The Duty of Love

by Midnight Sky2

Rating: teen
Tags: Main 6, Gore, Slice of Life, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Dark, Zecora, Sad, Other, Romance, Spike, Rarity, Tragedy
Length: 12983

Six years in the future Spike has finally proposed to Rarity. But, will a war in Equestria separate the happy couple forever?
Cover image by RyuuKiba on deviantart. And a big thanks to CloverSpirits16, RisingComet, and The PURPLE creature as my proof readers!

Published 2012-05-31 09:24:03 UTC
Last updated 2012-09-23 18:28:56 UTC

Proposal

Spike and Rarity sat under a tree in the cool, damp grass. Spike had his arms around Rarity, her warm white fur practically glowing in the moon light. She looked up at him with her luminous eyes. His eyes met hers and he smiled.

It had been six years since they decided to be together, back when he was twelve and she was sixteen. He was now nineteen and she twenty four. He thought of the fond memories that they had shared. He had been smaller then, he had to look up to her, now she was looking up to him, he was just as tall as Celestia.

“Comfy My Lady?” he asked affectionately.

“Simply wonderful.” she said with a voice that reminded Spike of the smooth surface of a perfect gem. She broke the gaze and starred up at the night sky. Rarity hunkered down into Spikes warm embrace as they waited for the meteor shower to begin.

On a small knoll about fifty feet away sat another couple. It was Big Macintosh and Fluttershy; they had been together for about a month and were also on a date to watch the meteor shower. They sat curled up next to each other in the dew covered grass; helping to keep each other warm in the cool night air.

“Should start any minute now.” said Fluttershy softly. She was much more talkative around Big Mac because he was as shy as she was; he just chose not to show it.

“Eeyup.” he said plainly, looking up at the star laden sky. They turned to each other and blushed. It was their secret code for, “I love you.”

Back under the tree Spike and Rarity were talking about what to do afterwards. Rarity suggested that they go to Sugercube Corner and get some moon pies. Pinkie Pie only made them for meteor showers. Spike jumped at the suggestion; Pinkie Pie’s moon pies are wonderful.

Suddenly their conversation was interrupted by the first meteor streaking across the sky. It was soon joined by dozens more, flying, zipping, and glittering across the vast expanse of the night sky.

"Meteors showers always remind me of diamonds.” said Rarity in a dreamful state as she watched the great shimmering balls of light soar across the sky.

“Yeah. I wonder what they taste like?” asked Spike hungrily.

“Do you always think of eating gems?” giggled Rarity.

“No, but you’re the one that brought up the similarity.” said Spike. Rarity smiled. The meteor shower was nearing its most intense. Spike had to act now.

“Rarity.” he said breaking their embrace as he kneeled in front of her.

“Spike, what’s wrong?” asked Rarity worriedly, she didn’t know what was happening.

“Rarity, could you stand up please?” asked Spike nervously, blushing profusely. As she did so he took her right hoof. The worry faded off of her face and was replaced with an expression of pure joy as she caught on.

“Rarity. Ever since I met you I have dreamed of this moment.” tears began to fill the unicorn’s joyful eyes. “I’ve dreamed of holding you close, keeping you safe, being your shoulder to cry on, being your caring husband. Rarity, will you marry me?” asked Spike as he slipped a golden hoof band with an enormous diamond delicately onto his loves hoof. His hand shook with the nervousness.

“OF COURSE I WILL!” Rarity practically screamed as she tackled Spike and kissed him on the cheek. She was crying tears of joy. Spike returned her embrace, holding her in his big, scaly arms.

“Oh, Spike.” she gasped releasing Spike and looking at her wedding band. “Where ever did you get such an absolute master piece?”

“I made it myself.” said Spike humbly.

“Spike, it’s…it’s…it’s…magnificent.” gasped Rarity, still not over the shock of the proposal.

“Thanks. It took me two years to grow that diamond.”

“Oh Spike.” she gasped. She couldn’t think of anything else to say.

Suddenly all of their friends jumped out from behind the tree and shouted,“CONGRATULATIONS!” Spike and Rarity jumped and whipped around to see them standing there.

“You did good Spike.” said Twilight winking and smiling proudly at Spike. He blushed.

“Congratulations Rarity, Spike.” said Applejack, her emerald eyes luminescing in the pale white light.

“It’s about time. Congratulations guys.” laughed Rainbow Dash as she landed softly next to Applejack. Spike glared at Rainbow for her comment but she didn’t notice.

“Oh, Rarity. I’m so happy for you.” commented Fluttershy softly. The couple was still too shocked by the surprise congratulations to say anything.

“I’M SUPER EXCITED! WHENS THE WEDDING? CAN I PLAN THE RECEPTION?” asked Pinkie Pie as she bounced around the group excitedly.

“Th…th… thank you all.” Rarity managed to say through the utter shock of the moment.

“Yeah thanks.” said Spike lowering his head. They were both blushing.

“But, um. If you don’t mind we would like to be left alone for a while.” said Spike sincerely raising his bright green eyes to his friends.

“Oh, of course.” said Twilight thoughtfully. “Come on everypony let’s give them their space. See you at home Spike.” she smiled proudly at Spike and trotted off.

“See you guys.” said Rainbow and the cyan Pegasus flew up into the night sky.

“Good night everypony.” whispered Fluttershy as she headed for home.

“Good night y’all.” grunted Applejack.

“But we just got here.” inserted Pinkie Pie who could not understand why Spike and Rarity didn’t want to celebrate their engagement right then and there.

“Come along now Pinkie. Give ‘em their space.” ordered Applejack as she dragged the stumped pink mare away by her large, poofy tail. Spike and Rarity giggled. That was so much like Pinkie.

The couple stared back up at the sky. The meteor shower was over. They went to Sugercube Corner and had some moon pies then Spike escorted Rarity home and then he went home to his bed to get some much needed rest.

WAR!

Rarity was awakened by a knocking on the door of Carousel Boutique. It was early and she was tired. She groaned loudly as she pushed aside her covers, they felt much heavier than they should have because she was so tired. She struggled out of bed to answer the door. She put on her fluffy, pink bathrobe and moved slowly towards the entrance. Didn’t they know she needed her beauty sleep?

“This had better be important.” she mumbled to herself as she twisted the golden handle with her magic and opened the door.

To her great surprise, the pony standing in front of her was Rainbow Dash. Her eyes were wide, she was pale and shaking. The poor pony looked like she had seen a ghost. Rarity put on an expression of concern. What could have Rainbow so worked up?

“Rainbow my dear, what is it?” asked Rarity, now deeply concerned.

“We’re needed at the library! Something bad’s happened!” exclaimed the cyan Pegasus as she lifted herself off of the ground and took off toward the library. Rarity threw her pink, fuzzy bathrobe on the ground where she stood and barreled out the door.

The sun had barley risen, dew was still on the grass, the sky was glowing a golden orange in the east causing the clouds to become a vivid yellow, and a thin fog hung around in the streets. The cool air helped Rarity to wake up. She suddenly realized that she forgot to brush her mane and tail. That didn’t matter, if something bad had happened to make RAINBOW that upset, an uncombed mane was the least of her worries.

She came upon the library. There was a large group of chattering ponies outside the door. Celestia AND Luna’s guards stood outside the building. Their armor was reflecting the rays of the rising sun so it looked as if they were glowing. The light stung her eyes causing her to squint.

Rarity approached them, shoving her way through the dense crowd. The guards looked at her with stone cold faces.

“You Rarity?” asked one of the stallions roughly over the chatter of dozens of ponies.

“Why yes I am. And I prefer to be called Miss Rarity by those I am not properly acquainted with. I am a lady you know.” she retorted, fluffing her mane to try to get it somewhat orderly.

“Princess wants to see you inside.” he said, completely ignoring her statement. He motioned to the door.

Rarity opened the door and stepped slowly inside. Her friends where standing in a semi-circle around the Princesses. No one, not even Pinkie Pie, bore an expression of delight. They turned to her and Celestia smiled at her halfheartedly.

“Rarity, finally you’re here.” said Twilight like you would if something horrible had just taken place and your best friend showed up to comfort you.

“What is everypony so worked up about?” asked Rarity, trotting over to stand in between Twilight and Spike.

“I’m afraid I have grave news.” stated Celestia sadly, taking a step forward towards the group.

“Equestria is at war.” sighed Luna.

“WHAT!?” gasped Rarity in horror.

“But how? And with whom?” Rarity asked urgently, she looked as if she was about to faint.

“Archenland.” said the two sisters simultaneously. They looked at each other, surprised that they answered at the same time.

“They stormed our western border yesterday evening.” Celestia added. “There was no stopping them, we’ve managed to slow them but…” she sighed deeply. “We don’t know for how long.”

“But we’ve always been at peace with them.” said Twilight, she didn’t understand what would provoke Archenland to attack Equestria without warning.

“Yeah, why should they choose to attack us now?” asked Applejack curiously.

“They want our resources.” stated Celestia sadly. “If they’re not stopped, they will turn Equestria into a barren wasteland.”

Fluttershy winced, that would mean no more forest for her animals, and perhaps, no animals at all!

“Why can’t they just use their own resources!?” growled Rainbow hot headily as she hovered over the others.

“They already have.” explained Luna. “Their land is a barren desert now, that’s why they need OUR resources.”

“A WAR IN EQUESTRIA!? THAT’S HORRIBLE! NO! WORSE THAN HORRIBLE! IT’S DOWN RIGHT BAD!” yelled Pinkie Pie as she bounced around the room. Everyone stared at her awkwardly and Twilight rolled her eyes.

“Ignore her Princess. What do you need us to do?” asked Twilight bravely; she was willing to take this fight all the way to Archenland if necessary.

“You merely need to remain on alert.” said Celestia calmly. “If the Elements are needed I will contact you.”

Fluttershy let out a sigh of relief. She did not want to fight anything, especially not Archenlanders. She had read about them, they were bipedal, monitor lizard like creatures. They were tall, had sharp claws and teeth, bad breath, and REALLY bad tempers. They had powerful legs and tails that could break ribs with a single swipe. But the worst part was, they ate meat and only meat and were not above eating other sentient creatures.

“Is our army even strong enough to take ‘em on? I mean I’ve never seen ‘em but I heard they’re huge.” asked Applejack worriedly.

“Unfortunately.” sighed Luna, lowering her head. “They are not. We need to recruit more soldiers if we are to save Equestria from destruction.”

“I’ll go.” said Spike after what seemed like an eternity of silence. He knew that Equestria needed him. He was going to fight for his friends and his country and die if necessary.

“WHAT!?” they all gasped, turning on him with shocked expressions on their faces.

“NO YOU’RE NOT!” wailed Twilight. “YOU’RE STAYING RIGHT HERE!”

“They need me.” he said honorably.

“Spike!” screamed Rarity. “THEY don’t need you, I need you here! I WILL NOT LET YOU GET YOURSELF KILLED!” she began to cry.

“I won’t get killed.” he said softly and he embraced her. She buried her face in his chest scales and sobbed. He put his claw under her chin to make her look up into his eyes. They were full of a burning love for her. She could see it. He smiled compassionately down at her. She stopped her crying but continued to hold him tightly. He turned his head toward the rest of the group.

“It’s very noble of yah Spike, but yor not goin’.” said Applejack plainly.

“I have right to fight for Equestria. Just as much of a right as any other stallion.” hissed Spike defensively as he turned on Applejack releasing Rarity from his arms.

“I didn’t raise you from an egg just so you could grow up and get killed!” yelled Twilight in a motherly tone.

“Oh, please don’t go Spike. You can’t die.” squeaked Fluttershy softly as tears began to fill her eyes.

“Spike you can’t do this.” Rainbow Dash butted in.

“Yes I can I have rights.” he said plainly.

“You are NOT going.” nagged Twilight.

“Yes I am!” he roared angrily, baring his fangs.

“No you’re not.” began Celestia stamping her hoof. “None of you are, this bickering is pointless. Spike; I won’t let you get yourself killed, end of discussion.”

“Yes Princess.” said Spike submissively bowing his head to his ruler.

“Good.” she said happily. But then she noticed the look of deep resentment on Spike’s face. “Spike, it’s not that I don’t think you’re capable, I just care for you too much for you die.” she said with care.

“So you’ll have the blood of strangers spilled instead?” Spike snorted rebelliously turning his gaze away from her with folded arms. He glanced at back Celestia. Her face was one of surprise and resentment at his statement. The others were shocked. It was completely out of character for Spike to question authority. Pinkie Pie’s mouth hung wide open, Fluttershy closed it for her. Applejack and Rainbow Dash looked at each other in utter disbelief. Twilight and Rarity bore expressions of embarrassment.

“Um, yes well. We have to be off now. Come Luna; we have to prepare what troops we do have for a counter attack. We have to stop them before they reach Las Pegasus.” said Celestia quickly, not knowing what else to say or do.

And with that the princesses left and went out the door closing it with a metallic click behind them. Spike growled angrily that his fate had been decided for him. Rarity, however, felt relief. But Spike was determined to save those that he loved, even if it cost him everything.

Vist to Zecora

It had been almost two weeks since Spike had been denied his wish to fight for the ones that he loved. He felt as though they had trampled upon his sacred rights. He was on his way to Zecora’s house. She was wise and well-traveled; perhaps she could tell him what was best to do. Stay in Ponyville, or fight for his country and friends? The unanswered question burned in his mind.

As Spike walked through the dense forest he had time to think. He thought about Rarity. She would kill him if he went and fought…if he survived that is. He thought that it might break her heart if he left without telling her to fight for Celestia knows how long, perhaps even getting killed. He also thought about the horror of those reptilian invaders coming in and…he threw that image out of his head. He would stop that from happening at all costs.

He also thought about Princess Celestia, how she had embarrassed him, how she had trampled upon his rights. He still respected her. He had never disobeyed a direct order before. However, he knew that she was wrong about this. He knew that she loved him and didn’t want him to be harmed as much as Twilight, Rarity, or any of the others but he had to protect his loved ones and Equestria.

He also thought long and hard about the morals of disobeying his rulers and adopted mother. Twilight had taught him the importance of obedience since the day he was hatched. Would it be morally right to go against them?

And what were the morals behind killing another sentient creature? Could he even bring himself to kill another intelligent being? He shook his head violently and discarded these thoughts.

He thought back to only two days after Celestia and Luna had left to prepare their troops. Las Pegasus had been completely destroyed. Towns like Canterlot, Cloudsdale, and Ponyville were overrun with refugees. They all told horrible stories of loved ones slaughtered mercilessly before their very eyes. Some of them were even eaten. Spike shuddered at the thought.

He also recollected the events of three day ago. They had all been at Sweet Apple Acres for a picnic when a pair of stone faced guards showed up and told the children to go inside. He thought about how Applebloom and Sweetiebelle had protested when the soldiers told them it was a big pony matter. He remembered how Fluttershy had taken them inside while he and the rest talked to the soldiers. He remembered the horrible news; Appleloosa had been burned to the ground with no survivors. He thought about Applejack’s tears and Grannysmith’s unbelief and Big Macintosh’s solemn silence. Spike could not help but to shed tears when he thought about how his friends, Braeburn, Chief Thunderhooves, Sheriff Silverstar, and the rest of the town’s people were all gone, never to return from the cold grip of death. He decided that he could, in fact, kill the Archenlanders. He could kill them all!

As he battled with his conscience, he nearly passed up Zecora’s hut. It was small and wooden with few windows, those it did have had banana leaves for curtains. The single door was made of bamboo. He approached and entered without knocking. Zecora was standing over a bubbling cauldron of green liquid stirring it gently with a large wooden spoon. It smelled earthy and steamed profusely as she continued to disturb it with the spoon. It was probably a medicine of some kind. Ever since Twilight had helped to dispel the rumors that Zecora was a witch, she had become the best natural medicine maker in Ponyville. She supplied salves, teas, soups, and other herbal remedies of all kinds. This was apparent by the sacks and jars of leaves, roots, flowers, liquids, and other such things that hung from the ceiling, were placed upon shelves, or in the many clay pots that lay on the ground in the corners of the room or where ever else Zecora could find a place to store them.

Spike was growing impatient. Surely she knew he was there? The zebra continued to stir her brew. Her golden leg bands making rhythmic clinking sounds as she did so. She was singing softly in her native language. It became apparent to Spike that she did not know that he was present.

He cleared his throat. “Um…Zecora?” he asked.

“Oh Spike, what a pleasant surprise. My, you have grown right before my eyes.” she said cheerfully in her usual rhyming couplets.

“Zecora, I need to talk to you about something.” Spike said bluntly, cutting right to the chase.

She put on an expression that was a mix between curiosity and concern. “Sit down my little Spike and tell Zecora of your plight.” she motioned to a bamboo chair. It was much too small for him, so he sat on the floor near it, curling his massive tail around himself. She stood over her pot and added a few dashes of some kind of sparkly blue powder which only intensified the boiling.

“Zecora” he began with a sigh. “Is it right for a person to go off to war if it would be disobeying a direct order?” He looked at her squarely in the eyes as he twiddled his massive, purple claws nervously.

She dropped her spoon and looked him in the eye. “Spike, listen to me clearly, for I love you dearly. War made with haste is a disgrace but go to war with a pure heart and you and your loved ones shall not be forced to part.” she warned him.

“I’m going to protect Twilight and Rarity and you and Equestria. I’m not going just to fight.” he said defensively giving her a piercing gaze with his huge emerald eyes.

“Your heart is pure, you shall endure.” said Zecora happily. “Just promise Zecora you will keep yourself safe.” she said, talking normally for once, as she hugged him warmly around the neck with her own.

They broke the hug after about fifteen seconds.

“Thank you.” he said warmly, standing and moving towards the door.

“Zecora” began Spike as he put his hand on the door handle. “I trust that this is confidential. Please don’t tell Twilight or anypony else unless they ask you directly.” he pleaded as he twisted the flimsy doorknob.

“I shall be honest. You have my promise.” he smiled at him as he exited and shut the door behind him with a quite click.

Spike smiled. He knew he was right in his decision to go and Zecora had just confirmed it. His smile turned to frown when he realized that this might be the last time he would ever see Zecora. But in his heart of hearts, he knew what to do. He would leave tomorrow. He would spend his last day with his friends and leave tomorrow night under cover of darkness, leaving a letter explaining where he had gone and why. Spike headed for home to spend one last day with his family.

The Picnic

Spike ran down the wooded path toward Ponyville. The leaves filtered out the sun and gave everything an enchanting green tint. The gnarled trunks and branches of the trees formed a living tunnel around the dirt path. Birds chirped and fluttered in the canopy overhead. Their glorious singing reminded Spike of a Canterlot chorus.

Spike was in a conundrum of how to spend the last day and a half he had in Ponyville. He knew that there was a very real possibility that these could be the last days he would ever spend there, but that was a risk he was willing to take if it would save his friends, or at least give them more time to live.

He knew that he wanted to spend the last half day with everyone and the last full day with Rarity. His question was HOW to spend this valuable time. He thought hard on this as he ran. The last days with your friends and family are not an easy thing to plan. He also thought that he might not die. But what if he did? He wanted this to be the best day and a half ever.

Ideas flooded through his mind. Sleepover at Twilight’s? No. Take them all out to a movie? Nah. Picnic? WAIT! THE PICNIC! How could he have forgotten about the picnic!? He was supposed to go to an all day picnic at Sweet Apple Acres that Pinkie Pie was throwing to help the Apple family get Braeburn and Appleloosa off their minds and now he had missed half of it!

“Great! That’s just great!” Spike hissed to himself as he broke into a sprint. He was already panting heavily but he didn’t want to miss a second more of that picnic than he had to.

As he rounded a bend in the narrow trail he saw where the forest ended. It appeared as a light at the end of an immense green tunnel. Just behind that was Sweet Apple Acres where everypony would be waiting for him. But as he increased speed two mares leaped out onto the path in front of him. He tried to stop too quickly and fell to the ground and slid through the dust. This would have hurt if he was a scale less creature, but thanks to his thick dragon scales, he hardly felt a thing.

He coughed and sat up waving his hands to blow the irritating particles away from his face. As it cleared he saw who was in front of him.

“Who goes there?” the mint green unicorn mare with a lyre for a cutie mark asked roughly.

“Speak up!” commanded the cream colored earth pony with a two toned mane.

“Lyra? Bon-Bon? What is your problem?” asked Spike irritably as he stood to his feet and brushed himself off.

“Oh sorry Spike.” apologized Lyra.

“Yeah, we didn’t know it was you.” added Bob-Bon.

“WHO were you expecting?” asked Spike through clenched fangs.

“Archenlanders.” they chimed simultaneously.

“WHAT!” growled Spike fiercely, narrowing his vertical pupils. “We’re twenty miles from the front! HOW did you two expect them to be around here!?”

“We didn’t know if spies or scouts could be around here.” began Lyra.

“So we set up this check point.” finished Bon-Bon as they shrunk back from Spikes anger. They were confused; Spike was usually so mild mannered and easy going. They had no idea of what he was about to endure for them.

“You’re not the police or army.” sighed Spike softly upon seeing the fear and confusion on his friends faces. “You’re the town watch; you can’t set up check points. At the very most you can patrol the town and report suspicious activity. So go do that and leave me out of it PLEASE.” he said as he walked past them.

“Will do.” they called after him. It fell on deaf ears. Spike’s powerful legs had already carried him down the road to the open gate of the apple orchard.

He dashed down the long, winding, dusty driveway toward the farm house. It was you’re typical ranch house; creamy yellow in color with white shudders on its few windows. In front of it there were a few blankets spread across the short, emerald green grass. His friends were enjoying the festivities. Twilight and Rarity were chatting on a white and red checkered blanket that was spread in front of the house. Fluttershy and Big Macintosh were off playing with Winona in one of the vast, open fields that lay just behind the house and helped separate the different groves of the apple orchard. Pinkie Pie was eating a massive slice of cake with Granny Smith on the old, rickety porch. And Applejack and Rainbow Dash were in the middle of a heated one on one volley ball match. He didn’t see Applebloom, Sweetiebelle, or Scootaloo. That was either a really good or a really bad thing, depending on what they were up to.

Spike ran up to Twilight and Rarity. He bent over panting heavily.

“I’m *gasp* here!” he proclaimed excitedly. His friends looked at him with concerned faces. He was late, he was panting, he had obviously run a long way, and he was red in the face.

“Where were you?” asked Twilight looking him over from her place on the blanket. “You look terrible.”

“Gee, thanks….Love you too.” said Spike sarcastically.

“Is something the matter?” asked Rarity getting up from the blanket and looking at her lover with a confused look on her face.

“Nope. I’m great!” he proclaimed stretching one way then the other sweat dripping from his thick green scales.

“You smell HORRIBLE!” gagged Rarity, taking a step away from Spike after she had tried to hug him.

“My bad. It’s hard to run clear across the Everfree Forest without getting a little sweaty.” explained Spike.

“WHY did you run across the Everfree Forest?” asked Twilight raising her eyebrow.

“Needed the exercise.” said Spike plainly, leaning against the white rail fence that ran parallel to the driveway.

“Oh, of course.” agreed Rarity as she sat back down on the checkered blanket.

“Did I miss anything?” Spike asked turning to Twilight.

“Not really.” she replied. “This is pretty much what we’ve been doing all day.”

“Cool.” he said nodding his head. “I’m gonna go grab a piece of cake before Pinkie eats it all.” he laughed as he turned to walk to the dessert tray Pinkie had set out on the porch.

“Okay.” said twilight.

“See you later Sweetie.” called Rarity. Spike raised his hand and waved without looking back.

________________________________________________________________________________________

Rarity leaned towards Twilight. “Did he seem a little…different to you?” she whispered.

“Yeah. Something about his eyes.” Twilight said looking up over Rarity to make sure Spike wasn’t looking at them. He was talking to Granny Smith. They were safe to continue their conversation.

“I know darling. What do you think is bothering him?” asked Rarity with a concerned look in her sapphire blue eyes.

“I have no clue but I KNOW he didn’t run through the Everfree just for exercise.” Twilight’s amethyst eyes bore the same expression as Rarity’s.

“I HAVE to agree.” said Rarity. “His eyes were so full of pain.”

“And LOVE” added Twilight. “I’ve never seen such a deep love in his eyes.”

“I know.” sighed Rarity. “Do you think he’s mad at us for something?”

“What could he have to be mad at US for?” laughed Twilight. She thought that was completely ridiculous.

“I don’t know, maybe he’s fuming because we refuse to let him join the armed forces and get his silly self killed.” said Rarity lowering her head at the thought that SHE might be the reason Spike was so upset.

“Or maybe he’s just upset over Appleloosa. You know how much he cared for that place.” said Twilight compassionately to console her friend.

“Of course. That MUST be it.” said Rarity smiling with relief at this epiphany.

“He probably just went for a run to keep his mind off of it.” Twilight said happily that she had figured out what was troubling her adopted son.

“Exactly darling.” said Rarity. “Guys just don’t show their feelings as openly.”

“No they don’t.” laughed Twilight and the two continued their previous conversation.
___________________________________________________________________________________________

Spike had been talking to Granny Smith for about three minutes but it seemed like three hours. She went on and on about the farm. She talked about the different types of apples, what soil they liked, where they were located on the farm, and how only the love and care of a dedicated farmer could yield such and such a result. Who knew such an old pony could take so fast?

Spike gazed at her ancient face, not listening to a word the wise old pony was saying, just watching her. The cavernous wrinkles on her faded, orange face testified to her age. From the stories he had heard her tell she was at least 320 years old. She had been twelve at the time of the foundation of Canterlot some 308 years ago.

The old pony seemed to be tiring from her talking, much to Spike’s relief. Her old, withered legs began to shake as if they were branches blowing in the wind. Her dull, green eyes began to try to close.

“I’m sorry Dearie, but I need a nap.” she said in a shaky, tired voice.

“Do you need any help getting to bed?” Spike asked compassionately bending down to assist the elderly mare.

“No, no, Dearie I’m fine. I just need to get to the old rocking chair over there.” she pointed a shaking hoof at an old, rickety, dusty rocking chair located on the other side of the porch (about thirty five feet) and she began to walk, ever so slowly toward it. Granny Smith was very independent for her age. Slowly but surely she reached her chair. She climbed stiffly into it her limbs quaking the entire time. She picked up a plaid blanket and placed it gently across her lap. Within seconds she was snoring, her wrinkled, gnarled ears twitching in the slight breeze that had arisen. Spike was impressed; usually old ponies need help walking such a long distance.

“All of this for a piece of cake.” sighed Spike as he walked over to the dessert table.

The dessert table was a large cherry table around ten feet long. Tray after silver tray of desserts of every flavor and color covered the table. Pinkie Pie had gone all out with cupcakes, cookies, puddings, cakes, fruit trays, ice cream, and many other delicious treats. If it was sweet and good to eat, it was on that table.

Spike carefully cut himself a slice of red velvet cake. It was probably the best he had ever tasted. The richness of the icing combined with the delicate, suddle flavor of the cake caused him to sigh with delight. Pinkie Pie was the absolute best baker in Ponyville, hands down. He had had her red velvet cake many times before but she somehow made it seem like every time you ate a piece you were trying it for the first time. It never got old.

Satisfied, Spike scanned the yard for something to do. Rainbow and Applejack were still going at it; neither of them was going to give in. Their manes were in disarray, they were sweaty, and Applejack had even taken her hat off; but this game would continue until one of them gave in. Rainbow spiked the ball and Applejack dove for it, hitting back to the other side of the net. Rainbow jumped for it and swatted at the flying projectile but missed and the ball hit the ground with a soft thud that Spike found strangely satisfying.

“Give up yet?” called Applejack with a smirk. They were both trying to catch their breath.

“Never!” snarled Rainbow angrily. She was obviously losing but just to irritate her Spike was going to ask who was winning anyway.

“Hey!” he called as he strolled over to the two mares.

“Hi yah Spike!” called Applejack, wiping the sweat from her face with her right hoof.

“Hey Spike.” said Rainbow Dash in an angry tone. She was not used to losing anything except hoof wrestles with Applejack. Her tone delighted Spike; this was going to be fun.

“So” he began with a mischievous smirk on his face. “Who’s winning?”

“I am.” chimed Applejack proudly with a smug smile.

“Not by much!” interjected Rainbow; she dashed from her side of the net to Applejack’s.

“So five points ain’t much?” asked Applejack roughly.

“You’re not leading by five!” growled Rainbow, getting in Applejack’s face.

“Am too!” retorted Applejack pushing Rainbow away from her.

“Are NOT!” growled Rainbow Dash, pushing Applejack to the ground.

“So that’s how it’s gonna be.” Applejack said coldly. She leaped from her place on the ground and tackled Rainbow Dash. A dust cloud formed around the two mares. Shouts of anger, fighting, as well as a car horn, chicken, and other such noises erupted from the light brown cloud as it tumbled about the yard.

Spike slapped his knee and walked away laughing hysterically. Even if his friends were ticked at each other, it was totally worth it.

The rest of the day continued without a hitch. The feud between Applejack and Rainbow Dash eventually simmered down and they forgave each other, just like every time they fought, which was quite often. There was a barbeque of vegetables and flowers. Everyone, even Rarity, joined in for a volley ball game. Spike, Rarity, Applejack, Applebloom, and Sweetie Belle on one team and Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Big Macintosh, Twilight, Pinkie Pie, and Scootaloo on the other, with Granny Smith as score keeper. Spike’s team won despite being outnumbered. The night finished with a dramatic fireworks display and everyone’s good nights.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Spike was walking Rarity home. They were both exhausted. It was a moonless night, only the stars twinkled in the great expanse of the night sky.

They strolled through the lighted Streets of Ponyville. Moths fluttered under the ghostly glow of street lights. The light posts stood alone on the deserted streets. The shadows of the two lovers passed over building after building as they strolled on toward Carousel Boutique. Rarity leaned her tired head against Spike and he put his hand on her shoulder so that his arm formed an ark over her. That was the trouble with being twice her height; he couldn’t rap his arm around her as they walked. But at least he could hold her close.

“Today was a great day.” she said with a yawn.

“It sure was.” said Spike dreamily as he gazed lovingly down upon the snow white coat of his fiancé. He wondered if their love was really meant to be, or if destiny would separate them forever. They walked the rest of the way in silence.

“Here we are.” sighed Spike as they climbed the steps of the Boutique. Spike bent his neck down and hugged her in the typical pony way.

“Rarity?” asked Spike.

“Yes?” she asked looking up at him.

“Will you go on a date with me tomorrow?”

“It will have to be after seven o’ clock because I have SO many orders to fill, and then there’s me getting dressed for the occasion. And…”

“WILL it be seven or not?” he asked, cutting her off.

“Seven works for me.” she said.

“PERFECT!” he proclaimed. “That gives me all day to prepare and set up.

“‘Set up?’ Spike. What are you planning?” she asked curiously.

“It’s a surprise.” he said winking at her with a smile.

“Okay then.” she said tiredly with a yawn.

“Good night My Lady.” said Spike gazing into Rarity’s sparkling blue eyes.

“Good night My Love.” she sighed as she starred into his fluorescent emerald eyes. Spike bent down and kissed her softly on the cheek. She did the same to him. They had vowed not to kiss on the lips until their wedding day.

Rarity turned and quietly opened the door. As she did so she was taken back by the sight of her dad standing in the middle of the door way with an unhappy look on his mustached face. He was wearing his usual blue, Hawaiian shirt. His thick, chocolate brown mane was immaculately combed, and his chestnut fur glowing in the light that shown from the room behind him.

“Oh, Father! You startled me! Where you spying on us the entire time?” gasped Rarity.

“Rarity go inside and go to bed.” he said unhappily, with a stern, protective voice. His eyes were fixed on Spike and Spike knew it.

“But Father!” protested Rarity.

“No buts. Get inside.” he said roughly.

“Yes Father.” she sighed sadly, lowering her head and marching inside. Mr. Gemstone closed the door behind her with his left rear hoof.

“Spike.” he growled at Spike with a scowl on his face.

“Yes Sir?” said Spike nervously. He was breathing heavily, his heart was pounding. What had he done wrong?

“Come closer.” he said with the same tone of voice. Spike gulped deeply.

“How’s this?” he asked, taking a step forward. He was trying his best to mask his fear.

“Closer” Mr. Gemstone ordered. Now Spike was REALLY scared. He was sweating and shaking.

“CONGRATULATIONS!” shouted Mr. Gemstone joyfully as he slapped Spike on the back.

“Huh?” asked Spike dumb founded.

“I haven’t had a chance to congratulate you since the proposal and to thank you again for asking before you did it.” explained Mr. Gemstone with a huge smile on his face.

“Then what was?” asked Spike with a confused look on his face, making hand motions to express his confusion.

“I just like messing with yah.” laughed Mr. Gemstone.

“So, when’s the big day?” he asked putting his arm around Spike as they began to walk away from the boutique.

“Not entirely sure. Rarity and I have thought about the seventh of June but ultimately it’s up to Celestia since we’re having it at her castle.” Spike explained.

“I see.” said the other deep in thought. “That’s good!” he laughed, springing back to life. “Rarity always wanted a Canterlot wedding.”

“I know.” Spike sighed.

“You look plum tired.” Mr. Gemstone observed.

“I am.” Spike yawned, rubbing his eyes.

“Well go home and get some sleep.” Mr. Gemstone ordered, slapping Spike affectionately on the back one more time.

“Good night Mr. Gemstone.” said Spike.

“Please.” began Mr. Gemstone. “Call me ‘Dad’”.

“Are you sure?” asked Spike.

“Of course, we’re family now.”

“Okay then. Good night Dad.” said Spike. He turned, waved and began the walk back home to the library. He looked over his shoulder to see Mr. Gemstone shutting the door to the boutique.
____________________________________________________________________________________________

“Good son-in-law.” said Mr. Gemstone to himself. He looked up to see Rarity glaring at him.

“If I weren’t a lady I’d slap you.” she growled.

“I was just having a little fun.” said Mr. Gemstone innocently.
____________________________________________________________________________________________

Spike entered the bedroom quietly. Twilight was sound asleep. All Spike could see of her was her sheets rising and falling with each breath and some of her mane that rested on her pale white pillow.

Spike smiled and went to bed.

Fears of a Lost Love

Spike opened his eyes slowly in the bright daylight. The light stung his eyes. He blinked them repeatedly until they became adjusted to the light of day. He rubbed the sleep from his eyes and stretched his arms high above his head, groaning as he did so.

He looked around the room. Twilight was up already, her bed was neatly made, the stars and planets perfectly aligned on her blanket. The sun reflected off the sun catcher in the window and spread prismatic light all over the walls and book shelves.

Spike turned his head toward the wall clock. Its ancient wooden hands said it was exactly eleven o’ clock. Twilight had let him sleep in. He needed that rest for tonight. Not only for the date with Rarity, but also for the long journey to the recruiting station in Clopton. He had chosen Clopton because no one would recognize him there and turn him into Twilight, or worse, Rarity or maybe even Celestia or Luna.

He took a deep inhale; he could smell Twilight making hay fries. It was that distinctive smell of fresh sweet hay and grease as the two were combined in a crisp chip and then salted. He salivated at the thought. Think of the favorite food of yours that your parents or grandparents make. That’s how Twilight’s hay fries were to Spike.

First thing first though, get out of bed and make it back up. Spike leaped from his bed and frantically tucked in his covers. His prayers had been answered; his mom had made him his favorite pony food on his best day ever. Or at least, he hoped it would be his best day ever. He dashed into the bathroom and brushed his teeth.

He ran down the winding stair case toward the kitchen. He leaped from the bottom step onto the blue, fuzzy floor mat between the dining table and the fridge.

“Twilight I’m” Spike proclaimed excitedly. “up.” he sighed as he looked around the vacant kitchen. The dishes had been washed and neatly placed in the drying rack in front of the window. The table had been wiped clean and a not placed upon it. Spike picked up the piece of yellow parchment gingerly in his massive claws. It read:

Dear Spike,

I have gone to get more parchment, ink, and quills. I took the liberty of leaving you some warm hay fries on the table.

Love,

Twilight

“Well, at least she left me breakfast.” he said with a deep sigh. He was disappointed that twilight would be joining him but he decided it was probably for the best. He would be able to get out of the house faster and make all of the arrangements for tonight quicker.

He turned his head. The hay fries were still steaming and were placed neatly upon a plate on the dining table. He picked up the porcelain plate and downed all of the sweet, crunchy chips at once. A slight belched escaped his mouth.

“Excuse me.” he said to absolutely no one. Growing up with Twilight, it had become a force of habit to say “excuse me” every time he belched.

He then went back into the bathroom to brush his teeth once more before setting out on his errands. As he brushed his fangs with a green Mister Scrubby toothbrush and his favorite minty toothpaste, Spike went over his list in his list in his head. He made up the order in which he wanted each and everything done. He was going to make sure that this was the most romantic night in the history of Equestria.

Spike spat the toothpaste out from his mouth, took a small cup of water, swooshed it around a few times then spat it out to. This left his whole mouth with a fresh feeling. It felt cold but it burned at the same time. He smiled as he inspected each and every tooth like an artist inspects every inch of a sculpture before it goes on display. Perfect.

Satisfied, Spike began the assent up the winding wooden stair case to the bedroom. His footsteps echoed through the empty house. He pushed the door open and went straight to his bed. He extended a long, scaly arm underneath it and groped around in the darkness. After a few seconds he felt what he was looking for and gingerly pulled it out from under his sleeping space.

The ancient chest had collected a fine layer of dust since he last opened it around three weeks ago. The dark chocolate chest was covered with golden vines, expertly crafted onto its wooden body. The lock was a golden oak leaf with a key hole in the center of the central vein. Spike blew the dust from the precious case and delicately inserted the bronze key into the lock. He twisted it and the box snapped open with a metallic click from its golden hinges.

Spike looked inside the box. All of his gems were growing fine. This was probably the best present anypony could have ever given him. Imagine it, a chest that could speed up the growth of gemstones. Princess Celestia had given it to him for his fifteenth birthday and Luna had given him a Night Amethyst to go with it. Oh how he had enjoyed the heck out of eating that amethyst. He marveled at how a chest designed and created some ten odd thousand years ago could grow a fourteen carat diamond in less than two months. But enough reminiscing in memories, he had to get finished with this little project so that he could run his other errands and get ready for his date.

Spike took the two sapphires he had been aging out of the container. He had put them in three weeks ago when he last opened the chest. They were not that large but they were the prettiest and purest he had ever laid his eyes on. Their flawless azure surfaces glimmered and sparkled in the sunlight that was beaming in through the bedroom window. Spike could see right through them in they weren’t such a deep blue. Oh how wonderful they would taste. He began to drool over them but he couldn’t have them. These were for Rarity.

He laid them gently on top of his recklessly made bed. Then he reached in between the diamonds and the emeralds and took out a gleaming slab of platinum and snapped it in half with a loud pop. It wouldn’t match the engagement band, but at least they would be far better than anything she could buy from an ordinary jeweler, even one in Canterlot.

Spike gently blew a stream of green fire onto one of the pieces of the silvery metal. Within seconds it turned to a bright red jelly. It hissed as Spike meticulously cleaned off the gray impurities that had floated to the surface of the molten blob and tossed them into a lead bucket that was placed beside him. He formed the top half of one of the earrings with expert precision. The part that would fit through Rarity’s ear and the hook it attached to were formed within twenty seconds.

“Twenty seconds flat.” Spike said with his best impersonation of Rainbow Dash’s voice.

He then returned his attention to the main body of the earring. He blew softly on the bottom of the already molten blob to make it even softy and thus easier to work with. He took his clawed fingers and slowly began to work with the metal. Skillfully he formed mountains and valleys and rivers. He pinched and poked and prodded. He lost himself in his own little world. It was a world where he could make anything he wanted. He was the master painter and the searing blob of metal his canvas. He began to hum a song. The origin of said song he knew not. He hummed as he worked. It was a rich, natural humming that seemed to come from his very soul, his very being. It seemed to translate itself directly into Spikes fingers and into the metal. It was like putting in his scaly hands. He finished.

The metal made a deplorable hissing, almost screaming sound as Spike dunked it in a cup of ice water. It instantly hardened and Spike pulled it out again. He examined it. It was a slightly dangly earring. It was not as dangly as some of the earrings he had seen or made. It would only come down just past Rarity’s ear. Spike was thoroughly impressed with his work, his little creation. The mountains he had formed were the veins of six oak leaves that were connected to each other by their stems. The valleys and rivers were the ripples he had made in each leaf. They were so very delicate. Never before in his life had Spike made such a beautiful treasure. It sparkled and glistened in the sun as Spike held it up to check for imperfections. He marveled at it, scrutinized it, it was beautiful. Spike was baffled that he could make such a gorgeous bobble in, he glanced at the clock, thirty minutes.

“Now for the tricky part.” Spike announced to himself. He picked up one of the oblong sapphires in his powerful claws and placed it gingerly into the platinum framed of the earring so that the oak leaves came exactly one fourth of the way down the body of the gem. The leaves, of course, were much longer than this and formed a dome above the gem without the gem being inside the dome; it would just be grasped and held in place by the tips of the leaves. Spike blew carefully on the tips of the leaves as he gently twirled the earring by its hook. He thin dipped it briefly back into the ice water. This time instead of a screaming hiss, it was only a slight fizzle. He looked it over. Perfect! The gem and metal had been perfectly fused into one, glorious piece of jewelry. One that Rarity would love.

He immediately set to work on the next one. He managed to repeat the process to the letter. He had made the two most dazzling pieces of jewelry he had yet to create. Spike reached back into the chest and pulled out a small, white jewelry box. The inside of which was a plush, royal blue carpet. He snapped the box open and placed his little works of art into the two holes that would hold their clips and thus keep them in place. After making a last minute check he snapped the box closed and placed it under his pillow.

The clock read twelve fifteen. The young dragon hopped up from the wooden floor of his bedroom and dashed down the stairs. He had less than six hours to make his arrangements, get dressed, and meet Rarity at her doorstep. He threw the door open and stepped out into the blinding sunlight. Spike closed and covered his eyes to save them from the burning light. One thing he hated was spending time in the dim library and then entering the full blaze of Celestia’s sun.

Blinking rapidly for a few short seconds, Spike was able to lower his arm and fully open his eyes as they adjusted to the change in the light. He glanced around the streets. The usual ponies were out and about talking, shopping, working, or just hanging out. A few of them waved and said “Hello” to Spike as he walked down the earthen street toward the mayor’s office. She was one of several ponies that owed him favors from weeks, months, and some even years ago. Spike was never one to collect on such favors as he helped others purely out of the kindness of his heart. However, he was going to make a few exceptions…. just for today.

After several rather tedious hours of making the necessary preparations for what Spike hoped to be the best date he would ever go on (he thought it might be the LAST he would ever go on), he finally arrived home with a pair of corsages in hand. He checked the door to see if it was locked, it wasn’t, which meant that Twilight was home. He pushed the door open and walked inside. He set the corsages on the table dining and walked into the main library. As usual, he found Twilight arranging and rearranging books with her telekinesis. She hummed and bustled and made all kind of remarks as she went about her work.

“I’m home Twilight.” said Spike cheerfully as he entered the room.

“Where have you been? You know it’s re-shelving day. You’ve never been late for anything before.” she nagged him, letting several books fall to the floor.

“I’m sorry I guess I just forgot.” he replied apologetically.

“Forgot? Forgot about a job like this? Are you okay?” she asked with an expression that was half surprise and half concern.

“I’m fine I was just busy running errands.” Spike explained.

“For?” she questioned further, raising an eyebrow.

“For my date with Rarity tonight.” Spike said as if replying to something that should be completely obvious, and making hand gestures to express this.

“What date with Rarity?” asked Twilight as if she knew nothing about it.

“Oh! I didn’t tell you did I?” he laughed. “I have a date with Rarity at seven. I was out making the necessary preparations.”

“Oh….okay.” Twilight said as she accepted his explanation and returned to her work. Spike glanced at a wall clock that hung above entrance to the main library. The time was five twenty two. He had to hurry if he was to be at Rarity’s on time.

“Twilight?” asked Spike

“Yes, Spike?” she replied without even glancing up from her task.

“Could you make me smaller….just for the night?” he requested.

“Huh?” the purple unicorn asked as she turned, with a perplexed look on her face, to face him. All of the books fell to the floor with a thud.

“We’re going to do some dancing and I was wondering if you could make me……more her height.” Spike explained, using his hands to communicate the approximate height that he wished to be for the evening.

“I don’t know Spike.” said Twilight, twiddling her purple, pink streaked, mane. “I’ve never tried anything like that. Not on a living being anyway.”

“Can you at least try? PLLLLEASE?” he pleaded, getting down on his knees and starring longingly into her thoughtful, amethyst eyes.

“Fine.” she said flattening her ears. “Here goes nothing.” she grunted as her horn began to glow purple. Spike was suddenly surrounded by a glowing, purple aura. He stood back up, closed his eyes, clinched his teeth, and crossed his clawed fingers. He began to reduce in height and weight almost immediately.

“Uhahhhhhyah.” Twilight grunted through clinched teeth as she finished.

She looked at Spike with satisfaction in her eyes. Her telepathy had successfully changed Spike from an alicorn sized dragon, to a normal pony sized one in ten seconds.

Spike opened his eyes and took a few moments to examine his now shrunken body. He looked exactly the same; long arms with clawed hands, spines that had grown from short, blunt and rounded to tall, curved, and sharp as he had aged, fangs that hung out of his mouth slightly from his upper jaw, jagged but soft scales, and large feet with extra sharp toe claws. It worked exactly as hoped he had been shrunken but his body reflected his age rather than size. He was simply scaled down a few sizes. He hadn’t been this height since he was fourteen.

Twilight and Spike’s eyes met. They smiled; they each knew what each other was thinking.

“Ten seconds flat.” they laughed simultaneously, high hoofing each other.

“So are you happy with it?” asked Twilight proudly.

“Yes! Thank you so much!” the purple dragon exclaimed as he jumped up and embraced Twilight in a bear, or rather, a dragon hug.

“I’m glad you like it but *gasp* I can’t breathe.” Twilight wheezed as she squirmed and tried to get away from Spike’s suffocating embrace.

“Oh, sorry.” Spike apologized as he released Twilight from his grip. He stood there blushing as she picked herself up off the floor.

“It’s okay.” stated Twilight as she rearranged her ruffled mane. “Now run along and get dressed. You don’t want to be late.” she nagged as she shewed him away with her hooves.

He ascended the stairs into the bedroom. He flipped on the light switch and dove into his closet and shoving through the numerous clothes hangers toward the right side of the clothing rack. There he found it, the tuxedo he had worn to the Grand Galloping Gala the year he was fourteen. It would match anything Rarity would be wearing. It was solid black; of course, the undershirt was white, and the tie black. It had no elaborate patterning or any frou-frou coloration on it. It was just plain and simple. The scarlet red rose corsages he had picked up would also match anything.

The purple dragon took his clothing of choice and hung it on the bed room door knob. He stepped into the shower and freshened up. He brushed his teeth and gleaming, white fangs with rapid, fluid motions. He smiled into the mirror. His teeth sparkled as the light reflected from their flawless surfaces. Perfect. He made sure that his spines where in absolute perfect alignment. If he was going to die before he had another date, he had better look his best for this one. Spike looked at his reflection in the mirror and sighed deeply.

“Is this truly the end of it all?” he asked himself dejectedly.

A still small voice in his head told him no. But somewhere deep inside he knew he was going to die. He decided that if he died it would be for the right reasons; honor, duty, country, family, friends, love. The same reasons hundreds of soldiers had already valiantly given their lives in this bloody conflict.

He tossed these thoughts aside for the moment and slipped into his tuxedo. It fit like a glove. He looked at himself thoroughly in the mirror. He turned and examined himself from every angle to make sure he looked perfect. A piece of lint on his left shoulder blade was immediately flicked off. Another quick check and perfect.

He plodded down the stairs and took the box with the corsages inside. He opened his and pinned it over the left side of his chest. He opened the door and shut it behind him.

Spike made his way down the empty streets of Ponyville, humming as he went. One block down, turn left on Hay Street, another block down and you were at Carousel Boutique. He had made this journey hundreds of times during the last six years. He could probably make it with his eyes closed.

After about three minutes he made it to his destination. He was unsure what froufrou outfit Rarity might have on for the occasion. It was not the beginning of the end to her, just another date with the one she truly loved.

The door loomed before Spike like a monolith made of all of his fears, dreams, anxieties, and insecurities had been combined into the form of a harmless wooden wall; a wall that he could not make himself face.

He turned to leave but was enveloped by a warm golden light coming from inside the house. In the doorway stood Mr. Gemstone.

Little Canterlot

Spike turned and faced Mr. Gemstone. The unicorn’s jaw had dropped and he was looking at Spike with an expression of fear and concern mixed with curiosity.

“Sp…Sp…Spike!” he stuttered. “What on Equis happened to yah?”

“Oh this?” asked Spike examining his downsized body. “This is only temporary, I got Twilight to do it so I can slow dance with Rarity.”

“Slow dance huh?” asked Mr. Gemstone pensively as he eyed Spike while stroking his thick brown mustache. “Hmmmmm. I don’t know.”

“Well if you don’t want us to dance that’s quite all right Sir. I mean if you….” Spike was cut off by Mr. Gemstone laughing and putting his hoof firmly on his shoulder.

“I’m messing with you boy!” he laughed as he ushered Spike inside the boutique.

The boutique looked like it always did, white walls, tan mannequins on metal rods stood throughout. In the center of the show room was a large, raised pedestal that Rarity used for modeling. Large racks of clothing were scattered throughout.

Each of the mannequins was dressed; some had dresses others tuxedos, other jewelry. Each and every article of clothing being worn by the mannequins was completely and totally unique. Somewhere frilly and elaborate with bright colors and feathers, others were simple and plain with dull colors.

“Sorry about the mess, but Rarity doesn’t clean the place up much; except when there’s a high profile client coming around.” Mr. Gemstone explained.

“Trust me, after dating her for six years I’m used to it.” laughed Spike.

“That’s good it means that you will be able to ignore it when you get married.” laughed the other.

“Ignore WHAT?” said a familiar voice from the stairs.

Spike turned to see Rarity standing at the bottom of the old wooden stairs. Her mane was unchanged, however, everything else was. Her makeup made her look even paler than usual, as white as snow; she had on an ankle length sapphire blue dress with. It was covered with actual sapphires that shimmered and glittered in the light; they were arranged in the pattern of different constellations so that they appeared as crystalline stars in a brilliant blue sky. She had on dark blue lipstick that served to bring out the beauty in her beautiful glistening blue eyes.

“Spike?” she gasped striding towards the dragon with a fearful look on her princess-like face. “What happened?”

“Oh nothing much.” said Spike in a perfectly normal tone as he embraced his love. “Twilight just downsized me so we could dance properly tonight.” he said romantically as he placed her corsage gently on her delicate hoof and gazed into her eyes.

As the couple stared into each other’s eyes holding each other’s hands Mr. Gemstone began to fidget. The couple took no notice of him; they were too focused on the love in their eyes. Flames were flickering in the emerald and sapphire orbs as they met each other with mutual affection.

“Um. Yes, well.” grunted Mr. Gemstone nervously. “You two have a good night. Rarity I’ll wait up for you.” he finished as he walked away slowly.

“Yes Father.” sighed Rarity affectionately, not so much as glancing away from Spike’s gaze. She paid no attention as her father went back up the stairs to the bedrooms.

“Well, My Lady, shall we go?” asked Spike romantically as he bowed and motioned toward the door. Rarity giggled, stood on two legs and curtsied.

“I would be delighted.” she said, faking a Hoovish accent.

“Well then” said Spike as he once again took her by the hoof (she was now back down on all fours) “let’s be off.”

Spike opened the door and held it open for Rarity and the two stepped out into the crisp night air. Spike closed the door behind him with a metallic click. He took her hoof and the pair walked off together down the streets under a ceiling of a million stars. Spike gazed at them in wonder, their sapphire colored light reflecting off of his emerald eyes. The town was so peaceful, crickets chirped, an owl hooted somewhere in the distance, not one other pony was out, everything was bliss. He could not rap his mind around the fact that somewhere ponies were fighting and dying vicious, brutal deaths to defend this tranquility.

Spike and Rarity walked in silence for what seemed like forever. Only the creatures of the night broke through the darkness that surrounded the couple. They passed through the town square. It usually had at least two ponies there but tonight there was nothing save for the moths that danced like fairies in front of the golden light of the lampposts. The fountain made a blissful trickling sound, like that of a mountain stream. Its water glittered like silver in the starlight.

“So?” asked Rarity, finally breaking the silence between them. “Where exactly are we going my dear?”

“It’s a surprise.” Spike said smiling at her.

“I like surprises.” whispered Rarity, leaning her head into Spikes scaly shoulder, her purple mane felt at soft as a cloud.

“I know you do.” said Spike happily. “That’s why I planned this.”

They rounded a corner and came to the ritzier part of Ponyville. The street sign said, “Little Canterlot St.” This was where all of the uppity-ups in Ponyville lived and worked. It was known for its fabulous topiary, fancy stores, and VERY high prices.

“Spike?” asked Rarity in a confused tone, she looked at him with a perplexed expression on her visage. “I THOUGHT you said we were going to go and eat.”

“We are.” he laughed.

“But this is Little Canterlot.” said Rarity thoughtfully, stopping dead in her tracks. “The only restaurant down here is…..you didn’t.” said Rarity looking into Spikes bright eyes.

“I did.” said Spike proudly.

“You got us reservations at The Toast of Canterlot?” gasped Rarity in disbelief.

“I did.” said Spike, almost laughing, he had guessed that Rarity would not believe if he told her, he also knew she would not believe it when she realized where he was taking her.

“But…But…But SPIKE!” she stuttered. “It is a FIVE STAR restaurant! And even though I have always dreamed of dining there, the glamour, the sophistication, the music, the most wonderful food in town.” she said beginning to get off track. “You cannot afford this.”

“No I can’t but money isn’t an issue.” he said beaming at her.

“Spike.” Rarity said in a commanding tone. “I simply will not allow you to charge this! You know how I feel credit cards.”

“I won’t have to charge.” said Spike with a devious smile.

“Well then HOW are you going to pay for our meal?” asked Rarity raising an eyebrow.

“Remember that time when the owner’s son fell into a gem mine and I got him out?” asked Spike and Rarity nodded.
“Well he told me that if I ever needed a favor to come to him.”

“But Spike.” began Rarity with a perplexed look on her beautiful face. “You have never collected on favors before.”

“I know.” said Spike avoiding her gaze, he wished he could just tell her what he intended to do but he couldn’t. She was hurting him and didn’t know it. “But I figured I would make an exception and collect on one. Make tonight special ya know?”

“Awww. You are absolutely the sweetest colt ever.” said Rarity as she laid her head and silky purple mane on Spike’s shoulder.

They continued down the brightly lit street towards their intended destination. They past by many colorful buildings, all of them different sizes and shapes. Some had fancy names like La Madeline. Many of the buildings had fancy topiary in front of them in the shape of cubes, ponies, birds, and even the princesses. A few had fountains in front of them; the water glittered in the light of the street lights and stars. Spike felt as though he had actually been teleported to Canterlot.

“I wonder where everypony is?” asked Rarity. “The streets are normally crowded at this hour. Is there some important event we do not know of? Oh dear goodness! You don’t suppose the town has been evacuated do you?” she exclaimed squeezing Spike’s arm with her hoof and pressing as physically possible to the young dragon.

“I don’t think so.” said Spike calmly as her caressed Rarity’s mane in a reassuring manner. “There would be soldiers and I don’t think we could have missed the noise of hundreds of frantic ponies leaving the town.”

“I suppose you are right.” said Rarity as she lessened her grip on Spike’s arm and giving him a little space but not much. “But where do you think everypony could have gotten off to?” she asked.

“Beats me.” answered Spike. That was a flat lie. He had asked the Mayor to inform everypony except Rarity and her immediate family to remain inside for the evening; that way word wouldn’t get to Rarity about Spike’s plans. The mayor hold told them it was a curfew because of the war. In reality it was Spike collecting on yet another favor, he wanted them to be alone the entire night except for the ponies that would be working the events that Spike has scheduled for the evening.

They walked down another two blocks in silence; content to just be in each other’s presence. They then arrived at their destination. It was a two story building with white walls and a rose colored roof that slopped downward towards the street. It had wooden shudders on either side of its four windows. The door was also rose colored. The second story had a balcony with white railing. The railing was decorated with some form of flowering ivy. The flowers had creamy yellow petals shaped like hearts. Zecora had brought them over from her native land. The balcony was supported by two columns, on which floral molding could be seen. It was quite the sight to behold.

The couple stepped to the door underneath the cover of the balcony. To the right of the door stood a young brown colt, with a neatly combed black mane, dressed in a brilliant scarlet dress shirt. He wore a black tie and a red hat. He opened the door for them to enter and Spike handed him five bits. He smiled warmly and bowed slightly as the couple entered the building.

The inside was even more impressive than the outside. It was dimly lit by chandeliers of solid crystal that cast tiny points of rainbow colored light all over the white walls. Shapes of beats, birds, and plants were molded onto the ceiling. The cold floors were made of multicolored granite that was polished so that one could see their reflection when they looked down. There was classical music coming from somewhere within the restaurant. Spike sniffed the air and the alluring aroma of authentic French sauces, about twelve different types of cheese, freshly baked bread, and freshly squeezed grape juice hit Spike’s nostrils and he sighed with anticipation. Rarity smelled it too and also took a rather deep, yet very lady like, inhale; soft and almost inaudible.

There was an oaken podium in front of the couple and behind it stood a powder blue pegasus stallion with well-groomed jet black hair and mustache. He wore a white suite and red tie. He had a rather stoic air about him. Spike could tell that he was probably from Canterlot and had no respect for those not of royal or upper class blood. He had no idea why Rarity liked to hang around them so much, not even the princesses liked them.

“Monsieur Spike?” he asked in a very thick French accent. Spike did not like the way he looked upon him. It was a look of utter distaste, but at any rate he could not do anything about it so he simply brushed off the pegasus’s cruel gaze.

“Yes.” Spike said sarcastically rolling his eyes; he was the only one to be permitted in here tonight. Why did this guy even need to ask?

“Come, this way monsieur.” said the pegasus as he led the couple down a narrow hallway and into a large open room.

The chamber had a tall domed ceiling with a chandelier of solid, clear crystal hanging from its lofty peak. Like the rest of the restaurant the floors were solid granite and the walls a brilliant white. In the center was a massive marble fountain. Rising from the rippling water was a statue of a great unicorn stallion standing on a large stone, the light cast a golden glow on his stern features. His face was hard and cold; his stone eyes seemed to pierce ones heart with both fear and admiration. His long, messy mane fell about his broad shoulders like waves on the sea shore; in his right hoof he held a great spear. His horn was broken and he had scars in several places as though he had just come from the heat of battle. About the fountain were placed tables of pure glass that twinkled and glittered in the dim, yet radiant, light. Spike and Rarity were both taken back in awe at the sight.

“If you are done musing over the décor I can show you to your seat.” the pegasus said in a rather irritable manner.

“Oh yes of course.” said Spike snapping out of his thoughts. “Lead the way.”

The waiter showed them to a seat for two that was directly in front of the giant fountain. There was a candle and crimson rose in the center, the tablecloth seemed to be made of pure silk that was a delicate white.

“This is your table monsieur.” announced the waiter motioning to the delicate glass structure.

“Thank you sir.” said Spike politely, despite the waiter’s apparent attitude.

“I will be back shortly.” said the waiter as he left the room.

Spike pulled out the chair for Rarity and she sat down. Surprisingly Spike found that even the chairs themselves were made of a very strong glass. Spike seated himself across from the snow white mare. Their eyes met and they blushed. They sat just staring into each other’s loving eyes; content to just be in each other’s presence.

“The décor is nice isn’t it?” asked Spike, finally breaking the silence.

“NICE!?” gasped Rarity putting her hoof over her heart. “Darling this décor is most spectacular!” she exclaimed. “Thank you so much for treating me to this.” she whispered softly lowering her head slightly.

“My pleasure.” said Spike with a grin on his face.

The waiter one again entered the room carrying two glasses of water of a silver tray. “Here is your water monsieur.” he said as he set the glasses down before Spike and Rarity. The crystal glasses made a slight clinking sound as they touched down on the table. “What kind of grape juice would you like? I’m sorry that wine was outlawed, otherwise we could get it for you.”

“It was alcohol in general wasn’t it?” asked Spike.

“Don’t remind me.” said the waiter. He seemed rather irritated by Spike’s statement.

“What do you mean my kinds of grape juice?” asked Rarity trying to move the conversation away from the direction it was currently heading. Spike was all for the alcohol ban and the last thing she wanted on her date was a political debate.

“Well madam” began the waiter who smiled longingly at the snow white unicorn. Spike clenched his fangs at this and suppressed a growl. “We have plain red or white. We have sparkeling red or white and we have le special grape cider.”

“Those all sound divine.” said Rarity thoughtfully glancing down trying to make up her mind as to which beverage she would like. “Spike which one do you want?” she asked.

“I honestly don’t care.” said Spike happily. “You can order whatever you want.”

“No you decide. Please.” pleaded Rarity putting her silky hoof on Spike’s hand and looking at him with big sapphire puppy dog eyes.

“Uh.” Sighed Spike glancing down at the delicate snow colored hoof placed upon his scaly purple hand. He knew when he was defeated; there is no arguing with love. “I’ll go with the sparkling red.” he announced nervously to the waiter.

“Very well. Here are your menus I will be back shortly with your beverages.” said the waiter, once again glancing at Rarity with a lustful glint in his eye. He shuffled off shaking his head and muttering angrily to himself in French. Spike thought he was probably wondering how the hay Spike landed a catch like Rarity. Spike had no clue, he was just VERY lucky as far as he was concerned.

“Are you ready to start enjoying our evening?” asked Spike as he gazed into the unicorns radiant sapphire eyes.

“I already was.” she sighed and gazed into his shining emerald eyes, content just to be in his intoxicating presence.

I had originally planned to make this chapter longer but instead decided to cut it more or less in half. The next chapter will be very romantic. Plenty of Sparity. Stay tuned for the next chapter. “Dancing in the Starlight.”