself here.” He looked away out of shame, he could tell she wasn't angry with him, much to his relief, but he also didn't want to give away what was troubling him, these things weren't the Princess's problems, they were his.
“So, Luna. Do you recognize him now?” Celestia nudged her sister, earning a blush of agitation from the blue alicorn. Luna didn't really want him to find out that she didn't know who he was at first, such things were embarrassing.
“Yes, sister. He is Twilight Sparkle's assistant.” She spoke carefully before turning and trotting back toward the castle. “I will retire to my room, if nothing is needed of me.”
Spike watched her go, as she disappeared through the large wooden doors he returned his attention to Celestia, who's smile shifted into a frown. He knew instantly that she caught him, she knew something was wrong, and she was going to try to fix it.
“Spike, do not lie to me, you know better.” She scolded like a mother would her foal, which, in essence, was the case, given she had a hoof in raising him. Spike did know better, but that didn't stop him from trying.
“Nothing's wrong, Princess.” He forced a smile, it wasn't very convincing. He knew that his lie didn't work when she just glared down at him, even though when standing he was almost as tall as her, she still seemed to tower over him. “I just had a bad day, is all.” He grumbled, trying his hardest to avoid eye contact.
“Then tell me all about it, over a bit of breakfast.”
Spike didn't touch his food, that wasn't to say it was bad, quite the contrary, he hadn't seen a meal like it in ages. He felt sick, his stomach churned in all the wrong ways, not that there was a right way. It was explanation time, and this time he wasn't just talking to Twilight, he was talking to the leader of a nation.
“Okay, Spike. Tell me what happened to make you so down.” Celestia was relaxed, her mask she wore around politicians off and her worried frown taking it's place.
“It's just, well, everypony in Ponyville is scared of me.” He spoke slowly and quietly, “I can't fly during the day, because they see me and think I'm going to start breathing fire down on them. I can't go to the market anymore without getting stared at. Even my friends think I'm a freak, all of them.” He let it out, all of it, much to Celestia's surprise. She knew someponies would be against a dragon living within their town, but she hadn't thought how bad it would get, or just how it would effect the dragon in question. Spike shook with anger and sadness, tears streaking down his face as he continued.
“Fluttershy ran from me when I looked at her the other day. Twilight told me I just surprised her, but I know better, since Rarity did the same thing.” That had hurt the most. Rarity, the love of his life, was terrified of him. It only made it worse that he couldn't blame her. Spike felt a comforting hoof touch his arm, rubbing it in small circles. He leaned into it, allowing Celestia to embrace him.
“I know what it's like, Spike. To be feared and you don't know why.” The goddess comforted. Her body was warm, he found, her coat soft as silk. He was enjoying the hug quite a bit and her words made him feel much better, even if it wouldn't last long, he at least had somepony who understood.
“Why don't you stay here for a while, in the castle?” She suggested, the idea striking her out of random. She could tell he needed a vacation, even if it was only a few miles away from the place he was trying to get away from. Plus, Celestia would very much enjoy the company of somepony, or dragon, who wasn't a stoic guard or a blood-sucking politician.
“I'd like that.” Spike answered, his voice slightly slurred from the exhaustion that was overtaking him. He found himself drifting into sleep at a rapid pace. Celestia closed her eyes, enjoying the closeness of her subject. It wasn't often she got this close to her charges, the last time it happened was probably when Twilight was younger. She found her eyes had closed on their own accord and when she opened them, she saw the dragon had fallen asleep, she smiled at that. Even though she wanted to stay there for a while longer, she had a job to do. It was time to raise the sun.
This day had to be the best he had in weeks. Celestia's sun shone brightly overhead, bird songs broke through the springtime air, and most importantly, he was going to help Rarity find gems later. Spike inhaled the fresh air outside the musty library, he just knew it was going to be a good day.
“Spike! Are you ready for our date, darling?” Rarity seemed to appear out of thin air, but that didn't register to Spike. The way she fluttered her eyelashes at him made his heart melt in his chest. He would do anything for her, he was just putty in her hooves. Wait, did she say date? Spike felt his melted heart solidify in an instant, only for it to leap into his throat and block any words that would have left his mouth.
“Be careful, you two.” Twilight said as she trotted over the clouds. Spike didn't even know she was there, listening. He felt his face burn with embarrassment.
“Do be gentle with those sapphires, dear.” Rarity bossed, waving a hoof lazily in the air as she leaned against the cart, filled to the brim with an assortment of gems already. Spike wasn't very sure when he got here, everything seemed to blur together. He decided that it was just the effect of being with Rarity, just one of the things she did to him. She was like a drug to him, and he couldn't get enough.
“How's the wine here?” Spike asked, she took another sip and smiled at him.
“It's perfect, Spike. But something has been bugging me, how ever did you afford this?” She gestured with a hoof toward the wall. Spike assumed she meant the fancy restaurant they were now enjoying dinner at. He spared no expense, even though he had no idea when he got there.
“That's a secret.” He winked at her, causing her to giggle. Now was his chance. “Rarity, there's something I wanted to ask you for years now.” He spoke carefully, the words he had rehearsed in the mirror for ages. Though the mare was starting to look worried, he ignored that and pushed on.
“Rarity, I've loved you since as long as I can remember. Will you be my marefriend?” It was a request that was often asked by teenage colts when they fancied a mare, an innocent request that struck a cord in most. Rarity had heard it too many times before this night, and she felt like the floor had given out under her. She tried, unsuccessfully at first, to compose herself. Spike waiting for her answer eagerly, though he didn't let it show, his demeanor so calm.
“Spike, darling, you know that I love you.” It was a strange choice of words, given how she sounded. Sadness was in her voice, regret, not the joy he was expecting. “But, you're a dragon. I'm a mare. There's no way we would work.” She looked away from him, unable to meet his eyes. “I think I should go.” She dropped a few bits on the table, not nearly enough to pay for even her portion of the meal.
Spike was in an unusual place, he realized, not his room in the library. Wherever he was, it was very plush, and very comfortable. His face had the crust of dried tears, he assumed he had been crying in his sleep. He knew the dream wasn't the exact recollection of what happened that day, in fact the date with Rarity never happened, but it was close enough to drive his sorrow. He didn't feel like getting out of bed, he didn't even care where he was. The dragon just wanted to wither away where he lay. That was, however, not to be.
Celestia pushed the door to one of the many guest rooms opened as quietly as she could. It was where she had placed Spike the night before. She took a quick peek inside to find the drake still slumbering between the sheets. As she trotted inside she watched his chest rise and fall slowly with each breath. He was, at first glace, peaceful in his sleep, curled up much like a cat. But when she got close enough she could see the streaks on his face, he must have been crying in his sleep.
“I had no idea that dragons slept so much.” He heard a voice and a laugh that made his chest tight, he couldn't remember where he heard it before, at least not at first. “Come now, out of bed.” A hoof touched his arm and he was gently shaken. Whoever this was, she was persistent. Spike groaned, he merely turned over and stuck his head under the massive pillow that had been provided.
Celestia sighed morosely, removing her hoof from the dragon's scaly arm and raised it to her chin, taking a position one would associate with hard thinking. How do you wake a dragon who obviously wasn't in any mood to get out of bed? She thought of various methods that she could use, ranging from harmless pranks to outright cruel. She wouldn't dare using any of those. Then she came to one, a sure-fire way to get him up.
She started walking back towards the door, loudly enough to be heard. “I guess I'll just take all these delicious Rubies, I don't know, throw them in the trash.” It was a nice try, he had to admit. This mare was committed to getting him out of this bed. The promise of rubies was a tempting one, but he doubted she had any. He simply sunk deeper into the bed.
The white mare stopped just at the door, lifting a hoof and letting it fall against the wood. She turned her head to look at the dragon who was, much to her displeasure, still sleeping. Celestia let out a groan of frustration, he was being impossible. Maybe she would use of those other pranks. Nothing too serious, maybe the one that involved icy water.
Spike heard the door open. He was safe at last, he could just lay there forever. It wasn't the brightest of plans, but he was ready to see it through. What he didn't realize was that the door never closed, and Celestia was back in a matter of seconds. He heard something slosh about, and just when he was going to open his eyes...
Celestia grinned to herself, she never got to play pranks on anyone but Luna, and even then it wasn't often as her sister had come to expect them. She lifted the bucket with her magic, it wasn't very heavy, and let it drift over the dragon's head. Just as Spike's eyes opened, she tipped the bucket and let its contents spill out onto the drake.
Spike released a shrill scream one would assume came from a little filly, not a teenage dragon, and fumbled around under the covers as the icy water poured over his body and the sheets. His struggle was so great and his claws so sharp that he tore through the blankets, effectively shredding them to ribbons. A wicked thought formed in his mind, he would demanded who would dare do such a thing, maybe try to scare the offender as payback.
Celestia was cackling like a madmare at the sight of Spike's flailing and screaming, she was laughing so loud, in fact, she never heard that the dragon's antics had ceased. Her side's pained her from the laughter, but she ignored it. Anything to make this moment, this happiness, last a little longer.
The dragon rose from the bed, his beheld the princess in all her glory, laughing it up like she had just seen the funniest thing ever, which she probably assumed the sight of him was. He was dumbfounded, who would've thought that Celestia, the ruler of a nation and the very picture of stoic leadership, would play a prank on him. Well, even though it was Celestia, he would still get his revenge. He tried to think fast, what could he possibly do to her to get back at her? He had nothing on hand besides some wet bed-spread and himself.
He grinned maliciously .“You think this is funny, huh?” She tried in vain to stop her torrents of laughter, though she wasn't letting up. Spike lifted the soaked pillow he once hid his head under and jumped off the mattress, the fluffy cloud of destruction poised high above his head. He brought it down in a hammer motion, hitting her softly. The pillow released a squelching noise as it connected with her chest.
Celestia struggled against the feathery onslaught, it was no use, Spike was taking no quarter. She was forced to conjure her magical power to lift the other pillow off the bed and fight back, justifying it as self-defense.
It was a good while before the pair had tired themselves out. The battle was fought valiantly by both sides, but only one could come out on top. Spike was exhausted, but he pushed through with sheer willpower alone. He lifted his pillow, it being changed from stun to kill, he would win this battle. It was, however, not to be. Celestia saw her chance and took it, sending her fluffy weapon into his torso with so much force he fell back, collapsing on the bed.
He raised his hand slowly, reaching for the ceiling. “Celestia, come and heed my final words...” The mare held back a giggle, what did he have planned? Carefully, as if awaiting a trap, she inched closer until she was beside the bed. “Oh, I die, Celestia. I will not live to the 'morrow. I beg of thee, cite my tale, the valiant and the abhorred. The angels, I hear them, they call me. The rest... is silence.” He let out a gag and fell limp.
Celestia lifted her long legs up onto the bed and crawled onto the sheets, lowering herself and laying beside the now dead dragon. “Death, that hath sucked the honey from thy breath, hath no power yet upon thy fair scales.” She couldn't hold it in anymore. She finally burst out laughing again, this time it was more controlled then her previous mad chortling. It wasn't long before Spike joined her, their antics finally over, he sat up and clutched his sides. They laughed for a good while, it felt good, especially after all the stress Spike had been feeling. They took a bit to compose themselves before speaking again. Spike was the first to calm himself.
Spike sighed contently, “I needed that, Princess.”
“No need to thank me, you weren't the only one who enjoyed it.” She winked at him before sliding off the bed. Her hooves touched the tiled floor with a light clop. Little did Spike know that she had needed it as well. Her occupation was far more stressful then anyone realized, and the only one she could confide in was her sister, who would rather play Call of Pony all day then listen to her sister complain about her job.
“I recall there being a promise of rubies.” Spike grinned, Celestia balked, he heard that? The little sneak. She decided another prank was in order, but that would have to wait. She felt peckish as well. According to the clock on the wall it was noon, just after lunch time, and neither had eaten since before the sun even rose that morning.
“Yes, of course. I believe I have sapphires too.” She didn't show it, but she was already plotting against him. Spike eagerly jumped off the bed, landing on the tiled floor and pumping his fist into the air. He was so hungry he could barely contain himself.
The Ponyville library had an air of tension, the letter laying oh so innocently on the desk being the offender. The towering shelves seemed to close in on the purple mare as she paced, back and forth, across the rug as if she was attempting to dig a deep groove into it. The clock above the doorway rang out once, it was just an hour passed noon, 1 o'clock. The musty smell of books was thick, but she had grown used to it ages ago. Twilight Sparkle, student of Princess Celestia and gifted unicorn, was growing tired of waiting.
A quiet squeak of metal hinges that were badly needing oil signaled the coming of the other mares, her closest friends. They might have been late, but only by minutes. It wasn't easy to gather them all on short notice, unlike it had been years ago. They all had responsibilities now, and even though they always set time aside for each other, it just wasn't the same as it used to be. Twilight stopped her incessant pacing as they filed in, each with varying levels of confusion written on their faces. They would want to know why they were all called here, and she would tell them. After all, it was partly their fault.
“I'm glad you all came.” Twilight started as the orange mare, the last to enter, closed the door behind her. She honestly didn't sound to 'glad' as she put it, and her tone put everypony on edge in an instant. What was she so mad about? Her horn lit with magic as she called the note from her desk, it levitated too her and leveled in front of her face, just far enough to read it comfortably.
Twilight cleared her throat to call their attention, which she already held, but just to be sure. “The Princess sent me this letter this morning, shortly after I awoke.” She spoke calmly and evenly, like she had rehearsed the reading in front of her mirror. A few of the mares assumed she did. “Before I read it to you all, I want you to know. Spike went out last night.” She glared over the page, directing it at most, if not all, of them.
She paused for a moment, allowing the tension to build. “He never came back.” They each gasped when she finished. The ivory mare was the first one to speak.
“We have to find him, what if he's in trouble, or hurt, or worse?!” She wasn't in hysterics, but unless someone said something soon, she probably would be. Rarity was her name, and she was known for being over dramatic, as well as being beautiful. Twilight cut her off before she could gallop out the door and organize a search party or some other ridiculous thing.
“He's fine, let me read the letter.” Twilight grunted in a blunt, unladylike fashion, tapping the floor with a hoof. The other mares calmed themselves, to an extent, and allowed Twilight to continue. She cleared her throat one more time for good measure.
To my faithful student, Twilight Sparkle
It has come to my attention that your assistant, Spike, has been feeling ostracized from Ponyville. He has come to me with concerns. Until further notice you are no longer his acting legal guardian and he will be under my care. When such a time is reached that he feels safe in Ponyville again, he will be returned to your care.
Princess Celestia
The letter was all business, or at least that was the feel they all gained from it. The hum of silence rang in the air when Twilight finished reading. None of the mares dared to speak as if they feared breaking the dead air would awaken a beast the likes of which they had never seen. Twilight waited and waited, but none would even open their mouths, let alone talk. So she took the initiative.
“He's been depressed for weeks, ever since he started noticing the stares.” She was, of course, speaking of her assistant. The other ponies couldn't help but feel ashamed. Fluttershy suddenly found the carpet very interesting, averting her gaze to it and hiding behind her long bangs. Rarity looked distraught, but kept herself quiet for reasons unknown to the others.
Applejack, however, was not ashamed of herself, but the other ponies in Ponyville, and she voiced her anger at them. “How can they jus' go an' do that to the poor guy? Spike ain't hurt nopony!” Her accent was thick, and her rage thicker. She stomped her hooves on the ground in a display of vivid fury.
Twilight responded with her own anger, her's was colder and aimed at somepony in the room. “Yeah, how can they?” She repeated.
The air in the castle was much clearer then that of the library, that's not to mention the lack of tension. The white and gold pillars made for a perfect hiding place as Celestia prepared her trap, a trap for which she would use to catch herself a dragon. Not a violent dragon, or a fearsome dragon, or even a sleepy dragon. Spike the dragon was her prey, and this was sure-fire to get him by surprise and give her a good laugh. She heard the soft footsteps and the scraping of his claws against the marble flooring. The trap was ready, and soon he would be in position.
Spike rubbed his stomach, he was full to bursting. The dragon had no idea that the palace had so many gems, let alone such a wide selection. He had, of course, helped himself to the buffet, and now he was wishing he didn't. He knew the pain in his midsection would pass with time, but when every second was agonizing...
Celestia resisted giggling like a school-filly, it was a tough action, but Spike couldn't notice her. Not yet, at least. She settled on letting the biggest, silliest grin form on her face. Oh, this was going to be better then good, it was going to be something special.
He wondered, briefly, where the princess had gotten to. She said she had a few things that needed taking care of, but that was an hour ago. Spike had no idea what he was walking into. That is, until it was too late. A little, elastic rope on the floor, white so it would blend in, went unnoticed as he stepped into the hoop that it had been tied into.
“Gotcha!” Celestia tugged the rope with her magic, hard. The hoop encircled Spike's unsuspecting ankle, tying around tightly, just as it should. The dragon let out a squeal of surprise as he was lifted off his legs and into the air, where he was suspended. From his upside-down view, he saw Celestia reveal herself, having been hiding from him. She was laughing at him again. His face burnt with embarrassment, and his sense of nausea increased tenfold.
Spike's mouth watered and he felt a sensation he hadn't felt since the last time he caught the flu. He knew what was coming, but the princess just continued her guffawing at his expense. His throat burned as the contents of his stomach started traveling through it and before he could stop himself, he spit up a pile of semi-liquidized gems and crystals. He finished with a groan and Celestia was definitely done laughing. She cringed at the sight of the bile, not envying the maids in the slightest at this moment. The mare suddenly felt very bad for going through with this prank, given it made her guest toss his cookies all over her floor.
She slowly gave the rope some slack, lowering the woozy drake, she pushed him slightly to the side with her magic so he wouldn't land in the puddle of vomit. When he finally touched ground, he swallowed heavily and lay down, letting his back touch the floor. Celestia was beside him in an instant, she looked at him worriedly. Did she break him? She decided to nudge him with her hoof, which she did. She just earned another groan for her trouble.
Spike was quickly becoming accustomed to the beds in the castle, as he lay in one yet again. This bed was, however, not the same one he woke up in those few hours ago. No, this one was dry and it had covers that weren't torn to shreds. It was just as comfortable, though, so he couldn't fault it. How does one fault a bed in the first place? He left that train of thought for another day.
He had recovered moments after the incident in the hall, but that was nearing twenty minutes ago. The reason he was still in bed, despite feeling just fine? The insistence of it from a certain ivory and gold princess. She looked so worried when she helped him to his feet and practically carried him to the closest room. Even though he consistently said he was fine, she still confined him to the room. If he hadn't convinced her otherwise, she would have even called a doctor.
Celestia trotted through the opened door and into Spike's room, she found him laying where she left him. His hands behind his head, propping it so he can stare at the ceiling, obviously bored. She levitated a bowl of vegetable soup beside her as she made her way to the bedside.
Spike shifted slightly to look at her, turning his head a bit so he could center his eyes on her. “You're not gonna spoon feed me, are you?” His voice was dripping with sarcasm, but no ill-will. Celestia faked a laugh and cut it short, giving him an amusing glare. Amusing for him, at least.
“For that, I think I'll let you suffer alone.” She humphed, turning herself right around and trotting back toward the door. Spike looked away, calling her bluff. Celestia continued until she reached her destination, at which point she looked back at Spike, who was just laying there, eyes closed. She almost growled, how did he call her tricks with such accuracy? It must be Twilight's doing, being around that mare so often, her intelligence probably rubbed off on him. Insufferable!
She huffed and returned to his side. Spike opened an eye and looked at her with a smirk on his maw. She just frowned down at him. “You know, soup is for when you have a cold. Not when you have a stomach ache. Neither of which I have.” He pointed out. “But the gesture is nice.” His playful smirk turned into a smile, a real smile. The bowl levitated down into his awaiting hands, he was thankful for his fire-proof scales. He could feel the heat from the bowl, but he wasn't harmed by it.
The soup didn't look bad, he had to admit. He wondered if Celestia made it herself, but doubted it. That's what she had chefs for. He lifted the bowl to his mouth and tipped the contents down, swallowing it all with one swift gulp. It warmed his throat as it slid down his waiting stomach. It tasted just as good as it looked. Celestia grinned at her success in making him eat the soup, though it wasn't a huge accomplishment in either of their eyes.
Spike saw this grin a sign that he was off the hook. He threw the covers off and swung his legs over the side of the bed. The clock in the room struck 2 o'clock and gave off a quiet ring as the dragon stood and stretched his legs. A few satisfying pops and cracks later, he was standing before Celestia, meeting her eyes. He felt his chest tighten, her curious, purple eyes almost sending him into a trance.
He didn't know how long he was just standing there, staring dumbly at her. She waved a hoof in front of his face to shake him from his mesmerized state. It worked, so well, in fact, that he jumped nearly three feet into the air out of shock and landed on the fluffiness that was his bed.
“I didn't mean anything by it, he just startled me! You try turning around and seeing a dragon nearly twice your size standing only a foot away!” Rarity shot, but to her displeasure, Twilight wasn't giving any ground on the subject. The once quiet library had erupted into noise that even the neighbors could hear.
“You ran! You ran away like a scared little filly! 'Just startled' my flank!” The others had all abandoned the library, citing their various responsibilities that needed to be taken care of. All but Twilight, Rarity, and the shy, golden mare. Fluttershy was, however, quiet as a dormouse, watching the two other mares duke it out.
“Girls.” Fluttershy spoke quietly, and wasn't heard over their bickering. She stepped a bit closer and tried again. “Girls.” A little louder that time, but still no dice. She was beginning to lose her temper. A solid minute passed before she spoke again.
“Would you two listen to me?!” She screamed, effectively silencing the argument. Fluttershy glared not daggers, but full swords at the pair. If looks could kill, you've heard this line too many times. “Stop fighting. Its everypony's fault, not just Rarity's.” She was rapidly calming down. “We need to make sure he doesn't hate us for hurting him... Uhh, if that's okay, I mean.” She hid behind her bangs, suddenly realizing the looks she was getting from her friends.
Rarity looked at Twilight, who looked back at her, looking rather ashamed of her outbursts. Rarity mirrored her look. Fluttershy watched their silent apologies, rather happy with herself, though she didn't let it show.
“You're right, Fluttershy. We need to go and tell him we're sorry!” Twilight stomped a hoof in determination.
The dragon brushed his claws over the smooth, black wood of the Steinway made instrument. The gilded hall was beautiful, it's wide marble floor stretched far. He could picture a crowd, all dancing to the music put forth by a quartet. A smile formed on his face as he let his hand drift to the keys. He pressed down experimentally and a note rang out through the silence. It wasn't long, seconds in fact, before he found himself on the bench, his claws in place over the ivory keys. The piano was grand in more ways then one, he thought as he started to play. He felt like a piece of him had been returned after a long absence as his claws danced. Spike hummed quietly, not one for singling, but he knew the lyrics to this song by heart. What he didn't know was that he had a spectator.
The lunar princess couldn't help but let the music flow through her, drawn from her room at the inviting sounds of the piano, her video games forgotten. Her mane swished this way and that as she moved to the upbeat tune, if anyone had been watching she would probably die from embarrassment. But as luck would have it, no one saw her yet.
Spike could practically hear the dancing of his imaginary audience, their hushed cheers calling for him to continue. He saw, in his mind's eye, all his friends swaying to the music. Pride swelled in his chest as his imagination’s Rarity swooned in an over-exaggerated manner. He slowed his pace gradually until he was playing at a fraction of the speed, pressing down on the keys much softer and quieter. He was close to finishing the song.
The imaginary crowd applauded for him, he relished the feeling he got from it, even if it wasn't real. Spike felt happy, happiness was something he had been denying himself lately, and he loved that he could openly accept it again. That is, until he was shaken from his dreamy state by the sound of hooves meeting marble. It wasn't until that moment that he realized he had his eyes closed, at which point he opened them, and was greeted by the sight of Princess Luna making her way over to him. The blue mare came to a halt by the bench as he idly pressed keys to keep the awkward silence at bay. Of course, he didn't need too, as Luna spoke.
“I had no idea you played the piano.” Spike was rather surprised that, when she spoke, she didn't use Medieval Equestrian, but modern. Not surprised enough to let it show, however, he simply smirked, letting his pride grow.
“Yeah,” he began. “I learned it ages ago, but never got any real chance to use it. I'm a bit rusty.” He imparted modestly, and it was true. He didn't know anyone with a piano he could use, though he loved to play. But something else was bothering Spike, and if anyone knew anything about him, it was that he had a hard time hiding his emotions.
“Practice does make perfect.” She smiled at him, and Spike had to admit she was quite beautiful. Nothing on her sister, in his eyes at least. His gaze drooped, but he tried to smile anyway. Luna caught on to his inner plight at that sign, and a frown took her dazzling smile's place. “Is something the matter?” Spike didn't want to make a habit of dropping his problems on the royal sisters, he though he could handle them himself. But sometimes you just give in and let it out, he knew. So why not now, when she was offering?
“Okay, now, do we have everything we need?” The library was largely unchanged from the last time the Elements of Harmony had visited, though it lacked that tension that had plagued it before. Now, in it's place, was a determination that each of the mares seemed to share. They were going to get their dragon back one way or another as far as they were concerned.
Twilight Sparkle paced back and forth in front of the line of mares, each with their own saddle bags full of supplies. Each voiced their affirmations at her earlier question, they were indeed ready. Pinkie had the biggest grin on her face ever seen before, bouncing up and down in place. Her bags were full to the brim with party-related things ranging from confetti to balloons and even party hats. She wasn't messing around.
“Okay, everypony. Let's go get Spike back!” And with that, they were gone in a flash of purple.
In truth, Spike's heart ached. Not in the literal sense, but the emotional. Ever since he was small he had a crush on Rarity, and it had done nothing but grow over the years he stayed in Ponyville. Now, after so much time hurting, he had begun to question if he could love Rarity, or any mare for that matter. He didn't see himself as a monster, but he knew for a fact that he wasn't what a pony considered attractive. It was now, as he spilled his guts to Luna, that he was realizing things. Maybe he wasn't meant to live with ponies like he thought? He voiced his concerns.
“Sometimes I feel like I just don't belong, ya know?” His eyes were firmly set, staring at the floor. Luna quirked an eyebrow at this. “Like, maybe it'd be better if I just went away and found a cave, I could even start a hoard of my own.” He was grasping at straws, even he knew. A hoard? He couldn't do that, it wasn't in his nature. But that's just it, he realized. It was his nature, as a dragon, to be greedy and alone.
“Do you truly think that would be better?” Luna injected, she would put a stop to those crazy ideas of his.
“Everypony is afraid of me, if I weren't around then they would be able to go about their lives without worrying.” Spike fought back, his claws digging into the seat under him until they punctured the dark fabric. He was trying his damnedest to hold back the tears that threatened to spill.
“My sister and I do not fear you.” Luna spoke calmly, but the words rang in his ears as if she had shouted them directly next to them. The memories of the day were rushing back to him, all in perfect order. Flying to Canterlot, falling asleep on the bench and then awaking to the royal sisters, falling asleep again secured in Celestia's embrace, the pillow fight, everything. They weren't afraid of them, in fact they welcomed him. He couldn't help but grin at the thought, they cared about him. They must have, otherwise Luna wouldn't be listening to him complain, and Celestia wouldn't have let him stay.
Luna saw the effect her simple words had on him and gave him another of her smiles. “Feeling better?” She knew the answer already, but it wouldn't hurt to make sure.
“Better isn't even the word for it, Princess.” He wanted to hug her right now, but doubted it would be appropriate. She was still royalty, after all.
The guardspony outside the gates had grown used too a number of things. Attacks by otherworldly beings, magical pastries being delivered regularly, Princess Luna's desire, nay, demand for the latest and greatest of electronics, and a purple dragon walking around the castle grounds. What he wasn't used too was six pretty mares appearing out of thin air right in front of him. Of course, once he got over his initial shock, he recognized the mares. The Elements of Harmony were practically celebrities after everything they did. Assuming they were on royal business, he just let them pass without a word.
“Okay, girls, we need to find Spike or Celestia and then Spike.” Twilight ordered, they would set things right. They marched through the sprawling halls and corridors of the castle aimlessly. Twilight knew her way just as Spike did, but the whereabouts of their targets was another story.
Celestia strode through her hallowed halls, her mind in turmoil. Those thrice damned politicians had been giving her a hard time and worst of all her counsel was on their side for once. The object of their outcry this time had been the dragon now taking up residence in the castle. He had, apparently, slipped under their radar until recently and now that they saw him, larger then a stallion and scarier to boot, their natural defense of 'bitch until I get my way' kicked in.
The acting ruler, however, knew better then to give into their demands. She knew Spike better then them, she knew he wasn't dangerous. He was sweet, innocent, and hurting. The last thing he needed was some terrified, balding stallions calling him out on things he knew nothing of.
She had no real destination in mind, but walking helped ease her mind for some reason, always had. What she didn't plan on was running directly into a pink pony, whose saddle bags exploded into a shower of colored paper and miscellaneous props at the contact. Celestia was surprised, to be sure.
“Hiya! Hey, we were looking for you, Princess! Did you know we came to look for Spike? He's here, right? Where is he, is he asleep, is he eating, is he playing hide and seek. Oh, I bet that's it, isn't it? I love hide and seek! One time I hid in a closet for five hours, it was awesome!” Pinkie Pie's motor mouth ran on and on all in one breath until Celestia was sure she'd turn blue in the face.
“Hello, Princess Celestia.” Celestia was rescued by Twilight as Rainbow Dash pulled Pinkie a few feet away from the Princess by her tail, hoping it would shut her up. “Sorry to drop in unannounced, but we need to see Spike.” She was on a mission, and she wouldn't leave until it was achieved. Celestia could tell by her determined eyes.
“And that's why I don't eat cheese puffs while I game anymore.” Luna finished her tale, it was a story of laughter, tears, and cheese. Spike felt a bit desensitized by it, though. They had been talking for a while and it devolved into whatever they could think about at the time.
“Okay, my turn. So there I was, my weapon held high. My prey before me was distracted.” He started to recount his epic tale of pillow fighting glory. It was, however, not to be. As at that moment, the guests arrived. He heard them before he saw them, the sound of countless hooves clopping against marble. He and Luna turned their heads to see them, the Elements of Harmony and Celestia herself.
Spike's eyes instantly went to Rarity, and he locked them on her's. Rarity looked back, swallowing the lump in her throat. The fur on her neck stood on end, under his gaze she felt fear creep up her spine. She fought it, she fought it valiantly. But he saw it in her eyes, the terror she held in them. He was frowning, and she could swear that his lip was curling up ever so slightly in a sort of snarl. It disappeared when he turned his gaze from her to Celestia, his expression flipped from a grimace to a much happier look. They cantered over to the dragon and princess, each at their own speeds. Rarity was slowest, even slower then Fluttershy, amazingly.
“Spike,” Twilight started, looking up at him with her eyes full of sorrow. The dragon in question sighed, looking away from the mares.