Chapter 1 - Spike the Helper
“Oh, Twilight,” said Rarity, “I really do wish I had someone like Spike. He’s so helpful, so full of life…”
Rarity scratched under Spike’s chin, staring at him while he oozed at the attention she was giving him.
“And he respects me, unconditionally,” she finished
The unicorn stopped scratching the dragon’s chin neckline and let out a sigh, staring down from the coffee table the trio were sitting.
“But unfortunately, I only have a cat. Sure, it’s fun to dress her up and have her rest on my lap at night but it’s not like a dragon. They’re just so much fun to have around! If I was able to have someone like Spike, I’d want to keep him forever!”
Twilight and Spike exchanged glances and then directed their attention back to Rarity, who still looked utterly helpless given her current situation. Twilight closed her eyes and took in a deep breath, letting it out again before she looked directly at Rarity.
“We have our own castles, now. We’re all princesses, and because of that we are loyal to one another as we have been throughout our journey together,” said Princess Twilight. “As my friend, and a generous soul, I believe it’s my time to give back.”
Another deep breath, another long exhale from Twilight.
“Rarity, from this point onward I permit you to use Spike for as long as you need him. You may use him however you want and for whatever you want. He is your own as much as he is my own,” Twilight said.
A glimmer of wonder danced in the eyes of Rarity as she jumped up from her chair.
“Really, Twilight? Really? You mean it, for real? I can take him and keep him for as long as I want?” said the marshmallow unicorn with immense elation, “I don’t think you can understand how happy I am right now! Oh the things I can get done… the places I’ll be able to go! I’ll have him and Sweetie Belle to watch the shop! How wonderful!”
Twilight smiled at her friend who was jumping about, completely oblivious to Spike who was still in a trance after being noticed by his personal crush. The state of Zen he was experiencing was like a lightning bolt mixed with the fluffiest feeling in the entire world.
Pure. Love.
Little did he realize the small tear going down Twilight’s eye which she quickly brushed away before either of them could see it.
“I-I’m sure both of you will work out just fine together,” said Twilight. She got up from the table and turned around, “I’ll just be a minute, you two. Just give me a minute,” she said.
“Oh. Okay, dear,” said Rarity, “but please, do allow yourself some time alone, if need be.”
***
It’s hard letting go of friends you knew you’re entire life, the only friends that you ever really had before your life actually began.
It’s been a long time since I haven’t had him by my side. Ever since I was accepted as Princess Celestia’s student I had Spike as my trusted sidekick. He was always there, even when I sometimes felt I didn’t deserve it.
I yelled at him, screamed at him, and bossed him around.
No wonder he would be happy to leave me for… her.
But he’ll be back after Rarity is done using him… and rewarding him accordingly.
At least, I think he will be... I hope.
Spike has been more than just a companion; even after the library burned and we lost almost everything, he still was by my side. Even through the difficulties we both faced, he's been the greatest thing that has ever happened to me. I just can't let him go, he was the only thing I had from home that I brought to Ponyville. I... I guess I should have considered that before pushing him over the edge.
Oh, Spike, I'm so sorry.
Please don't leave.
***
“Spike!” said Rarity, “Spike, wake up! We’re heading home before it gets too dark. I don’t want to have to deal with all the evening mosquitoes.”
Spike snapped out of his daze and realized that Twilight had disappeared from sight; he and Rarity were the only two left in the whole cafe.
“But I need to go with Twilight! She’ll kill me if I’m late or don’t show up at a reasonable hour!”
The dragon dashed off in the direction of Twilight’s new castle, only to be caught by the magic of Rarity. She walked over to him while he hung, upside down in the air, feeling both embarrassed and confused.
“Spike, Twilight has given me permission to use your assistance for a while. I need some help around the shop in the evenings and you’ll make a fine assistant!”
He began to recall hearing something of that nature between the two ponies while in that state of pure bliss but it hadn’t registered until now.
“Oh… okay.” said the dragon with a disappointed look on his face, “I guess Twilight doesn’t need my help, anymore.”
Rarity suddenly realized what she had said and her eyes darted back and forth as she tried to figure out something to say that would ease the situation.
“Spike, Twilight just needs a break from y-”
“She needs some time alo-”
“She just wants to get out for a little bi-”
The marshmallow pony had run out of ideas and was sure that any chance of getting help from Spike was forfeit. So, without any options left Rarity felt that it would be best to play on Spike’s “delights” for her. No, it wasn't necessarily the most ethical thing to do but she really didn't have any other choice. To see Spike devastated was something no pony with a heart could ever endure, even if only for a minute.
“What I meant say,” she began while smiling and muzzling Spike’s nose, “is that Twilight thought we should have some alone time ourselves. You’ve been such a good dragon that I couldn’t bare to not give you a very special reward.”
She placed Spike down on to the ground and began walking toward her new home.
“But you can’t have it unless you come with me”
Rarity winked at Spike and then galloped off, leaving the dragon alone with dilated pupils, wide open mouth and a heart that was beating faster than it had ever done before.
“Don’t get excited, Spike, it’s only a dream. None of this is real,” he said to himself aloud as he followed Rarity, “but it sure is one great dream!”
He giggled and ran off after Rarity, jumping for joy in anticipation of finding out what this surprise gift was from the pony he adored the most.
