Chapter 1: Kindling for the Flame
It was beautiful outside. The snow was falling ever so gently towards the ground, covering everything in a soft blanket of snow. There was a chill in the air, it wasn't an unbearably freezing temperature, just cold enough to remind somepony that they could still get sick if they decided to stay outside much longer than need be. This was the epitome of a perfect winter night. And Spike wouldn't have it any other way.
Spike had been watching the weather from one of the higher towers in Canterlot. From the balcony he was on, Spike got a front row seat to the weather and its elements play out a scene before him, the snow and wind entangled in an elegant dance across the skies. Moonlight was shining through an open spot in the clouds, covering Spike in silver light. Pieces of his royal regalia were shimmering in the moonlight. All of his attire; from his silver horseshoes to his moonstone tiara, were reflecting the moon's light back into the night. His dark blue fur and feathery wings felt nice under the glare of the moon. Luna had the right idea.
This was another of a series of dreams Spike has been having. For a year or two now, he had been dreaming of being one of the four current equine princesses. Though when Spike first started having these dreams, they were all silly. Each dream was filled with never-ending nonsense and had no point to it whatsoever. One dream was him as Celestia ordering the guards to fortify the castle against an attack of sentient pancakes. He was his sister Twilight in another, and in this dream Twilight was leading an army of quills in a war against the parchment separatists. And let's not forget one of his all time favorite dreams of being Cadence and forcing Rarity to fall in love with the Spike of that dream.
Eventually though, his dreams of the princesses had become more serious, silly escapades turned into an actual job or activity one of them would actually be doing. Celestia and Luna were passing laws and signing treaties, Cadence was trying to pair Twilight with a coltfriend, and Twilight was studying with and/or for something. Spike never complained about these dreams though. They were always a pleasant experience he thought gave him more of a connection with the princesses. And this dream was a relaxing one.
He never knew how relaxing the moon could be to somepony. The radiance of the moon seemed to relax his muscles and calm his mind. Spike wondered if this was how Luna actually felt being under the moon. He would definitely ask her the next chance he had. Luna had been visiting his dreams and keeping him company for a long time now, so he wasn't worried about not being able to ask her the now important question.
Spike was shook from his thoughts as Father Winter let loose a mighty breath, the wind was blowing harder and the snow began falling ever more vigorously to the ground. The spot in the clouds that had let the moon peek through had sealed shut, tucking the moon behind the clouds. There was a storm brewing. Spike disliked many things, but if there was anything he disliked the most, it was one thing. Planned weather. Spike sighed, he knew he would have to retreat indoors soon too avoid the upcoming snowstorm. But before he would go inside, he would get one last look at the town below.
And what a town it was. The entire city of Canterlot was lit up and decorated with an assortment of different colored lights associated with the upcoming holiday. His mother, Twilight Velvet, used to take him and his sister around Canterlot all the time when they were younger and look at the displays of lights ponies would put up. It was a hassle to convince Twilight to stop studying and go with him around the city, but it was always worth it.
Spike watched the late hour traffic below. Canterlot was so busy this close to Hearth's Warming, as are most major cities. The city was still lively this time of night, ponies quickly shuffling around one another. It was refreshing to know at least some ponies other than him were up at this hour of late, even if part of it was due to the holiday season. In the corner of Spike's eyes, he spotted a light in the distance. His focus shifted to the sign of lights lit in the distance and a grin grew on his fur covered muzzle. It was Ponyville, a little town in which him and his greatest friends lived in.
Even if it was just a dream, this all seemed so real. Spike took a moment to look over himself. The heavy cold air blew through his starry mane and tail making the ethereal nights sway in whichever direction the wind deemed it to sway. His dark blue feathered wings lay folded against his sides partially coated in snow. The familiar mimic regalia still lay on his body, the tiara still planted atop his head in confirmation. Spike shuffled his hooves around. In his dreams walking with hooves took a while to get used to. It was getting harder to maintain his balance when walking on hooves, the difficulty increasing the less surreal the dreams had gotten. Eventually he had mastered it, but it was very inconvenient to say the least.
"A beautiful sight, is it not?"
The sound of another pony's voice suddenly speaking behind him startled Spike, making him to let out a girlish squeal and almost causing him to jump out of his horseshoes. Spike quickly turned his head around to face the pony who had sneaked up on him. Spike's gaze met with the all too familiar teal blue eyes of Princess Luna.
"H-Hi." Spike said nervously, his face flushed with embarrassment. Nopony knew about his princess dreams, even his sister Twilight was left in the dark. The last pony he ever wanted to know was Luna. She would never let him forget about it. It was inevitable to keep this from her though, they were all dreams. "Umm, h-how are you doing, Luna?"
The Princess was standing in her usual defined posture in the doorway that separated the royal bedchamber and the balcony. A playful grin was spread across her face. She came out from under the doorway stepping onto the balcony and walked to Spike's side. "I am doing fantastic this evening. Thank you, Spike. I see you are having fun dreaming about me?" Luna mocked.
"He-he. Uh, y-yeah," Spike stammered. He looked down, using his hooves to draw his attention away from Luna.
"It's okay, Spike. I only jest. We all have had dreams of being royalty or a princess at one point in our lives, Spike. I happen to find it to be very flattering when ponies, or a drake in your case, dream about me," Luna proclaimed. She draped a wing over Spike and pulled his body closer. "And even more so when they dream of being me."
"So, you really don't mind?" asked Spike.
Luna shook her head and nudged Spike in the shoulder with her wing. "Not at all. And to be honest for a moment, this wasn't exactly the first time I caught you dreaming about being me either," Luna added with a knowing wink.
Spike's heart stopped and his face was once again flushed with embarrassment. Spike wanted to jump over the balcony's railing and die of embarrassment. It would prove to be a fruitless endeavor however, for he was in a dream and therefore could not actually die. Not that Luna would allow it to happen anyway. Who else would she poke and prod at for amusement? Certainly not her sister Celestia. Luna has had many a century to torment her elder sibling, the fun from it loosing its luster long ago.
Spike swallowed the lump in his throat. "Really? You saw all the other dreams?" Spike asked nervously.
Luna nodded in response. "Indeed, I have. I had planned on blackmailing you with them on a later date. I thought about telling your friends or forcing you to service me. But in the end, I found teasing you to be much more gratifying." Luna added.
Spike rolled his eyes at Luna's remark. One of Luna's favorite things to do was tease him. She took every chance she was given to poke and prod at him. He figured a thousand or more years of experience playing with Celestia would make any pony really good at teasing. In fact, being related to Celestia was what probably made her an expert of the art. Celestia could be just as bad as, if not worse than, Luna when nopony else was around. But unlike her younger sister, Celestia had more control.
"I'm glad you don't mind. I was sure you would find it strange. I mean me of all ponies, Twilight's somewhat egotistical dragon assistant, dreaming of being a pretty Princess."
Luna put a hoof to her chest and let out a faux gasp. If Rarity were able to see Luna in action, she would have been a very proud mare. It was truly a gasp for the ages. "You find me to be attractive?" Luna placed the back of her hoof to her forehead, feigning astonishment. Another classic Rarity move. "I never knew you carried such feelings for me, Spike."
A giggle escaped Spike's lips at Luna's little display. If it was fun she wanted, fun Luna would get. "And how could I not? You are the fairest of them all, Princess Luna. No mare could ever hope to stand up to your alluring prowess." Spike praised, heavily emphasizing the word alluring.
A hearty laugh escaped Luna's lips as she prodded Spike in his side with her hoof, a mischievous grin strewn across her face. "And don't let my sister tell you otherwise!" exclaimed Luna.
"And what if Celestia happens to change my opinion?" Asked Spike with an impish smile. "Your sister can be such a very good persuader."
Luna put a hoof to her chin in thought. After a second or two of pondering the smug grin on Luna's muzzle grew wider and more wicked. "If Celestia does manage to sway your thoughts. I shall simply do this," Luna closed her eyes before wrapping a hoof around Spike's head and pulling it closer to her own, their muzzles meeting in a kiss. Not a romantic kiss, but a kiss none the less. Luna held the two of them together for a few seconds before releasing Spike from her grasp.
A word escaped Spike, one that sums up that entire experience. Unexpected. It was a mix of teasing and affection, and that was what made it so unexpected. He would give a Luna nuzzle or a hug every now an then and she would return the gesture. Using the knowledge that he would let it slide and also take the opportunity to tease had made it such a ingenious strategy. A strategy that should definitely be in Cadence's book The Art of War : Friendship and Love Special Edition. A book that has had very good reviews since its release a few months ago. Spike was definitely going to grab himself a copy now. Maybe he could even get a good discount in the Crystal Empire. And an autograph. The value of that book would skyrocket.
Spike was so absorbed in his thoughts he hadn't noticed that Luna had left his side. Snapping out of his perplexed trance, Spike looked around for Luna. The search didn't take very long. Luna had only moved back to the doorway she was under earlier.
Waving a hoof, Luna beckoned Spike to follow her inside. "Let us continue this inside, Spike. Someplace more cozy that is not out in this snowstorm."
The sound of howling winter winds once again reached Spike's ears. He had forgotten about the bad weather, tuned it and the world around him out when Luna arrived so suddenly. Spike shook off the snow that had taken up residence on his body and followed Luna inside. The heat of the room stopped Spike in his tracks. The sudden change in temperatures had caught him off guard. Spike's thoughts couldn't help but wander. How long was I out here?
After a walking few feet into the bedroom, Luna suddenly halted, prompting Spike to stop behind the mare less he run straight into her flank. Not entirely a bad thing mind you, but one to avoid none the less. Spike was starting to worry about his friend. Why did she stop moving so suddenly? Spike was prepared to voice his concern, but was cutoff by Luna. "This is what you think my quarters are like?" Luna questioned, Her voice sounded completely confused as she looked around at Spike's interpretation of her room.
The room itself was black from wall to wall. Various decorations were mounted on the walls; pictures of Luna and Celestia, moon themed trinkets, and a large silver bordered vanity mirror. A large bed sitting on a silver frame with Luna's cutiemark embedded on all the pillows and blankets lay against the western most wall. In the center of the room stood a pedestal with many a variety of gems slotted into it. The pedestal itself wasn't very impressive, but what it did was amazing. The gems were radiating a soft light, powering the shrine to create a miniature mass of stars on the ceiling. A spiraling collection of stars varying in size and color lit up the room, sparkles of colors here and there shined colorfully on the onyx walls and reflected off the silver lining everything in the room had.
"Well, I've never actually been inside your quarters," Spike admitted. "So over the years I just kept imagining things you would have."
"My room is actually dull in comparison. I indeed do have things of high caliber, me being the Princess of the Night and all, but I do not line everything with a silver border or embed my cutie mark on their surfaces." Luna deadpanned.
"Hey. A lot of other ponies think you do that," Spike held out a hoof in defense.
"Sure they do, Spike," Luna replied flatly. One could feel the aura of unconvinced Luna was emanating. That feeling quickly subsided when Luna gestured a hoof towards the bed against the wall. "Come. Let us converse on the lovely feeling of a soft mattress."
And so the pair embarked on a noble quest for soft bed sheets and fluffy pillows. Many trials and tribulations awaited the coming adventurers. The Steps of Straining. The Callous Carpets. The Stained Mahogany Coffee Table of Inevitable Sovereignty. And lastly was Tedders the Teddy Bear. Actually there was nothing forbidding either of them from reaching the bed besides maybe a step here and another there, but that was about it. So unless they were that slothful it was nothing too strenuous or tedious to deal with. When she reached the edge of the bed, Luna pounced onto it like a house cat, her impact causing pillows to jump into the air and scatter across the bed. Spike smiled inwardly at Luna's foalish display, For an alicorn that is over a millennia old, she could be such a filly at times.
Spike followed Luna onto the now messy mattress and seated himself across from her. The mattress was really soft, it was what he imagined a cloud to feel like. To Spike's dismay, he had not sprouted any wings during his aging, unlike his full grown dragon counterparts. It was especially saddening to find out he could only get wings if he had hatched with them, so his dreams of flying in skies amongst his friends and relaxing on the floating white cotton candy were shattered and buried.
Silence permeated the room. Neither of them said anything to one another, nopony wanting to break the quiet spell currently on the room. It gave each of them a moment to think.
Luna was the first to break the silence. "You did a wonderful job though, Spike," Luna's words shook Spike away from his earlier thoughts. He raised a questioning eyebrow at Luna, he wanted more of an explanation on what she meant. What did he do a good job on? His curiosity steadily rising.
With a sweep of her hoof, Luna gestured Spike as whole. "I am referring to the form you are using, this replica of me you currently are wearing. It's very easy to dream an image of somepony into your dream, for the mind never forgets a face it has seen. But dreaming of being somepony else is by far harder, more than anypony would think it to be."
Spike was nodding, confirming he was paying attention and waiting for Luna to continue. "Anypony can dream of being, Celestia or myself, Spike. Most ponies only use estimations or common details anypony has had of us to subconsciously create our image on themselves. But for you to do so in such detail, and so accurately at that, is what is truly astounding." Luna explained.
"But this is a dream though, isn't it? Does any of this actually matter?" Spike asked quizzically.
One of Luna's bare hooves ran along Spike's side, the sudden feeling eliciting a feminine squeak of surprise from him. "This may just be a dream, yes. But dreams are not credited for their accuracy," Spike watched Luna drag one of her hooves against his well groomed dark blue fur coat. "The texture of my fur is correct. Not only the feel of my fur, but -" Luna took a quick whiff of Spike's fur - "the scent is exact as well. The aroma of my Moonflora shampoo lingers on your fur. I can't help but wonder if..."
Spike stayed quiet patiently waiting for Luna to continue. He clutched the pillow in his hooves tighter, the uneasy silence rattling his nerves. Was this a premonition for something to come? "Does this mean anything, Luna? Is there something more to my dreams?" said Spike voicing his concern.
Luna shook her head. "It was just a thought, Spike. I would not ponder too hard on the subject. You have been assisting my sister and I very frequently these past few years, not to mention the numerous visits I have made to converse with you these past years. I would say the amount of time you have spent with us has simply gathered in your thoughts to a point where it needed release," Luna's ears droop and her now downcast eyes look away from Spike, her smile no longer there." We have all been working you exceptionally hard as of late."
A heavy sigh escaped Spike. His job had been exhausting and emotionally draining. All the princesses had been running him ragged the past few months. Being a personal adviser for the four of them and the lead organizer on many of their varying projects throughout Equestria wasn't a walk in the park, it filled his schedule up to the brim. And to think, this all started a few years back when Spike was looking for a job to bring in some bits. Princess Celestia had found out he was searching for an income, by an anonymous purple-winged unicorn that shall remain nameless, and offered him a job helping her organize a few events and grand openings. When it was all well and done, Celestia was beyond impressed with the dragon's success and wanted to compensate Spike for services rendered. He had originally declined Celestia's offer to pay him, not wanting to take money from a friend who he was helping, but she was very insistent that he accept the bits as payment. And Celestia had payed him more than plenty.
From then on, Celestia had given Spike more jobs to do. Most of the jobs still consisted of assisting her with tasks around Canterlot, very rarely was it something different. To Spike's disappointment he could no longer regularly help Twilight, and so she had to hire another assistant to help out. Nopony could replace him, Twilight made sure he knew that, but it was all she could do while he was working with Celestia away from Ponyville. After a year working solely for Celestia, Twilight wanted his help. Spike was happy to once again be assisting his sister. And thus began his very busy position as a royal assistant and foremen for all of the princesses. And a very satisfactory pay-grade. Very satisfactory indeed.
Releasing his grip on the pillow he was holding in his hooves, Spike inched closer to Luna's side of the bed. He wrapped his front hooves around her neck in a comforting embrace and nuzzled the side of her face. "Hey, it's okay, Luna. I wouldn't be Equestria's number one assistant if a little hard labor could hold me back," Luna returned Spike's nuzzle and gently broke his grasp on her neck. She looked back at him and into his eyes, a smile once again formed on her muzzle, a smile that should have never left in the first place. "I am not the chubby baby dragon I once used to be, Luna. I would like to think I have done some growing up in these past years."
Spike felt Luna nuzzle him cheek before she began speaking. "Indeed you have. And to think, you used to barely reach Twilight's withers," said Luna.
Spike chuckled into his hoof. "That was years ago Luna! I am at least four-to-five times taller than that now."
"To you, perhaps. To me, it seems like it was only yesterday when you were smaller than I," said Luna.
There was a moment of silence. Neither of them spoke.
"Spike," Luna asked as she looked up at him. Her happier tone had shifted to an ever the more serious one. "May I be so bold as to ask you a question?"
"Sure, Luna," Spike said, his voice slightly hesitant. "Fire away."
"Why do you put up with all of my foalish antics?" Luna asked solemnly. "Surely, you do not find them pleasing or complimentary? I am curious as to why you deal with me."
"Why, you ask? Well, it's because you are a really good friend, Luna," Spike replied. He saw the ears on Luna's head droop slightly, though her facial expression remained unfazed. That wasn't the answer she was looking for it seemed. But she wasn't going to show it. "And, because you are a very important mare in my life."
Luna's ears perked up. That was what she wanted to hear. "You helped me get through some tough times in my life. Times when Twilight and her friends tried to help, but were unable to. And that's when you came and started to talk to me in my dreams. You helped console me when nopony else could," Spike explained with a grin spread across his muzzle.
Luna's expression softened, her features loosing there once solemn edge. "I could not stand idly by while one of my subjects suffer. Especially if said subject is a friend."
Spike placed a hoof on his chest over his heart. "Ever since you started those visits, I've counted you as one of the ponies I hold close to my heart. In a way you are like Twilight, I wouldn't survive if either of you stopped caring about me. And nor could I stop caring about you two. I am bonded to the both of you."
Luna sat quietly absorbing the words spoken by her companion. She knew Spike wasn't lying when he said they were bonded. If he was not by Twilight's side, he was by hers when he had a job in Canterlot. She had assumed he was just more comfortable around her because of all the late night chatting they've done over the years. It was something she had never payed any mind, never once To be regarded so dearly by another in such a way by somepony other than her sister baffled her. Luna was at a loss for words.
"Now, may I ask you a question, Luna?" Spike asked, interrupting Luna's train of thought.
Refocusing her attention on Spike, Luna held out a hoof motioning him to continue. "You may. Ask away, Spike." Her curiosity peaked. What could Spike want to know?
"Does it not bother you that I've been talking to you the entire time using your own voice?" Spike questioned with a smug grin on his face.
Luna laughed at Spike's question. She worried he would ask something deeply private about herself. And was she ever the more wrong. "And why would that bother me, Spike? I happen to enjoy hearing myself talk." And once again the two alicorns laughed and giggled together.
This is what these dreams were about. Not actually dreaming, but having fun with a friend. What may have started as a place to hide away in solitude and isolation from rejection, had come so far as to become something far more than Spike could ever imagine. It became something hopeful and fun. A place where he could enjoy quality time with his amazing friend and princess, Luna.
The pair calmed down from their laughing fits, breathing in and out to calm their fast beating hearts. After calming down, Luna turned to Spike once again. "It is such a shame you are courting another mare currently, otherwise I would claim you as mine right here and now," Luna moved to lay on her side and sighed heavily. "You are too kind in indulging an old alicorn with affection such as a gentle nuzzle or a close embrace. You are a very good friend, Spike."
"I know, Luna. And you are a very good friend as well," Spike stopped speaking and moved his wings to cover Luna across from him. "I want you to know that I am here for you, Luna. I will be by your side if you ever need me, just as you have done for me. Let's say on the off chance my current marefriend no longer wants anything to do with me, and you still have these feelings for me. Now, I'm not saying that I wish us to be separated or for us to break-up. No. None of that. But if it does happen, I will be ever the happier to court the Princess of the Night. But for the moment, I need said princess to stay a very close friend. Can I ask that of you, Luna?"
Luna released a depressed sigh. She placed her wings over Spike's and gave him a slow dejected nod. "Okay. Then a friend I shall remain, Spike. For now at least. May I be granted one more affectionate nuzzle session this night?" Luna pleaded. She looked up at Spike with the most regal puppy dog eyes she could manage. Stoic, yet adorable. Luna is such a tease.
"Of course you may."
And for the last time tonight Spike nuzzled Luna's warm cheek. It was the least he could do for Luna. She had an infatuation with him and still remained so calm and collective about him being with another mare. And if he had to cuddle and hold Luna every now and then, it was a price worth paying.
A tremor shook the pair out of their thoughts and abruptly ended their nuzzling session. The whole room was shaking violently, pictures and wall decor were falling onto the floor with a crash. Spike, scared by the sudden shaking, gripped Luna tightly with hooves and wings and held on to her for dear life. And then as sudden as the quake had appeared it had vanished.
"What was that!" Spike exclaimed turning his focus to Luna, who was chuckling at him in his clutches. He unfurled his wings around Luna and slightly let up his hold around her. Why was she laughing at him?
"T-tis all well, Spike," Luna assured the panicked mess of an alicorn before her. "Somepony in the waking world is attempting to stir you from your slumber. Nothing to fret over."
Another quake shook the dream hard causing the entangled pair to roll of the bed and onto the floor. With a thud, Spike hit the ground and groaned outwardly. His back was to the floor and Luna had landed on top of him. In an attempt to get up off the cursed floor Spike had rammed his muzzle straight into Luna's.
With a giggle, Luna pulled away from the impromptu kiss. "Spike, you sly fox. What would your marefriend say if she came across you kissing other mares?" Luna said mockingly.
A blank expression replaced Spike's former shocked one. He just stared expressionless at Luna who could only giggle more at the reaction she had gotten out of him.
"You are about to be woken soon, Spike," Luna pointed out. "I shall see you again when you arrive in Canterlot."
"And I shall see you then as well," said Spike. He waved Luna a hoof goodbye. "And will you tell your sister I said hello."
Luna nodded. "I shall. But before I go, I would like to be the first to w-"
The dream world vanished before Luna could finish. The wonderful realm of imagination was replaced with a temporary complete darkness until a flash of sharp pain surged through Spike's jaw. Spike opened his eyes and winced at the light now invading his vision. His sleep filled draconic orbs were shut tight, hiding from the blinding summer light shining in from one of the many windows in his view. Spike rose from his spot on a seat and put a claw to his agonizing jaw and rubbed it soothingly. His claw? Spike was no longer an alicorn it seemed. He was once again a purple and green magical dragon. Thick armored purple scales from head to toe, a mouth filled with razor sharp teeth, recently sharpened green claws on his hands and feet, and pointed green spines trailing in a line from the top of his head down his tail ending right before his pointed spade. Darn, it was such a good dream too.
A heavy fusion of a yawn and a groan escaped Spike's scale covered maw. He once again opened his eyes. This time, instead of blinding sunlight, he saw Apple Bloom standing in front of him. The light was no longer shining in his eyes, but cascading over Apple Bloom revealing her well toned frame. No longer was she a small filly with a mission to do anything and everything to obtain her cutiemark, she had turned into a fine young mare that had discovered her special talent, whom he was proud to call his marefriend. One of the things Spike loved about Apple Bloom was that she always smiled when she was around him. Except when she was angry, frustrated, embarrassed, or overall upset with him. So about half of the time. And now was one of the those many times. Apple Bloom was leering at him with an annoyed yet embarrassed expression on her face.
Spike's winced and applied pressure to his no longer mysterious wound, temporarily breaking his attention on the farm pony. The pain in his jaw asserted its presence, pulsing once again in agony. "By the name of the Celestial Sisters! Why would you do that!" he yelled.
A hoof from Apple Bloom pointed to spot on the seat to his left. "Yer near boilin' drool was startin' to melt the darn seat! We could all smell the burnin' materials from the other side of this here train car," she shouted at him.
Spike sniffed the air. As if on queue, a new "intoxicating" scent invaded his nostrils. He turned his head towards the spot Apple Bloom had indicated with her hoof. It was the spot where his head was laying moments prior, only there were some differences that separated that part of the seat from the rest of it. Where his head had been was a crescent-like shape crease where the material of the seat had begun to meld and burn from his molten-like saliva. Spike, with the back of his clawed hand, wiped the remaining drool of his face. "Oops."
Snickers from many other ponies could heard from behind the nearby seats and to Spike's right. Standing in the middle of the walkway were Apple Bloom's best friends; Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo. Those two, like Apple Bloom, had also aged passed their crusading stage and earned their own cutie marks as well. Peering over the seat in front of him were Applejack and Rainbow Dash trying to stifle their laughter. Applejack was covering her smile with her signature stetson while Rainbow was holding a hoof over her mouth. And lastly, in the seat behind him were Fluttershy and Rarity, whom were both giggling at the dragon's expense.
"Enjoy the nap, punching bag?" Rainbow Dash quipped, causing another wave of snickers from the other mares surrounding him.
"Yes, ha ha. Let's all laugh at the big purple dragon who got hoofed in the face by his marefriend," Spike said with a grimace as he threw his claws in the air. Not too long after did his expression subside and change into a small smile. "You guys could've just woke me up the way, Twilight does you know."
"No can do big guy," said Applejack. She adjusted the tattered stetson on her head before continuing. "Ya know very well that, Twilight is the only pony who can wake ya up like that. None of us ain't got that special touch like Twi' does."
"But that doesn't mean you physically assault me with an Apple Family hoof to the jaw," Spike rubbed the sore spot on his jaw. "I gotta' give thanks to whatever force gave dragons scales for armor. That would have been broken otherwise."
"Better that, than lettin' ya burn the seat further and pay fer the whole thing. At least this way ya just gotta pay for that darn seat," said Apple Bloom.
Spike grabbed Apple Bloom and pulled her close. He held the young farm pony in slightly tighter than normal embrace. "And that is one of the reasons I love you, Apple Bloom. You save me a few bits every now and then."
The young mare in Spike's grasp was more than welcome to return his affection, deciding to wrap her own front hooves around his scale covered neck and kiss the drake. All the mares around the couple, excluding Applejack and the two feather headed flyers, let out a collective 'Aww' as the two lovebirds held one another. "And here I thought ya' loved me for my voice, and lovely personality," said Apple Bloom with a coy smile.
Barely a moment passed before her coy smile grew bigger and more flirtatious. "And fer that one other thing I do for ya every other Friday," flirted Apple Bloom. The surrounding group of friends all blushed at her dirty implication, the exception being Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo who were both snickering at the reactions of their other friends.
"Whoa, settle down there broodmare," said Applejack astonishingly. Her face was by far the reddest out of the group. Be it from full on embarrassment or a mix of it along with anger, nopony could tell for sure. Applejack pointed a hoof at her younger sister. "There ain't a need for ya to go flaunting yer 'escapades' around. Especially with me here, Missy."
A giggle escaped from Apple Bloom's lips. She turned to look at her older sister behind her. "Alrighty, sis. Yer just no fun, ya know that?"
"She's just a little jealous is all, A.B.," Spike whispered into Apple Bloom's ear.
Applejack pointed a hoof accusingly at Spike. "Ah heard that ya' overgrown lizard! It ain't like that at all! I just don't wanna hear about how the two of y'all go at it like dogs during mating season!" exclaimed Applejack. She had yelled loud enough that the other ponies residing in the train car turned their heads towards her to find out what all the fuss is about.
"Applejack, darling!" Rarity yelled in shock. "Keep your voice down. We wouldn't want the little fillies and colts sharing this cart with us to hear such crass language."
Applejack looked around and noticed all the extra attention she was attracting. Cursing at herself inwardly, she sank down in her seat and tipped her hat to cover part of her face to hide her embarrassment. "My bad," said Applejack at a much lower volume.
Spike and the rest of his friends all laughed at Applejack's embarrassed state. It took a friend a friendly hoof to the side by her friend Rainbow Dash, but not long after did Applejack also join in the merriment and laughter. This was what it was all about. Friends being together and having fun. They could always rely on one another when they needed anything. And that meant a lot to each and every one of them.
"I love each and every one of you guys," Spike happily said. He looked deeply into the eyes of the mare within his grasp, Apple Bloom. "And I definitely love you -" Spike tightened his grip on Applebloom, pulling her closer and rubbing his scaley purple cheek against her own warm furry cheek "- my little, Apple Blossom."
Apple Bloom returned Spike's nuzzle affectionately. She pulled her head away from his and gave him a playful bop on the tip of his snout. "And I love ya too my dashing knight of scales."
"Bleh." Scootaloo retched at the completely sappy display in front of her. "P.D.A much?"
And with a hoof that has turned the page of many a romance novel, Sweetie Belle whacked Scootaloo over the head hard enough to make the orange pegasus elicit a loud cry of pain. "OW! Why with the hitting!?"
"Don't ruin the moment!" Sweetie yelled, scolding Scootaloo for her insubordination to the romantic .
"C'mon, Scoots. You know very well that our group has always had a thing for violence. It's our go-to option for threats against Equestria," said Spike. "Well, except for, Fluttershy over here. No offense."
Fluttershy waved a hoof dismissively. "Don't worry, no offense was taken, Spike. I don't like to harm living creatures, or other ponies for that matter. Gosh, I don't even like thinking about it," said Fluttershy. Her voice soft and compassionate.
"Yeah, c'mon, Squirt! Get your head in gear!" Rainbow yelled excitedly. "Hitting things in the face is one of many awesome things we get to do on a regular basis. Comes with being in the group."
"And yet, Twilight denied my request to have club t-shirts made," Spike shook his head in disappointment. "Such a shame. Would've been a hit."
Apple Bloom raised an eyebrow at her draconic partner. "And how exactly do ya think you will fit in one of em? Yer spines would just rip the darn thing into shreds faster than, Winona could destroy a roll of toilet paper."
Spike turned towards Apple Bloom, a defeated expression now on his face. "A dragon can dream, Apple Bloom. A dragon can dream."
"Well, Applebloom darling there is that. And the fact that our dear, Spikey Wikey is over twice our size. It would require me to tailor a shirt to fit him respectively. I would ever graciously do so, but I have so many orders and deadlines on my plate as of late. It shall have to wait until I have thinned down my list of responsibilities, however," Rarity pointed out.
A thought came to Spike's attention. He had been asleep since he first boarded the train to Canterlot. He had no idea how long he had been out. Him and his friends were heading to Canterlot from Ponyville to celebrate his birthday. Well it wasn't actually Spike's birthday, it being a week later than the actual day. Princess Celestia had wanted to celebrate all of Spike's past birthdays she was unable to attend. She wanted this birthday to be like no other he had experienced before. And with all of his friends there, it definitely just might.
Spike looked around at all of his friends. "Do any of you guys know how long I was out?" he asked curiously.
"Well, Spike. Since yer just itchin' to find out. I suppose I can tell ya we're almost to Canterlot," Apple Bloom playfully teased, her tone of voice matching her flirtatious visage. She ran one of her hooves in slow continuous circles on Spikes chest. "I reckon we got a lil' under half-an-hour till we reach our intended destination."
"Well then. I think we should use this limited amount of time to our advantage," said Spike, his masculine voice mirroring Apple Bloom's amorous tone. He placed one of his clawed hands on the back of her head and pulled her in for a kiss.
"Okay, Squirt is right. You two seriously need to get a room," Rainbow Dash said flatly. After taking a deep breath to calm down she started rubbing her temples with her hooves. The amount of pure saturated sappy romance in Rainbow's view emotionally and psychologically hurt Scootaloo and herself. "Could you two just bang it out when we get to Canterlot. If I have to go another minute listening to the two of you get all kissy-feely, I'm going to vom. I swear on my life, I haven't seen this much sexual tension since, Shining Armor and Princess Cadence decided they would abstain from sex for a day in support of newly wedded couples."
"Rainbow!" Rarity exclaimed, shocked to hear her friends choice of words. "Both you and, Applejack seem to have a very colorful choice of words today. I hope that the two of you will not be acting in such a manner whilst we are in Canterlot. I kindly ask that the both of you at least indulge me in that matter."
"Relax, Rarity. It's fine. My little Apple Blossom and I haven't been helping in that regard," said Spike. "Besides, we're going to be celebrating my birthday after all. I want everypony to relax and enjoy it. Even if I have to force, Twilight to do so."
"Don't worry, Spike," Fluttershy said sincerely. "I'm pretty sure, Twilight will do her absolute best to stay calm and relax."
Everypony looked at Fluttershy with flat neutral expressions, making the mare giggle nervously as she shrunk into her seat They all knew Twilight. She would have helped organize everything: plan the days events, made sure the staff got Spike's favorite meal down, arrange the seating chart for dinner accordingly, make a list of all the presents Spike will be receiving if any, double check all of her lists, and lastly worry Princess Celestia will think she has done something the wrong way and fail everypony in Equestria. It was similar to almost every event that involved Celestia's presence. Twilight may have gotten over calling her Princess, but Celestia was still the one she looked up to.
"I'm sure that girl is doing okay," said Applejack as she adjusted the stetson on her head. "To tell y'all the truth, it's, Pinkie Pie I'm gettin' all anxious about. That girl hasn't been in Canterlot's newly remodeled kitchen before. I'm a little worried she'll have a lil' too much fun and hurt herself and the staff baking his cake."
"Pinkie will be fine, dear," Sweetie Belle assured. "After all, she is made of some pretty stern stuff."
"Ya don't have to tell me twice," replied Applejack wholeheartedly, earning a quick laugh from everypony.
"Well, let's just hope the two of 'em haven't burned the place down faster than, Sweetie Belle can burn orange juice," said Apple Bloom mockingly.
Sweetie Belle's face exploded in red. Her once white cheeks were now a dark rosy red from embarrassment. "That only happened twice!" yelled Sweetie Belle in response.
Spike couldn't help but laugh and smile at all of his friends. Without them, today would be pointless. "I love all of you guys. Today is going to be the best late birthday ever."
Author's Note
After 6- 8 months of procrastination and rewriting, I have finally figured out how to start this story!!!!
I hope y'all like the first chapter. I've never wrote a story before. I have read a lot of stories on this site and thought that maybe I could write a fantastic story of my own. I just hope enough of y'all like it for me to continue. Well, I'll continue it regardless.
I know dream sequences are overused, but I had a hard time figuring out another way to start this chapter... I apologize.
I would also like to ask a favor from you guys. If there are any grammatical errors, or anything of that issue, would you please point them out. I want to improve as a writer to make this better for you guys. I double check what I put down usually, but that doesn't mean a mistake won't find its way in. I did a Twilight Sparkle move and got a book to help, but to me it would easier if someone told me. I do not have an editor at the moment. I figured if i can learn to do a decent job on my own, I wouldn't have to waste any of y'alls time helping me out with this fic.
Anyway. This is indeed my first fim-/fan-fiction or story I have ever written. So I am very nervous. I hope you guys will enjoy it enough to grant me the power of MO-TI-VA-TION-TION-Tion-tion-tion-tion!!!!.... . . . .
One more thing. I will go back to this chapter on a later date and edit it. It won't be too different, and if enough of y'all like it the way it is, I won't bother changing anything.
Art in progress. I'm not so great at digital art and I'm very picky on how it comes out. So I'll finish my story, and profile picture eventually. Eventually. Yeah, probably never. We'll see. Or maybe not. I don't know anymore.
This fiction was also brought to you by Mahogany.
*Air horn sound******Not So Spoiler alert******Air horn sound*
(For those who haven't guessed what this story is about anyway)
I want to start a collection of fics in a world where Spike gets turned into an alicorn princess. I would also like to call dibs on being the first Spike becoming an alicorn princess story because I have had this idea for a long time. And if not, I'm taking credit anyway. I thought it was funny that an episode called 'Princess Spike" aired as well. It was fate!!!!!! Anywho, just note that I had this idea for a story locked up inside my head brewing for many months. I have a lot of other chapters already planned out. It just took a millennium to start.
I obviously do not own MLP:FiM and their varying characters.
But I do own Princess Spike. I think and hope I do anyway. I did create her. So copyright right there. Right there. C in a circle and all that jazz.
Chapter 2: Pre-Post Birthday Events
Author's Note
Under rewrite
Chapter 2: Pre-Post Birthday Events
The next half-an-hour spent in the train car went by swimmingly for Spike and his friends. Everypony had spent time relaxing in their respective seats and enjoying the company of friends and family. Oh, how they talked and laughed at each others whimsical anecdotes and hilarious work related stories. Though the fun had to end momentarily with the train finally reaching Canterlot Station. For when they exit the train car, everypony would be separating to enjoy themselves until the time of Spike's birthday celebration. And nopony could wait until then.
All of the passengers were free to gather up their belongings and exit their respective cars after the train had docked into the station. Every filly and colt jumped out of their seats with newfound energy and joy after many hours of sitting still, the prospect of being able to play outside again overwhelmed them all. Parents were even shouting at their children to slow down, though most children would just ignore those cries of authority. With only a few of his friends having brought luggage with them on board, Spike didn't have a very hard time carrying their collective luggage off of the train. Not that his satchel and a few saddlebags would slow him down in the first place. Spike was a dragon after all, simple cloth bags wouldn't be too challenging. Though making sure not to step on screaming fillies and colts running through the lanes was pretty tough.
One by one Spike and his friends stepped out of the passenger car and onto the smooth wooden platform of the train station. A cool breeze swept over them as they once again gazed upon the city, the smooth brisk mountain air greeting them on their return to Canterlot. For Spike it had been but a few days since he was last here. But for some of the girls, it had been a long while since they had took step inside the city. It was nice to return to a place that they shared so many fond memories in.
Spike set down the collective hoard of saddlebags he mule'd off of the train. Feeling a little stiff in his spine Spike stood straight up on his hind legs arching his back and stretching his arms towards the sky, a fiery yawn escaping his maw from relief of being able to stretch after a long train ride. A handful of ponies who did not know him by now were a bit frightened by the now towering beast breathing fire, but most ponies just brushed it off as ordinary. But who could blame them, his full height standing up on his hind legs was three times taller than their solar diarch, Princess Celestia. Horn included.
"Spike!" yelled Applebloom whose cheeks were flushed with embarrassment. "Yer attractin' attention to yourself."
Lowering his arms down to his sides, Spike turned to looked around to see some ponies running away out of or into the city and everypony else looking in his direction. Everypony silently staring at him, watching in complete silence as everypony stopped their conversations to look at the fire-breathing giant before them. "Uhhh, hello, everypony," said Spike smiling sheepishly. He lowered back down onto all fours, his height now a little over that of Celestia. He was still taller than the average pony, but significantly less so.
After a moment to recollect in silence, everypony returned to conversing with one another and continuing along with their day. Everypony had resumed their lives like nothing had ever happened just moments prior. To them it was just another ordinary day in Canterlot. Spike wasn't exactly an oddity to the denizens of Canterlot. Not a lot of ponies knew him personally, but Spike could always be seen running around the city doing business for the princesses. So naturally only visitors would be caught off guard.
"Well," said Applejack, an astonished yet bewildered expression adorning her face. She adjusted the somewhat worn stetson that sat atop her blond ponytail-bound hair before she continued. "That there was certainly, uh... Somethin'."
"Indeed," Sweetie Belle nodded in agreement, the curls of her well-groomed, multi-colored mane bouncing about. "If it were to be anything at all, "something" would definitely fit the bill."
"I'll say," Rarity agreed.
Apple Bloom hung her head low and sighed, the troubles to come already exhausting her. She turned around and slowly made her way over to Spike. "Why does being your marefriend have to be so much work? You are so lucky ah' love you as dearly as ah' do, Spike," said Apple Bloom as she stopped in front of Spike and gave him a peck on the cheek.
A toothy grin formed on Spike's maw that revealed his dagger like dragon teeth. Leaning down, Spike returned Apple Bloom's affection with a peck on the opposite cheek. He wrapped his arms around Apple Bloom and pulled her close to his chest. He rested his head on top of hers. "I know I am a bit too much to handle sometimes," Spike began, speaking softly but still loud enough that others around him could hear. "And I do apologize for the embarrassing things I put you through. I'm a big dragon, Apple Bloom. Making a scene isn't going to just magically go away by the power of song and dance. But luckily I have my little Apple Blossom to be around for me."
"Errmph!"
The sudden noise behind Spike and Apple Bloom had captured their attention. Everypony nearby turned around to see if they can locate the origin point of the mysterious noise. And find it they did. For in the direction of the noise was a hunched-over cyan mare with a rainbow mane covering her mouth with her hoof.
"I think I'm gonna be sick," mumbled Rainbow Dash from behind her hoof. The athletic mare's once blue face turned a sickly green in color.
Scootaloo opened her saddlebag and dug through the contents until she found the item of interest, an average everyday folded brown paper lunch bag. She trotted over to Rainbow's side and hoofed over a paper bag which Rainbow swiftly took from her hooves and opened. Foul and unspeakable noises could be heard as Rainbow threw up her lunch into the once empty brown paper bag. Dreams that the bag had of once being filled with a nice Daffodil or Violet sandwich could no longer come to pass now. Although, under some extreme technicalities, I suppose it was still being filled with a Daffodil sandwich of sorts.
A sigh escaped Scootaloo as she sat down beside Rainbow. Scootaloo unfurled one of her wings from her side and gently began to rub and pat Rainbow Dash's back with the feathered appendage to help soothe the sickly mare. "There, there. Just let it all out," Scootaloo soothed. "It's gonna be okay, babe."
"Well, horseapples. I guess, R.D. wasn't lyin' when she said she was gonna toss up a few chunks, huh? I didn't think she was gonna actually cough up her lunch from some little public display of affection like that," said Applejack. She rubbed the back of her neck with a hoof. "Whew, Rainbow is startin' to look greener than, Granny Smith."
Now finished vomiting, Rainbow Dash pulled her muzzle out of the now filled brown paper bag and rolled up the end to close it. She spit on the ground in front of her and wiped any remaining saliva of her muzzle with the side of her hoof. "Okay. I-I think... I'm just gonna go throw this away now." said Rainbow. She got back up on all fours and began to walk away to find the closest trash bin in the area with the bag's rolled up end in her mouth.
"Oh, poor, Rainbow Dash," said Fluttershy in her normal soft, innocent tone. "I better go make sure that she's okay. Rainbow Dash and I will meet you all at the restaurant."
Turning around, Fluttershy gently fluttered over and caught up to Rainbow Dash, landing beside her. The two appeared to talk back and forth as they passed many other ponies going about their own business. Fluttershy was asking Rainbow Dash various questions to assess her well being and Rainbow was constantly reassuring Fluttershy that she was okay.
"Well I hope, Rainbow Dash isn't going to be completely under the weather during the party. It would be most unfortunate for her if she was to miss this well prepared celebration for, Spike," said Rarity as she walked over and stood in between her baggage and Applejack. Rarity's soft smile faded and was replaced with a more worried and concerned expression. "She is going to be alright? Isn't she, darling?" Rarity asked Scootaloo anxiously.
After watching her marefriend and Fluttershy walk over towards the trash bin in the next area over, Scootaloo looked over towards Applejack and Rarity."Yeah, Rainbow Falls over there hasn't done any of her generally awesome stunts or usual feats of grandeur today. "The Balance", as she puts it, is outta wack. But don't worry about it, Applejack. The two of us will do some stunts, flying maneuvers and some aerial sprinting later on and she'll be back up to the normally amazing marefriend she generally is," Scootaloo reassured. "Assuming she doesn't want to go wash out her mouth and grab that quick bite to eat, that is."
Applejack tilted her head to the side and arched an eyebrow, a confused questioning look upon her face. "Might I ask what in tarnation is aerial sprinting?"
Scootaloo smiled. "It's a flying exercise that combines generic speed flying with galloping motion-like stretches. You synchronize your legs to gallop along with the beats of your wings, appearing as if you were sprinting in the air. Since our innate pegasi magic really helps out in terms of exercise, Aerial Sprinting, or 'The Pegasi Run' as it is sometimes referred to as, is designed to work out the muscles in our wings and legs since Pegasi, athletically speaking, generally focus more on the strength and power of the muscle in our wings to increase our W.B.P.M., or Wing Beats Per Minute, and initial take off. Aerial Sprinting, unlike most other exercises, helps give us a chance to stretch out and use our legs a bit more, which we use in the beginning of races to launch ourselves into the air or sprint on clouds for whatever reason. Another thing that this particular activity helps us develop is focus and control. And I'm pretty sure you know by now why those two are important.," explained Scootaloo in quite the amount of detail, a very prideful smile on her face after. She doesn't get to show off her intellect very often in conversation.
Everypony still around stared wide-eyed at Scootaloo. Nopony believed she could give such an explanation. And in such detail as she did. Scootaloo wasn't an imbecile. No, not at all. She was an intelligent pegasus, but was one whom liked to keep things short, simple and to the point most of the time.
"Whoa, Scoots," said Spike, blinking and scratching his temple with a single claw. He was genuinely surprised Scootaloo's intellectual outburst. She wasn't dumb by any means, Spike knew that, nor was he thinking that. It was just rare for Scootaloo to use more words than genuinely required. "I didn't know you had all of that in you. That was a doozy if I ever heard one."
Apple Bloom giggled at Spike's little tease towards Scootaloo. She wrapped her right hoof around Scootaloo, who was turning red with frustration and embarrassment if her frown, furrowed brow and red cheeks were any indication. "She has her moments," Apple Bloom teased. "They're few and far between, but they exist."
"Hehe, you're funny, Apple Bloom," said Scootaloo with a somewhat forced smile. "I'll have to remember that the next time you want special seats for the Wonderbolts."
"Relax, Scootaloo. The two of them are just having fun at your expense," Sweetie Belle explained, giggling as she walked over to Scootaloo's side and wrapped her left hoof over Scootaloo, overlapping the hoof Apple Bloom had already wrapped around Scootaloo. All of them smiling and laughing with one another.
As the young mare's laughing quieted down a silence fell upon Spike and company. A silence that was not unwelcome at that point in time. The remembrance of fond and joyful memories with one another flowed through their minds. They were all together for a long time in Ponyville. The birthday parties, holiday celebrations, and every unconventional party Pinkie decided to throw all had value and meaning to everyone of their friends. But then everypony just got busy. They would try and try to have everyone together again, but someone was always unable to attend. Today however, would be different.
Spike wrapped his purple scale covered arm around Applebloom, Sweetie and Scootaloo, joining them at their side and adding more to the unplanned group hug. "Hey' girls. This party isn't just about me adding another year to my life. It will also represent the closeness and love I have shared with all of you over the years. Every single one of you are family to -" Spike's eye's widened in horror as something alarmingly important suddenly occurred to him "- Holy horseapples, we forgot, Starlight Glimmer!" Spike practically roared in the ears of his friends.
The eyes of everypony shot open in shock as they too came to the realization that they had indeed left Starlight Glimmer behind. They all looked around, turning there heads this way and that way frantically searching around in hope of finding their missing friend. It didn't take long for the group of friends to discover that their missing pink unicorn friend known as Starlight Glimmer was nowhere in sight. Well... Sugar honey ice tea.
Rarity huffed in irritation. "I cannot believe we left our poor dear, Starlight behind in Ponyville. This is so unbecoming of us to leave such a beautiful kindhearted mare behind due to our lack of attention. And it was one of our dearest friends no less!" Rarity fumed, doing her best to not break her lady-like demeanor. She was so frustrated at herself and the others for so easily forgetting about their friend Starlight.
The hard slamming of a hoof thundered against the concrete platform. "Dagnabbit! Ah knew that mare was bein' awful quiet," Applejack voiced angrily. She adjusted her hat once again with a hoof and moved some of her blonde hair out of her sight. "Ah tell ya' what, I am madder than a mute filly tryin' to compete in a karaoke contest."
"Oh. My. Gosh," said Scootaloo, standing there in utter disbelief. This whole situation was unbelievable. Only one thing could be said about this entire fiasco in her opinion. "This is so unbelievably hilarious."
Sweetie Belle sighed heavily, cursing inwardly at her friend Scootaloo's amusement of the situation. "Thank you for your input, Scootaloo, dear," Sweetie commented dryly. "It was very much appreciated."
Spike breathed in deeply, filling his lungs with oxygen to the point where he felt his draconic organs could not hold any more. Holding his breath for a moment, Spike exhaled the contents his lung had been holding. "Okay. Starlight is going to be pretty miffed, if not peeved, about this whole ordeal when she realizes she has to take a later train by herself," Spike paused for a moment and took a deep breath. "Let's not worry about that at the moment. I recommend that we go ahead and do what we want, or need, to do for now and meet up with the princesses at the castle later before, Starlight shows up and chews us out for practically abandoning her back in Ponyville."
"Despite the stern talking to we shall most likely be receiving from our dear, Starlight later on, I do believe that to be an excellent idea, Spikey Wikey," Rarity agreed, nodding as she made her way over to Applejack. She tapped Applejack on the shoulder with her hoof to obtain the farm pony's attention. In a quick use of her magic Rarity grabbed her and Applejack's saddlebags, the objects enveloped in a lustrous azure aura, and put them on their respective owners. Now clad in her white saddlebag with a gold embroidered trim embedded with her cutie mark, and Applejack having her worn satchel, Rarity was ready to head unto the city of Canterlot. "Hurry, Applejack. We must be on our way, darling. Remember we still have to go fetch, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy. I managed to get all of us reservations for lunch at the latest restaurant La Griffoniá and we must make haste!"
Applejack sat on her haunches and sighed, rubbing her temples with her hooves attempting to soothe the oncoming headache she could feel making head-way. Today's events were already starting affect the farm pony. "Ah' reckon that's the only thing we can do on our part anyhow, seein' as we can't exactly just go back and fetch, Starlight," Applejack admitted. Standing up once again, Applejack looked at Rarity and forced a smile as best she could. "Alrighty, Rarity. Lets get to it."
"Wait, Applejack!" Apple Bloom shouted urgently, doing her best to grab her sister's attention before she and Rarity could embark on their quest for cultured food and scenery.
Upon hearing her sister's outburst, Applejack whipped her head around to face her little sister, her golden ponytail swinging behind her head. "Yes, lil' missy?" Applejack asked her sister curiously, wondering what it was her sister felt she needed to say.
Applebloom smiled at Applejack. "Ya better mind your manners, sis," Apple Bloom teased, pointing a hoof at her older sister accusingly. "Ah hear they prefer ya to eat nice and clean-like."
"Haha," Applejack guffawed in response, taking her Stetson off from atop her head with a hoof and holding it against her chest. She smiled and replaced her signature headwear atop it's rightful plaace. "Yeah, yeah. Don't go gettin' yer bow in a bundle, lil' missy. Ah gotta get goin' before, Rarity starts throwin' a hissy fit," Applejack stated.
"Alright, Applejack. Go have yer fun," Apple Bloom said, waving a hoof at Applejack to shoo her off.
Without a response to Applebloom other than her continuing smile, Applejack turned and metaphorically grabbed Rarity so they can once again began their journey for finer food. The pair passed many groups of stallions and mares as they walked; many of them entering or leaving the station with luggage in tow. Eventually though Applejack and Rarity disappeared among the crowd of Canterlot ponies going about their business.
Spike, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo all watched as Applejack and Rarity both blended amongst the crowd and melded into the city populace. With their eyes they followed Rarity's amethyst colored locks and Applejack's stetson bob along within the sea of ponies until
they disappeared around a corner of a bakery down the road. Everypony in the group, other than Apple Bloom, continued to watch the corner of that bakery for a few a little while longer. Just to make sure that Applejack had, in fact, went on her way.
After a brief moment of waiting just in case Applejack did decide to come back around the corner, Spike craned his head down to his friends. "Alright," voiced Spike. He turned his attention to Scootaloo and spoke. "Did you bring 'The Package', Scootaloo?"
Scootaloo whipped her head around and smiled mischievously. "You bet I did!" Scootaloo said aloud, holding a hoof up for Spike to hoof bump her. And hoof bumped her hoof with his balled up fist he did.
Sweetie Belle grabbed Scootaloo by her head and brought Scootaloo's face to her own, nose to nose. "He brought it!" Sweetie Belle chirped, a huge grin plastered on her muzzle. Scootaloo nodded her head in confirmation and Sweetie Belle's eyes grew to the size of dinner plates. Her emerald eyes sparkled with excitement that she hadn't felt since her Crusader days.
Bewilderment was strewn across Apple Bloom's face; lost and confused to as what item her friends were referring to. "Umm. What are y'all goin' on about?"
Scootaloo walked over and grabbed her saddlebag from the collective pile they had laying about. After a moment of fishing through her saddlebag's contents Scootaloo took out a small, burgundy colored, wooden box. The container had nothing special in it's appearance other than the etched in pair of cherries centered on the lid and sides of the container.
"Applebloom," Spike said solemnly, resting his claws on Applebloom's shoulders. He looked straight into her eyes, getting up close to her face almost nose to nose and spoke softly, but loud enough so that Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle could also hear. "What may lie inside this specially made cherry wood cigar box are of some of the most refined goods amongst our Equestrian society."
"But what in the hay is insi-" Spike gently placed a single claw over Apple Bloom's lips, hindering her from speaking further.
"We are about to show you," said Spike, waving Scootaloo over with a claw. With a nod Scootaloo began making her way over Sweetie Belle was practically bouncing on her hooves impatiently waiting for her friend to . "Now a word of warning, Apple Bloom. That which is held inside has been banned in over twenty-eight different Apple family properties, five Orange households, a barbershop in Manehattan and forever prohibited from a pony by the name of, Quick Whiff."
A somewhat surprised and confused look overcame Sweetie Belle. She turned to Spike and placed a hoof on his thigh. "What happened to, Quick Whiff that resulted in him specifically being banned?"
Spike scratched the back of his neck with his claws and chuckled slightly. "That's a story for another day, Sweetie. But for now, we have our tiny box o' goodies to enjoy."
Scootaloo held the cigar box out for everybody to see. After a brief pause, she placed a hoof on the lid and readied herself to open the tiny box of wonders. Slowly Scootaloo lifted the lid upwards unveiling that which lies inside. Cigars. A ray of light shined on the box and the brown rolled as they were enveloped in a harmonious golden glow. One would believe that they could hear an angelic choir of Pegasi singing soothing hymns into their ears.
Apple Bloom stared in awe and wonder at the cigars before her. The cigars were all lined up in rows, each with a sticker of Miss Jubilee and her initials placed carefully on each cigar. The cigars themselves had a light tan colored wrapping. Apple Bloom noticed that the ends of each cigar closest to the band was a cut in a 'V' shape. Apple Bloom wasn't much of a smoker other than maybe the occasional hit or two, but she knew Spike had great taste in smokes. "It's so magical."
A single tear slid down Sweetie Belle's cheek. The young mare overtaken by joyful emotions far beyond normal unicorn capacity. "No words. No words." Sweetie Belle sniffled and wiped the lone tear off of her cheek with the back off her hoof.
"Every gaze I cast upon these is better than the last," stated Scootaloo. She sat there staring at the cigars in awe just like the others. This wasn't her first time gazing upon a Cherryshine wonder. Nor would it be her last.
Scootaloo gently laid the open box down onto the concrete. With her hooves now free she stretched her front hooves forward and arched her back to stretch her currently unused flight muscles. "Cherry Jubilee started making them about four years ago as a side business and it took off. The only bad part is that she only makes so many boxes a year so she doesn't use too many of her cherries just to make cigars. But on plus side of that is that since our big lug of a dragon here became one of, Miss Jubilee's favorite customers, she reserves him about fifteen orders of her Cherryshine Cigars." Scootaloo informed her friends.
The cigars Cherry Jubilee crafted were legendary. Well actually they weren't as prominent as her customers made them out to be. Since Cherry Jubilee makes the Cherryshine Cigars at her ranch, Cherry Hill Ranch, in Dodge City, ponies of 'Higher Standard' tended to ignore or slander the product. But Miss Jubilee preferred her lack of publicity towards the cigar, too many customers would endanger her farm's cherries. The cigars were a fun idea and the customers loved them, but she couldn't ruin the lives of those customers that bought her cherries. And so, a mundane country specialty it will remain in the hearts of the outside world that reject it.
"Shield Sisters! To Arms!" shouted Spike. Quickly Spike grabbed a single Cherryshine out of the box with his big index and middle claws. With Spike the Dragon leading the charge the mares had no choice but to follow suit, each of them diving for a cigar to claim. "I didn't have, Scootaloo sneak my Cherryshine cigar box passed, Applejack for nothing."
Apple Bloom lovingly hooved Spike's arm with her free hoof and giggled. "That's because she'd kill ya six ways 'till Sunday if she ever found out ya even had 'em with ya in the first place, Spike," said Apple Bloom with a smile.
"Can we hurry up and light these things already!!!" Sweetie Belle shouted impatiently. Her other hoof tapping repeatedly against the pavement. Tap. Tap. Tap. The young mare's patience had long gone dry, the twitch in her right eye any further indication. Sweetie wanted the smoke and she wanted it now.
"Ha Ha!" laughed Spike. He reached his scale covered arm outward with cigar in claw holding it between himself and the girls. "Hold out the foot of your cigars, the side opposite of the 'V' shaped wedge on the end, close to mine. The only true way to light a Cherryshine is with a dragon's flame. Mine to be specific."
Hasty the young mares were to hold out their cigars to be lit by the dragon's green flame. Spike inhaled calmly, drawing in just enough air into his draconian lungs to accomplish the task at hand. Pursing his lips, Spike breathed out a small concentrated jet of green flame, a wisp that danced gently in the air to it's target. The small jet of fire singed the wrapping on the foot of the cigars and thus the Cherryshine cigars were lit.
Without a moment to lose Sweetie Belle brought the head of the Cherryshine to her mouth and wrapped her lips around the cigar. She took a strong draw from her cigar practically using half of the cigar on her first use, the ring of green flame quickly going down the cigar being of any indication. Sweetie Belle slouched and "exhaled" the cigar smoke, a thick malachite green cloud, breaking her normally dignified posture and let out a sigh that stated to anypony she was far more than just simply relaxed at the moment. Her green eyes became heavy-lidded, becoming partially hidden away behind her eyelids, and she had a dopey yet satisfied grin spread across her face. To anypony who saw her face it would look as if Sweetie Belle just had the greatest sex of her life and was basking in it's afterglow.
Sweetie Belle reached up and took the smoke out of her mouth and sighed heavily, that same euphoric smile still plastered across her muzzle. "That was far better than stallion cock," voiced Sweetie Belle blissfully.
Giggles and stifled laughter were the responses of Sweetie Belle's peers. Scootaloo was covering her mouth trying her best attempt to mute her probable hysterical laughter while Spike and Apple Bloom were leaning on one another giggling at Sweetie Belle.
Spike took a hit from his cigar, taking extra care to blow the smoke away from his companions and the passersby, consisting ponies and griffins with the occasional other species here or there, walking passed the group of friends. "I know you've had your hooves full with the Cutie Mark Crusade, but I didn't think you were that stressed out, Sweetie?"
Sweetie Belle sighed and turned to give Spike a smirk. She looked towards the ground and put out her cigar, grabbing it from her hoof with her magic and gently twisting the foot of the cigar on the pavement. With the smoke no longer currently lit, she stored it in her saddlebag for later. She returned her gaze to Spike. "You have no idea, Spike. Our business isn't a giant chain corporation but we do have the three buildings to maintain. We have the two small school-sized locations in Ponyville and Fillydelphia with our larger facility here in Canterlot. Not to mention helping, Twilight maintain her school. Hiring staff, keeping up with protocols and maintaining a budget are a tad harder than it looks, Spike. With mwah-" Sweetie Belle gestured herself with a hoof "- doing the a little over half of the paperwork, along with monitoring our locations via visitation, I tend to have a full schedule when our classes begin and return from school. Not to mention the specialty everything for, Twilight's Friendship school. It's also not easy being a third-part co-owner with these two," Sweetie Belle teased, gesturing all of Apple Bloom and Scootaloo.
"Hey. I am a fantastic business partner if I do say so myself,' said Scootaloo, taking a quick puff of her cigar just to make another little smoke cloud. "I even got the cigar to prove it. Cigars are a pure representation of class and buisnessness."
Apple Bloom nodded slowly, unassured of her friends choice of wording. "Ah-huh. Buisnessness. Guess we can't put it anyway better than that," she replied sarcastically to Scootaloo.
Spike, Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle sat at the depot for a few more moments exchanging words with one another. They continued on about the Cutie Mark Crusade schools the girls started a while back and how they hope to expand if proven successful. And as the conversation drew to an end another one began in it's place. The hands of time had turned on the the station and the whistle of a train ready to depart had sounded. Hooves and talons raced passed the Spike and company to catch their respective trains before departure. The oncoming masses of last minute passengers racing towards the them was the signal for Spike and the rest of his friends to continue on with their day.
After barely escaping the stampede of rampaging pony families, dessert hound tourists and business ponies or griffins with their lives intact, possibly an exaggeration but important none the less, Spike began to plan the day ahead. Or at least all of the day he could control until they got to Canterlot later in the day. First on Spike's mind was to pick up Peewee from Magnifique Grooming, second would be picking up a gift from a friend at Through the Ages and last but not least, if time permitted, grab a small bit of carnivorous goodness at a diner here in Canterlot. And possibly stopping here or there for a visit with his friends around the city. Spike nodded to himself, approving of his plan of action.
Having their own plans and stops in mind before the party, Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle left together leaving Spike to his own devices, Apple Bloom not having left without a peck on the cheek first. With a route in mind Spike made way to Magnifique Grooming, a well known and popular pet grooming salon and day care of sorts that offer a variety of services regarding pets of all shapes and sizes. Within reason of course. It was snooty, expensive and other more 'Elite' customers tended to disapprove of his presence, but the owner was a very kind older mare that knew a thing or two about taking care of many types of avian. Peewee deserved the best after all.
The day Peewee returned was a happy one for Spike. Spike could reminisce and lose himself in fondful memories of his phoenix companion, or he could make haste and just go pick him up from the caretaker. A more reasonable idea than standing in the middle of the street looking like an imbecile. And so off he went.
Spike's walk through the streets to Canterlot Market Plaza was refreshing. The feeling of the cool mountainous air flowing against your scales, or fur he imagined, was wonderful. He may be reptilian in nature, and definitely more accepting of hotter and more arid climate, but that gentle cold breezing across his furnace of a body sent slight shivers down his spine. Though in the winter it may be a 'touch' too much for him, the soft cool wind was definitely welcome sometimes.
With each step he took through town Spike's claws clicked on the hard stone surface of the streets. Step after step, click after click, he walked passed the homes and businesses of ponies and other species alike. Eventually, after about a little over half-an-hour of walking through Canterlot, Spike reached his first planned destination, Magnifique Grooming.
The establishment was like most of the buildings in Canterlot, white bricked walls all around with golden window trims and borders. From the base of the building to about two feet up the walls were painted a light purple. With all his time spent with Rarity in the past Spike could make a guess at it being an orchid purple, or maybe even amethyst. Again he was out of practice with color association, having not assisted Rarity in the boutique for a long time. A dark blue cloth canopy covered the doorway and the display window nearby that stretched across building before stopping a few feet from the end. The window had an italicized "M.G." lettering encircled dead center on the window panel.
Peering through the window, Spike noticed that none of the lights were on and there were no pets anywhere inside. No living thing was in the kennels, cages or even the little exercise areas one could see through the window. Confused as to why the shop wasn't open during it's normal hours Spike looked at the door to find a note or sign of sorts. And a note there was. Nailed to the door of the Magnifique Grooming was a note left by the owner, Silver Care.
Dear Darlings,
I regret to inform you I have had a family emergency in Baltimare and must close the shop until I return in a couple of weeks. I have sent out letters and such as to inform you of this matter personally and to notify you to have your pets/companions/friends picked up at your earliest possible convenience. I sincerely apologize for this inconvenience and wish you the best during my leave.
Yours Truly, Silver Care
Regarding, Spike the Dragon. Your feathered companion, Peewee, was picked up after his session by, Miss Twilight Sparkle and shall be at Canterlot Castle awaiting your arrival. I apologize in advance for any bother I have placed upon you and hope to see you soon after my personal business is dealt with. Happy Birthday, Spike Deary.
The confused and annoyed look Spike once had was replaced with a soft smile. Well, he was still slightly irritated discovering he made the entire trip here for nothing. Other than that however, Spike was peachy. Hopefully his other stops would be more fruitful than the former, or at least not be a waste of time.
And to Spike's displeasure, they were not successful. Not in the least. Time passed and his next few stops had been met with similar results, a note on the front door explaining the absence of whom he was planning to meet along with their apologies and a Happy Birthday to him. It was frustrating. Spike really wanted to at least stop by Through the Ages to see his friend, but she wasn't there. Spike finally just gave up from all the frustration and decided to call it an afternoon. Even going as far as skipping his favorite carnivore joint and heading to Canterlot Castle. But Spike couldn't stay angry for long. His friends, his family, were waiting for him inside the castle. And he couldn't wait.
Spike charged through the stone streets and districts of Canterlot, scaring some passers-by as his dragon-sized frame "rampaged" through the city. He dodged vendor stalls that dotted Canterlot, rounded the corners of a few buildings and trod lightly around any and all ponies in his path to the best of his abilities. Amazingly he only nipped a corner or two during his trek through the white walled city... and may have possibly tripped over a banana cart. But what happens in the streets of Canterlot, stay in the streets of Canterlot.
Half-an-hour passed as Spike zoomed through the streets to the castle. His speed not waning, determination driving him ever onward. And then he saw it. In the distance he saw tall white and gold towers rising above the horizon piercing the amber heavens above. Spike was almost there. Another claw closer to his chosen destination.
Eventually the whole of the castle came into Spike's field of view. He was closing in and before he knew it Spike had crossed the smooth stone bridge and passed through the golden arch way into the castle grounds. No longer needing to hurry and run Spike slowed down his pace to a walk, passing stallions and mares donned in golden armor ornamented with stars and alicorn designs as he ventured deeper into the castle. He also noticed passing some ponies with darker fur, more noticeably having bat-like wings that were not unlike those of a dragon's or bat's, and cobalt armor with various shades of blue and silver.
And finally Spike had arrived. Well, he still had to go inside and find his friends, but one step at a time. Spike made his way through the courtyard, exchanging greetings and small pleasantries with the royal guardsmen and whomever he passed along the way. It wasn't long until he stood inside the spacious foyer of the castle. You would think with how often Spike has ventured through this castle that he would tire of it's appearance. But Spike did not. He was very fond of the orchid colored walls, the long red rugs and the checkered tiled floors that branched through the castle. Many memories were made here in the castle.
The banquet hall was Spike’s next step in his personal quest. Having attended many parties inside the ban had been there many times before and had no problem navigating the maze-like halls of the castle to find it. A turn here and a turn there and he was another hallway down. Each hallway filled with various paintings of ponies and locations, some historical figures and places and some of Celestia and Luna. Maids cleaned and tidied up the paintings and other various decorations throughout the halls of the castle.
After rounding one last corner, Spike was in the hall leading to the tawny colored banquet hall door. Spike could hear a diversity of voices coming from the other side of the door. Sniff. Sniff. Using his naturally strong sense of smell Spike tried to cheat and guess who all were attending his party that he could. But was it really cheating if it was his natural dragon sense of smell? Either way it didn’t work. Somepony must’ve put a charm preventing a particular dragon from ruining the surprise. Now where was the fun in that?
Making his way to the door at the end of the hall Spike heard a wider variety of voices varying in tones in the other room. Spike wasn’t expecting anypony more than his friends from Ponyville and the Princesses. How many ponies were invited? Before an answer could be guesstimated his claws clicked hard against the floor just before the door and the voices were hushed. Not a peep more was heard beyond the light brown door. A deep breath later and Spike pushed open the doors to the banquet hall. And a see, or maybe just a large lake, of ponies filled his view.
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!"
Spike stood in the entry as he was bombarded with sound and light. All of his closest friends and family gathered here to celebrate his birthday with him. His friends from Ponyville, Manehattan and many of the places he visited were here as well. Of course Twilight, Celestia and Luna, Cadence, Apple Bloom and everypony of his inner circle was here but there was some many others it was a full fledged party in the room. His mom and dad were smiling and waving at him from across the room, Pinkie shooting confetti and cake everywhere as she grinned from ear to ear and just overall everyone was here smiling and waving him a Happy Birthday. All these different ponies gathered here to celebrate his birthday. Albeit a late party because his actual birthday had passed, but still good none the less. And now the party had begun.
