Saving Friendships

“What about Jewelry?” Spike said to his friends Scootaloo and Apple Bloom.

“Dude, what kind of jewelry can you afford that would impress a pony whose sister can find diamonds in her backyard?”

“Mmmm… diamonds!”

“Spike, focus,” Apple Bloom said.

Spike was walking around in the Puddinghead Shopping Center with Scootaloo and Apple Bloom. After the last day of school they snuck off together without Sweetie Belle. Spike wanted to find a Hearth’s Warming gift for Sweetie Belle, and Apple Bloom and Scootaloo agreed to help him. Spike still isn’t sure why Sweetie Belle is still upset at him. He said sorry over a dozen times and even displayed his remorse with kind gestures but they still weren’t enough to waver her scorn. Scootaloo was tickled by the whole situation and couldn’t believe that Spike was that dense. Apple Bloom just wanted to see how they would eventually hook up. They both really wanted to help him because he is a nice dragon. But they also promised Sweetie Belle that they would not tell Spike about her feelings for him.

“Now think, Spike,” Apple Bloom continued. “We’re dealing with a rich pony who can buy anything she wants.”

“Her folks can probably buy this whole mall,” Scootaloo joked.

“Exactly! So material thangs might not work for her. You’re gonna have think outside the box!”

“No material stuff…” Spike said as he drifted off into thought. “Maybe I could take her somewhere.”

“Yeah, like on a date,” Scootaloo said, as Apple Bloom nudged her.

“Well, maybe,” Spike said. “What’s open on Hearth’s Warming Day? Probably nothing. And I’ve never been on a date before. Not even with… well that doesn’t matter, now.”

“C’mon, how bad can it be?”

“I don’t know the first thing about dates. I’m 12 years old!”

“We know all about em,” Apple Bloom said as she began leading Spike toward the food court. “C’mon, we’re gonna do a simulation right now.”

Spike and Apple Bloom sat at an empty table. Scootaloo came to their table with soft pretzels and served them as if she were a waitress.

“Your pretzels, are served,” Scootaloo said in a French accent. “Today’s special sauce is Dijon Mustard with a hint of melted cheese de nacho. Would the fine lady and sir be having that, this evening?”

“But its 3:47 in the afternoon,” Spike said.

“Spike play along,” Apple Bloom whispered to break character. “Ahem, the sir will be ordering for the table.”

“Me? Okay. Um, what do you want Apple Bloom.”

“No, Spike. You have to order for the both of us. And stop calling me Apple Bloom. Ah’m Sweetie Belle.”

“Okay. We’ll both have the special sauce and a lemon-lime soda… right?”

“Yes,” Apple Bloom said in her best Sweetie Belle voice. “Make mine a diet, please.”

“Fine choices, monsieurs,” Scootaloo said as she took her leave. “You cheapskates better pay me back for the soda.”

“Okay, now this is the part where you complement me on mah outfit,” Apple Bloom whispered out of character again.

“Um, you look nice?”

“Spike you’re not even trying.”

“Well, this doesn’t feel right to me. I don’t know how to order for the table or anything. This is crazy.”

“Spike, c’mon. Just give it a chance. Sweetie Belle likes mushy stuff like this.”

“Idunno, it just feels weird to me. I’m just gonna go home.”

Spike left the food court right before Scootaloo returned with condiments and refreshments. As he left the mall to go to the bus stop a cool breeze brushed the exposed scales on his cheeks. It reminded him of the chilly breeze he felt on Nightmare Night. It reminded him of Babs Seed. It was a bittersweet thought like something he had that’s now lost forever. It is why he felt like leaving. The thought of engaging in romantic activities, mocked or otherwise, made Spike uncomfortable. He still had feelings for Babs. He wondered how she was doing. He hasn’t heard back from his brother Shining Armor about her. Spike sighed and continued to the bus stop.

As he walked he noticed a pony looking around in the parking lot. The pony looked familiar to him but he couldn’t tell because of how covered up she was. The wind blew the pony’s hat off to reveal who it was. Spike was surprised to see Sweetie Belle, of all ponies, frantically surveying the parking lot while carrying a purple and green gift bag. Spike rushed to see if he could assist her.

“Sweetie Belle?” Spike addressed. “Are you lost or something?”

“No,” she yelled. “I mean, yes. No, I mean- what are you doing here? You weren’t supposed to see me!”

“What are you- Oh yeah, that’s right. You’re still mad at me for being a jerk to you. I’m sorry. I’ll just leave then.”

“Wait, seriously?” Sweetie Belle questioned. “If you think that’s why I’m mad at you then you’re never gonna get it. You seriously don’t know why I’ve been giving you the silent treatment?”

“Oh crap, I did something else, didn’t I? I’m sorry Sweetie Belle but I can’t remember what I did. Please understand that I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings. Is there anything I can do to convince you to forgive me so that we can be friends again?”

Sweetie Belle froze in the snow. This wasn’t exactly what she wanted. She was counting on Spike to make a grand gesture but she would have honestly been fine with anything. Spike has treated her extra nice lately and the attention she received from him was more than what she could ask for. She was enjoying watching him suffer a little. That is why she decided to give up her grudge and buy him a video game for Hearth’s Warming. Sweetie Belle was going to surprise him the next time she saw him.

However, Sweetie Belle found herself in an interesting predicament. She realized that she could get Spike to do anything for him. She could’ve told Spike to buy her a locket, something she always dreamed her admirer would gift her. She could’ve also told him to take her out on a date, something she was hoping Spike would’ve done by now. Sweetie Belle then considered telling the truth. She has let Spike suffered enough. She was also dying to know if Spike wanted to share his feelings about her. Sweetie Belle couldn’t decide. She shook her head and took a deep breath and decided on none of those things. She decided to let him off easy and give him his gift.

“Spike, I-” Sweetie Belle started before being interrupted.

“What if I took you out somewhere?” Spike blurted out, almost unintentionally. “I can’t believe I said that so loudly. Sorry.”

Sweetie Belle became wide eyed by the surprising outburst. It was like an act of providence. On the surface, Sweetie Belle was still frozen in the snow, but inside her head there was a choir of little Sweetie Belles singing Glory Hallelujah.

“Yes please,” Sweetie muttered.

“What was that?” Spike asked.

“Ahem, I said yes, that sounds lovely.”

“Great! When are you free?”

“I’m free now. I could get my chauffeur to drive us anywhere, that is, if I could find where he said to meet him. I left my phone in the car.”

“Here, use mine,” Spike said as he gave her his cell phone.

“Thanks, Spike.”

Sweetie Belle called her driver to pick them up where they were. They got in the back seat together and sat for a second looking at each other. Winchester, the chauffeur, entered the driver’s seat and awaited Sweetie Belle’s request.

“Winchester, could you hold on a second?” Sweetie Belle sweetly asked. “We need to decide where we’re going.”

“Yes, young madame,” said the polite driver.

“So what are you in a mood for?” Spike asked. “I have to admit, I only have 50 bits on me.”

“Well, where do you eat out?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“Me? Well, Idunno if you’re gonna like it.”

“Tell me, Spike. I’ll try anything, once.”

“Well, there’s this taco stand by school, right? I’m pretty cool with the cook there. She let’s me order nachos with anything I want on it. If I asked for chicken and rubies, she’ll put it on there with sour cream and cheese and it only costs 5 bits!”

“Chicken?”

“I’m sure she can substitute that with lettuce.”

“Hmm… okay. Winchester, take us by the school, please.”

“Yes, young madame,” said again by the polite driver.

The black car rode off toward Canterlot High School for the third time that day. Sweetie Belle and Spike smiled at each other with excitement. Spike was happy that he was finally making progress with Sweetie Belle. She felt the same way about him in more ways than one. It didn’t take long for Winchester to help set the mood. Sweetie Belle has told him of a young dragon she sort of had a crush on. He turned on some soothing jazz music to help break the ice. But neither of them said a word to each other on the way to there. Sweetie Belle was happy that Winchester tried to help but it only made things awkward.

The car pulled up right next to the said taco stand. Spike wanted to do something to make Sweetie Belle feel more comfortable. He asked her if he could be excused to talk to the proprietor of the taco stand and she excitedly agreed. Spike was let out of the car. He went over to the stand that seemed to be empty. He knew someone was there because the small sombrero that said “open” was on the counter. Spike rang the service bell to talk to the owner.

“Just a minute,” said a mare’s voice, as rummaging could be heard from the other side of the counter. Thunder and lightning flashed as a shadowy figure erupted from behind the counter. It was Trixie Lulamoon, a classmate of Twilight’s. She was wearing a sombrero with a apron and fake mustache.

“Behold the culinary might of the great and powerful Trixie! Welcome to Taco Spell. How may I, the great Taco Wizard, enchant your taste buds today?”

“Trixie, it’s me, Spike!”

“Oh. Come back for a third helping, I see.”

“Actually, I’m on a date with another pony, right now. I was wondering if you could whip us up something special.”

“Ha! You wretch. How dare a cretin such as yourself demand anything special from me, THE GREAT AND POWERFUL TACO WIZARD, TRIXIE! What would my other customers think?”

“Uh, aren’t I your only customer?”

“Not anymore. I served the Principal after school, today. She was going to come shut me down until I offered her a nacho plate… THAT I’VE CURSED WITH A MOST POWERFUL AND ANCIENT… um… CURSE! AAHA HA HA HA! She agreed to let me stay open but I can’t serve during school hours anymore. Soon, my Taco Spell empire will take off and I’ll be able to rule Equestria!”

“C’mon Trixie. Give me a break, just this once?”

“Well I suppose I owe you big time for getting me your sister’s Magic Theory notes. I would’ve failed that class if it wasn’t for that. Very well. On one condition: I must have your sister’s school photo.”

“For what?”

“FOR NO PARTICULAR REASON AT ALL! AAHA HA HA HA!”

“Um, okay?” Spike said as he gave her a photo that he had in his wallet.

“Now, be gone. I shall prepare a meal for two and deliver it, personally.”

Spike did as she said and returned to the car. Trixie slowly sunk behind the counter and began cutting up the picture. She pinned it to a cloth pony toy where its face should be, making it appear as if the toy pony was supposed to be Twilight. She had one already made with her face on it and many others with the students from CHS on them.

“There,” she said. “Now we can begin. Ahem… Oh Trixie,” she continued in her worst Twilight impression. “You are so talented and beautiful. Here take my alicorn wings. You are more deserving of them.”

Trixie took a pair of toy wings off of the Twilight doll and placed them on the Trixie doll.

“How right you are, you foolish unicorn,” Trixie said with her Trixie doll. “Now into the dungeon with you.”

Trixie then placed the Twilight doll in the small freezer she had.

“I suppose I should get started on their food, now.”

Trixie began preparing a large plate of nachos using her magic to move everything around. She was quite skillful in doing so. Meanwhile, Spike and Sweetie Belle sat in the back of the car. There was still a dead silence between them. Sweetie Belle thought of a clever way to get Spike to be more comfortable around her.

“It’s funny,” she started. “A minute ago we were talking normally but now that we’re on a date we’re nervous.”

“Yeah,” Spike nervously chuckled. “Wait, you’re nervous, too?”

“Yeah a little. This is my first date.”

“Really? Apple Bloom and Scootaloo never mentioned that.”

“Why would they?”

“Well, earlier we were at the mall looking for something to get you for Hearth’s Warming and they thought you’d like a date so we tried doing a simulation of one. I’ve never been on a date either.”

“Really? That’s so cute, Spike. But I’d be careful taking advice from those two. They don’t know the first thing about romance- I mean, dates.”

“Yeah, I kind of figured. What were you doing at the mall?”

“Oh, well, I was buying a gift for someone.”

“Oh, cool. Is it for your mom or something?”

“Actually, it’s for you.”

“For me?”

“Yeah. I’ve been kind of rough on you and I wanted to get you something to show that I was sorry. So I got you that video game you’ve wanted.”

Sweetie gave Spike the gift bag she had and watched as he saw what it was. There were several games Spike wanted for Hearth’s Warming. He was anxious to see which one she got him. Spike gasped at the sight of the game case.

“You got me the new Power Ponies game: Knights of Maretropolis!?” he yelled before rushing to give Sweetie Belle a hug. “But wait. This is for the MareStation 4. I only have the MareStation 3.”

“You do have it. I mean you will have it soon. I kind of called your mom and found out what games you were getting for Hearth’s Warming.”

“Aw sweet! I’m gettin a MareStation 4! Thanks Sweetie Belle. I probably should’ve waited for the surprise, huh?”

“Don’t tell your mom I spoiled the surprise for you. I don’t want her to hate me.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll just act surprise. It’ll be our little secret.”

Suddenly a knock at the car door was heard. Sweetie Belle rolled down her window to see Winchester waiting to speak with her.

“Yes Winchester?” she said.

“Your food, young ma-”

“Be gone with you, fool!” Trixie interrupted. “This is my job. Ahem, your food, you miserable heathens.” Trixie passed a large steaming platter of cheesy nachos to Spike and Sweetie Belle. It had melted cheese, sour cream, lettuce, guacamole, salsa, and zesty pico de gallo. The mouth-watering aroma filled the car in an instant. “That’ll be 20 bits.” Spike reluctantly gave 20 bits to Trixie who smiled and said “Fool. I would’ve done it for free, AAHA HA HA HA!”

Spike pressed the button to roll up the window on Trixie.

“She can get pretty annoying sometimes,” Spike said as he looked over to Sweetie Belle who already started eating the nachos.

“Sorry, Spike,” Sweetie Belle stopped gorging to say. “It smells so good and I was so hungry. I couldn’t help myself.”

“Save some for me!”

The two friends ate the cheesy delicacy together. Each could care less about the mess they had on their faces. They smiled and laughed at each other when they stop eating to look at each other. In the laughter Spike accidently let out a small belch. He quickly covered his mouth in embarrassment. Sweetie Belle decided to let out a belch of her own. It was bigger than Spike’s. Spike was very impressed that a pony like Sweetie Belle could summon a bodily function like that. But Spike didn’t want to be outdone by a filly. Spike summoned a belch from deep within. When released, Spike’s green flames erupted from his mouth with it. Sweetie Belle laughed at the adorable sight. They were having fun together. Nothing else mattered.

After they finished the plate they both sat next to each other and chatted about their families. Spike was telling Sweetie Belle a story about how he got in a fight with his sister Twilight.

“Yeah and then she threw her books at me,” Spike was saying. “All because I put one of her books back out of order on her shelf. She’s gonna be the meanest librarian one day.”

“Wow,” Sweetie Belle laughed. “And I thought I had bad sister problems. My sister wouldn’t even let me into her room without making an appointment.”

“Whoa! Harsh.”

“You’re telling me! But she’s nice when she wants to be. I just wish it was more often.”

“My sister might be a pain sometimes, but she still takes care of me. She helped me a lot with my homework and stuff and she always makes sure I stay out of trouble. She really is a good sister.”

“She sounds like an awesome sister, Spike. Much nicer than mine.”

“Does your sister go to our school anymore?” Spike asked. “Sorry if I’m being rude. It’s just that I haven’t seen her around since the party.”

“It’s okay. I was getting pretty worried about her, too, until she showed up after school one day with a missing tooth! She’s fine, though. She’s at our lake house. Her friend Pinkie Pie isn’t feeling too well.”

“Oh. I’m sorry to hear that.”

“It’s okay. I’m sure she’ll be alright.”

Another knock was heard at the window. It was Trixie, again. She had a request for Spike.

“Excuse me, you two,” she began. "But will you be needing anything else from THE GREAT AND POWERFUL TACO WIZARD?”

“No thanks, Trixie,” Spike said.

“Good, because I’m about to close shop and I have a favor to ask: Me and some friends are about to LARP and two of them flaked out… actually all of them did. I need you and your friend to help me so I can post it on my TubeYou channel, tonight.”

“Ah sweet! I’ve always wanted to LARP with you guys! Oh wait,” he said as he turned to his date. “Do you want to LARP with us?”

“What’s LARP?

“Live Action Role Play. We act like wizards and warriors and stuff. Wanna play?”

“Can I be a princess?”

“Princess?” Trixie questioned. “Princess of what? Warrior Princess? Water Sprite Princess? You must be more specific. I cater to a serious fantasy audience.”

“Do you have costumes?” Spike asked.

“But of course. Follow me to my chambers and I shall see what fits you. And bring your servant with you. We have a long trek ahead of us. We must cross the great divide but only I know the way across.”

Sweetie Belle, Spike, and Winchester followed Trixie to her taco stand. With a shrinking spell Trixie used her magic to miniaturize her stand to a size no bigger than an apple. She then placed the stand in her moneybox and carried it along with her. Trixie lives right behind the school. She can easily get to her house by crossing the fenced alley that separates the residential homes from the school parking lot. When they approached the fence Trixie used her magic to create a doorway for them to walk through. In about 10 steps they found themselves in Trixie’s backyard.

Trixie Lulamoon is a pony with a very active imagination. To her everything is a fantasy game. She dreamed of being a great wizard whose magic prowess would be unrivaled. But her delusion sometimes gets the best of her. She doesn’t have a lot of friends because she often finds a way to scare ponies away from her. She is a decent magic user but she lacks concentration and power. Spike met her one day after school and he tried her food and instantly became hooked. He actually likes some of the things Trixie talks about. He would sometimes watch her and her LARP friends play and wishes one day that he could join them. He considers her group to be more his speed.

Trixie led her guests to her room. It was dark and dingy like a dungeon. Magic books and charms and scaled down sculptures of dragons and pony wizards decorated her shelves and desk. The floor was the only part of her room that looked normal. It was carpeted but it was very messy. Piles of clothes and paper were lain carelessly everywhere. There was a section of her room that was more neatly kept. There, a clothes rack full of costumes stood by a large box of paper mache weapons.

“Choose your destiny, fools,” Trixie said. “And hurry. I have to create profiles for all of you.”

Spike, Sweetie Belle, and Winchester searched the clothes rack for a costume to wear. Winchester was less enthused than the other two. Spike was the first to find his costume. He wore a paper mache helmet with a cape and sword.

“State your name, occupation, and backstory,” Trixie said.

“I am Elon, the Brave,” Spike triumphantly decreed. “I’m a wandering warrior in search of my past. For, you see, I am the last of my kind and the only clue I have are my dragon breath and this ancient talisman that I’m always had with me.”

Spike held up a necklace with a bright orange stone as a charm.

“That is a phoenix stone,” Trixie said. “If the wearer is slain the stone would revive them, but it can only work once. Very interesting, considering only one tribe can produce such a thing. Very good. Who’s next?”

Sweetie Belle stepped from behind the clothes rack to reveal herself. Spike and Trixie were amazed by her outfit. She wore a white silk dress with trinkets and jewelry affixed to it. She also wore a decorative headpiece that she pinned to her hair. The weapon she chose was a staff.

“How do I look?” Sweetie said.

“Wow,” Spike said.

“Yeah, what he said,” Trixie agreed. “I didn’t even know I possessed such a beautiful mage costume.”

“I did a few adjustments to this dress. I hope you don’t mind.”

“Not at all!” Trixie said. “So who are you.”

“I’m Sweetie Belle.”

“No, you have to make up a name. Use your imagination.”

“Okay… I’m… Juniper… um, Love...stone. Yeah, Juniper Lovestone but my friends call me Juni for short!”

“Okay, and what do you do for money?”

“I don’t know. Dance?”

“Hmmm… let me finish the rest for you. You’re Juniper Lovestone. You’re a priestess who is versed in healing magic. You were tutored by the great Verselot in the Grand Temple of Asura. You were his prized pupil. He was a powerful priest until I THE GREAT AND POWERFUL TACO- I mean- DARK WIZARD, killed him. And now you seek revenge. Okay?”

“Okay…,” Sweetie Belle said as she stood next to Spike. Spike couldn’t take his eyes off of her. Sweetie Belle put a lot of effort into her costume because she liked to look nice, a trait she picked up from her sister. The way she tied her hair showed the fullness of her face. Spike was attracted to her chubby cheeks and elegant neck. “Spike stop staring. It’s embarrassing.”

“Sorry,” he said. “ You look really pretty.”

“Thanks,” Sweetie said while blushing.

“And the servant?” Trixie beckoned.

Winchester stepped from behind the clothes rack wearing novelty cat ears and a mustache. His weapon of choice was a knife. He did not look very thrilled to be apart of the game.

“And who might you be?” Trixie asked.

“I’m Mr. Cat,” he huffed. “Apparently, I’m a cat. I do cat things. I’m from Catopia…”

“And?”

“Really? Um,... And I need to get back home to my family. There.”

“Very good. Now my turn.”

Trixie went to her closet instead of going to the clothes rack. She closed the closet doors behind her. After a few seconds of rummaging around she emerged from her closet wearing an elaborate robe and wizard hat while carrying a mysterious purple book.

“BEHOLD,” she bellowed. “I AM RAVA THE GREAT AND POWERFUL DARK WIZARD. I have casted a dark veil upon this land and you three were chosen to try and stop me. We’ll play in my backyard. Snowballs are projectiles. No aiming for the face. Got it?”

The LARP players entered the backyard and began setting up the battlefield. The battle began and Trixie started throwing snowballs at them while calling out her spells. Sweetie Belle did the same as well. She couldn’t believe how much fun she was having. Winchester only stood and watched. He had no interest in participating. Spike was in his element. He tactfully reached Trixie’s tower and managed to topple it, bringing Trixie down to the ground. It wasn’t long before they were able to call victory. Sweetie Belle couldn’t believe it was over already. She insisted that they continued playing. Winchester decided to return to the car and wait for Sweetie Belle and her company to return.

After about another hour, Spike and Sweetie Belle left and returned to the car. They were still wearing the costumes. Trixie wanted them to keep them as long as they returned to play with her again. They happily agreed. Sweetie Belle ordered Winchester to take them to Spike’s home. The two laughed as the recounted the events of the LARP game.

When they arrived in front of his house Sweetie Belle exited the car with Spike to walk him to his door. They were still laughing and speaking as if they were still role-playing. The fun times came to an end once they’d found themselves in front of Spike’s door.

“Well, here I am,” Spike said.

“Here you are,” Sweetie Belle reiterated. “Hey Spike, thanks for showing me a good time. I know I’m nothing like Babs Seed.”

“You’re right. You are nothing like her. You are a lot more fun! I want to thank you, actually. Not only for the gift and the ride, but thanks for being my friend again. I was really worried that I upset you.”

“Spike. I really want to apologize for that. I was being stupid because the truth is… I was jealous of Babs. I felt that she was taking you away from us and I was upset that you decided to date her.”

“Why would you be jealous of her?”

“You’re really gonna make me say it, huh? Spike... I like you.”

“Wait, you like me? Like, like me, like me?”

Sweetie Belle nodded yes to him.

“Oh,... ooOOoohh… It all makes sense, now.”

“Well? What do you have to say about that?”

“Sweetie Belle, I don’t know what to say,” Spike said while trying to avoid eye contact with Sweetie Belle. “I definitely like you a lot, too. But I don’t know if I’m ready to move on yet. Everything is still fresh and confusing to me and I don’t want to mess things up, especially with you and me.”

“I understand,” Sweetie Belle said after a sigh of relief. “That makes me feel better to hear that. I want you to know that you have friends that are hear to help. And when you are ready, maybe you can ask me on another date?”

“It’s a deal,” Spike said as he extended his claw to shake Sweetie Belle’s hoof. “Until then, friends?”

Sweetie Belle snuck a kiss from Spike on his lips before offering her hoof to him.

“Now we’re friends. Technically we were still on a date. I wasn’t going to end it without a kiss.”

Sweetie Belle left Spike at the porch. Before taking off she waved to him from her car. Spike was overwhelmed with confusing thoughts. He did not want the night to end. He actually wanted to say that he wanted to start a romantic relationship with Sweetie Belle. After spending time with her, he saw that she was more than the sweet girly mare he thought she was. She actually was a pretty cool mare who isn’t afraid to have fun, no matter what. There was a dork in Sweetie Belle and he liked it. But he knew he did the right thing, despite hating it. The thought of Babs has crossed his mind a dozen times a day since he last saw her.

When Sweetie Belle’s car was out of sight, Spike took out his keys to open the door. Before her could put his key in the lock the door swung open. Spike was greeted by a flash of light and two eager newlyweds to be. Shining Armor opened the door for his fiancé to take a picture of Spike.

“There’s our little Casanova,” Cadence said.

“Spike you sly dog,” Shining Armor added.

“Wha-?”

“Sorry champ. We were spying on ya.”

“Can you blame us?” Cadence said as she viewed the picture taken. “We’ve been here all day drinking eggnog and watching movies.”

“We were waiting for mom and dad to come back so we can start decorating the house,” Shining Armor explained. “But they’re not here yet.”

“Okay...” Spike said.

“But enough about us. Who that pretty little filly?”

“She’s just a friend,” Spike nervously conveyed. “Her name is Sweetie Belle.”

“Sweetie Belle!” Cadence said. “That sure is a cute name. But since when do friends kiss each other on the lips?”

“You saw that?”

“We saw everything, champ,” Shining said. “Oh wait, hey honey can you make us a couple of hot chocolates?”

“Fine,” Cadence said with a sigh. Shining Armor waited for her to leave before continuing.

“Now that it’s just us guys, I thought I’d share some info with you.”

“Please don’t tell me about birds and the bees again,” Spike pleaded.

“No, it’s not that. It’s information about your other little friend, Barbra Seed.

“Babs? What happened? Is she okay?”

“Well, Spike, it doesn’t look good. Her court date was yesterday and she pleaded guilty to selling those drugs they found on her. She was sent to the Tartarus Correctional Facility.”

“She’s going to jail?” Spike shouted.

“Well, she’ll be in the juvie block, but essentially…”

“For how long?

“Seven years. She was facing 12 years. Apparently this was her fourth offense. But my buddy was defending her case so that was the best they could do.”

“But why? She was framed!” Spike said as he recalled the lie he told his brother.

“She said something totally different, Spike. She said that she was the only one selling those pills. It’s not that they didn’t believe your testimony. This was a confession straight from the horse’s mouth.”

Spike was silent. So many thoughts were storming around in his head. He felt sorry for Babs. He didn’t know she got in trouble before. But he was mostly concerned about why she confessed that it was her and only her who sold the drugs. All of this time he was afraid that she might have resented him for turning her over to the police. He felt that he was trying to do some good by stretching the truth when he told Shining Armor what happened the first time. For her to confess something different troubled Spike.

“Something else happened, too,” Shining Armor continued. “Barbra’s mother came by today. She told me to make sure you get this letter. I think it may explain some things.”

Shining Armor gave Spike the letter. Spike opened it after his brother left to get some hot chocolate. The letter consisted of one flimsy page full of sloppy penmanship and bad grammar. This was the first time Spike has read anything written from Babs. He read the letter as he walked up to his room.

Dear Spike

If you readin this letter you prolly know that I’m doin time now. I’m turning myself in. I aint gettin away with this with a slap on the hoof. I figured if I confess they might go easy on me. I’m not gonna tell them bout everythin else. I deserve this.

Listen babes, you were right. This was to big for us. And you were to big for me. I was a real mean to ya and you were jest tryin to look out for me. No guy has eva stuck his neck out for me. in the end you were my only true friend. So I’m sorry for bein a buckin bitch, babes.

You don’t have to apol- say sorry to me or even talk to me. But if there is one thing I could ask from yous is that you take care of my old lady. She’s gonna be kinda lonely with me bein gone. I undastand if that’s to much to ask. If anything thanks for takin a chance on me, Spike

Take care of yourself

Babs.

“Well, at least she’s not mad at me,” Spike said to himself in relief. “But why do I still feel like crap?”

Spike finally found himself in his room. He placed his gift from Sweetie Belle along with his coat and hat by the door and began taking off his costume. It was true that he was relieved that Babs didn’t resent him. Spike believed that Babs was trying to do the right thing. He was sad that he didn’t get a chance to say goodbye. He decided that he would write her back, immediately. He didn’t want to lose a friend, especially like that.

Spike heard someone coming inside the front door downstairs. From the voices he could tell that it was Twilight. He thought he could get some pointers on writing a letter to a friend. His writing skills aren’t as keen as his sister’s. He waited until she came upstairs before heading to go greet her with his inquires.

Twilight entered her room and put her ice skates away and began writing a page in her journal for Sunset Shimmer. She was writing about how her friends were upset with each other and how she planned on getting them back on good terms. Word after word she explained her plans on what to do. A paragraph formed on paper in under s minute. Twilight heard a knock at her door and without looking up from her desk she allowed her guest to enter.

“Who is it?” Twilight called.

“Hey, Twilight, it’s me, Spike. Can I ask for your help on something?”

“Sure, come in.”

“Thanks. I’m writing a letter to a friend and I don’t know how to format it.”

“Don’t you mean your girlfriend?”

“You’ve been talking to Shining Armor and Cadence, I guess.”

“I think its very cute that my little brother has girl problems,” Twilight said as she looked up from her desk to make baby faces at Spike.

“C’mon, cut that out. She’s just my friend.”

“Friends don’t kiss friends on the lips, Spike.”

“Wait, no, she’s my gir- what I mean is that wasn’t- geez, what am I trying to say here? The girl that kissed me today is the girl I’m dating, sort of, and the girl I’m writing to used to be my girlfriend but now we’re just friends. She’s going away and this is the only way I can keep in touch with her.”

Twilight stopped writing in her journal. She could not believe that Spike’s issue was as simple as he explained it. It raised more questions than clarified.

“Wait just a second, here,” Twilight began. “Since when were you dating? And who are these girlfriends of yours?”

“Um, Babs Seed and Sweetie Belle?” Spike whispered.

“I remember Sweetie Belle. But who is this Babs Seed?”

“She’s this pony who got into some trouble and now she has to pay for it. She’s going to juvie.”

“Oh,” Twilight said in a more consoling tone. “I’m really sorry to hear that. I know what its like to have someone you care for be sent away like that.”

“You do?”

“More than you think, Spike. But it’s nice that you’re still trying to keep in touch with her.”

“Idunno, Twilight. I don’t think Sweetie Belle would like it. I think she really wants me and her to be boyfriend and girlfriend and she told me she was jealous of Babs.”

“Well, yeah nopony wants to hear that their significant other is talking to their ex. But she’s your friend, right?”

“Yeah?”

“Talk to Sweetie Belle about it. If you guys are going into a relationship with each other, it’s only fair that you explain these things. I’m sure she’ll understand if you’re calm and sincere about this. Just don’t take advantage of Sweetie Belle’s kindness and two time her, got it?”

“Yeah, you’re right, Twilight. You really are an awesome sister. I told Sweetie Belle that.”

“Aw Spike, that’s so nice of you! Wait, Sweetie Belle is Rarity’s sister right?”

“Yeah?”

“She wouldn’t have happened to mention anything about Rarity, would she? I’ve been trying to get in touch with her and it just occurred to me that I could talk to her little sister!”

“Rarity? Yeah, she told me that she’s at their lake house taking care of that pink pony friend of hers.”

“Taking care of her? What happened to her? Is she sick or something?”

“I’m not sure. Actually, it might be more serious than that.”

Twilight became curious about what Spike said. This was the first she’s heard about Rarity or Pinkie Pie since the party. She remembered something about a lake house from her friends. She thought that she should go ask them about so that she could go check up on Rarity and Pinkie Pie. There was some things Twilight wanted to say to Rarity.

“Thanks for telling me that, Spike,” Twilight said as she closed her journal. “Listen, I’m gonna go to my friend Fluttershy’s house so I might be late for decorating. Just start without me.”

“Sure,” Spike agreed. “But can you show me how to format this letter really quick?”

“Okay, but really quick.”

Twilight assisted her little brother, then got ready to go to her friend’s house. She decided to fly to Fluttershy’s home. She remembered recording the address of Applejack and Fluttershy when she first joined the Event Planning Committee just in case. She plugged her address in her GPS and flew to the coordinates.

Fluttershy didn’t live too far from the school. When Twilight arrived she was a little surprised to see Fluttershy’s home. Her home was very old and in need of renovation. There was an unpleasant smell coming from the house as well. It reeked of animals. A large old tree stood tall on her front lawn. Bird feeders hung from every side of it by its branches. It was dusk and darkness was beginning to set in. The lights were on in and outside of her house. Twilight heard the side door open and saw Fluttershy coming out of it carrying a large bag of feed. She flew toward the backyard and Twilight floated after her.

Fluttershy whistled and called over cats, ferrets, squirrels and her pet rabbit, Angel, to come and feed on the food Fluttershy brought for them. All of the animals seem to enjoy the feed, all except Angel who was very fussy. Fluttershy reached behind her and brought out a large carrot for the particular pet.

Twilight quietly approached Fluttershy from behind. Before giving her self away, she tried to get a good look at her face to see if she was still acting unusual like she was at the park. She seemed normal to Twilight. She decided to say hello to her.

“Hey Fluttershy,” Twilight casually greeted, scaring Fluttershy six feet into the air. “Gosh, I’m sorry Fluttershy. I keep forgetting you’re scared of sudden noises.”

“Oh it’s just you Twilight,” Fluttershy said as she floated down and straitened her mane. “I’m sorry I get scared so easily.”

“You don’t need to apologize for that. Anyway, I just came over to check on you. You kind of left without saying much of anything.”

“Oh. Sorry. I had to go…”

“...Go… where? Home?”

Fluttershy nodded her head yes.

“You had something to do?”

Fluttershy nodded her head yes.

“Are you telling me the truth?”

Fluttershy shook her head no.

“Are you going to tell me the truth?”

Fluttershy stood still while cutting her eyes to and from Twilight.

“Fluttershy, you left the park because you saw Applejack kiss Rainbow Dash, didn’t you?”

Fluttershy reluctantly shook her head yes.

“Do you wanna talk about it? I’m here to help you.”

“Well,” Fluttershy started as she wiped her watering eyes. “You did come all of this way. We can go inside and talk.”

Twilight led Fluttershy into her home through the side door. Fluttershy told Twilight to go down the stairs leading to the basement. Twilight walked down the stairs and saw that the floor was practically covered in beanbags. In the middle of the basement floor a green pony with red dreadlocks sat in the lotus position and chanted Oms with her eyes closed. It was Fluttershy’s friend, Tree Hugger, and she was meditating. Twilight felt a little awkward when she saw her. She felt that she was interrupting her. She made motions to leave back upstairs but Tree Hugger stopped her.

“Where are you going, purple pony sister?” Tree Hugger broke her concentration to say. “Come, sit, and vibe out on the righteous beta waves of the universe with me.”

Twilight polite sat on one of the beanbags and smiled.

“I’m called Tree Hugger. I’m a good friend of Fluttershy’s.”

“Oh I’m called, I mean, my name is Twilight Sparkle. I know Fluttershy from school.”

“Oh, yeah I remember you. Nice to see you awake. Your aura speaks to me. I can tell you’re a good pony. Are you here to help Fluttershy out of her funk? There is a lot of negative energy clouding her heart and she doesn’t want to let go of it! Do you think you can help her?”

“Well I’m here to try.”

“Radical. Well allow me to call upon the benevolent spirits of the cosmos to grant you their everlasting wisdom, so that you can save our friend from despair!”

“Oh, I don’t think that’ll be ness-”

“OH KIND AND BENEVOLENT SPIRITS. I CALL UPON YOU TO HELP SISTER TWILIGHT SPARKLE! GRANT HER YOUR INSIGHT AND WISDOM SO THAT SHE MAY FREE SISTER FLUTTERSHY FROM THE GRASPS OF SORROW!”

Tree Hugger flailed her arms in the air and waved back and forth, yelling and neighing for a couple of minutes. Twilight was almost afraid of her. She leaned back in her bean bag in fright and awe and waited for Tree Hugger to finish her blessing.

“There,” Tree Hugger sighed. “It is done. I’m gonna go smoke a bone. Care to join me in some Chronic Bliss?”

“Um, I’ll pass, thanks,” Twilight declined.

“A wise decision. Later, man.”

“Man?”

Fluttershy began coming down the stairs, holding a platter of herbal tea in her mouth. Tree Hugger politely took her leave to go smoke a joint in the backyard.

“So, that’s Tree Hugger, huh?” Twilight said.

“Oh, yes,” Fluttershy said as she gave Twilight a cup of tea. “Isn’t she funny? I met her at a Animal Rights rally last year. She was homeless so I let her live in my basement. My parents don’t seem to mind, much. She cooks for us all of the time. She makes a yummy celery soup.”

“She seems… nice. But anyways, how are you feeling, though.”

“Oh, Twilight. I feel stupid, dumb, insecure, ugly, and worst of all, alone! How could I ever think I could stand a chance?”

“You mean against Applejack?”

“Yes! I should’ve known. They are perfect for each other. Applejack and Rainbow Dash always hang out together, even without me, sometimes. I’m so foolish.”

“Hey, Fluttershy, don’t be so hard on yourself. Here, drink your tea.”

“Thank you, Twilight,” Fluttershy said as she sipped her tea. “Maybe it was because I’m too submissive. I do act like a doormat, sometimes. Applejack is never like that.”

“Okay, Fluttershy, you need to stop comparing yourself to Applejack. You need to stay true to the pony in you! Be proud of who you are. You’re a very special pony.”

“Not special enough for RAINBOW DASH,” Fluttershy said as she broke out in tears.

Twilight was taken back by Fluttershy’s sudden crying. She realized that this was going to be more challenging than she thought. Fluttershy’s self pity was a bit more than what Twilight could bear. To calm her down, Twilight sat next to Fluttershy and placed her hooves around her. She began rocking her back and forth while humming a nursery rhyme. After around five minutes of more crying, Fluttershy finally calmed down to a conversational tone.

“Thank you, so much Twilight,” Fluttershy said. “I must look pitiful.”

“You look fine Fluttershy,” Twilight returned. “You know, it’s kind of funny. I never would’ve thought of Rainbow Dash as being your type. She seems a bit more on the wild side compared to you!”

“Yeah, I can see your point,” Fluttershy softly chuckled. “But it’s her wildness that attracts me to her. She’s so brave and strong. It’s like nothing can stop her! She’s everything I wish I could be. She has a strong and beautiful body. I’m just sticks and bones wrapped in pony skin. It’s no wonder she has to save me from bullies. She’s just great.”

“Rainbow Dash is a pretty amazing pony. I’m sure she thinks you’re pretty great, too.”

“Then why, Twilight? Why Applejack and not me?”

“I may know the answer to that, Fluttershy. After you left, I talked to Applejack and she explained what happened. Apparently they have history with each other. And I’m not talking about the fact that they’ve been friends for a while. This has happened before, between them.”

“What do you mean?”

“Rainbow Dash… likes Applejack. She always has, ever since middle school. But Applejack won’t return her feelings for whatever reason.”

“Oh, I see,” Fluttershy solemnly said. “It looks like I don’t fit anywhere in that picture.”

“Well Fluttershy, I think that’s probably because you’re not picturing yourself in the picture. Have you even told Rainbow Dash how you feel?”

“Heavens no! I would absolutely die of nervousness!”

“Fluttershy, how could you possibly expect to have a relationship with somepony who doesn’t even know how you feel?”

“It’s not like I haven’t tried! Wait, Applejack told you everything. Maybe you can tell Rainbow Dash for me?”

“Wait, Fluttershy, I don’t think you understand the point here. You have to be the one to tell her. That’s the only way it’ll mean anything to Rainbow Dash.”

“Oh, I can’t, Twilight,” Fluttershy said while groveling at her hooves. "I just can’t. I always freeze up and look stupid. You just gotta tell her for me. I’m ready for her to know!”

Twilight didn’t expect for this to happen. She only intended to pass along what Applejack told her and hope for the best. However, Twilight couldn’t say no to Fluttershy. She was afraid of upsetting her further.

“Well, maybe some time after Hearth’s Warming I could-”

“Why not tomorrow?” Fluttershy eagerly suggested. “I’m that is, if you’re not terribly busy, tomorrow.”

Twilight felt cornered. She had no choice but to accept her request.

“Okay, Fluttershy,” Twilight said. “I’ll talk to her tomorrow. But you should be careful what you ask for.”

“Just knowing that she knows is all I could ever ask for, Twilight. Thank you so very much!”

Author's Note

So we're just about at the end here. Unfortunately, though I'm going to have to put this story on a brief hiatus before completing it. There is a big project I need to focus my time on (wish me luck). As soon as I'm finish I will return to finish this story.